Bayern Munich forward, Thomas Muller, believes the team’s Champions League clash against Barcelona will be an open game.

Bayern opened their section with a 2-0 victory at Inter Milan last Wednesday, while Barcelona were 5-1 winners over Viktoria Plzen at Camp Nou in their first game of the 2022-23 competition.

Bayern have actually not been victorious in the Bundesliga since August 21, though, drawing each of their last three matches against Borussia Monchengladbach, Union Berlin and Stuttgart.

Speaking ahead of the game, Muller said (via sport1): “We have to play our game. Barcelona are strong in the transition game, and it is important to take Lewy out of the game.

“Our game is designed to be bilious when we lose the ball.”

He added: “The game will be more open. The three draws in the league were against opponents who are heavily defended at the back.

“The pure optimist could say: Here we go again.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/ucl-this-game-will-be-more-open-muller-speaks-ahead-bayern-munich-vs-barcelona/

Tottenham manager, Antonio Conte, has issued a stern warning to Son Heung-min that he may not be guarantee a starting shirt if his form deteriorate again.

In March, Conte insisted he would be “crazy” to leave Son out from his team.

But the emergence of Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison who arrived from Everton this summer means Conte is no longer solely reliant on Son’s partnership with Harry Kane.

The former Juventus and Chelsea was asked specifically about Son’s place in his team ahead of the game.

“I think when you try to build something important, when you try to build something with ambition and try to be competitive and fight to win, you have to change old habits.

“For this reason all the players have to accept the rotation especially up front, we have four players. For me especially it’s very difficult right now to drop one of these four players, but I have to make the best decision for the team, also for the players.

“You try to make the players happy, but big clubs have a big squad, a deep squad. At this moment we don’t have a big squad, but we have just started to try to follow this path,” Conte said.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/your-place-may-never-be-guaranteed-again-conte-warns-son/

Antonio Rudiger has wished Umar Sadiq quick recovery after the striker was diagnosed with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

Sadiq is now set to miss the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign as a result of the setback.

The Nigeria international sustained the injury in his club Real Sociedad 2-1 defeat to Getafe on Sunday night.

Real Sociedad confirmed on Monday that the forward will undergo surgery in the coming days.

“Sadiq has been diagnosed with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. The player will undergo surgical treatment,”reads a statement on the club’s official website.

” Further information will be provided in the coming days.”

Rudiger, who was Sadiq’s teammate during their time at Serie A club, AS Roma took to the social media to wish his friend quick recovery.

“Stay strong my brother, Almighty knows why,”Rudiger posted on Instagram.

Sadiq linked up with Real Sociedad on transfer deadline day.

He was a direct replacement for Sweden star Alexander Isak, who moved to Newcastle United in the Premier League.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/rudiger-wishes-sadiq-quick-recovery-after-injury-setback/

French midfielder N’Golo Kante has rejected Chelsea’s new contract proposal, with the 2018 World Cup winner unhappy at the length of the deal on offer.

Kante is out of contract in less than a year’s time, having failed to agree new terms with the Blues.

Thomas Tuchel spoke openly about the situation with Kante before he was sacked and suggested that the Frenchman has to compromise over any contract extension because of his injury problems.

Kante has been sidelined regularly over the last two years but he remains the club’s highest paid player.

He wants to stay at Stamford Bridge but the club are only offering him an initial two-year deal, with the option of a further 12 months.

The Blues gave Kalidou Koulibaly a four-year deal last month, despite the fact that he is the same age as Kante.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was also given a three-year deal, despite being two years older than Kante.

And according to The Athletic Kante has rejected the club’s proposal and he is holding out for a longer deal.

It comes as two Premier League sides show interest in Kante, with the midfielder free to speak to other clubs from January 1st.

The former Leicester star can sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs on January 1st, though English sides would have to wait.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/kante-rejects-new-chelsea-contract-offer/

Adams Olamilekan has celebrated his historic strike for Remo Stars in Sunday night’s CAF Confederation Cup clash against Moroccan club ASFAR in Rabat.

Remo Stars held their hosts to a 1-1 draw in the preliminary round first leg encounter at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat.

The visitors went behind in the 27 minutes after missing a couple of chances.

Olamilekan then nodded home the equaliser from a corner-kick four minutes after the break.

