REPUBLIC

‎Manchester United have reportedly struck an "agreement in principle" with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen ahead of a high-profile summer move, according to Tuttosport. The Red Devils are believed to be ready to activate the Nigerian forward's €75 million (£64m/$86m) release clause in an ambitious attempt to revamp their struggling attack. ‎ ‎Manchester United reach 'agreement in principle' with Victor Osimhen for summer transfer. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The 26-year-old goal machine, currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray, has reignited his career with a sensational run of form—netting 30 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions this season. Galatasaray have expressed interest in making the move permanent, but the lure of Premier League football and a leading role at Old Trafford could prove decisive. ‎ ‎Osimhen was the subject of strong interest from several English clubs last summer, notably Manchester United and Chelsea, but Napoli...

‎Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca will be absent from the touchline for the Blues’ next Premier League fixture after receiving a one-match suspension. The ban follows his exuberant celebrations during Chelsea’s thrilling 2-1 comeback win against Fulham at Craven Cottage. ‎ ‎' Enzo Maresca. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The west London derby delivered late drama, with Chelsea turning the game on its head in the final moments. Trailing with under ten minutes remaining, the Blues levelled through Tyrique George before Pedro Neto netted a 93rd-minute winner, sparking wild scenes among the Chelsea contingent. ‎ ‎Maresca, unable to contain his emotions, left the technical area and joined in the celebrations that spilled onto the pitch. The passionate reaction earned him a yellow card from referee Anthony Taylor—his third of the season—triggering an automatic one-match suspension under Premier League rules. ‎ ‎“It was a beautiful moment,” Maresca explained post-match. “We fough...

The Vatican has announced the death of Pope Francis, aged 88, following complications from a respiratory infection that developed into double pneumonia. The Pontiff passed away in hospital after weeks of treatment and a gradual health decline that had raised concerns worldwide. ‎ ‎Pope Francis delivers his blessing as he recites the Angelus noon prayer from the window of his studio overlooking St.Peter's Square, at the Vatican, on Jan. 19, 2025. ‎Andrew Medichini/AP ‎ ‎The Holy Father, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, made history in 2013 when he became the first Latin American pope and the first non-European to lead the Roman Catholic Church in over 1,300 years. He succeeded Pope Benedict XVI, whose resignation set the stage for a transformative and often controversial papacy. ‎ ‎Final Days and Farewell ‎ ‎Despite his fragile health, Francis made a surprise appearance on Easter Sunday, greeting thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square. His joyful ...

‎Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly begun the search for a long-term replacement for Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson, who continues to struggle with a persistent groin injury. Since joining City in 2017, Ederson has played a pivotal role in the club’s domestic and European success, securing multiple Premier League titles and the elusive UEFA Champions League crown. ‎ ‎' Ederson. ' ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎However, his recurring fitness issues this season have cast doubt over his reliability between the posts, prompting Guardiola and City’s management to explore alternatives. According to a report from The Mirror, FC Porto’s Diogo Costa has emerged as the leading candidate. The Portuguese international, widely regarded as one of Europe’s top young goalkeepers, has a €75 million (£63m) buy-out clause in a contract that runs until 2027. ‎ ‎' Diogo Costa. ' ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎While the release clause is viewed as steep by the City hierarchy, the...

‎Manchester City are positioning themselves at the front of the pack to sign Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, with the Premier League champions identifying the midfielder as a potential successor to Kevin De Bruyne. ‎ ‎ Manchester City target Morgan Gibbs-White as De Bruyne successor amid growing transfer race. ‎Getty Images  ‎ ‎De Bruyne, who has played a pivotal role in City’s dominance over the past nine years, is expected to depart the Etihad this summer, prompting Pep Guardiola and the club’s recruitment team to search for a creative midfielder capable of filling the Belgian's sizable boots. ‎ ‎While Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz has long been on City's radar, The Daily Mail reports that attention has now turned more decisively toward Gibbs-White, whose performances under Nuno Espirito Santo have caught the eye across Europe. ‎ ‎The 24-year-old England international has been central to Nottingham Forest’s surprise push for Champions League qualific...

