Stay updated with the latest sports news from TigerSport. Get real-time updates, expert analysis, player insights, and breaking headlines across football, basketball, and more.
Former FIFA World Cup winner Christian Karembeu believes the new Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Professional League is the critical next step to close the gap between Pacific football and the rest of the world. Karembeu stated that witnessing Auckland City's performance against Boca Juniors reinforced his view that introducing professional football across Oceania will be revolutionary for the region. Karembeu highlighted the Pacific's abundance of natural athletic talent and argued that the new Pro League, with its professional coaches and managers, can rapidly develop amateur players into world-class competitors. He cited the success of the All Blacks rugby team in developing talent from Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji as a model, showing how raw talent can be transformed into superstars within a professional environment. Pointing to his own career, Tim Cahill's, and Marko Stamenic's as examples of players with Pacific heritage excelling at the highest level, Karembeu stated that Pacific players have always possessed talent but lacked the necessary professional guidance. He emphasized that the new league will educate players on essential professional aspects: how to train, recover, eat, understand intensity and quality, and maintain discipline regarding routines and lifestyle choices. Karembeu stressed that the new league requires quality managers, coaches, and experts across all areas of a professional sports organization (HR, accommodation, transport). He explained the fundamental shift from amateurism, where players "can do whatever they want," to professionalism, which demands specific behaviours and sacrifices; those unwilling to make these sacrifices "do not belong." He concluded by noting that the respectful and humble nature of Pacific players will aid their transition into professional football. Additionally, he asserted they "will also not be intimidated, because in the islands we are all warriors."
Views 5227Likes 3691
Bayern Munich continues its search for a left winger after failing to secure targets Florian Wirtz, Nico Williams, Bradley Barcola, and Jamie Gittens. Reports from The Athletic, via Arsenal correspondents, indicate that Gabriel Martinelli is among the potential candidates Bayern are considering for the left-wing position, although talks have not advanced beyond initial interest. The article notes that while Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta values Martinelli, a sale could become feasible if it enables Arsenal to pursue one of their own remaining transfer targets. The report also highlights the common transfer market tactic where a selling club might leak or fabricate interest from another club to increase a player's price. It suggests Arsenal could potentially be using Bayern's reported interest in Martinelli to facilitate a move for their own target, possibly Real Madrid's Rodrygo Goes. The piece concludes by emphasizing the inherent unpredictability of transfer rumors.
Views 5570Likes 5040
AC Milan are firmly rejecting any possibility of selling Portuguese winger Rafael Leao, following reports from France suggesting Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are preparing an approach for the highly-rated forward. The club, based on reports from Gazzetta.it via MilanNews24, has absolutely no intention of parting ways with the 26-year-old player. Milan consider Leao a vital component of their team. Despite French publication L'Equipe reporting PSG's interest, new head coach Massimiliano Allegri and sporting director Igli Tare are both determined to retain their star player. There is a firm belief within the club that Allegri, known for his track record in developing talent, specifically wants the Portuguese international to be central to ushering in a new era for AC Milan. To solidify Leao's future and end transfer speculation, sporting director Igli Tare will work on securing a new long-term contract for the former Lille and Sporting player.
Views 5893Likes 3450
Jordan Henderson has joined Brentford on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract after leaving Ajax. The 35-year-old England midfielder expressed his determination to prove he can still compete in the Premier League, stating he still has the "fire" to return to what he considers "the best league in the world." He described the move as a "big challenge" he is keen on, and said speaking with Brentford made it an "easy decision." Henderson, the former Liverpool title-winning captain, left Anfield in 2023 for a controversial spell with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq before moving to Ajax. At Brentford, he is reuniting with former Liverpool teammates Caoimhin Kelleher, Sepp van den Berg, and Fabio Carvalho, which he finds helpful for settling in. He also mentioned playing against new Brentford boss Keith Andrews during his early career at Sunderland as another reason for joining. Looking ahead, Henderson will face his boyhood club Sunderland at the end of August and return to play against Liverpool in October. While acknowledging both clubs mean a lot to him and that he owes Sunderland and Liverpool a debt, he stated clearly that "when I’m playing against them there’s no friends."
