Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivorian striker Emmanuel Latte Lath move to Atlanta United completed
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivorian striker Emmanuel Latte Lath move to Atlanta United completed

Middlesbrough has formally announced the transfer of striker Emmanuel Latte Lath to Atlanta United for a fee of £22.5 million.

The Major League Soccer side confirmed that the contract for the Ivory Coast international is through the 2028 MLS season with an option for 2029.

This transaction represents a record sum received by Middlesbrough and is noted as the highest fee ever paid in Major League Soccer (MLS) history, successfully completed just prior to the transfer deadline on Monday.

Emmanuel Latte Lath, a 26-year-old international from Ivory Coast, has made a significant impact at Middlesbrough since joining from Swiss club St. Gallen in August 2023, scoring 27 goals in 59 Championship appearances.

His standout season was 2023-24, where he netted 16 goals and two in the EFL Cup. In April, he scored eight goals in six games, earning Player of the Month honors. He ranks among the top six center forwards in several categories since the start of last season.

Guinean striker Mai Traore joins League Two side Nott County
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Notts County bolster squad with Guinean striker Mai Traore

English League Two third-place team, Notts County has bolstered their squad with forward Mai Traore from Norwegian club Fredrikstad for an undisclosed fee.

The 25-year-old player from Guinea will have a two-and-a-half-year contract, with an option for another year if the club chooses.

Traore started his career in Scandinavia with Swedish club Vasalunds IF, where he scored 23 goals in 29 games in 2020. His performance earned him a move to Viking FK in Norway.

He joined Fredrikstad last January and has played over 60 matches in the Norwegian top league.

“Mai is an exciting signing for us,” said Notts director Richard Montague.

“He adds speed, strength, and the ability to score and assist goals. He is good at pressing, has strong link-up play, and being left-footed adds variety to our attack.

“His time in Scandinavia shows he can have an immediate impact for us, and we believe he has great potential to improve.”

Notts County is currently third in League Two and will play at home against Morecambe on Saturday.

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John Eustace from Rovers believes that Augustus can be a game-changer
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Rovers’ John Eustace believes that Augustus can be a game-changer

Blackburn manager John Eustace is hopeful that Augustus Kargbo can make a big impact for Rovers. Kargbo is the team’s third signing of the January transfer window.

Currently sitting in fifth place as they fight for promotion to the Premier League, the Sierra Leone international joined the club from Cesena, a Serie B team in Italy, on a permanent transfer that runs until 2027. Eustace, the 25-year-old coach, believes that Kargbo has the skills needed to enhance his squad.

The fans met Kargbo before Friday night’s win against Preston North End. He may debut for Blackburn when the team plays Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday night.

Eustace is happy to add more players to help score goals. Kargbo joins Adam Forshaw and Dion Sanderson as new signings.

“He brings pace and power and can play in any forward position,” Eustace said in an interview with RoversTV, highlighting Kargbo’s strengths. “We are pleased to get this signing done, and we will see what happens next.

“We want to be positive and effective in the final third of the game.

“I know the club has worked hard to bring him here, and I hope he makes a big difference.”

The former AC Reggiana 1919 attacker could make his English Championship debut on Tuesday when they face Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.

Blackburn manager John Eustace and new acquisition Augustus Kargbo, who he believes can make a big impact for Rovers.
Blackburn manager John Eustace and new acquisition Augustus Kargbo, who he believes can make a big impact for Rovers.
Paul Onuachu nets to help Southamtop beat Ipswich Town
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria’s Paul Onuachu nets winner to help Southampton beat Ipswich Town

Nigerian International Paul Onuachu scored a late goal, giving Southampton their first Premier League win since November against Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Saturday afternoon.

Southampton remains bottom of the table with nine points from 24 games. This victory ended a six-game losing streak and was their first win under manager Ivan Juric.

Southampton manager, Ivan Jurić said, “It’s a great feeling. The players deserved it because they worked hard. They played well before but didn’t win. Today we won. We will enjoy tonight. I believe the team can improve.”

Southampton took the lead when fellow Nigerian Joe Aribo’s shot surprised Ipswich keeper Arijanet Muric. Liam Delap equalized before halftime, getting past captain Jan Bednarek to score.

In a dull match, both teams had chances, but Onuachu scored from a rebound after a save by Muric. Ipswich looked poised to escape the relegation zone but remained in 19th place.

McKenna acknowledged, “We had a better game but didn’t win. We must keep playing well and improve.”

Ipswich has conceded 14 goals in four straight losses. They saw Southampton’s visit as a chance to turn things around but need to be more effective in front of goal.

Despite decent play, Ipswich struggled to score. A weak early shot from winger Enciso, saved easily by Ramsdale, showed their ongoing scoring issues.

Zamalek enter race to Alhassan Koroma in the current transfer window
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zamalek enter race to sign Alhassan Koroma in current window

Zamalek’s Board of Directors is focused on acquiring Sierra Leone international Alhassan Koroma as part of their efforts to strengthen the first football team during the current winter transfer period.

According to Cairo 24, the African giants aim to sign the 24-year-old winger from Al-Shahaniya Club in Qatar, who also plays for the Sierra Leone national team.

Zamalek intends to bring in Alhassan Koroma on a six-month loan, with an option to buy at the end of the season if the player performs well with the team.

So far this season, Koroma has played 14 matches for his Qatari club, scoring four goals and providing four assists.

Notably, Alhassan Koroma scored the winning goal for his team in their recent match against Al Wakra, which features Hamdi Fathi, the former star of Al Ahly and the Egyptian national team.

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