‎As Manchester United prepare for a crucial Europa League second leg against Lyon, all eyes will inevitably fall on their most scrutinised figure—Andre Onana. Once hailed for his ball-playing ability and composure under pressure, the Cameroonian goalkeeper has become a lightning rod for criticism, controversy, and costly mistakes. His return to the starting XI at Old Trafford marks a pivotal moment—not just for United’s season, but potentially for Onana’s future at the club. ‎ ‎' André Onana. ' ‎Getty Images  ‎ ‎The past week has only intensified the spotlight. After a post-Manchester derby interview in which Onana confidently claimed United were "way better" than Lyon, his words were thrown back at him—most notably by former Red Devil Nemanja Matic, who labelled him "one of the worst goalkeepers in the history of Manchester United." Onana’s social media response added fuel to the fire, and a blundering performance in the 2-2 draw in France ensur...

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a summer move for Ajax teenage sensation Abdellah Ouazane, as the Premier League giants explore cost-effective options to strengthen their squad. According to the Daily Mail, the 17-year-old Moroccan has impressed with a string of standout performances at the Under-17 African Cup of Nations and is now firmly on the radar of the Old Trafford club. ' Jude Bellingham. ' Getty Images Sport  The talented midfielder, who has drawn stylistic comparisons to England international Jude Bellingham, is being monitored closely by United scouts. With Erik ten Hag’s side set to operate under a constrained transfer budget this summer, the Red Devils are prioritising the recruitment of high-potential youth prospects over big-money signings. Ouazane’s technical proficiency, vision, and maturity on the ball have marked him as one of Ajax’s brightest academy products. While any approach would require negotiations with the Dutch club, it is believ...

Manchester City staged a stirring comeback to claim a potentially season-defining 5-2 win over Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium, climbing into fourth in the Premier League and reviving their push for Champions League qualification. De Bruyne shines as Manchester City storm back to overcome Crystal Palace in 5-2 thriller. Getty Images (3) ‎ ‎Veteran playmaker Kevin De Bruyne was at the heart of the turnaround, delivering a vintage display that saw him score, assist, and dominate the midfield. With City trailing by two goals inside 21 minutes, the Belgian’s leadership and flair proved decisive in swinging the momentum. ‎ ‎Palace stunned the home crowd early when Ismaila Sarr broke free down the right and squared for Eberechi Eze to convert with ease after just six minutes. The visitors doubled their lead midway through the first half via USMNT international Chris Richards, who headed in a corner as goalkeeper Ederson misjudged his punch — marking Palace’s 14th set-piece g...

‎If you're a sports fan living in or visiting Abuja, there’s one place you shouldn’t miss—2go Restaurant in Wuse 2. This sports bar-style restaurant offers the perfect combination of delicious food, refreshing drinks, and an exciting atmosphere where sports fans can immerse themselves in their favorite games. Whether you're cheering on your team or simply enjoying a night out with friends, 2go Restaurant has everything you need for a memorable experience. ‎ Sports fans in Abuja love 2go—live games, great food, drinks and vibes make every match unforgettable. ‎ The Coral Room/Ivan Mathie ‎ ‎Here’s why it’s the best spot for sports enthusiasts in Abuja. ‎ ‎1 . Multiple TVs for All the Action ‎ ‎At 2go Restaurant, you won’t miss a single moment of the game. The establishment is equipped with multiple large-screen TVs placed strategically around the space, ensuring that you can watch the action no matter where you’re seated. From football to basketball, soccer to tennis...

