Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.
— Oscar Wilde.
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NPFL unfavourable rule
The Nigerian Professional Football League under the guidance of the League Management Company(LMC) has honoured Silas Nwankwo of Nasarawa United FC with the Award of the highest goalscorer for the Nigerian professional football league (NPFL) 2020-2021 season.
This was made possible following his late header in his team’s 3-1 defeat to Abia Warriors on the last day of the season ahead of Charles Atshimene of Akwa United fc who scored the same number of goals.
The League management company’s rules states that when two players or more are tied on the same amount of goals at the end of the season, the player that scores fewer amount of goals from the penalty spot will be awarded the golden Boot as the Recognized highest goalscorer.
We,However,ponder on how fair this may be on other players who put in as much considerable efforts as the named winner to the point of scoring the same number of goals only to be denied a personal honour for not scoring fewer penalty Goals.
It’s quite understandable that the rule has been in operation for a long time but the league management company can review such rules as it is very unfair to not just Atshimene but other players who might find themselves in the same Scenario in the near future.
The prize for the highest goalscorer (#3.8 Million) which sees each goal going for #200,000 as is Issued could be shared between the two players that jointly scored the highest goals.
Getting or creating chances on goal is not an easy task whether it’s from open play, from inside the 18 yard box or from the spot. Some people even argue that it is easier to score from open play than to score a penalty. Hence, depriving a player of his rights just because he scored more goals through penalty sounds rather irrational.
Rules like this may call for Readjustments if Nigerian professional football league is to be moved from its current level to a more competitive level.
Aston villa confirms signing of Bailey
Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of Jamaica forward Leon Bailey from Bayer Leverkusen on a four-year deal.
Villa announced an agreement for the transfer had been reached with the Bundesliga side on Saturday.
Several of England’s top clubs, including Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool were tracking the Jamaica international last summer, but were put off by the £40m price tag.
Bailey was offered to Premier League clubs this summer following Leverkusen’s failure to qualify for the Champions League.
The 23-year-old completed his medical and agreed personal terms on a contract until 2025.
“Leon is a hugely exciting young striker with great pace and creativity,” said Villa boss Dean Smith.
“He has enjoyed a successful career at Leverkusen and we are now looking forward to watching him show his skills and talents for Aston Villa in the Premier League.”
Bailey, who has 10 international caps for Jamaica, scored 39 goals in three-and-a-half seasons for Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, as well as featuring in the Champions League and Europa League.
AKGISTS
Everton confirms the signing of James
Everton have completed the signing of James Rodriguez from Real Madrid for a reported £22 million ($29m) fee.
The Colombia international signed a two-year contract with an option for a third as he reunites with Carlo Ancelotti, who brought him to Real Madrid in 2014 from Monaco.
The midfielder then teamed up with Ancelotti again at Bayern Munich, where he spent two seasons on loan before returning to the Spanish capital last year.
Liverpool demands £20 for forward
Liverpool has demanded for clubs interested in signing Harry Wilson to pay £20 for his signature. The 23 year old Welsh player spent the 2019-2020 premier league campaign at Bournemouth.
A report from the Liverpool Echo has looked at his future and it appears that there is plenty of interest, but Liverpool’s firm stance on loan offers is becoming a problem.
It now seems like Liverpool see no further value in letting him go out on loan, while they’ve also demanded that any interested teams pay £20m or move on.
They go on to suggest that Newcastle, Leeds and Southampton are all interested, so it’s possible that they just aren’t convinced he’s worth the outlay at this point.
He’s proven that he can play in the Premier League and he should be a good purchase for a mid table side – he may even have the quality to kick on and make Liverpool regret their decision.
At the moment it looks like there is an impasse and it doesn’t look like anything will change straight away, so it won’t be a surprise if he does end up going on loan with an option or an obligation to buy next summer if nothing changes.
There are a few players at Liverpool who have demonstrated their quality during loan spells away from the club, but it just looks like the leap to the first team is too much for them at this stage.
