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Chelsea are ratifying the final details of a €5 million (£4m/$6m) offer from Genk for striker Ike Ugbo, with the move expected to be completed in the next week.

The 22-year-old has been involved for Thomas Tuchel's side in pre-season but negotiations around his future have been going on behind the scenes.

The homegrown star had approaches from Fulham, Watford, Monaco and Anderlecht after an exceptional season on loan at Cercle Brugge. However, Genk's proposal was the strongest overall and ensured that they won the race for Ugbo.

What does it mean for Chelsea?

Chelsea lose a young striker who was with the club since he was nine years old but they continue to make money from their loan group and academy.

Having also sold the likes of Fikayo Tomori, Marc Guehi and Olivier Giroud this summer, Chelsea are expected to raise well over £100m in player sales.

This comes as Chelsea have accepted a £34m ($47m) offer from Roma for Tammy Abraham, although Ugbo's former strike partner has not yet agreed on personal terms.

These players sales are expected to cover the entire cost of the £98m ($136m) signing of Romelu Lukaku, with further business expected afterwards.

Sevilla defender Jules Kounde is a target for the west Londoners but the Spanish club have taken a strong stance on a £68m ($94m) price tag.

Who else is leaving?

Chelsea are set to allow both Trevoh Chalobah and Dujon Sterling to leave on loan despite impressing in pre-season.

Meanwhile, academy starlet Thierno Ballo is closing in on a loan move to Rapid Vienna.

Chelsea have a host of other players to offload, including the likes of Danny Drinkwater, Ross Barkley, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Davide Zappacosta among many more.

Further reading

Sevilla sporting director Monchi has insisted that the club has not yet received any official bids for Chelsea-linked centre-back Jules Kounde.

Goal reported at the end of July that Chelsea had opened talks with Sevilla over a potential deal for Kounde, who has established himself among the top defenders in La Liga since moving to Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium from Bordeaux in 2019.

Real Madrid have also been strongly linked with the 22-year-old, but his current employers are holding out for an €80 million (£68m/$94m) fee, and Monchi claims that no formal offers have been submitted.

What's been said?

Pressed on Chelsea's interest in Kounde, the Sevilla chief has told the club's official media channel: “Many clubs have asked for Kounde. There’s interest, but no official bid on the table.

"To this day there has been no specific offer for him. I don’t know what’s going to happen. If an important bid arrives, we’ll sell, as this is our policy to improve the team."

Monchi added on whether the Frenchman will still be at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium come the end of the summer transfer window: "The Sevilla player wants to know what will happen.

"I don't know. But if there is no offer we believe we can reinvest, he will continue with us. His physical condition is very good."

Why do Chelsea want Kounde?

Chelsea set their sights on Kounde to provide extra cover at the back heading into the new season, and were originally planning to include Kurt Zouma in any final deal with Sevilla before the La Liga outfit made it clear that they will only consider a straight purchase.

The Blues still want to get Zouma off their books to reduce their overinflated squad, and are also set to loan Trevoh Chalobah to Valencia to make room for Kounde.

The France international has the experience and quality to compete with Andreas Christensen and Thiago Silva for a regular starting spot at Stamford Bridge, with it highly likely that he will only improve as he edges towards the prime years of his career.

Sevilla have finished in La Liga's top four in successive seasons while winning the 2019-20 Europa League with Kounde leading by example at the back, and he could slot perfectly into Thomas Tuchel's plans at Chelsea if they can push a transfer over the line.

Further reading

Lionel Messi's wife Antonela Rocuzzo says she is looking forward to a "new chapter full of opportunities" at Paris Saint-Germain.

PSG signed Messi on a free transfer on Tuesday, tying him down to a two-year deal following his abrupt departure from Barcelona.

The 34-year-old enjoyed over two decades of unprecedented success at Camp Nou with his family by his side, but his spouse is excited about the next stage of his career after arriving in the French capital.

