Sports
Five Football Players Who Might Change the Club this Summer as a Free Agent
The contract is a big deal from both sides: it shows how desperately the club needs this particular player and how much he respects the badge. But in the end, it all gets to a couple of straightforward questions: how big will the salary be and how long will he stay.
The second part became the most uncomfortable one in the pandemic days. Many big clubs can’t splash their money as they used to, so they think more strategically. The players and their agents understand that and try to adapt to these new market rules.
The situation brings us to a moment when only the chosen clubs can keep on paying huge salaries to the main squad and those who will always be ready to replace them in the case of injury. The others are looking for ways to cut corners and might count only on the first eleven. The rest of the team will have to be less qualified to find the funds to strengthen the main squad.
Because of that, many rumours come to life, which soccer fans can find at https://bookmaker-ratings.com/, and they also make bets on the most intriguing transfers that might take place in summer. Since many top players’ contracts expire, we might see a lot of moves. Let’s check the most interesting ones.
Kylian Mbappe (PSG)
The French national star, unstoppable forward, and one of the fastest soccer players needs to make a big career decision. Different reports give some distorted information about a new prolongation offer from PSG. One joint statement is that Kylian needs to stay a Ligue 1 team player through the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. After that, Real Madrid can sign him for a fixed fee.
According to many sources, the Spanish club tries to save face. It will drop any subsequent negotiations with the Mbappe agent if he decides to further step into the PSG contract discussion.
Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
Chelsea is having a fun time working over a defender’s contracts extension this season. So far, only Thiago Silva and Trevoh Chalobah have made their decisions in favour of Londoners.
Azpilicueta wants a 2+1 contract, but the club never gives those to the age players, and he was offered 1+1. Barcelona wants him, and at 32, it might be the last chance to change the country, try himself in La Liga and get a big contract.
Christensen is tied to big clubs, such as Barcelona and Bayern Munich. The same can be said about Rudiger, but more potential buyers are lined up: in addition to those already mentioned, Real Madrid and Juventus would like to see him as their player.
Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
At the start of this season, nobody could predict that Pogba would leave the club: the French midfielder made four assists in a game versus Leeds, was magnificent on the field, and the manager loved him. But after that, the next step of the “Paul Pogba cycle” came to life: the interest in soccer gradually left him. He was everywhere in the first games: passing the ball, shooting, making tackles, and pressing the opponent.
By September, he was more or less attacking, and that’s about it. In November, there’s was no Pogba we’ve seen in summer: the player was barely making runs. The last thing he did on the field for United in Premier League was a red card acquisition in the Liverpool match last fall.
French last played under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Ralf Rangnick doesn’t think he will have a place in a new project. Although, if Pogba can and will be fit to help Manchester United this season, he is welcomed on the field.
The race for knockout spots in Europe’s elite football competitions reaches the crunch phase this week, with matchday seven action in the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.
The stakes are high with some of the big names in danger of elimination. From Tuesday to Thursday, GOtv will broadcast live action of some of the big matches. Here are the key matches you can access on GOtv:
Benfica vs Barcelona: The Catalans go to Portugal knowing a win will seal their qualification spot. But the job won’t be easy. Benfica have all to play for in this tie. With 10 points from their first 6 matches, only a win can keep them in a favourable position for the playoff spot. Watch this intriguing tie live on GOtv channel 65 at 9 pm tonight.
Atletico Madrid vs Bayern Leverkusen: This heavy-weight clash will be live on GOtv channel 64, tonight at 9 pm. Leverkusen are 4th in the table while Atletico are 11th, just a point behind their visitors. The coveted top eighth finish will be at stake in this clash, as all big teams try to avoid the two extra matches that come with finishing below 8th position.
Real Madrid vs Salzburg: The most successful team in UEFA Champions League history, Real Madrid, are in danger of crashing out in the group stage. Los Blancos sit 20th in the log and must win their remaining two matches, starting with this tie. Catch the action live on GOtv channel 64, at 9 pm on Wednesday.
Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb: With 5 teams tied on 13 points, the Gunners, though third in the table, know this is a perfect opportunity to solidify their claim to one of the top 8 slots. On the other hand, Dinamo Zagreb currently occupy the last playoff spot in the table, and thus have everything to play for. With Arsenal in unstable form, this could be a banana pill for them. This match will be live on GOtv channel 65, at 9 pm on Wednesday.
AC Millan vs Girona: With 7 UEFA Champions League titles, AC Milan are the second most successful team in the competition. The Rosonerri are just a point outside the top 8, and a win against Girona will surely put them in the top 8 and a chance to steal a rounf-of-16 slot. Watch the action unfold live from San Siro at 9pm on Wednesday on GOtv channel 62.