Harry Wilson is a prime example after four loan spells already, but he’s 23 years old and it’s probably time for him to move on. (caughtoffside)
Manchester United confirms signing of Van Beek
Manchester United have signed Donny van de Beek from Ajax for a fee rising to £39m and on a five-year deal.
The midfielder moves to Old Trafford for a fee of €39m (£34.6m) – plus another €5m (£4.4m) in add-ons – and has signed a contract until June 2025 after completing a medical in the Netherlands on Monday.
The 23-year-old will travel to the UK after his country’s Nations League games against Poland (September 4) and Italy (September 7). The completion of the deal before those fixtures means he will not need to self-isolate for 14 days, the government confirmed to The Transfer Show.
Van de Beek said: “I cannot begin to explain how incredible an opportunity it is to join a club with such an amazing history. I would like to thank everyone at Ajax, I grew up there and I will always have a special bond with the club. I am now ready to take the next step in my career and perform at the highest level and there is no higher standard than Manchester United.
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk admits he is pleased for his Dutch team-mate Van de Beek ahead of the midfielder’s £40m move to Manchester United
“Everyone has told me how amazing the Old Trafford atmosphere is and I am looking forward to experiencing that, once it is safe for the fans to return.
“This team has some of the best midfielders in the world and I know that I can learn from them and also bring my own strengths to the group. Having spoken to the manager about his vision for this team, the direction that the club is going in is hugely exciting and I cannot wait to be a part of that.”
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was delighted to complete the deal, and said: “Donny has all of the technical attributes needed to perform in this team and has the personality required to succeed at Manchester United. His ability to see space, time his movements and read the game will really complement the qualities that we have in midfield and his arrival really strengthens the depth of talent we have in that position.
“Donny’s performances in the Eredivisie and in Europe have been excellent over the last few years and we are all looking forward to working with him.”
United had scouted Van de Beek extensively, with the player left out of Ajax’s squad for the Dutch champions’ friendly with Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday amid rumours of an imminent move away.
Van de Beek helped Ajax reach the 2018-19 Champions League semi-finals, scoring four goals along the way and 41 in all competitions over the last three seasons.
He had been repeatedly linked with a move over the past few months, with Ajax chief executive Edwin van der Sar revealing in May the midfielder
would be allowed to leave , but only for a suitable fee.
Van de Beek has made 10 appearances for the Netherlands
The player was also close to joining Real Madrid prior to the coronavirus pandemic, but did not undergo a medical or sign an agreement with the club.
Van de Beek becomes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first signing of the summer transfer window and could make his debut when United begin their Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on September 19, live on Sky Sports .
In May, Ajax chief executive Edwin van der Sar said Van de Beek would be allowed to leave for the right price
Donny van de Beek has been a key figure for Ajax over the last three seasons, helping them reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2018/19 and scoring 41 goals in 175 appearances overall.
He had been scouted extensively by Manchester United, according to Sky Sports News , but will Ole Gunnar Solskjaer be able to fit him into the same midfield as Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba?
Van de Beek was a key figure for Ajax in the Eredivisie last season. (Skysports)
“This weekend is not an ideal moment to play community shield ” Says Arsenal boss
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said this weekend is ‘not an ideal moment to play’ the Wembley curtain-raiser against Jurgen Klopp’s Premier League champions
Arsenal’s Community Shield plans have been hit by up to four players reportedly returning late to training after self-isolating.
Mikel Arteta’s FA Cup winners face Premier League champions Liverpool in Saturday’s traditional curtain-raiser to the season at Wembley.
But Gunners boss Arteta says “it’s not an ideal moment to play”, with some of his players having been in quarantine.
Goalkeeper Emilano Martinez, who impressed during the restart after Bernd Leno’s injury, has been self-isolating following a holiday in Portugal.
The Argentine is free to play on Saturday after his quarantine period ended – however he was forced to return late to pre-season training, and could find he has lost his place to Leno.
Two more unnamed players are also self-isolating, according to Mail Online.
The new Premier League campaign will on start September 12, with last season having only concluded in July due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Arteta suggested this weekend was not the best time for the Community Shield clash, which normally takes place a week before the league campaign begins.
