Traditional rulers in Osun State have passionately appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene in the prolonged withholding of local government (LG) allocations, which has crippled governance and disrupted development at the grassroots level. The appeal came after a crucial meeting held at the Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, where the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who also serves as the permanent chairman of the Osun Council of Obas, hosted other monarchs to deliberate on the crisis. In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the monarchs stressed that the continuous non-release of statutory LG funds has negatively affected communities across the state. According to them, the suspension of allocations has rendered secretariats inactive, leaving rural dwellers to endure untold hardship. Monarchs Express Concern Over Grassroots Hardship Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Ooni of Ife emphasized that the 30 Local Government Areas and the Area Office in Osun State have been seriously destabilized by the withheld funds. He reminded the government that the issue had earlier been tabled at the State Council of Obas meeting held on July 3, 2025, where concerns were raised about the deteriorating state of grassroots administration. The monarchs stressed the importance of functional local government structures, describing themselves as natural leaders who remain the closest authority to the people. They reiterated that the effectiveness of traditional rulers largely depends on the operational strength of local government administrations. “As fathers of the land, we are completely apolitical. We have no interest in the politics or individual disputes that may have led to the seizure of local government allocations. Our only priority is the well-being of our people and the proper functioning of grassroots governance,” the communiqué stated. Traditional Institutions at Risk The Osun Council of Obas further explained that traditional institutions across the state rely heavily on the five percent deductions from local government allocations for sustenance. Without this, it becomes almost impossible for rulers to serve their communities effectively. The communiqué lamented the visible decline in the maintenance of local markets, community roads, and other essential services that LG administrations usually provide. Ordinary citizens, especially farmers and traders in rural areas, are now bearing the brunt of the financial crisis. “It is deeply concerning to see LG secretariats remain inactive for months, simply because the funds meant for their smooth running have been withheld. This paralysis is affecting even the most basic community services,” the statement added. Appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu The monarchs urged President Tinubu to act swiftly, either through political negotiation or judicial resolution, to ensure that withheld allocations are released without further delay. They described him as the “father of the nation” and expressed confidence that his intervention would restore stability at the grassroots. “We appeal to Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to come to the aid of Osun communities. Many of our people, particularly those in farmlands and remote villages, are suffering immensely from the total inactivity of local governments. We believe that your intervention will not only ease their pain but also revive rural development,” the council stated. The monarchs added that resolving the crisis would reenergize traditional rulers across the state, enabling them to support the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda in achieving rapid development and better service delivery. Confidence in Tinubu’s Commitment They also acknowledged President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to give traditional rulers more constitutional roles, describing it as proof of his commitment to strengthening rural engagement and promoting community development across Nigeria. The Osun Council of Obas concluded by reaffirming their loyalty to the federal government, stressing that empowering local governments remains the only sustainable way to bring governance closer to the people.
Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has officially terminated the appointment of Rabi’u Garba Kaugama, who served as the Special Adviser to the Governor on National Assembly Matters. According to an official statement issued by the Public Relations Officer in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of Jigawa State, the dismissal takes immediate effect. The statement confirmed that all rights, privileges, and benefits attached to the office of Special Adviser have now been withdrawn. “With this decision, all rights and privileges attached to his office as Special Adviser to the Governor on National Assembly Matters have been withdrawn,” the statement emphasized. Additionally, Kaugama has been directed to hand over all government assets and properties in his possession to the Secretary to the State Government’s office without delay. At the time of this report, the reason for his removal has not been made public. This development comes shortly after another high-profile resignation within the Jigawa State Government. Zakari Sidi Kafin Hausa, the Senior Special Assistant on Health Monitoring, recently stepped down from his role. Zakari, in his resignation statement, cited ongoing political dynamics in Jigawa State and expressed his intention to pursue fresh opportunities in the private sector. The recent wave of dismissals and resignations highlights a period of significant political adjustments within the Umar Namadi-led administration.