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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."
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Chelsea have won the Club World Cup, concluding a demanding season. The players are set for a break before returning for another significant campaign, with expectations now heightened for Enzo Maresca's team to challenge for the Premier League title. Chelsea have already made several top signings this summer, including Joao Pedro who has proven important. The Club World Cup victory provides additional funds, and further signings are anticipated. However, several players could leave Chelsea. Liverpool are reportedly interested in one such player, Christopher Nkunku, as per L'Equipe. Chelsea would demand around £35 million for the French forward. Nkunku has struggled to settle since joining Chelsea from RB Leipzig for approximately £52 million in 2023, despite contributing positively in the recent Club World Cup win. His quality is not in doubt. Liverpool are not alone in monitoring Nkunku; other top clubs like Manchester United and Bayern Munich are also believed to be interested in the French international. While Chelsea seem willing to sell for significantly less than their original investment, the level of clubs interested suggests they shouldn't have difficulty attracting offers around the £35 million figure. The future for Nkunku appears likely to be away from Stamford Bridge, though it remains uncertain.
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Everton have inquired about RC Lens midfielder Neil El Aynaoui during the summer transfer window, introducing competition despite Roma's reported agreement with the player. El Aynaoui, who scored eight goals in 24 Ligue 1 appearances last season, has a contract with Lens until 2027, and the club demands at least €30 million (£25.9 million) for his transfer. Lens manager Pierre Sage emphasized their firm stance by stating El Aynaoui wouldn't have played in a recent match if a departure were imminent. David Moyes seeks to bolster Everton's midfield, as Idrissa Gueye's new one-year deal leaves long-term questions at age 35, while James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam require creative support. El Aynaoui's box-to-box dynamism and goal threat align with Everton's needs. Additionally, Everton are exploring a move for Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, a former Aston Villa player with Premier League experience. Although Everton and Roma share ownership under the Friedkin Group, both maintain independent recruitment strategies. Roma have yet to finalize a decision between El Aynaoui and Palmeiras' Richard Rios, creating an opportunity for Everton. If Roma prioritize Rios, Everton could lead the pursuit of El Aynaoui, though Crystal Palace's interest may escalate the transfer fee. With weeks remaining in the window, Everton's immediate focus remains midfield reinforcement, though a right-winger is also on Moyes' list. The club's ambition is evident, with potential bids for El Aynaoui or Luiz expected soon.
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Borussia Dortmund defender Yan Couto has expressed his intention to remain with the club for the upcoming season. Despite a challenging first year at BVB, the 23-year-old Brazilian right-back is committed to fighting for his place in manager Niko Kovac's squad and aims to disprove his critics. Couto made 35 appearances across all competitions during his debut season, primarily as a substitute. He recorded one assist in the DFB-Pokal while featuring in 21 Bundesliga matches, 8 Champions League fixtures, and 1 domestic cup game. Additionally, he played all five of Dortmund's Club World Cup matches, including their quarterfinal defeat to Real Madrid. Originally joining on loan from Manchester City in August, Dortmund permanently signed Couto in October by activating his €30 million release clause. His current contract with the club extends until 2030. For the next season, Couto will compete with Julian Ryerson for the starting right-back position. His versatility allows him to also operate as a right wing-back should Kovac implement a three-man defensive formation.
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The San Francisco 49ers enter the 2025 NFL season aiming to re-establish themselves as contenders after missing the playoffs last year, a significant drop from their Super Bowl appearance in 2023. Key injuries plagued the 49ers last season. Star running back Christian McCaffrey missed most of the year, starting with Achilles issues in both legs before suffering a season-ending knee injury after only four games. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk also missed a large portion of the season due to a torn ACL, among other roster injuries. McCaffrey has worked hard to recover and is currently reported to be back to full health and ready for the 2025 season. Expectations for him are high, especially recalling his significant 2023 impact where he rushed for 1,459 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also catching 67 passes for 564 yards and seven touchdowns. However, ESPN ranked McCaffrey as the NFL's fifth-best running back, with one league executive expressing concern about his durability, citing a history of injuries dating back to college. The executive acknowledged McCaffrey's elite training regimen but noted his smaller frame and predicted he would "lose a step eventually." This concern is supported by McCaffrey's injury history: he played full 16-game seasons for his first three years but only managed three, seven, and six games respectively over the next three seasons.
