Sports
Villa Trade Luiz To Juve
Juventus say they have reached an agreement with Aston Villa over a deal for Douglas Luiz.
The signing of the 23-year-old midfielder will see Juve’s Enzo Barrenechea and Samuel Iling-Junior move in the opposite direction to Villa Park. Juventus are reported to be paying around 50m euros (£42.3m) for Luiz, while the club said they will receive 22m euros (£18.5m) from Villa for the two players going the other way, plus a further 3m euros (£2.5m) linked to bonuses.
Luiz will undergo a medical while on a training camp with Brazil next week, Juventus said in a statement.
Weston McKennie was initially involved in the deal but the United States international’s wages became a stumbling block at the start of the week and it ultimately proved impossible to finalise a deal.
Argentine Barrenechea was relegated from Serie A last season while on loan at Frosinone and has made five appearances for Juventus, while England Under-21 international Iling-Junior, who came through Chelsea’s academy, played 27 times for Juve last term.
Aston Villa Women and Switzerland striker Alisha Lehmann will also move to Juventus.
Villa are expected to need to sell players this summer to comply with profit and sustainability (PSR) rules, having reported a loss of £119m in their accounts up to 31 May 2023.
Villa have already sold midfielder Tim Iroegbunam to Everton for a reported £9m, while Chelsea are closing in on signing attacking midfielder Omari Kellyman for a reported £19m.
That expectation comes despite the club qualifying for the Champions League after finishing fourth last season.
Villa voted against the introduction of PSR rules, which came into force in 2015-16, which permit losses of up to £105m in a three-year spell for Premier League clubs.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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