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Ligue 1 side Toulouse have registered an interest in 20-year-old midfield maestro Aliou Dieng, according to our colleagues at Foot 365.
The MC Alger player has another two years to run on his current deal & as a result is valued at €3m by the Algerian side.
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The recent revelations from Sbu Nkosi about his mental health issues following his disappearance came as “a shock” to fellow Springbok and ex-Sharks team-mate Ox Nche.
Nkosi, who joined the Bulls from the Sharks in May, was located earlier this week at his father’s house in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga after he went missing for three weeks.
After reporting the 26-year-old flyer’s disappearance to the South African Police Service, the Bulls eventually found the player with the assistance of a security company, who are one of the team’s sponsors.
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Nche said Nkosi‘s situation highlighted the pressures which come with being an international sports star and for team-mates regularly check up on each other.
“Sbu is a smart guy. He works hard and he knows what he has to do,” the Sharks front-row told reporters.
“And our jobs are not easy. Me and him, we have an understanding [as] colleagues and we get along off the field too. I think we are pretty good with each other.
“It came as a shock… I didn’t expect it but that is the thing about mental health, you don’t see it coming.”
Nche admitted to being concerned about Nkosi’s well-being while he was missing.
“It was definitely concerning for me,” he said. It’s a wake-up call to keep checking on each other and seeing how things are.”
Wallabies great Simon Poidevin believes that Rugby Australia (RA) should take the opportunity to bring Eddie Jones back to the country and aid the beleaguered Dave Rennie.
Jones was dismissed by the Rugby Football Union on Tuesday after presiding over a disappointing 2022 which saw England win just five of their matches.
The 62-year-old is reported to have received around £700,000 in compensation and is free to take up another job immediately.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the governing body are interested in speaking to Jones over a potential position.
Rennie is expected to remain in his role until the end of the Rugby World Cup in France, but Poidevin believes that RA should bring Jones in to help the Wallabies head coach.
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“I think RA have made it clear they respect Dave Rennie taking the team through to the 2023 World Cup,” he told the Herald.
“That doesn’t stop a guy of Eddie’s experience, like he did [at the 2007 World Cup] with South Africa, coming in to provide his expertise. He helped the Springboks get that victory. That’s an option which Rugby Australia should be thinking about with Eddie.
“His most valuable input would be a sounding board for Dave Rennie and his relatively young coaching staff. He’s been through it all.
“He knows the challenges of knockout tournaments. In France it’s going to be highly intense given the number of quality teams around the world now.”
Rennie remains a man under pressure, despite their come-from-behind victory over Wales which provided some positivity in an otherwise disappointing campaign.
The New Zealander has struggled to put the Wallabies on the right track after taking the job following the 2019 World Cup.
He has just a 38 per cent win rate and a poor competition in France will certainly see him replaced at the end of 2023.
It means that Jones could be the next head coach of Australia, according to Poidevin, if he doesn’t agree a deal with the governing body prior to the upcoming global tournament.
“If he doesn’t want to come over for a World Cup position with the Wallabies, then it should be foot down by Rugby Australia to sign him to coach the Wallabies (in 2024) and try and win the World Cup in 2027,” he added.
In a topsy-turvy day in the transfer market for LOSC Lille, the official signing of wonder-kid Rafael Leão from Sporting CP has been swiftly followed by the departure of Les Dogues’ star right-back Kévin Malcuit. Malcuit, a 27-year-old defender, joins Italian club Napoli from Lille after a reported fee of €11.5m was agreed upon between the two clubs. Napoli have signed the attacking right-back to a four-year contract, with Malcuit looking to impress new manager Carlo Ancelotti after a standout season in Ligue 1.
Moving to Napoli will be the first venture for Malcuit outside of France. The 27-year-old has honed his ability in Ligue 1, becoming an important figure at his two most recent clubs: Lille and Saint-Étienne. Malcuit provided 3 assists in 2016/17 for Saint-Étienne and 6 in 2017/18 for Lille as a key cog in both sides’ attack. The right-back has impressive speed and dribbling ability and can provide a real offensive outlet from a more defensive position.
