by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 17, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
West Ham United are reportedly open to selling star midfielder Mohamed Kudus in January if a sizable offer comes their way. Kudus, who has been a standout performer since joining the Hammers, is believed to have an £85m release clause that will only become active in the summer.
This means that if Arsenal—or any other interested club—wants to secure the Ghanaian international before the clause kicks in, they would need to match a similarly hefty figure to tempt West Ham into an early sale. Kudus’ impressive form has made him a prime target as the January transfer window approaches.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 17, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Le Havre forward Andre Ayew has issued a rallying cry to his teammates, urging them to fight to avoid dropping points in their upcoming fixtures. Ayew’s call to action comes after a disheartening 3-0 defeat to Strasbourg in the French Ligue 1, leaving Le Havre languishing in 17th place with 12 points after 15 games.
With their form in dire need of a turnaround, Le Havre are set to face Stade Briochin in the Coupe de France Round of 64 on Saturday, December 21, before squaring off against Olympique Marseille on January 5 in Ligue 1. Ayew, determined to spark a revival, emphasized the importance of securing positive results in both encounters.
“It’s true that it’s not easy, but there is a match on Saturday which is important—it’s the Coupe de France. Then there’s the Velodrome against Marseille. These are big matches, and we must do everything to ensure we don’t come out of these two games empty-handed,” Ayew stated in a post-match interview.
Le Havre have struggled to find consistency this season, managing only four wins while suffering 11 defeats, with 18 goals conceded so far. Ayew’s leadership and experience could prove pivotal as the team aims to reverse its fortunes in the French Cup and the Ligue 1 battle for survival.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 17, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
A Cultural Connection and a Footballing Challenge
Memphis Depay’s move to Brazilian club Corinthians took many by surprise. At 30, the Dutch forward—well known for his skills at elite European clubs—decided to trade Atletico Madrid and the glitz of La Liga for Brazil’s passionate football scene. What made him take this unconventional step? For Depay, the answer lies in culture, football heritage, and a hunger for new challenges.
In an interview with Flashscore, Depay opened up about his deep connection to Brazil, one rooted in its similarity to his Ghanaian heritage. “The people here remind me of Ghana—enthusiastic, energized, and full of life. Brazil is beautiful, and the food is great too,” Depay shared.
Beyond the culture, Brazil’s reputation as the “Mecca of football” also drew him in. “This is a country where football lives and breathes. I wanted to experience that, see the talent, and embrace this environment,” he explained.
When Depay joined in September, Corinthians was in crisis. The team sat 17th, battling relegation—a situation that intrigued Depay rather than deterred him. “I like challenges. I felt I needed to do something different,” he said.
His gamble paid off. In just 11 matches, Depay has been a game-changer, scoring seven goals and providing one assist, lifting Corinthians to seventh place and securing a spot in next year’s Copa Libertadores.
Depay’s story is not just about football; it’s about embracing change, finding familiar roots in unfamiliar places, and reigniting a passion for the game. For him, Brazil truly does feel like home.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 17, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Dutch forward Memphis Depay has shut down speculation that his recent move to Corinthians signals the twilight of his career, insisting he still has plenty to offer on the pitch.
Depay, who joined the Brazilian giants in September, addressed retirement rumors in a candid interview with Flashscore, expressing his frustration at the chatter. “I’m 30. What are you talking about retiring? It’s a long way. I’m young. I’ve been in the game a long time, but I have a long time left, God willing,” he stated.
Critics initially questioned Depay’s decision to move to Brazil, interpreting it as a step toward winding down his career. However, the former Barcelona and Lyon star has silenced the doubters with stellar performances. In just 11 matches, Depay has racked up seven goals and one assist, helping Corinthians rise from a relegation scrap to a Copa Libertadores qualifying spot.
Speaking on his time in Brazil, Depay highlighted his happiness and sense of belonging. “Corinthians is a huge team in Brazil, the biggest. So far, it’s going really well, and I’m happy. I feel like I’m home,” he added.
Depay’s form in Brazil has reaffirmed his quality, with fans and pundits alike expecting him to remain a key figure for Corinthians as they aim for further success in the coming seasons.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 17, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a thrilling Swiss Super League Round 18 clash, FC Luzern pulled off a dramatic 4-3 victory over Winterthur at Stadion Schützenwiese, with Swiss-born Ghanaian midfielder Tyron Owusu playing a key role in their success.
Luzern wasted no time in making their mark, as Owusu set up Thibault Klidje with a perfectly weighted pass on a lightning-fast counterattack just three minutes into the game. Winterthur, however, responded with intent. Antoine Baroan’s equalizer and Matteo Di Giusto’s strike put the hosts ahead, only for Luzern to fight back with a Donat Rrudhani goal. Just before halftime, Nishan Burkart restored Winterthur’s lead, leaving Luzern trailing 3-2 at the break.
The second half was a tense, hard-fought affair, with both teams battling for control. Luzern, however, saved their heroics for the dying moments. In stoppage time, Severin Ottiger pounced on a corner in the 92nd minute to level the scoreline at 3-3. Moments later, Adrian Grbic delivered the decisive blow, firing home the winner in the 93rd minute to complete Luzern’s stunning comeback.
Owusu, who was substituted after 75 minutes, impressed with his midfield vision and composure, earning plaudits for his crucial role in the team’s early breakthrough. The victory marks Luzern’s 10th win over Winterthur in their last 14 meetings and adds vital momentum to their campaign.
Luzern will now turn their attention to a January 19th showdown against Lausanne as they look to build on this dramatic triumph.