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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.
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The content provides gambling addiction helpline resources for multiple states: For Massachusetts: Visit GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support. For Maryland: Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org. For New York: Call 877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY to 467369. A general number, 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537), is also listed. For Connecticut: Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat. The notice specifies that services are for individuals 21+ (18+ in D.C.) and present in select states (for Kansas, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino).
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AC Milan announced the signing of striker Daniele Petrone this afternoon. Petrone, born in 2009, will join the club's Milan Futuro side to continue his development. He arrives from Benevento Calcio. This signing follows a busy period for Milan Futuro, which has included several player contract renewals. Additionally, the team has secured stability with coach Massimo Oddo extending his contract for another two seasons.
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Former Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence appeared on the "Pardon My Take" podcast to discuss several topics as he approaches a significant upcoming season. The interview covered his rehabilitation process, his experiences working with new top draft pick Travis Hunter, and reflections on his time under Clemson coach Dabo Swinney. Lawrence specifically praised Swinney's recruiting abilities, stating: "He’s a great recruiter. You wanna go play for him. He sells the family atmosphere of Clemson and you get there and it’s really like that." He further emphasized Swinney's motivational impact, noting: "He would make you believe you could do anything. It didn’t matter who we were playing, we are gonna kill these dudes. He was awesome." The full interview segment begins at the 1:12:54 mark in the podcast video.
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Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence participated in the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship at Edgewood Tahoe, continuing his involvement in golf tournaments since being drafted in 2021. He competed against numerous other athletes and celebrities. Lawrence finished the tournament tied for 75th place out of 90 golfers, sharing that position with actor Miles Teller. He achieved a score of -27. Several notable figures finished below him, including Larry The Cable Guy, George Kittle, Baker Mayfield, Jason Kelce, and Rich Eisen. The top finishers were Joe Pavelski (winner), Jake Owen, John Smoltz, Steph Curry, Tony Romo, and Michael Pena. Given the strong golf presence in Jacksonville and the interest new Jaguars head coach Liam Coen has in golf, Lawrence is expected to remain a regular participant in future golf tournaments. It remains to be seen whether Coen or other Jaguars players will join him in these events. The tournament, held annually at Edgewood Tahoe since 1990, is described as the country's premier celebrity golf competition. It consistently features major names from sports and entertainment. Edgewood Tahoe also has a history of hosting significant USGA events, including the 1980 U.S. Public Links Championship (won by Jodie Mudd) and the 1985 U.S. Senior Open Championship (won by Miller Barber), which was the first televised Senior Open.
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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.
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Bundesliga clubs are reportedly monitoring Leicester City midfielder Wilfried Ndidi, according to Florian Plettenberg. Although no specific clubs are named, Leicester, relegated to the Championship, is commanding a transfer fee of €15 million for the player. The 28-year-old Nigerian defensive midfielder joined Leicester from KRC Genk in January 2017 for €17.6 million. He made 220 Premier League appearances for the club and also featured in four Champions League matches following Leicester's 2016 Premier League title win. Ndidi's market value peaked at €60 million but has since declined to €16 million. Ndidi's contract with Leicester City runs until 2027, suggesting the club should be able to recoup a figure close to their original €17.6 million investment. While no specific interested club is identified, the report mentions Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac's desire to strengthen the defensive midfield (No. 6) position. However, it notes that Dortmund's club bosses currently prioritize strengthening the wide areas following Jamie Bynoe-Gittens' departure and Julien Duranville's injury, making Dortmund's move for Ndidi difficult to speculate on.
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The news highlights exceptional goals from MLS Matchday 24, emphasizing the importance of arriving on time to witness such moments, and encourages voting for the AT&T Goal of the Matchday. Lionel Messi scored two goals for Inter Miami CF in their 2-1 win against Nashville SC. His first goal, a low free kick driven into the far corner, contributed to his record of scoring in five consecutive MLS matches. Martín Ojeda also scored a notable free kick for Orlando City in their 1-1 draw with CF Montréal. He placed his low shot inside the near post, achieving the milestone of being the first Orlando City player with at least 20 goals and 30 assists for the club. Evander scored for FC Cincinnati early in the Hell is Real derby against the Columbus Crew. He unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box just five minutes into the match, giving Cincinnati a 2-0 lead, although they ultimately lost 4-2. David Da Costa gave the Portland Timbers an early lead in their Sunday Night Soccer match against St. Louis CITY SC. He cut inside before finishing clinically inside the far post. Despite his goal, Portland lost the match 2-1. The piece concludes by urging readers to vote for their favorite goal among these highlights for the AT&T Goal of the Matchday.