It was Remo Stars’ first goal in a continental fixture.

The former Lobi Stars player took to the social media to celebrate the crucial goal.

“Dream big and send GOD the Bill, he can afford it!,he wrote on his Twitter handle.

The second leg is billed for Sunday at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.


Source:https://www.completesports.com/caf-confederation-cup-olamilekan-relishes-historic-goal-for-remo-stars/

Carlos Alcaraz has revealed that he’s more determined to win more trophies after winning the US Open title.

Alcaraz defeated Casper Ruud 6-4, 2-6, 7-6, 6-3 to capture the US Open, and a grand slam title for the first time in his young career.

Reacting to the victory, Alcaraz expressed confidence of winning more titles.

“I’m hungry for more. I want to be in the top for many, many weeks. Hope many years,” said Alcaraz.

“I’m going to work hard again after this week, this amazing two weeks. I’m going to fight for have more of this.”

“It’s crazy for me. I’ve never thought that I was going to achieve something like that at 19 years old,” Alcaraz said.

“So everything has come so fast. For me it’s unbelievable. It’s something I dream since I was a kid, since I start playing tennis.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/im-hungry-for-more-success-alcaraz-speaks-after-winning-us-open/

Umar Sadiq could be set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining an injury in Real Sociedad’s 2-1 defeat at Getafe on Sunday night.

The Nigeria international was replaced by Mohamed-Ali Cho seven minutes before the break after suffering a freak injury.

Sadiq is expected to undergo test on Monday (today) to determine the extent of the injury.

Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil is already worried the striker could be sidelined for a while.

“The image has been ugly, but we have to wait for the tests,” Alguacil said after the game.

Sadiq linked up with the White and Blue from another LaLiga club, Almeria this summer.

The 25-year-old scored on his debut for the club against Atletico Madrid.

The injury could also forced Sadiq to miss Nigeria’s upcoming international friendly against the Desert Foxes of Algeria on September 27 in Oran.

Source:https://www.completesports.com/real-sociedad-boss-provides-injury-update-on-sadiq/

Nigeria U-19 boys national team hammered Egypt 3-0 to retain their Africa Cup of Nations Volleyball Championship title in Morocco on Sunday.

Both Nigeria and Egypt have qualified for the 2023 U-19 Volleyball World Cup.

The Nigerian side took the first set 25 – 20, before topping the second 25 – 18 before rounding off the tie 31 – 29 to emerge champions again.

Three Nigerian players Elisha Anebi, Raheem Olayemi and Abdulaziz Aliyu made the Dream Team of tournament.

Best Setter- Anebi was named Best Setter, Olayemi was awarded Best Outside while Aliyu was voted Most Valuable Player.

Source:https://www.completesports.com/2022-u-19-volleyball-afcon-nigeria-thrash-egypt-3-0-in-final-to-retain-title/

Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi netted his fifth goal of the season in Ligue 1 as Lorient defeated Lyon 3-1 on Wednesday night.

It is now back-to-back wins for Lorient following their 1-0 win at Ajaccio.

Moffi scored in the 33rd minute to put Lorient 2-1 ahead after Alexandre Lacazette equalized for the away team.

Enzo Le Fee broke the deadlock for Lorient on six minutes while Dango Ouattara got the third goal.

The win took Lorient up to fifth on 13 points in the league table.

Moffi is just three goals short of his tally (eight) for last season


Source: https://www.completesports.com/moffi-bags-5th-league-goal-of-season-as-lorient-beat-lyon/

Chelsea defender Reece James has penned a farewell message to former boss, Thomas Tuchel.

The former Borussia Dortmund and Paris-Saint Germain gaffer was sacked on Wednesday morning after their defeat in the Champions League to Dinamo Zagreb.

James, who was a favorite of Tuchel’s in defense, took to social media to address the manager’s departure.

He posted a photo of himself and Tuchel hugging after they had won the Champions League over a year ago.

James also added a caption on his Twitter post, stating “Thank you” with a blue-heart emoji.

Chelsea are likely to secure Brighton’s Graham Potter as Tuchel’s replacement.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/james-pens-farewell-message-to-tuchel-after-chelsea-sacking/

PSG striker, Kylian Mbappe has disclosed that France President, Emmanuel Macron influenced his decision to snubbed Real Madrid’s bumper offer.

