Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nac Breda, NEC Nijmegen present Loan Opportunities for PSV Talent Isaac Babadi
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nac Breda, NEC Nijmegen present Loan Opportunities for PSV Talent Isaac Babadi

Dutch top-tier side PSV Eindhoven reportedly prepared to permit 19-year-old midfielder Isaac Babadi to leave on loan this month.

Recent reports from Eindhovens Dagblad indicate that five Eredivisie clubs have expressed interest in acquiring Babadi’s services.

The interested clubs include NAC Breda, Heerenveen, NEC Nijmegen, Heracles Almelo, and PEC Zwolle, all of which are eager to secure the young talent.

Isaac Babadi has demonstrated considerable promise, particularly at the beginning of last season, where his outstanding performances at the youth level earned him a regular place on the first team. However, he has recently seen reduced playing time and has primarily participated in matches for Jong PSV.

Both the player and the club have mutually agreed that a loan arrangement is the most beneficial path forward. PSV Eindhoven does not intend to pursue a permanent transfer or include an option to purchase in any loan agreement.

The club remains committed to Babadi’s development, considering him a valuable asset for the future, and believes that regular match experience will significantly contribute to his growth. Given the interest from multiple clubs, it is anticipated that he will find a new destination by the end of the month.

The Sierra Leone native agreed on a four-and-a-half-year contract in March 2024 after impressing the club’s management.

Striker Abu Kamara helps Hull City earn a point in six-goal thriller
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Abu Kamara helps Hull City earn a point in six-goal thriller

Abu Kamara scored twice as struggling Hull City came from behind to earn a point at home against Championship leaders Leeds United in a thrilling six-goal match.

Kamara opened the scoring early, but Ao Tanaka equalized for Leeds right after halftime. Dan James then put Leeds ahead in the 62nd minute, followed by Joel Piroe capitalizing on a mistake by Hull goalkeeper Ivor Pandur, making it 3-1.

Hull kept fighting, and Joao Pedro gave them hope with a goal nine minutes from the end. Kamara completed the comeback in the 89th minute, firing home after a corner was cleared to the edge of the area.

This marked Kamara’s third goal of the season since joining Hull City from Norwich City, showcasing his impact in a game that many did not expect Hull to contest given Leeds’ strong form at the top of the table.

Hull City head coach Ruben Selles told BBC Radio Humberside: “It’s a lesson for all of us for team building and the dressing room over the last 48 hours.

“Abu’s an honest kid and we can all have bad days, and we needed to protect him and we did that and it paid off.

“Sometimes you can misunderstand people – it’s important for the club and the dressing room to be able to support him and show we are strong together.

“We’ve shown we can compete against anyone today.”

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke told BBC Radio Leeds: “Disappointed is probably the right word. In the first half, we were not sharp enough in both boxes and if we are 2% less on it then it’s difficult to win points.

“It was a good reaction in the second half. We were in control at 3-1 and could have scored a fourth, fifth or sixth goal, especially with Daniel James having a one-on-one chance.

“It’s then difficult to accept how we conceded two late goals without them really having a chance in the half, but somehow they were able to score.

“To drive away with one point is heartbreaking and disappointing.”

Mohamed Sankoh returns to join Stuttgart's U21 side in Spain
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mohamed Sankoh returns to join Stuttgart’s U21 side in Spain

Sierra Leone native Mohamed Sankoh has returned to parent club VfB Stuttgart and will join the German side U21 training camp in Spain. The striker joined the Italian Serie B side in Cosenza Calcio in August 2024, where he made nine appearances for the rossoblù.

Before Cosenzo’s move, Sankoh spent the last two seasons on loan in the Netherlands, first with Vitesse Arnhem and then with Heracles Almelo.

“The 21-year-old striker, who joined Serie B club Cosenza Calcio on loan at the end of August 2024, will travel to Spain with VfB’s U21 team for a training camp,” the German side confirmed.

Sports director Christian Gentner: “It is important for young players like ‘Mo’ to play regularly, so the early return is the right decision. ‘Mo’ will travel to the training camp with our U21 team to prepare for the second half of the season in the 3rd division.”

In his previous season, Sankoh scored six goals in 28 appearances for Heracles. He played 81 minutes in VfB U21’s opening third-division match against F.C. Hansa Rostock, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Plymouth Argyle sign Ghanaian Michael Baidoo from Elfsborg
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Plymouth Argyle sign Ghanaian Michael Baidoo from Elfsborg

English Championship side Plymouth Argyle has officially announced the signing of Ghanaian midfielder Michael Baidoo permanently.

“Baidoo has signed a three-year contract that will extend through the summer of 2028. The 25-year-old joins Argyle from IF Elfsborg, where he has been a key contributor since 2022,” Argyle noted

Michael will wear the number 30 and, subject to EFL approval and International clearance, will first be available for selection for our trip to Brentford on 11 January.

Before his tenure in Sweden, Baidoo played for Sandnes Ulf in Norway and FC Midtjylland in Denmark, with loan spells at Jerv and Fredericia.

Jimmy Dickinson, Argyle’s head of Recruitment, expressed enthusiasm about signing a player he has been monitoring for over a year. He stated, “Michael is someone we have been aware of for a long time, and I am delighted that we have finally been able to bring him to Argyle.

“He comes to the club with an impressive background, having excelled in Elfsborg’s Europa League campaign this season and recently making his international debut for Ghana.

“His ability to play in multiple positions will enhance the squad’s versatility. Most notably, he chose to join Argyle over other prominent clubs across Europe.

“He is eager to play in England and demonstrate his capabilities, and we believe he will significantly contribute to English football.

“I extend my gratitude to Simon and the board for their support in facilitating this record deal and look forward to seeing him on the pitch soon.”

Baidoo primarily occupies a midfield role but is also adept at playing as a striker. He has made notable contributions at Elfsborg, scoring five goals and providing three assists in the Europa League.

In the Allsvenskan, he has tallied 10 goals and four assists this season. His performance includes a standout goal in Elfsborg’s 1-0 victory against AS Roma in October, culminating in a total of 76 appearances for the club over two seasons.

Egypt's Mohamed Salah cast doubt on his Liverpool future
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt’s Mohamed Salah cast doubt on his Liverpool’s future

Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian international and Liverpool forward, has raised doubts about his future in an interview with Sky Sports.

Although he is determined to win the Premier League title, Liverpool and their forward are still far from agreeing on terms for a new deal at Anfield.

Salah stated, “I really want to win the Premier League with Liverpool. It’s my last year at the club, so I want to do something special for the city.”

Salah is in great form. Liverpool is currently six points ahead at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand. They will face Manchester United in a Super Sunday match, live on Sky Sports at 4:30 PM.

At 32 years old, Salah leads the Premier League this season with 17 goals and 13 assists. However, his future is uncertain as he enters the final six months of his contract.