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to repositioning the education sector within the nation’s capital. Wike revealed that he has instructed the FCT Mandate Secretary for Education to publish the comprehensive list of schools that have already undergone renovations as well as those still being refurbished across the territory. The minister made this disclosure during the official commissioning of the fully rehabilitated Phase 2 Water Treatment Plant at the Lower Usuma Dam, located in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council of the FCT. According to Wike, the release of the list will enable Nigerians to have a clear understanding of the extent of work being carried out in the education sector. Development Beyond the City Centre Wike emphasized that his leadership within the FCT Administration is not limiting developmental projects to Abuja’s city centre. Instead, significant attention is being extended to rural and satellite communities. He stated: “We are not limiting development to the capital city alone. We are deliberately extending infrastructure and social projects to the satellite towns. I have directed the Mandate Secretary for Education to release the details of schools across the FCT that have been renovated under the Tinubu administration, including the ongoing ones. Once this list is made public, Nigerians will clearly see the progress we have made in improving the standard of education. I have also instructed the Secretary to work with the media to showcase rural schools, so that people will appreciate the transformation currently taking place.” Focus Beyond Road Projects Addressing criticisms that the FCT Administration is only concentrating on road projects, Wike stressed that his focus covers several other sectors that directly improve the living conditions of residents. He explained that his vision includes both infrastructure and critical social amenities such as water supply, healthcare, and schools, ensuring that development touches every aspect of life in the FCT. Tinubu’s China Agreement and Satellite Towns Development The minister further recalled President Bola Tinubu’s diplomatic mission to China in 2024, where an agreement was signed with China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) to provide potable water to FCT satellite towns. Wike disclosed: “Many have accused us of only focusing on roads, but that is not the case. Last September, Mr. President visited China and entered into an agreement with CGC to provide water for the satellite towns. I am pleased to announce that Mr. President has approved the project. Tomorrow, we will flag off one of the satellite water tanks in Bwari, and on Thursday, we will move to Karu. This project is worth no less than ₦90 billion, and it will significantly improve the living standards of our people in the FCT.” Wike assured residents that these initiatives reflect the administration’s broad vision of ensuring balanced development across the capital and its surrounding towns.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has officially begun another phase of project commissioning and flag-offs across Abuja, signaling the administration’s continued commitment to infrastructure development and improved service delivery. This new round of inaugurations follows Wike’s earlier 16-day commissioning exercise, which came to a close on July 3, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the rollout of capital projects within the territory. According to Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister, Wike will today, Tuesday, August 19, 2025, commission the fully rehabilitated Phase 2 Water Treatment Plant at the Lower Usuma Dam in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council. Olayinka, in a statement, further explained that the minister will also flag off the construction and expansion of water supply projects in satellite towns of the FCT. He outlined the schedule as follows: The projects, he emphasized, will extend potable water access to underserved communities, fulfilling the administration’s promise of inclusive development. It will be recalled that the Greater Abuja Water Supply Project had earlier been inaugurated on June 16, 2025, reinforcing the FCT administration’s focus on sustainable urban and rural development. During a briefing, Wike revealed that the FCT Administration had signed a new water supply agreement during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2023 official visit to China. The deal was structured to expand water delivery to satellite towns, including Bwari, Kubwa, and Karu, communities that have long faced inadequate water infrastructure. The Minister assured residents that procurement processes for the water supply expansion were already nearing completion, with the government prioritizing timely delivery and transparency in execution. This latest commissioning drive is expected to strengthen confidence in the FCT administration’s ability to bridge infrastructure gaps and enhance the quality of life for residents across the capital city and its satellite communities
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has officially commenced a fresh phase of water projects commissioning and flag-off exercises across Abuja. This development was disclosed in a statement released on Tuesday by Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka. According to the statement, Wike began this round of projects by commissioning the fully rehabilitated Phase 2 Water Treatment Plant located at the Lower Usuma Dam in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council. The statement further explained: “After completing 16 consecutive days of project commissioning in the FCT, which ended on July 3, we are starting another phase of critical projects today. Today, the commissioning of the rehabilitated Phase 2 Water Treatment Plant at Lower Usuma Dam in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council, has been completed. Tomorrow, attention will shift to the flag-off of the construction and expansion of water supply networks to satellite towns, starting with Bwari Township in Bwari Area Council. On Thursday, the exercise will move to Karu town and its surrounding communities in Abuja Municipal Area Council.” It is worth recalling that during the June 16 commissioning of the Greater Abuja Water Supply Project, Wike highlighted the administration’s strategic plans to address water challenges in underserved communities. He revealed that the FCT Administration signed a new bilateral agreement after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2023 state visit to China. This agreement aims to expand water supply coverage to several satellite towns, including Bwari, Kubwa, and Karu. The Minister emphasized that procurement processes for these extensions were nearly finalized and assured residents that the water supply projects would be executed within the stipulated timeframe. These efforts underscore the FCT Administration’s commitment to providing sustainable water access to both urban and satellite communities, thereby improving living standards and fostering development across the territory.
