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Danish top-flight side Randers have confirmed the signing of Nigeria international Stephen Odey from Genk.

The striker, 23 - who began his professional career at NPFL side MFM – was loaned to the Danish Superliga side in a bid to get regular playing time.

Since his transfer to the Belgian top-flight side from FC Zurich, Odey has struggled to justify his signing.

“Randers FC has recently been in search of a striker, and he has now been found in the 23-year-old Nigerian striker Stephen Odey, who comes to the club from Genk on a loan deal that can be exchanged for a permanent deal, as Randers FC has secured a purchase option,” a statement from Randers website read.

In his maiden campaign with the Smurfs, he featured in 11 games with no goals to show for it. That informed his move to French Ligue 2 side Amiens where he starred in the 2020-21 season.

There, he scored six times in 28 league outings for the Stade de la Licorne, who finished 10th in the log.

“It is an incredibly exciting development that Randers FC is going on, and I look forward to helping the team in a close and exciting match program,” an excited Odey said.

“I have only heard good things about the club and I hope that I can quickly contribute goals and assists so that we can make the fans even more proud of the team.”

Speaking about the move, the club’s sporting director Soren Pedersen stated that his ability and experience would prove handy for the Horses.

“We have been looking for a striker with speed and have been in dialogue with Genk about Stephen for a while, who is an exciting player who is fast, good in the man-man game and is also a skilled finisher, as he has shown in both Swiss and French football,” he told the club website.

“We are pleased that we have managed to get him to Randers and that we can now drive him into the squad and get him into action after the international match break.”

With this move, he joins Alhaji Kamara (Sierra Leone), Issah Salou and compatriots Tosin Kehinde and Vincent Onovo in the list of African representing the Cepheus Park Randers giants.

Ligue 1 side Bordeaux have confirmed the departure of Togo international Loic Bessile to Belgian elite division side Royal Charleroi.

The 22-year-old signed his first professional contract with the Girondins in 2020, although he was unable to tie down a regular place at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux.

In the 2020-21 campaign, he featured in just one game – playing from start to finish in the 2-1 victory over Reims.

With this move, Bessile would be hoping to get regular playing time at the Belgian First Division A outfit.

“Born on February 19, 1999, Loic Bessile completed all his training at Toulouse FC,” a statement from Bordeaux website read.

“He left the Pink City for Bordeaux in the summer of 2019. After a season with the Bordeaux reserve, he discovered the top level during the 2020-2021 season.

“He played his first professional match in the Coupe de France against Toulouse. His first in Ligue 1 came at the end of last season, during the victory of the Girondins in Reims.

“This discovery of the high level allowed him to become a Togolese international. He currently has three capes with the Hawks.

“We wish Loic every success in his discovery of the Belgian championship in Charleroi.”

Meanwhile, Charleroi have welcomed the African star into their fold.

“Sporting de Charleroi and Girondins de Bordeaux have reached an agreement today on the permanent transfer of Franco-Togolese central defender Loic Bessile,” they stated on their website.

“The staff, the management and the entire zebra family wish Loic good luck and full success in his new colours. Welcome, Loic!”

After the international break, he will join the rest of his new teammates. He is likely to make his debut when the Zebras travel to the Ghelamco Arena on September 12 for their next outing against Gent.

Edward Still’s men are unbeaten in their last eight games in all competitions. Bessile also becomes the ninth African player in Royal Charleroi.

Others are Adem Zorgane (Algeria), Herve Koffi (Burkina Faso), Chris Bedia (Cote d'Ivoire), Aboubakar Keita (Cote d'Ivoire) , Marco Ilaimaharitra (Madagascar), Mamadou Fall (Senegal), Boris Ngoua and Valentine Ozornwafor (Nigeria).

Despite representing France at U16, U17 and U18 level, Bessile opted to represent Togo at the senior level. He played his first game for the Hawks in their 1-1 draw versus Sudan on October 12, 2020.

