Latest news with #Ghanaian
Scotsman
an hour ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Rangers 'lose' transfer battle for £6m-rated target as 'serious talent' departs Ibrox for EPL giants
Latest Rangers transfer rumours and speculation around Ibrox. Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Rangers have missed out on key target Kwame Poku after he rejected a move to Ibrox in order to 'seal' a transfer to the EFL Championship instead, according to reports. The Glasgow giants completed the first signing of the Russell Martin era last week with the arrival of highly-rated AFC Bournemouth full-back Max Aarons on a season-long loan deal. The 25-year-old defender signed from the English Premier League side on Tuesday, and joins Dundee midfielder Lyall Cameron in moving to Ibrox this summer after the Scotland Under 21 star signed a pre-contract agreement back in February. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With new head coach Martin keen to revamp his Rangers squad in order to challenge Celtic for the Scottish Premiership title this season, Poku was viewed as a potentially exciting addition that could add to his attacking options in the season ahead. Rangers head coach Russell Martin is looking to add to his squad this summer following his appointment at Ibrox this summer. The 23-year-old Ghanaian international bagged 12 goals and assisted a further eight for Peterborough United in EFL League One last season, despite missing a large chunk of the campaign due to injury, and has reportedly courted serious interest from the likes of Birmingham City, Sunderland and Rangers following the expiry of his contract at the Posh. It was hoped that Rangers would hold the upper hand in the chase for the Ghanaian, with the Light Blues able to take advantage of cross-border transfer rules that would have allowed them to sign the £6million rated player for a 'minimal' compensation fee, as opposed to the much higher development fee English clubs would be forced to pay. However, it looks like Queens Park Rangers have won the race for the talented winger's signature, with Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealing a deal to the take the player to Loftus Road was now completed. 'Poku has signed in as new Queens Park Rangers player right now,' he wrote on his official X account. 'All sealed. Deal 100% done. Excellent addition for QPR.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Meanwhile, Rangers academy star Alfie Hutchison is on the verge of leaving Ibrox after just one season at the club. Described as a 'serious talent' following two impressive performances for Scotland U15 against Italy and Portugal recently, Hutchison had been targeted by several clubs in the English Premier League this summer, with his contract due to expire in Govan. Scotland youth international Alfie Hutchison is leaving Rangers in order to sign for Newcastle United. | SNS Group It appears Champions League outfit Newcastle United have won the race for the highly-rated teenager after another report from Romano revealed the Magpies had 'completed a deal' to sign the 16-year-old from Rangers, with the move set to be confirmed on July 1. The English side will be required to pay compensation for Hutchison.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
5 Bryan Mbeumo alternatives Man Utd could target ahead of final transfer call
Manchester United may have to start thinking outside of the box when it comes to their pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo. The Red Devils were determined to make the Brentford star their second major acquisition of the summer. Following the signing of Matheus Cunha, they saw the Cameroonian as the perfect signing for their right-flank. The only issue is that Brentford have so far refused to play ball. The Bees have rejected two bids from United already, the latest being worth around £55m plus £7.5m. That was an increase on the £45m plus up to £10m in add-ons offer that they had already lodged. United boss Ruben Amorim was determined to have Mbeumo signed and sealed before pre-season but as it stands, that looks unlikely. Should he want to have a winger under his belt before that deadline, he could be forced to look elsewhere. But what alternatives could United consider if they move on from Mbeumo? Mirror Football has five suggestions that could fit the bill. Yoane Wissa While Mbeumo caught the eye for Brentford last season, the same could certainly be said of his teammate Wissa. The Congolese forward netted 20 goals for the Bees in all competitions last season. And while he played more regularly as an out-and-out striker, Wissa has shown his versatility throughout his career. He has been stationed on either flank, as well as centrally. Given their stance on Mbeumo, United might find Brentford to be tricky customers once more when it comes to their other star forward, but he should certainly be in their thinking. Who do you think Man United should sign? Share your thoughts in the comments below Antoine Semenyo Another standout performer in the Premier League last term, Semenyo netted 11 goals for an eye-catching Bournemouth side, as well as notching six assists. And that understandably saw a number of clubs sit up and take notice, with United, Spurs and Newcastle all thought to be admirers. Like Wissa, Semenyo's versatility could see him rocket to the top of the list for United, with the Ghanaian equally adept on either flank. But Bournemouth's stance might make a move slightly difficult. Semenyo is under contract until 2029, while the Cherries want to bank around £70m should they cash in this summer. Eberechi Eze While Wissa and Semenyo enjoyed stunning seasons, it could be argued that Crystal Palace star Eze had the best of the bunch. He scored 14 in all competitions - one of those strikes winning the Eagles the FA Cup - and notched a further 11 assists. Of course, he is more of an attacking midfielder but he has the skillset to make a very effective winger for United. And Palace might have a decision to make very soon. Eze has two years left on his contract at Selhurst Park, meaning they're running out of time to potentially cash in on him. United look set to face competition from Arsenal should they pursue Eze. Christopher Nkunku A somewhat more realistic option now, Chelsea appear happy to sell Nkunku this summer following a difficult couple of campaigns at Stamford Bridge. He has scored just 17 goals over the past two seasons as a Chelsea player since a big-money move from RB Leipzig. Again, his versatility might see him emerge as a sensible option given he can play across the frontline. United are long-term admirers of the forward so could renew their interest should the option arise. Jadon Sancho Okay, we're kind of cheating here but desperate times call for desperate measures. There's no getting around it, Sancho has endured a rotten spell at Old Trafford. And the Red Devils are desperate to move him on. But should they want to save their money for a out-and-out centre forward, it might not be the worst idea in the world reintegrating Sancho into the side. There is talent there, as evidenced by his time with Borussia Dortmund - it's just about getting it out of him. Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Ghana, Argentina, Brazil and more: PM Modi on 5-nation tour; what's on his agenda?
