by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 3, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
VfB Stuttgart will be without Nikolas Nartey when they face KSV Holstein in Wednesday evening’s DFB Pokal fixture.
The Danish-Ghanaian midfielder has been sidelined after picking up a minor physical issue during Stuttgart’s recent 1–0 Bundesliga win over SC Freiburg. Head coach Sebastian Hoeneß confirmed the development during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
Hoeneß revealed that Nartey complained of discomfort after the Freiburg encounter and was withdrawn as a precaution. “Nartey was substituted due to a slight injury, so unfortunately he will miss tomorrow’s cup match,” the Stuttgart boss explained.
The 25-year-old was taken off in the 60th minute, with the club’s medical staff opting for caution to avoid any early-season setback. His availability for the weekend remains uncertain, with Stuttgart set to visit FC St. Pauli in the Bundesliga on Saturday.
A final decision on Nartey’s return is expected closer to matchday. In the meantime, Stuttgart will focus on reshuffling their midfield options while ensuring the midfielder makes a full recovery before resuming competitive action.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 3, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Watford have reinforced their midfield ranks after completing the loan signing of Ghanaian international Pierre Ekwah from AS Saint-Étienne for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.
The 24-year-old joins the Hornets with a strong understanding of the EFL Championship, having previously made more than 50 appearances for Sunderland, and is expected to bring much-needed physicality and composure to Watford’s engine room. Ekwah will wear the number 17 shirt, with the agreement also including an option to make the move permanent at the end of the campaign.
Ekwah’s background adds further intrigue to his profile. Born in France, he is of Ghanaian and Cameroonian heritage and remains eligible to represent either nation at senior international level, despite having featured for France at youth level earlier in his career.
His arrival provides head coach Xisco Muñoz with added depth and tactical flexibility as Watford aim to cope with the demands of the Championship and mount a serious promotion push in the second half of the season.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 3, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Bernard Tekpetey was the match-winner as Ludogorets Razgrad claimed the Bulgarian Super Cup with a narrow 1–0 victory over Levski Sofia at the Vasil Levski Stadium.
Introduced from the bench in the 69th minute, Tekpetey wasted no time announcing his presence. Just a minute later, he rose powerfully to head home from a pinpoint cross by Son, delivering the decisive goal in the 70th minute.
The final was a tightly fought contest.
Ludogorets enjoyed close to 60% possession but managed only three shots on target, while Levski Sofia also created opportunities, especially during an open and energetic second half.
Although Per-Mathias Högmo’s side had chances to extend their lead, they were unable to find a second goal. Still, Tekpetey’s header proved enough, as Ludogorets secured their ninth Bulgarian Super Cup and the 27th trophy in the club’s history—also marking Högmo’s first silverware since taking charge.
Levski Sofia threw men forward in the closing stages and during five minutes of added time, but Ludogorets held firm with disciplined defending to see out the win.
Attention now shifts back to league action, with Ludogorets set to travel to face PFC Lokomotiv Sofia 1929 on Saturday, February 7.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 3, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
The January 2026 transfer window proved to be one of the busiest in recent memory, as clubs across Europe’s top leagues splashed significant cash to strengthen their squads for the second half of the season and beyond. From headline-grabbing Premier League moves to eye-catching switches across the continent, here are the ten biggest deals of the window and why they matter.
1. Antoine Semenyo → Manchester City (£62.5m)
Ghanaian winger Antoine Semenyo completed a blockbuster move from AFC Bournemouth to Manchester City, with the champions triggering his £62.5 million release clause. Signing a long-term deal until 2031, Semenyo’s pace, power, and direct attacking style have already seen him make an immediate impact under Pep Guardiola.
2. Jérémy Jacquet → Liverpool (£60m, incl. add-ons)
Liverpool invested heavily in the future by securing highly rated French defender Jérémy Jacquet from Stade Rennais. The £60 million deal includes add-ons, with the centre-back set to remain on loan at Rennes until the end of the season as part of his development plan.
