As for today’s last match of the Africa Cup of Nations schedule, I’ve already talked about Mohamed Salah’s header against Egypt.
But when they take on Ghana tonight, it could also be a chance for a rising star of African football to make his mark.
West Ham forward Mohammed Kudus has already caught the eye in the Premier League. Now he gets to do so in front of the entire African continent.
As coach Jeremy Seethal’s Roshane Thomas article quotes:
? “He will be considered the most productive African footballer in the world. “
Maybe that journey takes a significant step forward tonight. In the meantime, give Roshane’s piece a read.
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Mohammed Kudus: AFCON’s biggest box office star after Mo Salah and Victor Osimhen
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January 18, 2024 at 12:59 pm est
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It’s half-time in Abidjan, where Ivory Coast, Nigeria’s opponents, are still without a goal: the hosts have scored three goals in the first 45 minutes.
So, is Ivory Coast missing one of its most recognizable players, Wilfried Zaha?
Zaha is not included in the squad for this AFCON, and her French coach, Jean-Louis Gasset, insisted that Zaha was left out because his team is well supplied on the wing.
But other factors are at play too — ones relating to his off-field behaviour rather than what he offers on it.
And at this point, I refer you to Tom Burrows’ article about the former Crystal Palace and the current Galatasaray striker, which you can find below.
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Wilfried Zaha and Ivory Coast: a fractured relationship
January 18, 2024 at 12:35 p. m. est
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The January move-in window has been quiet so far, Tiernan, but one position where there has been a lot of moving activity is in Plymouth.
New head coach Ian Foster has had a series of departures with loanees Finn Azaz, Kaine Kesler-Hayden (both from Aston Villa), Luke Cundle (Wolves) and Lewis Warrington (Everton), all called up through their parent clubs. Azaz was then sold to Middlesbrough for £2. 5 million.
Defender Macaulay Gillesphey was also sold to Charlton.
Despite those knocks, Argyle has loaned out four players, with Foster and director of football Neil Dewsnip making the most of their contacts in England’s youth organisation.
As you mentioned, Alfie Devine has joined fellow Spurs team-mate Ashley Phillips at Home Park. The pair, along with Darko Gyabi who joined this month from Leeds (all until the end of the season) played under Foster with England.
Free agent Matthew Sorinola also joined the club yesterday to provide competition at full-back.
More arrivals are expected before the window expires, while the club will be hoping to retain talisman Morgan Whittaker, who is on the radar of several Premier League clubs.
January 18, 2024 at 12:35 PM EST
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Ligue 1 Lyon has signed Nigerian striker Gift Orban from Gent on a four-and-a-half-year deal.
Lyon paid €12m upfront for the striker, leaving an additional €8m left, and Gent retained a long-term sell-on clause of 20p.
After scoring 19 goals in 22 appearances for Norwegian club Stabaek in 2022, Orban joined Gent midway through the 2022-23 campaign and scored 20 goals in 22 appearances.
Orban, who has yet to be capped by Nigeria and is of Togolese descent, has seen his remarkable goal rate decline this season, with 12 goals in 30 outings.
He has now signed a contract with Lyon until the summer of 2028.
January 18, 2024 at 12:29 pm m. ITS T
Whenever I’m here steering us through the day’s football news, I’ll be keen to take your questions and get them answered.
Previously, we received an email from a fan of the Plymouth Argyle EFL Championship, asking:
? “I know championship politics may be sparse, but is there any news or updates on literally signings or loans for Plymouth?I’m just curious, as some of the players on loan from Argyle have been withdrawn. I know Argyle loaned out Devine (Tottenham’s Alfie Devine) yet, is there more?
Sincerely, Tiernan Baker
Thanks for your message, Tiernan. I’ve been in touch with our own self-proclaimed Plymouth expert Richard Amofa and will pop his reply in here next…
January 18, 2024 at 11:59am EST
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It has been a privilege at the headquarters of Athletic to be able to see photographs of my colleague Simon Hughes over the last few weeks.