Views 5829Likes 2726
Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke, signed from Bournemouth last summer for a significant fee, has yet to consistently showcase his best form for the club, partly due to injury issues. There is hope that new head coach Thomas Frank can help Solanke kickstart his Spurs career in the upcoming season. Tottenham is actively looking to strengthen its forward line this summer, evidenced by the £55 million signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, with other potential targets like Morgan Gibbs-White being considered before the transfer window closes. Chairman Daniel Levy is showing backing for Frank through these signings. Solanke appears receptive to this influx of attacking talent, which could benefit him. However, he maintains strong links to his former Bournemouth teammates, as shown by him liking an Instagram post from Mark Travers after Travers signed for Everton from Bournemouth. While Solanke showed flashes of excellence in his debut Spurs season, fans and the club expect more. The club hopes he can replicate his impressive final Bournemouth season (21 goals, 4 assists in all competitions) while wearing Tottenham white, especially if further quality attacking players join the squad.
Views 3208Likes 208
Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the 2024-25 Roshn Saudi League Fans' Player of the Season. This announcement comes nearly two months after the season concluded. Despite some fan criticism due to Al-Nassr finishing third in the league and failing to win any trophies, Ronaldo secured the award based on his outstanding individual performances. He received 15 Man of the Match awards and finished as the league's top scorer with 25 goals in 30 games. Following uncertainty about his future, the 40-year-old recently signed a two-year contract extension with Al-Nassr. The club subsequently appointed a new head coach, Jorge Jesus (formerly of Al-Hilal), on July 14. Reports indicate Ronaldo significantly influenced his fellow Portuguese manager's decision to accept the role. Ronaldo's impact at Al-Nassr over two seasons is substantial, with 93 goals and 19 assists in 105 appearances across all competitions. He now has 938 career goals and aims to reach, or come close to, the 1,000-goal milestone during his new contract. Achieving this would mean playing until age 42 by the 2026-27 season. His performances show no signs of decline, and he also aims to win the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr in the coming seasons.
Views 4043Likes 3486
Dani Ceballos, a midfielder for Real Madrid, has publicly expressed his desire to return to his former club Real Betis amid uncertainty about his future at Real Madrid, despite having two years remaining on his contract. Ceballos served as a valued rotation and backup player under manager Carlo Ancelotti, but he has seen limited opportunities under Xabi Alonso, highlighted by just four substitute appearances totaling 70 minutes during the FIFA Club World Cup tournament, indicating a potentially frustrating path ahead. The departures of key midfielders like Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić have not created openings for Ceballos due to intense competition, with Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouameni, and Arda Güler all ahead of him in the pecking order. Ceballos, who began his career at Real Betis before joining Real Madrid in 2017 and spending two seasons on loan at Arsenal, emphasized Betis as his "home" and expressed hope that the door remains open for a return, citing the club's consistent top-seven finishes in La Liga since 2020, their recent UEFA Conference League final appearance, and their upcoming participation in the Europa League as strong attractions. Discussions regarding his future with Real Madrid have not yet taken place, but Ceballos confirmed they are scheduled to occur after the current week, stating, "We'll talk about the future after this week. There haven't been any meetings yet." Additionally, he aims for a strong club season to secure a spot in Spain's national team for the 2026 World Cup, having earned 13 caps with limited appearances since 2023.
Views 4447Likes 4446
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham will undergo surgery on his left shoulder in London on Wednesday, according to ESPN sources, with an expected recovery period sidelining him for 10 to 12 weeks. Bellingham has struggled with a recurring shoulder injury since joining Madrid, including a dislocation during a match against Rayo Vallecano in November 2023. He initially chose rehabilitation to stay on the pitch, but this prevented full recovery. After playing through the Club World Cup, he decided on surgery, citing discomfort with the brace and a desire to regain full shoulder health. Since transferring from Borussia Dortmund in 2023, Bellingham played a key role in Real Madrid's LaLiga and Champions League double win in his debut season, scoring 15 goals and providing 15 assists across 58 appearances. With Real Madrid's LaLiga campaign starting under new coach Xabi Alonso against Osasuna on August 19, Bellingham is projected to return in early October, missing around eight league games and the beginning of the Champions League group stage.