Harry Kane believes that his reputation hasn't been damaged after his failed push to secure a transfer to Manchester City this summer.

The Tottenham striker made it clear that he wanted to leave the club in search of trophies after so far failing to bring home silverware in his Spurs career.

But Spurs chairman Daniel Levy held firm amid City's efforts, forcing Kane to admit defeat last week and announce he is staying with Spurs.

What was said?

In an interview with talkSPORT, Kane was asked if he feared his reputation had been damaged after the transfer saga, to which he replied: “No, I don’t think so.

“I think anyone involved in the football industry knows the ins and outs.

“I was quite calm with the situation, but when you’re in it and you know the truth, then your conscience is clear.

“There’s always going to be noise. My whole career I’ve had ups and downs from when I’m young to where I am, that’s just part of the parcel of it.

“A lot of people that know me will say I’m a professional athlete who’s dedicated my life to this game and that’s what I’ll continue to do.

“I’ll look forward now, the aim has always been to win silverware with Tottenham and it’s been that aim every year.”

What's next for Kane?

With his Tottenham stay confirmed for the 2021-22 campaign, Kane will now focus on trying to bring home long-awaited silverware.

Spurs top the Premier League table heading into the international break, having won all three of their first league matches.

After an extended summer break following his Euro 2020 exertions, Kane has made three appearances for Spurs in 2021-22 thus far, scoring a brace against Pacos de Ferreira in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Kane has now joined up with England, who are set to face Hungary, Andorra and Poland in upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Further reading

Leicester City have announced the signing of Nigeria prospect Ademola Lookman from RB Leipzig on loan.

Following his inability to tie down a regular place in the Bundesliga outfit’s first team, the former England youth international was shipped to Fulham for the 2020-21 campaign.

This season, however, he will feature for the King Power Stadium outfit who will be participating in the Europa League this season.

“Talented winger Ademola Lookman has joined Leicester City on loan from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, subject to Premier League approval,” a statement from the Foxes website read.

“The 23-year-old made 35 appearances for Fulham in the Premier League last term, during a season-long loan spell, and has played for England at Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 level.”

During Lookman’s loan spell at the Craven Cottage, he made 35 appearances for Scott Parker’s men in all competitions, scoring four goals, with his first coming versus Sheffield United in October.

In his first interview, the 23-year-old expressed his delight in teaming up with Brendan Rodgers’ side.

“Most definitely, I’m delighted to be here,” the former Everton winger told LCFC TV.

“It’s a great honour to be at such a big and amazing club with such a huge history and a quality group of players.

“The facilities are incredible. It’s pretty mind-blowing and I just can’t wait to get to work here. I think the environment is very important for a player, so this is the right environment for me to work hard every single day and to help my craft be even better.

 “I’m very, very excited to see the fans and to be in the stadium with a lot of fans. I’m just looking forward to playing out there with my new teammates and doing the best I can and hopefully getting lots of goals and assists for the team. I’ll try to help the team in any way.”

Lookman, who is eligible to feature for Nigeria at the international level, becomes the sixth African at Leicester after Kelechi Iheanacho (Nigeria), Patson Daka (Zambia), Wilfred Ndidi (Nigeria), Daniel Amartey (Ghana), and Nampalys Mendy (Senegal).

Barring any obstacles, he could make his debut for the Foxes who square up against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on September 11.

The East Midlands-based outfit are eighth on the log after accruing six points from three matches played so far in the ongoing season.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles will stay at Arsenal after holding clear-the-air talks with Mikel Arteta on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old has featured for just 19 minutes in the Premier League so far this season and the Gunners had been open to letting him leave, should a suitable offer have arrived this summer.

But an acceptable bid has not come in despite firm interest from Everton, and Maitland-Niles was told on Tuesday during discussions at Arsenal’s training ground that he would be staying in north London.

What has gone on?