‎Manchester City winger Jack Grealish has paid heartfelt tribute to Kevin De Bruyne following the Belgian midfielder’s announcement that he will leave the club this summer. The news marks the end of a glittering era at the Etihad for De Bruyne, who has been a cornerstone of City’s dominance under Pep Guardiola. ‎ ‎' Jack Grealish ' Ft. ' Manchester City. ' ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎De Bruyne, 33, confirmed his impending departure earlier this week via a personal message to supporters. The midfielder has been integral to Manchester City's recent success, amassing 15 major trophies—including six Premier League titles in the last seven seasons. ‎ ‎Tributes from across the football world have poured in, and among the most poignant was Grealish’s Instagram post, where the England international shared a collage of photos featuring the pair on and off the pitch. At the center of the post, Grealish wrote: "One of the reasons I joined City was to play alongside you b...

‎Ruben Amorim, the Portuguese coach who has had remarkable success against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City this season, has shared his approach to overcoming the Premier League giants. With a history of two wins against Guardiola's team, Amorim now aims to secure a third victory when Manchester United hosts Manchester City this weekend. ‎ ‎' Ruben Amorim ', ' Pep Guardiola. ' ‎Getty Images (2) ‎ ‎In the current season, Amorim’s Sporting side stunned City with a dominant 4-1 win in the Champions League group stage. This victory was followed by a thrilling comeback victory with Manchester United in December, when Amorim's team triumphed against Guardiola's side with a late surge. As both teams prepare to face each other once again, Amorim has shed light on what he believes contributed to his success. ‎ ‎Speaking to the press, Amorim humbly admitted that luck played a significant role in his victories. He said, "The secret [to beating City]...

‎Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP in the upcoming summer transfer window. As Mikel Arteta searches for a new striker, Gyokeres has become a top target, with the club looking to reinforce its attacking options. ‎ ‎' Viktor Gyoekeres. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎According to The Athletic, Arsenal's interest in the 25-year-old forward is growing, with Andrea Berti, the club's new sporting director, said to be a strong admirer of the Swedish striker. Gyokeres, who is proving to be an increasingly cost-effective option, could provide a more affordable alternative to high-profile targets like Alexander Isak of Newcastle United. Additionally, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, another option on Arsenal’s radar, has attracted significant attention from various suitors, making a move for him more complicated. ‎ ‎Gyokeres’ impressive form at Sporting CP has not gone unnoticed. In just 92 appearances, the striker has scored an impressive ...

‎RB Leipzig have initiated discussions with Jobe Bellingham as the Bundesliga club intensifies its efforts to secure the Sunderland midfielder for the 2025-26 season. According to Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Leipzig has thoroughly assessed Bellingham's profile, who is under contract with Sunderland until 2028. Despite recognizing the high cost of signing the 19-year-old, Leipzig has made him a priority target for the upcoming summer transfer window. ‎ ‎' Jobe Bellingham. ' ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎Bellingham, who has gained considerable attention for his performances with Sunderland, could potentially follow in the footsteps of his older brother, Jude Bellingham, by making a move to Germany. Borussia Dortmund, another prominent Bundesliga club, is also reported to be interested in the young midfielder. The German side believes they can persuade him to join, particularly due to his brother's successful tenure with the club before his recent transfer to ...

‎Bruno Fernandes has recently been the subject of speculation linking him with a potential transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid, but a £90 million ($116 million) move is widely regarded as "impossible" due to various financial and strategic considerations. ‎ ‎' Bruno Fernandes. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The Portuguese midfielder continues to play a pivotal role at Old Trafford, where he has taken on the responsibility of club captain. Despite his leadership, Manchester United’s ongoing struggles for consistency have prompted questions about Fernandes’ future at the club. ‎ ‎At 30 years old, Fernandes is at a crucial juncture in his career, with limited time to wait for another potential rebuild at United. Though he is contracted until 2027, reports suggest that he could be open to leaving should the right offer materialize. Real Madrid, who are reportedly exploring potential options to strengthen their squad, have emerged as one of the clubs inte...