Views 4492Likes 4489
Paris Saint-Germain's season concluded with a defeat to Chelsea in the Club World Cup final on Sunday night. Despite this loss, the article emphasizes that the season remains historic due to the club's Champions League victory. It then invites readers to test their knowledge by taking a 10-question quiz about PSG's 2024-2025 season. The article concludes by prompting readers to see their quiz results and lists several related articles: reactions to manager Luis Enrique's "outburst", how Chelsea ended his "incredible streak", and video highlights of the PSG-Chelsea final. A final note states the article was translated from French by Artificial Intelligence, with a link to the original version.
Views 4815Likes 4038
The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to a four-year, $94 million contract extension with right guard Trey Smith, making him the highest-paid interior offensive lineman in NFL history. The deal includes $70 million guaranteed, also a record for an NFL guard. Smith was the final player remaining on the franchise tag this year. The Chiefs applied the tag on February 28th to prevent him from becoming a free agent, committing to a one-year, $23.4 million deal while continuing negotiations. Both parties reached the long-term agreement before Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline for franchised players to sign such contracts. With this deal, no players will play the 2024 season under the franchise tag for the first time since 2015. Retaining Smith completes the Chiefs' major offseason objective of revamping their offensive line to better protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who publicly celebrated the extension. Smith, a first-time Pro-Bowler last season, will be a core part of the projected starting offensive line. The Chiefs also used their first-round draft pick on left tackle Josh Simmons to address this key need. The deal comes after the NFL set the salary cap higher than anticipated at $279.2 million. To create cap space, the Chiefs recently traded All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears, freeing up $16 million. Smith's contract means the Chiefs are now the only team paying multiple interior offensive linemen at least $50 million guaranteed. Smith, 26, joined the Chiefs as a sixth-round pick in 2021 despite concerns about his medical history involving blood clots. He has proven exceptionally dependable, starting 80 of 81 possible games, including the Chiefs' past four postseason runs, and is known for his athleticism and tenacity.
Views 4944Likes 3177
Terrance Ferguson, a rookie tight end for the Los Angeles Rams, married his high school sweetheart, Sophia Ferguson (maiden name Meyer), this weekend at Spruce Mountain in Larkspur, Colorado. The ceremony was attended by family, friends, and former Oregon Ducks teammates, including notable athletes such as Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (a close friend), Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Patrick Herbert, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jeffrey Bassa, and former Oregon quarterback Ty Thompson. The wedding took place on a 450-acre ranch an hour outside of Denver, reflecting the couple's strong ties to Colorado; Ferguson attended Heritage High School in Littleton, while Sophia went to a nearby school. Ferguson proposed to Sophia in July of last year during a trip to Telluride in Western Colorado, presenting her with a ring from Happy Jewelers, an Orange County-based jeweler known for working with athletes and celebrities. In an Instagram post about the proposal, Ferguson quoted Bible verses (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) emphasizing love's virtues. Dillon Gabriel shared enthusiastic praise for the wedding on Instagram, highlighting Ferguson's speeches and dance moves, and attended the rehearsal dinner the previous day with his partner, Zo Caswell. Photos from the event were shared by the bride, and Caswell's Instagram story showed the couples enjoying pool time in Denver ahead of the wedding. Professionally, Ferguson was drafted by the Rams with the No. 46 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft but has not yet signed a contract, as he and other recent draft picks seek fully guaranteed deals following examples like Jayden Higgins and Carson Schwesinger. At Oregon, Ferguson was a key player in the 2024 undefeated season, recording 43 receptions for 591 yards and three touchdowns. He is expected to be the Rams' No. 2 tight end behind veteran Tyler Higbee, with potential for increased playing time due to Higbee's injury history.
