Valencia sign Nigerian forward Motunrayo Ezekiel on one-year deal

Spanish Liga F side Valencia has officially announced the signing of Nigerian forward Motunrayo Ezekiel from Naija Ratels in the Nigeria Women’s Premier League.

The 21-year-old striker, who has previously played for Rivers Angels and Lakeside Queens, penned a one-year contract with the club.

Ezekiel was a key member of Nigeria’s women’s football team that won silver at the 2023 All Africa Games in Accra, Ghana.

Her move adds to the growing list of Nigerian players making waves in the Spanish Women’s League.

Valencia currently sits at the bottom of the league table with six points, and the club hopes Ezekiel’s arrival will bolster their attacking options.

Related Topics:Motunrayo Ezekiel Valencia

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Aston Villa among clubs eyeing Marcus Rashford as Transfer deadline looms

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United’s out-of-favour striker Marcus Rashford, who has not featured for the Red Devils since being dropped for the Manchester derby on December 12.

United head coach Ruben Amorim recently expressed his desire to reintegrate Rashford but emphasized that the player had failed to meet the standards required of his squad.

“I feel the side would be better with Rashford in it,” Amorim said, “but the player has not met the standards I demand.”

Rashford’s representatives have been in discussions with several top European clubs to assess interest. With the transfer window closing on Monday at 23:00 GMT, Rashford’s future remains uncertain, though a loan move appears to be the most likely outcome.

Villa, keen to strengthen their attack for Champions League football in March, are reportedly among the clubs interested. However, there is no confirmation of formal contact with United, nor clarity on whether Rashford would be open to the move.

Barcelona, believed to be Rashford’s preferred destination, also remain a contender despite ongoing financial uncertainties.

A major factor complicating any potential deal is Rashford’s salary, which exceeds £300,000 per week. United are hesitant to subsidize wages in any transfer, either loan or permanent, as they continue efforts to cut costs.

Transfers

Jhon Duran joins Al-Nassr from Aston Villa in £71m deal

Striker Jhon Duran has completed a move from Aston Villa to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in a deal that could rise to £71 million.

The Colombian forward will link up with new teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane in Riyadh.

“Aston Villa can confirm that Jhon Duran has joined Al Nassr,” the club stated. “Everyone at Aston Villa would like to wish Jhon all the best in the next step of his professional career.”

Duran was an unused substitute in Villa’s 4-2 win over Celtic in the Champions League on Wednesday, a result that secured their spot in the competition’s last 16.

The 20-year-old had joined Villa from Chicago Fire for £18 million in January 2023 but has been linked with a move away since last summer, with West Ham reportedly showing long-term interest.

Duran scored 12 goals in 29 games for Villa this season, totaling 20 goals in 78 appearances, though only seven of those were in league starts.

With Duran’s departure, Ollie Watkins is now Villa’s sole main striker. Watkins, however, has been the subject of recent interest from Arsenal, though Villa have made it clear they have no intention of letting him go.

Villa boss Unai Emery addressed the situation, stating on Wednesday: “I don’t want [to sell]. It is good news to have offers from other clubs. We want to keep our sporting objective through the players we have in the squad. Every player can be in the market if it is good for the player and the club. To get this deal we are going to be demanding. Watkins is our striker.”

Aston Villa also signed forward Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund during the window, though he is primarily seen as a replacement for Moussa Diaby, who joined Al-Ittihad in the summer.

Transfers

Al-Hilal tables €300 Million bid for Rodrygo, offers €140 million annual salary

PAINED! Real Madrid's Rodrygo 'Upset' Over Ballon d'Or Shortlist Omission

Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal have submitted a staggering €300 million bid for Real Madrid’s Brazilian superstar, Rodrygo, as they seek to replace the recently departed Neymar Jr.

Neymar’s stint at Al-Hilal was marred by injury issues, limiting him to just seven appearances with one goal and three assists. His contract was terminated this month, and he has since returned to his former club Santos on a six-month deal.

According to reports from Marca, Al-Hilal is eager to secure Rodrygo’s signature, offering a lucrative €140 million annual salary to entice him to join the Saudi Pro League.

Despite the tempting offer, journalist Edu Aguirre reveals that the Brazil international has no intention of leaving Real Madrid. Rodrygo reportedly remains focused on his ambition to succeed with Los Blancos.