Toni Kroos named German footballer of the year for the second time.
Former Real Madrid midfielder, Toni Kroos has been named Germany’s Player of the Year for the 2023-24 season, an award organized by German magazine Kicker. This marks the second time Kroos has received this honour, having first won it in 2018. Kroos was instrumental for Real Madrid last season, contributing one goal and ten assists to help the team secure the treble, including his sixth Champions League title. He ended his illustrious playing career last month after Germany’s European Championship loss to Spain, having helped Real Madrid win both the Champions League and La Liga titles last season. Kroos received 285 votes in the **Kicker** poll, surpassing German teammate Florian Wirtz of Leverkusen, who garnered 246 votes. Leverkusen’s coach, Xabi Alonso, was also awarded Germany’s Coach of the Year after leading his team to break Bayern Munich’s 11-year Bundesliga winning streak.
🚨 BREAKING: Toni Kroos has won the German Footballer of the Year! @SkySportDE pic.twitter.com/X6e9gcauBE
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) August 4, 2024
Paris Saint-Germain signs highly rated midfielder, João Neves.
After weeks of intense negotiations, PSG has successfully signed João Neves from Benfica for €70 million. The 19-year-old Portuguese midfielder joins the Ligue 1 champions on a five-year deal, keeping him at the club until 2029. Neves, who had an impressive 2023-24 season with Benfica, was highly sought after by several top clubs, including Manchester United, who reportedly had bids rejected before PSG clinched the deal. This makes Neves PSG’s second summer signing after Matvey Safonov. Additionally, Renato Sanches will join Benfica on Loan with an option to buy, adding an intriguing twist to the transfer. Upon his signing, Neves expressed his excitement about joining the French giants: “I’m very proud to be joining Paris Saint-Germain, a very ambitious club. I’m going to give my all to help my teammates, grow at this fantastic club, and win numerous titles,” he stated.
🔴🔵🦅 João Neves and PSG.pic.twitter.com/q1wv98iiL7
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 5, 2024
Nigeria’s Favour Ofili makes history as she qualifies for the 200m finals.
Despite being excluded from the 100m race due to administrative issues, Nigeria’s Favour Ofili remains determined to win an Olympic medal. She clocked another season-best time, finishing second in Heat 1, to qualify for the final of the women’s 200 meters event at the Paris Olympics. Ofili completed the race in 22.05 seconds, coming in behind newly crowned 100m Olympic champion Julien Alfred, who finished at 21.98 seconds. This performance secured Ofili the second automatic qualification spot, boosting Nigeria’s medal hopes. USA’s McKenzie Long came in third with a time of 22.30 seconds. Ofili’s 22.05 seconds improved on her previous time of 22.24 seconds in the first round. She is the first Nigerian to reach this milestone since Mary Onyali reached the 200m final at the Atlanta ’96 Olympics.
✍️✍️Writing her name in the history books!!!
Favour Ofili is the first Nigerian🇳🇬🇳🇬 woman to qualify for the final of the 200m at the Olympics in 28yrs!! 👏👏
Fun fact – the last time a Nigerian made the final of women's 200m (Atlanta 1996 when Mary Onyali won a Bronze medal),… pic.twitter.com/oQZz6IH37D
— Making of Champions (@MakingOfChamps) August 5, 2024
Julián Álvarez to sign for Atlético Madrid two years after joining Man City.
Manchester City are set to sell their talented striker, Julián Álvarez, just two-and-a-half years after he joined from River Plate in 2022. Reports indicate that Atletico Madrid has reached an agreement with City for an initial €75 million (£64 million) transfer fee for Álvarez. This deal, which could potentially rise to €95 million (£81 million) with performance-based bonuses, marks a significant return on Investment for City, who paid just £14 million for the Argentine two years ago. While the Premier League champions were eager to retain Álvarez, the striker is reportedly motivated by a desire for more playing time, prompting his move to the La Liga giants. This transfer will set a club record sale for Manchester City, marking a new chapter for both the player and the club.
BREAKING: Man City and Atletico Madrid have agreed a deal for Julian Alvarez for up to £81m 🚨 pic.twitter.com/ln5A7AJ8y9
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 6, 2024
Atlético Madrid and Chelsea agree £35 million fee for Samu Omorodion.
Chelsea has received a boost in their pursuit of Atlético Madrid star, Samu Omorodion. The 20-year-old forward is on Chelsea’s radar as Enzo Maresca looks to strengthen his attacking line-up ahead of the new season. Omorodion, who had a successful loan spell at Alaves last season, is seen as a solid option to compete with Nicolas Jackson. While Chelsea previously discussed a £34 million offer with Atlético, the Spanish club initially rejected any negotiations. However, Atlético’s stance looks to have shifted after confirming the signing of Villarreal striker Alexander Sørloth and the potential transfer of Julián Álvarez. Chelsea has agreed to a seven-year contract with Omorodion, lasting until June 2031, with personal terms finalized. Atletico will receive a £35 million fee, pending the completion of Julián Álvarez’s transfer.
🚨🔵 Chelsea have all set with Samu Omorodion to join the club on seven year contract, valid until June 2031.
Personal terms agreed and Atlético to receive £35m fee, as revealed yesterday.
↪️🟢 Green light only when Atlético will complete all final steps for Julián Álvarez. pic.twitter.com/KyIc5ZmpOy
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 6, 2024