Views 5195Likes 1561
Arsenal have spent nearly £200 million during the busy summer transfer window as they aim to end a five-year trophy drought. Signings Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga have already bolstered the squad, while Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, and Viktor Gyokeres (after a prolonged saga with Sporting Lisbon) are set to complete moves to the Emirates. Eberechi Eze also remains a target. The Gunners have finished third in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons, coming agonizingly close by falling just two points short of Manchester City in 2023/24, before finishing ten points behind Liverpool last season. While they impressed in the Champions League, reaching the semi-finals for the first time in 16 years and notably beating Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, manager Mikel Arteta has not won major silverware since lifting the FA Cup in his debut 2020 season. Last season's challenge was hampered by long-term injuries to attackers Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli, forcing midfielder Mikel Merino into an emergency striker role during the crucial second half of the campaign. The club has moved quickly to address this lack of depth, with Gyokeres' impending arrival seen as the final piece of the puzzle. Questions remain about how Arsenal will line up next season, including whether Merino will be rewarded for his emergency duty with a place on the bench, and how new signings like the £55m Madueke, Norgaard, and Zubimendi will fit into the team.
Views 5867Likes 5866
The Copa Libertadores, a prestigious South American club competition considered second only to the UEFA Champions League, saw Botafogo win their first-ever title in 2024, and they are now aiming to defend their crown. Teams like Argentina's Independiente and River Plate, along with Brazil's Flamengo, will be looking to dethrone them, setting the stage for exciting knockout rounds starting in August. For viewers in the United States and Canada, coverage of the Copa Libertadores (in English and Spanish) is available on beIN SPORTS, which holds the broadcast rights for the tournament from 2023 to 2026. The rights cover television broadcasts in these countries. Additionally, matches can be streamed via services like FuboTV and Sling TV, as both platforms include beIN Sports in their channel packages. Fanatiz is also listed as a streaming option in the USA. A list of TV channels and streaming platforms for watching the Copa Libertadores worldwide includes: For the USA: beIN Sports, Sling TV, FuboTV, Fanatiz. For Canada: Information is listed under the country header but specific providers are not detailed in the provided text.
Views 5906Likes 5193
Jordan Nobbs has joined Newcastle United Women, a Women's Super League 2 (WSL2) club, following her release from Aston Villa. During her two and a half seasons at Aston Villa, the 32-year-old midfielder scored seven goals in 67 appearances. Nobbs holds the record for the most appearances in the Women's Super League (WSL) with 208 and has earned 71 caps for England, her last in 2023. Originating from north-east England, Nobbs started her career at Sunderland before moving to Arsenal in 2010. She spent 12 years with the Gunners, winning three WSL titles and four FA Cups, scoring 81 goals in 270 games before joining Villa in January 2023. Speaking to Newcastle's official website, Nobbs expressed her enthusiasm: "I think they are a very ambitious club... the goal is to get promoted and push women's football in the north east. I want to be part of that." She emphasized her "winning mentality" and desire to contribute to a successful club pushing to the next level. Newcastle manager Becky Langley praised Nobbs' experience and achievements: "Jordan's experience speaks for itself. She knows what it takes to win... domestically and internationally... She has long been one of the best midfielders in the country and she will undoubtedly bring a lot of quality to our squad." Newcastle finished fifth in the Women's Championship (now rebranded as WSL2) last season.
