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Liverpool’s Mohamed Sallow has confirmed that he will leave the club on a free transfer when the current season concludes, bringing an end to a nine-year tenure that has placed him among Anfield’s most decorated and prolific attacking icons. The 33-year-old Egyptian revealed the decision Wednesday via social media platform X, describing the moment as “the first part of my farewell” and thanking supporters for transforming the club into “a passion, a history, a spirit.” Salah’s announcement surprised many within the organization. Only last summer he signed a two-year extension that was scheduled to keep him on Merseyside until 2027. Following recent discussions with senior officials, however, both player and club have agreed to an amicable separation that will allow him to depart without a transfer fee. “I never imagined how deeply this club, the city, these people would become part of my life,” Salah wrote. “Leaving is never easy. I will always be one of you.” Arriving from AS Roma in 2017, Sal has amassed 255 goals and 122 assists across more than 430 appearances, moving into third place on Liverpool’s all-time scoring chart, behind only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt. His honours include two Premier League titles, a Champions League triumph, an FA Cup and two League Cups. With the winger’s contract set to expire, Saudi Pro League clubs are preparing a fresh approach after a £150 million offer rebuffed in 2023. Salah has not indicated a preferred destination but said he wanted to clarify his future “as early as possible” ahead of the campaign’s finish. “My teammates, past and present, and to the fans—I don’t have enough words for the support you showed me through the best time of my,” he added. “You stood by me in the toughest times—something I will never forget.” As Liverpool enters the final phase of a turbulent season, the club will prepare for life without the forward whose pace, power and consistency have redefined the club’s modern era.

Liver’s hope of rekindling attacking momentum has been dealt a fresh blow with the news that a forward who appeared close to a return has suffered another injury, plunging manager Arne Slot into renewed selection uncertainty. The setback is the latest in a season-long saga of medical bulletins that have come to shape the club’s trajectory. Calf, hamstring, and joint issues have bitten deep into the squad, yet the decisive factor has not been the raw tally of setbacks but the prolonged absence of influential individuals. Key attacking options have been sidel for weeks on end, forcing Slot to field patched-up line-ups and curbing Liverpool’s ability to climb the table. With the club currently sixth, the damage is stark. The gap to the Champions League places is growing and, with only a handful of fixtures remaining, the fear of missing even a Europa League berth is real. The latest casualty is a young striker who was expected to ease the burden on the only fit senior centre-forward. Alexander Isak is already ruled out for the foreseeable future, leaving Hugo Ekitke to shoulder the goal-scoring duties. The Frenchman has impressed in spells but is visibly flagging under the weight of consecutive starts. The return of Jayden Danns had promised respite: the 19-year-old academy graduate averages a goal every 69 minutes of first-team football and is remembered for turning the tide in the Welleby League Cup final against Chelsea. Fan favourite status, local ties and a clinical touch made Danns the logical stopgap, yet a recurrence of the muscle problem that has dogged him for the past 18 months means Slot must again plan without him. With no other natural No 9 available, Liverpool face an anxious wait to see whether the young forward can recover before the season’s end—or whether injury will continue to define a campaign already slipping out of reach.

Old Trafford will write another chapter in its storied history tonight when Manchester United Women step into the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals for the first ever time, welcoming serial German contenders Bayern Munich to the near-capacity 20:00 kick-off. Marc Sk’s Red arrive buoyed by a campaign that has already seen them fell Paris Saint-G and dismantle Atlético Madrid 5-0 on aggregate in the knockout play-offs, powered by a back line that has kept eight clean sheets in 12 European outings. Their reward: a last-eight clash against a Bayern side that has not tasted defeat in 22 consecutive matches across all competitions and sits top of the Frauen-Bundesliga after a 10-game domestic surge. The plot lines are rich. Three of United’s marquee names—Lea Sch, Julia, and former Bayernite Fridolina—will face the club where they built continental reputations, while Klara will watch from the stands, her eight-assies record from the league phase counting for nothing after injury ruled her out of the first leg. United’s medical room is busy but not emptying. Dominique Janssen is under assessment, while Ella, Leah, and Celin remain long-term absentees. The welcome news is that Hinata, fresh from lifting the Asian Cup with Japan, and Jayde are back in contention, giving Sk the deepest squad he has enjoyed in weeks. Bayern arrive with a defensive crisis of their own. Sarah, Lena, and Kath are ruled out, while keeper Anna is sideling for two weeks with a muscle tear. Yet the Bavarians have weathered absences all season, winning their last six away fixtures by a combined 18-1 scoreline, and can still call on Pernille, whose brace against Essen at the weekend served as a reminder of her ruthlessness. Manchester United’s home form is equally imposing. The club has turned both Leigh Sports Village and Old Traff into strongholds, registering six straight home wins in all competitions, and has already taken points from PSG and Ju in this season’s European campaign. A dramatic 94-minute winner from Mel against Ever on Saturday keeps the Red second in the WSL and momentum sky-high. The visitors have history in their sights. Bayern have reached the quarter-finals in eight of the last 10 seasons but have never lifted the trophy, making this their best chance yet to break new ground. Sk has hinted at continuity, with Hinata pushing to start in midfield alongside Julia, while the front four of Park, Naals, and Rolf flanking Sch are expected to carry the goal threat. For Bayern, a back four of Gw, V, Gilles, and Simon will shield a midfield anchored by Georgia and Caruso, with Pernille spearheading the attack. The stage is set for a night of firsts: a first quarter-final bow for the Red, a first Old Traff appearance in this round, and a first leg that could tilt momentum toward a first-ever finals berth for either side. Coverage begins on Disney+ ahead of the 20:00 BST kick.

Anfield’s Egyptian King is preparing to depart after nine transformative seasons, and Mohamed Salah’s next move is the most intriguing subplot of the 202- off-season. The 33-year-old’s agent, Ramy Abbas, clarified on social media that even Salah does not yet know where he will play next, meaning speculation is the only certainty. Inside Liverpool’s quarter-final pushes in both the FA Cup and Champions League, Salah insists his focus remains on silverware. Yet the wider football world is already mapping the destinations where his global profile, commercial appeal and fading but still potent talent could land. Saudi Arabia remains the most frequently floated route. Al Itthave already demonstrated willingness to spend, having had a £150 million offer rejected in 2023, and could return now that a fee is unnecessary. Reigning champions Al Hilal, armed with new ambition after reaching the Club World Cup quarter last summer, are also long-term admirers. Al Qadsiah, newly elevated to a 47,000-capacity stadium, and NEOM, a nascent project backed by significant finance, have signalled intent, though the latter’s remote location and regional instability could deter a marquee signing. The commercial upside of becoming the face of the Saudi Pro League is immense, but political and security tensions have reportedly unsettled some SPL players and families, adding complexity to a lucrative package. Across the Atlantic, Major League Soccer is openly courting Salat. Commissioner Don Garber has already promised a “welcome with open arms”, and the league’s summer showcase, the 202- World Cup co-hosted by the United States, provides a ready-made stage. However, several high-profile destinations appear unlikely: San Diego FC, owned by British-Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Mansour, is not pursuing a high-priced designated player, while the Chicago Fire have shifted focus elsewhere after exploratory contact in previous windows. New York City, opening a new Queens stadium in 202- and sharing parentage with Manchester City, remain a plausible dark horse, despite the emotional optics of a Liverpool icon joining a City Football Group club. For Salah, the fundamental question is ambition versus legacy. If he believes elite European competition is still viable, a move within the continent becomes imperative, yet the market is limited. Barcelona, who monitored him during earlier contract uncertainty, continue to wrestle with financial constraints, and Real Madrid are well stocked in attack. Paris Saint-Germain have pivoted toward youth, while Italian giants Juventus and both Milan clubs are expected to balk at the wages and length of contract Salah would command. At 33, with 10 goals and 9 assists in 36 appearances this season—his lowest goal return in eight Liverpool campaigns—Salah’s reduced output is prompting clubs to deliberate whether he is still a difference-maker or simply a monument to past power. Whether he replaces Cristiano as the new Saudi marquee, succeeds Messi as MLS’s headline act, or discovers one last European su willing to bet on pedigree, the decision will reveal how Salah defines the twilight of a career that has already delivered a Premier League title and Champions League glory at Anpool. One thing is clear: the next chapter will be written far from the Kop, and the opening line remains blank.

Jan Virgili has opened the door to a return to Barcelona, telling Sport that “it would be hard to say no” if the Catalan club approach him this summer. The 21-year-old forward left for Real Mallorca last July after Barça Atlètic’s relegation, but the La Liga giants retain first refusal on his services. Virgili’s comments come amid growing speculation that Barça are weighing a reunion with the academy graduate rather than triggering the €30 million buy option in Marcus Rashford’s loan deal. Speaking from Mallorca, the winger did not hide his enduring attachment to the club where he lifted the Youth Cup, League and Champions League treble with Juvenil A. “It was a dream come true for me,” Virgili said of his formative years in Barcelona. “Winning everything with Juvenil A and then playing with the reserve team was an unforgettable experience.” The player admitted frustration at missing out on a first-team tour place twelve months ago, a setback that ultimately prompted his decision to seek opportunities elsewhere. “I was hoping to go on the tour and at least try to prove myself, but it didn’t happen. These things happen, and in the end I received an offer from Mallorca and decided to go for a change of direction.” Barcelona’s buy-back clause means they can re-sign Virgili at any point, and the player’s latest remarks suggest negotiations would be straightforward should sporting director Deco decide to activate it. With the club searching for cost-effective attacking reinforcements, a home-grown solution could yet trump an expensive pursuit of external targets.

MILLOWAY, Italy — National team coach Gennaro Gutto has taken the extraordinary step of moving Italy’s decisive World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland out of the San Siro, opting instead for the intimate 25,000-seat New Balance Arena in Bergamo. The decision, rubber-stamped by Italian Football Federation president Gabriele Gravina, is rooted in Gattuso’s fear that a restless crowd at the 75,ocal-capolt Milanese icon could turn on the Azzurri after recent failures. Since winning the 2006 World, Italy has failed to reach the last two editions, registering only a single victory across the 2010 and 2014 tournaments and finishing second to Norway in the current qualifying group, where Erling Haaland scored 16 goals. Gattuso, who took the national job last summer, said: “I chose the stadium. I want to thank President Gabriele Gravra and Lugi Buffon for letting me decide. I believe that when you go to a stadium like San Siro, there are Inter and Milan fans, and they might start booing after a few wrong passes. Playing in a smaller stadium will likely give us a better atmosphere. They did so in my first game as Italy’s coach, despite finishing the first half with a 0-0 draw. We hope to create a real cauldron-like atmosphere and that we have not messed things up.” The 45-year-old former midfield general earned 73 caps between 2000 and 2010, scoring once in a 1-0 friendly win over England and was named Man of the Match in the 2006 quarter-final victory that helped propel the A Italy to the title. Northern Ireland, whose last World Cup appearance came in 1986, has won only three of 13 matches in finals history, with their best finish the quarter-finals of 1958. The Bergamo venue, home to rising Serie A side Atalanta, is expected to be sold out and generate a more partisan, unified support for the Azzurri as they attempt to take a first step toward returning to the global stage.

Barcelona’s summer transfer strategy may hinge on the future of 22-year-old midfielder Marc Casado, whose potential sale to Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal could unlock the permanent signing of Joao Cancelo, Mundo Deportivo reports. With the window approaching, the Catalan club have prioritised a new striker and centre-back, yet the status of current loanees Marcus Rashford and Cancelo remains high on the agenda. Manager Hansi Flick has already approved retaining the Portuguese full-back, but only if the deal is cost-neutral: a free transfer plus a reduced wage packet. Al Hilal, however, are refusing to release Cancelo without compensation and have slapped a €15 million valuation on the 30-year-old. That fee is beyond Barcelona’s present budget, prompting the club to explore creative solutions. Enter Casado. The La Masia graduate, while not a regular starter under Flick, has emerged as a coveted asset across Europe and the Gulf. Al Hilal attempted to lure him in January, only for player and coach to block the move while Gavi recovered from injury. With the season winding down and stability expected to return to the region, the Saudi side are expected to renew their pursuit. Barcelona value Casado at roughly €20 million, a figure that would comfortably cover Cancelo’s €15 million price tag and leave surplus cash for reinvestment. A direct player-plus-cash swap has not been formally discussed, yet the outline of such an arrangement is clear: sell Casado, fund Cancelo. For now, both players remain focused on the run-in, aiming to deliver La Liga and Champions League success. But as the market prepares to open, the intertwined futures of a homegrown midfielder and a veteran defender could shape Barcelona’s defensive rebuild for 2025-26.