Maitland-Niles’ future has been clouded in uncertainty in recent days, with Everton launching a move to take him to Goodison Park on loan.

It was an offer that Arsenal rejected, with the Gunners deciding that the terms being offered by the Blues were not enough to allow the player - who can operate in a number of positions - to leave.

But the England international then appeared to hit out at Arsenal’s decision to reject the offer when he uploaded a social media post which read: “All I wanna do is go where I’m wanted and where I’m gonna play.”

The post saw Maitland-Niles summoned to London Colney on Tuesday for face-to-face talks with Arteta over the situation.

What happened at London Colney?

During the training ground talks, Arteta made his feelings clear to Arsenal’s academy graduate over his social media activity.

Arsenal’s manager expressed his disappointment at Maitland-Niles’ online post, but he also gave him assurances that he would be part of his plans going forward and was viewed as a key member of his squad.

It was agreed that Maitland-Niles would be staying put for the first half of the season at least, with the situation expected to be revisited during the January transfer window.

Further reading

Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder Lebohang Maboe has sustained a long-term injury which has ruled him out for up to nine months.

This has been confirmed by the Tshwane giants' head of medical Dr Carl Tabane as he provided an update on the South Africa international's injury.

Maboe, 26, was one of the senior players in the Bafana Bafana squad that clinched this year's Cosafa Cup in Port Elizabeth last month.

Having been an influential playmaker as the Brazilians clinched last season's PSL title, Maboe has missed the start of the current campaign after sustaining an injury to his knee.

"Lebo sustained quite a complex knee injury at the beginning of August," Tabane told the club's media department.

"He is currently four weeks post-injury and exactly 11 days post-surgery. We are looking at a rehab process of about six to nine months,

"But it's not the first time we are treating such an injury. With the medical team that we have, we are quite confident that we might shorten it and he might come back a little bit early."

This means Maboe could miss the entire 2021/22 season which is scheduled to end in May 2022. 

Tabane also revealed that the former Maritzburg United playmaker, who played 41 matches across all competitions for Masandwana last term, is highly motivated during his rehabilitation.

"Obviously these are the types of injuries that you might think is a career-ending injury, but he is a highly motivated individual and we actually started the rehab before the surgery and he was quite keen to do that," he added. 

"He read about the subject and knew exactly what's going on."

Sundowns boast arguably the strongest squad in the PSL and they surely have enough depth to cope without the skillful midfielder, who notched up five goals and provided four assists last season.

Haashim Domingo has been enjoying regular game time thus far this season in Maboe's position in midfield and Masandawana have also signed attacking midfielder Neo Maema from Bloemfontein Celtic.

Paris Saint-Germain are yet to respond after Real Madrid offered €220 million (£189m/$260m) for Kylian Mbappe, sources have confirmed to Goal.

Madrid have been making a strong push to land the 22-year-old superstar, whose contract with PSG will expire at the end of the current season.

But talks between the clubs have stalled, making it likely that Mbappe spends the remainder of the campaign in the French capital.

The state of negotiations

Los Blancos have already had two bids rejected by PSG for Mbappe, the most recent of which was worth €170 million (£146m/$200m), plus €10m (£9m/$12m) in add-ons.

PSG have been doing everything in their power to keep Mbappe at Parc des Princes, but the forward has turned down no fewer than six contract renewal offers.

The Ligue 1 outfit could see Mbappe leave for free at the end of the season, but have so far indicated they won't be swayed by any big-money bids this transfer window.

Mbappe, who has made it clear he wants to join Madrid, can sign a pre-contract agreement with the Blancos as soon as January to join them on a free transfer next summer.

Mbappe at PSG

After joining from Monaco in 2017, Mbappe has established himself as a global superstar at PSG and with the France national team.

Mbappe has been top scorer in Ligue 1 in the past three seasons, helping PSG win titles in two of those campaigns.

The forward also played a starring role as France won the 2018 World Cup.