Throughout this summer Malcuit was pursued by a host of club outside of Napoli, most notably Southampton, Valencia, and West Ham, but it was of course the club from Naples that won the race for the Frenchman’s signature. While the departure of one of the top performers in Lille’s 2017/18 campaign may worry, Les Dogues’ supporters can find solace in the fact that the potential replacement for Malcuit very well may be waiting on the sidelines.
The man to make Lille forget about Kévin Malcuit could be young Turkish international Zeki Çelik, who joined the Ligue 1 club earlier this summer for €3m. Much like Malcuit, Çelik boasts impressive physical attributes like quickness and strength and can also be a threat on the counter-attack.
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Losing Malcuit is a big loss for Lille, but not a dooming one. With added faith in Zeki Çelik and additional impact from Lille’s numerous new signings, memories of Kévin Malcuit bombing down the right-wing in the Stade Pierre-Mauroy may not linger as long as expected.
G.M.
Premier League side Huddersfield Town have completed the signing of Isaac Mbenza from Montpellier, minutes before the closure of the English transfer window.
The 22-year-old winger – who is a Belgian U-21 international – has signed on a season-loan deal, with the Terriers having the option to make the move a permanent transfer at the end of the season. Local sources believe it is a €2.5m loan fee with an obligation to buy worth €12.5m.
Mbenza arrives in West Yorkshire on the back of an impressive season in Ligue 1 last year, notching 10 goals in 43 appearances as Montpellier ended the 2017/18 campaign in 10th position.
Before his move to the Stade de la Mosson, the young winger enjoyed spells at Standard Liège and his first club, Valenciennes.
Huddersfield’s Head Coach David Wagner paid tribute to his new signing: “Isaac is a very exciting player and this is a great deal for Huddersfield Town for a player with such ability and potential. You do not play for Belgium at Under-21 level unless you have some outstanding attributes. He’s a very quick winger with a direct style of play, which is exactly what we were looking for. As you can see from his last season at Montpellier, he has a real eye for goal too”.
H.W.
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Former Wales international centre Cory Allen has announced his retirement from the professional game at the age of 29, he confirmed on Thursday.
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The former Cardiff player has been struggling with a knee injury since 2019 and failed to make an appearance for the Dragons since joining in 2021.
Before that Allen had a stint at the Ospreys and his injury-hit career has now come to an unfortunate end for a player who showed plenty of promise.
“I really would have loved to have thanked everyone by being able to run out and represent the club on the field, but unfortunately that wasn’t meant to be,” he told the Dragons‘ website.
“I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone at the Dragons for the last 18 months.”
Allen’s Cardiff bow came back in 2011 at the age of 18 and he went on to impress for Wales at Sevens and U20 level, with a senior call-up following.
He made his international debut, against Argentina in 2013, but injury problems then blighted his rugby career, with only six caps accrued for Wales.
He was selected in Wales’ 2015 Rugby World Cup squad and claimed a hat-trick of tries in their opening 54-9 pool triumph against Uruguay in Cardiff.
In other news from the Welsh regional game, Scarlets centre Johnny Williams has had his comeback from injury delayed so will miss their derby games.
The former London Irish back has been out since October with a calf issue and is expected to be absent for the matches against the Dragons and Cardiff.
“I don’t think he’ll play any part in the derbies, which is what we were hoping for,” Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel told BBC Sport.
On the prospect of Williams possibly returning for their Challenge Cup fixtures with Cheetahs and Bayonne next month, Peel added: “It’s still ongoing.”
“It’s taking longer than we thought. He’s working hard to get back.
“He’s a big player for us. He’s physical in midfield. He’s been great since he’s been here. Unfortunately this injury is dragging on for him.
“Hopefully we’ll get to the bottom of it soon. I’m not sure yet (about Europe).”
