uniBank Congratulates Dede On Record West Ham Move

Upon confirmation of his successful transfer from Welsh side, Swansea City, to London-based West Ham United for a club record fee, leading indigenous Ghanaian bank, uniBank has congratulated Dede ayew on his move.

In a post today, uniBank said it wished Ayew, who is its brand ambassador, well as he begins another journey in his football career.

Ayew completed a move to West Ham United on Monday in a club record fee of £20.5million.

The versatile striker/winger/attacking midfielder joins the Hammers on a three-year contract, with an additional two-year option, on the back of an exceptional debut Premier League season with Swansea City.

Boasting an equally impressive spell at Marseille on his CV, where he played alongside Dimitri Payet, along with goals at four major international tournaments for the Black Stars, the 26-year-old is now set to shine on the London Stadium stage.

He said: “I am very proud and happy to be at this magnificent Club. I am happy to be playing for these fans and I hope to make the people very happy here.

“The Club have a lot of ambition and have a great manager. They want to become a bigger Club every year and with the new Stadium and a new training ground, you can feel they are moving onto another level and I want to be part of this project.

“I want to train hard, do my job and show that I deserve to play for West Ham United. I want to give back to the manager and the fans the confidence they are showing me.”

Born in Seclin, northern France, in December 1989, Ayew had spells in Germany and Ghana as a youngster before making his professional breakthrough at Marseille – the same club that his father Abedi Pele starred for in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

He debuted for Marseille in 2007, and after spending time on loan with Lorient and Arles-Avignon, established himself as a regular on the scoresheet at Stade Velodrome from 2010 onwards.
In all, he scored 60 goals in 202 games for L’OM, many of them assisted by Payet, winning the Coupe de la Ligue and the Trophee des Champions twice apiece during his time in France.

An impressive 16 goals in 2011/12 included four in just nine European appearances and he has hit double figures in five of his last six campaigns.

Included in that is his impressive Premier League bow, where he scored at a rate of better than one every three games for the Swans, with his goals steering the Welsh club away from danger and to another year of Premier League safety.

Internationally Ayew has enjoyed great success, featuring for Ghana in four major tournaments – and scoring in all four.

He netted twice at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and followed that with three goals at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations to claim that tournament’s Golden Boot.

A two-time Africa Cup of Nations runner-up and FIFA U20 World Cup winner, Ayew has scored eleven goals in 67 senior caps for the Black Stars.

Ayew became a uniBank ambassador this year following a deal in June.

In an official signing ceremony, the bank said he was he expected to “use his image and value as a player to help boost the image of the indigenous bank outside the shores of Ghana.”

Chief Operating Officer of uniBank, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor Jnr, added they’re looking forward to a fruitful relationship with the former Swansea City player.

uniBank Congratulates Dede On Record West Ham Move

Official: Andre Ayew Joins Westham For a Club Record Fee

Ghanaian international Andre Ayew has joined West Ham from Swansea City on a four-year deal, the club confirmed on Friday

West Ham said Ayew, 26, had joined for a club-record fee, reported to be £20 million

“I am very proud and happy to be at this magnificent Club. I am happy to be playing for these fans and I hope to make the people very happy here,” Ayew told West Ham’s website.

“The club have a lot of ambition and have a great manager. They want to become a bigger club every year and with the new Stadium and a new training ground, you can feel they are moving onto another level and I want to be part of this project.

“I want to train hard, do my job and show that I deserve to play for West Ham United. I want to give back to the manager and the fans the confidence they are showing me.”

The move comes on the same day that the Hammers announced the signing of Olympiakos left back Arthur Masuaka in the region of £6 million.

Official: Andre Ayew Joins Westham For a Club Record Fee

Ayew"s Stunner Aids Swans" Heavy Win

Black Stars deputy skipper, Andre Ayew, scored a screamer of a goal for his club side in a heavy preseason win over Bristol City.

The talismanic Swans attacker powered home a pile driver to open the scoring for the Welsh side in a 5-1 thumping of the Championship side.

The 26-year-old endured a nightmare start to his off-season with an indifferent display in a 2-0 defeat to USL side Richmond Killers.

The ex-Marseille forward  shone in his debut season in English football to spark a transfer tussle among various clubs after just one season at the Liberty Stadium.

