Transfers

Onome Ebi to get choice Abuja land, earn N1.5m salary as Naija Ratels player

Newly unveiled Naija Ratels FC player, now captain Onome Ebi has been given land at Life Camp, one of the high-breed areas in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), Barr. Paul Edeh announced the huge property gift to Onome at the weekend during her unveiling at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja.

Barr. Edeh who disclosed that the offer was in line with the Foundation’s resolve to continuously lift the status of Women’s football in Nigeria, also said RSDF will take responsibility for the monthly payment of Onome’s salary as a Naija Ratels player.

He then revealed that Onome who is also the Super Falcons captain will earn N1.5 million monthly, an amount which no woman player plying her trade in Nigeria had earned.

The RSDF boss said, “I’m particularly elated today because what Onome brings to the club is beyond just playing football. His presence will also motivate other players of the club to bring out their best and aspire to be the best, play for Super Falcons and so on.”

Barr. Edeh, the incumbent Chairman of Benue State Football Association who spoke extensively on why legends and others who had done Nigeria proud should be recognised and celebrated said, “Today we have Stephen Keshi stadium and some others named after men who have also done Nigeria proud, but no one is named after any woman.

“The best way to celebrate a woman who has not only made Nigeria but Africa proud is to name one of the stadia after Onome Ebi. For us at the RSDF, we have been at the forefront of developing Women’s football for almost five years now.

“We are not only going to celebrate Onome, we will do what is required to celebrate the legend. And that is why today on behalf of RSDF, we will be announcing a parcel of land at Life Camp Abuja for Onome. In addition to that, the Foundation will also take the burden of paying Gnome’s salary off Naija Ratels.

Talking about the reason for identifying with Onome at such a time like this, Barr. Edeh said, “We are doing this for three reasons. One is to show that we have able-bodied men and women out there who can reach out and celebrate such a phenomenal woman.

“It takes courage to make such a sacrifice that Onome has made because we live in a country that instead of seeking to celebrate a legend like Onome, we vilify her.

“In addition to our commitment, Onome Ebi is one Nigerian player who hasn’t doctored her age. Otherwise, today She would’ve been 29. But instead of telling lies, she has maintained her true age right from on set.”

On behalf of RSDF, its President also revealed more packages that seek to celebrate Onome while playing in Nigeria.

He said “Also, in celebration of what she has done and will continue to do for the Super Falcons, we will make sure these three things happen – We will ensure that there will be billboards with Onome Ebi across the Federal Capital Territory.

“We will also ensure that you are in the media space on a daily basis telling the story that will inspire young girls.

“The third thing we will seek to do is to see how Onome Ebi will not only play for Naija Ratels but will move around the country to train and play with various Women’s teams so that they can feel her impact.”

Earlier, Naija Ratels Chairman, Mrs Alisson James-Jegede, who went down memory lane on how she met Ebi before she joined Naija Ratels said, “One thing that struck me as I assumed office as the Chairman of Naija Ratels FC is how do we give back to girl-child in the society and I got talking with the legend Onome Ebi.

“What amazed me is her desire to return home and see how she can give back to society. To me, it’s like a fulfilled dream. She is here not just to play for the club after rejecting other juicy offers but to offer whatever she can as a player to support the younger ones and join in their building process. It is just a matter of time, before Naija Ratels will produce World stars who will dazzle beyond Africa.”

Responding, Onome who will be wearing Jersey number 5 said she chose Naija Ratels as a veritable platform to impact and give back to Nigeria, adding, “My joining Naija Ratels is beyond playing football. It’s about inspiring young upcoming female players from the grassroots. I strongly think my story won’t be complete if I don’t accomplish the goal of giving back to the Nigerian league, which nurtured me to stardom.”

NWFL Chairperson, Nkechi Obi, ex-international Abdul Sule among other dignitaries, the entire management, technical crew and players of Naija Ratels attended the unveiling ceremony which also showcased the club’s new Jerseys for the upcoming season.

Transfers

Mikel Arteta Told To Complete ‘No-Brainer’ Transfer To Replace Arsenal Duo

Mikel Arteta has been urged to push ahead with a move for Joshua Kimmich this summer.

Kimmich has emerged as a top target for Arsenal as his contract talks at Bayern Munich continue to stall. The German has established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s top players since arriving at Bayern in 2015.