What's been said?

Antonela posted an image of her with Messi and their three sons standing on the Parc des Princes pitch on social media after the six-time Ballon d'Or winner's first official press conference as a PSG player.

The 33-year-old model included the caption: "A wonderful stage is closing but a new chapter full of opportunities opens! 

"All changes are difficult at the beginning but together we will continue writing our history.

"We love you Leo Messi and we are all with you."

How long have Lionel & Antonela been together?

Messi and his wife are childhood sweethearts, having originally met in Argentina when he was just five years old.

The pair finally got married in 2017, and have three children together - Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.

When will Messi make his PSG debut?

PSG kicked off their latest Ligue 1 campaign with a 2-1 win at Troyes at the weekend, and are currently preparing for a home fixture against Strasbourg on Saturday.

Messi is unlikely to be involved in that fixture, however, with the Argentina international having admitted that he will need some time to get back to full fitness following his summer holidays.

"Maybe I need a pre-season," the ex-Barca superstar, who helped his country win the Copa America earlier this year, has told reporters.

"I'm going to begin to train and work and I hope I can play as soon as I can, when the staff thinks I'm OK, I'll be ready."

Further reading

Chelsea have accepted a transfer bid for Tammy Abraham from Roma in the region of €40 million (£34m/$47m) that will allow the Blues to have a buy-back clause, Goal understands.

Roma's general manager Tiago Pinto is keen to complete the deal quickly, with Edin Dzeko set to leave for Inter as a replacement for Chelsea-bound Romelu Lukaku.

However, the 23-year-old has yet to accept personal terms despite a conversation with Jose Mourinho and amid continued interest from Arsenal.

What does the buy-back clause mean?

A buy-back clause in the transfer bid for Abraham will give Chelsea the option to re-sign their striker in the future through a fixed fee.

That fixed fee is thought to be large, but it keeps the Blues' interest in the player alive.

Even though Abraham has struggled to make a breakthrough under current boss Thomas Tuchel, a future Blues boss may want to see the homegrown star back in west London.

What has Tuchel said about the Abraham situation?

Tuchel refused to speak too candidly about Abraham or about the imminent arrival of Lukaku to the club for £98 million ($136m).

Yet, he did offer an insight into his relationship with the striker, which has been strained after six months of struggles for Abraham.

"It is the same as players coming in, I will not comment on the actual situation, how far it is, and if it's true or not true," Tuchel said ahead of the Super Cup match with Villarreal. 

"Tammy is in the squad and did good preparation matches.

"He was clearly not happy with the last half a year and he has maybe reason not to be happy. Maybe it was my fault not to push him and trust him at the same level as other players.

"I can understand he wants more minutes, so the decision will be how do we plan? What are Tammy's plans? Does he fight his way back into the team from the position he ended last season?

"Or does he want to change club to one where he has a better chance of being a starter? I can understand and this is the situation. It's quite a normal situation until the transfer window is closed.

"Tammy is one of the players where we constantly evaluate the situation and adapt to the needs. There is no news now, he is available for the starting XI tomorrow or to come off the bench."

What else could Pinto be travelling to England for?

Roma chief Pinto's journey to England could have a further impact on Arsenal with Granit Xhaka still one of the Serie A club's main targets.

Still, the Switzerland international is touted to be close to signing a new deal at the Emirates Stadium.

Fulham's Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa is an alternative option for the ambitious Italian club who are particularly keen to strengthen their midfield area.

Chelsea chiefs could include updates on the progress of several potential loanees, with the Blues having listed the likes of Tiemoue Bakayoko, Davide Zappacosta and Ross Barkley for sale.

Further reading

Lionel Messi has revealed that Barcelona wanted to sign Marco Verratti when he was still at the club, while describing the Paris Saint-Germain star as a "phenomenon".

