Fenerbahçe başkan adayı Hakan Safi, harcama limitleri nedeniyle transfer yapılamayacağını iddia edenlere Kerem Aktürkoğlu örneğiyle yanıt verdi: "Ben Kerem Aktürkoğlu'nu nasıl getirdim? Türkiye'de daha önce yapılmayan, olunmayan bir şeyi yaptık ve imaj hakları kontratı imzaladık.'

Fenerbahçe’de kongre rüzgarları sert eserken, başkan adaylığını açıklayan Hakan Safi, kulübün mali yapısı ve transfer politikalarına yönelik eleştirilere ezber bozan bir çıkışla yanıt verdi.

Harcama limitleri nedeniyle büyük transferler yapılamayacağını iddia eden muhalefete seslenen Safi, geçmişteki Kerem Aktürkoğlu transferini örnek göstererek meydan okudu.

- Bize akıl veriyorlar. 'Harcama limitleriniz var, ne yapacaksınız?' diyorlar. Büyük isimleri 'Getiremezsiniz' diyorlar. Ben Kerem Aktürkoğlu'nu nasıl getirdim? Türkiye'de daha önce yapılmayan, olunmayan bir şeyi yaptık ve imaj hakları kontratı imzaladık.

- Bu sistemin dünyada çok büyük örnekleri var. Bugün Cristiano Ronaldo ve Lionel Messi'nin astronomik meblağlarda kontratları bulunuyor.

- Ancak bu kontratların büyük bir kısmı takım harcama limiti içerisinde yer almıyor, imaj hakları üzerinden yönetiliyor.

Beşiktaş Divan Üyesi Levent Çifter, Beşiktaş gündemine dair düşüncelerini Fotospor'dan Mehmet Eyüp Yardımcı ile paylaştı.

Beşiktaş Divan Üyesi Levent Çifter, Beşiktaş gündemine dair düşüncelerini Fotospor için özel paylaştı.

"Birçok şeyi bilmiyorlar... "

Eyüp Yardımcı;

"Beşiktaş'ın kendini var eden kimlik yapısını kaybettiği yönündeki görüş hakkında ne düşünüyorsunuz?"

Levent Çifter;

Bu düşünceye katılıyorum ve üzülüyorum.

Burada büyüdüm, Şeref Stadı'nda hayatım geçti.

Son beş yıllık döneme baktığımızda, Beşiktaş'ı yönetenler kulüp içinden gelenler değil malesef dışarıdan gelenler.

Birçok şeyi bilmiyorlar...

Yönetimlerin kulüp genleriyle ilgili bazı bilgileri, doğruları iyi bilmeliler.

Süleyman ağabey, Üstünkaya başkanların dönemlerinden gelen hayatta olanların fikir ve düşüncelerine başvurmalılar.

Yönetimlere danışmanlık yapacak Zekeriya Alp, Metin Keçeci gibi isimlerin görevde olmalırının, bilgi ve tecrübeleriyle olara yol göstermeleri gerektiğini düşünüyorum.

Yönetimler her konuda açık olmalılar.

Kulüp olarak baktığımızda malesef güven, saygı ve sevgi kalmadı.

Fenerbahçe Başkan Adayı Aziz Yıldırım, sosyal medyadaki "Aykut Kocaman'ı açıklarsa seçimi kaybeder" yorumlarına sert rest çekti: - Kaybedersem kaybederim, hiç önemli değil. Aykut Kocaman bizim değerimizdir!

Fenerbahçe’de seçim öncesi başkan adayı Aziz Yıldırım, gündemi sarsacak açıklamalarda bulundu. Sosyal medyada kendisi hakkında yapılan eleştirilere ve "Aykut Kocaman" iddialarına çok sert yanıt veren Yıldırım, adeta meydan okudu.

- Aykut Kocaman, Konyaspor ile Türkiye Kupası'nı kazandı. Fenerbahçe ile şampiyon oldu, 18 maçta 17 galibiyet aldı. Unutuyorsunuz ve görmüyorsunuz.

- Jose Mourinho geldi; dünyanın en büyük antrenörlerinden biriydi ama olmadı. At sahibine göre kişner. Başarıyı bir seneyle yorumlamayın. Ben hepsiyle çalıştım. Herkesi iyi tanıyorum.

Olumsuz algılara tepki gösteren Yıldırım, eleştiri sahiplerini masaya davet ederek, Kocaman'ı savundu.

- Aykut Kocaman'ı hangi kriterlerle pozitif ve negatif değerlendiriyorsunuz? Buyrun konuşun, dinliyorum. Aykut Kocaman gelir, gelmez ayrı konu ama bizim değerimizdir" diyerek eski hocasına sahip çıktı.

Sosyal medyadaki "Aykut Kocaman'ı göreve getireceğini açıklarsa seçimi kaybeder" yönündeki yorumlara da rest çeken Aziz Yıldırım, popülist bir politika izlemeyeceğinin altını çizdi.

