Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Roma sign young prospect Buba Sangaré from FC Levante
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Roma sign young prospect Buba Sangaré from FC Levante

Buba Sangaré, a 16-year-old right winger, has signed a three-year contract with AS Roma after being transferred from FC Levante for 1.5 million euros.

“AS Roma is delighted to confirm the signing of Buba Sangaré from Levante on a permanent deal. Sangaré, 16, is a right-back born in Elche, Spain,” The Italian giants confirmed.

With just three appearances for Levante’s first team last season, the Spanish-Malian prodigy is set to begin a new chapter in Italy with a contract extending until June 2027.

The young defender has already made appearances in La Liga and Copa del Rey with Levante, as well as representing Spain at the European Under-17 Championship.

Official: Jonathan Morsay departs AEL Limassol
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Official: Jonathan Morsay departs AEL Limassol

Sierra Leonean attacker Jonathan Morsay has officially left the Cypriot sports club AEL Limassol by mutual consent.

He joined AEL Limassol FC on a free transfer on 7 July 2023. Morsay scored his first goal for the team in the first game of the Cypriot First Division on 21 August 2023 against Doxa Katokopias FC, contributing to the team’s victory.

“Special thanks to Jonathan Morsay who, despite being under contract for next year, agreed to leave our team without any financial demands and receiving only the current season’s accruals,” the club announced.

The Swedish-born player participated in 22 games for the Cypriot side and scored three goals as they finished ninth.

They finished ninth in the Cypriot First Division last season and recently replaced former Cyprus international Alexandros Garpozis as the manager.

Morsay, born to a Sierra Leonean father and a Swedish mother, was a youth international for Sweden. He is now a free agent.

He made his debut for the Sierra Leone national team in a friendly, a 3–0 loss to Togo on 24 March 2022, and has been a regular since then.

Issa Kallon scores winner as Nantong Zhiyun beat Three Towns
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Issa Kallon scores winner as Nantong Zhiyun beat Three Towns

Issa Kallon scored the winning goal as Nantong Zhiyun secured a 2-1 victory over Three Towns in the 17th round of the Chinese Super League at Wuhan Stadium on Saturday.

Izuchukwu Jude Anthony scored the opening goal in the 11th minute, but Kallon secured an 87th-minute winner. Although the visitors pulled one back through Pedro, it was too late for a comeback.

Nantong Zhiyun FC has had a lacklustre season, but this win might ignite their season as they move out of the relegation zone.

It was Kallon’s third season since joining the Chinese Super League club on 9 February 2024 from fellow Chinese Super League club Nantong Zhiyun.

Nantong Zhiyun were stunned by Tianjin Teda in their recent match to play out a 1-1 draw, thwarting their chances of recording their third win of the season.

In that match, they took the lead through Yongtao Lu’s goal in the 45th minute, only to squander their lead in the game’s dying minutes.

Before today, their team had not won in their last eight league matches (L5, D3). They came into this game after losing their previous two matches, with 5-2 defeats against Zhejiang Professional FC and Beijing Guoan FC.

Chelsea has confirmed that Morocco International Hakim Ziyech has completed a permanent transfer to Galatasaray.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech completes Galatasaray’s permanent move

Chelsea has confirmed that Morocco International Hakim Ziyech has completed a permanent transfer to Galatasaray.

Ziyech initially joined the Turkish team on loan last summer but has now left Chelsea permanently.

The winger, 31, spent last season on loan with the Turkish team after a temporary deal with an obligation to make the move permanent was agreed.

The Morocco international made 23 appearances across all competitions, scoring eight goals and assisting another four.

During his time at Stamford Bridge, he scored 14 goals and achieved success in the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.

“We appreciate Hakim’s contributions during his time at Chelsea and wish him the best in the next phase of his career,” Chelsea noted.

FC Augsburg has fortified its attacking lineup with a new acquisition of Congolese international Samuel Essende.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Congolese International Samuel Essende joins FC Augsburg

FC Augsburg has fortified its attacking lineup with a new acquisition of Congolese international Samuel Essende.

The 26-year-old forward, previously with Portuguese first-division relegated team FC Vizela, has signed a contract with FCA until June 30, 2028. The specific details of the transfer remain undisclosed.

Born in Montfermeil, France, Essende received his training at the Paris Saint-Germain academy and demonstrated his prowess by scoring 15 goals in the Portuguese Primeira Liga last season.

Standing at an impressive height of 1.92 meters, the striker has previously represented French clubs SM Caen and Pau FC, as well as Belgian first-division club KAS Eupen.

Essende made his national team debut for the Democratic Republic of Congo in early June during the World Cup qualifier in Senegal.

The striker is excited to join FC Augsburg and compete in the Bundesliga. FCA’s sports director, Marinko Jurendic, praised Samuel as a skilled striker and extended a warm welcome, wishing him success at FCA.

Samuel Essende is excited to join FC Augsburg and compete in the Bundesliga. FCA’s sports director, Marinko Jurendic, praised Samuel as a skilled striker and extended a warm welcome, wishing him success at FCA.