Views 4304Likes 3801
Former England manager Roy Hodgson doubts that Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney will pursue coaching opportunities in unexpected countries like Sweden, despite both being currently unemployed. Hodgson, who has extensive international coaching experience, believes high-profile players like them will continue to attract offers from English clubs due to their legendary status, making a move abroad unlikely. Hodgson suggests that managers without such star power—like Graham Potter or himself—are more probable candidates for overseas roles. He highlights increasing job insecurity in football, noting the average managerial tenure drops below one year outside the Premier League. However, he questions whether clubs in nations like Sweden could financially afford English managers' salary expectations today. Despite his skepticism about Sweden, Hodgson would advise Gerrard and Rooney to accept foreign opportunities if presented. He praises their drive but wonders if they could adapt to working with less skilled players, though he cites Rooney's positive experience helping struggling players at Plymouth. Hodgson differentiates their career trajectory from managers like Vincent Kompany, who climbed through clubs like Anderlecht before joining Bayern Munich. Currently, Gerrard remains without a managerial position since leaving Saudi Arabia's Al-Ettifaq in January 2024, while Rooney—after departing Plymouth Argyle—is focused on media work and a documentary with his wife Coleen.
Views 2729Likes 2728
Lionel Messi's contract with Inter Miami is set to expire after the 2025 MLS season, though he holds an option to extend it for an additional 12 months, which would cover the next World Cup. While Inter Miami hopes to secure a new deal, speculation surrounds Messi's future, including potential moves to the Saudi Pro League where teams reportedly aim to reunite him with Cristiano Ronaldo. Another possibility is a return to his boyhood club, Newell's Old Boys in Argentina. Messi has previously expressed a desire to play competitively for Newell's before retiring. This path mirrors that of his friend Angel Di Maria, who recently returned to his first club, Rosario Central, at age 37. Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine FA, expressed hope for Messi's eventual return to Argentina when questioned about it during Di Maria's presentation. Adding to this, Newell's manager Cristian Fabbiani has stated his interest in bringing Messi back on a short-term contract. Despite the speculation, Messi himself has given little indication about his long-term plans. He is currently in exceptional form for Inter Miami, having scored two goals in each of his last five consecutive MLS matches.
Views 3689Likes 515
Manchester United have appointed Darren Fletcher as the lead coach of their Under-18s team, effective immediately. Fletcher, who returned to the club in 2021, spent 20 years at United as a player, making over 340 appearances after graduating from the Academy. During his playing career, he won five Premier League titles, two League Cups, the FA Cup, the Champions League, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Fletcher has already begun his new role, taking charge of the Under-18s' pre-season preparations. This started with a training camp at the adidas global headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany, and included a friendly match against Queens Park Rangers at Carrington. Expressing his enthusiasm, Fletcher stated: "I am really excited to take on this new role and increase my responsibility to directly develop our young players. I’m looking forward to working with such a talented age-group; supporting them to reach their potential and preparing them to enjoy careers at the highest level possible." Director of football, Jason Wilcox, endorsed the appointment: "We are delighted that Darren will lead our Under-18s group. He knows exactly what it takes to be a successful Academy graduate and has played a key role in shaping the pathway for so many of our young players in recent years. Darren’s excellent relationships across the entire staff will only increase the strong connection between the Academy and first team, further enhancing our ability to produce world-class players ready to excel at Manchester United." Fletcher will also feature in an upcoming "Lifeblood" short film from MUTV Originals, documenting a ceremony where new academy scholars received their traditional club suits. At the event, he passionately shared his experiences as a player and the privilege of representing United at Academy level.
Views 4131Likes 4117
Al Fayha has secured the signing of Spanish winger Jason Remeseiro during the summer transfer window. The player, who previously featured for Levante, Valencia, Getafe, and Alaves in Spain, joins the Roshn Saudi League (RSL) club from Portuguese Primeira Liga side Arouca. He aims to help Al Fayha improve upon their 13th-place finish in the previous Saudi top-flight season. Before beginning the 2025-26 RSL campaign, Remeseiro explained his decision to join Al Fayha. He stated that moving to the Saudi league represented a significant career opportunity due to the league's rapid growth, the influx of important players increasing its value, and its rising competitiveness. He cited the performances of Saudi clubs in the FIFA Club World Cup as evidence of this progress. Remeseiro also revealed that former teammates currently playing in Saudi Arabia spoke very highly of the league, which positively influenced his decision. He believes competing in the Saudi league will open many doors for his career. Furthermore, he attributed the league's increased competitiveness and value significantly to the arrival of star players like Cristiano Ronaldo. Remeseiro noted that Ronaldo initiated a trend of high-quality players joining Saudi clubs, resulting in a very competitive league featuring strong teams and talented players.
