Man Utd Agree Deal To Sign Brentford Winger Mbeumo – Reports

 

Manchester United have reportedly agreed to sign Cameroon winger Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford in a deal worth an initial £65 million ($87 million) as Ruben Amorim steps up his overhaul of the team’s misfiring attack.

Mbeumo attracted Amorim’s attention with 20 goals in 38 Premier League games for Brentford last season.

Tottenham, now managed by former Brentford boss Thomas Frank, were also chasing the 25-year-old before United’s improved offer sealed the deal after their two previous bids were rebuffed.

United will pay an additional £6 million in potential add-ons to Brentford.

Mbeumo is due to undergo a medical in time to travel to the United States on Tuesday as Amorim’s men start their pre-season tour.

He is set to become United’s third signing since the end of last season, joining Wolves forward Matheus Cunha and teenage Paraguayan defender Diego Leon at Old Trafford.

Amorim has been determined to revamp United’s forward options after a woeful campaign.

They suffered a toothless 1-0 defeat against Tottenham in the Europa League final and a 15th-place finish in the top flight that ranked as their lowest since 1973-74.

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggled as Amorim’s main strikers last term.

Amorim has reportedly told Alejandro Garnacho to look for a new club, while Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho are expected to leave following their loan spells at Aston Villa and Chelsea, respectively.

Mbeumo will be Amorim’s latest recruit in his bid to revitalise moribund United.

Having already paid £62.5 million for Cunha, United’s spending spree comes despite their failure to qualify for the Champions League costing the club a minimum of £70 million.

The versatile Mbeumo is able to operate in a variety of roles on the flanks or in central attacking areas.

data-preserver-spaces=”true”>His pace, creativity, and clinical finishing should be a significant boost to data-preserver-spaces=”true”>United.

Mbeumo blossomed in six years at Brentford, scoring 70 goals and providing 51 assists in 242 appearances in all competitions following his move from French club Troyes in 2019.

He helped the Bees win promotion to the Premier League in 2021 and was instrumental in their impressive 10th-place finish in 2024-25.

Snoop Dogg Becomes Co-Owner Of Championship Club Swansea

Swansea City and Championship side Swansea City have an unlikely partnership, according to the Welsh club.

Luka Modric, a former Real Madrid stalwart and World Cup winner, is the new owner of the club, joining the 53-year-old American.

Snoop Dogg made an unexpected appearance last week on the team’s social media channels, presenting their new home jersey for the 2025-26 season, and the team announced on Thursday that he has become an investor.

His involvement comes after Brett Cravatt and Jason Cohen, two American businessmen, purchased the club in November.

Swansea will hope that Snoop Dogg, who is actually Calvin Broadus, can use his 100 million social media followers to raise the club’s profile as they attempt to reclaim the title for the first time since being relegated in 2018, will use his 100 million followers to do so.

According to the owners of Swansea, greater revenue would enable them to invest more in new players in accordance with British football’s profit and sustainability regulations.

The 53-year-old rapper stated on the club’s website: “My love of football is well known, but it feels special for me to make my move into club ownership with Swansea City.

I really enjoyed the club’s history and the surrounding area. A working-class city and club are proud to exist here. a dog that defends itself, similar to me.

“Swansea City is a great place to live.”

After leaving Real Madrid this week, Modric, who is 39 years old, joined AC Milan, and Swansea announced in April, had a stake in the club.

This announcement is Swansea City’s next episode, to borrow a phrase from Snoop’s back catalogue, as we look to expand the club’s reach and profile, according to Swansea’s owners, in a statement.

Snoop has made it clear to us throughout the entire process how excited he is about joining the club that “Snoop’s enormous global fanbase and audience will certainly help us do that.”

Snoop has openly expressed his desire to play football and has a passion for the sport, and we anticipate that he will help us form as much of a competitive team as possible.

Spain’s Bonmati ‘Grateful’ For Euros Bid After Meningitis Scare

After recovering from a brief bout of viral meningitis that briefly threatened her tournament, Aitana Bonmati is feeling well ahead of Spain’s quarter-final match against Switzerland at Women’s Euro 2025.

As World Cup winners Spain fight for their first-ever women’s European Championship victory, two-time Ballon d’Or winner Bonmati will begin in Bern on Friday.