The France international, who was almost on the verge of leaving the Paris club last term, stated that he’s happy to have stayed with the club.

Mbappe admits the intervention of French president Emmanuel Macron had an influence on rejecting Real Madrid.

He recalled: “I never imagined that I was going to speak with the president about my future, about my future in my career, so it’s crazy, really crazy.

” He told me: ‘I want you to stay. I don’t want you to leave now. You are so important for the country. You have time to leave, you can stay a little longer’. When the president tells you that, it matters.”

Asked about Real Madrid, Mbappe stated: “You never know what is going to happen. I’ve never been there but it seems like it’s my house or something like that…”

Source:https://www.completesports.com/france-president-convinced-me-to-snub-real-madrid-mbappe/

The Super Falcons put up a spirited performance which unfortunately was not enough as they fell 2-1 to world champions United States of America in their second friendly game on Tuesday, Completesports.com reports.

It was a much improved display from the Falcons who were hammered 4-0 by the US in their first meeting on Saturday.

The game which was played inside the Audi Field, Washington DC, saw the Americans maintain their winning streak against the Falcons as they have now won all eight fixtures between both teams.

The last time the Falcons scored against the US was in the group stage of the women’s football event at the Sydney 2000 Olympics which ended 3-1 in favour of the world champions.

The Randy Waldrum-led side have now lost their last four games.

After containing their hosts in the early part of the game, the Falcons’ defence was eventually breached on 24 minutes as Blessing Demehin put the ball into her own net.

The Falcons fought back and were rewarded as Uchenna Kanu equalized in the 50th minute with a fine strike.

But the Americans went 2-1 up through Rosemary Lavelle who headed in a cross from the left off the boot of Megan Rapinoe.

Both the Falcons and the US will feature at next year’s FIFA women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The Falcons will play another friendly this time against former world champions Japan in Kobe on 6th October, 2022.

Source:https://www.completesports.com/gallant-super-falcons-narrowly-lose-2-1-to-usa-in-friendly-game/

Ajax defender Daley Blind is impressed with his new teammate Calvin Bassey and praised the Nigerian former club Rangers for providing them with a ready made star.

Bassey has made an impressive start to life at the club following his transfer from Rangers this summer.

The 22-year-old has formed a solid partnership with Jurien Timber in the heart of defence
“Already we can see that he (Calvin Bassey) is a big talent,”Blind was quoted by the Daily Record.

“We can see he is strong and enjoys the physical side of the game – but he is also comfortable on the ball and playing out from the back – and that is the style of football threat we try to play at Ajax.

“Rangers must take credit for the player he is and his development. He is a young player still and as a young player it is so important where you can be at a club where you will play and where they obviously want to develop you – and Rangers was that club for him.

” Now he is at Ajax we hope his development can go up a level and he can become one of the best defenders in Europe.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/ajax-defender-blind-talks-up-big-talent-bassey/

Anthony Joshua says he would be ready to fight World Boxing Council (WBC) Tyson Fury ‘in December’ after he proposed a “Battle of Britain” heavyweight clash, Sky Sports reports.

Talks had begun to match Fury with Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukrainian who defeated Joshua last month to defend the unified WBO, WBA and IBF belts, in an undisputed heavyweight championship fight.

But it has emerged that Usyk will not be able to box again this year which leaves Fury looking for an opponent.

The undefeated heavyweight champion now wants that to be Joshua.

“I think you’ve all heard that I’m going to be fighting soon within the next few months,” Fury said.“I think that before I announce an opponent that I need to do this just in case.

“Anthony Joshua, I know you’ve just lost a fight to Usyk and you’re bout-less at the moment, and I’d like to give you an opportunity to fight me for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world and the lineal championship in the next few months.

“You’re coming off a 12-round fight, so you’re match fit, you’re ready. I’m giving you a few months’ notice.

“If you’re interested I’ll send you the date over and we can rumble. A battle of Britain for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world.

“Let me know if you’re interested, if not I will select another opponent.”

Fury later repeated his offer to Joshua via Twitter on Monday evening, claiming he has both the “date and venue” arranged.

And Joshua has responded later that evening, directing Fury to his management team to discuss a deal.

