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Morocco’s Raja Casablanca Eye Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali in Goalkeeper Reinforcement Bid

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“They Know Me And I Know Them” Nwabali Speaks On Challenges Of Facing South Africa -

Moroccan football powerhouse Raja Casablanca are reportedly targeting Nigerian international goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali as part of their squad overhaul ahead of the 2025/26 season.

According to South African sports outlet Unplayable, the three-time CAF Champions League winners are closely monitoring Nwabali, who currently plies his trade with Chippa United in the South African Premier Division.

The 29-year-old has seen his stock rise significantly in recent months, particularly after his standout performances for Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Côte d’Ivoire.

Nwabali played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s impressive run to the AFCON final, winning plaudits for his composure, shot-stopping skills, and leadership between the sticks.

His performance against South Africa in the semi-final — where he saved two penalties during the shootout — earned him continental acclaim and cemented his status as one of Africa’s top goalkeepers.

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At club level, Nwabali has been equally influential. Last season, he made 26 appearances for Chippa United and currently serves as the team captain. His leadership and consistency have made him a fan favorite and a key figure in the club’s recent campaigns. However, sources suggest that Chippa United are willing to consider a transfer if a credible offer is tabled. Nwabali is currently valued at €650,000 on Transfermarkt, though his market worth may climb given his international pedigree.

Raja Casablanca, who endured a disappointing and trophyless 2024/25 season in the Botola Pro League, are seeking to bolster their squad as they aim to reassert their dominance in Moroccan and African football.

The club is reportedly prioritizing experienced and battle-tested players, with Nwabali fitting that profile.

Founded in 1949, Raja is one of Morocco’s most storied football institutions. In addition to their three CAF Champions League titles (1989, 1997, 1999), the Casablanca-based club boasts multiple domestic titles and a strong continental reputation.

The potential signing of Nwabali is seen as part of a broader plan to restore the club’s competitiveness ahead of next season’s league and continental campaigns.

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If the move materializes, it will represent a major step forward in Nwabali’s career, giving him exposure in one of Africa’s top leagues and the opportunity to compete in elite continental tournaments such as the CAF Champions League.

Neither Chippa United nor Raja Casablanca has officially confirmed the transfer discussions, but insiders suggest talks could intensify in the coming weeks as the Moroccan giants push to finalise key additions before the new season kicks off.

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Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

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PSG Plot €75m Move for Osimhen as Summer Transfer Rumours Intensify

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Speculation from the United Kingdom’s transfer circuit has placed Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen at the centre of another high-profile summer move, with French champions Paris Saint-Germain reportedly preparing a €75 million bid.

According to reports circulating in European media, PSG are targeting Osimhen as a potential replacement for Gonçalo Ramos, who could leave the club at the end of the season. The Ligue 1 side, managed by Luis Enrique, are said to view the Nigerian forward as the “perfect” addition to spearhead their attack.

Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray, has continued to attract interest from Europe’s elite clubs following his consistent goal-scoring exploits over the past three seasons. A move to Paris would further elevate his status as one of Africa’s most sought-after forwards, especially amid uncertainty surrounding the future of Ousmane Dembélé despite his recent individual accolades.

For Nigeria, any big-money transfer involving Osimhen would reinforce the country’s enduring reputation as a leading exporter of top attacking talent to Europe’s biggest leagues.

Meanwhile, in England, Manchester United are reportedly preparing for a major midfield overhaul, with a transfer budget of around €170 million earmarked to recruit three players. The club is said to be planning for life after Casemiro and has drawn up a shortlist that includes Aurélien Tchouaméni, Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson.

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Additional options under consideration include Matheus Fernandes, Alex Scott and Tyler Adams, while Shea Charles has been mentioned as a potential squad reinforcement.

Elsewhere, Liverpool are believed to be bracing for the possible departure of goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Italian giants Juventus are reportedly interested in the former AS Roma shot-stopper, who is entering the final year of his contract.

While these reports remain speculative, they underline the scale of movement expected in Europe’s summer transfer window, one that could yet see Nigeria’s Osimhen headline the continent’s biggest deals.

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Barcelona Target Victor Osimhen in transfer market overhaul

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FC Barcelona have reportedly identified Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen as one of their targets ahead of the summer transfer window, as the Catalan giants look to reinforce their attacking options.

According to reports from Catalunya Radio, obtained via Tribuna.com, Barcelona have prioritised strengthening the centre-forward position but face major obstacles in pursuing elite names such as Julian Alvarez, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane due to ongoing financial and structural constraints.

As a result, the club’s sporting department, led by Deco, has shifted focus toward more attainable options, with Osimhen emerging as a leading candidate.

Currently on the books of Galatasaray S.K., the 27-year-old striker is no stranger to Barcelona, having faced Spanish opposition during his time in European competitions. He is highly regarded for his pace, physical presence and consistent goal-scoring record, qualities seen as fitting Barcelona’s evolving tactical needs.

However, a potential move remains far from straightforward. Osimhen’s salary demands could pose a significant hurdle for Barcelona, who continue to operate under strict financial limitations.

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Despite the challenges, the Nigerian international is considered a viable option as Barcelona adopt a more pragmatic approach in the transfer market, balancing ambition with economic realities while seeking to rebuild their attacking line for the future.

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Osimhen Joins Galatasaray Permanently in Record €75m Deal

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Osimhen’s annual earnings: a net salary of €15 million per season, a €1 million loyalty bonus, and €5 million in image rights.

Speculations about the future of Victor Osimhen have been put to rest as theNigerian striker has completed a permanent move to Turkish champions Galatasaray.

He signed a four-year contract in a deal worth €75 million, the club announced on Thursday.

The 26-year-old forward, who was on loan from Napoli last season, becomes the most expensive player ever acquired by a Turkish club.

Galatasaray confirmed the fee in a statement that also revealed Osimhen’s annual earnings: a net salary of €15 million per season, a €1 million loyalty bonus, and €5 million in image rights.

The club, which has qualified for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, did not clarify whether the €75 million fee had already been paid in full to Napoli or would be settled in instalments, as reported by local media.

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 However, the Turkish giants disclosed that Napoli will receive 10% of the profit from any future sale of the Nigerian star.

Osimhen’s move marks a dramatic turnaround after a tumultuous 2024 summer at Napoli, where he was sidelined and later sent out on loan.

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Speculations about the future of Victor Osimhen have been put to rest

 His stint at Galatasaray reignited his form, with the striker netting 26 goals in the Turkish Super Lig last season, helping the Istanbul club secure another league title.

Capped 40 times by Nigeria with 26 goals, Osimhen had joined Napoli in 2020 from French side Lille for a fee close to €80 million, then a record for the Serie A club.

At Galatasaray, Osimhen will form part of a formidable attacking trio alongside Argentine star Mauro Icardi, who is expected to return from injury, and new German signing Leroy Sané, recently acquired from Bayern Munich.

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With this blockbuster signing, Galatasaray underlines its ambition to make a serious mark in Europe and dominate domestic football once again.

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