by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 13, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Crystal Palace midfielder Jeffrey Schlupp has become a transfer target for Championship sides Queens Park Rangers and Blackburn Rovers as they look to bolster their squads in the January window.
The 32-year-old Ghanaian international is in the final months of his contract, which is set to expire this summer, fueling speculation about a potential move. Schlupp’s versatility, capable of playing as a wing-back or central midfielder, makes him a valuable asset for any team.
Despite the interest, Palace manager Oliver Glasner is keen to retain the experienced player, citing his importance to the squad. “I want to keep the squad together – we don’t have a huge amount of outfield players,” Glasner said. However, he acknowledged that Schlupp’s future ultimately depends on the player’s desire for a longer-term deal elsewhere.
Schlupp showcased his quality in Palace’s recent FA Cup victory over Stockport County, making a notable impact off the bench. Since joining the club in 2017, he has made 245 appearances, scoring 19 goals and proving himself a reliable presence for the Eagles.
As the January transfer window unfolds, Schlupp’s next move remains uncertain, with QPR and Blackburn closely monitoring the situation. Palace fans will hope the club can secure the Ghanaian’s services for the remainder of the season and beyond.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 13, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian attacking midfielder Moritz-Broni Kwarteng has vowed to make an immediate impact and help Fortuna Düsseldorf achieve success after joining the Bundesliga 2 club on loan for the remainder of the season. The deal includes an option for a permanent transfer.
The 26-year-old has struggled for game time at Bundesliga side Bochum, managing just seven substitute appearances this season. However, Kwarteng is optimistic about turning things around at Düsseldorf, where he reunites with head coach Daniel Thioune, who previously coached him at Hamburg SV.
“The people responsible at Fortuna have been interested in me for some time, and I know Daniel Thioune from our time at HSV,” Kwarteng said after the move was finalized. “I think I will settle in quickly and want to contribute to the team’s success. My wish is that the team is enriched by my style of play and that we can excite the fans in the arena.”
Kwarteng joined Bochum in the summer of 2023 from FC Magdeburg for a reported fee of €1 million. During his time at Bochum, he made 18 appearances and registered one assist. Despite being Stuttgart-born, the midfielder is yet to make his international debut for Ghana, the country of his heritage.
Kwarteng’s move to Fortuna Düsseldorf offers a fresh start and an opportunity to showcase his talent while helping the team in their quest for promotion to the Bundesliga.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 13, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian midfielder Michael Baidoo and his Plymouth Argyle teammates have been handed a blockbuster FA Cup fourth-round tie against Premier League leaders Liverpool at Home Park.
The draw comes after Argyle’s impressive 1-0 victory over Brentford in the third round, marking their first win against a top-flight side in the competition since 1984. Baidoo, who joined the club in January from Swedish side Elfsborg, made his debut in a prior 2-0 win over Accelere8z FC, where he played 60 minutes and showed promise.
The clash with Liverpool presents a golden opportunity for the 25-year-old Baidoo to test his skills against one of the best teams in world football. It also rekindles memories of the 2017 FA Cup third-round tie when a League Two Argyle side famously held Liverpool to a 0-0 draw at Home Park before narrowly losing 1-0 in the replay.
The fourth-round fixture, scheduled between February 6-10, 2025, will see Home Park buzzing with anticipation as fans hope their team can pull off a historic upset. Exact dates and ticket details will be announced soon.
Baidoo and his teammates will look to build on their recent performances and create another memorable chapter in Argyle’s FA Cup history.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 13, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian midfielder Michael Baidoo marked his debut for Plymouth Argyle with a strong performance in their FA Cup third-round victory over Premier League side Brentford.
Baidoo, who recently joined the Championship outfit from Swedish club Elfsborg during the January transfer window, was handed a starting role in an attacking trio alongside Callum Wright and Morgan Whittaker. The 25-year-old showcased his potential during 60 minutes of action before being substituted for Mustapha Bundu.
The tightly contested match was decided in the 82nd minute when Morgan Whittaker found the back of the net, sealing a 1-0 win for Argyle and propelling them into the next round of the competition.
Despite their struggles at the bottom of the Championship table, Argyle’s victory sets up an exciting fourth-round clash at home against Liverpool. Baidoo will be hoping his promising debut can inspire a resurgence for his new team in both the league and cup competitions.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 13, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
German powerhouse Bayern Munich has reportedly expressed interest in signing Manchester United’s highly-rated midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, a 19-year-old of Ghanaian descent.
Mainoo, whose current contract runs until 2027 with a weekly wage of £20,000, is seeking an improved deal worth £200,000 per week. However, Manchester United’s financial constraints, tied to Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Regulations (PSR), could force the club to consider offers for the promising talent.
Chelsea currently leads the chase for the young midfielder, but Bayern Munich has now emerged as a serious contender, according to sources in Germany. Reports suggest that other elite clubs are also monitoring the situation closely.
Manchester United’s manager Ruben Amorim recently addressed Mainoo’s future, reaffirming his desire to keep the teenager but acknowledging the club’s financial reality. Speaking before United’s FA Cup clash with Arsenal, Amorim said:
“Our idea is always to keep the best players and the players we build for this club. But we know the position the club is in at the moment. We will see.”
Mainoo endured a challenging start to the season due to an injury picked up during United’s pre-season tour. However, since returning to action in November, he has made a significant impact, amassing 16 appearances across all competitions.
As one of Europe’s most exciting young midfielders, Mainoo’s future could spark a bidding war, with Bayern Munich ready to join Chelsea and others in the race for his signature.