Messi was officially unveiled at Parc des Princes on Tuesday after signing for PSG on a free transfer following his surprise exit from Barcelona, who couldn't afford to re-sign the 34-year-old due to the current wage restrictions in La Liga.

He will now link up with a host of other superstars in Paris, including Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, but he singled out Verratti for special praise in his first official press conference for the French club.

What's been said?

Messi also confirmed that Barca had identified the Italy international as a transfer target before he left Camp Nou, telling reporters in midweek: "Marco Verratti has shown that he is a huge player, one of the best in the world in his position. He is a phenomenon.

“He was wanted in Barcelona, but now it is the reverse and it is me coming to him in Paris.

"Not only Marco, but the dressing room is full of the best players in the world.”

Verratti's career record

Verratti began his career with Italian outfit Pescara in 2008, where he spent four years before being snapped up by PSG.

The diminutive midfielder has since appeared in 346 games across all competitions for the Ligue 1 giants, recording nine goals and 58 assists, while also getting his hands on 27 trophies - including seven league titles.

Verratti has enjoyed plenty of success on the international stage too, making 45 appearances for Italy, with five of those outings coming during their run to European Championship glory earlier this summer.

Messi on Pochettino

Messi went on to credit PSG boss and fellow countryman Mauricio Pochettino for playing a key role in his move to Parc des Princes.

"The coach and coaching staff had a big part in the negotiations," he said. "When I saw it was possible, I spoke with him (Pochettino) straight away. I've known him for a while. 

"I spoke to him, the fact we are two Argentines helped a lot. We spoke, it went well to begin with. The technical staff at PSG also helped my decision."

Further reading

Middlesbrough have confirmed the signing of Sol Bamba from Cardiff City, who has been declared cancer-free.

The defender has been out of action since January following his chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

However, the 36-year-old will continue his career at the Riverside Stadium having been handed a one-year contract as a player-coach.

“Former Leeds United and Cardiff City captain Sol Bamba has officially joined the club,” a statement from the English Championship website read.

“Sol has signed a one-year contract and while he has joined as a player subject to international clearance being received, he will also be working with our Academy youngsters.

“The 36-year-old, who represented Ivory Coast at two World Cups, initially joined up with the club to work on his fitness after his release by Cardiff at the end of last season, but he has impressed at Rockliffe, both on and off the training pitches.”

This move will see the African reunite with coach Neil Warnock, who was his manager at Leeds and Cardiff City.

“Initially Sol had asked if he could come and train with us, and I was more than happy. He’s a great lad to have around,” Warnock weighed in on Bamba’s move.

"When we were away in Cornwall he was at Rockliffe and helped with the U23s and U18s, and everyone was really impressed with him.

“I have to be honest; I didn’t expect him to look as sharp as he has done after everything he's been through, but he’s done remarkably well.

"At the moment, the priority for him is to concentrate on his fitness and being in the squad, but we want him to be involved with the U23s as well. I feel he's just the type of person we need to be involved with that age group.

“He has bags of experience and he will be a real asset for us both on and off the pitch. I'm delighted to have him on board."

It is noteworthy that Bamba was a member of Cardiff’s promotion-winning squad in 2018.

Having garnered over 400 career appearances, he is expected to bring his experience to Boro as they chase a return to the English elite division.

ATK Mohun Bagan are all set to begin their journey in the AFC Cup 2021 on August 18 as they face the winner of the play-off round between Bengaluru FC and Club Eagles in the Maldives.

Antonio Habas' team underwent quite a few changes with a few new faces coming into the team. Ashutosh Mehta, Amrinder Singh, Hugo Boumous and Finland international midfielder Joni Kauko have joined the ranks during the summer.

The Spanish coach was happy with the new additions to the team and is hopeful of doing well in the upcoming competition including the AFC Cup.

What did Antonio Habas say?

"We are preparing for the competition. It's a new team, there are a lot of changes in the squad. The idea is to train every day and keep improving and to give our best in the matches.

