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Benjamin Mendy signs for new club just days after being cleared of rape charges

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Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has signed for FC Lorient in his home country of France just five days after he was cleared on charges of both rape and attempted rape

Benjamin Mendy has signed for Ligue 1 outfit FC Lorient less than a week after he was cleared of rape and attempted rape.

The former Manchester City defender will ply his trade in the French top flight, with Lorient confirming the transfer via a statement on their website. The update read: “FC Lorient is pleased to announce today the signing for two seasons of French international left-back Benjamin Mendy.

“After having satisfied the traditional medical examination, Benjamin Mendy, world champion 2018, quadruple winner of the Premier League under the colors of Manchester City and French champion of Ligue 1 with Monaco in particular, comes to reinforce the Lorient workforce for this new season.

Benjamin Mendy ‘delighted’ as his lawyer reacts to him being cleared of all rape charges

“The native of Longjumeau, who will wear number 5 with the Merlus, will take his first steps at Espace FCL today. Welcome Benjamin!”

Mendy joined Manchester City for £52million in 2017, inking a £100k-a-week deal when arriving from Monaco. But he was released at the end of June when his contract ended. He last played for City in August 2021.

His switch to Lorient marks a return to France, where all of his experience prior to his spell at City came. The right-back has represented Le Havre, Marseille and as mentioned, Monaco over the course of his illustrious career. He played a starring role in the Monaco side that stunned French football by winning Ligue 1 in 2017.

Lorient secured his signature without having to pay a penny in transfer fees, given Mendy has been out of contract since his deal with City expired at the end of last month.

The Premier League champions are believed to have stopped paying the Frenchman in September 2021, when he was charged.

City boss Pep Guardiola dubbed Mendy a “really good boy” while acting as a character witness at the France international’s first trial.

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Transfers

BREAKING! Saud Arabia Club Eyes Osimhen For Record Breaking Deal, To Be Third Highest Paid Player

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What Happened At Victor Osimhen Galatasaray Unveiling, Details Emerge

Few months to complete Galatasaray loan deal, good news have been coming for the hardworking Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, after an unnamed club in Saudi Arabia ready to offers more money, SMI reports exclusively.

Details Later…

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Transfers

Juventus Told To Loan Manchester United Flop In January 

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Former Italian striker Paolo Di Canio believes Juventus would do well to snap up the services of Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee.

The 23-year-old rose to prominence during his time at Bologna, and there were rumors linking him with the Bianconeri last summer, especially following the appointment of his mentor Thiago Motta.

Nevertheless, the Dutchman ended up sealing a big-money move to Old Trafford, but he’s been struggling for form and goals in his early days in the Premier League.

So in his interview with Tuttosport (via IlBianconero), Di Canio suggests a loan move to Juventus, as he believes Zirkzee would struggle with the the fast-paced EPL.

“I would loan Zirkzee from Manchester United. They’ve been making crazy choices for several years and none of them are working, not even Zirkzee who’s a bit too slow for the Premier League.

“Perhaps he’ll prove me wrong with goals and great performances, but in England, they attack you straight away and whistle 30% fewer fouls. In Italy, we saw his impact on Bologna. In the end, amidst the confusion at United, they could even loan him out. They already have Hojlund, and then there’s Rashford who can play as a striker.

“He’d be the perfect profile for Juventus, also because it would allow Motta to have a striker with different characteristics to Vlahovic. Zirkzee isn’t a devastating scorer, he’s not someone who can score 25 goals, but he help others play well.”

The former Lazio and West Ham striker also insists Juventus summer signing Douglas Luiz is a “top player” despite a slow start to life in Italian football.

“I said that Juventus has signed a top player, and I am still convinced of it. However, what I saw here is a distant relative, he is unrecognisable. Beyond the 50 million valuation, which for me is also a fair price, he is truly a different player compared to the one I saw at Aston Villa.

“I don’t blame the player or the coach, I don’t know what the situation is, but there could be a psychological problem. But I have no doubts about the player’s professsionalism. At Aston Villa, he was an idol and they loved him. Perhaps sitting on the bench saddened him. It’s normal that Thiago now prefers Locatelli who is more focused, more attentive, quicker in the head and on the foot.”

 

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Barcelona, Manchester City Battle For Napoli Midfielder 

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Stanislav Lobotka has continued to shine under Antonio Conte and continues to be on the radar on major clubs, for instance, Barcelona and Manchester City. The Blaugrana have been monitoring for a few years, Mundo Deportivo relays (via OneFootball).

The Sky Blues have begun eyeing him lately after losing Rodri to a season-ending knee injury. The English champions have set sights on Samuele Ricci too. The interest is reciprocated by the Torino midfielder.

Napoli are in the driver’s set concerning the future of Lobotka. He’s under contract until 2027 with an option for a one extra year. His agent has occasionally hinted at a move to other sides. Though, it has never been particularly close since he’s been essential in recent seasons.

The Partenopei paid €23M to acquire the maestro from Celta Vigo in January 2020. He became a fixture in 2021/2022. He raised the level of his game to elite levels with Luciano Spalletti on the bench. The midfielder has racked up 172 appearances, scoring twice and providing 3 assists. He has 61 caps and 4 gals with Slovakia.

 

 

Our Take on Lobotka, Manchester City, and Barcelona

He’d be perfect to replace Rodri, but he’s about as untouchable as it gets. In standard situations, a large offer from a player who’s pushing 30 would be evaluated, as it’d be the last chance to profit on him, but the Azzurri haven’t paid much attention to their finances since hiring Antonio Conte, who’d surely veto his departure. The player would have to come out and declare his intention to leave for something to happen. He might at some point down the line after a long spell, but it’d be a stunner if it happened anytime soon

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