Navigating the Deal: Clement Lenglet’s Potential Transfer to Tottenham

In the ever-turbulent world of football transfers, Clement Lenglet, the French defender deemed superfluous at Barcelona, is edging closer to a permanent move to Tottenham Hotspur. The deal, according to Spanish publication Sport, is in its final phase, with a monetary gap of €5 million separating the clubs’ valuation of the player.

A Season of Spurs Experience

Lenglet, who spent the previous season on loan at Tottenham, put up a commendable performance throughout the campaign. Conversations regarding a permanent transfer have been brewing for some time, and negotiations between the two clubs have been gaining momentum.

The Price Standoff: Barcelona and Tottenham

In their effort to facilitate Lenglet’s transfer, Barcelona has set a price tag of €15 million. However, Tottenham has shown a reluctance to meet this valuation. The Spurs have already been stretching their resources to match the defender’s hefty wage bill, making the steep transfer fee a sticking point in the negotiations.

Barcelona’s financial predicament has them seeking to offload Lenglet, whose annual earnings stand at a whopping €16 million. Tottenham, already striving to cover his salary, are reluctant to break the bank for the transfer fee. Subsequently, the London-based club are considering a €10 million bid for the defender.

The Add-ons and Variables: Possible Path to Agreement

Barcelona might consider accepting the proposed €10 million from Tottenham with the inclusion of a few add-ons and variables in the deal. Such a structure could bridge the gap in valuations, bringing the clubs closer to a consensus.

Lenglet’s Preference and Compensation

For Lenglet, the prospect of a permanent move to Tottenham is an attractive one, though not without its complications. A potential financial loss looms if the transfer to London materialises, and he is expected to seek compensation from Barcelona to mitigate this.

Barcelona’s Bid for Financial Equilibrium

Barcelona’s financial imperative to cut down their wage bill could drive them towards a swift resolution with Tottenham and Lenglet. Having recently offloaded Samuel Umtiti by terminating his contract, Barcelona sees Lenglet’s departure as another significant step toward financial stability.

It’s a classic transfer triangle with Barcelona, Tottenham, and Lenglet each having their stakes. The final details, it seems, are ready to be ironed out, painting a clearer picture of Lenglet’s future and Barcelona’s financial health.

[eplindex]

Barcelona have been scraping around for cash for much of the last five years, but they could be in line to save €170m on their budgeted spending.

President Joan Laporta believes that the construction of the new Camp Nou will come in under budget, and has stated that things are going well with regard to the project.

Barcelona members had approved a €1.5b package for the reform of Espai Barca, including a new basketball stadium and the Camp Nou reforms. The budget for the basketball court has been halved from €400m to €200m, and Laporta feels they could make more savings on Camp Nou too.

“I think we are going to reduce the budget for the stadium and for contingencies, in fact it is already happening. We are very close to being able to cut the €1.1b that was stated. I think we are going to be at €960m and maybe €930m if everything goes well,” he told MD.

However Laporta did warn that tough times were ahead next season, as Barcelona move to the Estadi Lluis Companys.

“Next year will not be easy. We are moving to a stadium that has half the capacity of Camp Nou.”

“Going up to the stadium at Montjuic is uncomfortable. Although to me it doesn’t seem as bad as some make out,” Laporta nuanced.

If it were to be the case, then it would be welcome news for the Blaugrana, as their debt continues to heave and grow. However Cules will not want the current board to cut corners either, with these venues set to serve the club for the next 50 years at least.

[football-espana]

Prices of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol have reportedly been reduced at some private depots.

Naija News gathered that the Secretary, Abuja-Suleja, of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Mohammed Shuaibu made the revelation to The Punch.

According to him, the cost of fuel is set to come down in the coming weeks, given that more marketers including the independent markets would soon join the importation of the product.

He confirmed that some private depot owners were already cutting down the cost of the commodity, lower than the rate being sold by the NNPCL.

According to him, IPMAN was ready to compete with the NNPCL and major marketers to force down the cost of petrol nationwide.

He submitted that “The sector has been deregulated and, of course, if you have the power you will go and import. It is not going to be only the major marketers, independent marketers are also picking interest and there will be competition

“And, of course, I know that sooner than later, the price of petrol will be forced down, particularly once the products from marketers start hitting the country from next week. This is because market forces will now determine the price.

