Transfer News - Romania: A Cameroonian striker bought for two metal containers

Aziz Njoya Njifakue didn't cost a penny, but almost. The Cameroonian striker, who plays in Romania, was sold for two containers. No, this is no joke.

Aziz Njoya Njifakue's transfer has reached new heights. The Cameroonian indeed has an anecdote to tell eternally. Playing for a fourth division team in Romania, he jumped up two flights of stairs to play in D2. The 27-year-old left CSM Lugoj to join Viitorul Pandurii Târgu Jiu. While this transaction may seem logical, it's what it was worth that's surprising. The acquiring club paid for... two metal containers. And what's even crazier is that these containers will be used as changing rooms.

"The club received two containers (for its player), which we will use as changing rooms," says CSM Lugoj. He adds. "It's best for everyone. The club has lost on one side but gained on the other". The 2023 summer mercato will long be remembered. The transfers of Jude Belligham to Real, Declan Rice, Moisés Caïcedo and now Aziz Njoya Njifakue will undoubtedly be the most talked-about. But not for the same reasons.

As for the sporting side, Viitorul Pandurii Târgu Jiu is getting back an effective player, since last season Aziz Njoya Njifakue scored a whopping 44 goals.

Transfer Window 2023: The right moves for Africa

The 2023 summer mercato has closed its doors.Sport News Africa takes this opportunity to pick out some of the good moves made by European clubs in recruiting African players. The pick of the bunch goes to Premier League clubs, who have recruited the likes of Mohamed Kudus, Sofyan Amrabat and Carlos Baleba.

Sofyan Amrabat and André Onana to Manchester

Leaving Florence and its beauty and romance for Manchester and its fickle weather can be a daunting prospect for some. But for Sofyan Amrabat, it sounds like a golden opportunity. The Moroccan midfielder has signed for the Red Devils. And like a script written in advance, the suspense was at its height. The Atlas Lion has been a target for the United since the start of the summer transfer window, and has now joined the club in the final hours. A loan which delights the player. His partnership with Casemiro is already delighting fans.

In the north of England, Amrabat is reunited with André Onana. The Cameroonian goalkeeper has been a Mancunian since the early weeks of the mercato. A Champions League finalist with Inter, the Barcelona-trained player was brought in to compensate for the departure of David De Gea. So, with Onana in goal and Sofyan Amrabat in the back line, Erik Ten Hag can be confident about his defensive options.

Ismaïla Sarr, back where it all began, Nuamah to start

At Watford, Ismaïla Sarr had been stagnating for several years. Olympique de Marseille is therefore a golden opportunity for the Senegalese winger to get back on track. And the least we can say is that his return to Ligue 1 has been a success so far. With 6 games played, the former Rennes player already has 2 goals and 2 assists to his name. He has also scored in his last two Ligue 1 games. This deal has all the hallmarks of a win-win partnership between the two parties. OM have found an explosive player on their flank, and Sarr a club playing a leading role in Ligue 1 and the Europa League this season.

In Ligue 1, another firebrand has arrived, but not at the same Olympique. Ernest Nuamah, 19 years old and with qualities to spare.The Ghanaian has signed for Lyon. He leaves Denmark, where he made his name. From now on, he'll be expressing his talent on French soil. This deal is a real coup for the Ghanaian nugget. Lyon is a club renowned for nurturing young talent. What's more, Les Gones need some dynamite up front.And just in time, Nuamah has plenty of it.

Victor Boniface, Ramy Bensebaini in Germany...

An outstanding performer last season with Union Saint-Gilloise, with 17 goals and 12 assists in all competitions, Victor Boniface has turned a corner in his career during the summer mercato. The 22-year-old Nigerian striker has left Belgium for Germany and Bayer Leverkusen. And the least we can say is that the graft is taking magnificently well.He already has 3 goals and 1 assist in 3 games. An ideal adaptation to the Bundesliga.

On German soil, Boniface is likely to come up against an old hand in Ramy Bensebaini. The Algerian defender has gone from one Borussia to another, from Mönchengladbach to Dortmund. A promotion for the Fennec, who joins a club that plays in the Champions League every year and is in with a shout of winning the title.So far, the Marsupiaux have played 4 matches this season. Bensebaini has started all of them.