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister is set to embark on a historic multi-nation tour from July 2 to July 9, marking a series of firsts and revitalizing India's global partnerships. The tour will see the PM visiting Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, with a focus on enhancing bilateral relations and participating in the Brics summits. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Ghana: First PM visit in 30 years; focus on trade, energy, and defence Prime Minister Modi's visit to Ghana on July 2-3 will be the first by an Indian Prime Minister in three decades, reflecting the importance of this West African nation in India's foreign policy. The visit aims to bolster economic, energy, and defense collaborations, as well as development cooperation. Discussions with Ghanaian President will focus on strengthening ties and enhancing India's engagement with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union. Trinidad & Tobago: Strengthening historical ties Continuing his tour, Prime Minister Modi will visit Trinidad & Tobago from July 3-4, marking the first Prime Ministerial visit to the Caribbean nation since 1999. Invited by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Modi will engage in talks with both the President and Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago. The visit is expected to rejuvenate the deep-rooted historical ties between the two countries, with Modi addressing a Joint Session of the Parliament. Argentina: Expanding strategic partnerships On July 4-5, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Argentina, where he will meet President Javier Milei. The visit aims to enhance cooperation in defense, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, and trade. This visit is poised to deepen the strategic partnership between India and Argentina, reflecting a commitment to mutual growth and collaboration. Brazil: Brics Summit and state visit PM Modi's visit to Brazil from July 5-8 will be marked by his participation in the 17th Brics Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The summit will address global governance reforms, climate action, and economic matters. Following the summit, PM will engage in a State Visit to Brasilia, where discussions with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will focus on broadening the strategic partnership in trade, defense, and technology. Namibia: Reaffirming historical ties On his last leg of the tour, Prime Minister Modi will visit Namibia on July 9, marking his first visit to the country. The visit will include bilateral talks with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and a homage to Namibia's Founding Father, Dr. Sam Nujoma. PM Modi's address at the Namibian Parliament is set to reiterate India's commitment to its historical ties with Namibia.