"We have to continue improving. We have to improve from last season so signing new players was important for us. Players go out and players come in but the magic word is balance. 

"I think they (Joni Kauko, Hugo Boumous) are good players. Boumous is a player who has played very well in the ISL last season. Joni Kauko is also a very important player for us. It is a good balance between the attack and defence. These two foreign players are important for the season."

'Target is to win the ISL'

The two-time ISL winning coach rued that his team missed out on the title last season but he is confident that the new-look ATK Mohun Bagan have it in them to win it this year.

"We didn't win the title but the team was tied on the same points as Mumbai during the regular season. In the knock-outs, anything can happen. We had the possibility to win the title but we couldn't. But now we have to increase our level and the target this season is to win the ISL," stated Habas.

The Spaniard also mentioned that while there are problems in their preparation process ahead of the continental competition due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, he does not want to give any excuses and rather focus on delivering results despite all the challenges. 

"The foreign players did not come together on the same day due to the current COVID situation. But I always say that there are no excuses. The competition is waiting for us in the Maldives and we will have absolute preparation," said the ATK Mohun Bagan coach.

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Stuart Baxter has issued an injury update ahead of their eagerly-anticipated clash with Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday.

The two Gauteng giants are set to collide in the MTN8 quarter-final match which is scheduled to be played at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria.

Baxter revealed that midfielder-come-striker Lebogang Manyama has resumed training after recovering from his injury, but attackers Dumisani Zuma and Leonardo Castro are still out injured. 

“In terms of injuries, Lebo Manyama did his first training with the team. It doesn’t mean he is fit but fit enough to train. We’ve got the ones that are injured long-term, Leo Castro, Dumisani Zuma,” Baxter told the media. 

“We’ve got a few other ones that came back late from the Olympics. We’ve got a couple of injuries and we have the players that have taken part in the training. We know they had enough rest, they’ve done structural training with us.

“I can’t see any huge surprises that you will see someone who you haven’t see in training for a few months.”

The trio were noticeable absentees from the Chiefs team which defeated Orlando Pirates in the Carling Black Label Cup clash earlier this month.

Manyama and Zuma also missed Chiefs' Caf Champions League final against Egyptian giants Al Ahly last month due to injury, while Castro was an unused substitute. 

Having been appointed in early June this year, Baxter went on to state that it has been difficult for him to prepare the team for the new season.

“After the final, when I came in we got a couple of league games that I was taking part in and that was a one-off. Then the two semi-finals against Wydad, were a one-off and the final, too," he added. 

“We gave them five days off, some people went to the Olympics and had their five days when they came back from the Olympics. Maybe we haven’t done the work we would’ve wanted to have done at this stage. It will be a work in progress.”

Chiefs duo of Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Njabulo Blom were part of the South Africa under-23 squad that participated in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games last month.

Ghanaian attacker Kelvin Ofori has sealed a transfer to German side Paderborn, the club have announced.

The 20-year-old joins the Bundesliga 2 side on a two-year deal from fellow lower division outfit Fortuna Dusseldorf.

He has had to change clubs owing to limited playing time at his former outfit.

“Kelvin Ofori comes from Fortuna Dusseldorf,” Paderborn have said on their official website.

“The SCP07 has signed a creative offensive player with a lot of prospects before the third matchday of the second division season 2021-22.

“The 20-year-old and 1.72 meter tall Kelvin Ofori comes to Pader from second division companion Fortuna Dusseldorf and has signed a two-year contract here.

“The Ghanaian will wear the number 14 on the SCP07 team.”

Relegated from the German elite division last season, Paderborn are bolstering their squad with an aim of securing promotion back to the top tier after the failure of 2020-21.

In two league matches so far this term, Lukas Kwasniok’s side have settled for draws, holding Heidenheim and Nurnberg to 2-2 and 0-0 stalemates, respectively.

