Transfers

Benjamin Mendy signs for new club just days after being cleared of rape charges

Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has signed for FC Lorient in his home country of France just five days after he was cleared on charges of both rape and attempted rape

Benjamin Mendy has signed for Ligue 1 outfit FC Lorient less than a week after he was cleared of rape and attempted rape.

The former Manchester City defender will ply his trade in the French top flight, with Lorient confirming the transfer via a statement on their website. The update read: “FC Lorient is pleased to announce today the signing for two seasons of French international left-back Benjamin Mendy.

“After having satisfied the traditional medical examination, Benjamin Mendy, world champion 2018, quadruple winner of the Premier League under the colors of Manchester City and French champion of Ligue 1 with Monaco in particular, comes to reinforce the Lorient workforce for this new season.

Benjamin Mendy ‘delighted’ as his lawyer reacts to him being cleared of all rape charges

“The native of Longjumeau, who will wear number 5 with the Merlus, will take his first steps at Espace FCL today. Welcome Benjamin!”

Mendy joined Manchester City for £52million in 2017, inking a £100k-a-week deal when arriving from Monaco. But he was released at the end of June when his contract ended. He last played for City in August 2021.

His switch to Lorient marks a return to France, where all of his experience prior to his spell at City came. The right-back has represented Le Havre, Marseille and as mentioned, Monaco over the course of his illustrious career. He played a starring role in the Monaco side that stunned French football by winning Ligue 1 in 2017.

Lorient secured his signature without having to pay a penny in transfer fees, given Mendy has been out of contract since his deal with City expired at the end of last month.

The Premier League champions are believed to have stopped paying the Frenchman in September 2021, when he was charged.

City boss Pep Guardiola dubbed Mendy a “really good boy” while acting as a character witness at the France international’s first trial.

Premier League

Amorim defends January Transfer Risks at Man United

£40m Striker: Man Utd, Liverpool In Transfer ‘Tug Of War’

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has admitted it was his decision to “take the risk” of not securing additional signings in the January transfer window, despite squad concerns.

The Red Devils completed only two signings: left-back Patrick Dorgu from Lecce and centre-back Ayden Heaven from Arsenal.

However, the loan exits of Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa and Antony to Real Betis left United without reinforcement in attack.

“We are taking a risk, but we want a different thing in the team, different profiles. It was my decision to do that,” Amorim explained.

He emphasized the club’s cautious approach: “Everybody here does not want to make the same mistakes of the past. In the summer we will see, but we are being really careful with transfers because we did some mistakes in the past.”

United face Leicester City in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday, where Dorgu and Heaven could debut.

Acknowledging the pressure of results, Amorim admitted, “This is a sport of results, and we are in a difficult situation… but I have a clear idea of what I want to do and I take these risks because in the end, it’s going to pay off.”

Transfers

Willian rejoins Fulham on Short-Term Deal

Fulham have re-signed winger Willian until the end of the season, six months after his departure from the club. The Brazilian, who previously played for the Cottagers from 2022-24, returns as a free agent after leaving Olympiakos in December.

“I’m completely happy, my family’s happy. We are happy to be back, and I think we can do good things until the end of the season,” Willian said, expressing excitement to rejoin the team.

During his previous spell at Craven Cottage, the 36-year-old made 67 appearances, scoring 10 goals and providing 7 assists. He moved to Greece in September but spent only three months with Olympiakos.

Willian has accumulated 317 Premier League appearances, having played for Chelsea and Arsenal, and won two titles with the Blues.

Fulham’s next match is away at Wigan in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.

Serie A

AC Milan Director refutes reports linking Chukwueze with Turkey Move

AC Milan’s director, Geoffrey Moncada, has dismissed rumors suggesting that Samuel Chukwueze could be moving to Turkey.

The Nigerian forward had been linked with a transfer to Besiktas, as well as attracting interest from Fulham on transfer deadline day, although the Premier League side ultimately chose to sign Willian instead.

Moncada reassured fans that Milan has no intention of letting Chukwueze leave, stating, “For Chukwueze, I can say that he will stay with us. He is another possibility on the right, and we are happy.”

Chukwueze has made an impact for AC Milan this season, contributing two goals and two assists in 19 matches.