For a generation of parents who once swapped stickers and spent summers draped in Brazil, Argentina or an off-beat Japan jersey, the ritual of kitting out their own children for a major tournament has become a sobering hit to the wallet. The Football Association’s official online store is listing a full England shirt-and-shorts set, complete with name and number, at £122.98 for youngsters aged 7-15. Infant sizes, shorts included, still demand £64.99, while an adult replica with printing nudges three figures at £104.99. Add those numbers together for a notional family of four – two parents, one older child, one toddler – and the bill for a coordinated summer look tops £350 before postage. The eye-catching sums are not an outlier. Of the 32 World Cup shirts released so far, all but two are produced by Nike, Adidas or Puma, and each brand has chosen a subtly different path on price. Adidas and Puma have held their national-team garments level with the premium club kits they already supply: Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City fans will recognise the tariff. Nike, however, has added a £5 surcharge for England, France and the Netherlands compared with the Chelsea and Tottenham shirts sold in the same stores. That decision means England supporters are paying more than followers of Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, whose Adidas-branded tops sit below the psychological £100 barrier. Both Nike and Adidas defended their arithmetic when approached by the BBC. Nike cited “rising material, manufacturing and logistics costs” and promised “industry-leading innovation”, while Adidas pointed to “technology, development, testing and high-quality materials” and highlighted a two-tier range of authentic and replica jerseys. Puma, supplier to Portugal, Morocco and New Zealand, has settled between the two rivals on price. Sports-merchandise analyst Dr Peter Rohlmann puts the pure production and freight cost of an adult replica shirt at roughly £8.50, with marketing, licensing and distribution adding another £9.50. VAT on a £104.99 shirt accounts for £17.50, leaving an estimated £64.49 margin to be shared between manufacturer and retailer depending on their contract. Since the last World Cup Nike and Puma hikes have outstripped the 14.6 per cent inflation rate; Adidas increases have stayed beneath it. Sports minister Stephanie Peacock labelled the pricing “a commercial decision and a matter for the FA” but admitted sympathy with supporters’ affordability concerns. Nick Jones, a member of the England Supporters Travel Club, notes that international kits remain current for two years rather than one, “so you can say it’s better value for money in that sense”, yet adds that “wages clearly haven’t kept up at the same rate as inflation so it is hitting people’s purses and wallets hard”. He reserves particular scorn for children’s pricing: “they use a fraction of the material, so it does feel like Nike are trying to cream a profit off those ones in particular.” The gulf between official and counterfeit markets has never been wider. Fake shirts, often produced in the same Asian hubs as the genuine articles, can be sourced online for as little as £10. Jones reports that within the past day supporters’ group chats have been “shared with links for fake kits for a fraction of the cost”, and he refuses to condemn the practice. “Getting a kit for a tournament is a big part of showing your support for the team… kids especially don’t want to be left out.” With kick-off approaching, parents face a familiar dilemma: absorb a triple-digit outlay, hunt for last-season discounts, or join the swelling ranks clicking ‘buy now’ on unofficial replicas. For many, the romance of the tournament is colliding with the reality of the price tag.

By Field Correspondent Moises Caiced has reaffirmed his commitment to Chelsea, with respected transfer insider Fabriz to Romano revealing that the Ecuadorian midfielder “really feels” the backing of the Stamford Bridge faithful and remains convinced by the club’s long-term project. Speaking on his You- Tube channel, Romano said: “Moises Caises Caiced still has this desire to be part of the Chelsea project. He really feels the love of the Chelsea fans and people. It has not been an easy season, but Caises still believes in the project. Don’t forget he had the possibility to go to Liverpool, but he still feels there is more to do and win at Chelsea. He wants to become a Chelsea legend—that’s his word.”

Hyderabad, 24 March 2026 — When Sunrisers Hyderabad step onto the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on 28 March to open IPL 2026 against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, they will do so with a new interim skipper and a reshaped pace unit still absorbing the absence of inspirational captain Pat Cummins. Cummins, who transformed SRH’s DNA with an unapologetically aggressive brand of cricket that carried the franchise to the IPL 2024 final, will miss the season’s first exchanges. In his stead, India wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan—fresh from a Player-of-the-Tournament-calibre T20 World Cup 2026 where he amassed 317 runs at a blistering 193.29 strike-rate—has been handed the armband. The 27-year-old’s leadership debut will be watched closely, but the larger question confronting the Orange Army is how the bowling group compensates for its Australian talisman. The answer, at least for the early skirmishes, lies in a recalibrated attack blending experience with breakout promise. Harshal Patel, joint-top wicket-taker for SRH last season with 16 scalps, will spearhead the pace corps. He will be partnered by Sri Lanka’s Eshan Malinga—cleared by SLC after claiming 13 wickets in seven games on IPL debut in 2025—and the evergreen Jaydev Unadkat, whose 110 wickets in 112 IPL matches provide ballast to an otherwise green seam department. England left-arm quick David Payne, signed for ₹1.5 crore as a replacement for the injured Jack Edwards, adds depth. The spin cupboard, once headlined by Rashid Khan, now belongs to 22-year-old Zeeshan Ansari, who is set to be deployed as the team’s Impact Player. Left-arm orthodox all-rounder Harsh Dubey, retained after an impressive 2025 cameo, offers control through the middle. Batting depth was a priority addressed in December’s mini-auction, where SRH entered with ₹25.50 crore and ten slots. Their marquee buy, England’s Liam Livingstone, arrived for ₹13 crore after an underwhelming title defence with RCB and will slot into the middle order alongside uncapped sensation Aniket Verma. Verma, who hammered 236 runs at 166.20 in IPL 2025, provides the late-order fireworks coach Daniel Vettori craves. At the top, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma renew their explosive partnership. Head’s T20 World Cup ended in Australian disappointment, yet his IPL record keeps him entrenched as an opener. Abhishek, holder of the ICC’s No. 1 T20I batting ranking, endured three ducks in that global event before a morale-boosting fifty in the final; SRH will hope that innings signals a return to free-scoring form. Heinrich Klaasen, freed from international duty, keeps wicket and anchors the middle order, while emerging all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy—Emerging Player of IPL 2024—offers balance with both bat and ball. With Cummins’ expected mid-season return pencilled in, Hyderabad’s early fortunes hinge on whether Ishan’s captaincy and the retooled attack can maintain the high-wire aggression that has become the franchise’s hallmark. The IPL 2026 opener against RCB will offer the first clue. Predicted SRH XI v RCB, 28 March: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (c), Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Liam Livingstone, Aniket Verma, Harsh Dubey, Harshal Patel, Eshan Malinga, Jaydev Unadkat. Impact Player: Zeeshan Ansari.

London – Arsenal’s ruthlessness under the lights of a sold-out Emirates Stadium carved out a 3-1 first-leg victory over Chelsea and, more importantly, underlined the visitors’ most obvious shortcoming: a clinical finisher to convert possession into progress in the Women’s Champions League. Alessia Russe’s decisive strike 14 minutes from time left Hannah Hampton with no chance and left Chelsea needing a repeat of last year’s comeback against Manchester City if Sonia Bompastor’s side is to keep its European dream alive. Stina Blackstenius, creator of the killer pass, watched Russe’s instant right-foot volley curl into the bottom corner and later called it “perfect.” Head coach Renee Slegers lauded the England forward’s “conviction” as she notched her eighth goal of this European campaign, a new benchmark for English players in the women’s format. The opener arrived on 22 minutes when Blacksteinius ghosted between Chelsea defenders to head in Katie McCabe’s whipped free-kide, and Chloe Kelly doubled the advantage six minutes later with a thunderbolt from outside the box. “When you hit one like that, you know it’s going in,” Kelly said. Chelsea, without Sam Kerr, Mayra Ramirez and an out-of-form Aggie Beever-Jones, controlled 59 per cent of possession and had 14 attempts to Arsenal’s 11, yet found only Lauren James’ spectacular 66-minute strike to show for their endeavour. The contrast was stark: the home side converted three of six shots on target; Chelsea, six of six, but one fewer goal. An early Buurman goal was ruled out for a foul on Cadena, a marginal VAR check that enraged Bompstor and summed up a night where Chelsea’s composure in front of goal was absent. Arsenal, once guilty of the same flaw, converted the few chances that mattered and now carry a two-goal cushion into the second leg at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday. Chelsea, beaten 2-0 by Arsenal in the WSL in January, have not ceded back-to-back losses to the north Londoners since 2016. They overturned a 2-0 deficit against Manchester City at this stage last year and will need similar resilience and a clinical edge if they are to avoid elimination.

Orlando City has completed one of Major League Soccer’s most high-profile transfers in history, unveiling France’s Antoine Griezmann as a Designpotto Designated Player through 2028, with a cluboption for 2029. The 34-year-old forward arrives from Spain’s Atlético de Madrid after finishing the 2025-26 European season and is scheduled to join the squad in July. Griezmez’s signature represents a seismic shift for a club that has reached the playoffs six consecutive seasons yet has struggled to convert steady relevance into championship contention. Owner Mark Wilf described the move as transformational, calling it both a sporting and a commercial leap designed to elevate Orlando into the league’s elite tier. The Frenchman’s résumé underscores the magnitude of the coup. A World Cup winner with France in 201 and a runner-up in 2022, Grizmann has 131 senior caps and 44 international goals. At Atléti he became the club’s all-time leading scorer and spearheaded the 2018 Europa League campaign. He twice finished on the Ballon d’Or podium and was named LaLiga’s Player of the Season in 2015-16. Unlike many European stars who cross the Atlantic in the twilight of their careers, Griezmann joins MLS while still operating at a high level. Orlando is banking on his exceptional game intelligence, tactical versatility and proven big-game composure to reshape matches and, ultimately, the club’s trajectory. In brief comments, Griezmann cited the club’s long-term vision, the passion of the fan base and the chance to play at Inter&Co Stadium as decisive factors in his decision. He will slot into a Designated Player corps alongside Marco Pašalić and Martín Odeja, forming an attacking core engineered for championship contention. The move coincides with structural change across the organization. The club parted ways with head coach Oscar Parela earlier this year, signaling an aggressive pivot toward a new competitive cycle. The message from the front office is clear: merely making the playoffs is no longer enough; Orlando intends to compete for trophies. Griezmann’s arrival reinforces a broader trend of elite European talent choosing MLS as a legitimate destination while still in prime form. For Orlando, the objective is now unambiguous: convert continental star power into tangible silverware and solidify the club as a marquee destination within the global game.

Liverpool, 27 March — Everton’s international contingent is making headlines on multiple fronts as the break for national-team fixtures intensifies. With James potentially on the c of a first senior England cap, the 22-year-old midfielder told Everton’s in-house media that he is relishing the opportunity to impress manager Gareth Southgate ahead of this summer’s World (EFL). His former Manchester United and England teammate Wayne Ro has backed him to make the squad, telling the BBC that “James has the temperament and the engine to shine at a major (BBC). Meanwhile, the United States of America might soon have their own Everton to support. Sports Boom report that the club are monitoring Florian, the on-loe Ville striker who is eligible to feature for the USMNT, alongside interest in the United States debutant Antonee of Fulham. On the club front, the Premier League has recognised Beto as Player of the Week after the Portuguese forward’s recent scoring exploits. It marks the first time an Everton player has claimed the weekly honour this campaign. The accol was confirmed alongside the announcement that Beto and James have been named to the March edition of Who’s Premier League Team of the Month. Everton’s official website notes that “plenty of action from around the globe” is expected as national teams continue their preparations, with the club keeping tabs on all of its representatives during the break.