In the German Cup last weekend, however, Ofori’s new side succumbed to a 2-1 away loss to Dynamo Dresden.

"We explored the market intensively in order to sign an offensive player with strong dribbling skills,” managing director Sport Fabian Wohlgemuth.

“Kelvin has the advantage that he has already trained at the second division level and can be used flexibly on the offensive. He is another alternative in our squad.

“We want develop your potential in Paderborn.”

At Dusseldorf last season, Ofori made 10 league appearances, starting in only two of the matches.

He ended what was his second season with the club without a goal, not that he scored in his first season when he made only two league appearances, both from the bench.

A product of Ghana’s Right to Dream academy, Ofori joined Dusseldorf in a three-year deal in 2019 following an impressive trial.

He is yet to make a senior international appearance for Ghana.

EFL Championship side Nottingham Forest have confirmed the signing of defender Jordi Osei-Tutu from Arsenal.

In a bid to first-team experience, the Ghana prospect will represent the Tricky Trees for the 2021-22 season, which is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.

“Nottingham Forest are delighted to confirm the third signing of the summer window with Jordi Osei-Tutu joining on a season-long loan from Arsenal,” a statement from the club read.

“The versatile right-back joins The Reds until the end of the 2021/22 season. Osei-Tutu, 22, has already had a taste of the Championship having spent time last season on loan with Cardiff City.

“He also made 21 appearances on loan to German second division side VfL Bochum in the 2019-20 season, where he scored five goals and also operated as a winger.”

Osei-Tutu joined Arsenal as a scholar from Reading in 2015. Later that year, he signed as a young professional – travelling with the senior squad for their pre-season tour of Singapore in 2018.

He was also a member of the squad for the club’s mid-season training camp in Dubai in 2019.

Following his move to the City Ground, he becomes the fourth African in Chris Hughton’s squad after Gaetan Bong (Cameroon), Nuno da Costa (Cape Verde) and Brice Samba (Congo).

The 22-year-old expressed his delight in joining the English second-tier outfit, disclosing the role Hughton played in his move.

“I'm delighted to sign for such a historic club and I can't wait to see the fans for the first time,” he told the club website.

"Everything about the club attracted me and the manager, Chris Hughton, is great and I'm excited to get started.

"It's really important for me to get my head down now and it's good to know that I'm here for a full season and I want to show everyone what I can do.

"I know what to expect in the division, it's a very tough and physical league but I'm ready for the challenge ahead."
 
Osei-Tutu is unlikely to make his debut when Nottingham Forest on Wednesday evening in a League Cup fixture.

The club made a stuttering start to the new season following a 2-1 defeat to Coventry City in their first match.

Swallows FC head coach Brandon Truter has stated they are not scared and will not change tactics just because they play Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 quarter-finals on Sunday.

Swallows will start their new season with the MTN clash in the original Soweto Derby at the Orlando Stadium, and the coach has insisted they are not scared as they have a "certain amount of arrogance" before the fixture.

The Dube Birds have strengthened with the acquisition of Tebogo Langerman, Mwape Musonda, Khethukuthula Ndlovu and Thandani Ntshumayelo already.

"We have a certain amount of arrogance here in our playing style where we do not change," Truter said in a pre-match conference as was quoted by KickOff.com.

"We’re not scared to say this is how we play and you adapt to what you want to do against us.

"We have our own style, we have our mindset and that applies to anyone this season as well. That’s what we’re trying to instil in the boys.

"We want to be fearless on the field of play and whether it’s home or away, our playing style and our philosophy will not change."

Truter further stressed that getting a draw is not on their minds as he has complete faith in the club's playstyle.

"We will not have the mindset that when we are away to look for a draw. That’s not in our DNA, that’s not in our culture," he continued.

"We are Swallows, this is how we'll play and this is what we’ll do on the day and you change if you want to but we will not change."