He’s out in Ivory Coast covering the Africa Cup of Nations – and doing a grand job too. His piece at the bottom here on Mo Salah’s quest to add this title with Egypt to his lengthy list of honours is a worthy read ahead of tonight’s game.
So what does Si have with all of this so far? It’s here:
? “Being here for a week feels longer, but in a smart way. It’s like a big party. The atmosphere in Abidjan in particular. Everyone is dressed in an orange blouse and surely there is no doubt that the Ivorian Coast will get it. Become champions. Optimism is incredible!
“I enjoyed watching Senegalese midfielder Lamine Camara. Only 20 years old, the ball at his feet, natural enthusiasm. As soon as Salah touches the ball for Egypt, there is an expectation. You can feel it. I have a feeling that with Egypt, there is more to come. “
And as for Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria today:
? “Yes, there’s a lot at stake in this game. Two very large groups where the expectations are enormous. I hope it’s very close.
“A draw would be a result for Nigeria as it would give them confidence heading into the final match of the organization. Victor Osimhen is one of the wonderful African footballers of the moment, if you can give him opportunities.
“But Côte d’Ivoire is well organised and has interesting players away from home. So in terms of predictions, I think maybe it’s 1-1. “
And yes, we will all fulfill this prediction.
GO FURTHER
Is Mohamed Salah really a hero for the whole of Africa?
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January 18, 2024 at 11:48am EST
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Adam Lallana will know at the end of the season if he needs to continue his playing career at Brighton.
The former Liverpool and England midfielder has played more than an hour in a game since September in 17 appearances this season in all competitions (including 8 starts) due to minor injuries.
Lallana, 35 years old, club website:
? “First I’ll get to the end of the season and see what happens. I don’t know if this will be my last year playing, but it’s a verbal exchange later in the season. “
Athletic revealed in October Brighton’s plans to keep Lallana in a managerial position when his playing days are over.
He has trained in educational sessions with Brighton’s first team and under-21s and England’s under-21s during the current campaign, encouraged by the club’s head coach, Roberto De Zerbi. Here’s more from Lallana:
? “I’m still not 100 percent sure I have to. But I’d be stupid if I didn’t give it a chance, considering I’ve spent the last 15 years as a footballer. Especially the way I’ve been in the box for the last five, six, seven years.
“I’ve tried to help my teammates. He probably started at Liverpool, when he had a lot of injuries. We’re starting to look at the game in a different way. “
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Lallana: “De Zerbi has given much more meaning to football. . . Bloom is a genius, right?
January 18, 2024 at 11:29am EST
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If you’re looking for football action rather than mobile window updates, you’re in for a wonderful few hours after the Africa Cup of Nations.
Hosts Ivory Coast will face Victor Osimhen’s Nigeria at 5 p. m. (GMT) before brothers Ayew and Ghana take on Mo Salah’s Egypt at 8 p. m. when the time for the organizational game comes to an end.
I’ve been given a few things in the works for those games, and I locate the live politics of any of them here at The Athletic:
Nigeria will certainly be feeling the pressure heading into their game. They drew their opener 1-1 with Equatorial Guinea, who beat Guinea-Bissau 4-2 this afternoon.
Nigeria could return home early if they fail to beat the hosts, who won their first Group A match.
Everything is at stake there.
January 18, 2024 at 11:11 AM EST
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One of the more surprising stories to emerge in the last 24 hours came from our own David Ornstein, revealing Chelsea are open to selling 22-year-old Albanian striker Armando Broja this month.
Perhaps the Premier League’s benefits and sustainability regulations make this much-sought-after move more likely, given that Broja is a product of Chelsea’s academy, meaning every penny of a sale can go towards increasing the spending limit for a new signing.
Still, you can believe that Broja would also generate a lot of interest. Here’s David Ornstein talking about the stage at today’s Daily Transfer Briefing:
? “In recent days it has been reported that several clubs are following him very closely. I looked into this and it became clear to me that Chelsea were willing to share tactics with Broja on a permanent basis, provided the right offers came in. .
