Category: Sport News

Aston Villa eye DR Congo’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Aston Villa has agreed to sign West Ham defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The right-back from DR Congo will join on an initial loan deal, with an obligation to buy at the end of the season.

Wan-Bissaka can travel to the Midlands for a medical, but the exact terms of the deal are unclear. West Ham previously requested a £25 million fee from interested clubs. The 28-year-old has missed West Ham’s first two matches of the season while negotiations took place.

West Ham has sold Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham for £85 million and Crysencio Summerville for £60 million this summer. However, captain Jarrod Bowen has signed a new contract.

Aston Villa has also been active in the transfer market. They sold Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for £117 million. Their net spending in the Premier League is the lowest at about £110 million after accounting for sales.

Villa has signed midfielders Johan Manzambi and Joao Gomes, as well as Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho on a loan with an obligation to buy. They also added young centre-back Modou Keba Cisse.

Villa will start their Premier League campaign at Brighton on Sunday at 14:00 BST. They will also play in the Champions League after finishing fourth and winning the Europa League under Unai Emery last season.

Patrick Vieira appointed as Senegal’s new head coach

Patrick Vieira has been appointed the new head coach of the Senegal men’s national football team, replacing Pape Thiaw, who was dismissed after Senegal’s early exit in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Born in Dakar, Senegal, Vieira moved to France at eight and played over 100 matches for the French national team, winning the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championship in 2000.

Senegal’s football federation (FSF) hopes Vieira’s experience will enhance its coaching staff and support national sports goals. His first matches in charge are expected next month during the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Vieira recently left his position at Genoa, where he had guided the team to safety in Serie A. As a player, he won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups with Arsenal and achieved success with AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Manchester City. After retiring in 2011, he managed New York City, Nice, and Crystal Palace.

Thiaw faced controversy in January when Senegal left the field during the 2025 AFCON final after Morocco was awarded a late penalty. After returning, Senegal lost, and Morocco was declared the winner in March after the Confederation of African Football overturned the final’s decision. Senegal has appealed this ruling, with a hearing on October 8.

Sierra Leone's Yayah Kallon pens NK Olimpija Ljubljana deal

Sierra Leone’s Yayah Kallon Pens Deal with NK Olimpija Ljubljana

Sierra Leone international winger Yayah Kallon has completed a three-year transfer to Slovenian club NK Olimpija Ljubljana, marking a new chapter in his European football journey.

The 25-year-old forward is set to take on an exciting challenge in Slovenia’s PrvaLiga, sporting the colors of Olimpija Ljubljana, known as the Dragons. Renowned for his speed and attacking versatility, Kallon aims to make a strong impact at one of the country’s top clubs.

With prior experience at clubs like Genoa, Hellas Verona, Bari, and Casertana, he will wear the number 79 jersey at Olimpija.

Kallon expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m excited about this new challenge and the chance to contribute to the team’s goals. I look forward to helping my new teammates and winning together.”

Known for his dynamic play, Kallon excels in one-on-one situations and can operate as a winger or in a forward role. He will join the Dragons for training tomorrow morning.

Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi joins Coventry from Nottingham Forest

Newly promoted Premier League side Coventry City has confirmed the signing of Nigerian International Taiwo Awoniyi from Nottingham Forest.

The 29-year-old striker has played in the Premier League for four seasons, scoring 21 goals in 90 league games. He began his career at Liverpool and had loan spells at FSV Frankfurt, NEC Nijmegen, Mouscron, and KAA Gent before moving to Mainz 05 and then 1. FC Union Berlin.

Awoniyi had a standout season with Union Berlin, scoring 20 goals, which led Nottingham Forest to sign him for a record fee in 2022.

He netted 11 goals in his first season at Forest, helping the team avoid relegation and reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals. He also played a key role in the team finishing seventh and qualifying for Europe in the 2024-25 season. Awoniyi has represented Nigeria 10 times and scored twice.

On joining Coventry City, Awoniyi said: “I’m very happy to complete my move to Coventry City. I can’t wait to get started and work with my new teammates. They were incredible last season, and I’m excited to join them.”

Partnership Agreement between SLFA and FRMF for Football Development signed

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) have signed a partnership agreement to strengthen cooperation and promote football development in both countries.

The signing took place on Monday, August 17, 2026, in Rabat, Morocco. SLFA President Mr. Babadi Kamara and FRMF President Mr. Fouzi Lekjaa agreed on the terms.

This agreement will allow the two football organizations to work together in several areas, including training for technical and administrative staff, developing referees, promoting youth football, organizing friendly matches, and hosting football workshops.

The partnership will also help build football infrastructure in Sierra Leone by creating a technical training ground in a community in need.

As part of the agreement, the Moroccan Federation will host SLFA staff for training and observation programs. They will also provide access to specialized sports injury hospital facilities.

Both federations will work together to organize friendly matches for senior and youth national teams, including both men and women.

The agreement will initially last two years but can be renewed if both parties agree.