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News across basketball and football transfers

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By Timothy Akintola

Updates on Joel Embiid, Arne Slot, Youssoufa Moukoko, Diego León and Arteta.

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Joel Embiid suffers a sinus fracture in the 76ers’ loss to the Indiana Pacers.

The Philadelphia Sixers’ star, Joel Embiid suffered a sinus fracture during the 76ers’ 121-107 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, adding to a challenging season for the All-Star center. The injury occurred in the closing seconds of the first half when Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin inadvertently struck Embiid with a forearm and elbow while contesting a rebound. Embiid fell to the floor near the Philadelphia bench and did not return for the second half. Coach Nick Nurse confirmed Embiid was undergoing further tests, with the team later announcing the fracture. In just 17½ minutes, Embiid recorded 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists. This marks yet another setback for the Sixers, as Embiid has played only six of their 23 games due to knee swelling and a suspension. Philadelphia’s “big three” of Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George have played just three partial games together, contributing to their 7-16 record.

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Arne Slot claims the Premier League’s Coach of the Month for November.

Liverpool’s boss, Arne Slot has been named the Premier League’s Manager of the Month for November 2024, marking his first award since taking over from Jurgen Klopp in the summer. The Liverpool boss led his team to three wins from three matches, making them the only side to maintain a perfect record last month. Liverpool secured a 2-1 comeback victory over Brighton at Anfield, followed by a 2-0 win against Aston Villa and a dramatic 3-2 turnaround against Southampton, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League table. With only three games dropped all season, Liverpool remains as the favourite to claim the title. Slot edged out Brighton’s Fabian Hürzeler and Wolves’ Gary O’Neil for the award. Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah was named Player of the Month after netting four goals and providing an assist in November’s fixtures.

New rumour concerning Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko’s age surfaces.

Borussia Dortmund forward Youssoufa Moukoko is at the center of controversy following claims by Joseph Moukoko, who revealed he is not Youssoufa’s biological father and alleged the player’s official age is incorrect. According to German newspaper *Bild*, Joseph admitted under oath that Moukoko’s birthdate is falsified, stating the footballer was born on July 19, 2000, not November 20, 2004, making him 24 years old rather than 20. Joseph also confessed to forging Youssoufa’s birth certificate to pose as his father, allowing Moukoko to compete in youth competitions he was ineligible for, including Germany’s Under-21 European Championship in 2021 and Borussia Dortmund’s 2018 Under-17 title win. Dortmund responded, asserting that Moukoko’s official documents, validated by German authorities, remain legitimate and form the basis of his eligibility. Moukoko is currently on Loan at French club Nice.

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Diego León to Manchester United confirmed after verbal agreement with Cerro Porteño.

Manchester United has reached a verbal agreement to sign 17-year-old Paraguayan left-back Diego León from Cerro Porteño, as confirmed by renowned Journalist Fabrizio Romano. León will join United in July 2025 after turning 18 in April, with an initial fee of $4 million, $1 million in easy add-ons, and over $3.5 million tied to future performances. Romano announced the deal, stating, “Here we go!” and added that León is expected to visit Carrington and Old Trafford soon. This signing is likely the first under new manager Ruben Amorim and aligns with Ineos’ strategy of acquiring top young talent. United has struggled at left-back due to Luke Shaw’s ongoing injuries, forcing players like Diogo Dalot and Lisandro Martínez to cover. León, who has scored two goals in 19 Paraguayan league appearances, may bolster the first team or initially develop in the academy.

Mikel Arteta opens up on preparations for the January transfer window.

Arsenal sits six points behind league leaders Liverpool, a gap that could extend to nine if the Reds win their game in hand. As the Gunners prepare to face Everton this weekend, attention turns to the January transfer window, seen as a chance to strengthen their squad. Arsenal’s lack of quality depth has been a key factor in their early setbacks, with reinforcements needed in attack, midfield, and defense. Speaking ahead of the Everton clash, Mikel Arteta expressed tempered expectations, stating, “I never expect January to be super busy… Some surprises can come, and we are prepared for that.” Arsenal’s struggles in attack, with Kai Havertz underwhelming as a centre-forward and Gabriel Jesus struggling for consistency, underline the need for a striker. The Gunners have been linked to players like Viktor Gyökeres, whose price has reportedly dropped to €85 million, presenting a potential opportunity to bolster their title challenge.

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