He has won eight league titles, three DFB-Pokals and the 2020 Champions League. But his contract with Bayern will expire at the end of this season and the German giants are struggling to tie him down to a new deal.

Those roadblocks have seen Arsenal become interested in the 30-year-old. Former Spurs star Michael Dawson has urged the Gunners to push to sign him, singling Kimmich out as the perfect man to replace Thomas Partey and Jorginho.

“I think he’s a very, very good player. He’s done it for a long time in Germany at the age of 30. His contract is coming to an end and it doesn’t look like it’s going to be renewed,” Dawson told Sky Sports.

“The reason Arsenal are probably looking at this is because you go, ‘Is Jorginho going to go? Is Thomas Partey going to go?’, so you need to replace them. And if he’s a free agent then you get the experience, the quality that he possesses and it’s a no-brainer really on that front.

“Kimmich, I can see why they would go for him, of course. The experience and what he could bring if those two players [Jorginho and Partey] do leave Arsenal. You’re bringing in someone who is tried and trusted… no-brainer.”

It has been reported that Bayern recently withdrew their latest offer of a new deal to Kimmich. The German is thought to be pushing for an increase on his current £320,000 per week wage packet.

According to Sky Germany, Arsenal are looking to take advantage of the situation and have already held talks with Kimmich over a move. He is said to interested in hearing what they have to say.

It is understood that has informed Bayern chiefs Max Eberl and Christoph Freund about the offers. Sporting director Eberl remains hopeful an agreement can still be reached with Kimmich over a renewal before the season comes to an end.

“Generally speaking, nobody is above the club,” he told German newspaper Bild. “If a player decides differently, then he decides differently. Things will continue at FC Bayern. We are not at that point with Kimmich.

“I’ve never given updates on negotiations, won’t be doing that now either because that’s inappropriate. We treat each other with big respect – we’re talking. What’s important is how Josh and we as a club treat each other.”

Transfers

Bayern Munich Desperate For Ligue 1 Star

Bayern Munich keeping tabs on promising young talent from Ligue 1 after Borussia Dortmund failed to sign him from Lyon in the winter transfer

After extending the contract of Jamal Musiala, Bayern Munich still want to add another versatile forward/number ten to the squad. Florian Wirtz is Bayern’s top target for this role. The club chiefs have openly admitted interest in Bayer Leverkusen forward in the last few weeks.

Despite concrete interest in Wirtz, it is a difficult deal to pull off since Bayer Leverkusen have no interest in selling their best player to a Bundesliga rival. They will stick to their stance as they did last summer when Bayern tried to sign Jonathan Tah. Leverkusen never brought down their asking price even though there was a risk of losing Tah on a free transfer in 2025.

Bayern will have to keep backup targets in place if they fail to sign Wirtz in the summer. It does look like Lyon’s Rayan Cherki could be a potential backup option for Wirtz in the summer. According to SportBild (via iMiaSanMia), Bayern retained an interest in Cherki after he ended up staying at Lyon beyond the winter transfer window.

Borussia Dortmund tried to sign Cherki in January. They had an agreement with the player but couldn’t agree to a fee with Lyon. Cherki was reportedly available for a fee worth 22.5 million, but Lyon eventually decided to keep him until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old can play in all attacking positions behind the striker. He is enjoying a productive campaign with Lyon, racking up eight goals and 13 assists in 28 appearances across all competitions. There will be significant competition for his signature in the summer.

Xavi Simons is another option for Bayern in this role. They tried to sign the versatile Dutch attacking midfielder last summer, but RB Leipzig ended up agreeing to a loan deal with PSG. Leipzig have signed Simons on a permanent deal in January. However, Die Roten can certainly test Leipzig’s resolve with a bid in the summer.

Bayern Munich will also look to sign a winger in summer
Along with signing a versatile attacking player, Bayern will also strengthen their options on the flanks. They are looking to part ways with Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry in the summer, while the future of Leroy Sane is also looking uncertain.

Bayern have a concrete interest in Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens. The Bavarian club is also keeping a close eye on the situation of Nico Williams at Athletic Bilbao. Die Roten is looking at younger players to improve the quality of the age and bring down the average age of the squad.

