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SPORTS

New updates across major football transfers

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By Timothy Akintola

Read the latest on Neymar, Coco Gauff, João Cancelo, Mamardashvili and Mejbri.

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Neymar’s camp deny emerging rumours about a potential Barcelona return.

Despite recent reports which suggested that Neymar Jr. was seeking a return to FC Barcelona, his representatives have denied these claims. The speculation comes a year after Neymar’s high-profile transfer to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League for £68 million. Despite facing injury issues that have limited his appearances to just five games, Neymar is committed to his two-year, £130 million-per-year contract with Al-Hilal. His representatives dismissed the rumors as false and disrespectful to both the club and Neymar, emphasizing that he is happy in Riyadh and eager to return to the field. In the official statement, they wrote, “The articles on Ney’s return to Barça from Al Hilal are LIES and tremendous disrespect for Al Hilal and the athlete. Neymar is under contract with Al Hilal and he’s happy in Riyadh.” The Brazilian forward is focused on overcoming his injury setbacks and continuing to impress fans in the Middle East.

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Coco Gauff defeats Gracheva, advances to the 2nd round of the U.S. Open.

Defending champion, Coco Gauff overcame initial nerves to defeat France’s Varvara Gracheva 6-2, 6-0 in the first round of the U.S. Open on Monday. The 20-year-old American navigated some tight moments early but secured the win in 66 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium, where she won her first Grand Slam title last year. Gauff dominated the second set and, despite Gracheva, ranked 66th in the world, earning two break points in the final game, Gauff saved both with aces. She now advances to the second round, where she’ll face Germany’s Tatjana Maria, who triumphed 6-2, 6-3 over Argentina’s Solana Sierra. “It was definitely a lot of pressure, this tournament, but I’m just enjoying it. Whatever happens, happens,” Gauff said.

Al-Hilal agree £21.2 million move for Man City star, João Cancelo.

Manchester City have agreed to a £21.2 million transfer deal with Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal for João Cancelo, as reported by sources from ESPN. Although personal terms are still being negotiated, Cancelo is expected to sign a three-year contract, ending his five-year stint at the Etihad Stadium. Despite Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s comments suggesting Cancelo might remain with the team, ongoing disagreements, which saw Cancelo loaned to Bayern Munich and Barcelona over the past 18 months, made his departure likely. Cancelo has been absent from City’s two Premier League games this season and also missed their Community Shield win over Manchester United, as many City players were unavailable after competing in the European Championship in Germany.

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Giorgi Mamardashvili n the verge of a £29.6 million Liverpool move.

Liverpool is advancing with a deal to secure Giorgi Mamardashvili as a potential successor to Alisson, scheduling a medical for the goalkeeper. The agreement, reported by The Athletic, involves a transfer fee of up to €35 million (£29.6m/$39.1m) with add-ons from Valencia. Despite the imminent move, Mamardashvili, 23, is expected to remain at his current club for the rest of the 2024-25 season. The Georgian, who impressed at the European Championships, is seen as one of the top goalkeeping prospects globally. Alisson, Liverpool’s current first-choice goalkeeper, will be 32 next month, and the acquisition of Mamardashvili signifies Liverpool’s forward-looking strategy. Caoimhin Kelleher, a reliable backup, might seek a new opportunity when his contract ends in 2026, making Mamardashvili a prudent investment.

Hannibal Mejbri set to make a £9.5 million move to Championship side, Burnley.

Manchester United has agreed to a deal that will see midfielder Hannibal Mejbri move to Burnley, as reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The 21-year-old Tunisian is undergoing a medical at Burnley on Monday ahead of what is expected to be a permanent transfer. Mejbri, who joined United in 2019 despite interest from clubs like Tottenham, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich, struggled to secure a regular spot in the first team and had loan spells with Birmingham and Sevilla. Manchester United will receive £9 million for Mejbri from Burnley, including add-ons, and a sell-on clause. Initially, the deal was set as a loan with an obligation to buy, but United requested changes to receive funds sooner and include the sell-on clause.

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