The original Soweto Derby will be played after Zambian winger Austin Muwowo - who had spent time with the Bucs from 2019 after signing from Nkana - joined Swallows on loan.

Former Kaizer Chiefs left-back Yagan Sasman and Monnapule Saleng are the other players who were acquired by the Gauteng club in a bid to get themselves bolstered ahead of the new season.

The club also announced the return of Given Thibedi from the Glamour Boys.

Pirates secured their berth in the MTN8 with a third-placed finish last season while Truter's side ended the campaign sitting sixth.

Gor Mahia are set to lose Clifton Miheso on a free transfer after his contract with the club expired.

The midfielder has been a key player for the team since joining them in 2019 from the National Super League side Kenya Police.

He has been diligently serving the outgoing Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions and was part of the squad that played in the Caf Champions League and Caf Confederation Cup preliminary rounds.

Why is Miheso leaving?

"Last Sunday, Miheso became a free agent after the expiry of his contract with Gor Mahia," a source close to the player told Goal on Wednesday.

"He is at liberty to negotiate with other teams since the suffering at the club has been too much. They have gone several months without salaries and the signing fee has not been settled as well.

"Many offers have come his way and I believe he will be in another team when the transfer window officially opens."

'He is negotiating with the club'

When reached for comment, Gor Mahia assistant coach Sammy Omollo conceded Miheso is out of contract but negotiations are in place with the management to extend his stay.

"It is not a secret, we all know Miheso is out of contract with the club," the former Posta Rangers coach told Goal.

"But he is negotiating with the club about the teams and the possibility of extending it. But I cannot comment further on the issue because it is managerial.

"We all know Miheso is a quality player and would love to have him beyond this season."

Who has left Gor Mahia?

So far, the Kenyan heavyweights have parted ways with their former captain Kenneth Muguna and defender Charles Momanyi.

The former has joined Tanzania Mainland League side Azam FC on a two-year contract. For Momanyi, he has a deal in principle with Tusker FC to join them for the new campaign.

The Brewers will be representing the country in the Caf Champions League next season.

Lionel Messi says he's unsure when he will make his Paris Saint-Germain debut after joining the French giants on a free transfer due to the fact he may "need a pre-season".

Messi addressed the media for the first time as a PSG player on Wednesday, having joined the club on a two-year contract following his departure from Barcelona.

The 34-year-old is embarking on a new chapter after 21 years at Camp Nou, but hasn't trained since helping Argentina win the Copa America in July, and admits he will need some time to get back up to full speed before taking his bow at Parc des Princes.

What's been said?

"Actually, I don't know. I was on holidays and it's very new," Messi told reporters when asked when he will make his maiden appearance for PSG. "I spoke yesterday with the technical staff, so, maybe I need a pre-season.

"I'm going to begin to train and work and I hope I can play as soon as I can, when the staff thinks I'm OK, I'll be ready."

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner added on the warm welcome he received from supporters upon his arrival in Paris: "I'm very grateful - grateful to the people in the street. I was in Barcelona when the press told me about that. I've seen things from Spain and the people were already outside in Paris and it was incredible to see them outside in the streets.

"I am grateful and want to thank them and now I really want to see them in the city and in the stadium. It will be an incredible year and we are going to enjoy this."

Messi on the prospect of returning to Barca

Messi, who left Barca as their all-time top scorer after helping the club win four European Cups and ten La Liga titles among a host of other honours, went on to address the possibility of coming up against his former club in the upcoming season as PSG seek to win the first Champions League crown in their history.

The Argentine international also reiterated his surprise over the sudden nature of his Camp Nou exit, having originally agreed to a new five-year contract before the club were forced to announce that they couldn't re-sign a talismanic figure due to their ongoing financial struggles.

"It was very complicated to exit Barcelona without knowing where I was going to go. Barcelona is my home, I have been there since I was a kid," Messi added.

"They knew I would arrive in a strong team, a team aiming to win the Champions League. I love to win. I want to have important goals. I know my goals and PSG's goals are the same and want to be bigger and bigger.

