Transfers

Green Lock FC Signs MOU with Top Turkish Club, Rounds Off tour On a High

In an exciting development, Green Lock FC, the youth club based in Abuja, Nigeria, has officially sealed a partnership with Antalyaspor AS of Antalya, aimed at fostering the development of young talents from both sides.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding took place in the Antalyaspor’s Hasan Subasi Tesisleri Facilities, Antalya, on the sidelines of Green Lock FC’s training tour in Turkey.

Through this partnership, Green Lock FC and Antalyaspor AS will form a nexus on talent identification and development, allowing for a rich cross-pollination of ideas and techniques. This partnership not only enhances the capabilities of the clubs but also provides aspiring footballers with an exceptional platform to showcase their abilities and pursue their footballing dreams.

Explaining the terms of the partnership agreement, the Chief Operating Officer, COO, Mr Bayo Olanlege stated that the MoU clearly stipulates that Green Lock FC and Antalyaspor AC will work together in “Holding tournaments in all possible categories, which includes the first team,youth leagues as well as basic categories, as well as friendly games between all categories of the teams. The two teams will exchange players and coaches for educational programs, share facilities for programmes and events, carefully guided by FIFA regulations”

While the Chief Operating Executive, Mr. Olayinka Oladunjoye added that the collaboration between both parties also seeks to deepen bilateral business ties and community promotion through sports cooperation between Turkey and Nigeria.

Also, Green Lock FC put on a domineering second half display to stroll past Antalya 1863 FK, scoring 6 and securing a clean sheet to wrap up the team’s training tour With a hundreds percent winning record. Daniel Odumu scored a hat trick – his second in two consecutive days, in addition to goals from Damilola Adeyeye, Opeyemi Falade and Edwin Onazi, who scored in all four games of the tour.

Recall that Green Lock FC had earlier defeated both youth teams of their host, Antalyaspor and annihilated MAG Football 11-2, making Antalya Turkey like a second home to continue their imperious form of 7 wins and a draw in 8 games within two weeks which began from the club’s organized friendly series ahead of the 2024 season of the Nation wide league, Division one.

Transfers

Disasi agrees personal terms with Aston Villa

Chelsea defender Axel Disasi is reportedly on the verge of joining Aston Villa after agreeing to personal terms ahead of a potential January transfer.

The Frenchman has struggled for regular game time at Stamford Bridge this season and is now set to make the move to Unai Emery’s side, who are looking to replace Diego Carlos following his recent departure.

According to Fabrizio Romano, via Football Transfer, Carlos joined Fenerbahce for €10 million, prompting Villa to identify Disasi as their ideal replacement. Romano shared on X:

“Axel Disasi has agreed on personal terms with Aston Villa.

“Disasi wants to join Villa despite interest from more clubs around Europe after direct talk with Unai Emery, crucial to get the green light.

“Deal now up to Chelsea and Villa to reach full agreement.”

Chelsea signed Disasi from AS Monaco for €45 million in 2023, but his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has dropped significantly to €20.9 million due to limited playing opportunities this season. The 25-year-old has only featured in six Premier League matches during the 2024-25 campaign and has been left out of Chelsea’s matchday squad eight times since Enzo Maresca’s arrival last summer.

Transfers

EPL: Nottingham Forest desperate to sell out-of-favor Emmanuel Dennis

Nottingham Forest are facing difficulties in offloading striker Emmanuel Dennis before the transfer window closes.

The Nigerian forward has been out of favor under manager Nuno Espirito Santo and has not made a single appearance this season. Dennis’ last game for Forest was against Crystal Palace in May 2023.

The 27-year-old, who has 18 months remaining on his contract, is proving challenging to sell due to his high wages. Dennis currently earns £4 million annually, making him a costly option for potential suitors.

Discussions are ongoing with Watford, but his former club cannot meet his salary demands. Sheffield Wednesday have also expressed interest, but reports indicate their offer falls short of Forest’s expectations.

Transfers

Belgian club, KAS Eupen secure Nigerian striker Ejike on loan

Belgian club KAS Eupen has secured Nigerian striker Philip Ejike on a loan deal from Bulgarian side PFK Montana.

The agreement includes an option for the Pandas to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season.

Ejike impressed during his stint at PFK Montana, tallying 11 goals and two assists in 21 appearances.

The talented forward is set to join his new teammates in training immediately and could make his debut as early as Tuesday when KAS Eupen takes on SC Lokeren-Temse.

Mersad Selimbegovic’s team currently sits 13th in the league standings.