She made her debut appearance of the tournament last week with a 3-1 victory over Italy, which secured top spot and nine points in Group B. Due to her illness, she made substitute appearances against Portugal and Belgium.

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“From one day to the next, I was feeling great, and then, bam, something brand-new, a negative, and uncomfortable experience.” And you must endure, Bonmati told reporters on Thursday.

“Fortunately, I can say I can play in the quarter-finals today.” I must be appreciative.

I’ve had a difficult few weeks, and I want to enjoy myself because I haven’t been able to do much, I said. I’m hoping I can deliver.

Noelle Maritz, a Swiss defender, hopes that the Swiss will reach the final four of a significant international women’s tournament for the first time thanks to fervent home support at Wankdorf Stadium.

Although playing in front of so many people in such a large stadium is truly special, we all anticipated a positive atmosphere. Aston Villa defender Maritz told reporters, “The energy of the fans really pushes you on.”

“We had a really special moment when we won Group A and faced Finland, and the crowd cheered us.” Our fans had a wonderful time, and it was great to share such an original experience. Tomorrow will be filled with lots of energy, according to me, thanks to the fans.

Switzerland have a tough task ahead of Spain, who scored 14 goals in their three group games but is still under less pressure to win than their rivals, who are the favorites to win the trophy later this month.

Coach Pia Sundhage said, “I think the pressure is on now, and we have a chance,” and it’s a quarter-final.

We stood up and said, “This is so much better than it was just a few weeks ago,” during our five-versus-five training session.

“And I think a portion of that is that we are able to deal with the pressure because there has been a lot of pressure.”

On Wednesday in Zurich, the winner of the match from Friday will face either France or Germany in the semi-finals.

2024 WAFCON: History At Stake As Nigeria’s Super Falcons Face Zambia

The Super Falcons will want to stop the Nigerians from making the final four of the competition for the first time when they face Zambia in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The third-place match at the 2022 edition of the championship was recreated in the Friday blockbuster game. The Super Falcons were defeated by the Zambians in that year, guaranteeing that Nigeria would not finish on a podium.

With seven points, Nigeria advanced to the quarter-finals of the competition. Before drawing with Algeria, they first won their first two games.

The 2018 WAFCON winners have scored no goals in three games this year, demonstrating an unquestionable defensive record in Morocco. They have been unimpressive in front of goal, enjoying the majority of possession in games but being unable to make that count, in part because their defense is water-tight.

[WAFCON 2024] Nigeria’s Super Falcons fight Botswana in the Eye Quarter-Final Berth.

In their final group game against Algeria, Nigeria had 24 shots on target, with only two of those coming.

The Copper Queens, however, have one of the tournament’s deadliest attacks, unlike their foes. They scored six goals to place them second in Group A, earning both analysts and fans praise.

However, the third-place finishers in 2022 have conceded three goals so far, a flaw that the Super Falcons would like to exploit.

Watch the matches between Zambia and Nigeria on ESPN.

The Super Falcons display a mix of young and experienced players, as is customary for multiple-time champions.

Even though Asisat Oshoala has received criticism for her performance in Morocco, she is one to watch for her one goal so far in the competition. If Nigeria wants to beat Zambia on Friday, the six-time African Women’s Player of the Year must rise to the occasion.

Forward Chinwendu Ihezuo is another player worth watching in addition to her. The Pachuca striker has scored twice, including the late winner against Botswana, in the search for the Golden Boot.

When the game begins at Casablanca, Morocco’s Stade Larbi Zaouli, she will be relying on her to perform the same magic.

Given their pace, strength, and finishing ability, the trio of Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, who have three goals each, will be a struggle for the Nigerian defense.

The women’s player of the year award is currently held by Banda. In the women’s continental competition, her pairing with Kundananji has become one of the most feared attacking pairs so far.

Head-to-Head Record for Zambia and Nigeria

Nigeria and the Copper Queens have faced off three times at the WAFCON. In the group stage, the Super Falcons defeated them 6-0 in 2014 before a 4-0 defeat in Ghana in 2018. The Southern Africans, however, won the bronze medal game with a 1-0 victory over their rivals in 2022 with the final laugh.