"I don't know if we will face Barcelona. It would be very nice to go back to Barcelona. I hope it would be with fans given the pandemic. It would be very strange to play there in another shirt but it can happen and we will see."

Further reading

Barcelona must "dig deep" and "show character" in their quest to move on without Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, according to former Blaugrana player Gbenga Okunowo.

Following his departure from the Camp Nou giants, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner joined Paris Saint-Germain on a two-year deal with the option of a further 12 months, having agreed to a €35m-per-year contract.

During his 21-year spell with the Spanish elite division side, Messi helped the team win the La Liga diadem on 10 occasions, four Champions Leagues, seven Copa del Rey diadems among several other honours.

As Ronald Koeman’s men begin life without their icon when the 2021-22 season commences, the former Barcelona defender suggests what his former club must do to move out of the 34-year-old’s shadow.

“Barcelona must dig deep and show character which I believe they will do,” Okunowo told Goal.

“The club management must also do their very best in making sure the void left by Messi does not affect the structure and progress of the team.

“Having spent 21 years at Barcelona, it’s very obvious that he would be missed because he has contributed so much to the club.

“However, I still feel there are other players who will step up to be counted.”

Messi is the club’s top scorer and top appearance maker of all time, with 672 goals from 778 matches and many have claimed the 26-time Spanish kings may struggle in his absence.

The former Nigeria right-back disapproves of this sentiment, claiming the Catalans’ tradition would fuel their desire to win more silverware.

“With or without Messi, the club will always have ambitions to get stronger every season and win trophies,” he continued.

“Barcelona boast a tradition of football excellence and I strongly believe this will push them not to settle for less when they compete at any given point.

“The Catalans are arguably the biggest club in the world hence, the winning mentality will continue.”

After representing Barcelona for three years, Okunowo joined Ionikos before having short spells at Dinamo Bucuresti, KF Tirana, Metalurh Donetsk, VB Sports, Waltham Forest before drawing the curtain on his career at NPFL side Sunshine Stars.

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi says "there is no excuse" for Kylian Mbappe not to stay at the club following the arrival of Lionel Messi.

PSG announced the signing of Messi on Tuesday, tying him down to a contract until 2023 with the option of an extra year, with Barcelona having been forced to let the six-time Ballon d'Or winner go after 21 years at Camp Nou amid an ongoing financial crisis.

The French giants wasted no time in striking a deal for Messi, but negotiations with Mbappe over a contract extension have moved far more slowly, and it has been suggested that Real Madrid could prise him away from Parc des Princes before the summer window closes.

What's been said?

PSG could even lose Mbappe on a free transfer in 12 months time if they fail to tie him down to a renewal, but Al-Khelaifi sees no reason why he would want to depart now that Messi has completed their all-star lineup.

"The future of Mbappe? I think everyone knows. His future is clear. He said it himself, he wanted us to have a competitive team," the Parc des Princes chief said at Messi's first press conference in midweek.

"Well, we have the most competitive in the world right now. So there is no excuse for him now. He can't do anything else but stay."

The bigger picture 

Goal reported that PSG were confident that Mbappe would commit his long-term future to the club after confirmation of the Messi deal, with talks between the two parties now likely to accelerate as the 2021-22 season gets into full swing.

Real Madrid have also been forced to shelve their interest in the World Cup winner for the time being as they focus on reducing the size of their squad, and are now prepared to wait until next year before testing PSG's resolve with a big-money bid.

Mbappe has always been open about his ambitions to win the Champions League and Ballon d'Or, and his chances of scooping both prizes have surely been increased now that he will be working with Messi in Paris.

The Argentine has won four European Cups, firmly establishing himself as one of the all-time greats, with his quality in the final third likely to open up even more opportunities for Mbappe to shine as the pair form two-thirds of a fearsome attacking trident alongside Neymar.