“There’s a real admiration for him from Fulham, West Ham, Wolves and I’m sure others will emerge. But one thing we want to make clear is that Broja’s possible departure does count on Chelsea signing a striker.
“Chelsea’s valuation should be reviewed and some reports recommend it could reach £50 million ($63 million). “
As David says, the imminent return of Christopher Nkunku means that Chelsea feel covered if Broja leaves, so it will be interesting to see if a valuation close to this valuation needs to be adjusted.
January 18, 2024 at 10:56am EST
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I owe you an exam before noon (GMT), right?Well, in that case, let’s get to it.
To prolong the Jordan Henderson theme, I asked you guys to: name Henderson’s final competitive appearance was for Liverpool ❓
And he was:
Well done if you got it. Keep an eye out for future teasers too. I’m known to do a couple of them on a Friday as we build-up to the weekend action.
January 18, 2024 at 10:43am EST
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It is an attractive upgrade from Nancy Froston given Kieran McKenna’s form at Ipswich in the EFL Championship and will have high hopes of back-to-back promotion and a return to the Premier League this summer.
They have also been linked with a move via Bournemouth striker Kieffer Moore and there is a feeling that Ipswich will want to get through this January window if they are to maintain their brilliant form in the early part of the season and get past Leeds and Southampton. to promotion – maximum maximum probably fugitive leaders Leicester.
We’ll see.
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January 18, 2024 at 10:18am EST
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Sheffield Wednesday’s Marvin Johnson is subject to interest from Ipswich Town, with the clubs in discussions about a permanent transfer for the 33-year-old winger.
Johnson was exiled from the long-suffering first-team the previous Wednesday of the season under former coach Xisco Munoz, but returned and played well under new boss Danny Rohl.
Johnson played a role with Darren Moore when he won promotion from League One last season on Wednesday and is popular with fans. He still has ambitions of a chance of promotion to the Premier League, with Ipswich recently second in the league.
Progress in the deal will hinge on the fee Wednesday feel is fair value for a senior member of their squad.
January 18, 2024 at 9:55 AM EST
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Generally if you get a move to Ajax, you’re doing pretty well for yourself – but the Dutch giants have been well off their usual standards this season, as Jordan Henderson may well find.
The nadir was in October, when Ajax lost 5-2 to PSV Eindhoven and sat bottom of the Eredivisie.
Ajax have since returned to fifth, so what’s next for Henderson?Here are my colleague Nick Miller’s thoughts:
? “They’re a little less messy than they used to be. This is now a team full of incredibly young players; 17 of them are 23 years old or younger. So it’s no great wonder that they’re not in wonderful shape.
“His role will be that of the old seasoned leader. Who knows if it will turn out to be good fortune for him. But unless he can convince Liverpool to take him back, it’s arguably the most productive result he can achieve. “What I expected from everyone. This. “
You can read more about Nick Miller in today’s briefing and read his thoughts on Ajax below.
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Jordan Henderson to Ajax: What is the former Liverpool captain in Amsterdam for?
January 18, 2024 at 9:36am EST
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A few days ago, it looked like Jordan Henderson was going to have to hang out for the rest of the season in Saudi Arabia, even if it was hard to pinpoint things.
Now, Henderson looks like he has a way out and is destined to join Ajax. So what changed? Here’s David Ornstein, speaking on today’s Daily Transfer Briefing:
? On Sunday, Henderson joined Al Ettifaq at his winter education camp and will hold talks with head coach Steven Gerrard and sporting director Mark Allen.
“The upshot is that he would return (to Europe). By Wednesday morning an agreement had been reached for Henderson’s departure, but the terms had yet to be finalised.
“At the same time, Henderson was in negotiations about his next move and that step would probably be Ajax. . . I don’t think Henderson tried to point out his sacking with Al Ettifaq until he knew for sure he was signing with a new club. . .