- Sosyal medyada, ‘Aykut hocayı açıklarsa seçimi kaybeder’ yazıyorlarmış. Kaybedersem kaybederim ne olacak yani? Hiç önemli değil benim için.

??ÖZEL HABER - ??@FatihCelebi

Aziz Yıldırım'dan Teknik Direktör ve Aykut Kocaman sorusuna net yanıt!@FBPlusDigital @FBlininSesi1907 pic.twitter.com/UWdtYf4wiT

Galatasaray'ın 10 numara arayışlarının farkında olan menajerler, Aslan'ın kapısını Mason Mount önerisiyle çaldı. Sarı-Kırmızılılar'da durumla ilgili bir değerlendirme yapıldı.

Manchester United, 2023 yazında Chelsea'ye 67.7 milyon euro ödeyerek Mason Mount'u kadrosuna katmıştı. Oyuncuyla 30 Haziran 2028'e kadar mukavele yapıldı. Kontratta ayrıca +1 yıllık uzatma opsiyonu mevcut (kulüp taraflı). Ancak Mason Mount geldiği günden beri tartışmaların merkezinde yer aldı.

ÇOK DA SICAK BAKILMADI

Galatasaray'ın 10 numara aradığını bilen menajerlerin, İngiliz yıldızı Sarı-Kırmızılılar'a önerdiği öğrenildi. Oyuncuyla ilgili bir ön değerlendirme yapıldı. Cim-Bom'un bu seçeneğe çok da sıcak bakmadığı belirtildi. Listedeki alternatifler şu anda Mason Mount'un çok önünde görülüyor.

COVENTRY VE FULHAM

27 yaşındaki futbolcu bu sezon Manchester United ile 23 lig maçına çıktı. İngiliz yıldız sahada 1.017 dakika kaldı. 3 gol kaydetti. Fulham ve Premier Lig'e çıkma başarısı gösteren Coventry City, onunla ilgileniyor. 1.81 boyundaki oyuncu, United'in gelecek sezon planlamasında çok da önemli bir yer kaplamıyor. Bu sebeple Kırmızı Şeytanlar onu satmak istiyor.

Real Madrid, eski teknik direktörü Jose Mourinho ile 3 yıllık sözleşme imzaladı. Dev anlaşmanın resmiyete dökülmesi için gözler kulübün 7 Haziran'daki başkanlık seçimine çevrildi.

İspanyol devi Real Madrid, eski teknik direktörü Jose Mourinho ile yeniden anlaştı. The Athletic'in dünyaca ünlü gazetecileri David Ornstein ve Mario Cortegana'nın özel haberine göre; Real Madrid, Portekizli teknik adam ile 3 yıllık resmi sözleşme imzaladı. Şu anda Benfica'yı çalıştıran 63 yaşındaki deneyimli çalıştırıcı, İspanyol devinin teklifini kabul ederek Madrid'e geri dönme kararı aldı.

Real Madrid yönetimi, imzaların atılmasına rağmen resmi duyuru için bir süre daha bekleyecek. Kulübün 7 Haziran’da yapılacak başkanlık seçiminin ardından Jose Mourinho'yu resmen taraftarına ve basına tanıtması bekleniyor.

Mevcut başkan Florentino Perez'in yeniden kazanmasına kesin gözüyle bakılan seçim sürecinde, kulübün resmi süreçler nedeniyle açıklamayı beklettiği belirtiliyor.

Samsung may skip the One UI 8.5 update for many older Galaxy phones, including the Galaxy S22 series and some A-series phones. While Samsung has not made an official confirmation, recent signs from software testing and rollout patterns point in this direction.

One UI 8.5 started rolling out on May 6, 2026, but it is mainly focused on newer Galaxy devices launched in 2023 and later. According to SamMobile, a list of  Galaxy devices that may miss the update. These are:

• Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+, Galaxy S22 Ultra
• Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 4
• Galaxy A33 and Galaxy A53

These phones have already received Android 16 with One UI 8.0. And this is likely their final major OS update. As these devices might not get the One UI 8.5 update, even though it is based on Android 16. 

Earlier details suggest that Samsung did briefly test One UI 8.5 on some 2022 models, mainly the Galaxy S22 series. However, development appears to have stopped around April 2026. After that, no further test builds were seen, and only regular security patches based on One UI 8 have continued.

The reason behind this change might be linked to how One UI 8.5 is built. It is based on Android 16 QPR2, which includes deeper system changes compared to earlier updates. This makes it harder and more time-consuming to adapt for older devices.

Source – Samsung Mobile Press

Samsung also follows a long-term update policy, offering up to seven years of support for some devices. Since 2022 models have already received their promised Android upgrades, Samsung may now focus on newer phones instead of providing optional mid-cycle updates.