Francesco Guidolen has been vocal in his quest to keep hold of his talisman with just three weeks to the start of the new Premier League season.

Ayew"s Stunner Aids Swans" Heavy Win

Amartey On Target In Leicester City Cup Win

Ghana defender, Daniel Amartey, came off the bench to snatch the winner for Leicester City in their preseason cup win over Glasgow Celtic.

The Foxes’ centre-back scored the winning spot kick in a 6-5 win over their Scottish opponents in the International  Championship Cup.

The talented former Inter Allies and Copenhagen defensive stalwart came on in the latter stages of the game and ended up winning the game for the reigning English champions.

Amartey landed himself the much coveted Premier League winners’ medal with just 5 matches under his belt in his maiden season at the King Power Stadium.

Compatriot, Jeff Schlupp, a reported target for the Baggies, came on in the second department of the eventful 1-1 thriller against the Scotts.

Amartey will be hoping for an involving season at the King Power Stadium with six trophies at stake.

Amartey On Target In Leicester City Cup Win

England: Chelsea Scout Black Stars Winger

Black Stars vice captain, Andre Dede Ayew, has emerged as a surprise target for new Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte, after ruling out any big money arrival.

The Italian trainer singled-out the Liberty Stadium fan favorite  as the man to add fire power to his attacking department, ahead of an imminent season of intense competition.

Andre Ayew took the 2015/16 Premiership season by storm on his arrival at Welsh side, Swansea City FC and, looks destined to open a new chapter in his career after his stellar show in his first season in top flight English football.

The former Olympique Marseille attacker registered 11 goals for the Swans, including an opening strike at Stamford Bridge away to the Blues.

New trainer for the West London side, Conte, ruled out any mega-money arrival at the 2012 Champions League winners in favor of the Ghana international.

Swansea have already cushioned themselves ahead of the season with the capture of Cameroon forward, Benjamin Moukanjou, from the French Ligue 1.

England: Chelsea Scout Black Stars Winger

England: Jordan Ayew Nets For Aston Villa

Rampant Jordan Ayew extended his fine scoring run in off-season with another beauty in a 1-2 win for Aston  Villa.

The 24-year-old attacker registered his third pre-season goal for the relegated side  to add to his goal tally ahead of the 2016/17 European season.

Jordan powered home a pile driver in the 81st minute to draw his side level against Telford United before locating Ally Cissokho  for the match winner right on the stroke of full-time.

The Ghanaian looks set to stay at the Villa Park in their quest to make an instant return to the top flight amidst endless  inquiries about his availability.

The former Olympique Marseille forward opened his pre-season account with a powerful brace for Roberto Di Matteo’s men and could be their star man in the Championship as they seek instant promotion to the premiership.

England: Jordan Ayew Nets For Aston Villa

ENGLAND: Sam Allardyce To Replace Roy Hodgson

Celebrated English trainer, Sam Allardyce is set to replace the departed Roy Hodgson  as the next manager after leaving his team’s preseason programme in Austria.

The veteran trainer cut short his preseason schedule with Sunderland on the back of a concrete offer from the English FA.

Sam remained the only English coach in the race and has already expressed his readiness to work with the expected  new coaching staff of The Three Lions.

The Sunderland boss returned home for a scheduled meeting with the high ranking officials of the Football Association, led by its chairman.

“Big Sam”, as he is popularly known, will reportedly shake off competition  from Jurgen Klinsman, Roberto Mancini and Glenn Hoddle.

The FA however hinted at appointing Gareth Southgate as the interim manager if  their search extends into September.

If appointed, the 61-year-old Allardyce will be tasked with booking a place for the Three Lions in the next FIFA World Cup; Russia 2018.

Roy Hodgson stepped down after the English  National team were bundled out of the just-ended Euros by Iceland.

ENGLAND: Sam Allardyce To Replace Roy Hodgson

Albert Adomah Dazzles As Boro Run Riot.

Black Stars forward Albert Adomah excelled in the opening preseason fixture for Middleborough in a 6-0 thumping of York City.

The London born Ghana international registered a goal an assist to get his 2016/17 off to a flier.

The 28 year old extended his impeccable form at the tail end of last season into the off season program for the newly qualified premiership side.

Adomah unselfishly spotted Carlos De Pena for the opening goal of the game 19 minutes after kick off before finishing a solo run of his own.