Victor Boniface 🔥 pic.twitter.com/G5lLrf1KM1

— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) August 31, 2023

Jackson, Kudus, Sangaré and Baleba in England

England has two new conquerors, and not the least.Two of them come from the Netherlands, where they conquered everything. Ghanaian striker Mohamed Kudus left Ajax for West Ham for almost 40 million euros. And on the last day of the mercato, Ibrahim Sangaré swapped the red of PSV Eindhoven for that of Nottingham Forest. Another African midfielder has also arrived in the Premier League. Carlos Baleba leaves Lille and joins Brighton. The Cameroonian arrives with the label of "replacement for". He comes to take over from Moïses Caïcedo, who left for Chelsea for 130 million euros, the most expensive transfer in Premier League history.

Before these three players, Nicolas Jackson had already set foot in Her Majesty's realm. The Senegalese striker joined Chelsea at the start of the season.And after some outstanding performances in pre-season, the Casa Sport-trained player has made a fine start to the Premier League season. He even opened his account last weekend. His coach Mauricio Pochettino is completely under his spell.

We could also mention other transfer deals: Abde Ezzalzouli leaves Barça for Bétis Séville. Bamo Meïté from Lorient to Marseille, Samuel Chukwueze from Villarreal to AC Milan.

Transfer Updates - OM - Iliman Ndiaye: "I don't play for money".

On Monday, Iliman Ndiaye was officially presented to the press as a new player for Olympique de Marseille. The Senegalese striker took the opportunity to talk about his first steps under his new colors, his attachment to OM, which he considers to be his club of heart, and his ambitions for this season. Excerpts from his press conference.

Iliman Ndiaye and his desire to join Olympique de Marseille

"I'm very proud of my choice.I don't play soccer for money. Soccer is me, I don't know much about anything else. Marseille is one of the best clubs in the world for me. I didn't want to go anywhere else. The welcome I've received from the fans and the messages I've received have made me want to come even more.

The welcome he received as soon as he arrived at the airport, even before signing on the dotted line

"I still haven't digested it. I got a crazy welcome at the airport. The messages I got were crazy. It's a dream to be welcomed like that at your beloved club. I've been dreaming of my debut at the Velodrome since I was a kid.

His duet with Ismaïla Sarr

"We've already played together with Sarr, and we have a good relationship.In the national team, I've already played in several positions. I can play in any attacking position. But yes, as he said, we're going to do something big. After that, OM isn't about one player, it's about the whole team."

His positioning and style of play " Marcelino can put me wherever he wants, I can play in any attacking position (...) I give my all on the pitch, I work hard. I'm a dribbler, I want to give everything for the shirt, fight for my partners and do everything to win games."

His first match against Bayer Leverkusen

"I had a few cramps against Bayer Leverkusen, I was a bit tired but it's no big deal, it happens. I think we have a very good attack. I hadn't had much time to train. I've already seen all the players play, how they want to play, and I think there were some good things and good connections with them on the pitch. We've been able to work harder this week in training." His ambition with OM

"We play at OM to win games. We prepare to win them (...) Of course I'm thinking about winning individual titles. OM is watched the world over. Playing for OM can help me win individual honors, but I'm thinking first and foremost about the team right now."

Football - DR Congo: TP Mazembe's house cleaning

TP Mazembe are already preparing the next generation of players. The Lubumbashi-based black-and-whites have even parted company with several of their aging senior players, bringing in youngsters to fill various positions.

The 2023-2024 season will see a new-look Tout Puissant Mazembe. A much younger Les Corbeaux team, without many of the big names who have marked the club's history over the last ten years. TP Mazembe have parted company with some of their key players, such as the two captains, Rainford Kalaba and Djo Issam Mpeko. Having reached the end of their contracts, the latter were not renewed by the management.

After 13 years with TP Mazembe, Zambian captain Rainford Kalaba (36) won a CAF Champions League and two Confederation Cups with great personal commitment. He has also won 9 DRC championships. The management of the Lubumbashi-based club Noir-Blanc are hoping to offer him further opportunities. But this time as a technician, while he obtains his diplomas. For his part, Djo Issama Mpeko (34) spent 8 years with TP, winning 2 Confederation Cups and 5 DRC league titles.

For sports analyst Gullith Koba, both players have given their all. "These are two legendary players who are leaving after giving everything to the club. Kalaba carried TP Mazembe to two Confederation Cup titles in 2016 and 2017. Djo Issama remains one of the country's best right-backs. He's a player who, despite his age, still has some juice and could bounce back elsewhere. However, TP Mazembe want to revitalize their squad with youth. This is a good thing for future competitions," explains the specialist.