“It is not going to be solely imported by NNPCL again, for instance, this week, the private depots reduced their prices, different from what NNPCL is selling. So there is a reduction lower than what NNPC is selling.

“With time there will be healthy competition. We know major marketers are expecting products in weeks and we will compete with them when our products start coming. This will further reduce petrol prices.

“People are lamenting. The price was raised by over three times its previous cost, coupled with the economic crisis in the country. So the patronage has been very, very poor.”

Recall that last month, the Chief Executive, of Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed, said some newly licensed importers of petrol were expecting their cargoes in July.

“The market is open already, we have to follow the regulations. So we have rolled out user-friendly policies. Some of them (marketers) have already started putting their applications in place. This is because we don’t want to create a gap.

“NNPCL is slowing down on their importation, so we have to have someone who is closing up on that gap that NNPCL is creating in order not to have a shortage in the country.

“But NNPCL is also monitoring the replacements that they have. We agreed that NNPCL will continue to import until such a time when we have a critical mass of other importers,” Ahmed had stated in Abuja.

Barcelona Femini of Spain striker, Asisat Oshoala, has said that the Super Falcons of Nigeria are highly motivated ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia.

Oshoala said this while she also expressed her determination and readiness for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup in far-away Australia.

The Super Falcons will be travelling from Abuja, Nigeria’s capital to Melbourne, Australia on Sunday.

“Personally, I feel like we have a good team and if everything is being done right, we can go very far at the up-coming World Cup,” Oshoala said.

“This is because regardless of whatever, we are still going to go out there fighting, do our job and see what we can achieve.

“The team is mentally strong as we have been through a lot and even in the hardest moments, we will still go out there to fight.

“The motivation has always been there, although, maybe it has not gone up as expected but we have always been a strong side mentally.”

Also in a video shared on Instagram by Nigerian journalist, Calister Enejele, Oshoala confidently stated her preparedness ahead of the tournament.

“As far as I know, I will be ready before the World Cup kicks off,” Oshoala who has been battling with injury stated.

The Barcelona forward has been out of action since May following a hamstring problem she picked up while in action in Spain.

[Guardian]

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has issued a stern warning that individuals found guilty of forging its discharge or exemption certificates could face imprisonment, fines, or both as penalties.

The Director of Legal Services, Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, delivered this message during the 2023 Legal Officers’ Capacity Building Training held in Abuja.

The training centred around the theme “The Role of the Legal Officer in the Defence of the Public Service in Nigeria.” Ibrahim emphasized that all the infractions related to the NYSC Act should be well-known. “The infractions are many, like forging the NYSC certificates,” he stated.

Ibrahim further explained that some individuals who are required to participate in the youth service fail to do so, while others abandon the service before completion. These actions are in direct violation of the NYSC Act, which clearly outlines the appropriate measures to be taken in such cases.

The Director of Legal Services also highlighted instances where individuals attempt to attend orientation camps with forged documents. Once caught, they are arrested by the police and face prosecution. While there are ongoing cases related to such offences, the exact number of incidents cannot be determined at this time.

“The punishment, first of all, is to arrest them. The police will now charge them to court, and it is now left for the courts to decide if it is imprisonment or fine,” Ibrahim explained. He further added that the court has the discretion to determine the length of imprisonment, ranging from two years to three years, or the option of a fine, or both.

Regarding the involvement of Corps Producing Institutions (CPIs) in these infractions, Ibrahim stated that if such institutions submit names of unqualified corps members, they are considered guilty and will be taken to court. The court, in its discretion, will determine the appropriate punishment for the institutions involved.

However, Ibrahim clarified that delisting the institutions is not the immediate action taken. The institutions are still allowed to submit the names of their intending corps members for mobilization. He expressed concern about the rising frequency of such infractions, which continue to occur on a daily basis.

The primary objective of the training, according to Ibrahim, was to ensure that members of the public have a clear understanding of the provisions of the NYSC Act. He emphasized the importance of promoting compliance and educating individuals about their rights and responsibilities.

Brig.-Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, the Director-General of NYSC, conveyed his policy thrust of enhancing capacity building to stimulate efficiency and higher corporate performance within the scheme. Represented by Ibrahim, he stated that the training aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of legal officers in the defence of the Public Service in Nigeria.