Running a small online business in Nigeria comes with exciting opportunities, but one major obstacle often stands in the way: how to get paid seamlessly and securely. A potential buyer may be ready to order, but if your checkout experience is stressful, slow, or fails midway, you’ve likely lost that customer forever. This is where payment gateways step in. They act as the bridge between your online store and your customer’s preferred payment method—whether that’s debit cards, bank transfers, USSD, QR payments, or mobile wallets. But here’s the challenge: not all gateways are created equal, and choosing the wrong one could mean high fees, failed transactions, or delayed settlements that harm your cash flow. That’s why in this guide, I’ll walk you through the best payment gateways for small online sellers in Nigeria in 2025. You’ll see their strengths, weaknesses, fees, and unique features—so you can confidently choose the right one for your business. Why Your Choice of Payment Gateway Matters Before we dive into the list, let’s quickly break down why selecting the right gateway is more than just a technical decision: Top Payment Gateways for Small Businesses in Nigeria (2025) 1. Paystack – The All-Rounder for Startups and Growing Brands Paystack remains the go-to option for most Nigerian small businesses—and for good reason. Key Features: Fees: Best For: Small online stores, creators, and SMEs looking for a trusted, flexible solution. 2. Flutterwave – Best for Cross-Border and Multi-Currency Payments If your customers include Nigerians abroad or international buyers, Flutterwave is a strong pick. Key Features: Fees: Best For: Sellers targeting diaspora buyers, freelancers, and businesses looking to expand beyond Nigeria. 3. Monnify (by Moniepoint) – Best for Bank-Transfer-First Sellers Bank transfers are king in Nigeria today, and Monnify is built around that. Key Features: Fees: Best For: Small businesses that get more transfer payments than card payments (e.g., WhatsApp sellers, service providers). 4. Squad by GTCO – Bank-Backed Gateway with SoftPOS Squad is the digital payment solution from GTCO (parent company of GTBank). Key Features: Best For: Sellers who need both online and offline solutions backed by a strong bank. 5. Remita – Trusted for Bills and Institutional Payments Remita is well-known as the platform used for government and institutional collections, but it also serves SMEs. Key Features: Fees: Best For: Schools, NGOs, professional services, and businesses handling recurring or structured payments. 6. Interswitch (WebPAY & Quickteller) – Legacy Strength Interswitch is one of the oldest payment processors in Nigeria and still powers many enterprise solutions. Key Features: Fees: Best For: Medium to large businesses that want bank-grade stability and nationwide reach. How to Choose the Right Payment Gateway Quick Recommendations by Scenario Final Thoughts For small online sellers in Nigeria, the best approach is not choosing just one gateway but combining two or more to maximize success rates and customer convenience. If you’re just starting, begin with Paystack (for reliability and easy setup) and add Monnify (for transfer-first customers). As your business grows, bring in Flutterwave for international coverage. At the end of the day, a smooth and trustworthy checkout is the secret to turning first-time buyers into loyal customers.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). The Gospel is God’s number one priority. It’s the most important thing to Him because therein, that is, through the Gospel, is the righteousness of God revealed (Romans 1:17). He brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel (2 Timothy 1:10). The Bible says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). God sent Jesus to die for the sins of the world so that believing in Him, they might have life. Nothing is more important than that. This is why you must make the Gospel your priority. Preach it everywhere with the fervency and passion of the Spirit. Your life, and everything about you, also