The inspired Riverside fan’s favourite came close to doubling his personal tally soon after his first of the day but has the goal post to blame.

Second half brace from Jordan Rhodes and Adam Reach completed the 6-0 thumping of the league one side by the premiership returnees.

Aitor Karanke’s charges booked a place in the top tier of English football after a fantastic season in the championship and has since scheduled series of preseason matches to fine tune their preparation for the upcoming campaign.

Adomah registered 9 goals in 46 appearances for the Teesiders en route to their qualification.

Albert Adomah Dazzles As Boro Run Riot.

Conte To Take Charge At Chelsea On July 10

Antonio Conte clearly doesn’t waste time feeling sorry for himself, and that’s good news for Chelsea, who can finally start to plan for the upcoming season now that their new boss is no longer the manager of Italy.

Conte led the Azzurri into the Euro 2016 finals knowing that he would leave for Chelsea once his side had been eliminated.

That elimination came at the hands of Germany, who progressed to the semis on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw in Bordeaux on Saturday night.

Speaking after the game, Conte seemed bullish as he spoke about his future with Chelsea.

Conte also said that he would begin work with his new club after taking seven days off, effectively announcing his Chelsea start date as Sunday July 10.

That is six days before the Blues play their first pre-season friendly – against Rapid Vienna on Saturday July 16. Another game in Austria – against WAC RZ Pellets four days later – is followed by a trip to America, where the Blues face Liverpool, Real Madrid and AC Milan.

He said: “My future is to go back to working at club level, my future is Chelsea. In a few days’ time the new season will begin. To be honest I’d have liked not to have had a single day’s holiday, that would have meant going forward to the final of the Euros and moving forward.

“Now I will take seven days off, I will try and shift a bit of this disappointment at going out of the competition, before then taking the reigns at Chelsea. I know it will be a significant difficult challenge but that is the sort of challenge I relish.”

Conte To Take Charge At Chelsea On July 10

Leicester City Signs Lig 1 Midfielder

Leicester City have completed the signing of midfielder Nampalys Mendy from Nice on a four-year contract.

The 24-year-old arrives at the King Power Stadium for an undisclosed fee, having helped his former club to a fourth-placed finish in Ligue 1 last season.

Mendy previously worked under Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri at Monaco and becomes the Premier League champions’ third senior signing of the close-season, following the arrivals of Ron-Robert Zieler and Luis Hernandez.

“I am very happy to come to Leicester City,” he told the club’s official website. “The team have just enjoyed a great season and it’s excellent to be here.

“For me I want to play at this level. I like the Premier League and I follow every match. It’s fast and physical and I want to impose myself on the league.

“I know the coach, I know his mentality and I know his philosophy. When he speaks it’s direct and clear and for me I like this.”

Mendy, whose move is subject to Premier League and Football Association approval, made 121 appearances for Nice over three seasons and has been capped at youth level for France.

Leicester City Signs Lig 1 Midfielder

Amartey Admits EPL Pressure

Leicester City versatile defender, Daniel Amartey has admitted pressure adapting to life as an English Premiership player.

Amartey signed for the 2015-16 premiership champions from Danish side, FC Copenhagen in the January transfer window of the previous ended season.

The 22-year-old had a mixed season after making just seven League appearances but was enough to warrant him a premier league winner medal for Claudio Ranieri’s side.

The defender who is yet to join the rest of the squad on training ahead of the new season in an interview with Starr FM, acknowledged the pressure trying to adapt to the League.

“It’s not easy to play in the English premier league but with discipline you can excel. It is one of the toughest Leagues in the World,” he told Starr FM.

“Every player in the League is good and the teams play good football, so I will say is very difficult playing there.”

Amartey Admits EPL Pressure

Press Release: uniBank Congratulates Schlupp and Amartey on EPL Success

The official bank of the Ghana Black Stars, uniBank has sent via a letter their congratulatory message to Ghana Black Stars duo, Jeffrey Schlupp and Daniel Amartey.

Jeffrey Schlupp celebrates with the EPL trophy

The pair won the 2015/16 English Premier League (EPL) title with Leicester City after been tagged outside favourite to win the coveted crown.

The letter addressed to the national players individually read as, “as the official bank of the Black stars, we want to take this unique opportunity to congratulate you for being part of the proud Leicester City Football Club to win the 2015/2016 English Premier League!”