Kouamé also on the move
After the departures of the two captains, Kalaba and Issama, all the signs were that Ivorian Christian Koffi Kouamé would be TP Mazembe's new captain. The Ivorian defensive midfielder is not only one of the club's veterans, having spent 9 years in Lubumbashi, but also the player most used by the Crows over the last five seasons.However, according to sources close to the Lubumbashi club, the 32-year-old does not intend to stay. This, after all his time with the club, punctuated by a Champions League and two Confederation Cups, not to mention numerous DRC championship titles.

TP Mazembe have also amicably terminated the contracts of Congolese midfielder Amedée Masasi and goalkeeper Narcisse Junior Nlend.Having joined the club in February 2022 and January 2023 respectively, the two players failed to convince. Several players are still uncertain about their future, notably Andam Bossu and Jephté Kitambala. Other departures are also expected.

Outward-looking recruitment
TP Mazembe are certainly streamlining, but they are also strengthening their squad with young players.With an average age of 24, recruitment has so far focused on players from outside the country. Since the start of the mercato, the Corbeaux have already announced the signing of six players in various positions, including five foreigners. Nigerian midfielder Ousseini Soumaila Badamassi (26) has signed for two years plus an option year. Burkinabe central defender Madou Zon (25) has signed for three years.Malian left-winger Cheik Oumar Fofana (19) and Mauritanian right-back Ibrahim Keita (21) have both signed two-year contracts.

And that's not all. Lebanese midfielder Rabih Ataya (34), the only very old player to sign, but only for one season.The only Congolese player to have signed so far is central defender Josué Mungwengi (22), who has signed for five years. Also announced are the arrivals of two Senegalese, Alioune Badara-Faty (goalkeeper) and Jean Louis Diouf (midfielder).

Transfer News: Why United shouldn't miss out on Onana

André Onana was Manchester United's priority this summer. The Cameroonian goalkeeper is on the verge of signing for the English club for a fee that could reach 55 million euros. Given his qualities, Man United have not been mistaken in their target.

Onana's qualities have won over Manchester United

At the end of a very good season with Inter Milan, André Onana played a final match of anthology in the Champions League final last June. Despite the 1-0 defeat, the Inter keeper shone once again.Like a compendium of his profile and his return to the top flight that season, Onana impressed in one of the most important matches in Inter's recent history.

Confident and at ease with the ball, the Nerazzurri keeper enabled his team to break away from Manchester City's pressing and make easy progress towards their opponents' box. Pep Guardiola had this to say about him: "It's really difficult to press high against Onana. You can't press him properly."What made the performance all the better was the stakes and stress the players were under. Even so, André Onana remained calm and fair under pressure.

André Onana, another outfield player
While the last season of the legendary David De Gea was plagued by deficiencies on the ball in a team where you have to build from the back, Manchester United can say goodbye to these shortcomings in Erik Ten Hag's game. Onana's former coach at Ajax can better deploy his playing philosophy with the Cameroonian's tactical flexibility around his box. As an additional outfield player, he is able to coordinate his movements with his central players on ball outs, as was often the case last season.

But alongside his impressive passing and footwork, André Onana is also a brilliant goalkeeper. He's disgusting on his line. He had a ratio of 3 saves per game (81%) in the C1 last season and 8 clean sheets in this competition. Since joining Ajax, the Cameroon international has been one of the most promising players in his position, with a number of convincing appearances in Europe.

Trained at La Masia (Barça's training center), the "Indomitable Lion" has opened a new chapter in his career, after several months' suspension for a banned substance, by becoming Inter's and soon United's number 1, two of Europe's biggest clubs.

Transfer News - OM: What if Chancel Mbemba also headed for Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is not done stripping European clubs. While the signing of Algerian Riyad Mahrez at Al Ahli is announced as imminent, Congolese defender Chancel Mbemba could also join soccer's new Eldorado.

"I paved the way for the Saudi league, and now all the players are coming here [...] In a year, more and more top players will come to Saudi Arabia.In a year's time, the Saudi League will overtake the Turkish League and the Dutch League. European soccer has lost a lot of quality. The only one that remains valid and is doing well is the Premier League. It's ahead of all the other leagues. As a good ambassador for Saudi Arabia, which offered him a golden bridge six months ago, Cristiano Ronaldo dropped this bombshell on Tuesday on the sidelines of a friendly match lost 0-5 by his new Al-Nassr team to Celta Vigo (Spain).