Further reading

Paris Saint-Germain are not in violation of UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules by signing Lionel Messi, president Nasser Al-Khelaifi insists.

The arrival of the Argentina star comes after the club signed Achraf Hakimi from Inter for €60 million (£52m/$71m) as well as Sergio Ramos, Georginio Wijnaldum and Gianluigi Donnarumma this summer.

Meanwhile, big-earners Neymar and Kylian Mbappe are still on the books, raising questions about how PSG can add Messi to the wage bill without breaking the rules

What has been said?

But Al-Khelaifi says the French giants can justify the addition of the 34-year-old, telling reporters: "Regarding the financial aspect, I will make it clear: we know the rules of Financial Fair Play and we will always follow the regulations.

"Before we do anything, we check with our commercial, financial and legal people.

"We have the capacity to sign him. If we sign Leo, it's because we can, otherwise we would not have done it.

"What Leo brings to the club is huge, which you can see just outside. He is a big asset for the club.

"I hope Leo will not ask for a raise, but what we have is fantastic!"

How much are PSG paying Messi?

Although the Ligue 1 side did not have to pay a transfer fee to land the six-time Ballon d'Or winner, Messi's arrival will cost the club a lot of money.

Messi signed a two-year deal with an option for a third, which is said to be worth around €35m (£30m/$41m) per season.

Will Messi boost Ligue 1?

Al-Khelaifi says the other presidents in the French top-flight are grateful to the club for bringing Messi to the country as they expect the rest of the league to benefit from his presence.

“In terms of the impact on Ligue 1, I think the championship is going up a level. In TV rights, too, I hope, or in commercial partnerships," he added.

"Everyone now wants to see Messi's PSG, which increases the value of other clubs.

"The other presidents thanked me for the arrival of Leo. We are not only doing this for the club, but also for France and Ligue 1."

Further reading

Former Black Leopards and Bidvest Wits forward Coxwell Ratshivhadelo says he is “not expecting a lot” from Kaizer Chiefs as he backs Orlando Pirates to be crowned 2021/22 Premier Soccer League champions.

Ratshivhadelo says Amakhosi are still “rebuilding” their squad and will not be able to challenge for the league title.

Chiefs will also be under Stuart Baxter, who returned to the club and is the last coach to help Amakhosi win any major silverware when they clinched the league title in 2015.

“I am not expecting a lot from Chiefs as they are still in the process of rebuilding,” said Ratshivhadelo as per Sun Sport.

Chiefs have made nine new signings, in what was the first time for them to conduct transfer business in over a year, after serving a Fifa player transfer ban. 

They brought in Cole Alexander from Indian Super League side Odisha FC, Keagan Dolly defender Austin Dube, Kgaogelo Sekgota, left-back Sibusiso Mabiliso, goalkeeper Brandon Peterson, Phathutshedzo Nange, centre-back Njabulo Ngcobo and Sifiso Hlanti, who both joined from (Swallows FC).

Having ruled out Chiefs as title contenders, Ratshivhadelo feels the battle for league honours will be between Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

“I think the race for the PSL title is between Pirates and Downs,” Ratshivhadelo added

“Pirates had a good foundation last season and this time it is about winning the title. Pirates have players who I think have grown from their last season form. 

“Sundowns are a big team and they fight to win the title all the time and they have been dominating for a while now. But I think this time Pirates will come top.”

Pirates have so far made just four signings ahead of the 2021/22 season.

They have secured the services of central defender Kwanda Mngonyama and Bandile Shandu from Maritzburg United.

They have also roped in Goodman Mosele and Monnapule Saleng, who has since been loaned out to Swallows FC.

Coach Josef Zinnbauer is yet to buy a centre-forward despite facing challenges in that department last season.

Sundowns, on the other hand, have made six new signings including Slovakia international striker Pavol Safranko, Divine Lunga and Grant Kekana.