Barcelona coach Hansi F has a problem: one returning 28-year-old superstar and one 18-year-old stranger who have never looked like strangers at all. Frenkie de Jong, the Dutch engine that powers the Blaugrana transition from first warning to final pass, is nearing the end of rehabilitation. His replacement, academy graduate Marc Bernal, has absorbed the tempo of the Camp Nou as if it were a Sunday afternoon kick-about in the 3 Carras. Bernal has started every game since De Jong’s setback, shielding the back four with a serenity that recalls a young Sergio Busquets and scoring goals that have helped keep alive Barça’s hopes in all competitions. The numbers under Hansi F have already rewritten history. After 105 games the German’s side has 298 goals, 54 more than Pep Guardi’s record start. Yet the rear of the team is not the fortress Guard built, and the midfield is now the area where F must decide whether experience or fearlessness will dominate the next chapter. Pedri pencils himself into the XI, Dani Olmo and Ferm López rotate, Gavi readies for minutes, and Casado waits. The real conundrum is at defensive midfield. Bernal, taller and more physically imposing than De Jong, has shown a Guardiola-era ability to turn under pressure and accelerate through the lines. De Jong, meanwhile, carries 7 seasons of elite European football, a mastery of second-phase possession and the positional IQ that has rescued Barça from countless storms. Flick’s public stance is that Bernar is not a project but a present-day option. internally the staff concede that changing a winning team is a risk, yet benching a fully fit De Jong is an equally uncomfortable gamble. The coach has until matchday to decide whether to keep faith with the teenager who has never looked out of place or to restore the Dutchman who oils the wheels between defence and attack. Decisions, decisions… the answer will shape the title push and define Flick’s final legacy at the club he has pledged will be his last in football.

Mumbai, June 25 — A consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, niche global investor Bolt Ventures and Blackline’s long-form private equity arm have signed a definitive agreement to purchase 100 per cent of Royal Challengers Bengaluru from United Stri Ltd, a subsidiary of Diageo PLC, in a transaction that values the franchise at $1.78 billion (approximately ₹16,600 crore). The sale, the largest in IPL history, is subject to approval by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the IPL Governing Council and other regulatory authorities and will become effective after the completion of the 2026 season. Under the new ownership, Aryaman Vikklam Bir, director at Adityya Birla Group and former Madhya Pradesh cricketer who was part of the inaugural Rajasthan Royals squad, will assume the chairmanship of RCB. Satyan Gajwani, chairman of Times Internet Ltd, will serve as vice-chairman. The consortium has signalled that it will retain the existing management and coaching set-up that delivered the women’s and men’s titles in 2024 and 2025, making RCB the first franchise to hold both the Women’s Premier League and IPL trophies simultaneously. United Spirits had acquired the Bengaluru franchise in 2008 for $111.6 million (about ₹485 crore) when the BCCI floated the league. The new price tag represents a 16-fold appreciation over 17 years and surpasses all previous block trades in the league. Sources familiar with the bidding said that other suitors included Adar Poonawalla, Ranjan Pui of Manipul Hospitals, private equity heavyweights EQT, TPG and Temasek, and the Glazer family, owners of Manchester United. Commenting on the acquisition, Aditya Birla Group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla said the IPL had transformed into a global sporting powerhouse and that his group would leverage its legacy of institution-building to elevate Rinto a “global sporting institution.” Satyan Gajwani promised to “remain rooted in Bengaluru and Karnataka” while expanding the brand’s international footprint. David Blitzer, founder of Bolt Ventures, highlighted the “world-class fan base” and the league’s growth story, while Viral Patel, CEO of BXPE, cited RCB’s loyal fan base and multiple growth vectors as key attractions. The franchise, home to some of the biggest names in T20 cricket including Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, Shane Wats, Anil Kumble, Glenn Maxwell, Yuvraj Singh and Faf du Plessis, has consistently ranked among the most followed teams in the league. The 2025 Brand Finance report placed RCB as the second-most valuable IPL brand after Mumbai Indians and among the three strongest brands alongside Mumbai and Chennai, while global investment bank Houlihan Loley rated RCB as the most valuable IPL brand in its 2025 report. The new owners have pledged to support the players, coaches and leadership team as the franchise prepares to defend both titles in the coming seasons.

DETROIT—On a sun-splashed Saturday morning at a quiet Cass Tech practice field, Donald Tabron II’s right arm did the talking. The 6-foot-4, 190-pound sophomore—already rated the No. 3 quarterback and No. 27 overall prospect in the rising class of 2028—unfurled a series of crisp deep balls and timing routes while a handful of private coaches charted every throw. The session, closed to media and fans, was the latest checkpoint in a recruitment that has exploded to 28 scholarship offers before Tabron II has even started his junior season. “He’s not a kid who needs the spotlight every second,” one observer said. “But when the ball’s in his hand, the spotlight finds him.” Rivals currently lists Tabron II as a four-star and the third-best signal-caller in the ’28 cycle, trailing only California’s Elijah Brown and Texas’ Cade McConnell. The Detroit product first flashed that pedigree in 2024, when he started as a freshman and piloted Cass Tech to the Michigan Division I state title, finishing 1,656 yards, 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions. MaxPreps rewarded the debut with Freshman All-American second-team honors. Tabron II’s encore was even louder: 2,819 passing yards and 35 touchdowns while returning the Technicians to the state championship game. Along the way he showcased the pocket patience and field-wide vision that 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins highlighted in an August 2025 scouting note, praising the quarterback for being “efficient with the feet and stay on-schedule.” College programs have noticed. Oregon, Texas A&M and Auburn have emerged as the early front-runners, per Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong. The Ducks extended their offer in May 2025, followed by a late-January visit from Tabron II to Eugene, where he toured the facilities and met with offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach—who outlined how Oregon’s quarterback room will transition from Dante Moore in 2026 to Nebraska transfer Dylan Raiola in 2027. The Aggies entered the picture after Tabron II attended Texas A&M’s October 2025 win over Mississippi State; he already knew Marcel Reed would return as the 2026 starter and that four-star Helaman Casuga and 2027 pledge Jayce Johnson are stockpiling the depth chart. Auburn’s courtship dates back to June 2024, under then-coach Hugh Freeze, and survived the regime change to Alex Golesh; Tabron II’s Saturday workout came less than 24 hours after he toured the Plains and met the new staff. Despite the mounting attention, Tabron II insists he won’t rush. The early signing period for the class of 2028 is still 18 months away, giving him ample time to dissect playbooks, depth charts and relationships. Between now and then he will also chase a third state-title appearance and continue leaping—literally—as a high-jump specialist for Cass Tech’s track team. For now, the only numbers that matter are the ones spinning off his fingertips on a quiet Detroit field, each pass another reminder that the next great quarterback out of Michigan is only beginning to scratch the surface.

Tottenham Hotspur have moved to steady their turbulent future by tying down 17-year-old winger Conall Glancy to his first professional contract, the club confirmed on Tuesday. The signature arrives at a moment when first-team results have plunged the club into crisis: Spurs sit just one point above the Premier League relegation zone after a 3-0 home humiliation by Nottingham Forest and the pressure around the training ground is said to be at boiling point. Yet amid the gloom, Glancy’s progression offers a glimmer of long-term daylight. The Edinburgh native, who turned 17 last month, joined the Spurs academy last summer after a prolific spell with Celtic’s youth ranks. In 2024-25 he fired 15 goals for a treven-winning Celtic Under-16 squad, persuitating Tottenham’s recruitment staff to bring him south on a scholarship deal. Now a first-year professional, Gl has 12 appearances for the Under-18s this season 2025-26 campaign and scored his maiden league goal in a 4-1 dismantling of Birmingham City. November also saw him taste continental competition, starting in the Under-18s’ UEFA Youth clash with Paris Saint-Germain, experience that academy staff believe will accelerate his ascent toward senior football. Under-18 coach Jamie Carr has deployed the Scot primarily from the left flank, where pace, direct running and an improving end product have caught the eye of senior management. While manager Igor Tudor searches desperately for attacking spark, the club’s academy hierarchy insist Glanc represents part of a deliberate long-term strategy inside the 1billion stadium. With supporters urging the board to act decisively on and off the pitch, securing one of the country’s most highly regarded teenagers is a statement of intent. Glancy will continue to train with the academy but, given Spurs’ crisis, a first-team breakthrough could come sooner than expected. Tottenham, meanwhile, must now balance survival anxiety with the promise of a youthful rebuild. In the signature of a 17-year-old Celtic alumnus, they believe they have both a present morale boost and a future cornerstone.

Madrid — When Thibaut Courtois clutched his thigh in training earlier this month, the clock inside Valdebebas reset to a familiar narrative: Andriy Lunin, the quiet Ukrainian who had waited six seasons for scraps, was suddenly the man charged with protecting Real Madrid’s European dream. It is a role Lunin knows intimately. In March 2024 a similar Courtois injury propelled the 27-year-old into the Champions League knockout rounds; three months later Madrid lifted the trophy in London. Lunin’s fingerprints were on every key tie: two penalty saves in the shoot-out against Manchester City, command of his box against Bayern Munich, and the calm authority that convinced Carlo Ancelotti to keep faith even when summer signing Kepa Arrizabalaga arrived on loan. Now the script has looped. Courtois is expected to miss six-to-eight weeks, a window that covers the quarter-final with Bayern Munich, a potential semi-final, and the Clásico at the Camp Nou on 10 May. The final itself, on 30 May in Munich, falls just outside the Belgian’s projected return date—inviting the same tantalising symmetry that saw Courtois reclaim the gloves for last year’s showpiece. Inside the club, no one is panicking. Staff describe Lunin as “methodical, almost detached”, a goalkeeper who treats every training session like a cup final. Signed from Zorya Luhansk for €8 million in June 2018, he has amassed only 67 appearances, yet his reputation among coaches is bullet-proof. Goalkeeping guru Luis Llopis, the architect of Courtois’s refinement, praises the Ukrainian’s footwork and shot-stopping in the same breath. Lunin’s journey has been one of patience. Three loans—Leganés, Valladolid, Oviedo—preceded a belated debut in January 2021, a 2-1 Copa del Rey humiliation at third-tier Alcoyano. Rather than wilt, he absorbed the lesson, returning to become the undisputed No 2. When Courtois ruptured an ACL in August 2023, Lunin seized the stage, outperforming Kepa and finishing the campaign with 31 appearances, a Copa del Rey runners-up medal and a new contract through 2030. His cult status is sealed by off-beat details: a tracksuit wedding, a proposal on Valladolid’s pitch, and the penalty heroics that turned the Bernabéu into a cauldron against City. In the dressing room he forms a tight quartet with Arda Güler, Federico Valverde, Fran García and Brahim Díaz, yet shuns the spotlight. Sources close to the player say he and his young family are settled in Madrid, content with a supporting role behind one of the world’s elite keepers. Courtois, 34 in May, has quietly extended his deal to 2027, ensuring the hierarchy remains unchanged. For Lunin, the immediate task is clear: navigate Bayern, keep Barcelona at bay, and maintain the momentum that has made Madrid the competition’s modern masters. Should he succeed, another chapter in the Champions League legend of the enigmatic backup goalkeeper will be written—whether or not he graces the final itself.