Ahmed acknowledged the significant contributions of the Legal Unit in providing quality legal advice to the NYSC management and effectively handling cases involving the scheme in various courts. He expressed confidence that the training would further strengthen the values of the scheme and contribute to the professional growth of legal officers.

Granit Xhaka’s move to Bayer Leverkusen is ‘edging closer’ and it has been reported Arsenal will receive over £20million for the midfielder’s services.

It was reported before the 2022/23 season ended that Xhaka would be leaving the Gunners to return to Germany.

He spent four years there as a Borussia Monchengladbach player, becoming captain in 2015 before agreeing a £34m move to Arsenal in the summer of 2016.

Amazingly, Arsenal failed to finish inside the top four during Xhaka’s time at the club, until last term, when they finished second.

And after falling out with the fans on a number of occasions, the Switzerland captain looks like he will leave north London on great terms with everyone associated with the club.

He enjoyed a tremendous 22/23 campaign, scoring seven goals and providing seven assists in 37 Premier League appearances, while only picking up four yellow cards.

Fabrizio Romano said in May that Xhaka would leave Arsenal in the summer transfer window with a €15million fee being discussed.

The transfer expert says personal terms have been reached over a contract until 2027 and a transfer was expected to be completed before the summer window opened.

It has not happened yet and it has recently emerged that the 30-year-old will be sold after Mikel Arteta brings in a new midfielder, with a deal to sign West Ham’s Declan Rice almost complete.

Although Romano said the fee would be €15m, a fresh report from Football London says Arsenal will receive €25m.

The report states: ‘Reports had previously suggested that the Swiss international was set join Leverkusen for a fee in the region of £13m.

‘Now though, it is thought that the two clubs are thought to have agreed a €25m fee that will see the 30-year-old secure a return to the Bundesliga.’

Xhaka wanted to leave Arsenal at the time of Arteta’s appointment. He fell out with the club’s supporters after throwing his shirt to the ground and telling the Emirates fans where to go.

Arteta convinced the Swiss midfielder to stay and made him a crucial part of his team.

Xhaka stepped up into a box-to-box role in 2022, which suited him very well. Beforehand, he was often used as a defensive midfielder.

The change in position gave the player more freedom to attack and in turn, helped his disciplinary issues.

Xhaka has always been criticised for being a hot-head on the pitch, something that is quite harshly labeled alongside him.

As mentioned prior, he only picked up four bookings in the Premier League last season, which was by far his best season for the Gunners in that regard.

[football365]

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has offered his first public comments on the impending signing of Lionel Messi, saying that the Argentine superstar joining is a “massive moment” for the club.

Messi announced his intention to join Inter Miami last month, though the club has not officially confirmed the signing yet.

Beckham said that he was caught off guard when the former Barcelona and PSG star made the announcement, though the surprise was more in the timing than the message itself.

“A couple of weeks ago, I woke up to about a million messages on my phone. I was thinking, ‘What’s gone off? I don’t usually get this many messages’. All of a sudden, I hear Leo has come out and announced he’s coming to Miami. Obviously, it wasn’t a surprise to me,” Beckham said at a  “Lessons In Leadership” event for the Lira Winston Fellowships in London.

In terms of its impact on MLS, Messi’s signing has been compared to Beckham joining the LA Galaxy in 2007 — a deal that included an option to purchase a MLS team for just $25 million.

Having taken up that option with Inter Miami, Beckham is relishing the chance to make the club a flagship in MLS.

“I have always said, from the word go, that if I had the opportunity to bring the best players in the game to Miami, at whatever time of their careers, I would do that. I have always made that commitment to our fans,” Beckham added.

“So when I hear that one of the best players — if not the best player — who has won everything in the game, who is still a great player, still young and still doing what he’s doing, wants to play for my team, it’s a massive moment for us.”

[prosoccerwire]

Kanu Nwankwo, a former Super Eagles footballer, and his wife, Amara, celebrating their 19th wedding anniversary today, July 3.

This was posted via his wife, Amara verified Instagram page, celebrating their significant accomplishment.

In the video, the footballer serves her wine while fawning over her as he refers to her as the mother of his beautiful children.

See the video below:

Daniel Levy has been warned that Mauricio Pochettino could lure Harry Kane to Chelsea despite his reluctance to sell the Tottenham captain. The 29-year-old faces an increasingly uncertain future at Tottenham, with his contract set to expire at the end of next season.