ABC News
18 hours ago
- Sport
- ABC News
Walker, Amartey, Quaynor, Idun — the rise of Ghanaian-Australian players in the AFL
When Collingwood's Isaac Quaynor went to his father's hometown in Ghana for the first time as a 10-year-old, he was welcomed with love and warmth by his extended family, instantly connecting to his cultural roots. He was also greeted with something he wasn't expecting, being called 'obrouni'. Obrouni is a term in Ghanaian language Twi that directly translates to those who come from over the horizon. But colloquially, it refers to a white person. It isn't intended as a derogatory remark, simply a way to signify difference. But for a Melbourne-born kid who considered himself Ghanaian-Australian, it was a jarring experience. "Growing up I didn't really know that I was different, but I kind of did at the same time. It was an awkward one," he told ABC Sport. "I was like, maybe this will be the place I feel like I really fit in ... I was so naive to what was going on. "When I was over there all the village kids were coming past and standing at the gates (looking at me) like I was a zoo animal." While his trip overall was a great experience, it's representative of a lifelong journey Quaynor has dealt with. The 25-year-old grew up with a Ghanaian born dad, and white mum, in a household surrounded by Ghanaian culture. He went to church on Sundays like many kids growing up in Ghana would. His family was a regular to Ghanaian community events. His story is familiar to many people who grow up biracial, not knowing exactly where they fit. In Australia — seen as not 'Australian enough', in Ghana perceived as an outsider. But Quaynor has embraced the positives in his story, helping him form connections throughout his life. "I can relate with lots of different types of people as a result," he said. It was a life changing experience for Quaynor to spend time with his grandma before she died, gaining perspective that he has grown to appreciate the older he has gotten. In recent years, Quaynor has found a place where he feels he fits perfectly, the AFL. It's the same for Joel Amartey of the Sydney Swans, Connor Idun of GWS and Brandon Walker of Fremantle. Four players with different stories but with shared heritage rooted in Ghana. Walker spent the early part of his life in Ghana raised by a white-Australian dad and a Ghanaian mum. Quaynor, Amartey and Idun all grew up in Victoria with Ghanaian fathers, and white mothers. For Idun, discovering his cultural heritage has been an ongoing process, but one that has progressed more in recent years. His dad Zac was born in the UK, to Ghanaian parents who had immigrated to the country before his birth. The 24-year-old was also born in the UK and moved to Australia with his mum at a young age, growing up in Geelong, a city with a very small African population. "At times it was embarrassing, I didn't know my heritage and I wasn't able to be proud of where I come from, but that's what makes this journey so special," Idun told ABC Sport. "I have a Ghanaian middle name Kwamena which I never really said, I just said Connor Joshua Idun. But (now) I'm very proud to be Connor Joshua Kwamena Idun." The rekindling of his relationship to his culture came when he saw his UK-based dad and brother for the first time in 10 years, when they came to watch him play last year. The weight of the moment was clear to see with both men describing the emotional toll heading into the game. The reconnection with his dad has opened Idun's eyes to another "realm of family" he never knew before. "I'm in a WhatsApp with the Iduns, there's 30 or 40 in a group chat that does not stop," he said. "(It means a lot) knowing I'm playing for something bigger than myself, and it's going to be Ghanaians in West Sydney that are watching me. "Giving them someone to look up to and be proud of and hopefully I can help them discover their passions early and be proud of their heritage earlier than I was. "Meeting other Ghanaians, they're all pretty similar to me. I always wondered why I'm so bubbly and loud." For Fremantle's Brandon Walker, his early childhood memories are filled with the noise of the busy streets of Kumasi, Ghana, after spending the first five years of his life in the country's Ashanti region. Walker and his twin brother Chris would make their way to school in the early morning enjoying a Ghanaian doughnut called a puff puff. The family eventually relocated to Perth, where Walker was surrounded by a wide range of different cultures. "When you go to school you lean to different cultures, you've got your mates that are from the same place ... I've had a lot of mates (who are) mixed-race people as well." With a mum that is "very protective, very strict, with very good morals", Walker credits her for ensuring that he was raised to be a good person. Even though his mum didn't know much about Aussie Rules when arriving in Perth, she's now a vocal supporter on game day. "She tries to stay home to watch most of the games because she's very extroverted. She'll be yelling at the screen and stuff like that, she's funny, she enjoys it," he said. In Ghana, soccer is a way of life and is a great connection between dads and sons, something which Sydney's Joel Amartey relates to. Amartey and his dad Clemente shared in the 'traumatic experience' watching Ghana lose to Uruguay in the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals. Amartey's dad may have wanted him to follow in his footsteps and become the next Asamoah Gyan, but those dreams were dashed when Amartey traded one football game for another. "I don't think he talked to me for about two months when I outgrew soccer," Amartey joked. "He played for the professional league in Ghana growing up, so he was very adamant I played soccer." Amartey also absorbed valuable insights from his dad by osmosis. "I don't speak the language but hearing my dad on the phone growing up shouting from the other room. I don't know how a man can call so many people during the day," he laughed. The youngest of three siblings, his sisters helped teach him what it is to be Ghanaian. "I've only really started to learn these little things (about the culture) the last few years. It's tough to learn but that's the beauty in it." Although the Ghanaian community