Portuguese club Boavista have announced the signing of Nigeria midfielder Ibrahim Alhassan.

Alhassan linked up with Boavista from the Belgian second-division club, Beerschot.

The former Flying Eagles star, who penned a two-year contract, is the club’s first summer signing.

The 27-year-old previously played in Portugal for CD Nacional between 2018 and 2022.

He is now the third Nigerian at Boavista, with Chidozie Awaziem and Bruno Onyemaechi also key parts of the squad.

“I am very happy. Signing for Boavista was an easy decision, firstly because I know how great the club is and also because I have already played in Portugal, which I consider to be my second home,” the 27-year-old said.

“I am very excited about this challenge and I can’t wait to meet my new teammates and start this adventure.

“I usually play as a defensive midfielder, but last season I often played in central defence. I am a team player and I am always available to help my teammates, whatever the position.”

Chelsea announced on Thursday evening that their Director of Football Development and Operations, Neil Bath, has decided to step down and leave Stamford Bridge after more than 30 years at the club.

The Premier League west London club disclosed this in a statement on their website.

Neil has built a richly deserved reputation as one of the leading developers of youth football and coaching talent across the world for the past three decades.

His legacy extends well beyond the gates of Chelsea Football Club, with a vast alumni of players and coaches whose careers across the continent have flourished due to Neil’s influence.

Speaking to the club website, Neil said he intended to rest and have some time away from the game.

He said: “After 30 years working at Chelsea, I feel it is the right time for me to have some time off and take a break from a job that I have put so much time into.

“I intend to rest and have some time away from the game, however, I will continue working over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition for the organisation.”

Former England manager Sam Allardyce has asked Portugal coach Roberto Martinez to drop Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench for Portugal’s quarterfinal game against France.

He said the 39-year-old is now a liability for Portugal at Euro 2024.

Ronaldo only needs to redeem his image at the tournament in Germany, as he has struggled to impress for his nation.

Allardyce, a former Bolton Wanderers and Newcastle boss, told William Hill and Footy accumulator’s podcast on No Tippy Tappy Football: “Given the talent that Portugal have in their squad, I think they’ve been quite disappointing. They’ve got so much talent and so much ability on the ball, but they’re having to carry Ronaldo now.

“Even though he is still very fit for his age, he simply doesn’t have the same energy levels anymore. The other players have to carry him and they’re good enough to do it, but he still hasn’t scored yet. Roberto Martínez won’t be brave enough to drop Ronaldo.”

Spain and Man City defensive midfielder Rodri said he has been impressed by Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella’s performances at the ongoing Euro 2024 in Germany.

Both players are representing Spain at the tournament and the midfielder says he is in awe of his teammate’s form.

Spain has emerged as the favourite to win the trophy, having been in exceptional form at the 2024 European Championships, winning every single fixture so far.

Rodri and Cucurella have featured in three of their four fixtures.

Rodri told El Partidazo de Cope, as quoted by Metro: “I know them all but, the level that Cucurella is showing.

“I already knew him but the level he is showing in a context like this in a Euro Cup, he is helping us a lot, especially defensively, with the character he has. I am loving it and I hope he continues at this level.”

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo could face punishment from UEFA amid accusations of ‘ambush marketing’ during their Euro 2024 clash against Slovenia.

Ronaldo’s heart rate data after the last 16 fixtures was published by the wearable fitness technology company, WHOOP.

WHOOP has Ronaldo as an investor and a brand ambassador.

The 39-year-old could be seen wearing a WHOOP device under a bandage on his left wrist, from which the company obtained his heart rate data.

Ronaldo and WHOOP are not official UEFA sponsors at Euro 2024.

The ex-head of global sponsorships at Visa and Coca-Cola, Ricardo Fort, has now urged UEFA to fine them over the incident.

“This chart has been circulating today,” Fort wrote on X.

“Cristiano and WHOOP is ambush marketing to Euro 2024. It is illegal and both the player and the company should be fined.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said England’s momentum at Euro 2024 may just have swung in the right direction, following their 2-1 win over Slovakia in the last 16.

The Three Lions appeared to be heading out of the tournament as they trailed 1-0 in the game.

But Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick a few seconds before full-time levelled the match, before Harry Kane grabbed the winner in extra time.

England will now play Switzerland in their quarter-final tie in Dusseldorf on Sunday.

Speaking to ESPN, Arteta said: “You never know. I think the Euros started [properly] on Sunday and we have to wait and see how it develops. But momentum-wise, it [Bellingham’s goal] was a big moment for England. Big, big moment.

“I think that is going to reunite everybody. When you see yourself almost out, that puts a different context and perspective onto things. Everybody wants to be in it; that’s the reality so let’s see what happens.”

Former England striker Alan Shearer has advised Gareth Southgate to drop two players for their Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland.

The Three Lions finished top of Group C despite poor performances against Serbia, Denmark and Slovakia.

Southgate’s men then produced a dramatic comeback to see off Slovakia in the Round of 16.

Shearer has now warned that England will need to improve to get past a Switzerland side that knocked out European champions Italy.

He has now urged Southgate to drop Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka for Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer.

“I can see what Gareth Southgate is trying to do, but I would much prefer if we were more balanced on the left-hand side, hence me wanting Anthony Gordon on that side because I don’t think the Phil Foden thing has worked there,” Shearer told Betfair.

“I understand they are unbalanced because of Kieran Trippier having to play at left-back, he’s going to have to change again because Guehi is suspended.

“I think Phil Foden has been unlucky, he hasn’t looked comfortable in the system England want to play. That left-hand side hasn’t looked right, we haven’t got in behind anywhere near enough on that side.

“His game is he wants to come inside and someone comes on the overlap. That’s been difficult for England to do with the lack of a left-footer in Trippier. So, he has been unlucky.”