“We’ve been through all the different moments with the restrictions and rules from the government and Premier League testing,” said the Arsenal boss.
“It’s all so unexpected what is going to happen from day to day.
“But we are trying to adapt and to get the team in the best possible shape to compete on Saturday.
“We’ve only had two training sessions and this game comes right in the middle of our mini pre-season, so it’s not an ideal moment to play.”
With Martinez having returned late to training, Leno could get the nod to play in goal on Saturday, having fully recovered from a knee injury. (Mirror Sports)
Maguire arrested in Greece
Manchester United’s Harry Maguire has been arrested in Greece amid extraordinary allegations from the Hellenic Police including “attempted bribery” and assaulting local officers.
The United captain, 27, was detained in the early hours of Thursday local time with two other men in Mykonos and is set to face a public prosecutor in Syros, an adjacent island which handles public order in the southern Aegean. His hearing is set for Saturday morning which means two nights in a jail cell.
His club have been trying to find out whether there is substance to claims police were “insulted” and struck when they confronted the group Maguire was socialising with during his summer holiday.
Maguire was with team-mates Marcus Rashford and Brandon Williams during the day on the island that has been popular with Premier League footballers. It was later that evening when police were called to a confrontation between two groups of men.
The Hellenic Police released a statement on their official website astynomia.gr following the arrest, alleging assault and “attempted bribery”.
“Three foreigners, aged 27, 28, and 29, were arrested in Mykonos by police officers of the Mykonos Police Department (for) disobedience, bodily harm, insult and attempted bribery of an employee,” read the statement from the Hellenic Police.
“In particular, early this morning, patrolling police officers in the area of Mykonos intervened and normalized a dispute between citizens, however, three foreigners involved in the incident turned against them, insulting and hitting a police officer with fists.
“The three foreigners were taken to the Mykonos Police Station, where upon their arrival they strongly resisted, pushing and beating three police officers. One of the detainees then tried to offer money so that the trial against them would not be completed. The arrested are taken to the Syros Prosecutor’s Office.”
United made contact with Maguire on Friday morning and say the England centre-back is “fully cooperating” with police.
“The club is aware of an alleged incident involving Harry Maguire in Mykonos last night,” read a statement from United. “Contact has been made with Harry, and he is fully cooperating with the Greek authorities. At this time we will be making no further comment.”
Mykonos has been a favoured destination of footballers during the small gap between seasons, with no restrictions yet on quarantine on return to the UK to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
United moved swiftly to get in touch with Maguire when reports emerged of an arrest and they say he is helping police.
The Proto Thema newspaper first reported the story of the arrest and their website showed video footage of Maguire mixing with people in a Mykonos bar. He posed with fans for selfies and it was reported that his name was chanted on the streets when he was spotted in Mykonos.
They say after the arrest the three were detained at Mykonos police station where they were detained, with a boat required to travel to face the public prosecutor around 30 miles away in Syros.
While United are looking to establish the facts around the incident, it will come as an embarrassment that their club captain has been arrested on holiday. Maguire is also in Gareth Southgate’s leadership group of senior players who come together to make decisions while on international duty.
The former Sheffield United academy product has been a high-profile player since becoming one of Southgate’s key players to reach the 2018 World Cup final in Russia. The following summer he secured his record-breaking move to Old Trafford, becoming the most expensive defender in football.
Since the World Cup he has insisted that he would carry on life as normal with his friends from Sheffield where he grew up, which includes going to coffee and have Nandos when he is not training with his club.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer started Maguire in every Premier League game last season and wants to build his defence around his skipper. While some players have returned to the club’s Carrington training base, Maguire was among those granted a holiday time after featuring in the Europa League knockout stages, which were held in Germany. ( Daily Telegraph UK)
Manchester City completes the signing of Ake
Manchester City have completed the signing of defender Nathan Ake from Bournemouth for £41m on a five-year deal.
The 25-year-old underwent his medical in Manchester on Wednesday, after City agreed a deal with relegated Bournemouth for the Netherlands international last week.