Match Details: Zambia vs. Nigeria (WAFCON)

Game: Zambia vs. Nigeria

Date: Friday, July 18, 2025

Time: 5: 00 pm (Nigeria/WAT time)

‘I’m Not Old’ Usyk Says Age Won’t Matter In Dubois Bout

  

Oleksandr Usyk has refuted claims that Daniel Dubois and Oleksandr Usyk could win the undisputed world heavyweight title on Saturday.

IBF belt holder Dubois is 11 years older than former WBA, WBO, and WBC champion Usyk, 38.

The Ukrainian faces off against his 27-year-old British rival in the Wembley matchup despite the significant disparity, according to reports that the Ukrainian will struggle to distance himself from his rival.

When asked if he might be vulnerable due to the age difference, Usyk vehemently disagreed with that assessment.

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What do you think? I’m not sure, maybe. On Thursday, Usyk told reporters that he didn’t feel “rattled.”

I respect this young man, this guy, listen. I’m motivated by this guy, too. I’m not an elderly person. You are aware that 38 is not old. He continued, “We will see on Saturday.”

Usyk won the second meeting in Poland in the ninth round in 2023, and the pair are currently competing for the same title.

Usyk hopes to win a third consecutive title after losing in 23 professional fights.

Dubois has won three of his three fights since losing to Usyk, including a September victory over compatriot Anthony Joshua at Wembley.

In 1999, Lewis became the last Briton to unify the heavyweight division.

Dubois must raise mental fragility accusations in order for him to match that feat.

Egis Klimas, the manager of Usyk, claimed Dubois was still the same person as he was two years ago but still had “weakness” in his mind.

The Briton’s trainer, Don Charles, said Klimas must have fallen asleep in response.

Usyk beat Tyson Fury twice while I slept, according to Klimas.

The Ukrainian defeated the ‘Gypsy King’ once more in December, winning the matchup against Fury in May 2024.

Dubois is however determined to make history by stoking the doubters with a shocking victory over Usyk.

Daniel Dubois

I merely want to put it on at this point. My own script will be written in this instance. They have their own script, and I’m going to write my own to become the man who can win these belts and become the man,” said Dubois, who won with just two defeats in 22 victories overall.

I did the right thing. I’m just on a different level right now, ready to get those belts on Saturday and get through whatever I need. I’m pursuing greatness and glory at the same time.

I just need to do a real demolition job because this is history-making. I need it now, and I’m eager. ”

Dubois inquired before he left the press conference about Canelo Alvarez, a multi-weight world champion, placing a wager of $500,000 on Usyk to win.

It “don’t mean nothing to me,” He said, “I am just focused right now, he is going to lose his money.”

I am aware of my obligations. I just need to take control, act like the man, and put him to death. ”

NFF Mourns Demise Of Football ‘Professor’ Monday Sinclair

Former Nigerian international player and former Super Eagles coach, Monday Sinclair, passed away in a profound manner, according to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). His passing is a significant blow to the country’s football community.

Sinclair, who was well-known for his mastery of the game, passed away on Wednesday evening, leaving behind a legacy that affected grassroots and elite football development in Nigeria.

NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, expressed his condolences on Thursday in a message on his behalf: “We mourn deeply with the immediate family, friends, and relatives of ‘Professor’ Monday Sinclair’s demise. Another depressing day for Nigerian football.

Our prayer is that God will stop the sorrow and grief that plague our sport and society as a whole. We pray that the Almighty will grant the late Sinclair rest and the strength to bear the heavy loss that he has left behind, including the coaching fraternity.

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After gaining independence, Sinclair spent a few years playing for the senior national team of Nigeria before transitioning to coaching, where he became famous for nurturing young talent and promoting an exciting, fluid style of football.

In addition to the late goalkeeper Peter Rufai, the defensive linebacker Taribo West, and the striker Finidi George, his influence had a significant impact on the development of several former Super Eagles stars.

Following the departure of Frenchman Philippe Troussier after Nigeria received a World Cup qualification in 1998, Sinclair was appointed interim head coach of the Super Eagles.

In addition to his distinctive teaching methods, charisma, and dedication to the game, Sinclair also coached a number of Nigerian clubs, most notably the Sharks of Port Harcourt.