“Yea calm,” Joshua posted. “I don’t do the online discussions just for clout, so if your really about it shout @258mgt.

“I’ll be ready in December.”


Source:https://www.completesports.com/joshua-replies-fury-over-world-title-fight-offer/

Ademola Lookman insists Atalanta must improve on their performance despite the club’s impressive start to the 2022/23 season.

The Nerazzuri shot to the top of the Serie A table after a hard-fought 2-0 win against Monza at the U-Power Stadium on Monday night.

It’s the first time Atalanta will occupy top position in the Italian top-flight.

The Nigeria international played a key role in the win with Rasmus Hojlund slotting home from his cross in the 57th minute.Marlon diverted his shot into the net eight minutes later for the second goal of the game.

“We’re working hard to be better,” Lookman said after the game.

The 24-year-old has scored one goal and provided one assist in five appearances for La Gea this season.

The Nerazzuri will take on Cremonese in their next league game.


Source: https://www.completesports.com/lookman-atalanta-will-keep-working-hard-despite-good-start-to-new-season/

Italy World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro has warned Napoli to put Liverpool into checks due to their goal scoring threats in Wednesday’s Champions League clash.

The two sides renew hostilities at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona prior to also meeting Ajax and Rangers in Group A, and the Partenopei have enjoyed a far better opening to their league season.

However, in a chat with Il Mattino, Cannavaro warned Napoli that the Reds are ruthless and cynical in front of goal.

“What a great night of football that awaits me. The Reds are ruthless, they are cynical, they live on the mistakes that their opponents make on the trocar, they press and push you to make mistakes. And as soon as it happens they punish you.

“The antennas must be raised to the maximum. It is a fundamental job what the various (Slaven) Lobotka, (Andre-Franck) Anguissa, (Piotr) Zielinski will have to do: because Liverpool hardly forgive you because they live on this.”


Source: https://www.completesports.com/ucl-beware-of-liverpool-cannavaro-warns-napoli/

Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa will undergo a medical with Premier League outfit Wolves on Tuesday, Sky Sports reports.

If Costa passes his medical, there is the possibility that he will be offered a contract by Wolves as they look to replace new signing Sasa Kalajdzic, who will visit a knee specialist after suffering an ACL injury at the weekend.

Costa is a free agent and Bruno Lage’s side are able to complete a deal to sign him outside the transfer window.

Wolves had been looking for a new striker since the start of the summer and thought they found the answer when they brought in Kalajdzic from Stuttgart in a £15.5m deal plus add-ons.

But the club confirmed in a statement on Sunday that Kalajdzichad picked up his long-term injury during his debut against Southampton, which Wolves won 1-0.

The setback was a double blow for Wolves on Saturday, with Lage losing striker Raul Jimenez to injury in the warm-up, with the Mexican striker having on-and-off injury problems since the start of pre-season this summer.

“Sasa felt a pain in his knee late in the first half against Southampton. Unfortunately, scans reveal an anterior cruciate injury and he will see a knee specialist tomorrow [Monday],” a statement from Wolves read. “We now need to support Sasa in his recovery and further updates will follow.

Since leaving Chelsea in the summer of 2017, Costa spent three-and-a-half years at Atletico Madrid, scoring 19 goals in 81 matches in all competitions, before his contract was mutually terminated in December 2020.

He joined Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro in August 2021 and scored five times in 19 games, but saw his contract terminated in January of this year.

Costa has spent the last eight months away from football but could make a stunning move back to the Premier League should his trial end up being successful.


Source: https://www.completesports.com/ex-chelsea-star-costa-set-for-wolves-medical-tuesday/

Former Arsenal and Chelsea star Willian is set for a remarkable return to the Premier League with a move to newly promoted Fulham, the Daily Mail reports.

The Craven Cottage club are working to sign the former Brazil international on a free transfer and hope to compete the deal on Tuesday.

Willian has been training with Fulham as he prioritised a return to England this summer.

The 34-year-old left Brazilian club Corinthians earlier this month and is a free agent.

He got offers from several clubs across Europe but Fulham are firmly in pole position to sign Willian who impressed Marco Silva during his training stint.

There is no immediate rush for Willian to sign for a new club because he is a free agent meaning he can join a team outside the transfer window – that closes on August 31.