In a major shake-up in Australian rugby, it has been announced that Eddie Jones will take charge of the Wallabies after Dave Rennie was sacked as head coach.
Just under eight months out from the start of the Rugby World Cup, Rugby Australia (RA) have decided to change the team’s head honcho.
Rennie was under pressure following a poor 2022, which saw them struggle throughout, but few predicted that he would depart this close to the global tournament.
However, a series loss to England, a third place finish in the Rugby Championship and a mixed end-of-year tour, which included a first-ever loss to Italy, saw the governing body act.
Jones, who led the Wallabies between 2001 and 2005, has agreed a five-year contract that runs through until the end of the 2027 World Cup in Australia and will begin the job on January 29.
“It is a major coup for Australian rugby to have the best coach in the world return home to coach the iconic Wallabies and to oversee the Wallaroos program,” Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan said in a statement.
“Eddie’s deep understanding of our rugby system and knowledge of our player group and pathways will lift the team to the next level.
“Eddie instinctively understands the Australian way of playing rugby – this represents an opportunity to secure a coach of immense expertise and experience at the biggest competitions, and we did not want to miss it.”
Rennie took over in 2020 after the departure of Michael Cheika but could only finish with a 38 per cent win record.
“I would like to thank Dave for his hard work and effort with the Wallabies – we are grateful for all that he has done for Australian Rugby,” RA CEO Andy Marinos said.
“Dave has been instrumental in developing much of the depth that we see in and around the current Wallabies squad; there are a number of players that are genuine World Cup possibilities because of opportunities that Dave has provided.
“The work ethic, the spirit within the group, and the way the team carries itself are all a direct result of Dave’s input – he has made a real mark on this group of players.”
Jones was sacked as England’s head coach in December and has been linked to numerous jobs, but the 62-year-old has regularly denied that he would be working in any capacity at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
However, he has been offered an opportunity which he simply could not turn down and will lead the Wallabies at the upcoming global tournament.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for me to be able to come home to Australia and lead my nation to a Rugby World Cup,” he said.
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“It is going to be an immense period for Australian rugby. As a proud Australian, it is a great honour to be able to come home and lead the national team during these years.
“The Wallabies squad is a really talented group of players with good depth. If we can have everyone fit and healthy going into the World Cup this year, I am confident that we can go to France and break the 24-year drought of winning the Rugby World Cup.
“I saw how gutsy the Wallaroos were in the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand last year – it looks like there is a real spirit in that group that will drive the women’s program forward ahead of their next World Cup in 2025.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back home and getting stuck in.”
Following three days of rumours, RC Strasbourg Alsace have finally completed the permanent signing of defender Lionel Carole from Galatasaray. Carole joins for a fee of €600k and has signed a three-year contract with his new club.
A bonafide Swiss Army knife due to his ability to play in a number of different positions, Carole will be a welcome addition to a Strasbourg side looking to avoid Ligue 1 relegation this season. The 27-year-old’s best position is left-back, but he’s also more than comfortable playing in a more central defensive role (centre-back) or a more advanced midfield role (left midfield).
Last season Carole was plying his trade in La Liga. The versatile defender was on loan to Sevilla, for whom he made 11 total appearances across all competitions. Carole played fairly regularly under manager Eduardo Berizzo, but when Italian Vincenzo Montella took the helm Carole saw his playing time reduced significantly.
Despite a recent lack of action, Carole will bring plenty to Le Racing. The Frenchman’s versatility cannot be understated, and his ability to dribble the ball and go forward will add a threatening attacking presence to Racing’s left side of defence.
G.M.
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France Football report that Ligue 1 side Marseille have turned down the chance to sign Tottenham Hotspur striker Fernando Llorente.
The 33-year-old, who is seeking more playing time, was offered to OM on loan, but the French side decided not to pursue a deal.
