News

Messi in Miami shirt seems ‘strange’ – Barca president

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has told ESPN it is a “strange feeling” to see Lionel Messi in an Inter Miami CF shirt, but he wishes the forward the best in MLS.

Messi, 36, left Barca for Paris Saint-Germain two years ago, but the Catalan side attempted to re-sign him earlier this summer when his contract with the French side expired.

Saudi Arabian team Al-Hilal also offered Messi a contract, but the Argentina international opted to join Inter Miami, where he has scored three goals in his first two appearances.

“It’s a strange feeling,” Laporta told ESPN of watching Messi play in the United States. “We identify Messi with Barcelona. That’s the way I think most supporters see Messi, because most of his career has been at Barca.

“But we respect his decision and we wish the best for him. We want the best for our players. He came to Barcelona as a kid, 14-years-old, and he spent 20 years with us. I hope he can be very happy in Miami.”

Messi has already been joined in Miami by former Barca teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, while Luis Suarez has also been linked, although sources have told ESPN the Uruguay striker will remain at Gremio until at least the end of the year.

Laporta said he understood Messi’s decision to take on a new challenge in the U.S., even if Barca had cleared his possible return with LaLiga financially.

“It was very close,” the Barca chief added. “We had to manage our financial fair play situation so we needed time. At the end, we reached an agreement with LaLiga that authorised us to add him to the squad.

“But Leo was coming from a situation in Paris where he was under a lot of pressure. His father told me that he needed a place where he won’t be under pressure and at Barca that would not be the case because of the meaning of the return of our hero.”

During his 21 years at Barca, Messi became the club’s record appearance holder and top scorer, scoring 672 times in 778 games. He won four Champions Leagues, 11 LaLiga titles and won the Ballon d’Or on seven occasions.

“In Miami, it is different for him, it’s a new league for him, one that is improving and Messi can help with the developing of the league,” added Laporta.

“With Busquets and Jordi Alba as well, maybe Luis Suarez. It will be very attractive for the fans in the United States. So he preferred to go to Miami. We respected it and understood his decision.”

Messi has made a fast start to life in South Florida, scoring the game-winning free kick on his debut against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup and then adding a brace in a 4-0 win over Atlanta United FC on Tuesday.

In California, meanwhile, Barca finally kicked off their preseason with a 5-3 defeat against Arsenal at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood as part of the Soccer Champions Tour they are taking part in.

Their opening game against Juventus in Santa Clara was postponed last weekend because of a stomach bug which spread across the squad.

They are back in action on Saturday when they play the Clasico against Real Madrid in Dallas before closing their trip against AC Milan in Las Vegas on Tuesday.

“We lost against Arsenal, but it’s preseason and we will get better,” Laporta said. “I hope against Madrid and in our last game in the U.S. we can be better.

“This tournament is fantastic. There are full stadiums, the fans are great and everything is so well organised. Last night we played in front of 70,000 with people coming from abroad to watch us.

“And training is also going great. The facilities in Los Angeles are perfect for us. We just had the problem with the viral infection, but we feel thankful to be here.”

News

G-Innovation Youngsters Hits Finland For Professional Football Careers

As the conveyor belts of the grassroots football factories gets lubricated, the products are gradually taking over the football shelves across the globe.

The latest talents are from the football factory of Lagos based non-league side, G-Innovation football club. The duo of Solomon Nwachuchuwu, a very energetic and attack-minded left-back and Israel Okienyi, a tall and highly rated goalkeeper have signed to join top premier league side AC Oulu in Finland.

The youngsters who were selected during a recently held football scouting tournament, brimmed with confidence as they departed Nigeria, expressing their desires and determination to make their grassroots club proud and of course, be good football ambassadors of Nigeria.

Speaking at their departure, President of G-Innovation FC, Chigozie Nwagwu, said he believes that the boys will shine and be worthy additions to their new team.

The youthful club owner added that his team, has a large pool of talented footballers who are equally ready for professional football.

Even as he went ahead to thanked his partners, particularly, Ude Dominic Egbukwu, the CEO of UDE Sports Agency, for the success achieved, so far.

News

Spanish Giants Take Big Step In €60 million Rated Super Eagles Star Signing

Spanish Giants Take Big Step In €60 million Rated Ademola Lookman Pursuit

Barcelona, the Spanish LaLiga giant, has contacted the agent of Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman regarding a potential transfer this summer, according to Soccernet.ng.

Barcelona has been monitoring Lookman as a potential summer signing as they look to bolster their attack ahead of next season.

The Super Eagles star is expected to leave Atalanta summer. He has already attracted a lot of attention, and that is not a surprise, as he has contributed 50 goals and 24 assists in 115 appearances.

To get Lookman, Barcelona would have to outdo Juventus, Arsenal, Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, and Nottingham Forest who are also interested in acquiring his services. Liverpool have also been reported to be in the mix.

Now, in a new development per Caught Offside, the Blaugrana have made a vital step to sign Lookman. Barcelona have contacted Lookman’s agent for a possible deal in the summer.

The Super Eagles star has a release clause of €60 million at Atalanta, and with the way that Barcelona have conducted their business for the last two years, they could still eke out the fee despite their financial challenges.

However, the wages could be the issue. Ademola Lookman currently earns just over €2 million per year at Atalanta. Currently, only four players make more than that at Barcelona. And the Spanish champions will be careful to keep their wage structure intact.

This might be an issue, as the other English clubs looking at Lookman could easily double or triple his wages. Moreover, since the 27-year-old grew up and played in England previously, he could have to favour a return there.

News

Victor Osimhen: The €40M Transfer Race That’s Heating Up Europe

victor osimhen- sportsmarketinternational

Victor Osimhen is once again dominating headlines—this time, not just for his goal-scoring brilliance, but for a high-stakes transfer race drawing the eyes of Europe’s elite.

Currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, the Nigerian striker has been unstoppable, notching 31 goals this season and leading his team to their first Turkish Cup final in six years. His latest masterclass—a clinical strike in a 5–1 demolition of Konyaspor—has sent scouts, fans, and football directors into a frenzy.

But what’s next for the Super Eagles talisman?

Manchester United’s Game-Changer?

According to multiple sources, including Goal and TeamTalk, Manchester United have already reached an “agreement in principle” with Osimhen for a summer move. The deal is rumored to cost between €30M and €40M—an absolute bargain for a player of his caliber.

United see him as a “transformational signing”—a potential fix for their long-standing striker crisis and a spark to reignite their Premier League and Champions League ambitions.

PSG, Chelsea Join the Race

Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea aren’t far behind. With Kylian Mbappé heading to Real Madrid and Chelsea desperately needing firepower, Osimhen’s availability is turning heads. PSG is reportedly ready to go head-to-head with United for his signature, while Chelsea could swoop in with a late offer.

What This Means for the Market

Osimhen’s move—regardless of the destination—will reshape the 2025 summer transfer market. Clubs are on alert, agents are negotiating, and fans are watching every move.

He isn’t just a footballer; he’s a brand, a marketable figure, and a potential franchise centerpiece for any club smart enough to close the deal.

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