Liverpool will wave goodbye to Mohamed Salah at the end of the season, closing the book on a nine-year Anfield odyssey that transformed both the club and the man himself. In a quietly emotional video posted to 66 million Instagram followers on Tuesday night, the 33-year-old sat before his gleaming trophy cabinet, exhaled, and delivered the sentence supporters had dreaded: “Unfortunately, the time has come … I will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.” The announcement arrives 348 days after Salah’s last televised address from Anfield, when he strode along a red carpet, settled onto a gilt-edged throne and declared “the story will continue” after signing a two-year extension. Twelve trophyless, turbulent months later, that story will finish with 255 goals in 435 appearances, two Premier League titles, one Champions League and a personal haul that places him third on the club’s all-time scoring chart behind only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt. Numbers, though, feel inadequate when weighed against the cultural earthquake triggered by a boy from rural Egypt who conquered English football. Salah’s 32-goal debut campaign in 2017-18 included a 36-yard lob over Ederson against Manchester City, a slaloming Merseyside derby strike and a solo dagger against Tottenham. Across eight full seasons he averaged 30 goals in all competitions, registering 284 combined goals and assists in the Premier League era—bettered only by Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard, each of whom required at least 100 more appearances. Yet his influence stretches far beyond statistics. He is the only player to be crowned PFA Players’ Player of the Year three times in the award’s 52-year existence. In the Arab world he carries the symbolic weight of Messi in Argentina or Ronaldo in Portugal, becoming the first North African footballer to achieve truly global superstardom. Time magazine listed him among the planet’s 100 most influential people in 2019, citing both his philanthropy and his public call for gender-equity reform in Egypt. That soft power was forged on Merseyside for an initial £36.9 million—smaller fees than Liverpool’s rivals paid for Alvaro Morata, Romelu Lukaku and Alexandre Lacazette the same summer. What appeared a gamble matured into the perfect marriage: the right player, the right club, the right moment, repeated season after season until this winter’s sharp decline. A run of nine defeats in 12 games precipitated a November dropping and an explosive interview in which Salah claimed he and head coach Arne Slot “suddenly … don’t have any relationship” and suggested “the club has thrown me under the bus.” Egypt duty at the Africa Cup of Nations in December looked set to end his Liverpool career prematurely; instead he returned, regained his place and scored memorable goals against Brighton in the FA Cup and Galatasaray in Europe, even if the electrifying bursts that once terrorised full-backs have become fleeting. Off-field trauma has shadowed the campaign. The death of teammate Diogo Jota in a July car crash left Salah “frightened” of returning to Melwood, he admitted on Instagram. On the opening weekend he wept in front of the Kop as fans chanted Jota’s name, a moment that encapsulated both the fragility and unity of the current squad. With a year remaining on his deal, Salah’s departure is framed by the club as mutual, opening the door to a lucrative Saudi Pro League move. Al Ittihad, part of the Public Investment Fund portfolio, attempted to sign him in 2023 and a marquee Arabic icon would fit the kingdom’s expanding sporting blueprint, especially as Cristiano Ronaldo approaches his 41st birthday. For now Salah’s focus is a respectable farewell. Liverpool remain in contention for the FA Cup and a Champions League berth, and though the landscape surrounding Slot’s own future is uncertain, the Egyptian’s final Anfield appearance against Brentford on 24 May is poised to be an emotional coronation rather than a subdued coda. When the curtain falls, the memories will resist the erosion of time: the curled finishes, the jubilant hugs with the Kop, the records that nudged him past legends, the shy smile that belied a relentless competitive furnace. In an era when transfers feel increasingly transactional, Mohamed Salah and Liverpool shared something rare and resonant—an alliance that elevated both parties beyond their own expectations. The goals may have dried up this season, but the legend is already set in stone.

London — For every Premier League side outside the top four, the mathematics have changed. The Champions League’s new 36-team format opened a fifth English berth in 2024-25, and the Premier League is poised to secure one of UEFA’s two bonus European Performance Sppots again next season. Add a second Europa League place, a Conference League slot, plus the extra rewards available to trophy-winners, and the domestic table becomes only part of the qualification puzzle. That complexity could see a record 11 English clubs on continental duty in 2026-27, according to data modelling carried out by The Athletic. The route to the unprecedented figure begins with the simplest equation: the first five finishers in this season’s table would all enter the Champions League if the Premier League secures the EPS. At present that quintet is Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Liverpool. The sixth-placed club (today Chelsea) would head to the Europa League, as would the FA Cup winners. Should a top-five side lift that trophy, the Europa League place rolls down to the seventh-placed club, currently Brentford. The Carababao Cup winners are entitled to the Conference League qualifiers — Manchester City’s victory on Sunday means the berth would pass to eighth-placed Everwood if City stay in the top five. that eight places are already accounted for, but three more routes exist. Scenario one: Nottingham Forest, 14th in the league but alive in the Europa League, could emulate Tottenham’s 2024 run and win the title, becoming England’s sixth Champions League participant. Scenario two: Crystal Palace, through to the Conference League quarter-finals, would upgrade to the Europa League should they lift that trophy. Scenario third: a double triumph for Liverpool (Champions League) and Villa (Europa League) while both finish outside the top five would add two extra Champions League spots, pushing the eighth, ninth and tenth-placed clubs into the Europa League, and eleventh into the Conference League. The most extreme outcome would see ten English clubs in the Champions League and Europa League alone, with an eleventh in the Conference League, meaning more than half of the league’s membership would embark on European campaigns. With seven rounds of league matches plus cup finals still to play, the permutations remain fluid, but the sheer volume of English teams still alive in Europe has already guaranteed that the country’s coefficient lead will stay intact. Inside the clubs’ analytics departments, spread-sheet permutations are being updated weekly; for supporters, the ordinary end-of-season scoreboard watching has become a multi-coloured matrix of what-if plots. An unprecedented 11-international flight schedule is still improbable, but no longer theoretical. The final seven weeks of domestic and continental action will determine whether the Premier League becomes the first competition in the modern-pool era to send more than half of its members into UEFA tournaments. Anantaacojith covers data and tactics for The Athletic.

Long Creek High School’s girls soccer team saw its landmark season come to a close Tuesday night, absorbing a 1-0 second-round defeat to La Vernia that ended the deepest playoff run in program history. The match’s lone goal arrived in the ninth minute, a moment Lady Dragons head coach Abigail Palomino believes set the tone for the night. “We came out soft in the first 15 minutes,” Palomino said. “We’re a young squad, so the importance of that first 15 and last 15 are huge, and I don’t think we came out as strong as we needed to.” Long Creek regrouped after the break, controlling possession and manufacturing a flurry of chances. Freshman forward Shayla Silva spearheaded the attack with multiple shots on target, while junior midfielder Mady Benson anchored the middle of the park. Sophomore outside back Kericia Rico also drew praise for an aggressive, high-tempo performance that helped pin La Vernia deep in its own half. “She started stepping to the player quicker, making moves, working up the field a lot faster and connecting passes,” Palomino said of Rico. “She went in headfirst into every play.” Despite the surge, La Vernia’s goalkeeper denied each attempt, and the five-back defensive scheme the Bears deployed limited second-chance opportunities. Long Creek, accustomed to facing traditional four-back alignments, struggled to find seams through the extra defender, while La Vernia’s swift counterattacks—many funneled through the influential No. 18—kept the Lady Dragons honest until the final whistle. The narrow loss closes a campaign that already rewrote school records. Long Creek earned a top-four district finish against a slate of regional powers, then captured the first playoff victory in the program’s brief existence. With all but one player—an international transfer—expected back, Palomino sees the defeat as a springboard rather than an endpoint. “Playoffs are hard because you have seniors graduating and you’re losing a leadership group,” she noted. “Going into next season, being able to establish this at such a young age—now they become what you call seasoned veterans.” Off-season plans center on building chemistry after a year spent shuttling to New Braunfels Middle School for practice once football season ended. Early-season workouts were staged in the outfield of the softball diamond while the school’s soccer facilities were under construction. Palomino believes the completion of on-campus amenities will accelerate development. “We’re returning everyone,” she said. “Once our facilities are there, that’s going to help us a ton.” For a roster loaded with freshmen and sophomores, Tuesday’s setback provided a crash course in playoff intensity. The Lady Dragons trailed by a single goal against an experienced opponent, created multiple chances, and walked off the pitch certain they had left everything on the field. “We went down swinging,” Palomino said. “They weren’t happy with how they played in the first half, and that kind of shifted their mindset. They took that seriously and said, ‘Hey, let’s go.’” Although the season ended earlier than hoped, Long Creek’s breakthrough year has laid a foundation the program hopes will produce deeper postseason runs in the very near future.

Chapel Hill, N.C. — The University of North Carolina has ended its partnership with men’s basketball coach Hubert Davis following five seasons at the helm of the storied program, according to an announcement released early Thursday. Athletic department officials offered no immediate details on the decision or on potential successors, but the move marks a swift conclusion to Davis’s tenure in charge of the Tar Heels. The 54-year-old former UNC standout and longtime assistant took over the program ahead of the 2021-22 campaign, becoming only the program’s third head coach since 1961. Davis guided North Carolina to a national championship game appearance in his first season and recorded four NCAA Tournament berths during his five years. His overall record and conference mark were not specified in the university’s brief statement. A national search for the next head coach will begin immediately, officials said.

LOS ANGELES — The final exhibition of spring training sounded more like a playoff anthem Tuesday night at Chavez Ravine, and the composer was Shohei Ohtani. In a 3–0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels, the Dodgers’ two-way star authored a four-inning, 11-strikeout masterpiece that left teammates, opponents, and a sellout crowd convinced the Cy Young race has an early front-runner. Ohtani wasted no time announcing his intent, blowing a 95-mph sinker past Zach Neto and then surprising Mike Trout with a 97-mph heater up and in for back-to-back strikeouts to open the game. The tone was set: this was no ordinary March tune-up. The only hiccup arrived in the second. A leadoff single by Jorge Soler and a walk to Yohan Moncada put two on with nobody out. Ohtani responded by snapping off a curveball that Jo Adell chased in the dirt, blowing a 98-mph fastball past Josh Lowe, and burying another breaking ball to freeze Travis d’Arnaud—three hitters, three swings, three strikeouts. By the end of the third inning, Ohtani had eight punchouts, including a second strikeout of Neto and a Trout whiff on an 84-mph sweeper that had the stadium buzzing with regular-season electricity. He added three more in the fourth, finishing his outing having struck out 11 of the first 13 outs he recorded. Manager Dave Roberts praised the precision and intent. “The intensity was there, focus was there and execution was there,” Roberts said. “He’s ready to go.” The fifth inning illustrated the tightrope Ohtani and the Dodgers will navigate all year. Back-to-back singles and an RBI knock from Oswald Peraza pushed Ohtani to 86 pitches and closed his line at 4 innings, 4 hits, 3 runs, 2 walks, 11 strikeouts—numbers that somehow still felt dominant. That dominance fuels an emerging question: can a player who is also one of baseball’s most feared hitters realistically chase a Cy Young Award? Roberts answered without hesitation. “Oh yeah. Because of just talent, ability and will. If he does that, he’ll be in the conversation, absolutely, I have no doubt about that.” The path will require careful management. Ohtani enters 2024 without the post-surgical restrictions that limited him to one-inning cameos last July. Yet the Dodgers plan to monitor pitch counts, consider extra rest, and weigh whether his bat stays in the lineup on days he pitches. For now, Roberts sees no reason to remove the stick from the two-way phenom’s hands. “He really loves to hit. Until we see or learn otherwise … we kind of move forward.” Tuesday’s performance offered a glimpse of what managed volume can still produce: a varied arsenal of 97-mph heat, darting sinkers, and sharp breaking balls that kept hitters guessing and missing. If that level translates to the regular season—and Ohtani stays on the mound with any consistency—the Cy Young conversation may quickly become his to lose. As the Dodgers pivot toward Monday’s Opening Day against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the last image of spring is unmistakable. Ohtani isn’t merely preparing for the season; he’s preparing to own it.

Paris—Kylian Mbappe delivered an unequivocal message to France supporters and World Cup rivals on the eve of Les Bleus’ U.S. tour: the knee injury that sidelined him for 54 days is “behind me,” and his place at this summer’s tournament was never in doubt. Speaking in Paris before joining the national squad for friendlies against Brazil today and Colombia on Sunday, the 27-year-old Real Madrid striker described the lay-off—the longest of his career—as a period of “frustration, anger and anxiety.” Yet scans taken in early March showed no need for surgery, and Mbappe insists speculation about a more serious ligament rupture was unfounded. “Lots of people gave their own diagnosis; I heard many false things,” he said during an appearance at an insurance firm he has invested in. “At worst I could have had a partial rupture ruling me out until April, but there was never a debate about the World Cup or the climax to the season with Real Madrid.” Mbappe resumed full training under a self-imposed “return-gently-but-hungry” regime and has already logged minutes at club level: a cameo in the Champions League last-16 tie at Manchester City and 25-plus minutes in Sunday’s 3-2 Madrid derby victory over Atletico. With 38 goals in 34 matches he remains Real’s leading scorer this campaign. The French captain, who lifted the trophy in 2018 and finished runner-up in 2022, admitted he and the club “tried to manage it as best as possible” while he played through January and February. “Today I have no pain and we are still in the hunt for trophies,” he added. “All the pain is gone.” France’s two-match American swing marks the next checkpoint on the road to the June finals. Mbappe welcomed the chance to face a Brazil side led by his former Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti. “When you play Brazil, the greatest footballing nation with five World Cup wins, it is unbelievable,” he said. “We are not going there for a holiday; we are going as a step in our preparations for the World Cup.” Mbappe expects to feature during the international break and believes the friendlies will offer valuable benchmarks against fellow contenders. “Even if we cannot take a lot of learnings out of this get-together, we can nevertheless take some,” he noted. For now, the focus is simple: minutes on the pitch, sharpness restored, and a third World Cup campaign looming with “all systems go.”