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During a rare public appearance at the 2025 American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament, San Francisco 49ers legend Joe Montana shared his thoughts on the team's current starting quarterback, Brock Purdy. Montana, seen walking the course with his wife and former teammate Jerry Rice, specifically addressed Purdy's future. Montana strongly endorsed the 49ers' recent decision to sign Purdy to a record-setting five-year, $265 million contract extension, including $181 million guaranteed. Speaking to the Bay Area News Group, Montana stated, "Yeah, well they have to. I mean, it’s not like he hasn’t done the job," lending significant weight to the decision given his franchise-defining legacy. He praised Purdy's consistency and composure under pressure, acknowledging the quarterback's resilience despite facing significant injuries: "He’s been fairly consistent. He had a lot of injuries. Those are all tough to deal with." Montana also highlighted Purdy's maturity in resisting the temptation to overextend himself early in his career, contrasting it with typical second-year quarterback struggles: "He plays within himself... He played within himself and did what he’s supposed to." This endorsement marked a shift from Montana's earlier skepticism about the team's commitment to Jimmy Garoppolo, who received a large contract after only five starts in 2017. Montana also expressed respect for Purdy's journey from being the final pick ("Mr. Irrelevant") in the 2022 NFL Draft to setting a 49ers passing record (4,280 yards in 2023) and leading the team to a Super Bowl. Addressing the team's disappointing 6-11 season in 2024, Montana offered perspective rather than alarm, noting all teams experience ups and downs and emphasizing the importance of bouncing back: "You can look over anybody’s teams, even our years, it didn’t matter. We all had ups and downs." He remained unfazed by the upcoming transition-filled offseason, calmly stating, "All the teams are making changes."
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Real Madrid legend Michael Salgado has expressed his desire for manager Xabi Alonso to deploy Jude Bellingham in the advanced attacking role similar to how Carlo Ancelotti utilised him during his first six months at the club. Salgado referenced Bellingham's exceptional debut LALIGA season, where he scored 19 league goals, with the majority coming early on while operating as a false nine or in a slightly withdrawn position near the box. Speaking in an interview, Salgado explicitly advised against using Bellingham deeper in build-up play, stating, "I need Bellingham close to the box. I don't need Bellingham coming back to receive the ball... He showed in the first year that he is a player with a special smell to go into the box." Salgado predicts Alonso will adopt this approach, positioning Bellingham as the key player behind forwards Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe. Salgado believes this tactical shift will showcase "the best version of Bellingham this year," leading to a different and superior performance compared to last season. Meanwhile, the article notes that Alonso himself is a strong admirer of Bellingham. Ahead of Real Madrid's Club World Cup fixture against Salzburg, Alonso specifically highlighted Bellingham's drive to improve as a key characteristic that will help the club win many trophies.
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The announcement of a new "hoddle hero" at Hoddle Headquarters (presumably a Tottenham Hotspur fan site) has been temporarily suspended. This follows the recent arrival of player Kota Takai, which marked the end of the daily Micky van de Ven picture feature and the promise of a new hero. The suspension is due to a sudden surge of activity surrounding the club, particularly the unexpected signing of Mohammed Kudus on Thursday. The past week has been described as exceptionally busy and dizzying for Spurs, especially considering it's July, making it difficult to proceed with the hero announcement immediately. The decision to delay the announcement for a week is framed positively ("a good thing"), allowing time for the recent developments to settle and for the situation to become clearer ("see how things shake out this week") before choosing the new hero.