Daniel Amartey poses with the EPL trophy as Leicester City were crowned Champions

The letter added, “your singular efforts, no doubt, played a key role in the historic feat ever witnessed in the annals of  the EPL. As a proud Ghanaian-owned Bank supporting the Black Stars, we are proud of you as a member of the amazing EPL Champions and the Black Stars!

Congratulations  on the big achievement! Enjoy your success today, and look forward to a great future.

Press Release: uniBank Congratulates Schlupp and Amartey on EPL Success

Jeffrey Schlupp Named Leicester City"s Young Player of The Season

Ghanaian Black Stars versatile midfielder, Jeffrey Schlupp has been named for a second year in running, Leicester City’s best young player of the 2015/16 season.

The Ghana international began the season at left back before progressing into a midfield role later in the campaign – having a strong impact on City’s season despite a three-month injury absence.

The 21-year-old has developed under Claudio Ranieri this season and proved able in the final games leading up to the title triumph.

The academy graduate scooped the award beating off competition from colleagues, Demarai Gray and Ben Chilwell.

Jeffrey Schlupp Named Leicester City"s Young Player of The Season

Revealed: Leicester City"s League Position For 2016/17 Season

Leicester City will record a respectable seventh-placed finish in next season’s Premier League, according to Football Manager.

A simulation conducted on the popular video game has predicted the Foxes to finish the season on 59 points, with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City dethroning them as champions.

Jamie Vardy will have another goal-laden season, bagging 18 times and finishing the campaign in the top flight team of the year alongside England teammate Harry Kane.

Despite failing to retain their title, they will enjoy home wins over Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Leicester will also hit newly promoted Brighton for six at the King Power.

Foxes manager Claudio Ranieri will start the season with five signings – Ajax’s Joel Veltman, Diego Rolan of Bordeaux, Kwadwo Asamoah of Juventus, River Plate defender Emmanuel Mammana and Walsall teenager Rico Henry.

Ahead of Leicester, Arsenal will finish second, with Chelsea third and Tottenham fourth.

Brighton, Burnley and Swansea will be relegated.

Revealed: Leicester City"s League Position For 2016/17 Season

Revealed: How United Can Sack Van Gaal

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal would be in line for a £5million pay-out if the club chose to sack him this summer.

The Dutch coach’s future at Old Trafford remains uncertain and details of the cost of getting rid of him this summer have now leaked.

Louis Van Gaal waves at the Old Trafford crowd as he walks to take his seat for a premier league game

United would continue to pay two-thirds of Van Gaal’s salary of around £8m for the final year of his contract if they decide to end his two-year spell in the hot seat.

That year-long pay-out would be halted if 64-year-old was to take another job, the Timeshave reported, but Van Gaal has already stated that United will be his last management role.

Jose Mourinho is eyeing the Manchester United job since he was sacked by Chelsea

Jose Mourinho is in line to replace the under-fire boss but his wage demands would be significantly higher than his predecessor.

Promoting assistant boss Ryan Giggs would offer a cheaper alternative but United are not considering the cost of Van Gaal’s exit in their decisions over whether he is the right man to lead them next season.

Van Gaal currently earns around £8m per year, including a Champions League qualification bonus which he earned with last season’s fourth-place finish in the Barclays Premier League.

In addition, the United boss can pick up £1.5m for winning the Premier League or Champions League while the Europa League, FA Cup and Capital One Cup provide smaller bonuses.

Revealed: How United Can Sack Van Gaal

Chelsea Unveil 2017 Kit

Chelsea have unveiled the adidas shirt which will be worn as new manager Antonio Conte begins his Stamford Bridge rebuild next season.

Chelsea’s 2017 premier league home kit

The new design, priced at £90 even without name and number printing, will be donned by the Blues for the first time in their last game of the season against Leicester City – despite a mixed reaction from fans.

Diego Costa model in new Chelsea kit

Chelsea’s £200million sponsorship deal with Yokohama Tyres continues to offer the main feature across the centre of the shirt, while the detail on the front includes a pattern of the rampant lion taken from their badge leading some critics to label it as looking like a ‘pyjama top’.

Gary Cahill model in Chelsea’s new kit

The replica edition of the shirt will cost £55, with child-sized versions available for £45.

Adidas say their new v-neck offering: ‘Presents the proud traditions of the club’s heritage as well as a determined mission to strive to be the best.’