But Fulham expect to complete the deal in the next 48 hours.

Earlier this month Willian revealed he agreed to terminate his contract with Corinthians because of relentless death threats on social media he and his family were subjected to by angry fans.

He also said that the level of violence among Brazilian supporters was among the reasons behind his departure after less than a year at the club.

In an interview with Globo Esporte, Willian said the hostile atmosphere created by furious supporters, who he said threatened him and his family if he played poorly or if Corinthians lost, was the main reason for him leaving the club.

“The reasons for my departure are the threats I suffered, especially my family,” he said.

“The threats never stopped. Whenever Corinthians lost and if sometimes I was not doing well in the game, my family received threats, curses on social media. My wife, my daughters, after a while they also started attacking my father, my sister.

“When I returned to Brazil, I came back with a lot of desire to play for Corinthians.

“I knew the pressure, the demands, the criticism I would receive, but I did not come to Brazil to be threatened, to have my family threatened with every game I lost or if I didn’t play a good game. That’s the main reason.”


Source: https://www.completesports.com/willian-close-to-premier-league-return-with-fulham/

Former England forward, Garry Birtles, has slammed Alex Iwobi and his teammates’ atrocious defending in the lead-up to Brentford’s goal in the 1-1 draw with Everton at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday, but is particularly irked by the Nigeria winger’s role in the howler.

Anthony Gordon scored the first goal for Everton in the 24th minute with a well-placed left-footed strike. Vitaly Janelt equalised in the 84th minute after a corner-kick for the home team – an easy tap-in when Kean Lewis-Potter flicked the ball off the corner-kick swung into the box by Mathias Jensen.

While speaking live on the world feed match commentary about the 200
22/23 Premier League matchday 4 game, as quoted by Goodisonnews.com, Birtles chided Iwobi and his teammates’ defending.

“I tell you what, that defending was abysmal, absolutely abysmal. Look at this, how many blue shirts are there? There’s the flick, who’s picking up (who)? Look at Iwobi, stood there not looking. This is scandalous defending,” Birtles remarked.

“It looked offside there but Iwobi, he’s just stood there look, what’s he doing!? How many blue shirts can you see there? Four in a line with no red and white shirts there. One man in there, scores a goal this is shocking.

“Pickford’s gone mad and rightly so. Pickford’s still going absolutely berserk at his defenders… Iwobi was just looking at nothing but there were four teammates also doing similar. Nobody picked anybody up, all of them were like statues, and it was just a simple tap-in.

“It’s a flick on, then somebody else picks up. Nobody was watching what was going on whatsoever, and I think that’s what’s annoyed Pickford so much.”

Iwobi has made five appearances in all competitions for Everton this season and has registered one assist.

He has scored 10 goals in 58 appearances for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Everton are currently 17th in the Premier League with two points after matchday four.


Source: https://www.completesports.com/birtles-slams-iwobi-teammates-poor-defending-in-everton-1-1-draw-at-brentford/

Two high-profile football administrators, Musa Amadu and Ibrahim Musa Gusau have declared their intentions to replace incumbent Amaju Pinnick as the next president of the Nigeria Football Federation.

In separate press conferences to declare their intentions, the two aspirants; Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, the Chairman of Chairmen in the current executive committee of the Nigeria Football Federation and Barrister Musa Amadu a former General Secretary of NFF, said they want to unify Nigerian football and put in the right conditions.

Musa Amadu who was the first to make his intentions known at a well-attended press conference in Abuja promised to get Nigerian football back on track by not only fixing the rot but getting it right, adding that transparency and integrity will be his watchword

“The new NFF under my watch will be encompassing and purpose-driven. I will constitute an Elders Committee that will comprise of past NFF presidents and general secretaries and prominent football personalities to advise my executive members,” Amadu told Completesports.com in an exclusive interview

“I will focus on resuscitation of female teams whose fortunes have plummeted in recent years. The youths and our leagues will also get priority attention under my leadership. The Super Eagles which is our biggest brand will be heavily backed to win laurels for the nation,” Amadu stated

On his part, Alhaji Gusau said his first task will be to unite the football family adding that without peace, much success will not be achieved in and out of the football pitch.