becomes Heaven’s focus when the Gospel becomes your priority. Your home becomes God’s headquarters, His centre of operation, with angels constantly moving in and out, carrying out divine assignments. Make the Gospel your primary focus, and you’ll always walk in divine provisions. The moment you desire something, Heaven makes it available. Why? Because the angels are under strict instructions to ensure everything you require is supplied, just like the psalmist wrote, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). Furthermore, when the Gospel is your focus, God’s holy angels work with you to dismantle oppositions and keep the enemy subdued. The Bible says, “There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways” (Psalm 91:10-11). This is the life of a soul winner; GOD’S ANGELS ARE ALWAYS AT WORK IN YOUR BEHALF, PUSHING THE RIGHT BUTTONS, AND MAKING SURE THINGS ARE WORKING IN YOUR FAVOUR. Hallelujah! CONFESSIONThe Gospel is my number one priority, and I preach it everywhere with the passion and fervency of the Spirit. As a result, angels are at work for me and around me, ensuring that all I require is supplied. I walk in victory, knowing that no weapon formed against me shall prosper. I function with divine wisdom and grace, advancing the Lord’s Kingdom in the earth, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. FURTHER STUDY:1 Corinthians 9:16For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! 2 Corinthians 5:18-19And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Mark 16:15-16And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN :1 Corinthians 4 & Psalms 113-116 2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN :Luke 17:20-30 & 1 Samuel 4 DAILY AFFIRMATIONS: Life is not a mystery to me. Nothing is hidden from me. I have access to mysteries and secrets. Predestination is at work in me. Therefore, nothing happens to me by chance. I am wise, accurate and excellent. Christ is made unto me wisdom. In him, I have access to all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Therefore, I have limitless wisdom. I am prudent. I have knowledge of witty inventions. I am skillful, proficient and knowledgeable. I devise the best solutions in every circumstance. I have discretion. Counsel is mine. I am full of sound wisdom. I have sound knowledge and understanding. I have strength, might, and power. I speak excellent and princely things. I have an understanding heart. The opening of my lips are for right things. My words are all righteous. I speak the truth always. God has given me wisdom. There is nothing beyond me. There is nothing I cannot handle. I have a wise and discerning heart. Christ is my excellent wisdom. Like the eagle, my strength is renewed. I do not wane because I live in an ageless zone. I belong to the God class and I only give expression to His virtues because I was made for His glory. Nothing and no one can hurt or come against me successfully, for I have the unconquerable life of God. Satan and the powers of darkness are under my feet; therefore, I have nothing to fear. The impulses of fear have been completely disabled from my life. Irrespective of the situation, I’m bold and courageous, speaking the Word in faith. I am surrounded with favour, benefits and profits. This favour results in promotions, benefits, advantages, and uncountable blessings. I walk in favour. I recognize that I am specially loved and favoured by God. This favour of God qualifies me for things I didn’t work for. Houses that I didn’t build, wells that I didn’t dig, and infrastructure that I did not work for are granted to me. Eternal life is at work in me. It makes me master over circumstances. I have dominion over the world’s deplorable systems. I have dominion over Satan. I am superior to sicknesses and diseases. I am superior to defeat and depravities that affect the natural man. I live above this world and its corrupting influences. Every day of my life is full of God’s glory, beauty, excellence, and grace in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Speak in tongues.