Oscar

The sports clothing manufacturer’s famous three-stripe design moves from the shoulders of the shirt to be placed under the arm – a move set to be followed by plenty of the world’s top clubs in their unveilings this summer.

The famous brand’s design efforts have not pleased everyone though, with plenty of fans criticising the cost of the shirt as well as its look.

Chelsea Unveil 2017 Kit

Jose Mourinho congratulates Claudio Ranieri

Jose Mourinho has issued a statement congratulating Claudio Ranieri and Leicester on their historic Premier League title win.

Leicester were confirmed as English champions following Tottenham’s 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Spurs had looked like taking the title race to the penultimate weekend of the season when they went two goals up but second-half strikes from Gary Cahill and Eden Hazard ended the North London club’s slim hopes of catching Leicester.

Claudio Ranieri celebrates his first ever league crown as a head coach

Mourinho, whose former side in drawing with Spurs finally surrendered their status as champions, told CAA Sports: “I want to congratulate everyone connected to Leicester; players, staff, owners and fans.

“I lost my title to Claudio Ranieri and it is with incredible emotion that I live this magic moment in his career.”

Mourinho replaced Ranieri as Chelsea manager in 2004 because Blues owner Roman Abramovich believed the Italian wasn’t capable of delivering the title to Stamford Bridge.

Speaking 12 years on, after his Leicester side were confirmed as champions, Ranieri hailed his players, who were last summer a 5,000/1 long shot to end the season as title winners.

“I’m so proud. The players have been fantastic,” he said. “Their focus, their determination, their spirit has made this possible.

Jose Mourinho congratulates Claudio Ranieri

Welbeck Goal Spares Wenger Fans Frustration

Danny Welbeck spared Arsene Wenger’s blushes as Arsenal deepened Norwich’s relegation fears amid fan protests with a 1-0 win at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

It took Welbeck just three minutes to seal victory for Wenger on the Frenchman’s 750th Premier League game at the club, rifling home Olivier Giroud’s knock down on 59 minutes.

Disgruntled supporters voiced their concern at the club’s stagnation on 12 and 78 minutes of the Saturday Night Football clash, but they were in the minority as most fans in the stadium declined to join in.

For Norwich, defeat sees them remain 19th in the table and staring relegation in the face after positive results for Newcastle and Sunderland earlier on Saturday.

Arsenal, meanwhile, leapfrog Manchester City into third and move to within two points of north London rivals Tottenham.

Welbeck Goal Spares Wenger Fans Frustration

Manchester United Close in Dutch Sensation

Dutch sensation Tahith Chong has revealed that he is close to signing for Manchester United.

Old Trafford chiefs have been following Chong’s progress after impressing them in Feyenoord’s Under-17 side, report the Manchester Evening News.

Feyenoord Midfielder, Tahith Chong

The 16-year-old featured at the Premier Cup event which was held at the club’s Carrington training complex last summer.

Tahith Chong

A number of Premier League clubs including City, Arsenal and Chelsea had reportedly been monitoring the promising striker.

Chong revealed earlier in the year that he was considering whether or not to remain at the Eredivisie outfit, but it appears that United’s impressive facilities have convinced the forward that his future lies in Manchester.

“It was my intention to stay at Feyenoord, but no plan was made for me,” he told Elf Voetbal.

“When I said I wanted to leave, they made a plan. That was too late.

“At Manchester United I had a better feeling.

“You can feel it immediately when you walk in a club.”

Manchester United Close in Dutch Sensation

Southampton goalkeeper Flattered By Chelsea Link

Southampton keeper Fraser Forster has admitted he is flattered by Chelsea’s interest in him.

Reports in the UK revealed earlier this month that the Blues have the giant 28-year-old in their sights if Belgian Thibaut Courtois decides he wants to leave this summer.

Forster has just two years left on his current contract at Southampton and has yet to sign a new deal.

Reflecting on Chelsea’s interest he said: “I think it is a compliment in many ways because if you are being linked with teams then you are obviously doing the right things.

“I’m just concentrating on the day-to-day business here at the club and then hopefully I can have a good summer with England.”

Real Madrid want Courtois who spent three seasons on loan with rivals Atletico before returning to his parent club Chelsea two years ago.

Southampton goalkeeper Flattered By Chelsea Link