Despite the transfer speculation, Mbappe started for PSG against Reims in Ligue 1 on Sunday and scored both goals in a 2-0 win.

Lionel Messi made his PSG debut in that match and it appears for now that he, Mbappe and Neymar will, for one season at least, form one of the most fearsome attacking trios in recent memory.

Further reading

Ghana have made further changes to their squad for their upcoming 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and South Africa, calling up Crystal Palace attacker Jeffrey Schlupp, among others.

The 28-year-old is one of three latest additions to the Black Stars’ roster, following four earlier late invitations.

Local-based duo Mohammed Fatawu of Hearts of Oak and Great Olympics full-back Samuel Ashie-Quaye join the Crystal Palace man into CK Akonnor’s set-up.

Schlupp was a conspicuous absentee as Ghana initially announced a 30-man party for the September 3 clash with Ethiopia and the September 6 encounter away to South Africa.

Owing to injury withdrawals, Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, Ajax attacker Mohammed Kudus and Zilina full-back Benson Anang have had to completely pull out of the squad.

There has been a further blow for Ghana as four players – Jordan Ayew, Daniel Amartey, Andy Yiadom and Abdul Rahman Baba – who play club football in England will have to leave the Black Stars set-up after their matchday one clash with Ethiopia due to coronavirus-induced restrictions from their Premier League clubs.

Brentford winger Tariqe Fosu has also had to withdraw from the 30-man squad as he seeks to settle his club future.

To counter the situation, Akonnor first handed out four new invitations, roping in Celta Vigo centre-back Joseph Aidoo, Poland-based Yaw Yeboah, and the Germany-born duo of Braydon Manu and Daniel Kofi Kyereh.

Schlupp, Fatawu and Ashie-Quaye make up the second batch of new additions.

Ghana will host Ethiopia at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium on Friday before travelling to Johannesburg to face South Africa at the FNB Stadium.

Updated Squad:

Goalkeepers: Richard Ofori, Richard Atta, Manaf Nurudeen, Lawrence Ati-Zigi

Defenders: Andy Yiadom, Philemon Baffuor, Baba Abdul Rahman, Gideon Mensah, Daniel Amartey, Ismail Ganiyu, Alexander Djiku, Jonathan Mensah, Samuel Ashie-Quaye, Joseph Aidoo, Fatawu Mohammed

Midfielders: Mubarak Wakaso, Baba Iddrisu, Emmanuel Lomotey, Majeed Ashimeru, Fatawu Issahaku, Samuel Owusu, Kamaldeen Suleyman, Jeffery Schlupp, Yaw Yeboah

Forwards: Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, Joel Fameyeh, Daniel Kofi Kyereh, Braydon Manu, Kwame Opoku, Emmanuel Gyasi.

Tottenham have announced the capture of Barcelona right-back Emerson Royal on a five-year deal through 2026.

The Brazil international brings an end to his stay at Camp Nou to make the move to the Premier League as Spurs' latest recruit of the Nuno Espirito Santo era.

He becomes the fifth new arrival, and third permanent transfer, of the summer window, following Pierluigi Gollini, Bryan Gil, Cristian Romero and Pape Matar Sarr.

Copa America finalist makes London move

Having only seen his option to move to the Blaugrana exercised following a lengthy, multi-season loan spell at Real Betis this summer, the 22-year-old departs with just three senior games for Ronald Koeman's side to his name.

But having been keen to remain in La Liga this summer, the offer delivered by Spurs has ultimately proven too tough for the Selecao star to resist, securing his future in London instead.

During his time at Betis, he earned senior honours with his nation and was a member of the Brazil squad that reached this year's Copa America final.

Emerson arrival bolsters right-back option

The Brazilian's acquisition makes him the fourth right-back at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as the 2021-22 campaign continues to trundle forward and raises questions over the placement of Japhet Tanganga going forward.