is small in the AFL, the support and guidance of other African players like Port Adelaide's Aliir Aliir, who has South Sudanese heritage, have been influential in Amartey's journey. "He's so expressive in himself about where he's from and I think I looked up to that and tried to take a few things he did and move on forward with it," Amartey said. "What all the Indigenous boys do with their culture and their heritage and the way they grow up and how they've come together there is so many of them, I think as African players we look to those guys and see what they have done for their people and I think we can do the same for us." A game so easily identified with Australian culture found its way into the home of first-generation Australians finding a love and skill for the game. That eventually extended to their parents, who found new ways to bond with their sons. "(Dad's) the biggest fan ever, loves watching football ... comes to all the games,' Quaynor said. "Someone was telling me he had his phone out recording for like half the game the other week and I was like what are you doing? "He's so proud, definitely come a long way." They're not just passing the game onto their parents, with these players' representation also ensuring the game's growth in other communities. "My extended family now start watching," Amartey said. "They still don't really know what's going on, but they know what a goal is and the team wins and that's how it starts." In recent years, the AFL has put a greater emphasis on promoting the game in multicultural communities. Amartey, Quaynor and Walker have been a testament to this, coming through the AFL Next Generation Academy – an initiative between the AFL and clubs to create more opportunities for boys in multicultural and Indigenous communities. "When we do camps with NGA kids seeing how happy they are to be there and the opportunity they get to be involved it's a great opportunity for them and they grab it with two hands," Walker said. The work has extended to clubs working to foster more inclusive environments that celebrate the individual cultures of their players. "The Swans here are awesome. They're very open minded and help put things in place that help you discover your heritage, or don't try and squash it down or put it to the side," Amartey said. "Toby Greene's always wearing the Ghanaian soccer jersey from the World Cup. I got some Ghanaian budgies made-up and things like that for the boys." GWS vice-captain Stephen Coniglio has also played a role in Idun's journey, the club leader who has proud Italian heritage encouraged his teammate to learn more about his culture and be proud of where he comes from. He may have been first in the competition, but that is not where Quaynor wants his legacy to end. "I have this dream ... to organise something through the AFL (with other African players)," he said. "I'd love to be able to take some footies over to some African countries and Ghana being one of them." The return to Ghana could signify an opportunity for Quaynor to introduce a sport that has changed his life, to a community his shared heritage connects him to, potentially changing the life of another.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Wembley ballgirl to Lionesses' young cub - Meet England's one to watch at Euros
At 19-years-old Michelle Agyemang is the youngest player in Sarina Wiegman's squad for the Women's Euros - but her coaches and teammates know exactly what this trusted wild card can do From Wembley ball girl to Lioness cub, Michelle Agyemang is England's youngest player and undoubtedly the one to watch this tournament. Born in Southend, Essex, football was an inevitable path for the 19-year-old, who grew up in a family obsessed with the sport. Although loyalties were deeply contested with her Ghanaian father supporting Manchester United, her brother is a Chelsea fan, while her sister follows West Ham. Meanwhile Michelle, a life-long gunner, joined Arsenal at just six-years-old when her dad landed her a trial while working as a grassroots football coach. But it was watching the Lionesses win 4-0 against Northern Ireland while standing on the sidelines at Wembley that Agyemang, then just a 15-year-old ball girl, truly realised her dream of becoming part of the England squad. Finally four years later, while playing for England U19s, an injury for club teammate Alessia Russo opened the field for Agyemang to step up to senior duty. At the Women's Nations League in April, she was given her England debut against Belgium. It took her just 41 seconds to stick one between the goalposts. Recalling that goal, she still looks back with disbelief and admits she rewatches it on Youtube to try and inspire herself. She said: "I was literally watching it today. Sometimes I think 'how did I do that'. "Like, probably if you asked me to go out and do it again now it just wouldn't happen, so it's just crazy to look back on it and believe that it happened, but I'm so grateful that it did." At England boot camp Michelle was warmly welcomed into the fold by experienced players who admire her talent. Captain Leah Williamson admitted: "Michelle's athleticism is something I can only dream of... She knows how much I believe in her." And after a stint on loan to Bright and Hove in the last WSL season, boss Dario Vidosic predicts Michelle will be a "household name" after the Euros. He said: "She's got a beautiful strike, she knows how to hit a ball, she's dangerous, she possesses a lot of weapons and she'll be, no doubt, a household name sooner rather than later. "I'm sure there'll be a lot of kids wearing her jerseys in the not too distant future." Now a trusted wildcard for Sarina Wiegman, Michelle says her overwhelming feeling to be going to Switzerland is one of immense pride. "To put that badge on and to know that you're representing your country at a major tournament," she said. "I'm so grateful for the opportunity." Speaking about the moment she got the call up, Michelle added: 'It was amazing to get that call and to be here again. My family is so supportive. When I was telling them my mum was screaming, my dad was shouting as well and then my friends. I'm really grateful that she [Wiegman] has put the trust in me to come in here again and show what I can do.'
