Category: Sports

New Manchester United signing, Karl Darlow’s shirt number at Old Trafford has been confirmed.

Man United on Tuesday confirmed the signing of Darlow from Leeds United.

The 35-year-old goalkeeper will join manager Michael Carrick’s first-team squad for the new season.

In a post via the Red Devils’ website, the Premier League club confirmed that Darlow will wear the number 12 shirt for the club.

Darlow’s arrival was confirmed, less than 24 hours after the announcement of Andrey Santos’s transfer from Chelsea.

The no.12 became vacant following Tyrell Malacia’s departure from United earlier this summer, upon the expiry of his contract.

Transfer: Karl Darlow’s shirt number at Man Utd confirmed

Chelsea manager, Xabi Alonso, has claimed that timing played a big role in his decision to join the Blues instead of Liverpool.

Alonso represented the Reds for five seasons between 2004 and 2009.

But Chelsea appointed him as their next permanent manager in May this year.

Two weeks after Alonso got the job, Liverpool parted ways with Arne Slot and appointed Andoni Iraola.

In an interview with BBC Sport, Alonso opened up on why he joined Chelsea over Liverpool.

“Well, it is about timings,” Alonso said.

“I am here today on my first day at Stamford Bridge, talking to you.

“I am looking forward to this challenge, a big challenge, and Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs and I am looking forward to having success here.”

EPL: Why I joined Chelsea instead of Liverpool – Xabi Alonso

Chibuike Nwaiwu has agreed on personal terms with Premier League club Fulham, DAILY POST reports.

Fulham are desperate to sign the Nigeria international this summer, and have reportedly had two bids rejected by Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor.

The Whites are, however, not relenting in their bid to bring Nwaiwu to England.

According to French outlet, Foot Mercato, Fulham have reached agreement with Nwaiwu on a four-year contract.

Alvaro Arbeloa’s side will now have to reach an agreement with Trabzonspor, who want at least €30 million for the centre-back.

The 22-year-old arrived Trabzonspor from Austrian club Wolfsberger AC in January.

He scored three goals,and registered one assist in 21 matches across all competitions for the Black Sea Storm.

Transfer: Nwaiwu agrees personal terms with Fulham 

Karl Darlow has become Manchester United’s third signing of the summer.

Darlow joins the Red Devils as a free agent from Leeds.

The 32-year-old has now signed a contract until June 2028, with the option to extend it for another year.

Darlow’s arrival comes days after United brought in midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50 million.

United have also also activated Youri Tielemans’ £35m release clause at Aston Villa and he has undergone his medicals.

Darlow is expected to provide back-up and competition for first-choice goalkeeper, Senne Lammens.

Altay Bayindir, who has been the deputy to Lammens and Andre Onana, is now set to leave Old Trafford.

Onana has already agreed on a new loan deal at Trabzonspor, to play at the Turkish club for a second season.

Transfer: Man Utd confirms third summer signing after Santos, Tielemans

Former England forward, Jay Bothroyd, has suggested that Tottenham Hotspur, player Djed Spence could assist Thomas Tuchel in containing Lionel Messi during the Three Lions’ semi-final match against Argentina in 2026.

Spence has participated in all six of England’s matches at the current World Cup, including two starts, and has played in both right-back and left-back positions. Given Reece James’ injury and Jarell Quansah’s suspension, he is expected to play a significant role in the upcoming encounter against Argentina.

On the other hand, Messi has emerged as a strong candidate for the tournament’s Golden Ball award, having scored eight goals and provided two assists in six matches so far, making him a central figure in Tuchel’s defensive strategy.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Bothroyd asserted that Spence could do better than regular left-back Nico O’Reilly in terms of the battle with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. Urging Tuchel to play the 25-year-old on the left, the former Arsenal academy graduate said via Metro, “Especially when he plays on the left-hand side. I feel like if you’ve got Spence in that position, I feel like as a one-on-one defender there’s none better than him out there. 

“Maybe Tuchel will be looking at that and thinking he’s someone who could get stuck into Messi.”

The eagerly awaited semi-final between England and Argentina is scheduled to take place at the Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, July 15.

World Cup: ‘There’s none better than him’ – Bothroyd names England star to stop Messi

John Joshua is on the verge of completing a move away from Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, side Nasarawa United.

Joshua and the Solid Miners are yet to agreement on a new contract.

The midfielder played a crucial role in the club’s fifth place finish in the NPFL last season.

Nasarawa United also reached the semi-final of the 2026 President Federation Cup.

A final resolution is expected to be reached between the two parties before the start of the new season.

Joshua will leave the Lafia club on a free transfer if they failed to meet his demands.

NPFL: John Joshua set for Nasarawa United exit

Tolu Arokodare has been left out of Wolves’ squad for their pre-season tour of Portugal amid the uncertainty surrounding his future at the club.

Arokodare is keen to leave the Molineux this summer following the club’s relegation last season.

Wolves rejected a loan offer from Serie A club Fiorentina for the Nigeria international last week, according to Sky Sports.

Turkish Super Lig club Trabzonspor also submitted an offer for  the striker, but  he is not keen on a move to Turkey.

The 25-year-old is reportedly keen to play in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

Fiorentina are expected to improve thier bid for Arokodare before the end of the transfer window.

Championship: Arokodare omitted from Wolves’ Portugal training camp 

At least eight Arsenal players will be playing at the World Cup semi-final stage this week.

France will tackle Spain in the first semi-final tie on Tuesday, while Argentina will take on England in the second semi-final fixture on Wednesday.

The winners of both fixtures will qualify for the World Cup final.

However, eight Arsenal players will be aiming to lead their respective countries in the semi-final fixtures for a place in the final.

Three Arsenal players, Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi and David Raya, will feature for Spain, while William Saliba, will play for France.

Four Arsenal players, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice, and Bukayo Saka, will play for England against Argentina.

World Cup semi-finals: 8 Arsenal players eying glory [See names]

The Dutch football association, KNVB, announced the sad news in a statement on Monday.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of referee Rob Dieperink,” the statement partly read

“Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and everyone who held him dear. We wish them much strength and support in coping with this great loss.”

Dieperink was dropped for the 2026 World Cup after being arrested in the UK earlier this year.

He was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault on a teenage boy.

Dieperink, however, was not charged with any offence after the investigation.

World Cup 2026: Referee Rob Dieperink who was dropped for sexual assault, dies

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has confirmed the Scottish Premiership champions have offered Kelechi Iheanacho a new contract, DAILY POST reports.

The Bhoys are keen for Iheanacho to continue at the club after an impressive first season at the Celtic Park.

The Nigeria international scored nine goals in 24 appearances across all competitions for the Hoops.

Iheanacho joined Celtic on a one-year contract in September 2025, with the holding an option to keep him for a further season.

The option expired last month, with both parties now is discussion over a new deal.

Speaking to the Daily Record, O’Neill said: “There’s an offer there to him (Iheanacho) at this minute. So we’ll see how that develops.”

Transfer: Celtic boss O’Neill confirms new contract for Iheanacho