Paradise News

Category: Sports

  • Napoli chief explains why Alejandro Garnacho transfer collapsed


    Image Credits: GETTY IMAGES

    Manchester United were surprisingly busy in the January window, with unexpected departures.

    Marcus Rashford left on loan to Aston Villa in a shock move late in the window.

    Tyrell Malacia also departed, in move to PSV as his initial move to Benfica broke down.

    Alejandro Garnacho was also the subject of major interest from both Chelsea and Napoli.

    Despite speculation, the Argentine winger remained at Old Trafford as no concrete offers arrived.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

    Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has now confirmed their approach for Garnacho.

    “We liked [Alejandro] Garnacho, we made a very important offer to Manchester United.

    “To leave the Premier League he wanted to be economically satisfied, but we didn’t find it fair towards our players.”

    It seems that Garnacho would’ve demanded a high salary in comparison to Napoli’s current players.

    Antonio Conte was still a huge fan of the player, having made a phone call in attempts of convincing the player to join.

    United fans will now hope the Garnacho saga is over and that he can focus on his football.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

    Ruben Amorim will be keen to help him develop as United look to climb the table out of the bottom half.

    Garnacho’s performances this season have seen mixed reviews from United fans.

    The Argentinian has had to adapt to a 3-4-3 system which doesn’t necessarily get the best out of his qualities in-possession.

    The 20-year-0ld is a player who very much likes to play off the left flank, with space to drive into.

    However, that position doesn’t exactly exist in Amorim’s shape which has an emphasis on narrow 10’s.

    Garnacho was one of the two players dropped for Manchester Derby earlier in the season.

    However he was quickly reinstated into the lineup, due to an improvement in his attitude and approach.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

    Source: Centred Devils

  • Manchester United wonderkid involved in first-team training


    Image Credits: GETTY IMAGES

    Manchester United’s 2025 winter transfer window under Ruben Amorim has been heavily criticised by fans.

    Despite signing Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven, the squad was not strengthened in attack.

    Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Ethan Wheatley all left on loan before the window shut.

    United also allowed multiple Academy players to leave in search of regular game time.

    One positive was securing Diego Leon, though he will not join until 1st July.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

    Before deadline day, Ruben Amorim admitted the club were working hard to sign a forward.

    However, once the window closed, United were left short of attacking options.

    Fans are now concerned about relying on Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee, Alejandro Garnacho, and Amad.

    Fresh reports now suggest Amorim has looked to the Academy for extra firepower.

    Chido Obi-Martin was promoted to first-team training on Tuesday morning at Carrington.

    The 17-year-old striker joined from Arsenal last year and has impressed in the Academy.

    He has scored nine goals in ten games this season, including a hat-trick vs Nottingham Forest.

    When he arrived, there were claims he could be third-choice behind Højlund and Zirkzee.

    However, he has remained in the Academy while adapting to life in Manchester.

    With his promotion to first-team training, many wonder if he could play a role this season.

    Despite this, he is unlikely to feature in United’s FA Cup clash against Leicester City.

    The club are integrating him gradually, giving him experience with senior professionals.

    While he won’t be rushed, his inclusion signals big plans for his future at United.

    If the Red Devils are to improve on the pitch in the short and long-term, the balance of top experience and youth needs to be rectified.

    Amorim will be the first to acknowledge that young stars needs the right guidance around them to thrive.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

    Source: Centred Devils

  • Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to sign Manchester United star


    Image Credits: Getty Images

    Former Manchester United manager and striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is now keen on drafting talent from his former club.

    Besiktas are currently in seventh in the Turkish Super Lig, only seven points behind fourth place Eyupspor.

    The top four clubs in the Super Lig get the chance to qualify for European next season, making it a vital goal for Solskjaer.

    Unfortunately for the club, Solskjaer’s men have been knocked out of the Europa League this year, finishing 28th overall, only a point below the Fenerbahce who were the cut off team in 24th place.

    Now, to fight their way up the table, Solskjaer is looking at bringing in reinforcements in the midfield, looking to his old club.

    Despite the European transfer window closing, Turkey’s window is still open until Tuesday 11th February, meaning that European clubs can still sell to Turkish sides.

    As such, Besiktas are now looking to United’s forgotten veteran, Casemiro, who has slipped down the ranks to be an routinely unused substitute.