MunPLANEGG, 15 May — Bayern Munich’s summer rebuild will not include RSC Anderlecht’s 22-year-old midfield orchestrator, Nathan De Cat. Despite persistent links, Sport Bild head of football Christian Falk confirmed on Thursday that the Bavarian club has removed the Belgian from its shortlist. “FC Bayern find the player interesting, that’s very true,” Falk said, “but there just isn’t a free space in midfield for another No 6 or 8 of his style.” The decision clears a path for Premier League suitors and leaves academy prospect Kennet Eichhorn as the internal fallback option should the club add depth in the engine room. The clarification follows steady conjecture about external reinforcements, yet the club is clearly leaning toward promoting from within rather than splashing cash on another central midfielder. Meanwhile, a swirl of speculation linking Aleksandar Pavlovic to Chelsea was quashed by the same authoritative source. Falk confirmed that no talks have taken place between the London club and the 19-year-old German who has broken into the Bayern first team this season. “There was contact in the winter, but not from Chelsea— it was Manchester City,” he revealed, noting that the answer from the record champions was a firm “no.” Chelsea are not alone in admiration for Pavlovic, but for now Bayern regard him as part of their long-term core and are not entertaining any offers. Else in Europe, Barcelona are weighing up a one-year extension for Robert Lew andowski, according to Fabrizio Romano. The 37-year-old striker has not made a decision and is also assessing approaches from the Saudi Pro League and MLS ahead of the summer window. In England, Nottingham Forest newcomer Elliot Anderson is attracting a trio of top league sides. Newcastle United are plotting a reunion with their former academy graduate, while Manchester United and Manchester City are monitoring the 21-year-old closely. Borussia Dortmund may cash in on Serhou Guirassy should a €50 million offer arrive from a top European club. The Guine international’s representatives are taking a measured approach and will not decide until the off-season. Should Guir an depart, Hoffen heim’s 20-year-old forward Fis Asllani is a prime candidate to replace him, partly thanks to his shared history with new BVB sporting director Book at El ver sberg. E intracht Frank f t appear ready to cash in on Swedish midfielder Hugo Larsson after years of rebuffing su ors. Premier League and La Liga clubs have already approached through super-agent Has an C tin kaya and formal proposals are expected once the summer window opens. and Mo Salah will leave Liverpool at the end of the campaign, bringing his stor mer years at An field to a close. Bayern’s next on-field focus is a blockbuster Champions League semi final against Real Madrid without Belgian keeper Th b Cour ois, while the club is reportedly about to boost Michael Ol ise’s wages as part of a new long-term deal. Keywords:

LeBron James has long stated that owning an NBA franchise—specifically an expansion club based in Las Vegas—was his post-playing ambition. Yet in March 202 free agency, the four-time champion abruptly reversed course, telling reporters he was “not at all” interested in pursuing ownership. The Fenway Sports Group, which handles James’s portfolio inside the sports market, privately cited ballooning valuations that now range between $7 billion and $10 billion as the deterrent. A new report, however, suggests the true driver of James’s pivot may lie inside the orbit of his most trusted business partner. According to a comprehensive investigation by The Athletic’s Joe Vardon and Mike Vfree agency, Maverick Coxfree agency—James’s longtime confidant and the chief architect of the LeBron James Family Companies—has quietly accepted a seat on the board of directors for “Project B League,” an up-start professional circuit aiming to directly challenge the NBA’s monopoly on elite talent. Project B intends to tip off next fall with a November-to-April schedule that overlaps the NBA’s regular season, forcing players to elect one league over the other. Sources tell The Athletic that the league is prepared to offer guaranteed salaries above current NBA mid-level money plus equity stakes tied to future revenue growth, a structure designed to entice stars to spurnextension talks with their NBA clubs. Grady Burnett, Project B’s co-founder and public face, confirmed to The Athletic that he has resumed working with Coxfree agency, who served as an informal consultant during the league’s earliest planning stages. “Carter, 44, who oversees day-to day operations of James’s businesses, had been a consultant for Project B until this fall but is now back in the fold as an adviser and board director,” Burnett said. Coxfree agency’s spokesperson acknowledged his friendship with Burnett but denied that Coxfree now holds any formal title inside the organization. Burnett says Coxfree has not approached James about investing or owning a Project B franchise, yet he left the door open: “We’re focused, as I said, on building the foundation, and we will have those conversations as we go forward with the right players at the right time.” The league has already announced marquee signings on the women’s side—Nneka Ogfree agency, Alyssa Thomas, Jewell Loyd, and Sophie Cunningham among them—while promising a “mirror blueprint” for men that targets both rising prospects and veteran names seeking extended career runway. Coxfree’s ties to Coxfree sports Group, which owns stakes in Liverpool FC and other franchises, adds another layer of potential conflict. Insiders say Coxfree agency inside Coxfree sports Group—meaning Coxfree agency’s dual roles could have complicated James’s attempt to become an NBA owner. LeBron’s public explanation for stepping away from ownership ambitions cites skyrocketing valuations. Yet the timeline aligns with Coxfree’s deepening involvement in Project B, a venture that would directly compete with any NBA interests James would hold. For now, Coxfree agency remains the only person who can clarify whether Coxfree agency’s new league—and the potential profits it promises—helped detonate the four-time MVP’s long-held dream of owning an NBA team.

MIAMI—Janic Sinto Sinner’s march through the Miami Open has been as clinical as the statistics suggest: three matches, zero sets lost, and a quarter-final ticket stamped with a 6-3, 6-3 dismissal of American Alex- Michels en in the fourth round on Tuesday afternoon. Yet beneath the tidy box score lies a player quietly managing the shifting sands of clay-bound rankings math that will arrive next month. “I played a night match yesterday and then a day match today, so the conditions were very different,” Sinner said after the 90-minute win, noting the sun’s position during Michelsen’s second-set push. “I tried to find solutions as the match went on.” The Italian’s solution was resolute shot selection and a serve that woke up on cue, saving two break points in back-to-back games before breaking the 20-year-old in the 10th game to close the set and match. It was the latest extension of a streak that now shows nine consecutive straight-set wins and 28 consecutive Masters 1000 sets, a run that began during his title run in Paris last autumn. Michelsen, who hammered 11 aces and forced a set point on serve at 5-4, was left to rue a moment of bad luck: “The sun was in his face on set point, I tried to serve as well as I could,” Sinner said, tipping his cap to the American’s level. “I was also a bit lucky.” Luck, however, has been in short supply for the rest of the draw. The top seed has dropped just 22 games in three rounds, while the section around him continues to crumble. Only Alexander Zverev joins Sinner among the original top 15 seeds remaining, meaning the path to a first Miami crown—and a potential Sunshine Double after last month’s Indian Wells trophy—has cleared dramatically. The wider context is impossible to ignore. Carlos Alcar am holding the No 1 spot, but the Spaniis defending a raft of clay points from Monte Carlo to Roland Garros, while Sinner has comparatively little to protect. The math is in the Italian’s favour, but the sentiment inside his camp remains grounded. “I’m aware of the scenarios,” Sinner acknowledged. “But clay is completely different. It depends on how you start and how you feel on that surface.” The comment was as much a concession to the calendar as it was to his rival. “With him being No 1 and me No 2, the only way we can face each other is potentially in the final,” Sinner said of Alcaraz. “There are many tough matches ahead. You can lose in a second. I take it day by, one opponent at a.” That next opponent is American Frances Tiafoe, who advanced under the same hot sun and will enjoy a raucous crowd on Thursday night. Sinner, meanwhile, will savour a rare day off after three straight weeks of play. “I’ve played almost three weeks in a row. I know I need to play my best tennis if I want to go far,” he said. If he does go far—perhaps all the way to a Miami title on Saturday— the No 1 debate will intensify on the clay. For now, Sinner is content to let the numbers quietly assemble while he focuses on the Miami heat and the next fore that matters.

Gennaro Gasseto has left Federico Chiesa off his roster for the coming World Cup playoff, a decision that leaves Italy with no margin for error ahead of the do-or die matches. Gasseto said only “someone without blood in their veins” would not feel the nerves as the national team fights to secure a place in the finals. Italy enters the playoff window under heavy pressure and without room for excuses. Gasseto’s message is clear: there are no alibis.

Kelowna turned into a hockey capital this weekend as the Central Zone Rockets completed an unprecedented sweep at the BC Hockey Provincial Championships, claiming gold in all three female divisions—U13, U15, and U18. The historic feat marks the first time in BC Hockey annals that one association has captured every age-group title in the same season. The U15 and U18 squads reinforced their dominance by repeating as provincial champions, successfully defending the banners they raised a year ago. Meanwhile, the U13 squad capped a dramatic climb up the podium, upgrading last season’s silver medal to championship gold and completing the organization’s perfect weekend. With three banners heading back to Kelowna, the Central Zone Rockets have set a new benchmark for excellence in British Columbia minor hockey.

Madrid—Pere Romeu kept a straight face for only a moment. Asked whether Barcelona have a surprise tactic tucked away for tonight’s UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid, the 32-year-old head coach broke into a grin and delivered the punch-line every reporter in the room expected: “I wouldn’t tell you if we had a secret weapon!” The quip, delivered during Tuesday’s pre-match press conference at the Estádio Alfredo di Stefano, underscored both Romeu’s calm demeanour and Barcelona’s refusal to over-complicate a tie that could define their European season. After last May’s defeat to Arsenal in Lisbon ended the club’s quest for a third straight UWCL crown, Barça are determined to reassert themselves among Europe’s elite. “It’s a knockout game which gets us particularly excited, and we’re going to play the best game possible to return to the Spotify Camp Nou with an advantage,” Romeu said. “It’s a tough tie, as they always are in the Champions League, but if we stick to our identity we give ourselves the best chance of progressing.” That identity, Romeu reiterated, is built on relentless possession, rapid circulation and snuffing out counterattacks—an area in which Madrid have proved dangerous. “You already know our game,” he said. “We try to dominate possession, create lots of chances in front of goal and impede any counterattacks. If we have control, we’ll be on the right path.” Respect for the opposition was balanced by confidence in his squad. “We have got respect for Real Madrid and we’ve got respect for this competition,” Romeu noted, “but we’ll go out there and play the best game that we can to return to the Spotify Camp Nou with a favourable scoreline. We know it’s a tie of 180 minutes, so it won’t be decided tomorrow.” Wednesday’s encounter kicks off a rare trilogy: after tonight’s European skirmish, the sides meet again Saturday in Liga F at the same venue before heading to Catalunya for next week’s decisive second leg. Romeu insisted Barça will resist looking beyond the opening 90 minutes. “We can’t think about the long term,” he said. “Previous games against them help us analyse what worked and be even better in what’s to come.” Barcelona will run out at the Alfredo di Stefano, Madrid’s secondary ground and the only quarter-final venue not to be the host club’s main stadium. For Romeu and his players, the location is secondary; the mission is singular—reignite their European charge and take a lead back to the Spotify Camp Nou. SEO keywords:

ATLANTA — While the U.S. Men’s National Team has long searched for reliable finishers, a sudden glut of in-form strikers has turned this summer’s World Cup roster race into a genuine contest. Among the contenders, none arrived here with a résumé quite like Patrick Agyemang’s. The 25-year-old is one of three U.S. forwards currently scoring in double figures in Europe, yet his journey began far from the bright lights of the English Championship or Ligue 1. Agyemang’s first collegiate touches came at NCAA Division III Eastern Connecticut State University, a starting point so modest that even the most thorough scouts rarely bother to look. From there he transferred to Rhode Island, spent a summer with USL League Two’s Western Mass Pioneers, and eventually parlayed steady improvement into a 2023 MLS SuperDraft selection by Charlotte FC. Two-and-a-half productive seasons in MLS caught the attention of Derby County, where Agyemang has wasted no time acclimating to the physical demands of England’s second tier. Ten goals in his debut Championship campaign have propelled him onto the senior national-team radar and, thanks to an injury to Coventry City’s Haji Wright, into this pivotal January camp ahead of friendlies against Belgium and Portugal. “I feel myself building in all types of areas, on and off the field,” Agyemang said after training at the Falcons’ facility. “When I got to England it was obviously an adjustment factor, but it’s been amazing. I think it could obviously translate here.” Translation is precisely what U.S. coaches will be evaluating. With the Americans hosting the 2025 World Cup, competition for striker spots has tightened. AS Monaco’s Folarin Balogun has 13 goals across all competitions this season; PSV Eindhoven’s Ricardo Pepi also sits on 13 and has been linked with a Premier League move to Fulham. Agyemang’s tally of five goals in 12 senior caps in 2025 keeps him firmly in that conversation. “It’s good to see all the boys doing well,” Agyemang said. “With the national team it’s always competitive. You’re competing against a lot of top guys … I like to dial into what I can control and keep working hard.” That self-reliant mindset was forged during years when few were watching. Unlike Balogun, who came through Arsenal’s academy, Agyemang crafted his game in relative anonymity, relying on work rate and adaptability rather than a prestigious youth pedigree. His former Charlotte teammate Tim Ream, a 12-year veteran of English football, believes that background has prepared him for the moment. “You just never know with the Championship what kind of reaction you’re going to get from guys, especially someone like him who got a very unique path,” Ream said. “He’s in a place mentally and physically that he feels good. And when you feel good, you feel like you can do anything.” Ream has tracked Agyemang’s progress from afar and likes what he sees: a confident striker meeting the primary job requirement—putting the ball in the net. “Double digits in his first year, that says a lot to me,” Ream added. “So it’s great to see it.” For Agyemang, the immediate objective is straightforward: perform in camp, impress against Belgium and Portugal, then return to Derby County and keep scoring. The larger prize, a World Cup roster spot on home soil, remains tantalizingly within reach. “Right now I’m focusing on doing my best with the boys here … taking it each day at a time,” he said. “I’ve been trying to do that the whole year … I just want to continue doing it until the end of the season and potentially the World Cup.” If the goals keep coming, the kid who started in Division III could find himself leading the line for the United States when the world’s biggest tournament kicks off on American soil this summer.

