Transfers
QPR, Al-Ettifaq join Nwabali race

Following his impressive performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, stock continues to rise with two clubs recently expressing interests in signing the shot stopper, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
According to reports, EFL Championship side Queens Park Rangers and Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq are both eyeing a swoop for the 27-year-old goalkeeper.
Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Sunday wrote on his X handle that the Nigerian was a major target for clubs but added that both QPR and Al-Ettifaq are keen on securing Nwabali’s services, with Chippa United open to considering offers during the upcoming summer transfer window.
“Nigeria GK Stanley Nwabali, on the list of different clubs as Al Ettifaq in Saudi and Queens Park Rangers in UK have enquired about him,” he wrote.
“His South African club Chippa United will consider his future move in the next months.”
Though he started his career in the Nigeria Premier League playing for Go Round FC, Enyimba, Lobi Stars and Katsina United before signing for the South African side in 2022 but Nwabali gained much attention when Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro decided to invite him to the Eagles squad few weeks before the start of the AFCON.
Nwabali repaid Peseiro’s faith in him by producing a sterling performance at the tournament, keeping four clean sheets in seven matches during the AFCON tournament.
The Chippa United shot-stopper also became fans favourite after his heroic penalty saves helped Nigeria beat South Africa 4-2 on penalties in the semi-finals with Nwabali walking away with the man of the match award.
Upon his return to South Africa last Tuesday, Nwabali was greeted by hundreds of Chippa United fans who came out to welcome him on his arrival at Port Elizabeth Airport.
Having enjoyed overwhelming support from the club, Nwabali said he wished to repay the club by staying for at least another two years, albeit saying it’s unlikely.
It is however looking likely that the Nigerian may ply his trade elsewhere next season.
While QPR and Al-Ettifaq are the latest clubs to be linked with the goalkeeper, Nwabali has also attracted interest from various clubs, including Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, the former club of Victor Boniface, who are eager to strengthen their squad.
Despite the transfer rumors circulating online, Nwabali remains focused on his current club, Chippa United, as he awaits concrete offers.
“I only see offers online. I have never seen any offer on my table,” Nwabali added.
In the midst of his newfound fame, Nwabali insists now is the time for him to double his efforts.
“I am still Stanley. I want to work harder than before now. If I was putting in 100 per cent before, now I have to double that because a lot of people are looking up to me now,” he stated.

Transfers
Shock Rashford To Liverpool Link Amid Barca Stance, Man Utd Talks

The future of Marcus Rashford is still unclear as he faces uncertainty around his future at Old Trafford this summer.
The Sports Market International understands Rashford was one of five players to inform the club they wish to leave this summer, and the Manchester United forward has been attracting interest from the Spanish giant, Barcelona, and the German giant, Bayern Munich. Despite not being part of Ruben Amorim’s plans, MEN Sport reported this week that the 27-year-old winger has been allowed to use the training facilities at Carrington.
But the forward nevertheless appears highly likely to leave this summer and sign for a new club after spending the second half of last season on loan at Premier League rivals Aston Villa.
With that in mind, MEN Sport takes a look at the latest developments surrounding Rashford as he awaits a potential move away from Old Trafford.
Barca ‘yet to make decision’
The Spanish giants are yet to decide whether to sign Rashford this summer. Fabrizio Romano revealed this week that club-to-club talks have yet to take place.
Liverpool ‘consideration’
The Daily Mail claims Liverpool have included Rashford among six potential striker targets, should they fail to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.
It’s also reported that the Anfield outfit have made enquiries about Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, amid growing interest in Darwin Nunez. They are also said to be ‘alert’ to the possibility of Real Madrid selling Rodrygo.
Meanwhile, Rashford has reportedly been ‘floated as an idea,’ though no progress has been made on that front.
Man United ‘talks’
The Mirror reports that Rashford will hold talks with United in the coming week to discuss his future at the club.
According to the report, his representatives are expected to seek clarity on the club’s stance regarding a potential transfer, including what fee or loan terms would be required for an exit this summer.
It remains unclear whether Rashford will leave on a permanent deal or a loan move. United have valued Rashford at £40million.
100% focussed
Amid the transfer uncertainty, Rashford has remained focused on his fitness.
Taking to Instagram, the 27-year-old has recently shared videos of his training sessions.
Rashford has kept a close eye on Barcelona’s social media this week, having been spotted liking two posts – one of which featured Lamine Yamal.
Rashford has his heart set on a move to the Nou Camp and is reportedly willing to lower his salary to help facilitate a transfer to Barcelona.
Saudi Arabia ‘rejection’
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, ‘powerful’ Saudi Arabian clubs have shown interest in signing Marcus Rashford this summer. One club is reportedly believed to have made a personal offer worth around £35 million to the winger.
However, Rashford is said to have turned down the approach, with his sights still set on a move to Barcelona.
Premier League
Transfer Tension: Liverpool Ready £120M Record Bid for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak

Liverpool are making serious transfer waves this summer — and the name at the top of their list is none other than Alexander Isak.
According to multiple sources, Liverpool have reconfirmed their intention to make a club-record £120 million bid for the electric Swedish striker, pending any shift in Newcastle United’s firm stance. As of now, the Magpies continue to insist that Isak is “not for sale”, but Liverpool’s persistence suggests this transfer saga is far from over.
Klopp’s Dream Forward?
After a season of attacking inconsistencies, Liverpool are looking to inject fresh firepower into their frontline. Isak, with his blend of pace, technical quality, and lethal finishing, has emerged as one of the most complete young strikers in Europe.
Isak scored 21 Premier League goals last season, helping Newcastle secure a strong finish and remain competitive in a challenging domestic campaign. His ability to lead the line while linking up play makes him an ideal fit for Liverpool’s evolving attacking style.
£120 Million: A Statement of Intent
A £120 million package would not only be a club-record signing for Liverpool, surpassing the £85 million paid for Darwin Núñez, but it would also test Newcastle’s financial resolve, especially amid ongoing concerns around Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
With Saudi-backed Newcastle fighting to keep their top stars and Liverpool eager to rebuild under Arne Slot, this could be the transfer showdown of the summer.
Why It Matters
✅ Liverpool chasing a marquee striker
✅ Newcastle determined to keep their star
✅ Record-breaking bid in the making
✅ Isak’s future set to dominate headlines
⚽ Will Newcastle hold firm or will Isak become Liverpool’s new number 9?
Follow the latest updates and transfer twists only on Sports Market International.
Transfers
Official: Bayern Signs Imade, Loans To Real Sociedad

Nigerian striker Edna Imade has completed a high-profile move to German giants FC Bayern Women, with an immediate loan move to Real Sociedad.
The 24-year-old attacker, who played for Granada in Spain’s top division last season, has signed a long-term contract with Bayern that will keep her at the club until June 2029.
However, the club has confirmed that Imade will spend the upcoming 2025–26 season on loan at Real Sociedad to continue her development.
Bayern’s Director of Women’s Football, Bianca Rech, shed light on the qualities that attracted the Bavarian club to Imade, one of Nigeria’s most valuable women footballers.
“Edna brings an exciting profile to the table – she’s fast, physically strong and versatile in attack. After her impressive season in Spain, we now want to continue her positive development in the long term,” Rech said.
Rech also explained the rationale behind the loan move, describing it as a mutually beneficial decision.
“In consultation with her and those close to her, we’ve decided to let her go out on loan. She’s an open-minded, ambitious player – we’re convinced she’ll give us a lot of joy in the future.”
Imade, who was born in Morocco to Nigerian parents and raised in Spain, expressed her pride in joining Bayern.
“I’m incredibly happy and proud to have signed my contract with FC Bayern Women. The club’s history makes it one of the biggest and most important clubs in the world, so I’m looking forward to being a part of the club myself in the future and contributing to its success.”
She described the move as validation for her perseverance and hard work.
“For me personally, this step is one of the most important in my career so far and shows me that the hard work I have put in over the past few years has paid off.”
A powerful forward capable of playing centrally or out wide, Imade added:
“In terms of my style of play, I can be deployed both in the centre and on the wings. I would describe myself as a strong header of the ball and finisher, and I’m also an absolute team player who always gives everything on the pitch.”
Imade began her career in Spain with local club Carmona before spells at Santa Ana Femenino, AD Nervión, Málaga, and Cacereño Femenino.
She joined Granada in 2023, where she made a stunning impression. This season, Imade scored 16 goals in 29 appearances to finish joint-second in the league’s scoring chart alongside Barcelona icon Alexia Putellas. She was also named the Spanish League’s Player of the Month in December.
Despite her stellar season, Nigeria’s WAFCON head coach Justin Madugu opted to leave Imade out of the squad, preferring Chioma Okafor — a lesser-known prospect born in Malawi and raised in the United States.
Eligible to represent Nigeria, Morocco, or Spain, Imade has long been considered a future star for the Super Falcons. Her move to Bayern Munich may now force a rethink.
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