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Amiens’ goalfest against Stade de Reims (4-1) on Saturday was loaded with talking points, most of which concern the use of VAR or lack thereof, but the Ligue 1 debut of Saman Ghoddos was particularly notable. Ghoddos was a surprise in the Picard starting XI, his signing from Östersunds for €4m having only been made official the day before. Despite partaking in a single training session with his new teammates, he was handed the keys to Amiens’ attack and marked his debut with a goal. Jordan Lefort crossed from the left and Ghoddos’ parabolic header from just inside the box made him the first ever Iranian to score in Ligue 1.
“I didn’t know anything about Ligue 1, so it was hard,” he said in English after the game, “I didn’t play well but it will get better. Every day, training and training I will improve with the team and learn how we think and play.”
Manager Christophe Pélissier’s precipitation in including the new man underlines how badly he was needed and hoped for in President Macron’s hometown. His side had yet to score in open play this season and had started in a worrisome manner. They were beaten 2-0 by a meek Lyon in their opening match, before losing 2-1 at home to Montpellier. Their troubles are however far from over, as they brace themselves for the loss of Prince-Désir Gouano, who didn’t train all week. The centre-back, who was seen as the club’s best player going into the season, is trying to force a move to Anderlecht.
But in Ghoddos, they have at last found the replacement for Gaël Kakuta at #10, their transfer priority over the summer. Last year, les Licornes had performed a coup when they obtained the loan of Kakuta from Hebei Fortune in China. The former Chelsea wonderkid played a key role, adding 6 goals and 6 assists. Replacing his creativity has been a difficult process, and although Amiens looked abroad and recruited smart (Emil Krafth from Bologna, Rafal Kurzawa from Górnik, Eddy Gnahoré from Palermo), Pélissier was still missing a player capable of carrying his attack.
For Amiens to pick up a player with a recent history so rich is remarkable. With one of the smaller budgets in Ligue 1 (36 million euros, smaller than promoted Reims), players of Ghoddos’ calibre are usually out of reach. He presents several advantages in addition to his technical skill. For one, he has played competitively through the summer in the Swedish league. He is match fit and this justified his inclusion in Saturday’s team. Further, he can play as on attacking midfielder or as a forward, which will give Pélissier options tactically.
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Amiens had initially sought to sign Ghoddos much earlier, but found themselves in competition with Stade Rennais, whose financial power and competitiveness in the league would have proved no match, if they had stayed the course for a deal. Rennes themselves were then trumped by Spanish side Huesca, who claimed to have had a legal agreement with Ghoddos for his arrival. Rennes pulled out at this stage, having their sights on other players as well. Against all odds, the cards fell back into Amiens hands who have at last found the offensive signing they have sought all summer. Huesca contested the move in front of FIFA on Thursday afternoon, but the transfer was validated.
Ghoddos’ first move outside of his native Sweden marks the next step up in a rapid rise over the last two years. Bought for €75,000 by Östersunds, he won the Swedish Cup with them in 2017, their first ever major trophy. He was a hero during their Europa League run, decisive during the playoff elimination of Galatasaray and the 2-1 win away to Arsenal. He delivered both assists in that match, earning plaudits from Arsène Wenger himself: “Ghoddos is a marvelous player technically, tactically. I was impressed by him.” Ghoddos scored 41 goals in 93 matches for Graham Potter’s former side, and these stats earned him a call-up by Iran for Team Melli’s World Cup adventure in Russia, appearing as a sub in each of their three matches.
Against Reims, Ghoddos was involved in just the one goal. Amiens attacking flurry was aided by VAR, thanks to which Reims saw Romain Métanire was sent off and Pablo Chavarria’s goal ruled offside. This played into the Northerners’ hands, but they showed hints of attacking potential which will possibly be magnified with the help of Ghoddos. Senegalese international Moussa Konaté scored his second and third goals of the season and it will be interesting to see how their partnership develops, as the game finished 4-1. One thing is sure, keep your eyes peeled for the exploits of Ligue 1’s first Persian star.
P-P.B.