Sports
Talent floods into LaLiga Santander in the transfer market
From the title contenders to the teams battling to avoid relegation, each of LaLiga Santander’s 20 clubs made some intriguing signings this summer.
The four clubs which made up last season’s top four spent the most money over these past couple of months, with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Atlético Madrid each breaking the €100m barrier.
Having won the past three Champions Leagues, Real Madrid clearly possessed one of the most talented squads in the world already.
Yet they have worked to improve their strength in depth by hiring the likes of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, right-back Álvaro Odriozola and striker Mariano Díaz, who returns to the club after a fabulous 21-goal season in Lyon.
Thomas Lemar
Another fascinating development saw Vinícius Júnior join from Flamengo, with the teenager able to complete his pre-arranged move to Real Madrid now that he has turned 18 years of age.
The highly-rated young winger will slowly be integrated into Los Blancos’ first team, which should be interesting to see.
Current LaLiga champions Barcelona adopted a similar approach to their great rivals.
Their bench will look completely different in 2018/19, having brought in centre-back Clément Lenglet, central midfielders Arthur Melo and Arturo Vidal and winger Malcom to support the championship-winning starting XI and to provide options for the future.
Atlético Madrid signed a number of players who also have bright futures, as well as exciting presents. Rodri, Gelson Martins and Thomas Lemar are all 23 or younger, but can all bring something to the table right here and right now.
In the case of Lemar, the most expensive signing made by any LaLiga club this summer, the former Monaco winger has already won the World Cup and should bring a winning mentality to the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano.
Gerard Moreno
In fact, he even won the UEFA Super Cup on his Atleti debut, playing a vital role in the victory over Real Madrid.
Valencia have had an interesting summer too, as they look to push on from last season’s fourth-place finish and their return to Champions League football. Gonçalo Guedes, who scored five LaLiga goals and who set up 11 more last season during his loan spell with the east coast club, has joined on a permanent transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.
For obvious reasons, it’s a deal they’re very excited about at Valencia, while they’re also glad to have pinned Geoffrey Kondogbia down to a permanent deal and to have boosted their strike force with the arrivals of Michy Batshuayi and Kévin Gameiro. Daniel Wass’ arrival from Celta Vigo may have been a bit more low-key, but the versatile Dane is one to watch as well.
There have also been some eye-catching transfers made by the chasing pack of clubs keen to break into the top four this season. Villarreal have focussed on improving their strike options by signing Gerard Moreno, Karl Toko Ekambi and Carlos Bacca. Athletic Club have gotten stronger at the full-back positions with the acquisitions of Yuri Berchiche, Ander Capa and Cristian Ganea, while they’re also thrilled to have captured Eibar captain Dani García for their midfield.
Real Sociedad also added a talented midfielder in the form of Mikel Merino, who joins from Newcastle United, while the acquisitions of Real Madrid left-back Theo Hernández and Everton striker Sandro Ramírez on loan are ones which they’re excited about in San Sebastián too.
The league’s two Andalusian clubs have strengthened in all areas. They both have new goalkeepers, with Pau López coming in to start for Real Betis and with Tomas Vaclik doing likewise for Sevilla. They’ve both signed highly rated centre-backs (Sidnei for Betis and Joris Gnagnon for Sevilla) and impressive defensive midfielders (William Carvalho and Giovani Lo Celso for Betis and Ibrahim Amadou and Maxime Gonalons for Sevilla). On top of that, both Seville clubs have added players with an eye for goal, with Betis hiring exciting Japanese winger Takashi Inui and Sevilla adding Quincy Promes and André Silva.
Some of the league’s more modest clubs have made nifty signings too. Leganés can be excited about bringing in Oscar Rodríguez from Real Madrid’s B team, José Arnáiz from Barcelona B and Guido Carrillo from Southampton. Girona are set to benefit once again from some Manchester City loanees, having this summer signed Patrick Roberts and Douglas Luiz on temporary deals.
Arturo Vidal
Rayo Vallecano won the fight to sign hot prospect Álvaro García from Cádiz, as well as bringing back Raúl de Tomás on loan from Real Madrid after he netted 24 goals during their Segunda-winning campaign last year.
Then there’s Real Valladolid, who have signed striker Enes Ünal, a player so promising he debuted with Turkey aged 17, on loan from Villarreal.
From top to bottom, it seems that good business has been done everywhere and it promises to make the 2018/19 LaLiga season one of the most competitive in years.
MTN Nigeria, the official sponsor of the English Premier League (EPL) on SuperSport, successfully hosted an electrifying Manchester Derby watch party at Bay Lounge, Lekki, on April 6, 2025. Football fans gathered for a superb night of live-action football, engaging discussions, and exciting giveaways.
Building on the success of its previous Arsenal vs. Manchester United watch party, MTN Nigeria once again provided a premium viewing experience that brought fans together to celebrate their shared passion for football.
These fans enjoyed their match on a big screen among other football lovers. The Derby ended in a tense goalless draw that, while lacking in goals, was full of drama.
Fans erupted at every near-miss, debated tactical battles, and rode the emotional rollercoaster of a match that left City’s Champions League hopes hanging and reflected Manchester United’s season frustrations.