Views 5712Likes 3182
Newly-appointed Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus stated that the opportunity to coach Cristiano Ronaldo was the decisive factor in his decision to accept the position. He explicitly said he would not have taken the job as manager of the Saudi Arabian club if it had not included the chance to work with the Portuguese superstar.
Views 5550Likes 3063
The article highlights five fantasy football draft values based on Sleeper ADP for redraft leagues. Bo Nix is presented as an underrated quarterback, citing his QB3 finish from Weeks 16-18 of his rookie year with averages of 267.7 passing yards and three touchdowns per game. His outlook is boosted by the Broncos adding receivers Evan Engram and Pat Bryant, potentially making him a league leader in passing touchdowns. D'Andre Swift is identified as a value due to reduced competition in Chicago's backfield after the Bears didn't draft a top running back and competitors Nick Chubb and J.K. Dobbins departed. Despite finishing as RB19 last season, significant offensive line improvements could lead to a career year for Swift. Stefon Diggs is noted as a potential steal despite his Week 8 ACL tear last season. Before injury, he ranked as WR6 through seven weeks. As the clear WR1 in New England's improved passing attack, he's projected to finish no lower than a high-end WR3 if healthy for Week 1. Darnell Mooney is described as vastly underrated with an ADP outside the top-48 receivers despite finishing as WR31 last year. Key metrics include a 33% air-yard share and 17 deep targets, suggesting strong underlying value. Tucker Kraft is highlighted after finishing TE10 last season with seven touchdowns. Efficiency metrics position him for improvement: he ranked first in yards after catch per reception (9.38) and seventh in yards per route run (1.9) among qualifying tight ends, potentially leading the position in touchdowns this season.
Views 5458Likes 469
The University at Albany women's soccer team, under head coach Sade Ayinde, has officially announced its schedule for the 2025 season. Following a challenging 2023 season where the Great Danes recorded an overall record of 3-12-1 and finished third in the America East Conference (AEC) with a 2-5-1 record against conference opponents, the team aims to bounce back. Notably, UAlbany scored the fewest goals in the conference during that season, with only 12 goals.
Views 4596Likes 449
Adam Slivon presents his "Top 10 Takeaways" video series previewing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' upcoming training camp on Pewter Report's YouTube channel, PewterReportTV. These short videos, typically five minutes long, offer Slivon's unique insights and opinions on the Bucs. The preview focuses on key storylines as players return to the field. A major headline is the need to fill the left tackle position due to Tristan Wirfs being unavailable for the regular season. Slivon also examines the dynamic between offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard and head coach Todd Bowles, specifically how they will handle position battles during camp. Additionally, he identifies specific position groups to watch and highlights potential breakout players on the roster, providing detailed insight ahead of camp. The article invites readers to share their own focus points and which players they are excited to see in the comments section. It also mentions that Slivon's written takeaways are available on X (Twitter). Finally, it notes that Buccaneers fans can expect a "Top 10 Takeaways" video from Adam Slivon after each regular-season game on PewterReportTV, along with other offseason content.
Views 1888Likes 1874
NFL writer Dan Pompei identified Mike Evans as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' top contract priority to monitor, dismissing other names mentioned by fans. Evans is entering the final year of his two-year, $41 million deal. While he expressed impatience during his last contract negotiation, he is reportedly currently comfortable with the situation. However, questions remain about his future contract demands and how long his patience will last. Despite approaching age 32, Evans shows no signs of declining performance. He is considered one of the Buccaneers' greatest players ever, a respected leader both in the locker room and the community, and a vital part of the offense. The Buccaneers organization is expected to want to retain him. Retaining Evans presents financial challenges for the Buccaneers. The team recently signed Chris Godwin to a contract extension and used a first-round draft pick on wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. Securing Evans, especially at a salary similar to his current deal, may prove difficult. While retirement is a possibility, it is considered unlikely for a productive player at his age, and Evans is expected to have another strong season.
