Author: Gabby

Transfermarkt has refreshed its rankings for the most expensive players in world football, highlighting the top talents across defense, midfield, and attack. The latest valuations show some surprising shifts, with young stars rising rapidly.

At centre-back, Arsenal’s William Saliba tops the chart at €100 million, closely followed by Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi and PSG’s Willian Pacho, both valued at €80 million. Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal) is next at €75 million, while Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol, Marc Guehi (now at City), and Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano share €70 million each. Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni is worth €65 million, and the list rounds out with Luka Vuskovic (Hamburger SV) and Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid) at €60 million.

In central midfield, Barcelona’s Pedri leads at €150 million, ahead of PSG’s Joao Neves (€140 million) and Arsenal’s Declan Rice (€120 million). Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández and Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde are both at €90 million, while PSG’s Warren Zaire-Emery and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson (€80 million and €75 million) follow. Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister, and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães are each worth €70 million.

Left wingers see a tie at the top between PSG’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior, both at €140 million. RB Leipzig’s Ousmane Diomande is third at €90 million, followed by Juventus’ Kenan Yıldız, Manchester City’s Jérémy Doku, and Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha (all €75 million). PSG’s Bradley Barcola, Bayern Munich’s Luis Díaz, and Barcelona’s Raphinha are valued at €70 million, with Barcelona’s Anthony Gordon at €55 million.

Attacking midfielders are led by Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham (€130 million), then a five-way tie at €100 million: Barcelona’s Fermín López, Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz, Bayern’s Jamal Musiala, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, and Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai. Real Madrid’s Arda Güler, Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki, and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers are at €90 million, with Como’s Nico Paz at €80 million.

On the right wing, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal is the most valuable player overall at €200 million, followed by Bayern’s Michael Olise (€150 million) and PSG’s Désiré Doué (€120 million). Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka is at €110 million, with Chelsea’s Estêvão and Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo both at €80 million. Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo, Bournemouth’s Dango Ouattara, Chelsea’s Pedro Neto, and Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye complete the top ten.

In a stunning turn of events at the Nigeria Women Football League Super Six playoffs, debutants Abia Angels pulled off a remarkable 1-0 victory over former champions Rivers Angels in Port Harcourt. The match, which took place on matchday two, saw Winner David score the decisive goal with a header just four minutes before the half-hour mark.

Abia Angels displayed a disciplined defensive performance, complemented by an exceptional goalkeeping display, to secure their first-ever win against the experienced Rivers Angels side. The victory was all the more impressive given that Abia Angels had previously held Bayelsa Queens to a 1-1 draw in their opening fixture.

With four points from two matches, Abia Angels have emerged as serious contenders for the title. Their solid organization and resilience have caught the attention of many, as they continue to defy expectations in their debut NWFL Super Six campaign.

On the other hand, Rivers Angels, who had won their opening game against Robo Queens, now have three points from two matches. The loss serves as a setback for the former champions, but they will look to bounce back in their remaining fixtures.

Galatasaray is preparing to name Victor Osimhen as their captain for the upcoming season, according to trusted Turkish journalist Yakup Çınar. Speaking on the 90+ Digital YouTube channel, Çınar revealed that the club’s management has already discussed the move internally.

Çınar further indicated that if Mauro Icardi departs the Turkish champions this summer, Osimhen will inherit the number nine jersey. The Nigerian striker, who joined from Napoli, has been instrumental in helping Galatasaray secure back-to-back Süper Lig titles.

The journalist also disclosed that Galatasaray has submitted verbal offers totaling around 110–120 million euros for Osimhen. This potential captaincy appointment reflects the high esteem in which the club holds its star striker.

Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles striker, has reportedly urged his Nigeria teammate Ademola Lookman to consider a move to Galatasaray during the 2026 summer transfer window. Lookman, who shifted to Atlético Madrid from Atalanta in the winter window, has impressed in La Liga with nine goals and four assists in 24 matches. Despite his strong form, speculation persists about his future, with a potential switch to the Turkish powerhouse that would reunite him with Osimhen. According to Fotomaç, Osimhen personally encouraged Lookman, highlighting the close-knit atmosphere at Galatasaray. Quoted via Habersarikirmizi, Osimhen said, “We are waiting for you at Galatasaray. Come and be a part of this family.” If the move materializes, Lookman would significantly bolster the squad’s attack ahead of the 2026/27 season. He could also serve as a replacement for Mauro Icardi, whose future at the club remains uncertain amid potential departure rumors. Osimhen’s invitation underscores the strong bond between the Nigerian stars and Galatasaray’s ambition.