The 22-year-old has been the surprise pick in the position so far this season, as Spurs sit atop the Premier League pile after three games, ahead of nominal number two Matt Doherty.

Serge Aurier meanwhile has seen his stock fall under Nuno since the former Wolves boss succeeded Jose Mourinho in charge, suggesting that Emerson's arrival could see him fall further down the pecking order.

Further reading

U.S. men's national team defender Chris Richards has left Bayern Munich and re-joined Hoffenheim on loan through the end of the 2021-22 season.

Richards spent the second half of last season on loan at Hoffenheim, where he impressed and became a part of the club's starting lineup.

Prior to joining Hoffenheim again, the 21-year-old extended his contract with Bayern through 2025.

What was said?

In a club release, Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said: “We’re very pleased with how Chris Richards has developed with us, which is why we've extended his contract.

"Chris is a young player who will now gain further Bundesliga experience at Hoffenheim, which is exactly what he needs.”

Hoppe on the move

Richards isn't the only USMNT player on the move on deadline day, as Matthew Hoppe is set to join La Liga side Mallorca from Schalke.

Schalke have been looking to offload Hoppe as they raise funds following their relegation from the Bundesliga last season.

Hoppe, 20, scored six times in the Bundesliga for Schalke in a breakout campaign last term.

Neither Richards nor Hoppe was named to the most recent USMNT roster, as Gregg Berhalter's side gets set to open World Cup qualifying at El Salvador on Thursday.

Further reading

Darmstadt attacker Braydon Manu has expressed surprise after his maiden call-up to Ghana’s national team.

The 24-year-old is a beneficiary of a series of withdrawals to the Black Stars set-up ahead of their 2022 World Cup qualifying matches against Ethiopia and South Africa.

He was born to Ghanaian parents in the German city of Hamburg, making him eligible to represent either nation on the international stage.

“It makes me incredibly proud to have been selected for my parents' home country. I grew up with the culture, speak the language and have always felt like a Ghanaian,” Manu told his club’s official website.

“I know the enthusiasm and emotions the Black Stars' trigger all over Ghana and it is unbelievable that I am now part of this team myself.

“When I found out about it, I was speechless at first. And that rarely happens to me (laughs). I still can't quite believe it and will probably only realize it when I've actually made it to the national team.”

So far this season, Manu has featured in two of Darmstadt’s five Bundesliga 2 matches, coming on as a substitute in both games.

The attacker received a late invitation to Ghana’s squad, alongside fellow Germany-born Daniel Kofi Kyereh, Celta Vigo centre-back Joseph Aidoo and Wisla Krakow winger Yaw Yeboah, owing to injury and coronavirus-forced withdrawals in the Black Stars squad.

More lately, Crystal Palace man Jeffrey Schlupp and the local-based full-back duo of Mohammed Fatawu (Hearts of Oak) and Samuel Ashie Quaye (Great Olympics) have also been drafted into the squad.

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus and Brentford winger Tariqe Fosu have pulled out of the Black Stars’ original 30-man squad for varying reasons.

Crystal Palace winger Jordan Ayew, Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey, Reading duo of Andy Yiadom and Baba Rahman, and Schlupp will all only be available for the opening day clash with Ethiopia on Friday, having been restricted from travelling to coronavirus red-listed South Africa where the Black Stars are due to face Bafana Bafana in Johannesburg on matchday two on Monday.

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are in talks over a sensational return to Atletico for Antoine Griezmann, sources have confirmed to Goal.

The two sides are discussing a move that would see Griezmann depart Barcelona and sign for Atletico on loan with a mandatory purchase option.

Atletico have been exploring the move as they consider allowing Chelsea-linked Saul Niguez to depart the club.

The state of negotiations

As Tuesday's transfer deadline grows closer, Barca and Atletico are locked in talks over a complex potential deal for Griezmann.