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Esperance de Tunis has reportedly agreed to sign 19-year-old Malian winger Adama Coulibaly from Al Hilal Omdurman for $850,000 (R15.2 million). The player had previously been linked with South Africa's Orlando Pirates during the current transfer window after expressing a desire to leave his Sudanese club ahead of the 2025/26 season. Coulibaly attracted significant interest following his standout performances in the CAF Champions League, particularly his decisive goal in a 2-0 away victory against Young Africans. His consistent domestic displays further heightened his profile among clubs across Africa and globally. Despite international attention, Coulibaly has opted to remain on the African continent by joining the record Tunisian champions. Esperance recently completed a dominant 2024/25 campaign, securing a domestic treble by winning the league title, cup, and Super Cup. The acquisition is viewed as a strategic move to reinforce Esperance's wing depth amid growing speculation about the potential departure of current winger Elias Mokwana from Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi.
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Manchester City and their City Football Group sister club Girona are set to resume loan deals, paving the way for several CFG talents, including highly-rated players, to potentially move to the Spanish top-flight for the 2025/26 season. Girona, part of CFG since 2017, had a sensational 2023/24 campaign, finishing third in La Liga and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for the first time. This success makes them an attractive destination for emerging talents within the CFG ecosystem seeking top-level experience, as seen previously with successful loans like Yan Couto and Savinho. Previous negotiations for new loans were paused due to UEFA regulations and potential conflicts of interest arising from both clubs competing in the same European competition (Champions League). However, this regulatory uncertainty now appears resolved or eased, allowing loan discussions to restart. According to reports, Girona has received approval to resume loan deals with CFG clubs, particularly Manchester City. Two specific players are mentioned: highly-rated Argentine playmaker Claudio Echeverri is reportedly 'highly liked' by Girona but has offers from other European clubs, while Brazilian central defender Vitor Reis is viewed as a 'more feasible' option for the loan move. Echeverri, signed from River Plate, is considered a generational talent but has limited senior appearances under Pep Guardiola. Reis, the Brazilian centre-back, has impressed coaches and scouts, with some within CFG believing a full senior loan is the logical next step for his development.
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Sporting CP President Frederico Varandas has announced that striker Viktor Gyokeres will face a heavy fine and be required to apologize to his teammates for failing to report to the club's pre-season training camp in the Algarve on time. The 27-year-old Swedish international was due to return on July 12 after an extended break. Varandas, speaking to Lusa news agency, stated the situation will be resolved "with the closing of the market, a heavy fine, and an apology to the group." He emphasized that Sporting is calm and will not accept less than fair market value for the player, who has three years remaining on his contract and has been linked with a move to Arsenal. Varandas warned that attempts to pressure the club into facilitating a transfer are counterproductive, declaring "No one is above the club's interests." Gyokeres has been prolific for Sporting, scoring 97 goals in 102 matches since joining from Coventry City in 2023. He scored 54 goals last season and helped the club win the Primeira Liga title in both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. Sporting's next match is a friendly against Celtic on Wednesday.
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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams enters his second NFL season under new head coach Ben Johnson, an offensive-minded coach expected to provide much-needed continuity. NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning emphasized at Fanatics Fest that Johnson serving as both head coach and playcaller will significantly benefit Williams by maintaining a consistent offensive system year after year, fostering growth. Williams endured a turbulent rookie season marked by frequent coaching changes. After former offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was fired following three consecutive losses in November 2024, pass game coordinator Thomas Brown briefly took over. The dismissal of head coach Matt Eberflus later that month compounded the instability, forcing Williams to adapt to three playcallers in his debut year. Statistically, Williams showed promise as a rookie, throwing for 3,541 yards with only six interceptions. However, he struggled with prolonged ball retention, suffering a league-high 68 sacks—making him one of the most sacked rookie quarterbacks in NFL history. Improving his decision-making speed remains a critical focus. The Bears bolstered their offensive line to support Williams, while Johnson’s hiring signals strong confidence in the quarterback. Manning noted Johnson chose Chicago despite multiple head coaching offers elsewhere, viewing the Bears’ potential and Williams’ talent as compelling. Johnson previously orchestrated one of the NFL’s top offenses as Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator in 2024. Entering 2025 under high expectations as the 2024 draft’s top pick, Williams aims to elevate the Bears from their 5-12 record. With Johnson’s offensive expertise and a strengthened roster, Chicago seeks progress in the competitive NFC North, opening their season against the Minnesota Vikings.