Arsenal have set their sights on Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White as a backup plan for Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers. The Gunners have been tracking Rogers, who played a key role in Villa’s Europa League triumph last season. However, with competition from Paris Saint-Germain and the potential difficulty of negotiating with a Premier League rival, Mikel Arteta has asked his recruitment team to explore other options. According to reports, the Arsenal boss is determined to strengthen his attacking options after failing to win the Champions League last term. Gibbs-White, known for his creativity and versatility, could be a more attainable target. No official bids have been made yet, and it remains uncertain whether either player will move to the Emirates this summer.

Wikki Tourists have officially informed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) that six of their players are absent without official leave (AWOL). The Bauchi Elephants disclosed that these individuals failed to attend training and other club-related activities without seeking permission.

The club views this behavior as a significant violation of professional ethics and contractual duties. Repeated efforts to contact the missing players and bring them back to the team were unsuccessful.

The athletes in question are Abdullahi Pepe, Chizoba Okoh, Sani Ibrahim, Abubakar Ibrahim Aliyu, Ibrahim Shuaibu, and Barhama Mansur. None have resumed their responsibilities or provided valid reasons for their absence.

Wikki Tourists emphasized their dedication to maintaining high standards of discipline, professionalism, and performance both on and off the field.

Terem Moffi has expressed his strong desire to guide Nigeria to a triumph against Portugal in the upcoming international friendly. The Super Eagles striker is confident about his role and the team’s potential to secure a positive result.

The match is scheduled to take place at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday. This encounter marks the second time the two nations will face each other, with Portugal having won the previous friendly 4-0 four years ago.

Moffi has been in impressive form for the Super Eagles, finding the net twice in his last two appearances. The 26-year-old forward is well-acquainted with Portuguese football, having spent the latter half of the 2025/26 season on loan at FC Porto.

Speaking to TVC News, Moffi said, “I’ll give my all to lead the team as much as possible. I played in the Portuguese league and won the title with FC Porto, even though I was only there for half a season. I have some knowledge of how the Portuguese national team plays and the style of their players.”

The striker’s familiarity with the opposition could prove beneficial for Nigeria as they aim to avenge their previous defeat. Moffi’s promise of victory underscores his commitment and the squad’s determination to perform well in the friendly.

In a significant move within Nigerian football administration, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku, who serves as the General Manager of Rangers International FC, has tendered his resignation as the Secretary of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Club Owners Association. The announcement was made public on Monday via an official statement.

In his resignation letter, Ezeaku expressed that holding this position was both a great honor and a remarkable privilege. He noted that the role enabled him to collaborate closely with dedicated club owners and administrators who share a common goal of advancing, improving, and ensuring the long-term viability of professional football across Nigeria.

While stepping down from his secretarial duties, Ezeaku emphasized that his departure does not signify a waning of his passion or dedication to the growth of Nigerian football. He remains firmly committed to the sport’s development, albeit in different capacities.

Notably, Ezeaku’s tenure as Secretary coincided with a historic achievement for Rangers International FC. Under his leadership as General Manager, the club clinched a record-equaling ninth NPFL title at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season. This feat places them alongside Enyimba International FC, who also boast nine league championships.

In a thrilling encounter at the ongoing Nigeria Women Football League Super Six playoffs in Port Harcourt, Nasarawa Amazons produced a stunning comeback to defeat defending champions Bayelsa Queens 2-1.

The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both sides creating several clear openings but failing to find the back of the net. The deadlock was broken six minutes after the interval when Chiamaka Ezekwugo put Bayelsa Queens ahead.

However, the Amazons refused to give up. They mounted pressure on the Queens’ defense and were rewarded in the 80th minute when Farikikyen Moses leveled the score. With the game seemingly heading for a draw, Ayatsea Hembafan emerged as the hero, scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner to seal all three points for Christopher Danjuma’s side.

The victory leaves Nasarawa Amazons with six points from two matches, keeping them firmly in the title race, while Bayelsa Queens have just one point from their two games so far.