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

Liverpool Star Agrees Five-Year Deal With Real Madrid

Liverpool boss Arne Slot will hope to see his side get their season back on track when they face Everton in the Merseyside derby at the start of April.

The Reds had been in contention to complete a remarkable quadruple at the turn of the year, but exits from the FA Cup and Champions League – as well as a Carabao Cup final defeat against Newcastle United – mean Slot’s side can now only win the Premier League title.

At present the Reds sit 12 points clear at the top of the table, although that lead could be reduced to nine points if Arsenal beat Fulham on April 1, one day before the Merseyside derby takes place at Anfield.

Much of the talk surrounding Liverpool this season has been in relation to the futures of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, all of whom are set to be out of contract this summer.

Now, it appears that one of the three players has agreed a free transfer to Spain this summer.

According to Sky Sports’ Sacha Tavolieri, full-back Alexander-Arnold has agreed personal terms with Real Madrid ahead of a move to the Spanish capital this summer.

The 26-year-old is a product of Liverpool’s youth system and has been a regular for the Merseyside club for several years now.

His next appearance will be his 350th for the club across all competitions, but Tavolieri claims that the player’s proposed free transfer to Real is ‘settled’.

Tavolieri claims that the England international is expected to join the Spanish champions in July, having agreed a five-year deal with the club.

He also claims that the Englishman will be in line for a significant pay rise when he joins Real, with the full-back set to earn around £240,000-per-week from the start of next season.

Transfers

Man United List Rashford, Nines Others To Quit Old Trafford For New Players

Manchester United are reportedly preparing for a huge clear-out this summer with at least 10 departures on the cards.

It is no secret that the club’s new ownership and manager Ruben Amorim are looking to overhaul the squad after another desperately disappointing campaign.

The Manchester Evening News claim United are looking to permanently sell the trio of Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho.

All three players are currently on loan at other clubs after falling out of favour at Old Trafford.

And the money made from those sales will be put towards signing a new proven goalscorer.

Rashford has impressed since joining Villa on loan in January but it seems the damage is done in terms of his future at the club after a public falling out with Amorim.

Chelsea have an obligation to buy Sancho for £20-25m but it has been revealed they could pay United £5million in compensation in order to avoid doing so.

Antony has also has somewhat of a career revival since joining Real Betis but there looks to be no way back for him too.

Veteran midfielder Casemiro will also be put up for sale as United look to raise funds for new signings.

Fellow experienced players Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton are expected to announce their retirements at the end of the season while Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof are set to be released.

The Red Devils are also believed to be in the market for a new winger with a host of attacking talents set to depart.

The prospect of no European football also puts United in a position to trim their squad with both the Europa League and Champions League guaranteeing at least eight more games in a season.

The future of goalkeeper Altay Bayindir is also up in the air as the Turkish stopper could seek more football in order to improve his chances of playing at next year’s World Cup.

Transfers

Chelsea Launch Transfer Bid For Bellingham

Chelsea have reportedly made an offer to sign Sunderland’s rising star Jobe Bellingham.

The Blues have made a habit of investing in young talent as part of their long-term strategy, and the midfielder has emerged as a prime target to bolster Enzo Maresca’s midfield options.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who is the younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, had previously shown a preference for a move abroad. However, Chelsea’s fresh offer appears to have altered the situation significantly.

“I left Arsenal because my wife told me she wanted to get out of London – then six months later she told me to go BACK!” – which Arsenal legend instantly regretted leaving?

Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Crystal Palace have all been linked with Bellingham, but Chelsea’s bid could now put them firmly in the driving seat. Sunderland, meanwhile, are hoping to keep hold of their young star, particularly if they achieve promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs.

With Bellingham contracted until 2028, the Championship side holds a strong position in negotiations – while it’s not clear whether he’d be open to a switch to west London.

FootballTransfers previously reported that Sunderland have a gentleman’s agreement in place, allowing Bellingham to leave this summer if a suitable offer arrives, which is believed to be in the region of £20million.

Unlike his brother who is deployed as a No.10 at Los Blancos, the younger Bellingham operates more as a traditional box-to-box midfielder.