Blackburn Rovers eye Sierra Leone's winger Augustus Kargbo
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Blackburn Rovers eye Sierra Leone’s winger Augustus Kargbo

Blackburn Rovers are interested in signing Cesena striker Augustus Kargbo, as reported by Italian news outlet  TuttoMercato.

The club seems to be planning a summer of attacking additions, and Kargbo has been a key player for the Serie B side, helping them to gain promotion from Serie C.

Kargbo, 24, had an impressive last campaign, making 33 appearances in all competitions and contributing 10 goals and 11 assists to help Cesena win promotion. His contract at Stadio Dino Manuzzi expires in 2026, so there’s no rush for his current club to sell him.

Rovers are keen on bringing him to England this summer. They have identified Kargbo as a target as they prepare for their first full term under the guidance of former Birmingham City boss John Eustace.

Tutto Mercato believes Rovers are keen on luring him over to England this summer. They have identified him as a target as they gear up for their first full term under the guidance of former Birmingham City boss John Eustace.

Attacker Sullay Kaikai pleased after pens Cambridge's new deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Attacker Sullay Kaikai pleased after pens Cambridge’s new deal

Sierra Leone international Sullay Kaikai has expressed his  delight after signing a new one-year contract with Cambridge United.

The 28-year-old attacker, who joined the U’s last summer on an initial one-year deal, has been a consistent performer, making 47 appearances across all competitions in his first year.

In February, he was named Love Cambridge Player of the Month after a series of outstanding performances, securing four assists and scoring one goal. 

“I am pleased to sign with the club for another year,” said Kaikai. “The club is moving in an exciting direction, and I am eager to contribute. The confidence of the manager, teammates, and fans means a lot to me. It’s about building upon last season, growing within the gaffer’s set-up, and improving as both an individual and a collective.”

“We are delighted that Sullay has decided to rejoins us,” added the management. “He is a player with undoubted qualities and has shown in the past that he can provide match-winning moments. We believe there is more to come from him, and with the hard work we expect from the players this season, Sullay has the opportunity to take his game to new levels.”

After winning the Love Cambridge Player of the Month award for February 2024, he featured in over 40 games for the U’s last season.

"I am pleased to sign with the club for another year," said Kaikai. "The club is moving in an exciting direction, and I am eager to contribute.."
"I am pleased to sign with the club for another year," said Kaikai. "The club is moving in an exciting direction, and I am eager to contribute.."
Ghana's Jerome Opoku pens permanent deal with Başakşehir
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana’s Jerome Opoku pens permanent deal with Başakşehir

Jerome Opoku, a talented Ghanaian player, has signed a three-year contract with İstanbul Süper Lig club Başakşehir.

This follows his loan from Portuguese club Arouca at the start of the 2023-2024 season.

Opoku previously showcased his skill by leading Fulham U23s and gaining valuable experience during loan spells at Accrington Stanley, Plymouth Argyle, and Vejle Boldklub.

His dedication and versatility make him a valuable addition to the Başakşehir family.

Opoku, who was born in England and is of Ghanaian descent, made his debut for the Ghana national team on 18 October 2023 in a friendly match against the United States national team, which ended in a loss.

Denis Odoi joins Belgian Pro League team Royal Antwerp
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Denis Odoi joins Belgian Pro League team Royal Antwerp

Belgian team Royal Antwerp has added an experienced Ghanaian player, Denis Odoi (36), to their squad.

Odoi has joined the club on a free transfer from Club Brugge and has signed a two-year contract.

Born in Leuven, Belgium, Odoi is known for his versatility and is expected to bring valuable experience to RAFC’s young dressing room.

He started playing football at the age of five and has had a successful career. Last season, Odoi played 39 games in all competitions, including Brugge’s run to the UEFA Europa Conference League semifinals. He scored three goals in the past season.

Odoi’s international journey saw him switch to represent Ghana in 2022, and he debuted in a 0–0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Nigeria on 25 March 2022.

In November 2022, Odoi was named in the Black Stars of Ghana squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Debutant Kenya, Nigeria & Zambia face tricky U17 draw
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Debutant Kenya, Nigeria & Zambia face tricky U17 draw

The draw for the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup took place on Saturday. Nigeria, Kenya, and Zambia have learned who they will be competing against in the group stage of the tournament.

Nigeria, a regular participant, will be in Group A with the host countries Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and New Zealand. They hope to perform better than before in the competition.

Kenya, making their debut in the tournament, drawn in a challenging Group C, where they will play against North Korea, Mexico, and England. Despite being newcomers, the Kenyan team is eager to make their mark on the global stage.

Kenya will begin their campaign against England on Thursday, October 17, 2024, marking their debut in the competition.

Zambia, the third African team, is placed in Group D and will face 2014 champions Japan, Poland, and Brazil. They face a tough challenge to progress from this group.

This tournament is a great opportunity for the African teams to showcase their talent and contribute to the growing influence of women’s football on the continent.

The competition begins on 16 October and ends with the final on 3 November in Santo Domingo.

This will be the last time the competition features 16 nations, as the 2025 tournament in Morocco will include 24 teams.