Views 5971Likes 3212
The NFL is experiencing a shift in contract norms, with second-round draft picks now seeking fully guaranteed deals—previously reserved for first-round selections. Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger and Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins have already secured such contracts, setting a new precedent for their draft class. As training camp approaches, the remaining 30 unsigned second-round rookies face contract uncertainties. Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre Harris initiated a holdout for guaranteed money, potentially triggering similar actions across the league. Baltimore Ravens edge defender Mike Green (59th overall pick) is among those likely to follow, despite complicating factors in his negotiations. Green, a first-round talent who recorded 17 sacks and 23 tackles for loss in his final college season at Marshall, fell to the second round due to two pending sexual assault charges that led to his dismissal from Virginia's football program in 2022. While the Ravens conducted thorough investigations and express confidence in his character, these allegations create additional hurdles in contract discussions. Baltimore rookies report to camp by July 15, creating urgency for a resolution. Green's potential absence would impact the Ravens' defense significantly, as he addresses their 2024 shortcomings in pass-rush consistency and explosiveness. His leverage stems from projected stardom, yet the organization must weigh the risks of offering guarantees amid unresolved legal concerns.
Views 4253Likes 4168
According to Sport Bild, Hertha BSC is considering acquiring Polish striker Dawid Kownacki from Werder Bremen. The 28-year-old appears destined for another stint in the 2. Bundesliga, having spent the previous season on loan at his former club Fortuna Düsseldorf. Kownacki recorded 13 goals and seven assists for Fortuna in the second division last season. Despite these strong performances and an injury to Werder's lead striker Marvin Ducksch, Werder Bremen still does not view him as a viable attacking option for the current campaign. The striker, who possesses clear potential, has struggled to maintain form in the Bundesliga. His last top-flight goals came during the 2018/19 season with Düsseldorf, where he scored four times. He failed to score during Düsseldorf's relegation season in 2019/20 and went scoreless in 22 Bundesliga appearances for Werder in the 2023/24 season. Kownacki's market value has fluctuated significantly, dropping from a career-high €9 million in 2019 to a low of €1.5 million in 2022, before partially recovering to €2.5 million. Werder Bremen is reportedly seeking a €3.5 million transfer fee from Hertha, though the Berlin club would prefer a loan arrangement with modest associated fees.
Views 5531Likes 4693
The article discusses the concept of "jenga pieces" for the 2025 Dallas Cowboys—players so critical to the team's structure that their absence would cause the entire roster to collapse, excluding quarterbacks due to their inherent importance. Three standout players are identified as potential jenga pieces. Left tackle Tyler Guyton, entering his second year, is highlighted as foundational. Charged with protecting quarterback Dak Prescott's blind side, his development is deemed essential despite typical rookie adjustment periods. The team has fully committed to him as the long-term solution at left tackle, making his success non-negotiable for offensive stability. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is emphasized as another top candidate. As the primary pass-catcher, his consistent availability has masked the offense's reliance on him. The article underscores that losing Lamb would cripple the offense, especially given the lack of a reliable second receiver, and his recent contract extension solidifies his irreplaceable role. Defensive star Micah Parsons is acknowledged as the team's best player but ranked slightly lower in this context. While his absence last season didn't cause total collapse—attributed to the NFL's offense-driven nature—his overall value remains immense. The article notes that defensive impact, while critical, may carry slightly less weight than offensive pillars like Guyton and Lamb in this specific "jenga piece" framework.
Views 5714Likes 5701
The 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams, already has its first four participants confirmed, despite the recent conclusion of the previous edition where Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain. These four teams secured their spots based on the qualification cycle covering the period 2025-2028. While the tournament will host 32 teams distributed across various slots, only these four spots out of the total 32 are currently filled.
Views 5493Likes 1422