The Liga champions are studying their finances to see if they can afford a move for Griezmann, who starred for the club for five seasons before moving to Barca in 2019.

Currently, no Atletico player is included in the talks as a potential makeweight, as the Madrid outfit eye a loan move that would include a mandatory purchase option.

The talks come just a day after Atletico rejected a loan bid from Barcelona for forward Joao Felix.

Saul future in limbo

Atletico are considering Griezmann as a possible option to take the place of Saul Niguez, who continues to be linked with a move to England.

Saul has been in the sights of Chelsea, though talks with the Blues appeared to stall earlier on Tuesday.

Atletico continued to demand £34 million ($47m) for the 26-year-old.

Griezmann's time at Barca

Griezmann recently surpassed the 100-game mark with Barca after joining from Atletico in the summer of 2019.

The France star has scored 35 goals in two seasons with the Blaugrana, though he hasn't quite hit the same heights he did during his starring run with the Rojiblancos.

Barcelona have managed just one trophy – the Copa del Rey last year – over Griezmann's first two seasons with the club.

Further reading

Paris Saint-Germain are looking to rush through a swap deal for Sporting CP defender Nuno Mendes that will see Pablo Sarabia go the other way, Goal understands.

The highly-rated left-back looks set to swap Portugal for France on the final day of the summer transfer window, with a move to Parc des Princes from Estadio Jose Alvalade.

In return, the Primeira Liga outfit will bring Spain star Sariba - a member of La Roja's Euro 2020 semi-finalist squad - from Ligue 1 to bolster their attacking ranks.

What does the deal entail?

Any move for Mendes is believed to be only a loan at this stage for the 18-year-old, though it will come with the option to buy if the Portugal international - also a Euro 2020 squad member - impresses under Mauricio Pochettino.

It is not known if Sarabia, much admired for the duration of the summer by Sporting, will arrive also on a temporary basis, or if his move to Lisbon will be a full-time one.

Either way, it proves beneficial for both parties, with PSG able to add a highly-rated defensive recruit to their team while their European rivals - fellow Champions League competitors this term - add further firepower across their midfield area.

Mendes' career so far

The potential capture of Mendes, a graduate of Sporting's impressive youth system, is a further signal of intent from PSG, who have enjoyed a busy window - headlined by Lionel Messi's arrival.

Having broke through to the first team in 2020, he was a part of last term's double-winning campaign, enjoying both league and cup glory and starting their Taca de Liga final victory.

He has already claimed silverware this season too, having helped them to the Supertaca Candido de Oliveira against Braga in July, while he won five caps at senior international level this year as Portugal came up short of defending their European Championship crown.

Further reading

Reiss Nelson has departed Arsenal to join Feyenoord on loan for the 2021-22 season, both clubs have confirmed.

The 21-year-old has struggled to gain consistent first-team minutes in north London over the past two seasons and will aim to make a mark in the Eredivisie.

Nelson signed a contract extension with Arsenal through 2023 before completing his move to Feyenoord.

What was said?

“We've been following Reiss for months. Getting him to Feyenoord was one of our priorities in this transfer window, so we are very happy that it worked out and that we can welcome him today," Feyenoord technical director Frank Arnesen said in a club statement.

"Reiss is a very creative attacker, a fast player with good action who can make it very difficult for defenders in one-on-one situations. We can use such a player in our squad."

Nelson's time at Arsenal

Nelson has been in the Gunners system since he was nine years old, and made his senior debut aged 17.

In 2018-19, Nelson went on loan to Germany where he played a key role with Hoffenheim, scoring seven Bundesliga goals in 23 appearances.

After returning to north London, Nelson played 17 Premier League games for Arsenal in 2019-20, managing one league goal.

Nelson's first-team opportunities dried up last term, however, as he made just eight total appearances for the Gunners in all competitions.

Feyenoord had recently appeared set to land Amad Diallo on loan, but the Manchester United teenager suffered an injury which cause the move to fall through.