Manchester United vs Rangers: This British derby will be the key match of matchday 7 in the Europa League. Manchester United are 7th, one point ahead of Rangers in 8th. The need to avoid the two extra playoff matches will make this feisty encounter which will broadcast on GOtv at 9 pm on Thursday.
Customers can take advantage of the Step-Up offer to enjoy more football action across the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Champions League, and Europa League.
GOtv subscribers on the Jolli package who upgrade to Max will be upgraded to the Supa package, while those upgrading to Supa will enjoy access to the Supa Plus package within 48 hours. The offer runs till March 31. Simply dial *288# to renew or upgrade your subscription.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria made history after it beat New Zealand in one of the biggest ever upsets in the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia on Monday morning.
The Nigerian team, known as Young Female Yellow greens, defeated New Zealand by 2 runs in the World Cup. It is their first win against a non-African team in a major ICC tournament.
The Group C clash was played at the Sarawak Cricket Ground in Sarawak and was reduced to 13 overs per side encounter due to wet outfield.
Nigerian captain, Lucky Piety, and Lillian Udeh reached double-digits for Nigeria, scoring 18 and 19 runs, respectively.
Nigeria could only hit four fours and a six in their innings and at the halfway mark, creating opportunity for New Zealand to easily chase the target down.
The New Zealand U19 bowlers were able to restrict Nigeria to just 65 runs.
The intensity then saw both countries lose their openers with just seven runs on the board in 2.1 overs.
The New Zealand middle-order batters trio of Eve Wolland, Anika Todd and skipper Tash Wakelin lost their wickets at the wrong time.
Nigeria’s Udeh did really well in the final over to restrict the opposition conceding only three runs with the bat.
New Zealand could only score 63 runs in their 13 overs for the loss of six wickets and fell short eventually by two runs.
As soon as Captain Wakelin got run out on the last ball of the innings, Nigeria players began celebrating in ecstasy as they created history, knocking over one of the big full-member teams at the international level.
Nigeria skipper won the player of the match award for her all-round show scoring 18 runs and picking up one wicket for just eight runs in three overs.
Watch the highlights here.
The WWE Universe is in for an electrifying night this Friday as SmackDown returns to California. With high-stakes matches, dramatic returns, and the inaugural defense of the new WWE Women’s Champion, fans can expect a blockbuster evening of action. Catch all the drama live from San Diego, California, on WWE Network, GOtv Channel 68 at 1 am on Saturday.
Here’s a preview of what’s in store:
Motor City Machine Guns vs. Los Garzas: The Motor City Machine Guns, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, will clash with Angel and Humberto of Los Garzas in a high-octane tag team match.
Last week, Los Garzas triumphed over Pretty Deadly, while the Motor City Machine Guns took down A-Town Down Under. The stakes are high as these two powerhouse teams battle for the chance to become the next contenders for the Tag Team Championship, currently held by DIY’s Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano.
WWE Women’s Championship Match: Tiffany Stratton vs. Bayley: Bayley, the self-proclaimed “Role Model,” earned her shot at the WWE Women’s Championship last week in a grueling Fatal Four-Way match. Now, she faces her toughest challenge yet against the newly crowned champion, Tiffany Stratton.
Stratton seized her opportunity two weeks ago, cashing in her Money in the Bank contract to become the WWE Women’s Champion. Determined to keep “Tiffy Time” alive, she’s ready to prove she belongs at the top.
But Bayley, a Grand Slam Champion, brings over a decade of experience to this matchup. Will Stratton defend her title successfully, or will Bayley reclaim the championship she once held?
The Return of Solo Sikoa: Solo Sikoa returns to SmackDown after falling short in his quest to dethrone Roman Reigns as the Tribal Chief. Despite giving everything in their brutal showdown, Sikoa was left without the coveted Ula Fala.
With Reigns now focused on the Undisputed WWE Championship and an entry into the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble Match, the question remains: what’s next for Sikoa? Fans won’t have to wait long for answers, as the self-proclaimed former Tribal Chief will address the WWE Universe live this Friday.
Other WWE Superstars confirmed for this Episode of SmackDown: “Undisputed WWE Champion” Cody Rhodes, Nia Jax, United States Champion” Shinsuke Nakamura, La Knight, Women’s Tag Team Champions” – Bianca Belair & Naomi Prizefighter” Kevin Owens, The Enforcer” Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, Apollo Crews, among others are expected to make an appearance on the night.
Stay connected to your GOtv to enjoy Smackdown and other WWE action live by downloading the MyGOtv app or dial *288# to reconnect/upgrade your package.
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