Barcelona’s pursuit of a permanent deal for Joao Cancelo may hinge on the future of academy product Marc Casado, according to a report in Mundo Deportivo. With the international break amplifying transfer chatter, Casado’s name has resurfaced in connection with a €20 million move to Saudi Arabia, a valuation that could prove pivotal in negotiations for the Portuguese full-back. Cancelo’s loan from Manchester City expires in June, and while Barcelona want him to remain at the Camp Nou beyond that date, Al-Hilal—who currently hold his registration—are demanding €15 million to sanction a transfer. Barça, constrained by financial considerations, are exploring creative solutions to bridge that gap, and Casado has emerged as a potential makeweight. The 20-year-old midfielder, valued at €5 million more than Al-Hilal’s asking price for Cancelo, has started only sparingly for the first team. Mundo Deportivo outline a scenario in which the Saudis express concrete interest in Casado, opening the door to a swap arrangement that would see Cancelo remain in Catalonia while the La Masia graduate heads to the Middle East. Casado has previously spoken of his dream to spend his entire career at Barcelona, yet he recognises the fierce competition for minutes in a squad brimming with talent. The report notes that a “round trip” to the Saudi Pro League—similar to the paths taken by Gabri Veiga and Aymeric Laporte—could tempt the player if it ultimately accelerates his return to elite European football. Any deal remains contingent on Casado’s willingness to leave his boyhood club, and no formal offer has been tabled. Nonetheless, Barcelona’s hierarchy view the midfielder’s market value as an unexpected lever that could help them secure Cancelo’s long-term future without meeting Al-Hilal’s cash valuation outright.

Barcelona are ready to cash in on Ferran Torres ahead of the 2026 summer transfer window, with the 25-year-old forward expected to be the sacraced attacking asset that helps finance Hansi Flick’s overhaul of the squad. Club officials have concluded that the coming window represents the last realistic opportunity to collect a transfer fee for Torres, whose current contract at the Estadi Olí relocates him to free-agency status in June 2027. Rather than negotiate an extension, Barcelona will listen to outside offers, sources told ESPN. The decision is rooted in both financial prudence and a tactical rethink. Flick is earmarking two new signings in the final third: a permanent deal for Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford is viewed as the likely marquee move, while a new number nine is also on the shopping list. Torres’ departure would free space on the wage bill and inject cash into a transfer budget that has been under scrutiny for years. Although Lewandowski has long been the presumed exit, the Poland striker is now in line for a new contract, shifting the focus onto Torres. The former Valencia and Manchester City player has opened the season with 16 goals, but his post-winter break slump has coincided with Barcelona’s declining confidence in his long-term role. A Premier League return is considered the most probable destination should a sale materialise. Aston Villa, who have tracked Torres since his time at City, are weighing up a fresh approach should Barcelona formally signal that a move is viable.

Prague—With the Olympic cauldron barely cooled after the Milan-Cortina Games, the women’s singles competition at the 2026 ISU World Figure Skating Championships will open at 6 a.m. EST on Wednesday, March 25, and the chase for gold has never felt more wide open. Olympic champion and defending world titlist Alysa Liu has stepped away from competition to capitalize on professional opportunities and a social-media following that now tops 10 million. Russia’s Adeliia Petrosian, sixth in Italy, remains barred by the ISU’s blanket ban on Russian athletes. Their absences clear the lane for a new world champion, and the field is stacked with skaters eager to seize the moment. Kaori Sakamoto, the newly crowned Olympic silver medalist and a three-time world champion, arrives as the presumptive favorite. The 25-year-old Japanese star has already announced that these championships will be her competitive swan song, adding emotional weight to what she hopes will be a fourth global title. If Sakamoto shows any vulnerability, the most likely beneficiary is her 17-year-old compatriot Ami Nakai, whose daring triple axel and buoyant presentation electrified the Olympic short program and briefly put her in the lead at Milan-Cortina. Nakai ultimately captured bronze in Italy and could upgrade that medal in Prague. The top American hope is Amber Glenn, whose fifth-place Olympic finish and reputation as one of the sport’s greatest triple-axel technicians make her a podium threat if she delivers two clean skates. Glenn, 26, is seeking her first world medal after placing fifth at last year’s championships. She will be joined in the U.S. delegation by 18-year-old Isabeau Levito, a 2024 world silver medalist who dazzled coaches in Tuesday’s practice by cleanly landing a new, high-difficulty jump combination. Levito’s 12th-place result in Italy was an outlier driven by a single shaky free skate; a rebound in Prague could easily land her on the podium. Japan’s depth does not end with Sakamoto and Nakai. Mone Chiba, the 2025 world bronze medalist and fourth-place finisher at the Olympics, has the technical arsenal and competitive maturity to capitalize on any slips above her. Estonia’s Niina Petrokina, fresh off historic Grand Prix and European titles, could become the first Estonian woman ever to win a world medal. South Korea’s Haein Lee, the 2023 world silver medalist and Four Continents champion, brings elegance and consistency, while teammate Jia Shin, still just 18, used a personal-best free skate in Italy to hint at bigger results ahead. Georgia’s Anastasiia Gubanova, the 2023 European champion, rounds out the list of skaters capable of disrupting the established hierarchy. With the short program set to begin live on Peacock, the women’s event promises five days of high-stakes drama that will close the book on the 2025-26 season and, in the case of Sakamoto, perhaps on an illustrious career.

Tucson — The Arizona Wildcats opened spring football on a bright desert morning, and everything about the first workout felt different: the same voice calling plays, the same quarterback taking the first snap, the same face in the headset upstairs. For the first time in years, continuity is not a talking point at Arizona; it is the program’s organizing principle. That continuity begins with redshirt senior Noah Fif, who returns for a final season under center and, crucially, for a second straight year in the same offensive system. Offensive coordinator Seth Doege is back orchestroside him, creating the first repeat play-calling partnership of Fifita’s college career. Head coach Brent Brennan made retaining the staff a top priority after last season, and the dividends are already visible. Fif was crisp during the Wildcats’ initial walk-through at the Davis Indoor Sports Center and Dick Tomey Practice Fields, operating without pads but with purpose. He is processing faster, throwing on time, and, according to coaches, leading with a quiet confidence that springs from trust in the scheme around him. That scheme will have more toys than at any point in Fifita’s tenure. Arizona’s wide receiving room mixes familiar names with splashy transfers. Brandon Phelps and Isaiah Mizell, both returners, lined up alongside West Virginia transfer Rodney Gallagher during the first practice, while San Diego State transfer Arthur Ban worked at tight end and Marshall transfer Antwan Roberts carried the ball at running coach. Brennan labeled the opening session “helm and underwear,” emphasizing fundamentals and chemistry over contact. For Fifita, every rep is an investment in a fall season he hopes will translate continuity into a championship run. The Wildcats will continue spring workouts with the pads off for now, but the message is already clear: in a program that has seen constant turnover, familiarity is now the strongest weapon.

BEL AIR, Md. — Harford Community College officially launches its first-ever women's flag football program this week, becoming only the second junior college in Maryland to field a team in the rapidly growing sport. The Fighting Owls will open their history-making season at home Thursday at 3 p.m. against visiting Villa Maria College. Athletic Director Ed Leisch spent two years laying the groundwork for the program, citing a surge of local interest and the chance to create new pathways for female athletes. "It's their chance now to play a sport that hasn't been offered to them ever," Le said, adding that flag football's inclusion in future Olympic Games and rumors of a professional league make the timing ideal. "We're providing them opportunities to move on beyond the juco level." Head coach turned out to be the missing piece until Leisch recruited Andre Smalls, whose patience and vision have shaped the fledgling roster. "They are understanding what we're doing and it's just a progress right now we're looking pretty good," Smalls said. "Everyone's catching. They understand the game, but we still have a long way to go." Roughly half the roster lists dual-sport athletes, many of whom have never strapped on shoulder pads. Basketball standouts and Turkey natives Nehir Safkin and Ayca Kazak are among the newcomers learning the fundamentals from scratch. "My coaches taught me really good and I learned how to throw a football first, and that was kind of hard for me, but I figured it out," Kazak said. Safkin echoed the feeling of starting over: "Our coach is like teaching from the, so we're trying to learn from the beginning, like step by." Neriya Kindred, a volleyball player at Harford, is experiencing football for the first time in her life. "It's been an experience for sure. It's so fun. It's so to get like the knowledge of a whole new sport and see like a whole different perspective of what another sport is outside of volleyball," Kindred said. "I've definitely been a learning experience. I love." The home opener Thursday marks the start of what Harford officials hope will be a springboard for the program and a milestone for women's athletics in the region. Keywords:

Racing Post Sport’s daily tipping column turns its spotlight on the women’s game tonight, and resident football analyst James Milton believes the value lies with Barcelona Women to shut out Real Madrid Women in the first leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano (kick-off 5.45pm). Barça, still smarting from last season’s 1-0 final defeat to Arsenal, cruised through the league phase of this term’s competition, topping the table and conceding just three goals in six matches. Real, by contrast, needed a playoff round triumph over Paris FC—aided by an early red card for the French side—to reach the last eight. Recent head-to-head evidence points heavily in the visitors’ favour: Barcelona have beaten Madrid 4-0 in the league, 2-0 in January’s Super Cup and 4-0 again in last month’s Copa de la Reina final. With the Catalan giants priced at a prohibitive 1-5 for the outright win, Milton’s preferred wager is the 21-20 available on Barcelona to prevail without conceding.