The Dutch outfit then moved on to Nelson, who will join for the 2021-22 campaign and wear the No.14 shirt with the club.

Further reading

FKF Premier League champions Tusker have confirmed three of their first-team players have left to sign for Bandari.

In a statement on their official website, the Brewers have confirmed midfielder Faraj Ominde, striker Chris Ochieng and defender Rodgers Aloro have both left the Ruaraka-based giants to sign for the Coastal-based side.

What did Tusker's statement say?

“Tusker would like to confirm they have reached an agreement with Bandari for the transfer of midfielder Faraj Ominde, striker Chris Ochieng, and defender Rodgers Aloro,” the club said.

“The two clubs have been in talks over the three players for the past few days and an agreement has been reached for their move to Mombasa.”

Speaking on the exit of the trio, Tusker CEO Charles Obiny said: “I want to thank the three players for their immense contribution to the club throughout their stay. Faraj arrived here as a young player and has grown to the stature he is today.

“Chris and Aloro have also been of great service to the team and we want to wish them all the best at their new club.”

Tusker release 'Blackberry' Odhiambo

The club has also confirmed midfielder George Odhiambo will leave the club after the expiry of his contract.

“We also want to thank George for his services to the team and the very many memories we have of him here at Ruaraka. We wish him all the best for the rest of his career,” Obiny continued.

On Monday, Tusker, who won the top-flight title for the 2020-21 season and will represent the country in the Caf Champions League, continued with their rebuilding process by confirming the signing of midfielder Teddy Osok from Kitwe United of Zambia.

“We are glad to confirm the signing of Teddy Osok, who joins Tusker on a two-year deal,” the club said in a statement on their official website. “Osok joins the Brewers after leaving Zambian side Kitwe United and comes in to reinforce the midfield ahead of the new season.”

In joining Tusker, Osok said: “I am glad to be joining a big and organized team such as Tusker FC. It is a great honour and a challenge that I am ready for. This is a bigger stage and the team is playing in the Caf Champions League which is a huge stage. I am ready to do my best and help the team improve.”

Apart from Osok, Tusker have also signed goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, who was a free agent after leaving St George of Ethiopia, former Gor Mahia defender Charles Momanyi, Kalos Kirenge, and Joshua Ibrahim.

The Brewers have pitched camp in Mombasa to prepare for the upcoming season where they are lined up to face Djibouti’s Arta Solar 7 on September 10 in the preliminary round of the Champions League.

Further FKF Premier League reading 

Liverpool defender Nat Phillips has become the latest player to sign a new contract, agreeing a deal that will keep him with the club until 2025.

The 24-year-old had looked set to leave Anfield before the end of the summer transfer window, with a host of clubs across Europe making enquiries.

They included Dutch giants PSV and Belgian outfit Anderlecht, as well as at least two Premier League clubs, but with Rhys Williams set to join Swansea on a season-long loan, Phillips will now remain on Merseyside as centre-back cover.

What’s the deal?

Phillips, Goal understands, had been eager to leave Liverpool this summer, believing first-team opportunities would be limited following the return from injury of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip, and the summer signing of Ibrahima Konate.

But Liverpool’s asking price of £12 million ($16.5m) proved prohibitive, despite the player proving himself in the Premier League during 20 appearances last season. 

The likes of Brighton, Burnley and Newcastle all expressed interest earlier in the summer, while Leicester considered a bid before eventually signing Jannik Vestergaard from Southampton. Phillips also had admirers at Anderlecht and PSV, as well as Bundesliga side Stuttgart, with whom he spent the 2019-20 campaign on loan.

Liverpool had insisted all summer that the player would not be loaned again. Phillips’ contract was due to expire in 2022, but the Reds have signed off a two-year extension, which will reward the former Bolton man for his performances in helping Jurgen Klopp’s side secure Champions League qualification last season.