Gusau who is the chairman of Zamfara State Football Association said that while getting the blessings of the people of Zamfara stated that charity begins at home, hence his seeking the backing of his people

“Reinvigorating football at the grassroots will be key in my administration. I promise to prioritize youth football development across the country. I will also put my wealth of experience to work and ensure that we regain our lost glory,” Gusau, a CAF Youth Committee member, stated.

“My administration will be transparent and I will ensure that all stakeholders are involved in the development of the game in the country.”


Source: https://www.completesports.com/nff-elections-amadu-gusau-join-race-to-replace-pinnick/

Ogenyi Onazi was in action as the Home Eagles rallied back from two goals down to beat local side Mahanaim 3-2 in a friendly match at the practice pitch of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

Onazi played the first 45 minutes of the thrilling encounter.

The midfielder is training with the team to keep fit as he look to secure a move to a foreign club.

Mahanaim scored two quick goals in the first half before the Home Eagles rallied back after the break to win the game.

Salisu Yusuf’s side will face AS Roma Academy in their second friendly.

The Eagles are preparing for the 2023 African Nations Championship qualifiers against Ghana.

The first leg is billed for the Cape Coast Stadium on August 28, while the reverse fixture will take place in Abuja.

The overall winners will qualify for CHAN 2023 to be hosted by Algeria.


Source: https://www.completesports.com/onazi-in-action-as-home-eagles-beat-local-side-in-friendly/

Former Manchester United winger, Nani, has disclosed that Cristiano Ronaldo has made up his mind to leave Old Trafford.

Nani in an interview with Rio Ferdinand’s VIBE WITH FIVE Podcast, stated that the Portuguese international doesn’t have time” to be part of a long-term project at the club.

“It’s a long time since we played together and Cristiano is not a kid anymore.

“Times change and the reactions and attitude can change as well. But, as we see, he’s doing the same things as usual; he doesn’t like to lose, he reacts when the team is not doing well.

“But the only difference is that it’s different times. He’s playing again at Man United but he’s been all over the world doing well at different teams with different players. He’s in a team where the managers are trying to build a strong team and it’s not easy, it takes time.

“For Cristiano, he doesn’t have time to lose on building teams or waiting for the next season. He wants to continue to be at the top, scoring goals, being the man. That’s why the reaction is normal, we all have the wrong reactions sometimes.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/nani-why-ronaldo-is-desperate-to-leave-man-united/

Chelsea American winger Christian Pulisic is being linked with a move to Manchester United.

United have failed to get deals for Barcelona’s Frenkie De Jong and Juventus’s Adrien Rabiot over the line, and have now switched their focus to US international Pulisic.

And according to the Mirror, Chelsea have received an inquiry from United to sign Pulisic, with the request likely to be rebuffed by the London club, who would be more interested in a loan deal.

Pulisic, who United were interested in before Chelsea signed him from Borussia Dortmund for £58million in 2019, has two years left on his current deal and is frustrated at his limited playing time.

The 23-year-old was a substitute in Chelsea’s opening two Premier League games this season and has played just 30 minutes in total from the bench.

United boss Erik ten Hag is looking for a versatile attacker who can provide a threat from out wide on the right, with Pulisic fitting the profile of the player he wants.

As well as United, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are also understood to have registered their interest in Pulisic, who is desperate for more game-time ahead of the World Cup this winter.

It is understood Chelsea’s willingness to let Pulisic leave, either on loan or in a permanent switch, is dependent on their ability to bring in a replacement for him.

Chelsea have so far had two offers rejected for Everton forward Anthony Gordon, with United’s pursuit of Pulisic looking like resting on whether or not the Blues can close that deal or bring in an alternative.


Source: h[b]ttps://www.completesports.com/chelseas-pulisic-linked-with-move-to-man-united/[/b]

Former Nigerian striker, Jonathan Akpoborie believes the partnership of Emmanuel Dennis and Taiwo Awoniyi in the attacking line of Nottingham Forest will cause nightmare for other teams in the Premier League.

Recall that Dennis recently joined the Forest from Watford and is expected to form a strong partnership with his Nigerian compatriot.

At the weekend, Awoniyi netted Nottingham Forest’s only goal in their 1-0 win over West Ham in the Premier League.