Uncertainty now surrounds the future of Real Madrid’s dynamic winger, Vinicius Jr., as contract negotiations have reached an impasse. According to reports from respected sports outlet ESPN, discussions aimed at extending his stay have stalled. Presently under contract until June 2027, the 25-year-old reportedly earns close to €17 million net annually, including incentives. Vinicius’ camp was aiming for a fixed salary of €20 million per year, with additional performance-based bonuses that could elevate his earnings to €30 million. However, Madrid’s final proposal offered only the €20 million figure—with no room for the salary enhancers. So far, his representatives have declined the three-year extension through 2030. This wage negotiation deadlock has raised concerns about his long-term commitment to Los Blancos. Additional Context from Recent Reports
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has shared his opinion on Arsenal’s attacking selection, suggesting that manager Mikel Arteta will continue to rely on Kai Havertz over Viktor Gyokeres in crucial Premier League games this season. Gyokeres, who made a high-profile switch from Sporting CP to Arsenal this summer, started ahead of Havertz during the Gunners’ Premier League opener against Manchester United last Sunday. Despite his promising reputation, the Swedish international struggled to make an impact. According to match statistics, Gyokeres registered just 21 touches and failed to record a single shot on target before being substituted in the 60th minute. Arteta introduced Havertz, who added more control to Arsenal’s midfield and attacking transitions. The Gunners eventually secured a narrow 1-0 victory, courtesy of Riccardo Calafiori’s decisive strike. However, Carragher believes that Gyokeres’ underwhelming display may see him relegated to the bench, especially when Arsenal face stronger opposition. Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher predicted that Havertz’s tactical importance to Arteta would make him a guaranteed starter in high-pressure fixtures, particularly when Arsenal clash with Liverpool later this month. “If I’m being honest, I think Arsenal will return to Havertz in the big games,” Carragher stated. “I can see Gyokeres playing and scoring goals, especially against mid-table sides. Next week, they face Leeds, and he might feature again. But when it comes to the Liverpool match, I would be very surprised if Havertz is not in the starting XI. In Arteta’s eyes, Havertz is too valuable and influential to be sidelined on a regular basis.” This insight highlights the tactical dilemma facing Arsenal: balancing Gyokeres’ goal-scoring potential with Havertz’s experience and versatility. As the season unfolds, Arteta will likely rotate, but Carragher insists that in Arsenal’s biggest Premier League clashes, Havertz will remain the trusted option.
Manchester United icon, Wayne Rooney, has strongly advised the Red Devils to secure the signature of 26-year-old Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is currently unsettled at Paris Saint-Germain. According to Rooney, Donnarumma’s arrival at Old Trafford would inject much-needed stability, confidence, and calmness into United’s defensive structure — something the team has been missing in recent seasons. Rooney Draws Edwin van der Sar Comparison Speaking via his YouTube channel, the former England captain reflected on a familiar scenario from the past when legendary Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar joined Manchester United. At that time, Van der Sar replaced Roy Carroll and Tim Howard, whose inconsistent performances failed to earn full trust from the backline. Rooney explained: “I remember when we had Roy Carroll and Tim Howard in goal. There wasn’t complete trust from the defenders. But the moment Edwin van der Sar came in, everything changed. He calmed the defence, the players trusted him fully, and performance levels went up.” The Manchester United legend stressed that the same formula could work again if the club moved decisively to bring in Donnarumma, especially given current concerns around Andre Onana and Altay Bayındır. Why Rooney Thinks United Need Donnarumma Rooney highlighted that confidence between defenders and goalkeepers is crucial at the top level. He insisted that United’s defence currently lacks this trust with Onana and Bayındır, which is hurting performances on the pitch. “I think with Donnarumma, who is just 26 and already among the best keepers in the world, Manchester United would be making a mistake if they don’t act. It would be crazy not to go for him,” Rooney emphasized. Recent Errors Highlight Goalkeeping Concerns LMSINT MEDIA recalls that Manchester United’s latest Premier League clash against Arsenal highlighted these issues once again. An error from Altay Bayındır, who started in goal, contributed directly to United’s narrow loss to the Gunners. Although Bayındır argued that he was fouled by Arsenal defender William Saliba, the referee allowed the goal to stand, resulting in Manchester United’s first defeat of the season. Donnarumma’s PSG Situation Meanwhile, Donnarumma’s future at Paris Saint-Germain looks uncertain. PSG manager Luis Enrique has openly confirmed that the Italian goalkeeper is no longer central to his plans, and the 26-year-old has yet to commit to a new deal with the French champions. With his contract situation unresolved and his talent unquestionable, Wayne Rooney believes this is the perfect opportunity for Manchester United to swoop in and finally solve their goalkeeping instability.