    Ruben Amorim is looking for his men to bring intensity on the pitch, and the rise of Toby Collyer has seen Casemiro fall down the pecking order.

    With The Red Devils facing financial hardship and failing to make any outright sales in the winter transfer window, United are keen to capitalise on this interest.

    Now, Fotomac, via Turkish outlet A Spor, has reported that Casemiro is open to a move to Turkey, “keen” on joining Solskjaer at Besiktas.

    If United can pull of the deal, not only will they generate much needed transfer funds, but they’ll free up capacity in the salary budget.

    Casemiro is United’s highest earner on £350,000 per month, costing the club just over £18 million a year.

    With the Brazilian now out of circulation, receiving less game time, it’s a cost that United will no doubt want to cut.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

    Source: Centred Devils

  • Luke Shaw positive injury update provided


    Image Credits: Getty Images

    Manchester United’s Luke Shaw has had a poor run of luck over the last year as he’s gone from injury to injury, consistently side-lining the England international.

    This morning it was reported that Shaw had experienced yet another setback in his recovery, with the defender looking at another four weeks on the side-lines.

    However, Mike McGrath and Chris Wheeler have both now given a positive update.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

    Ruben Amorim given boost in Luke Shaw recovery

    The pair of reporters have both confirmed that the setback isn’t as concerning has first thought, with Shaw potentially back in team training next week.

    The club are reportedly being more cautious around Shaw’s return to the pitch after his most recent two months out.

    However, the past two months out have been a small part of Shaw’s recent time at United, spent dipping in and out of the treatment room as he returns for a handful of games before being injured once more.

    Unfortunately this means that Shaw will definitely miss out on the FA Cup clash with Leicester and former Manchester United coach, interim-manager and striker Ruud van Nistelrooy who now manages The Foxes.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

    Source: Centred Devils

  • Tyrell Malacia rejected move to Premier League side before joining PSV Eindhoven


    Image Credits: Getty Images

    Manchester United have officially offloaded Tyrell Malacia, as the out-of-favour left-back has now joined PSV Eindhoven.

    The Dutch defender joined United back in 2022 however picked up a significant knee injury at the end of his first season, ruling him out for over a year.

    Upon his return to team training, manager Erik ten Hag was no longer in position, with Ruben Amorim taking his place, expecting the left-back role to perform in a very different way.

    Amorim utilises dynamic wing-backs on both flanks, relying on them to be both attacking and defending.

    However, Malacia failed to prove himself to Amorim that he should be given a real shot at being the first-choice left-wing-back.

    The winter transfer window saw United sign versatile wing-back Patrick Dorgu from Lecce and the young defensive talent of Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno.

    Ultimately the pair are long-term replacements for both Malacia and the injury-prone Luke Shaw.

    At the end of the transfer window, PSV swooped in, beating the likes of Benfica and Real Betis, taking the left-back on loan until the end of the season.

    However, news has now broken that Malacia could have been playing a lot closer to Old Trafford for the rest of the season.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

    Premier League interest in Tyrell Malacia

    Journalist Martijn Krabbendam, via Voetbal Verslaafd, has reported that Premier League side Wolves were also in the running to sign the left-back.

    Speaking on Voetbal International’s live broadcast, Krabbendam commented: “A lot of people in Rotterdam are angry because he’s going to PSV.”

    He continued: “But Feyenoord already has three left backs, and that guy is just choosing his own career. He could also go to Wolverhampton Wanderers, but if PSV comes… Then you’ll just go play for PSV, right? I understand the sentiment, but players reason differently.”

    The news comes as an interesting twist, with United routinely looking to Wolves’ current left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri as a potential replacement for Malacia and Shaw.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

    Source: Centred Devils

  • Maduka Okoye returns from Injury – but betting scandal could change everything

    Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is set to return from injury, but the Udinese goalkeeper now finds himself caught in the middle of a betting scandal that could overshadow his comeback.

    Okoye Back in Action After Wrist Surgery

    Okoye, 24, has been out for over a month after undergoing surgery to repair a scapholunate ligament tear in his right wrist, his absence was a major setback, but he has now resumed full training with Udinese, preparing for a potential return to action.