However, in a chat with Completesports.com, the former Wolfsburg striker stated that the Awoniyi’s power play and Dennis’ brilliant goal scoring sense will cause havoc for most teams in the league.

“The arrival of Dennis to Nottingham Forest is good move that will benefit Awoniyi, most especially if they are paired together in the attack.

“No doubt they will be deadly and difficult to handle for defenders in the Premier League. We know what Dennis can do and I believe his experience will count for Nottingham Forest.”


Source: https://www.completesports.com/exclusive-awoniyi-dennis-combo-will-be-deadly-for-nottingham-forest-in-epl-akpoborie/

Erik ten Hag has said that Marcus Rashford will remain with Manchester United this season amid interest from Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint Germain in the forward.

It emerged this week that PSG had met with representatives of Rashford as they look to bolster their options this summer.

However, speaking ahead of United’s trip to Brentford in the Saturday teatime game, Ten Hag stated that Rashford remains an important part of the Red Devils squad this season.

“He’s really important, you have seen from the first day I’m here, I’m really happy with him,” Ten Hag said.

“I don’t want to lose him he’s definitely in our plans at Manchester United.”

Rashford will hope to help United bounce back from their disappointing opening day 2-1 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford, when they head to London to face Brentford.

The United academy graduate had a big opportunity to draw United level with the scoreline at 2-1 but saw his effort come off Brighton’s keeper despite going one on one.


Source: https://www.completesports.com/ten-hag-opens-up-on-rashford-man-united-future-amid-interest-from-psg/

Timo Werner says both RB Leipzig and former club Chelsea share similar high ambitions.

On Tuesday Werner completed a permanent move thought to be worth in the region of €30 million back to Leipzig.

The German international is keen to kick-start his career ahead of the World Cup in Qatar after a disappointing two-year spell at Stamford Bridge.

He joined Chelsea in 2020 for €50m, opting not to take part in Leipzig’s rescheduled Champions League quarterfinal against Atletico Madrid — delayed due to COVID-19 — to give himself more time to adapt to English football.

Werner started well, scoring eight goals in his first 12 games up to mid-November, but managed just four more for the rest of the campaign as a loss of form and confidence set in.

Chelsea signed Romelu Lukaku for a club-record €115m last summer in a fresh challenge to Werner, but head coach Thomas Tuchel began to favour Kai Havertz as his central striker.

Although Lukaku has now returned to Inter on loan, Chelsea beat Everton 1-0 in their first game of the Premier League season with Havertz leading the line.

Tuchel’s side are in the market for another forward, and Barcelona’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is among those under consideration.

Werner was completely left out of the Chelsea squad for the match against Everton as talks with Leipzig continued.

He has scored 23 goals in 89 appearances for Chelsea and although Tuchel is thought to be reluctant to part with the forward given the wider pressure to strengthen the squad, there is recognition the midseason World Cup has heightened the player’s fears over a lack of regular action.

And speaking after rejoining Leipzig, Werner was quoted on the Bundesliga club’s Twitter handle:”I’m really pleased to be back in Leipzig. The last 24 hours have been really exciting and it’s been a lot of fun to see so many familiar faces again.

“I had a good time in England. I learnt a lot and got to know a new league. At the same time, Leipzig developed a lot too. They’ve won a title and have the same high ambitions as Chelsea.”

Werner confessed that he always followed Leipzig’s performances while at Chelsea and stated that he had a good partnership with Christopher Nkunku in his first stint with the club.

“Christopher Nkunku and I worked well together in the past. I always followed Leipzig and I know that there’s a lot of quality here. I want to play my part in that.

“I think RB Leipzig’s style of football is a good mix of controlled attacking and fast counters. I want to use my quality to help make the team even better.

“I’ve always felt very at home in Leipzig. I’m comfortable here and it’s also important for me to be a bit closer to my family.”

He added:”I will do my best to get back into the knack of scoring as many goals as possible. Individual awards take second priority for me. There are a lot of good attackers in the league and more goals are being scored in general.”

“I think the level of general encouragement there has been since the announcement is fantastic. I’m delighted to be back here. The fans have always supported me in Leipzig and I’m delighted to be able to play in front of them again.”


Source: https://www.completesports.com/leipzig-have-same-high-ambitions-as-chelsea-werner/

Paris Saint-Germain have joined Chelsea in the race for Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana.