Transfers

United Make Verbal Offer For Victor Osimhen

In what could be a seismic shift in Manchester United’s transfer strategy, the Red Devils have reportedly tabled a “verbal offer” to Napoli striker Victor Osimhen after reaching an agreement to pay the Nigerian’s release clause.

The 26-year-old, currently on loan at Galatasaray, has been one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards, and his potential arrival at Old Trafford could be the catalyst United need to reignite their faltering attack.

The Osimhen Saga: A Verbal Offer on the Table
According to reports from Turkish outlet Sports Digitale, United have joined Paris Saint-Germain in making a verbal offer to Osimhen regarding salary and contract terms. This comes after both clubs reportedly agreed to meet the striker’s release clause, which is set to drop from £100 million to £65 million this summer.

Osimhen’s current loan spell at Galatasaray has been nothing short of sensational. The Nigerian international has netted 17 goals in 23 appearances, propelling the Turkish giants to the top of the Super Lig and into the knockout stages of the Europa League. His blistering form has reignited interest from Europe’s elite, with United and PSG emerging as the frontrunners for his signature.

Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, a reporter for Sports Digitale, revealed that Galatasaray will find it “difficult” to compete with the financial muscle of clubs like United and PSG. While the Turkish transfer window remains open longer than most European leagues, allowing Galatasaray to secure Osimhen’s loan in the first place, it seems almost certain that the striker will depart Istanbul at the end of the season.

Why Osimhen Fits Amorim’s System
Ruben Amorim’s tactical setup at Manchester United relies heavily on a dynamic, physical striker who can stretch defences and create space for the attacking midfielders. Osimhen, with his blend of speed, strength, and relentless pressing, fits the bill perfectly.

The Nigerian forward is a nightmare for defenders, constantly running in behind and exploiting gaps in the opposition’s backline. His ability to get on the end of crosses and his aerial prowess make him a potent threat in the box – qualities that United have sorely lacked this season. While there have been some reservations about his technical ability and link-up play, Osimhen’s primary strength lies in his goal-scoring instincts and physical dominance.

Amorim’s system, which often employs two number tens and overlapping wing-backs, demands a striker who can occupy defenders and create opportunities for others. Osimhen’s presence would not only provide a focal point for United’s attack but also free up players like Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount to operate in more advanced positions.

The Hojlund Conundrum: A Need for Reinforcements
United’s current striking options have struggled to deliver this season. Rasmus Hojlund, despite showing flashes of potential, has been inconsistent in front of goal, while Joshua Zirkzee has failed to make a significant impact since his arrival. The lack of a reliable goal-scorer has been a major hindrance for Amorim’s side, with United often lacking the cutting edge needed to break down stubborn defences.

Osimhen’s arrival would address this issue head-on. The 26-year-old is a proven goal-scorer at the highest level, having excelled in Serie A with Napoli and now in the Super Lig with Galatasaray. His experience, combined with his physical attributes, makes him an ideal candidate to lead United’s line and provide the firepower needed to compete for silverware.

Competition from PSG: Can United Win the Race?
While United’s interest in Osimhen is clear, they face stiff competition from PSG. The French champions, backed by seemingly limitless resources, are also in the market for a marquee striker and have reportedly made their own verbal offer to the Nigerian.

However, United’s new hierarchy under INEOS has shown a willingness to go all out for their primary targets. Whether it’s securing the services of a top-tier manager like Amorim or pursuing high-profile players, the club’s new owners have demonstrated a commitment to restoring United to their former glory. Osimhen, with his proven track record and suitability to Amorim’s system, could be the statement signing that signals United’s intent to compete at the highest level once again.

A New Era for United’s Attack?
Victor Osimhen’s potential arrival at Old Trafford would represent a significant step forward for Manchester United. His goal-scoring prowess, physicality, and experience make him an ideal fit for Ruben Amorim’s tactical vision, while his arrival would provide much-needed competition and depth in the striking department.

While the competition for his signature is fierce, United’s renewed ambition under INEOS could give them the edge in the race for Osimhen. If the Red Devils can secure his services, it would not only address a glaring weakness in the squad but also send a clear message to their rivals that United are serious about reclaiming their place among Europe’s elite.

For now, the verbal offer is a promising development, but the real test will be whether United can finalise the deal and bring Osimhen to the Theatre of Dreams. One thing is certain: his arrival would be a game-changer for Ruben Amorim and Manchester United.

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