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Prep Sports Media Association unveiled the 2026 girls basketball All-Ohio squads on Monday and Tuesday, honoring the state’s top performers from the regular season as nominated by the association’s seven districts. Whitney Stafford, a 5-foot-8 senior from Lewis Center Olentangy who averaged 21.3 points per game, earned the Division I Player of the Year award. She headlines the Division I First Team alongside Pickerington Central 5-11 junior Zoe Coleman (17.8 ppg), Massillon Jackson 5-11 senior Maddie Lepley (18.3), Wadsworth 5-9 senior Lauren Decker (14.1), Kettering Fairmont 5-8 senior Kaylah Thornton (18.0), Cincinnati Princeton 6-1 sophomore Erin Thomas (20.7), Batavia West Clermont 5-11 freshman Bella Swisshelm (20.1) and Mentor 5-5 senior Nina Rodriguez (19.2). In Division II, Sunbury Big Walnut 6-2 junior Sydney Mobley claimed top honors after posting 20.5 points per contest. She is joined on the First Team by Westerville Central 6-1 senior Ella Martin (21.4), Cincinnati Mount Notre Dame 5-7 senior Mia Vieth (15.8), Cincinnati Seton 6-4 senior Lauren Bain (17.5), Whitehouse Anthony Wayne 6-0 senior Leah Pike (20.0), Rocky River Magnificat 5-11 senior Gemma Wichmann (14.6), Massillon Washington 5-8 sophomore Delaney Pierce (26.7) and Akron Hoban 5-8 senior Niera Stevens (17.0). Division III co-Players of the Year are Lyndhurst Brush 5-10 junior Tatiana Mason (24.6 ppg) and Chillicothe Unioto 5-10 senior Milee Smith (23.7). They anchor a First Team that also includes Steubenville 5-8 senior Nylah McShan (20.3), Columbus Hartley 5-7 sophomore Naomie “Pinky” Burkett (19.2), Columbus Centennial 5-8 junior Kennedy Houston (22.4), Hamilton Badin 5-10 senior Braelyn Even (20.5), Ashland 5-8 junior Kennedy Lacey (22.7), Norwalk 5-7 senior Trinity Lazzara (12.5), Copley 5-8 senior Evelyn McKnight (23.9) and Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary 5-7 junior Melania Cornute (22.0). Shaker Heights Laurel 5-8 senior Tristan Williams, who averaged 22.8 points, was named Division IV Player of the Year. The First Team features Columbus International 5-8 senior Leila Carter (27.0), Circleville 6-2 junior Addison Edgington (20.1), Franklin Bishop Fenwick 6-1 sophomore Lucy Luers (14.7), Cincinnati Purcell Marian 6-3 junior Samaya Wilkins (22.4), Bellevue 6-3 senior Kaitlyn Turinsky (12.9), Ashtabula Edgewood 5-7 junior Carly Kray (23.5), Norton 5-7 senior Dakota Graham (16.1) and Wintersville Indian Creek 5-9 junior Kaydence Walker (18.2). Complete second- and third-team listings, along with special mention and honorable mention honorees, accompany the release and recognize standout performers from every corner of the state.

Madrid—Antonio Rüdiger has never been shy about confrontation, but the Real Madrid defender says the collisions fans see on television are only the final product of a mental chess match that begins long before kick-off. In a wide-ranging interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, the 32-year-old detailed how pain-killing injections, self-edited video dossiers and deliberate psychological pressure combine to form the uncompromising approach that has carried him to two Champions League titles and close to 100 Germany caps. “I analyze players thoroughly beforehand—sometimes I even prepare my own video analyses—and I know who I need to send a physical message to from the start,” Rüdiger revealed. “A striker wants space, he wants peace of mind with the ball. My job is to take both of those things away from him, even when the ball isn’t even close.” That mission, he insists, is rooted in psychology rather than mere brute force. “A little bump here, close marking there… you have to be present. You learn the right level of toughness with experience.” The centre-back’s education in mind games has been refined during a season in which his body repeatedly threatened to betray him. Rüdiger admitted he spent most of the 2024-25 campaign managing pain that required regular injections, a situation that deteriorated in January and forced him to halt activity ahead of this summer’s World Cup. “Since practically August-September 2024, there was always some problem,” he said. “Last season I could only play—and even train—if I was taking painkillers. In January of this year, I got worse again, and then I knew: now you have to stop.” A subsequent surgery and tailored rehabilitation have restored him to what he terms “100 percent,” yet Rüdiger makes no apology for having put club commitments ahead of long-term health. “I put my health on the back burner and wanted to be 100 percent for Real Madrid, because there’s nothing I hate more than letting my teammates down. Would I do it again? Probably!” Such single-mindedness feeds directly into the aerial duels, shoulder charges and well-timed nudges that have become his calling card. Rüdiger argues that removing that edge would strip away the very qualities Madrid covet. “If I take away that intensity, that commitment, that playing on the edge, I’m only half as good. That edge is exactly what brought me to Real Madrid.” Critics who label him reckless are presented with a statistical rebuttal: the last red card of his career came in 2017 while at Roma, and his average tally of yellow cards in recent league seasons hovers around five. “Nine years without a red card on the field isn’t a coincidence,” he noted. “I know perfectly well what minute it is and what’s at stake.” Aware that some incidents have “crossed the line,” Rüdiger welcomed objective feedback, saying it sharpened his focus on providing “stability and security” rather than controversy. Yet he remains unapologetic about the core tenets of his defending. “Being a tough defender is part of my DNA. If you want to be a one-on-one specialist at this level, you can’t be a nice little helper. You have to tell the striker, ‘Today is going to be a bad day for you.’ It’s a matter of mentality.” That mentality, he concluded, is carefully calibrated to each opponent. Facing a diminutive, rapid forward demands a different toolkit than battling a 1.90-metre target man, and if film study reveals a short fuse, Rüdiger will ignite it. “Of course, if an opponent gets frustrated quickly, I take advantage of that too.” As La Liga enters its decisive weeks and international tournaments loom, the defender’s blend of restored fitness, psychological insight and controlled aggression leaves him perfectly positioned to keep disturbing a striker’s peace of mind—one calculated bump at a time.

Liverpool have confirmed that Mohamed Salah will depart the club when the current campaign concludes, bringing the curtain down on what the Premier League champions described as an “illustrious” nine-year stay on Merseyside. The announcement, released on Tuesday, ends widespread speculation over the Egypt forward’s future and marks the impending close of a prolific era at Anfield. Since arriving in 2014, Salah has become a talismanic figure for the Reds, his goals and creativity helping transform the side into domestic and European contenders. Although the club’s statement offered no detail on his next destination, it underlined the significance of his impending exit, paying tribute to a player whose impact has been felt far beyond the pitch. With the season entering its decisive stretch, focus now turns to how Liverpool will reshape their attack and whether Salah can sign off with further silverware, adding a final flourish to a Liverpool career already laden with milestones.

Barcelona have no intention of cashing in on captain Ronald Araujo despite mounting interest from Liverpool, Sport reports. The Uruguayan centre-back has found himself on the periphery of first-team plans this season, a situation that intensified after he took a brief mental health break in November. On his return, Arauledged largely with the right-back berth, filling in for injured team-mates Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia and Alejandro Valde. Barcelona’s hierarchy remain adamant the 26-year-old is part of their long-term vision, praising both his recent performances and the contrasting defensive attributes he offers compared with other Barca defenders. Liverpool are among several clubs monitoring Araujo’s situation, yet the Catalan club regard the defender as integral to their present and future plans, citing his ability to operate across the back line. Meanwhile, the future of another Barça defender, Andreas Christendensen, is less certain. The Denmark international enters the final months of his contract and has been offered a new deal that would entail a significant base salary reduction, offset by performance-related bonuses. Barcelona are aiming to keep at least five senior centre-backs for next season and hope Christendensen will accept the restructured terms, but they acknowledge rival clubs could swoop in with more lucrative proposals. With both players set to return for next season’s preparations, the club’s priority is clear: keep Arauledged and finalise Christendensen’s renewal on their terms.

Barcelona’s 2026-27 blueprint is crystallising in the mind of Hansi Flick, and the centre-back department is first on the drawing board. Club sources say the Catalans will enter the new campaign with a minimum of four specialist central defenders, augmented by the versatile Gerard Martin, who can double as left-back when required. According to a fresh report in Sport, Ronald Araujo has moved to the top of the “definitely staying” column. After a turbulent season that included a mental-health hiatus, the Uruguayan has returned to full throttle and, crucially, returned the coaching staff’s faith. Barca officials are said to have “maximum confidence” in the 27-year-old, who, for his part, has informed the club he is settled and has no intention of seeking an exit. The picture is murkier for Andreas Christensen. The Dane has received a formal extension offer but has yet to respond; the proposal would require him to accept a significant salary reduction. With no reply forthcoming, there is growing suspicion inside the club that Christensen is stalling while he gauges rival interest. Barcelona are open to retaining the former Chelsea man, yet they want clarity soon—especially as sporting directors are simultaneously exploring the market, with Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni among the names under active consideration. As Flick finalises his squad skeleton, the hierarchy’s message is simple: four centre-backs, swift decisions, and no room for uncertainty.

LONDON – Arsenal served Chelsea a sobering reminder of what it takes to conquer Europe, dismantling the Blues 3-1 in Tuesday’s Women’s Champions League quarter-final first leg at Meadow Park and seizing firm control of the tie before next week’s return. The Gunners, champions in May after toppling Barcelona, needed only 11 attempts – six on target – to underline the difference between a team that has lifted the trophy and one still searching for a maiden crown. Stina Blackstenius, Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo each converted the half-chances that mattered, while Chelsea twice struck the woodwork and twice had goals chalked off, leaving manager Sonia Bompastor to lament both fortune and finishing. Blackstenius opened the scoring inside ten minutes, steering Katie McCabe’s whipped free-kick inside the far post for her fourth European goal of the campaign. Kelly, restored to the starting line-up after injury, doubled the advantage on 24 minutes, driving a low shot beyond Zećira Mušović from 20 metres. The strike marked her first UWCL goal since last season’s semi-final and sent a clear message that the England winger is back to full sharpness. Chelsea thought they had clawed one back when Veerle Buurman headed past Anneke Borbe, only for Romanian referee Alina Pesu to penalise the Dutch defender for an aerial foul on Laia Codina. VAR upheld the call, a decision Lucy Bronze later branded “disappointing” but pivotal. Instead of momentum shifting, Arsenal retained their two-goal cushion until the interval. Lauren James briefly ignited hope three minutes after the restart, curling a sublime effort into the top corner for her third goal in four games. Yet parity lasted six minutes: sloppy marking at a corner allowed Russo to smash home her fifth of the season and restore the hosts’ buffer. A second Chelsea goal was again erased when Kadeisha Buchanan was adjudged to have impeded Borbe. Renée Slegers’ side, beaten by Lyon in their group opener, have now won four straight in Europe and appear to have timed their peak perfectly. Conversely, Chelsea’s patched-up squad – missing strikers Sam Kerr, Mayra Ramírez and Aggie Beever-Jones, plus defenders Nathalie Björn, Niamh Charles and Millie Bright – looked short of both numbers and conviction. The tie is far from over; Chelsea overturned a two-goal deficit against Manchester City at this stage last year and will welcome Arsenal to Kingsmeadow with Kerr and Ellie Carpenter returning from Asian Cup duty. Yet Jonas Eidevall’s visitors will also regain Matildas trio Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and Kyra Cooney-Cross, and they already hold a league win at Stamford Bridge this term. For now, the lesson is Arsenal’s to impart: take your chances, however few, and the scoreboard does the talking. Chelsea have seven days to find a response or face a European exit that would compound a domestic title race in which Manchester City hold a nine-point lead.