While the five-time Ballon d'Or winner may be getting a little carried away, he can't be faulted on all counts. Indeed, it's undeniable that since CR7 set foot in the Gulf, Saudi clubs have felt their wings grow. They're now canvassing all the profiles evolving in Europe, even the youngest and most talented. Several African stars in particular have taken the plunge. African champions Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly have left Chelsea to sign for Al Ahli and Al Ittihad respectively. Seko Fofana has joined Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr. Two-time African Ballon d'Or winner Sadio Mané is still holding out for a move to Saudi Arabia, while Riyad Mahrez is preparing to move to promoted side Al-Ahli. He could be followed by Chancel Mbemba.

The Congolese defender from Marseille has been approached by clubs in the Saudi Pro League, according to Foot Mercato. The 28-year-old former Porto player, who joined OM last summer, is coming off a highly successful season on an individual level (7 goals in 45 games). For the moment, Marseille, keen to qualify for the Champions League finals, are not selling. But it's not certain that the Phocéens will be able to resist an attractive Saudi offer. On Transfermarkt, Chancel Mbemba is valued at 20 million euros. No mean feat for the wealthy Saudis.

Transfer News: Yassine Bounou at PSG?

Paris Saint-Germain are in the market for a number 2 goalkeeper, and have set their sights on Moroccan Yassine Bounou. According to RMC Sport, Sevilla are waiting 15 million euros to let go of their Atlas Lion.

Another Moroccan international at Paris SG after Achraf Hakimi? It could just be a matter of time. Indeed, Paris Saint-Germain are looking for a new goalkeeper to replace Sergio Rico, who suffered a serious accident. With the market for goalkeepers extremely complicated, the choice of the Parisian directors and new coach Luis Enrique is Yassine Bounou (32). On Friday July 14, RMC Sport reported that PSG had entered into transfer talks with the Moroccan international goalkeeper. Sevilla are expecting to pay around €15 million for the player. The Andalusian club, which is in serious financial difficulties, has put its entire squad on the transfer market to replenish its coffers.

More than just Donnarumma's understudy?
The question of Yassine Bounou's status as a Paris SG player is open to debate. Number 2 or number 1? Seeing the Moroccan national team's first-choice goalkeeper content with a number 2 position at PSG, especially just a few months before the start of the 2023 African Cup of Nations with Morocco considered one of the favourites for this competition, does not seem a relevant option. But bringing him in as a direct competitor to Gianluigi Donnarumma could be the main objective of the Parisian directors. With Luis Enrique at the helm of the French champions, the Italian goalkeeper's status as a starter could be called into question.

Unconvincing after 2 seasons in the French capital, the 2020 European champion still has some glaring shortcomings. This is particularly true of his aerial skills and, above all, his poor footwork. Spaniard and former FC Barcelona coach, Luis Enrique would be more inclined to sign Yassine Bounou, considered to be one of La Liga's most valuable assets. The Atlas Lions goalkeeper is more confident in goal and, unlike Donnarumma, is less known for his blunders. Luis Enrique has already experienced this situation with two good goalkeepers during the 2015 treble (LDC, Liga, Copa), with healthy competition between Claudio Bravo and Marc-André Ter Stegen. If PSG and Sevilla can reach an agreement on the transfer of Yassine Bounou, we could see the same configuration again.

Transfer News: What challenges await Wilfried Zaha?

At the end of his contract with Crystal Palace, Wilfried Zaha is one of the attractions of the summer transfer window. There is no shortage of interest in the Ivorian international. Major European clubs are interested in him. As are the Saudi Arabian armada.

Wilfried Zaha is on the list of several clubs. The latest is Lazio. The Italian club have approached the Ivorian international, Fabrizio Romano revealed on Friday 23 June. The Crystal Palace player will be out of contract in less than a week's time and will have to choose his next destination. And where exactly?

Staying in Europe, a strong possibility

A former Manchester United player, Wilfried Zaha has no shortage of suitors. Some of Europe's biggest names are said to be interested in his profile. From the outset, he was rumoured to be on his way to Arsenal and Manchester United. A former Red Devils player and long courted by the Gunners, these leads have gradually cooled. There are, however, other big names still linked with him. These include Paris Saint-Germain, whose name keeps cropping up. On 11 June, Le Parisien revealed that PSG had ticked Zaha's name off their list and that discussions had even begun.