According to Le Parisien, PSG are ready to scupper Chelsea’s plans to sign the centre-back.

The Blues have had two bids rejected for the 21-year-old – the most recent of which was an offer for £70million.

As the Blues have found out, it could take a mammoth bid for the Ligue 1 champions to convince Leicester to sell their star defender.

Brendan Rodgers insisted three times last week that the defender was not for sale.

The Leicester boss has held talks with the French U21 international, in an attempt to convince the player to stay at the King Power Stadium.


Source: https://www.completesports.com/psg-to-rival-chelsea-for-fofana/

Alex Iwobi has revealed the secret behind his new-found form at Premier League club, Everton, reports Completesports.com.

Iwobi has enjoyed a new lease of life at the Goodison Park under manager Frank Lampard.

The Nigeria international stood out during the club’s push for survival last season and continued from there with another another superb showing in the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea last weekend.

Iwobi stated that a private chat with Lampard was key to his performance against the Blues.

“I had a meeting with the manager before the game (vs Chelsea) who told me – especially when we are going on the attack – that I should look around and be aware of my surroundings,” Iwobi told evertontv

“It helped me going into the game and felt like I did okay.

“I felt quite comfortable in midfield. The defence was always talking to me and helping me, so I was always in the right positions at the right times.”

He added: “The gaffer is always talking to me, motivating me and telling me to go out and express myself, kick on from last season, and I feel like I’ve done that so far.

“But it’s a long season, it’s a marathon and there’s a long way to go.”


Source: https://www.completesports.com/iwobi-lampard-has-boosted-my-self-belief/

Tosin Adarabioyo put up an impressive performance as Fulham were held to 2-2 draw by Liverpool at the Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon.

Adarabioyo was in action for 90 minutes in the thrilling encounter.

Aleksandar Mitrovic put Fulham ahead with a header two minutes after the half hour mark.

Liverpool rallied back with substitute Darwin Nunez netting the equaliser off a cross from Mohamed Salah in the 64th minute.

Mitrovic scored for the second time in the game in the 72nd minute converting from the spot after he was fell inside the box by Virgil van Dijk.

Salah restored parity for Liverpool 10 minutes from time.

The visitors came close claiming all three points in stoppage time when Jordan Henderson effort cannoned off the crossbar.


Source: https://www.completesports.com/premier-league-adarabioyo-impresses-as-liverpool-hold-fulham/

Chelsea have announced the signing of Marc Cucurella on a six-year deal from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Blues paid £55m plus £7m add-ons for the Spaniard.

“Following reports from numerous media outlets this week, we can confirm an agreement has been reached with Brighton and Hove Albion for the signing of Marc Cucurella,” reads a tweet on the club’s official website.

Cucurella leaves Albion after a year at the club, having joined from Getafe last summer.

The left-back made 35 appearances for the club, scoring one goal and making two assists.

He won Brighton & Hove Albion’s Players’ Player and Supporters’ Player of the season at the end of season awards back in May.

The defender has represented Spain from U-16s all the way up to senior level, making his senior team debut in a 4-0 win against Lithuania in June 2021 and represented Spain at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, where he won a silver medal.


Source: https://www.completesports.com/official-cucurella-joins-chelsea-on-six-year-contract/

Arsenal have sent their Nigerian striker Folarin Balogun on a season-long loan to Ligue 1 outfit Stade de Reims.

The Gunners announced the loan move on their website on Wednesday.

“Folarin Balogun has joined Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims on a season-long loan.

“The 21-year-old forward joined our academy in 2012 aged 10 and showcased an impressive goalscoring record throughout youth football.

“The 2020/21 season saw Flo make his first-team debut, as well as signing a long-term contract with the club.

“The American-born striker made an immediate impact following his breakthrough when he scored twice in the Europa League from just five substitute appearances

“Flo spent the second half of last season on loan at Championship side Middlesborough, where he made 21 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and assisting three times.

“Everyone at Arsenal wishes Flo all the best this coming season with Stade de Reims.

“The loan deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.”

Born in the United States to Nigerian parents and raised in England, Balogun is eligible to represent all three nations at international level.


Source: https://www.completesports.com/official-balogun-joins-french-club-reims-on-loan/