Manchester City eyeing Bayern star as Kevin De Bruyne’s replacement.
With his Manchester City contract set to expire in the summer of 2025, Kevin De Bruyne has been heavily linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League this summer. Although the Premier League champions are unwilling to let the Belgian maestro go, they are preparing for life after his eventual departure. Manchester City is reportedly eyeing Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala as a potential replacement. The 21-year-old has flourished over the past two seasons and impressed at Euro 2024 by scoring three goals before Germany exited in the quarter-finals. According to reports, Musiala seeks a team like Jude Bellingham’s at Real Madrid, where they compete for the Champions League title every year.
🚨🚨| There is an idea at Man City to try and sign Jamal Musiala as Kevin De Bruyne's successor, as De Bruyne's time at the club is nearing its end. 🔵👀
Musiala wants a team like Jude Bellingham's at Real Madrid, where they compete for the Champions League title every year.… pic.twitter.com/GTrNPnNHAP
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) July 26, 2024
John Mikel Obi criticizes players treating African countries as a second option.
Discussions about African footballers opting to play for non-African countries have gained momentum, and Super Eagles legend John Mikel Obi has weighed in on the issue. On his podcast, *The Obi One*, Mikel addressed the reluctance of some African talent to represent their home countries, expressing concern over young players waiting for call-ups from countries outside of Africa. The former Chelsea star criticized this mindset, stating, “I’ve talked so much about players not representing their African roots. We’ve held meetings with these kids, with their parents and said, “Listen, you are Nigerian, your dad is Nigeria, your mum is Nigerian, why don’t you represent your fatherland, Nigeria?” Mikel stressed that African countries shouldn’t be seen as backup options, adding, “We’re not second options. You should be proud of your African roots, you should be proud to represent your African country.” His comments highlight the ongoing debate about national representation among African footballers.
🚨🗣 | John Obi Mikel:
"If you decide you want to play for England, stick to it. Sit and wait, but don't wait till 29 or 30, you've passed your best, then you're like 'Oh, Nigerian FA I'm ready to play for you now', no, f*ck off mate."pic.twitter.com/0r1nJNAHbc
— SimplyGoal (@SimplyGoal) July 26, 2024
Russell Westbrook signs a 2-year contract with the Denver Nuggets.
After being bought out of his contract by the Utah Jazz and clearing waivers following a Trade with the Clippers, Russell Westbrook has officially joined the Denver Nuggets. On Friday, the former MVP signed a two-year contract worth $6.8 million, with a player option for the second season. Westbrook, who played parts of the last two seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, was part of a sign-and-trade deal between the Clippers and Jazz, marking his fifth team change since 2019. He played a career-low 22.5 minutes per game last season due to James Harden’s presence but still contributed reliable defence for the Clippers’ second unit. Westbrook’s defensive skills will be a valuable asset for the Nuggets, who are looking to strengthen their backcourt after losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency. Although no longer a starter, Westbrook could boost Denver’s depth as they aim for another NBA Finals run in 2025.
Announced Russ pic.twitter.com/pUPwOyWZNm
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) July 26, 2024
Ryan Sessegnon returns to his former club on a free transfer.
Coming off a stint at Tottenham marked by hamstring issues and limited playing time, Ryan Sessegnon has returned to Fulham on a two-year contract following the expiration of his Spurs deal. The 24-year-old, who graduated from Fulham’s academy, is back at Craven Cottage until 2026, with an option for an additional year. Sessegnon initially left Fulham for Tottenham in a £25 million transfer in August 2019. Upon his return, Sessegnon expressed his excitement, stating, “It’s where it started for me, where everything began. It will always be home for me. I think it had the feeling that it was meant to be, coming back here, so I’m delighted to get it done.” During his first spell at Fulham, Sessegnon scored 25 goals and provided 18 assists in 120 senior appearances and hopes to rejuvenate his career in this second stint.
⚪️⚫️ Official, exclusive story confirmed: Ryan Sessegnon has joined Fulham on two year deal plus option for further season. https://t.co/jAXQzIu02k pic.twitter.com/U7feb77Kqx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 26, 2024
Andreas Georgson joins Manchester United as new set-piece coach.
Manchester United has appointed Andreas Georgson as their new first-team set-piece coach as part of their ongoing backroom staff revamp. Georgson, previously the head coach of Norwegian club Lillestrom, has had his release clause triggered by INEOS to end his seven-month stint with the team. The 42-year-old set-piece specialist has previously worked with Arsenal, Brentford, and Southampton. United struggled with set-pieces last season, conceding many goals while scoring very few. Fans believe Georgson’s appointment will improve the team’s performance in this area, as they aim to bolster their defensive and offensive capabilities from set-pieces.
🔴🤝🏻 Andreas Georgson has joined Manchester United as first-team set piece coach.
Georgson arrives from Norwegian side Lillestrom, where he has been head coach since January of this year. pic.twitter.com/OkdbtcGC57
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 26, 2024