He becomes the second Liverpool first-teamer to sign a new contract on deadline day, with Jordan Henderson's four-year deal confirmed earlier on Tuesday. They follow Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson, Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk and Fabinho in committing their long-term futures, with Mo Salah next in line for an extension.

Klopp is a fan of Phillips’ character and professionalism, and the club were keen to avoid a repeat of last season’s chaos, when a spate of injuries to centre-backs left the team struggling badly.

Upon signing the new deal, Phillips said: “Obviously after last year, it’s really nice to get that reward from the club. I’m happy to be sticking around and being available if the club need to call on me again.

“I’m excited for the next chapter and just to see what that brings.

“It is nice that the club has shown me that recognition and hopefully I can bring more of the same with whatever opportunities come my way.”

Liverpool believe Williams, 20, will benefit from a season in the Championship with Swansea, with Phillips now kept around as fifth-choice behind Van Dijk, Matip, Gomez and Konate.

Further reading 

Newcastle United have confirmed the capture of Mexico youth international Santiago Munoz on an 18-month loan move, in a deal that bears a striking similarity to key elements of the film "Goal!."

The Magpies have announced the arrival of the Santos Laguna teenager on a contract that will run through the middle of the 2022-23 season, with a view to a permanent switch.

But it is the peculiar, fact-imitating-fiction nature of the transfer that has raised eyebrows following the news of the 19-year-old's arrival on Tyneside.

What has happened?

In the 2005 film "Goal!" - also known as "Goal! The Dream Begins" in American markets - Newcastle United sign a young Mexican named Santiago Munez on a trial basis after he arrives in England.

Throughout the course of the film, Munez overcomes various obstacles to prove his worth to the Magpies, and is both let go and re-signed by the club throughout his journey.

He ultimately proves decisive in their qualification to the Champions League in the finale, netting the winner against a Liverpool side to earn European glory for his side.

Munoz's real-life journey

Aside from the coincidence of Munoz's name almost matching that of a fictional character who signed for Newcastle in the film, the teenager has had a less eventful journey to St James' Park.

Munoz is already an established youth star at international level for Mexico, though he was born in the United States in El Paso, Texas.

He made his senior debut for Santos Laguna last October in a Liga MX win over Atletico San Luis, having already finished as a runner-up at the Under-17 World Cup a year prior with El Tri.

Further reading

Juventus have confirmed the signing of Mohamed Ihattaren from PSV in a deal understood to be worth around €6 million (£5m/$7m) and have sent the attacking midfielder on loan to Sampdoria.

The 19-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the Turin side.

Ihattaren, who made the 2021 NxGN top 50 list of the best wonderkids in world football, will spend the 2021-22 campaign on loan at fellow Serie A side Sampdoria.

What has been said?

"Mohamed Ihattaren is a midfielder of innate class and talent," a statement on Juventus' website read. "Juventus have officially formalised his acquisition from PSV Eindhoven, a team in which he featured for in the youth system, on a contract which will tie him to the club until 2025."

Minutes later, Sampdoria confirmed his arrival for the season, saying: "President Massimo Ferrero and Sampdoria announce that they have acquired Mohamed Ihattaren from Juventus FC on a temporary basis."

Who is Ihattaren?

The midfielder joined PSV's youth academy in 2010 and rose through the ranks to make his senior debut before his 17th birthday. He soon became a first-team regular in Eindhoven but went through a rough spell earlier this year when he fell out with coach Roger Schmidt. 

Ihattaren ended the campaign with 22 Eredivisie appearances after being dropped from the squad and then suffering an injury, while he has not featured for PSV this season.

"Mohamed has gone through ups and downs in the last few years," said PSV director John de Jong. "As a young prospect, his career got off to a bright start but it has taken a turn and he has not fulfilled his potential for various reasons.

"It is a great pity, in particular for Mohamed himself. We are happy for Mohamed that he has made a move to Italy and hope he will live up to his potential."

Further reading