    According to Tutto Udinese, Okoye was among the players who reported back to the club’s Bruseschi training center this week, joining teammates Keinan Davis and Kingsley Ehizibue ahead of their upcoming clash against Napoli.

    Okoye in action in the Serie A

    Despite missing several weeks, Okoye has been one of Serie A’s standout goalkeepers this season, making 14 appearances and registering 42 saves. His return could also put him in contention for a Super Eagles call-up ahead of Nigeria’s key qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.

    Betting Scandal Threatens His Career

    However, just as Okoye looks set to reclaim his spot, he is now facing serious off-field allegations. Reports in Italy claim that he is under investigation for allegedly placing a bet on himself to receive a yellow card during Udinese’s Serie A clash against Lazio on March 11, 2024.

    READ MORE: Super Falcons face fierce WAFCON battle as South Africa steps up preparations

    The booking, which occurred in the 64th minute for time-wasting, reportedly triggered an alert from Italian betting company Sisal, whose algorithm flagged unusual betting patterns on that specific incident.

    If the allegations prove true, Okoye could face disciplinary action, which might jeopardize both his club and international future. Okoye chose to represent Nigeria over Germany and was the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper at the 2021 AFCON, though he faced criticism after the team’s early exit.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!

    He returned to the squad under Augustine Eguavoen, playing in Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to Rwanda in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. With new head coach Eric Chelle now leading the team, Okoye’s return from injury was expected to strengthen Nigeria’s squad.

    However, the betting scandal could complicate his chances of reclaiming his starting role, especially as Nigeria is desperate for back-to-back victories against Rwanda and Zimbabwe to turn their qualification campaign around.

    Source: The Athletic NG

  • Gary Neville sends ‘damaging’ warning to Ruben Amorim


    Image Credits: GETTY IMAGES

    Ruben Amorim has endured a difficult start to life at Manchester United.

    Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace halted any momentum after three straight wins.

    It marked Amorim’s fifth Premier League defeat in seven matches at Old Trafford.

    A record he will be desperate to improve as soon as possible.

    The Portuguese coach has implemented a new 3-4-2-1 / 3-4-3 system at United.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

    However, the players are still adapting, and results have not reflected progress.

    There has been no “new manager bounce,” and United remain stuck in the bottom half.

    Former captain Gary Neville believes United have regressed under Amorim.

    With Lisandro Martinez now ruled out for the season, things could get worse.

    Neville shared his concerns on The Gary Neville Podcast, via Sky Sports.

    “I thought it would get better when Ruben Amorim came in.

    “But we’ve seen the absolute opposite, and it’s got a lot worse – and that’s surprising.

    “There’s going to be a lot more pain towards the end of the season and it’s going to be damaging.

    “The more you lose, the more difficult it is for the manager to convince the players.

    “If they keep losing, the fans leave unhappy, and you can’t keep losing.

    “It will depress the thoughts of the players and they’ll start to lose faith in the idea.

    “He’s lost more games at United than he lost in his last 75 at Sporting – that’s alarming.

    “It can’t keep going on like this, and they somehow have to start playing better.”

    United now turn their attention to the FA Cup, hoping to revive their season.

    Leicester City visit Old Trafford on Friday, with Ruud van Nistelrooy returning.

    A win would bring United a step closer to silverware and much-needed positivity.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

    Source: Centred Devils

  • COSAFA and CECAFA unite against Pinnick as his FIFA council bid faces major obstacle

    Nigerian football administrator Amaju Pinnick has encountered a significant hurdle in his push for a second term on the FIFA Council, as two major African football blocs have thrown their weight behind his rivals.

    COSAFA & CECAFA Unite Against Pinnick

    In a decisive move, the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) and the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) have formed a powerful alliance to support Zambia FA president Andrew Kamanga and Djibouti FA boss Souleiman Hassan Waberi in the upcoming election.

    Pinnick and FIFA President Infantino

    Pinnick had initially expected strong backing from English-speaking nations, but with 25 CAF Member Associations now rallying behind his competitors, the dynamics of the election have shifted dramatically, giving Kamanga and Waberi a significant edge.

    Pinnick’s Historic Election to the FIFA Council

    Despite this challenge, Amaju Pinnick made history in 2021 when he was elected to the FIFA Council after a landslide victory, defeating Malawian FA president Walter Nyamilandu by 43 votes to 8 during the CAF General Assembly in Rabat.