Victor Osimhen has reportedly turned down an approach from Juventus, with the Nigerian forward prioritizing a move to one of Europe's elite clubs, ideally in the Premier League, during the summer transfer window. Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray for the 2024-25 season, is contracted to Serie A side Napoli but intends to secure a permanent transfer to a new club this summer. ‎ ‎' Victor Osimhen. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎According to JuveFC, as relayed by Football Italia, Juventus made their intentions clear in recent discussions with the 26-year-old, presenting their vision for the club ahead of the 2025-26 season. Despite acknowledging their interest, Osimhen reportedly expressed gratitude but made it clear that his preference lies in joining a Premier League club, which he sees as a more fitting step in his career. ‎ ‎Osimhen’s €75 million release clause will become active next summer, which has only heightened interest in his services. Juventus, in p...

‎Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has addressed questions surrounding Antony’s future following the Brazilian winger's impressive loan spell at Real Betis. ‎ ‎' Anthony. ' ‎Getty Images  ‎ ‎Antony joined Real Betis on loan in January after struggling to make an impact at Manchester United, under both former manager Erik ten Hag and Amorim, who took charge later in the season. Since his move to Spain, the winger has enjoyed a revival in form, contributing eight goals and assists in just 12 appearances for Manuel Pellegrini’s side. ‎ ‎Given his resurgence, speculation has grown over whether Antony will return to Manchester United's first team next season. However, Amorim has made it clear that no option to buy was included in the loan deal with Betis, ensuring that the winger will return to United once the loan term concludes. ‎ ‎Addressing the issue, Amorim told the media, “Antony to return? I’m planning the future but I don’t want to talk about the fut...

‎Aston Villa have set their sights on Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic for a potential summer move, according to recent reports. The 25-year-old forward has emerged as a key target as Villa aims to refresh their squad following an underwhelming Premier League season. Despite securing a spot in the Champions League quarter-finals, where they are set to face PSG, Villa are positioned ninth in the Premier League, just four points behind fourth-place Chelsea. ‎ ‎' Dusan Vlahovic. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Reports indicate that Juventus would be open to selling Vlahovic for a transfer fee of €40m (£33m/$43m). This comes after a season in which the Serbian international netted only nine goals in Serie A. While Vlahovic previously attracted interest from Arsenal, the Gunners have since cooled their pursuit of the player. Villa are also reportedly monitoring the situation, with Vlahovic potentially joining the club as part of a wider summer overhaul. Additionally, Villa had ...

‎Lille striker Jonathan David is set to be one of the most sought-after free agents in the upcoming summer transfer window, with his contract expiring at the season’s end. However, his high wage demands could complicate interest from major Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Liverpool. ‎ ‎' Jonathan David. ' ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎The Canadian international has made it clear he will not be renewing his deal with the Ligue 1 side, making him available for a free transfer in the summer. According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, as reported by Get French Football News, David's demands could deter several suitors. Specifically, Premier League giants, such as Manchester United and Liverpool, may reconsider their pursuit due to his substantial financial requirements. ‎ ‎Earlier reports, including from The Daily Mail, highlighted that up to seven Premier League clubs had shown interest in David, including Chelsea, Arsenal, West Ham, Newcastle, and Tottenham....

‎Manchester United's manager, Ruben Amorim, is reportedly determined to retain Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford, despite mounting interest from Real Madrid. According to the Daily Star, the Spanish club has been closely monitoring Fernandes' performances, with scouts attending nearly every match he plays. Real Madrid sees the Portugal international as a potential successor to Luka Modric, who is nearing the end of his illustrious career. ‎ ‎' Ruben Amorim ', ' Bruno Fernandes. ' ‎Getty Images (2) ‎ ‎Amorim is eager to keep Fernandes in Manchester, having recognized the midfielder's pivotal role in the team's success. However, United may be forced to part ways with their star player due to ongoing financial issues. The club has struggled with its finances, and the sale of Fernandes could provide the necessary funds to strengthen the squad during the upcoming transfer window. ‎ ‎Fernandes has been in exceptional form this season, contributing 16...