Ake becomes City’s second signing of the delayed summer transfer window, after the club landed Spain U21 winger Ferran Torres from Valencia.
“City have been the best side in England over the course of the last decade,” Ake told Man City’s website.
“Coming here is a dream for me. This is a top side full of world-class players. Everywhere you look in this squad there are big names with international pedigree.
“Pep (Guardiola) is a manager admired across the world – what he’s done in the game speaks for itself.
“The success he’s had is unbelievable and the style of football he plays really appeals to me. I know I’m going to have to work hard to get into the side, but that’s what I’m here to do.”
He wrote: “I want to say goodbye after a fantastic time at Bournemouth.
“I want to thank everybody involved with the club for everything over the past years! I’ve had a fantastic few years playing at Dean Court learning so much and creating some amazing memories!
“Thank you to all the staff and players who made me feel welcome from the first minute. Because of you I am now able to make this next step.
“Lastly I would like to thank all the fans who’ve been amazing to me from the minute I arrived. Unfortunately we couldn’t bring this to a good end but I am sure we will see each other again in the future!”
Analysis: Is Ake what City need?
Charlie Nicholas is not sure whether Nathan Ake will be a regular for City
Sky Sports’ Adam Smith:
Of the current Premier League defenders aged 25 or under, only Hector Bellerin and Luke Shaw have racked up more top-flight appearances than Ake.
For all the flowing, attacking football, Guardiola’s side are shipping almost one goal per game – the same ratio as his inaugural season before the serious rebuild.
To put a figure on it: the defence is currently 34 per cent less efficient, compared with last season.
Much was made of how City failed to replace Vincent Kompany after his departure from the club, but it was the serious injury to Laporte which exposed the cracks.
Without Laporte, City’s weaknesses were laid bare. Even with Laporte, a natural partner is missing.
Nicolas Otamendi, John Stones and Eric Garcia have been tested, but Guardiola has still preferred to play veteran midfielder Fernandinho as one of the pair. Fellow midfielder Rodri has played there, too.
The lessons are clear. City are scintillating in attack and have emerging stars in those areas to fill veteran voids, but needed to splash cash on at least one centre-back this summer.
City want four more signings
Kalidou Koulibaly has long been linked with City
Despite a busy start to the post-coronavirus transfer window, Manchester City want four more arrivals following the signings of Torres and Ake.
Defenders are now the priority, but deals for both a left-back and a second centre half, most likely Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, are still some way off.
Further up the pitch, City face the daunting task of finding long-term replacements for two Premier League legends in David Silva and Sergio Aguero.
Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez remains the number one choice to fill the number 9 shirt, while The Athletic have reported City had enquired about the availability of Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix, who has endured a difficult start following his £113m move last year from Benfica. (skyports)
Spanish icon Iker Casillas retires at 39
Real Madrid and Spain legend Iker Casillas announced on Tuesday his retirement at the age of 39.
The former goalkeeper has not played since he suffered a heart attack in training with FC Porto in May 2019.
“This is the most important day and at the same time one of the most difficult of my sporting career, the time has come to say goodbye,” Casillas wrote in a letter posted on Twitter.
“I have been very fortunate to make a career out of something that I am passionate about, something that fills me and makes me happy.
“My football career started 30 years ago and it has been a long path and like any journey, it’s had its good times and sad times. Looking back and at this stage of my life, I can say it’s been well worth it.”
Casillas went on to thank Real Madrid and Porto as well as all of his teammates and coaches.
“Real Madrid wants to show its recognition, admiration and affection for one of the biggest legends of our club and of world football,” a statement from the La Liga side read.
“The best goalkeeper in the history of Real Madrid and Spanish football joined us at the age of nine.
“He was formed here and defended our shirt for 25 years, becoming one of our most emblematic captains of all time. Iker Casillas earned the love of Madridismo and is a symbol of the values that Real Madrid represents.”
Casillas won the Champions League on three occasions at Madrid and also helped them to five La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey triumphs, the Spanish Super Cup four times as well as the UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and Intercontinental Cup and two occasions each.