    READ MORE:Former Super Eagles defender Taye Taiwo inducted into Olympique Marseille hall of fame

    Pinnick became the third Nigerian to be elected to the prestigious FIFA Council, following Oyo Orok Oyo (1980-1988) and Amos Adamu (2006-2010).

    He serves alongside six African representatives, including Egypt’s Hany Abou Rida, Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa, Mali’s Mamoutou Toure, Benin’s Mathurin De Chacus, and Sierra Leone’s Aisha Johansen.

    A Tough Road Ahead for Pinnick

    Pinnick’s second-term bid now faces significant challenges, as the alliance between COSAFA and CECAFA has strengthened his competitors’ positions.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!

    His initial victory in 2021 gave the former NFF President a taste of the workings of the FIFA Council, Pinnick must now regroup and refine his campaign to overcome the renewed political landscape and secure another term.

    Source: The Athletic NG

  • Manchester United receive huge boost in Viktor Gyokeres pursuit


    Image Credits: GETTY IMAGES

    Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled to find the net this season.

    Hojlund arrived with expectations of scoring 15+ goals but has lacked physicality and sharpness.

    Zirkzee, a summer signing from Bologna, has managed just three league goals so far.

    Hojlund has fared even worse, scoring only twice in the Premier League.

    Amorim even played Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine in the 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

    That decision highlighted United’s lack of firepower up front.

    Manchester United will now throw everything at signing Viktor Gyokeres this summer.

    The Swedish striker thrived under Ruben Amorim at Sporting Lisbon.

    Gyokeres has become one of Europe’s most prolific forwards since leaving the Championship.

    He has an incredible record of 77 goals in just 83 appearances.

    United wanted him in January but held off due to his hefty price tag.

    Sporting were demanding £83m to let him leave mid-season, according to The i Paper.

    United now believe they can land him for closer to £60m this summer as per the Mirror.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

    The Portuguese side are already resigned to losing their star striker, with the player himself commenting on rumours.

    Viktor Gyokeres was signed from Coventry City just 18 months ago.

    He has already netted 22 league goals this term.

    United have scored just 28 goals in 24 Premier League games this season.

    That is a major reason why they are languishing in the bottom half of the table.

    Interestingly, Harry Kane has a £54m release clause that activates next January.

    If United change course, they could make a shock move for the England captain.

    Whatever the Red Devils choose to do, fans will be hoping that the club don’t overpay and drag out the transfer for so long.

    As with Jadon Sancho, where United took far too long to get negotiations wrapped up.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

    Source: Centred Devils

  • Ijamilusi lands mega move to Chinese club Liaoning Baiye FC

    Nigerian forward Folashade Ijamilusi has secured a move to Chinese Women’s Super League side Liaoning Baiye FC, marking a significant step in her career after an impressive season in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership.

    Ijamilusi made the switch from NWFL Premiership champions Edo Queens, where she played a crucial role in the club’s domestic and international success. She was instrumental in Edo Queens’ triumph at the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League in Côte d’Ivoire and helped the team achieve a fourth-place finish at the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco.

    Her goal-scoring prowess was undeniable throughout the 2023/24 NWFL Premiership season, as she finished as the league’s top scorer with eight goals.

    A Product of FC Robo Queens’ Talent Factory

    The 23-year-old forward is a graduate of the famous FC Robo Queens academy, which has produced some of Nigeria’s biggest stars, including Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, Chidinma Okeke, Gift Monday, and Esther Onyenezide.

    READ MORE:COSAFA and CECAFA unite against Pinnick as his FIFA council bid faces major obstacle

    She was a key player for FC Robo Queens, a dominant force in the Lagos State FA Cup before moving to Edo Queens.

    Rising to the International Stage

    Ijamilusi’s outstanding performances in 2024 earned her a call-up to Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, where she featured in a double-header friendly against Algeria in Ikenne and Lagos.

    Her goal-scoring ability caught the attention of selectors, further solidifying her status as one of Nigeria’s emerging stars.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!

    Her move to China presents a new challenge and an opportunity to further develop her game on the international stage, as she joins Liaoning Baiye FC in their quest for success in the Chinese Women’s Super League.

    Source: The Athletic NG