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Jacksonville Jaguars Chief Football Strategy Officer Tony Khan announced that the role of wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter, the team's No. 2 draft pick, will be flexible and change weekly based on the game plan. Khan stated that Hunter will contribute significantly on both offense and defense, playing a lot of snaps, and his addition is exciting for the Jaguars' young core. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson discussed the adjustments he's made to become a franchise quarterback, identifying leadership, specifically being more vocal, as an area he needed to develop. Jackson admitted he prefers leading by example through his play rather than giving motivational speeches but acknowledged coaches have pushed him to communicate more directly with teammates and voice his observations. Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen expressed frustration with his performance during his first season with the team after signing a $41 million contract. Despite grading as the 125th linebacker out of 189 by PFF, Queen stated he holds himself to high standards and was aggravated by not playing the type of football he expected, taking full accountability for not being sufficiently prepared for the new system despite it being his fifth NFL season.
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Barcelona is determined to sign Liverpool forward Luis Diaz, viewing him as a key target despite the club's ongoing financial challenges. Diaz himself prefers a move to Barcelona, having long dreamed of playing for the Blaugrana, and insiders report he is actively pushing for the transfer. Diaz has delayed formally requesting a transfer from Liverpool out of respect for the club, particularly in light of the tragic death of his teammate Diogo Jota. He aims to avoid adding tension to the dressing room during this sensitive period, and the exact timing of his request remains uncertain. Barcelona is closely monitoring the situation and expects Diaz to initiate the move in the coming days. The club is ready to negotiate but insists on not paying more than €60 million for the 28-year-old, considering this a fair valuation given his age and two years remaining on his Liverpool contract. On salary terms, Diaz is willing to accept a package that aligns with Barcelona's financial structure, without making complex demands such as release clauses that could cause registration issues, unlike other potential signings.
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Celtic face significant challenges in competing with Eredivisie clubs to sign Manchester United left-back Tyrell Malacia this summer, according to former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson speaking on Football Insider's Inside Track podcast. Robinson expressed pessimism about Celtic securing Malacia either on loan or permanently. Malacia is among five Manchester United players seeking an exit this summer and is training away from the main squad as a result. Despite making only eight appearances for PSV during last season's loan spell, Robinson indicated multiple Dutch clubs hold an interest in the 25-year-old alongside Celtic. Celtic's need for a left-back follows Greg Taylor's departure to PAOK. However, Robinson stated the Scottish champions cannot financially compete with the Eredivisie suitors. Manchester United prefer a permanent sale over a loan due to Malacia having only one year left on his contract, but it's uncertain if Celtic want to permanently sign direct competition for the returning Kieran Tierney. Robinson specifically doubted Celtic's ability to match the wages Malacia could command elsewhere, particularly from Dutch clubs, calling it a "key sticking point." He believes Malacia, a "top quality player," will attract other suitors and that a move back to the Eredivisie seems more likely and financially appealing to him. While Celtic lost Taylor, Kieran Tierney's return provides an immediate upgrade and established starter at left-back. Furthermore, manager Brendan Rodgers has more pressing concerns in attack after losing Nicolas Kuhn (£17.3m to Como) and still needing to replace Kyogo Furuhashi. Rodgers' priority is strengthening the frontline, with Napoli's Giuseppe Ambrosino linked, rather than adding depth at left-back.
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Bayer Leverkusen have signed Malik Tillman from PSV Eindhoven for a reported club-record fee of €35 million. The 22-year-old US international returns to the Bundesliga, having previously spent three years at Bayern Munich, and has signed a contract with Leverkusen until 2030. Tillman joins after a successful season at PSV, where he made 34 appearances across all competitions in 2024-25, scoring 16 goals and providing 5 assists to help secure the Eredivisie title. He ranked second at PSV for dribbles completed (42) and joint-fourth for chances created (41) in the league. Remarkably, Tillman ended his PSV tenure with the highest win percentage (85.2% - W46 D4 L4) of any player with 50+ games in Eredivisie history. Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes hailed the signing, stating, "We've gained another strong and very dangerous attacking player," and emphasized Tillman's versatility: "He can play in both the number 10 and the number 8 positions in midfield. Malik is an absolute top signing for us." Tillman also recently contributed significantly to the USMNT's Gold Cup run, scoring three goals and providing two assists before their final defeat to Mexico. The acquisition aims to fill the void created by Florian Wirtz's departure to Liverpool earlier this summer for a reported £116m (€135m). Wirtz was a pivotal figure under Xabi Alonso, making 119 appearances, scoring 38 goals, and providing 43 assists. He played a key role in Leverkusen's historic unbeaten domestic double (Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal) in 2023-24 and followed that with 30 goal involvements (16 goals, 14 assists) last season. He recorded the most assists for Leverkusen and was second only to Alex Grimaldo in chances created (91).