Prior to the departure of Fabio Paratici in April, football.london understood that the Italian had been in conversation with Kane's representatives to discuss a new deal. It's said that the England international is open to discussing an extension but, as it stands, he's yet to commit his long-term future to the Lilywhites.

Kane is expected to seek pastures new, either this summer or next, and Bayern Munich have been mooted as a potential destination. However, despite having already signed Nicolas Jackson, Chelsea remain a dark horse in the race to sign the Englishman now that Pochettino's appointment as been officially confirmed.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Tony Cascarino believes that Kane's fantastic relationship with the former Spurs boss could swing the transfer race in the Blues' favour. The 60-year-old said: "Managers who have worked with players who they have loved and had a great, they love to bring them in.

"They've worked with them before. They love them as professionals. They love what they can deliver. Now you talked about the 'bromance' – I don't think there's been anyone bigger than Poch and Harry because Harry's respect for Poch was extraordinary.

"They've done brilliantly together," Cascarino added. "Would Poch want him? Absolutely! If they thought they could get him they'd go after him.

"The problem is whether Tottenham would sell to Chelsea. Now, Chelsea could fund it... Would Harry go? Well, we never know because he's never been asked a question but the Poch lure is a big one."

[football.london]

Goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl has agreed to mutually terminate her contract with Swedish club Djurgarden following an ongoing feud with a number of fans.

She was pictured signing a rare Sweden goalkeeper shirt for a Hammarby fan.

Lindahl says she has experienced "harassment" a number of times.

The former Chelsea goalkeeper has questioned the safety of some women's games and wants them to become more inclusive in order to bring in new supporters - and says this is why she interacts with rival fans.

There was allegedly fan unrest in a 4-1 defeat to Linkoping in June, where supporters wore intimidating masks and threw pyrotechnics on to the pitch. In May, there were reports of four cases of assault at a subway station after a 1-0 loss to Hammarby, with Lindahl saying "we should not have violence here".

Lindahl has expressed strong views on social media, questioning violent events and the safety of other fans at women's games, while welcoming positive support for the club.

But her views have not always been well received. A banner brought to a game read: "We are unwanted gangs in the Lindahl league. Hedvig, you will never make us become quiet."

Lindahl told BBC Sport: "I'm disappointed that it wasn't possible to help the team reach a better place. I really wanted to come in and be a positive force to help develop the team.

"That makes me obviously a bit sad that it didn't turn out that way. I had an idea of a future at the club but I was afraid I would have to adapt a lot of myself to make it happen.

"I hoped I could maybe turn things around with the supporters but we never really got there."

'I'm trying to add value to the whole game'

Lindahl won two Women's Super League titles with Chelsea and reached the Olympic final twice with Sweden, as well as coming runner-up in the 2003 Women's World Cup.

She has played for some of Europe's top clubs including Wolfsburg and Atletico Madrid but experienced different fan cultures there than in Djurgarden, where a lot of the men's teams' supporters have come across to the women's game.

"I think it was a culture clash for sure. I should have informed myself a little bit better on what I could have expected at a very big club," said Lindahl.

"I really like that people come up to us and say 'I love the atmosphere surrounding everything in the women's games, I feel totally safe going with my small children and I feel represented'.

"The safety, the inclusion and the happiness are the very strong values that I really, truly appreciate. It's not up to me what the women's game will be. I just know that I have reacted very strongly if there's been anything that is not like that. That's what I have tried to say."

Lindahl says she "appreciates so many people in the world love the men's game for what it is" but there are possibilities to "make both versions of the game better".

The ex-Sweden international says she can "see the beauty" of the men's game and is only questioning the elements of it which are unsafe and have started to creep into the women's game.

"I'm not trying to take away from the men's game but to add value to the whole game," she added.

"I think sometimes I have unintentionally stepped on people's toes. Maybe it has been when I say people want safety around the games and those that do feel safe in the men's game obviously feel offended by that."

Lindahl believes she has received great support from match-going fans, her team-mates and staff at the club despite "a feeling of not being wanted" at times.

She is now contemplating retirement but hopes to have an opportunity to end her career "on a more positive note".

"I feel like I really had [my team-mates and staff] through this drama. They have been champions and they deserve so much support," said Lindahl.

"I really hope now I'm out of the picture that people can really come and support them. If I was a reason for them not coming to support, then go now."

[BBC]