Real Madrid’s Antonio Rurdiger and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak dominate the latest transfer whispers as Europe’s elite prepare for a high-stakes summer window. Rurdiger, whose 30 June contract with the Spanish champions is set to expire, has emerged as a priority target for both Liverpool and Manchester United, according to Tuttosport. The 31-year-old centre-back has been a key fixture in Madrid’s defensive lineup, but with no agreement on a new deal, the Premier League rivals are exploring a free transfer that would add proven Champions League experience to their back lines. While Rurdiger’s future hangs in the balance, Isak has taken a more proactive approach. The 24-year-old Sweden striker has instructed his representatives to engineer a move away from Newcastle United, with Barcelona identified as his preferred destination, reports El Nacional. The Catalan giants are seeking attacking reinforcements and view Is as a long-term solution capable of leading their line. The pair headline a lengthening summer checklist for several English clubs. Manchester United are weighing a 116 million approach for Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez, though the 20-year-old Spaniide has no interest in leaving the Camp 1, according to El Chiringuito. The Red Devils also plan to formalise an offer for Galatasar 25-year-old midfielder Gabriel 1, while Monaco winger Maghnes Aki and midfielder Lamine Camara are on the radar alongside Newcastle United. Chelsea are prepared to cash in on teenage defender Josh Acheampong, with a 34.8 million asking price, and Liverpool, Newcastle United, Real Madrid and Borussia are all monitoring the 18-year-old, per CaughtOff. Manchester City, meanwhile, are targeting Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Bar as their marquee summer signing, while Arsenal, United and City are in a three-way battle for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali. Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur are ready to listen to offers for Cristian Romero, Mikel Arteta is cooling on a permanent move for loanee Piero Hinc, and Everton are leading the chase for Arsenal defender Ben White, who could be displaced by a new right-back at the Emirates. Paris Saint-Germain’s Ach 3 Hakimi wants to return to Real Madrid, while Jo 3 Cancelo is pushing to stay at Barcelona but only on a free, with the club rejecting a 17.4 million bid from Al Hilal. Juventus fullback Andrea Cambiaso is an alternative for Barcelona, but the Bianconeri are demanding 58 million, and Atletico Madrid have identified Cody Gakpo as a replacement for long-time star Antoine Griez, who has confirmed his move to Orlando City. Real Madrid are yet to decide on Nico P, leaving Como hopeful of retaining the Argentine, while Inter are poised to pounce. Antonio Rurdiger, Alexander, transfer news, summer 2025, Liverpool transfer, Manchester United transfer, Newcastle United transfer, Barcelona transfer, Real Madrid, Premier League, La Liga, free transfer Antonio Rüdiger, Alexander Isak, transfer news, summer 2025, Liverpool transfer, Manchester United transfer, Newcastle United transfer, Barcelona transfer, Real Madrid, Premier League, La Liga, free transfer Antonio Rüdiger, Alexander Isak, transfer news, summer 202, Liverpool transfer, Manchester United transfer, Newcastle United transfer, Barcelona transfer, Real Madrid, Premier League, La Liga, free transfer Antonio Rüdiger, Alexander Isak, transfer news, summer 202, Liverpool transfer, Manchester United transfer, Newcastle United transfer, Barcelona transfer, Real, Premier League, La Liga, free transfer Antonio R, Alexander, transfer, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle, Barcelona, Real, Premier League, La Liga, free transfer Antonio R, Alexander, transfer, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle, Barcelona, Real, Premier, La Liga, free transfer Anto, Alex, transfer, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle, Barcelona, Real, Premier, La Liga, free transfer Anto, Alex, transfer, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle, Barcelona, Real, Premier, La Liga, free Anto, Alex, transfer, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle, Barcelona, Real, Premier, La Liga Anto, Alex, transfer, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle, Barcelona, Real, premier, La Liga Anto, Alex, transfer, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle, Barcelona, Real, premier, league Anto, Alex, transfer, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle, Barcelona, real, premier, league Anto, Alex, transfer, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle, barcelona, real, premier, league Anto, Alex, transfer, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle, barcelona, real, premier, league

Manchester United W.F.C akan bertanding dengan FC Bayern Munich Women pada laga perempat final Liga Champions Wanita UEFA. Laga ini menjadi pertarungan penting karena kedua tim berambung kuat untuk lolos ke semifase elite Eropa. Prediksi skok Manchester United WFC vs FC Bayern muncul sebagai top hangat di kalupa penggemar sepak bola wanita, mengingat reputasi kedua klub yang telah membangun kompetisi panjang musim ini. Pertandingan ini akan menjadi penentuan siapa yang akan melanjutkan perjalanan menuju final Liga Wanita. Manchester United WFC, tuan rumah, memiliki keuntungan dari dukungan suporter di Old Trafford, sambil berharap memanfaatkan momentum positif mereka di liga domestik. Sementara itu, Bayern Munich Women datang dengan determinasi tinggi untuk membuktikan dominasi mereka di turnamen Eropa. Prediksi skor ini menjadi perhatian utama karena kedua tim memiliki performa yang tidak bisa diprediksi secara mudah. Pertandingan ini dipastikan berlangsung ketat, dengan hasil yang akan ditentukan oleh momen krusial di kedua akhir lapangan. Liga Champions Wanita UEFA kembali menjadi panggung penting bagi para pemain untuk menunjukkan kemampuan mereka di level tertingi. Fase knockout ini menambah intensitas dan drama yang membuat pertandingan ini tidak boleh dilewatkan.

LONDON – Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor launched a scathing critique of the officiating standards in the Women’s Champions League after her side’s 3-1 quarter-final first-leg defeat to Arsenal, claiming the women’s game is being denied the respect it deserves. The Blues saw two goals ruled out at the Emirates, the first of which – a Veerle Buurman header – was disallowed for an alleged push on Arsenal defender Laia Codina moments before half-time. Romanian referee Alina Pesu’s on-field decision stood after a VAR review failed to identify a “clear and obvious” error, leaving the visitors trailing 2-0 instead of reducing the deficit to one. “It’s really frustrating,” Bompastor said post-match. “When you are playing a quarter-final of the Champions League, you need to respect the women’s game. You need to respect the players. For sure, the first goal is a goal. I don’t see, with the VAR, how you can disallow that goal.” Television replays appeared to show minimal contact, and pundits were quick to side with Chelsea. Former England captain Steph Houghton, commentating for BBC Radio 5 Live, labelled the call “outrageous”, adding: “Once the goalkeeper misses the ball, Buurman just gets higher than Codina. It’s so clear it should be a goal.” Bompastor, visibly agitated on the touchline, kicked a water bottle in frustration and later approached the fourth official for an explanation she says never came. “Nothing. It’s always the same,” she said. “They always say ‘yeah, we are checking.’ But they made the wrong decision.” The French coach, who insisted VAR itself is beneficial, argued that the technology is only as reliable as the officials operating it. “We need to bring the best referees to the biggest games,” she said. “If that has to be coming from the men’s game, then maybe. If it is coming from the women’s game, then the best ones. Competence is the most important thing.” Chelsea’s grievances were compounded when Kadeisha Buchanan’s late strike was chalked off for a foul on goalkeeper Anneke Borbe, though replays indicated that decision was correct. Even so, the damage was done; Arsenal take a two-goal cushion into the 1 April second leg at Kingsmeadow. Bompastor reminded observers that her squad overturned the same deficit against Manchester City en route to last season’s semi-finals, but warned that recurring officiating errors threaten the competition’s integrity. She cited an earlier group-stage incident against Barcelona when a Catarina Macario goal was incorrectly flagged offside. “We need to really find solutions,” she said. “It’s nothing we can control, but it changes a lot.” Pesu, 36, has overseen multiple Champions League fixtures this term and refereed at last summer’s European Championship, yet her performance drew widespread criticism. London City Lionesses forward Nikita Parris branded the Buurman decision “poor”, while former striker Ellen White urged officials to “take a breath” before intervening. Chelsea now face a steep uphill task to keep their European ambitions alive, yet Bompastor’s broader message resonated beyond the scoreline: until the women’s game receives refereeing standards befitting its elite stage, its credibility remains in the balance.

England opener Ben Duckett has triggered a firestorm across the Indian Premier League after confirming on Tuesday that he is withdrawing from IPL 2026, a decision announced barely four days before the tournament’s scheduled start and one that could sideline him from the league until 2029. Delhi Capitals, who secured Duckett’s services for Rs 2 crore at the December auction, now find themselves scrambling for a replacement as the 29-year-old cited national workload management as the primary reason for his eleventh-hour exit. Under IPL bylaws revised last year, any overseas player who pulls out after the auction window without an approved injury replacement is subject to an automatic two-season ban; if ratified by the league’s governing council, Duckett would be barred from the next two player auctions and therefore miss both the 2027 and 2028 editions. The timing of Duckett’s statement ignited immediate backlash on social media, where fans and pundits questioned why the batter only “realised about national commitments just 4 days before” the IPL. One viral post on X argued, “I don’t understand this representing England and to manage workload didn’t come to his mind before registering for the auction? It’s just cause he got sold at his base price he pulled out; had he gone for a higher amount, he would’ve shown up a week ago.” Duckett becomes the second England batter in as many seasons to incur the harsh penalty, following teammate Harry Brook’s similar withdrawal from Delhi Capitals on the eve of IPL 2025. The repeat offence by an England player has intensified debate over whether national boards and centrally contracted athletes are giving adequate weight to IPL commitments. In a carefully worded statement released through his management, Duckett apologised to the franchise and its supporters: “I have made the extremely difficult decision to withdraw from the IPL. Representing England is something I have dreamed of since I was a child, and I want to give everything I can to English cricket. To do that, I need to ensure I am in the best possible place physically and mentally ahead of the summer. I would like to sincerely apologise to everyone at Delhi. I was genuinely very excited about the opportunity to represent the franchise, and I fully appreciate the time and planning that goes into building a squad.” The fallout is considerable. Beyond the prospect of a two-year IPL exile, Duckett forfeits a guaranteed Rs 2 crore fee and the platform the league provides for global T20 branding. Delhi Capitals lose a projected top-order anchor less than a week before the competition, complicating balance-sheet and on-field strategy alike. And the IPL itself faces renewed questions over the reliability of overseas talent, an issue franchise owners flagged vehemently at last year’s AGM when pushing for sterner penalties. For now, Duckett’s focus shifts to England’s international summer, while Delhi Capitals must hastily re-engineer their batting order. Whether the league’s governing body enforces the full two-season ban or opts for a softened stance will be watched closely by every franchise and future auction entrant.

Mohamed Salah will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, a decision that, according to The Athletic via The New York Times, “feels right for him and Liverpool.” The impending exit closes a glittering chapter for the Egyptian forward, whose goals and swagger have defined the club’s recent era. Confirmation of Salah’s farewell arrives amid wider reflection on his Premier League legacy. The BBC has already begun debating whether he ranks as the competition’s greatest forward, while Liverpool FC published the player’s full farewell message to supporters, underscoring the emotional weight of the moment. Speculation over Salah’s next destination is intensifying. CBS Sports lists five potential landing spots once his Anfield stint concludes: a return to Roma, a move to Barcelona, a switch to San Diego, or a lucrative transfer to Saudi Arabia. Each option offers a distinct stage for the 31-year-old to extend his prolific career. With silverware secured and records broken, Salah’s exit appears timed to benefit both parties. Liverpool can refresh their attacking blueprint, while Salah seeks a fresh challenge commensurate with his stature. The mutual agreement, as framed by The Athletic, suggests neither side harbours regrets; instead, there is gratitude for what has been achieved and anticipation for what lies ahead. As the final whistle approaches on his Liverpool journey, supporters will hope to send Salah off with one more push toward glory, ensuring the curtain falls on the highest possible note.

Arsenal defender Ben White, capped four times by England, opted against international duty for a three-year stretch, leaving the national set-up without explanation. The 26-year-old’s absence has fuelled speculation among supporters and pundits alike, yet neither the Football Association nor White has publicly clarified the reasoning behind the prolonged hiatus. White, who established himself as a reliable Premier League performer, last appeared for England in 2022. Since then, he has remained unavailable for selection, despite maintaining consistent club form. The lack of official comment has turned the situation into one of English football’s lingering mysteries, with every squad announcement now accompanied by questions over whether the right-back will reverse his stance. With England continuing to evolve under current management, White’s continued non-availability represents a notable omission in a position where competition remains fierce. Whether the defender will reconsider his international future remains uncertain, but for now his four-cap record stands as a reminder of unfulfilled potential on the international stage.

London—Moments after Manchester City lifted the Caraboa Cup at the Londoners’ expense, outspoken Manchester City fan Noel Gallagher used national airwaves to brand Arsenal as old-fashioned chokers, reopening a debate on the club’s ability to finish the job in major finals. Gallalling’s rebuke arrived within minutes of the 2-0 defeat, telling talkSPORT that Mikel Arteta’s side had “given everyone in the country the chance to call them chokers and bottlers again.” The singer-songwriter argued that the Gun’ners had treated the contest as a potential springboard to a multi-trophy campaign, only to falter under the type of pressure that separates winners from also-rans. The match narrative itself supplied ammunition to the accusation. Arsenal, among the continent’s most enterprising sides this season, controlled the opening half, dictating pace and carving chances that went begging. City, subdued before the break, re-emerged with renewed intent, converting two clinical chances while Arsenal searched in vain for a lifeline. Gallagher warned that the setback could reverberate beyond Sunday night: “When there’s a game they have to win, they’re used to choking, so we’ll see.” The implication is that recent history could weigh on the squad ahead of decisive fixtures still on the calendar. For Arsenal, the task now is psychological as much as tactical. The squad remain contenders in multiple competitions, and the manager retains belief in the group’s ability to respond. Yet the margin for error narrows with each headline branding the side as fragile under lights. The immediate priority is to purge the disappointment without allowing one defeat to become a trend. The talent inside the squad suggests a treble run remains mathematically possible, but only if the players can distance themselves from the latest narrative of collapse.