Looking ahead, this draw presents an opportunity for Newcastle United, as they could overtake City for fifth place if they secure a victory against Leicester City, who are battling relegation, on Monday; highlighting the competitive nature of the league and the dynamic possibilities for all teams involved.
Nwadinma Gregory, one lucky attendee who walked away with an MTN broadband MiFi, said “The energy at the MTN Nigeria watch party was absolutely incredible! Watching the Manchester Derby with fellow fans, experiencing every goal, every near miss and every thrilling moment together made it unforgettable. MTN really knows how to bring football lovers together for an amazing experience!”
One of the biggest talking points was Kevin De Bruyne, who recently announced this would be his final season at Manchester City.
Fans took the opportunity to reflect on his remarkable legacy. Mickhael Ehi, an attendee, shared his thoughts on De Bruyne’s impact and contribution to the team, highlighting the significance of his career at the club: “Seeing De Bruyne in what might be his last Manchester Derby was bittersweet. He’s been a Premier League legend: the assists, the vision, the leadership. Even if he wasn’t at his peak today, you could feel the respect from the crowd. Players like him don’t come around often.”
Lakinbofa Goodluck, MTN Nigeria’s PR Manager, highlighted the brand’s dedication to enhancing football experiences:
“At MTN Nigeria, we are committed to enriching the experiences of our customers and football lovers. The Premier League is more than just football; it’s about community, passion, and unforgettable moments, and we are proud to bring that to our fans.”
With the EPL season still in full swing, MTN Nigeria will continue to create unique engagement opportunities for fans, ensuring they stay connected to the game they love.
…reaffirms MTN Nigeria’s support following ‘draw’ with Zimbabwe.
MTN Nigeria, the official telecommunications partner of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), has reiterated its unwavering support for the Super Eagles following their spirited draw with Zimbabwe in the World Cup qualifier match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
Building on the momentum from their recent victory against Rwanda, MTN Nigeria had expressed strong backing for the national team ahead of the crucial fixture. Tobe Okigbo, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer, stated before the game, “We are confident in the team’s ability to make Nigeria proud and qualify for the World Cup.”
Despite the draw, MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, maintained a positive outlook. “While tonight’s outcome wasn’t what we hoped for, we remain steadfast in our support for the Super Eagles. This result is just part of the journey towards World Cup qualification, and we believe in the team’s resilience and ability to succeed,” Toriola said.
The match showcased the Super Eagles’ grit and determination as they found their rhythm against the Zimbabwean side. Nigeria scored the first goal, demonstrating their prowess and fighting spirit, although the match ultimately ended in a draw. This result has added to the excitement of Nigeria’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
MTN Nigeria, which signed a deal with the NFF in 2021 as the Official Telecoms Partner, has been a constant pillar of support for Nigerian football for over two decades. The company’s commitment extends from grassroots to national levels, investing significantly in the development of local football.
“Our support for the Super Eagles and all national teams is part of our long-standing tradition,” Toriola added. “We are building a sustainable legacy of collaboration, growth, and development in the football space. Tonight’s result doesn’t change our belief in the team’s potential to make all Nigerians proud on the global stage. We believe in our Eagles.”
As the Super Eagles regroup and prepare for their next qualifier, MTN Nigeria has called on all Nigerians to rally behind the team. The company emphasized that this is a crucial time for unity and continued support, expressing confidence that the Super Eagles will overcome this challenge and strive towards securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Sports
Portugal Football Club Signs on 19-Year-Old Nigerian- born Footballer, Yaqub Usman-Malah
Reporter: Sandra Ani
Brito Sporting Club of Portugal, a football club founded in 1956, has signed an official contract with a United Kingdom-based highly-talented, young Nigeria-born footballer, Yaqub Usman-Malah.
The official unveiling of the young promising footballer was carried out on Saturday, January 4, 2025.
Yaqub, born in Nigeria in 2006, is a budding Nigerian talent with unquantifiable promise and potential.
Prior to his official contract with Brito Sporting Club of Portugal, he was a student and a trainee player with the Brooke College Football Academy in the United Kingdom.
At Brooke College Football Academy, Yaqub had an impressive goal average of 17 goals in 32 matches with no injuries in 116 training days, cumulating into 2, 270 minutes of on-field action.
A clear testimony of his outstanding performance at the Academy was provided by the lead coach of the Under-17B team Yaqub played with.
The lead coach, Tomasz Wasylik, described Yaqub as a ‘well-liked person’ and a role model to his teammates due to his professionalism and unmatched work rate.
The Lead Coach further stated that Yaqub has played in National School Cup competitions against other colleges and programmes in the 2023/2024 session and is a good ‘tactical player’, ‘technically good” and can ‘play in multiple positions on the field’.
It is expected that Yaqub will live to the potential and promise identified by Coach Tomasz Wasylik of the Brooke College Football Academy and achieve greatness in his new club.
“While looking forward to the display of his unarguable skills and boundless stamina, we wish Yaqub a successful career and a place in the halls of football greatness across the globe,” Yaqub’s father, Mr Usman Malah said in a statement issued to the media, on Wednesday 8, 2025.
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