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Doug evaluated Cooper Flagg's performance during his summer league debut. Doug shared his reaction to the news regarding potential expansion of the NCAA Tournament. Doug was joined by former NBA player and FSR NBA commentator Ryan Hollins to discuss their perspectives on both Cooper Flagg and Bronny James. Additionally, Dan Beyer participated in a segment with Doug playing a game called "I GOT DIBBS!".
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ESPN released its rankings of the top 10 NFL tight ends for 2024, based on input from league executives, coaches, and scouts. The list marks a significant shift, ending the long-standing debate between George Kittle and Travis Kelce for the top spot, and features new names leading the pack. Las Vegas Raiders rookie Brock Bowers claimed the number one position, followed by George Kittle at number two, Detroit Lions' Sam LaPorta at three, and Arizona Cardinals' Trey McBride at four. Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, the back-to-back tight end king ranked number one last year, fell to fifth place. Evaluators attributed Kelce's drop in the rankings to signs of physical decline observed during the 2024 season, primarily due to his age (he turns 36 in October) after nearly 200 games over 12 years. Several noted he played heavier last season, which he has addressed by slimming down this offseason in preparation for what might be his final year. While a Chiefs source downplayed the impact of his weight on his play, the lack of explosive plays was identified as a problem. His average of 8.5 yards per catch was a career low by a significant margin. One veteran evaluator stated Kelce showed clear signs of physical decline and doesn't get open like he used to, though he remains a concern due to his intelligence and strong connection with his quarterback. Despite the decline, Kelce remained dangerous in the red zone, converting 26 targets into 19 catches for 106 yards and three touchdowns. He also still led the Chiefs in total targets (133) last season.
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Tom Holland initiated a conversation about the journalist's vintage Tottenham Hotspur tie upon meeting them at a Chase Travel party during Wimbledon, revealing their shared support for the Premier League club. Their discussion focused primarily on Tottenham Hotspur, despite Holland being there to promote his nonalcoholic beer company. Holland recounted watching Tottenham end their 17-year trophy drought while filming Christopher Nolan's movie in Los Angeles. Due to a no-phones policy on set, he relied on updates from crew members and managed to catch the final 10 minutes of the game during a lunch break. The win energized him for filming a subsequent scene. He expressed bittersweet feelings about manager Ange Postecoglou's departure, acknowledging a rocky season with injuries but praising the achievement of winning a trophy (specifically the Europa League) in Postecoglou's second season. Holland stated he was proud to be a Tottenham fan. Holland was incredibly happy for Son Heung-min ("Sonny") winning a trophy after years of dedication to Tottenham, calling him a world-class player who stayed loyal to the club. He declared Son a Tottenham legend, regardless of his future decisions. Holland also mentioned the win likely meant a lot to Harry Kane, emphasizing their enduring friendship and Kane's deep love for the club. He fully supported Kane's move to Bayern Munich, viewing him as one of the world's best players and harboring no hard feelings about players seeking opportunities elsewhere. He extended this view to Trent Alexander-Arnold's move to Real Madrid, understanding the appeal of joining a top club. Holland described working on Christopher Nolan's upcoming film adaptation of the Odyssey (playing Telemachus) as the "job of a lifetime" and his "best experience on a film set." He praised it as exciting, different, and predicted the movie would be unique. He found working with Nolan and producer Emma Thomas "fantastic," admiring their work ethic and calling them the best in the business. Collaborating with and learning from Nolan was his best experience ever. He also expressed immense pride and gratitude for the opportunity to work with and become friends with his heroes, co-stars Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway, sharing scenes and learning from them.
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