The Ivorian's versatility (capable of playing on the left and right) is said to have attracted the club from the French capital, but they are not the only European side interested in his profile. His great rivals Marseille are also following his trail. In Spain too, Wilfried Zaha is attracting a lot of interest. According to the Daily Mail, Atlético Madrid have come to enquire about the Eagles striker. Diego Simeone is said to be very fond of the Ivorian. Combative, lively and highly technical, Zaha is said to meet the requirements of the Argentinian coach, who is known for his enthusiasm and rigour.

Champions League crucial?

If he wants to stay in Europe, Wilfried Zaha would like to play in the Champions League. He would love to play in the Cup with the big ears. Having spent the last 8 years at Crystal Palace, the 30-year-old Ivorian international is keen to join a major club and play in the big leagues. All the more reason why he has still not accepted the Eagles' offer of an extension. PSG, Lazio and Atletico Madrid all meet this requirement, having all qualified for next season's UEFA Champions League. Newcastle and AC Milan are also interested in him.

Saudi Pro League to play spoilsport?

After Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and soon Kalidou Koulibaly, Ngolo Kanté, Edouard Mendy and Hakim Ziyech, Saudi Arabia is continuing its vast recruitment campaign. Wilfried Zaha could be next on the list. Al Nassr have already tabled an offer of €30 million a year for his services. However, according to Ekrem Konur, he has rejected the offer. The ESPN journalist nonetheless claims that the Saudi club are continuing negotiations. At 30, the Ivorian international could well be tempted by a move to the Saudi Pro League. This is all the more true given that the wages are very substantial and that a number of big-name stars are in the process of joining the league. The possibility of playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo could also be a reason for him to answer the Saudi call. The two players crossed paths at Manchester United.

Excl: Lazio have now approached Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha on potential free deal. Negotiations took place but it’s not an easy deal at this stage. 🔵🇨🇮 #transfers #CPFC

Zaha has many proposals and so will assess his options soon. pic.twitter.com/mMu2G5xrGz

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 23, 2023

Football - Transfer: Toko Ekambi signs for Rennes

From now on, you'll have to get used to seeing Karl Toko-Ekambi play in the red and black colors of Rennes. In troubled waters at Lyon since the beginning of the season, where he was no longer a fans favorite, the Cameroon international leaves the Gones for the Breton club until the end of the season. The departure of the 30-year-old striker was made official by OL via a statement on Thursday.

The two French clubs have agreed on a loan deal worth €1.5 million, to which a maximum bonus of €1 million could be added depending on Rennes' performance in the league and the number of games played by the Cameroonian striker.

KTE arrived at Lyon in 2020 from Villarreal. Since then, he has played 114 matches with Lyon and scored 38 goals in all competitions. But this season, the Indomitable Lion has a performance far from his usual standards. In 19 appearances in Ligue 1, he scored only 4 goals.

"I am attracted by the goal but especially by the group"
A drop in form that has exacerbated the tension between him and the OL fans. On January 14, after being whistled at and targeted by a banner in the stands inviting him to leave the club, he had let his anger explode by hitting a trash can in the tunnel leading to the locker room.

[PROS]

🗣 Les premiers mots de 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗹 𝗧𝗼𝗸𝗼-𝗘𝗸𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗶, nouvel attaquant Rouge et Noir ⤵️

— Stade Rennais F.C. (@staderennais) January 26, 2023

But all that is now in the past. At Rennes, he should find some serenity, confidence and efficiency. "Thank you to Stade Rennais F.C. for trusting me. I made this choice because I know the club, especially thanks to Florian Maurice with whom I had the chance to work at Olympique Lyonnais. I also know a lot of players. (...) You can feel a lot of complicity between the Rennes players on the field. Everyone plays for each other and I am very proud to be part of this project. I am attracted by the goal but especially by the collective and it is the strength of the Stade Rennais F.C. I liked the speech of the coach. I do not know him personally but the quality of his work is recognized. I am very happy to join his team," he said in a statement from his new club.

The men of Bruno Genesio travel this Friday, January 27 away to Lorient for the 20th day of Ligue 1. The opportunity to see Karl Toko-Ekambi play his first match with Rennes? Answer later today at 8 pm.