3. Jørgen Strand Larsen → Crystal Palace (£48m)
Crystal Palace shattered their transfer record to sign Norwegian striker Jørgen Strand Larsen from Wolverhampton Wanderers. The £48 million deal hands Palace a new focal point in attack after plans to move Jean-Philippe Mateta failed to materialise.
4. Lucas Paquetá → Flamengo (£36m)
Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paquetá returned home, rejoining Flamengo from West Ham United in a £36 million move. The transfer, influenced by personal and family factors, brings top-level experience and creativity back to the Brazilian giants.
5. Brennan Johnson → Crystal Palace (£35m)
Wales international Brennan Johnson swapped Tottenham Hotspur for Crystal Palace in a £35 million deal. His pace, flexibility, and direct running are expected to add a fresh edge to Palace’s attacking play.
6. Conor Gallagher → Tottenham Hotspur (£34m)
Tottenham Hotspur secured the permanent signing of Conor Gallagher from Atlético Madrid for around £34 million. Known for his energy and pressing ability, Gallagher adds balance and intensity to Spurs’ midfield options.
7. Ademola Lookman → Atlético Madrid (£30.2m)
Atlético Madrid strengthened their attacking ranks with the arrival of Ademola Lookman from Atalanta. Valued at approximately £30.2 million, the Nigerian international offers pace, movement, and a proven eye for goal.
8. Lorenzo Lucca → Napoli (£30m)
Serie A side Napoli moved to bolster their forward line by signing Italian striker Lorenzo Lucca from Pisa for £30 million, adding depth and a different profile to their attacking options.
9. Oscar Bobb → Fulham (£27m)
Norwegian winger Oscar Bobb left Manchester City in search of regular football, joining Fulham for £27 million. The move is expected to give him a more prominent attacking role in the Premier League.
10. Mohamed Kader Meïté → Al Hilal (£25.9m)
Highly rated Rennes forward Mohamed Kader Meïté completed a £25.9 million transfer to Saudi giants Al Hilal. At just 19, the striker opted for a move that promises both first-team opportunities and long-term financial security.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 3, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Antoine Semenyo has enjoyed a blistering start to life at Manchester City, emerging as the club’s most prolific scorer since his arrival in January and even edging ahead of star striker Erling Haaland in that period.
In a rare twist at the Etihad Stadium, Haaland is not the leading scorer for the Cityzens when goals are counted from January 9, 2026 — the day Semenyo completed his move from Bournemouth.
While the Norwegian remains City’s top scorer overall this season with 27 goals across all competitions, the Ghanaian forward has been more productive in the weeks since his transfer.
Manchester City confirmed Semenyo’s signing on a five-and-a-half-year deal, reportedly worth £64 million, and he wasted no time making his mark. On his debut the following day, he registered a goal and an assist in a crushing 10–1 FA Cup win over Exeter City.
The former Bournemouth attacker followed that up with another goal in a 2–0 Premier League victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park on January 13.
Despite being ineligible for Champions League fixtures against Bodø/Glimt and Galatasaray, Semenyo maintained his momentum domestically.
His fourth goal in City colours came during last Sunday’s 2–2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, marking his fifth appearance for Pep Guardiola’s side. That strike took him level with Rayan Cherki as City’s joint top scorer since his arrival.
Since January 9, only Cherki has matched Semenyo’s four-goal tally, while Rico Lewis follows with two goals. Haaland, alongside Omar Marmoush, Rodri, Ryan MacAidoo, Nico O’Reilly, Tijjani Reijnders, and Max Alleyne, has scored once in the same timeframe.
Notably, Semenyo has achieved his numbers in fewer appearances, having missed multiple Champions League games, underlining the impact he has made in a short space of time.
His red-hot form at club level has also strengthened his standing as Ghana’s most in-form player in Europe this season, particularly with Mohammed Kudus sidelined through injury at Tottenham Hotspur and Thomas Partey still searching for consistency at Villarreal.
