Sports
Ademola Lookman and Barbra Banda Crowned African Players of the Year
Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman has been named the 2024 African Footballer of the Year, while Zambia’s Barbra Banda made history by claiming the women’s prize at the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Awards in Marrakesh.
Lookman, the Atalanta forward, triumphed over stiff competition, including Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams. This marks the second consecutive year a Nigerian player has won the prestigious award, following Victor Osimhen’s victory in 2023.
Barbra Banda, striker for Orlando Pride, became the first Zambian to win the women’s accolade, surpassing Morocco’s Sanaa Mssoudy and Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Lookman’s outstanding performances during the 2023-24 season secured his position as a standout player. He played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s historic first European trophy win, scoring a remarkable hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen. This achievement made him the sixth player to score a treble in a European club final and the first since 1975.
On the international stage, Lookman shone at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, earning a spot in the Team of the Tournament. He scored three goals to help the Super Eagles reach the final, where they finished as runners-up to the host nation.
Lookman’s achievements also earned him a place on the 2024 men’s Ballon d’Or shortlist, where he ranked 14th—the only African player on the list.
Barbra Banda’s recognition highlights her remarkable contributions to women’s football. Her win reflects the growing prominence of Zambian players on the global stage.
The Caf Awards winners are selected by a panel of experts, including members of Caf’s technical committee, African media professionals, players, and coaches.
Sports
Nottingham Forest Prepare Improved £45m Bid for Tottenham Midfielder Luka Bergvall
Nottingham Forest are preparing an improved £45 million bid for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Luka Bergvall after their opening offer of £38 million was rejected.
Forest remain keen to strengthen their midfield following Elliot Anderson’s record-breaking move to Manchester City and are expected to return with a higher offer for the 20-year-old Sweden international.
Speaking during his first press conference as Forest head coach, Oliver Glasner did not comment directly on Bergvall but admitted he is eager to welcome new signings before the club’s pre-season preparations gather pace.
“I have one strength and weakness—it’s impatience. Sometimes it’s a strength, sometimes it’s a weakness,” Glasner said.
“Of course, I would have hoped they were already training with us. It’s impossible because the players we’re talking to were involved in the World Cup and are still on vacation. I’m pretty convinced we’ll have a few players joining us in Portugal.”
Bergvall joined Tottenham from Swedish side Djurgarden in 2024 and enjoyed an impressive debut campaign, winning the club’s Player of the Year award after helping Spurs lift the Europa League, ending their 17-year wait for a major trophy.
His performances earned him a new long-term contract in April 2025, keeping him at the club until 2031.
The midfielder made 33 appearances last season before an ankle injury required surgery, sidelining him for two months. Despite the setback, he remains one of Sweden’s brightest young talents, earning 14 senior caps and featuring at the World Cup, where Sweden were knocked out by France in the last 32.
Forest are expected to make further additions before the transfer window closes but are focusing on quality rather than quantity after spending around £180 million on 13 new players last summer.
The club is also targeting a goalkeeper to provide competition for Matz Sels and John Victor, as well as a striker to support Chris Wood and Igor Jesus.
Sports
Brighton Complete Signing of Luka Vuskovic
Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signing of Croatian defender Luka Vuskovic, with head coach Fabian Hurzeler urging supporters to give the youngster time to adapt to life in the Premier League.
“There has been a lot of external noise about Luka joining us, but he is still a young player who will need time to adjust to the demands of playing for Brighton and in the Premier League,” Hurzeler said.
“We are confident he will take it all in his stride.”
Vuskovic arrives to replace Dutch centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke, who has joined Tottenham Hotspur in a £52 million move after completing a long-term deal.
Born in Split, Vuskovic came through the ranks at hometown club Hajduk Split, making history as the youngest player to feature in Croatia’s top flight at just 16 years old. He later became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer.
The highly rated defender enjoyed an impressive campaign in the Bundesliga last season, earning the league’s Rookie of the Season award and a place in the Bundesliga Team of the Year.
On the international stage, Vuskovic has made six appearances for Croatia, scoring once, and made his FIFA World Cup debut against England during the group stage last month.
Brighton will begin their Premier League campaign at home to Aston Villa on Sunday, 23 August, with kick-off scheduled for 2:00pm BST.
Sports
Manchester United Close In on Youri Tielemans Signing
Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans as they look to strengthen their midfield ahead of the new season.
The Red Devils have made reinforcing the centre of the pitch a priority this summer but have endured a series of setbacks in the transfer market. Their pursuit of Elliot Anderson ended unsuccessfully after the midfielder opted to join Manchester City, while Mateus Fernandes chose to move to Tottenham Hotspur instead of Old Trafford.
United had also agreed a £35 million deal with Serie A side Atalanta for Brazil international Ederson, but that transfer has been put on hold.
Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos is understood to have completed a medical ahead of a proposed £48 million move elsewhere, while United are expected to remain active in the market before the transfer window closes.
With Kobbie Mainoo currently involved in England’s World Cup campaign, United have limited experienced options in central midfield, making the addition of an established player a key objective.
Tielemans, 29, has long been admired by the club, with his extensive Premier League experience viewed as a major asset. The Belgium international played an important role in his country’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals but was forced to miss their 2-1 defeat to Spain after suffering an injury during the pre-match warm-up.
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