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has openly admitted that the outcomes from the opening weekend of the English Premier League (EPL) 2025/2026 season have forced him to reconsider his earlier top-four prediction. On the first matchday, Liverpool sealed a 4-2 victory over Bournemouth, while reigning champions Manchester City comfortably beat Wolves 4-0. Meanwhile, Arsenal narrowly defeated Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford in a closely contested clash that attracted huge attention. Neville Rethinks Manchester United’s Prospects The result of Arsenal’s win at Old Trafford has led Neville to adjust his initial stance on how the season may unfold. Just a week earlier, the football pundit and Sky Sports analyst had predicted that United, under new management, would finish outside the top four—somewhere between sixth and eighth position. However, after carefully assessing United’s display against the Gunners, Neville now believes that his former club could surpass expectations. According to him, the performance, despite the loss, showed strong promise. “When I watched Manchester United against Arsenal, I thought the performance was very good, and I think they’ll still bring in a goalkeeper,” Neville told Sky Sports in his post-match analysis. He added: “If you bring a top goalkeeper into that squad, combined with their attacking options and the advantage of not playing European football this season, I genuinely think United will surprise people by finishing in the top four.” Neville emphasized that although the result was a defeat, his evaluation was based on performance levels, which he considers a more reliable long-term measure. “Last week, I had them placed between sixth and eighth, but I was impressed. Yesterday was a loss, but if they keep playing with that intensity, they’ll win plenty of games,” he explained. Who Will Win the Premier League Title? When pressed to pick his title favorites, Neville refrained from naming a clear frontrunner. Instead, he insisted that Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal all stand on equal ground in the race for the domestic crown. The Sky Sports pundit, however, suggested that a crucial signing could tilt the balance in Arsenal’s favor. Specifically, Neville highlighted the potential impact of Viktor Gyökeres, whose arrival could strengthen Arsenal’s attacking options. “I think Liverpool, City, and Arsenal all have an equal chance of winning the Premier League,” Neville said. He continued: “I won’t go as far as guaranteeing Arsenal the title, but I believe they have the right ingredients. They just need to solve their forward-line concerns, and if they manage to bring in Viktor Gyökeres, that could make the difference.” Final Thoughts Neville’s change of heart highlights how early-season performances can reshape expectations in football. While City and Liverpool remain strong contenders, Arsenal’s growing consistency and United’s promising performance despite defeat have already made the 2025/26 season look unpredictable.
Manchester City center-back Manuel Akanji may be headed to Galatasaray to reunite with teammate Victor Osimhen ahead of the upcoming season. Renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that the Turkish champions have initiated contact with Manchester City over Akanji’s availability. Eager to reinforce their defensive line-up this transfer window, Galatasaray views the Swiss international as a desirable addition to the center-back position. In parallel, the Istanbul side has also held discussions with Akanji’s agent, aiming to reach personal terms with the player. Still, Akanji must make a call regarding his future at City before the transfer window shuts in the approaching days. The 30-year-old Swiss featured on the bench during Manchester City’s 4–0 Premier League victory over Bournemouth but did not enter the match. With competition fierce—especially from John Stones, Rúben Dias, and emerging talent Abdukodir Khusanov—Akanji will need to finalize his decision shortly to determine his next chapter.
RB Leipzig’s attacking midfielder, Xavi Simons, is expected to finalize his highly anticipated transfer to Chelsea following his club’s Bundesliga opening clash against Bayern Munich on Friday. According to trusted Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, the current plan is for Simons to feature in RB Leipzig’s starting lineup against Bayern Munich before his move to the Premier League is officially completed. Reports confirm that the 22-year-old Dutch international is very close to sealing a long-term switch to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea Move Almost Certain The likelihood of Chelsea securing Xavi Simons is described as very high. Sources reveal that the player has already made it clear that his preferred destination is Chelsea. He has also reached an agreement on personal terms with the West London club, leaving only the final transfer agreement between Chelsea and RB Leipzig to be completed. Simons’ Commitment to Chelsea Despite strong transfer interest from other European giants, including Manchester City, Simons is said to be solely focused on joining Chelsea. The young midfielder is currently waiting for an official offer and a finalized deal between the two clubs before making the move to the Premier League. Career Journey So Far Xavi Simons has had an impressive journey in his career so far. He developed through the youth system of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) before making a name for himself at PSV Eindhoven. Following his return to PSG and a subsequent loan move to RB Leipzig, Simons has quickly established himself as one of the most promising attacking midfielders in Europe. With Chelsea keen to strengthen their squad under their new sporting project, Simons is expected to play a vital role in their midfield rebuild.

