Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

Manchester United are closing in on their first major signing of the summer as they prepare to activate the £62.5 million release clause for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha. Sources close to the deal have told BBC Sport that United are confident of landing the 25-year-old attacker, with negotiations now at an advanced stage. The move, which would see Cunha join the Red Devils in a two-year structured payment plan, is expected to be finalised in the coming days. United will pay the full amount of the release clause in three instalments. The first payment, approximately £20.8 million, will…

Stuttgart claimed their fourth DFB-Pokal title with a thrilling 4-2 victory over third-division side Arminia Bielefeld at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Saturday evening. While the result ultimately favored the Bundesliga giants, the final was a celebration of Arminia Bielefeld’s remarkable journey—a run that captivated the nation and saw them eliminate four top-flight teams, including reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen, en route to the final. But their dream of lifting the trophy came to an end as Stuttgart’s top-tier quality proved too much on the night. The match began at a frenetic pace, and Stuttgart wasted no time asserting their authority.…

Erik ten Hag is set to make a dramatic return to the dugout as he prepares to replace Xabi Alonso as manager of Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen. The Dutchman, who has been out of work since his sacking by Manchester United in October, is reportedly close to finalising terms with the German club. If confirmed, the appointment will mark Ten Hag’s first managerial role since ending a mixed stint at Old Trafford and a fresh chapter in his coaching career. The 55-year-old has been biding his time on the sidelines, rejecting several offers since his departure from Manchester United. According…

In a pulsating first leg of the African Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pyramids FC delivered a stunning stoppage-time equaliser to deny Mamelodi Sundowns a crucial home victory. The match ended 1-1, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg in Cairo on 1 June. The South African hosts looked set to take a commanding advantage after Brazilian forward Lucas Ribeiro opened the scoring in the 53rd minute. Sundowns, buoyed by a passionate crowd of over 50,000, had dominated large parts of the second half and appeared on course to deliver a knockout blow to the…

Alejandro Garnacho’s time at Manchester United appears to be nearing its end after manager Ruben Amorim reportedly told the winger he is free to leave the club this summer. The decision comes just days after United’s Europa League final defeat to Tottenham, where Garnacho was controversially brought on as a substitute in the 71st minute despite having played a key role in earlier rounds of the competition. The snub sparked public frustration from both Garnacho and his brother, with tensions escalating in the aftermath of the loss. Speaking after the match, the 20-year-old Argentina international hinted at his dissatisfaction, stating:…

Cristiano Ronaldo could yet make a surprise appearance at this summer’s revamped Club World Cup, despite his current club Al-Nassr failing to qualify for the tournament. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has hinted that the legendary forward is at the centre of discussions involving multiple clubs ahead of the historic 32-team tournament in the United States. Ronaldo, 40, remains one of the biggest names in football and continues to impress with his performances in the Saudi Pro League. His contract with Al-Nassr, which he joined in late 2022 following a dramatic departure from Manchester United, is set to expire on 30…

Napoli have been crowned Serie A champions for the fourth time in their history following a commanding 2-0 victory over Cagliari at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Goals from Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku sealed the win, sparking jubilant scenes in Naples as the city erupted in celebration. Going into the final round of matches, Napoli sat level on points with Inter Milan but needed all three points to secure the title due to their superior head-to-head record. With Inter comfortably dispatching Como 2-0, the pressure was firmly on Antonio Conte’s men to deliver. Napoli dominated from the outset, and…

Brighton & Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro will not feature in the club’s final Premier League fixture of the season against Tottenham Hotspur following an incident during training, head coach Fabian Hürzeler has confirmed. The 23-year-old Brazilian was absent from Monday’s thrilling 3-2 win over Liverpool, and reports suggest his omission was due to a training ground altercation involving defender Jan Paul van Hecke. Pedro, who has scored 10 league goals this season, has already missed Brighton’s last four matches after receiving a red card in the 4-2 defeat to Brentford on April 19. Now, a fresh issue has ruled…

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed he will leave Real Madrid after Saturday’s La Liga clash with Real Sociedad, bringing an end to a glittering second stint in charge of the Spanish giants before taking the reins of the Brazil national team. The 65-year-old Italian manager, widely regarded as one of the most respected tacticians in football, is set to begin his new role as Brazil head coach on 26 May, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed earlier this month. The CBF had long been pursuing Ancelotti, and his departure from Madrid has now been officially announced by the club. In an…

Ivan Toney has been handed a surprise recall to the England squad as head coach Thomas Tuchel named a refreshed 26-man team for next month’s fixtures against Andorra and Senegal. The 29-year-old striker, who now plies his trade with Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, had not featured for the Three Lions since coming off the bench in the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain. However, a blistering season in the Middle East — where Toney has notched 28 goals in 42 appearances and lifted the Asian Champions League — has earned him a return to the international fold. “It’s well deserved,”…