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Latest across football news and transfers

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By Timothy Akintola

Updates on Real Madrid, Paulo Dybala, Fenerbahçe, Oscar Bobb and Merino.

Mbappé scores as Real Madrid defeat Atalanta to win 6th Super Cup.

Real Madrid secured their sixth Super Cup title on Wednesday with a 2-0 victory over Europa League champions Atalanta. Carlo Ancelotti’s side struggled to find rhythm in the first half as the forward trio of Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Júnior, and Rodrygo failed to connect, though Rodrygo hit the crossbar just before halftime. Thibaut Courtois kept Madrid in the game with a crucial save after the break. Vinicius then set up Federico Valverde, who slotted the ball into an empty net just before the hour mark. Mbappé, in his first European competition with Madrid since joining from Paris Saint-Germain, scored the second goal nine minutes later, rifling Jude Bellingham’s assist into the top corner. This marks Mbappé’s first European trophy as he aims to solidify his legacy at Real Madrid.

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Al Qadsiah reportedly closing in on signing Roma star, Paulo Dybala.

Argentinian forward, Paulo Dybala could be the latest football star to head to the Middle East, as reports suggest Al-Qadsiah, a Saudi Pro League club, have reached a personal agreement with the Argentine forward. The proposed contract is reportedly for three years, valued at €45 million. AS Roma are said to be encouraging Dybala’s departure primarily due to financial considerations. Dybala’s current contract with Roma runs until June 2025, but it includes a clause allowing him to extend for an additional season if he meets a minimum number of appearances. However, Roma have yet to receive a formal offer from Al-Qadsiah. The Saudi club, having already agreed to terms with Dybala’s agent, is now expected to begin official negotiations with Roma to finalize the transfer.


Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe lose out on the Champions League spot after Lille win.

Fenerbahçe will compete in the 2024-25 Europa League after narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification. Mourinho’s side lost 3-2 on aggregate to Lille, with the decisive goal coming from a penalty deep into extra time, just as the match seemed set for a shootout. Fenerbahçe had levelled the tie in the second leg with a late own-goal by Bafodé Diakité in stoppage time, forcing extra time. Lille had won the first leg 2-1. Mourinho, who took charge of Fenerbahçe in May and was warmly welcomed by the club’s fans, has faced a challenging start. He received a booking just 20 minutes into his first league match and now sees his team eliminated from the Champions League. Despite the setback, Fenerbahçe will look to make an impact in the Europa League under Mourinho’s leadership.

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Bad blow for Pep Guardiola as Oscar Bobb fractures his bone in training.

Manchester City midfielder Oscar Bobb is facing time on the side lines after fracturing a bone in his leg during training. The 21-year-old Norwegian sustained the injury while turning in a non-contact situation. City is assessing the severity of the injury, and Bobb may travel to Barcelona for further treatment. Last season, Bobb made 14 Premier League appearances and scored a dramatic injury-time winner against Newcastle in January. He also impressed during City’s pre-season tour in the U.S., securing a starting spot at Wembley. With City’s Premier League opener against Chelsea on Sunday, and several international players only just returning to training, Bobb was expected to start. Manager Pep Guardiola is set to provide more details on Bobb’s condition in a press conference on Friday.


Arsenal remain in talks to sign Spanish midfielder, Mikel Merino.

After completing the signings of goalkeeper, David Raya for £27 million from Brentford and Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori for £42 million from Bologna, Arsenal is still active in the transfer market, with sporting director Edu targeting a central midfielder for Mikel Arteta’s squad. Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad remains a primary target, but negotiations have stalled despite the Euro 2024 champion entering the final year of his contract. Arsenal has yet to submit a formal offer for the 28-year-old, though they expressed interest in a £25 million move through his representatives last month. Talks remain ongoing between the clubs, with Merino having agreed to personal terms. The focus is now on finalizing the payment structure, with a fee of over €25 million expected.

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