His 177 Champions League appearances remains a record and he earned 167 caps for Spain, who he captained to World Cup glory in 2010, sandwiched in between two European Championship successes in 2008 and 2012.
Casillas’ last game was a 2-2 league draw at Rio Ave on April 26, 2019 — his 156th game since joining Porto on a free transfer in the summer of 2015.
He served as an intermediary between players and coaching staff at Porto in the 2019-20 season before his contract with the Portuguese champions expired last month.
Casillas had considered the possibility of running for president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) but recently stated he would not do so due to the coronavirus pandemic.
He is in advanced talks to return to Real Madrid as an advisor five years after his exit from the club.(ESPNFC)
Fulham promoted to Premier league
Fulham are back in the Premier League having beaten Brentford 2-1 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley.
Joe Bryan was the unlikely match-winner for the Cottagers, scoring twice in extra-time to earn his side victory in football’s richest game.
Fulham are back in the top-flight at the first attempt
Scott Parker masterminded Fulham’s promotion in his first full season in management
Scott Parker masterminded Fulham’s promotion in his first full season in management
In a tense and subdued west London derby, Scott Parker’s side created the better chances, but had a terrible misjudgement by Bees goalkeeper David Raya to thank for the opener in the 105th minute.
Bryan’s set-piece from 35 yards beat Raya at his near post and, while there were further goals in the second period of extra-time, it was this error by Brentford’s Spanish keeper which proved crucial.
The Craven Cottage club will earn around £135million for bouncing back from relegation last season and this result also gives rookie boss Parker a first success of his fledgling managerial career.
But it’s a devastating blow for Brentford, who narrowly missed out on automatic promotion and had been among the division’s outstanding teams this season.
Bryan was the hero for Fulham
Parker had made a surprise call before kick-off, with Aleksandar Mitrovic only named on the bench after a hamstring injury. It meant four-goal striker Aboubakar Kamara led the line for the Whites.
Fulham’s intentions were evident from early on, with Brentford playmaker Said Benrahma fouled twice during the opening eight minutes before Bees goalkeeper Raya had a nervy moment when he miscued his pass out from the back.
While a lot of the pre-match focus had been on Thomas Frank’s potent strike force, Josh Onomah went closest in the opening exchanges for Fulham when he forced a smart save after 18 minutes following a neat piece of skill inside the area.
Not long after the drinks break referee Martin Atkinson showed the first yellow card to Fulham midfielder Harrison Reed, who was fortunate it was only a caution, with Christian Norgaard caught high on the ankle.
Given the financial reward and the lure of top-flight football, it was predictably tense and remained goalless at the break.
Fulham came close to taking the lead shortly after the restart as Neeskens Kebano’s free-kick hit the side-netting.
Brentford striker Ollie Watkins then forced Marek Rodak into his first meaningful save when he drilled at goal from 20 yards, but the goalkeeper parried over.
Parker responded with Anthony Knockaert and Mitrovic ready and stripped, but only the former was introduced and, in another surprise, the lively Kebano was replaced.
With his fluorescent yellow bib back on, Fulham’s top goalscorer carried on his stretches before he did enter the fray in the 91st minute, yet he could not stop extra-time being required, with cautions more regular than chances.
A moment of magic or a mistake seemed the most likely way for the opener to arrive now and in the 105th minute a huge misjudgement by Raya proved costly.
Norgaard was booked for a foul on Onomah and, although Mitrovic was also cautioned for throwing Marcondes to the floor before the free-kick was taken, when it was the deadlock was broken by full-back Bryan.
Everyone expected the defender to produce a cross, but he curled a clever effort inside the near post from 35 yards on the left-hand side to stun Brentford and in particular Raya. It sparked wild celebrations, which only grew in the 117th minute.
Bryan got forward again and exchanged passes with Mitrovic before he slotted home for the first brace of his career.
Dalsgaard headed one back for Brentford in the fourth minute of stoppage time, but this was already Fulham’s night.(TalkSport)
Akgists 