News

Real Madrid open talks with PSG for Mbappe presentation

According to a report from MARCA, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is set to meet with the leaders of Paris Saint-Germain today in Paris and one of the key topics likely to be discussed is the presentation of Kylian Mbappe as a Real Madrid player.

Perez travelled to Paris this Tuesday as a guest at a meeting where the French President, Emmanuel Macron, will also be present.

Macron has a personal interest in this matter, which aligns with Perez’s interests: ensuring Mbappe’s presence at the Paris Olympic Games.

It is to be noted that Macron has been pushing for Mbappe to be a prominent figure for the French national team at this summer’s Olympic Games.

He recently expressed his hope that Real Madrid will allow Mbappe to participate in the Olympics.

Interestingly, another important issue for Perez in Paris is the official presentation of Mbappe as a Real Madrid player.

During his meeting with PSG leaders, one of the possible topics of discussion will be obtaining PSG’s permission for Real Madrid to introduce Mbappe as their new player before the start of the Euro Cup in Germany.

It is said that the French players selected for the Euro Cup are scheduled to report to Clairefontaine on May 29, except for those from Real Madrid, who will join on June 3 as they are in the UEFA Champions League final.

Therefore, the timing of Mbappe’s presentation depends on two key authorisations: one from the French Football Federation and the other from PSG, who are technically Mbappe’s employer until June 30.

For what it is worth, Mbappe wants to finalise his transfer to Real Madrid before Euro 2024 begins. The club also shares this desire.

However, the French national team could create complications for everyone involved. This is why Perez’s visit to France is very important, as it will help clear up the situation.

News

AFCON 2025: Yobo to serve as draw assistant

Former Super Eagles defender Joseph Yobo has been selected as one of the draw assistants for the final draw of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The draw ceremony is set to take place today at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat, Morocco, where the 24 qualified teams will discover their paths to the trophy.

Yobo will be joined by other African football icons, including Mustapha Hadji, Serge Aurier, and Aliou Cisse.

The quartet will not only oversee the draw by selecting balls from the pots but will also share their insights on the tournament groups.

The 2025 AFCON finals will be hosted in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

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Super Eagles will succeed under Eric Chelle – Sadiq Umar

Super Eagles forward Umar Sadiq has expressed his support for the team’s new head coach, Eric Chelle, and is optimistic about his success in the role.

Chelle was appointed as the Super Eagles’ head coach earlier this month, a decision that has sparked criticism directed at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Despite the backlash, Sadiq is confident in the 47-year-old’s ability to lead the team effectively.

“You can see what he did in the last AFCON. Everyone thought Mali was one of the favorites,” Sadiq told Sporty TV.

“You can see how they played. They were so good, but they got knocked out in the quarterfinals because, sometimes, it’s not the best team that wins.

“But I can tell you, I watched a lot of Mali’s games because I have a teammate there. You can see how they play, and it’s clear the coach (Chelle) has a lot of great ideas.”

Chelle’s impressive work with Mali during the previous AFCON has given Sadiq confidence that the coach can bring similar success to the Super Eagles.

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‘I’m happy to be out there’ — Dessers opens up on Rangers exit

Cyriel Dessers has expressed his intention to remain at Rangers beyond the winter transfer window despite speculation about his future.

The Nigerian international began the season as Rangers’ first-choice striker but has since lost his spot to Hamza Igamane.

Dessers has been linked with a return to Italy, with reports suggesting interest from Cagliari and Empoli. Spanish club Leganes is also reportedly keen on signing the former Feyenoord forward.

In a recent interview, Dessers acknowledged plans to discuss his status at the club with senior officials. However, the 30-year-old revealed that no such talks have taken place yet.

“No talks at all. I don’t mind that. I try to focus on the football and the things that are happening on the pitch,” Dessers told the Daily Record.

“Those are the things that I can control. And like Sunday at Tannadice, I’m just happy to be out there with the guys, fighting for the points and being important.

“That’s what I want. There’s a lot of unfinished business at Rangers for me. That’s why I kept pushing in the last weeks—in the gym, in training, and in the minutes that you get.”

Despite his recent challenges, Dessers has had an impressive season, scoring 18 goals across all competitions under manager Philippe Clement.