“It is now clear that, if the negotiations are successful, he will go to Ajax for a medical. Then maybe they’d like to present him to the crowd at Sunday’s game as a featured signing. “
There will be many more on this topic, that’s for sure.
January 18, 2024 at 9:16 AM EST
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Tottenham defender Japhet Tanganga has joined Championship Millwall on loan for the remainder of the season.
Athletic reported on Tuesday that Tanganga will return to Tottenham and then be loaned out again, having played for Augsburg since joining the Bundesliga in September.
Millwall director of football operations and recruitment Alex Aldridge said:
? “We are really pleased to bring in Japhet. In January, we thought the centre-back was a domination of the team that we would look at if the right option came our way and Japhet has expressed a strong preference for coming to Millwall. .
“Japhet is hungry and motivated to play games, he has some excellent attributes as a defender and has played at a very high level with Tottenham Hotspur, so we feel he is a really positive addition and we look forward to working with him.”
The 24-year-old’s contract with Tottenham expires this summer, but they have the option to extend the contract by one year.
Tanganga has made 50 senior appearances for Spurs since making his debut against Colchester United in 2019.
January 18, 2024 at 9:06am EST
Manchester United defender Will Fish, recently on loan at Hibernian, is attracting a number of clubs.
The 20-year-old centre-back came through the club’s academy and has inspired this season, making 28 appearances for the Scottish Premiership side, including five in UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers.
Fish will remain at Hibernian for the remainder of the season. However clubs including Championship side Cardiff are showing interest in signing him permanently this summer.
The defender, who has been on loan at Stockport, will expire his contract with United this summer.
Fish scored a goal and helped once this season, helping his team reach sixth place in the Scottish Premiership.
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January 18, 2024 at 9:04 AM EST
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While the club seasons and January transfer window tick on by, it’s been fun taking in some of the international action.
The Asian Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are wonderful tournaments for the other participants and if you get the chance, you attend.
As for today’s action, Australia just pulled off a 1-0 win over Syria to qualify for the round of 16; St Pauli and former Hull midfielder Jackson Irvine scored the goal.
At AFCON, there will be a dazzling clash between hosts Ivory Coast and Nigeria, kicking off in 3 hours (we’ll get back to you in a moment), while Mo Salah’s Egypt will take on Ghana tonight.
What’s there to love?!
January 18, 2024 at 8:57am EST
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Wolves Women were forced to postpone their match against West Bromwich Albion after illness hit the camp.
The two rivals were due to meet in the semi-finals of the Birmingham Challenge Cup on Sunday. However, Wolves claim an “outbreak” following a win over Reading last weekend forced the match to be postponed.
A new date has yet been set for the game. Meet the academy’s Chief Operating Officer, Laura Nicholls:
? “Unfortunately, after the FA Cup win at Reading on Sunday, a high percentage of our team had health issues and we covered the post-match meal they won, as that affects Reading as well.
“Fourteen members of the player team and 4 of our coaches were affected. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to train this week or finish the preparation.
“We spoke with the County FA to get some support to cancel the game because we need to put the health of the players first.
“We’re all disappointed. Sunday was a fantastic win for us and we’re looking to build on that momentum into another important game – a Black Country derby in the Challenge Cup semi-finals that we must keep.
“We won the competition last year and it’s something we’re keen to progress and do well in.”
Additional reporting: Nancy Froston
January 18, 2024 at 8:52am EST
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That’s fair enough.
The expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States will be played on the East Coast of the country, according to my colleagues Felipe Cardenas and Dan Sheldon.
This resolution aims to take advantage of European viewers, from where the winner will emerge, as recent history tells us.
The resolution was also influenced by the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which will take place in the United States.
To ensure life and logistics, FIFA and CONCACAF agreed to hold the tournament on the other side of the United States.
You can learn more about this from Felipe and Dan below.
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The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will take place on the East Coast of the United States and the Gold Cup on the West Coast