While Samsung has not officially confirmed the list, current information suggests that One UI 8.5 will mostly be limited to newer Galaxy devices, leaving many 2022 phones on One UI 8.0.

The post One UI 8.5 reportedly not coming to the Galaxy S22, A53 and more phones appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Google Messages is getting a new update that will let users customize their chats with themes and wallpapers. This feature has been seen in the latest beta version of the app and may roll out to users soon.

Right now, Google Messages only allows users to change chat colors. With the new update, a new option, Chat themes, will appear in the menu. This will give users more ways to make their chats look different and more personal.

The main new feature is custom wallpapers. Users will be able to choose from many built-in background images provided by Google. There will be different wallpaper categories with colorful and creative designs. Users can also pick their own photos from their phone gallery and use them as chat backgrounds.

Google has also added a reset button. If someone does not like the theme or wallpaper they selected, they can quickly return the chat to its normal look.

Image via Android Authority

The feature is still being tested, so Google may improve it before the official release. Some users noticed that text can be hard to read on dark wallpapers. Google may fix this problem to make chats easier to see.

This update may also help users who are moving from Samsung Messages to Google Messages. Many Samsung users liked using custom backgrounds in their chats. Since Samsung Messages may shut down soon, these new customization features could make switching to Google Messages easier and more attractive.

Google has not shared an official launch date yet. However, because the feature is already working in the beta version, it may become available to more users very soon. The update shows that Google wants to make Messages more modern, fun, and personal for everyone.

The post Early first look at Google Messages custom wallpapers appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Analysts warn Ether’s downside risks remain elevated as traders closely watch the $1,800 support zone for stability.

Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded a nine-day outflow streak totaling $2.84 billion, surpassing an eight-session outflow run in February 2025.

Gəncə futbol məktəbinin yetirməsi olan 27 yaşlı mərkəz yarımmüdafiəçisi Əli Səmədov “Kəpəz”lə yeni müqaviləyə imza atıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə Gəncə klubunun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.

Xəbərdə bildirilir ki, Səmədovla 2 illik yeni müqavilə imzalanıb.

Xatırladaq ki, Əli Səmədov 2015-ci ildən “sarı-göylər”in şərəfini qoruyur. O, bir müddət “Sabah”da və “Şamaxı”da çıxış etsə də, yenidən doğma klubuna qayıdıb. Mərkəz yarımmüdafiəçisi geridə qalmış 2025/2026 mövsümündə 20 oyuna çıxsa da, fərqlənə bilməyib.

Səmədov vaxtilə Azərbaycanın U-19 yığmasınada çıxış etsə də, əsas millimizdə debüt şansı qazanmayıb.

“Kəpəz” daha öncə Dioqo Verdaska və Rəhman Hacıyevlə də yeni müqaviləyə imza atmışdı.

Minifutbol üzrə Azərbaycan milli komandası Slovakiyada təşkil edilmiş Avropa çempionatında növbəti mərhələyə vəsiqə qazanıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, Elşad Quliyevin baş məşqçisi olduğu kollektiv F qrupundakı ikinci oyununda bu gün İtaliya seçməsini məğlub etməklə buna nail olub.

Bu gün “Tipos Arena”da keçirilmiş qarşılaşma Azərbaycan milli komandasının qələbəsi ilə başa çatıb – 3:0. Qolları Rəvan Kərimov, Vüsal İsayev və Ruzigar İbrahimzadə vurublar.

Beləliklə, Azərbaycan millisi pley-offa yüksəlib.

Qrupun digər qarşılaşmasında Fransa yığması Avstriya komandasını üstələyib – 3:1.

Xatırladaq ki, ötən gün Avstriya yığmasına minimal hesabla (1:0) qalib gəlmiş milli komandamız mayın 30-da Fransa ilə qarşılaşacaq.

Minifutbol yığmamız hazırda F qrupunda 6 xalla liderdir. Fransa 4 xalla ikinci, İtaliya 1 xalla üçüncüdür. Hər iki görüşdə uduzmuş Avstriya dördüncü sırada qərarlaşıb.

After announcing the Honor X80i​​ in China last month, the company is gearing up to launch another X series phone, according to a new leak. The upcoming phone is expected to be the Honor X80. Tipster Digital Chat Station has revealed that Honor is preparing to launch a new X series smartphone in China this June. While the tipster did not explicitly name the device, the leaked details suggest that it is likely the successor to the Honor X70. Honor X70 The Honor X80 is tipped to sport a flat 6.8-inch LTPS display with a 1.5K resolution. Under the hood, the phone is said to be powered...

This February, Samsung started shipping HBM4 memory to its customers with a promise to send them samples of the improved HBM4E later this year – well, “later this year” is now. As the title says, the new variant has more capacity with the same 12-layer design, it offers higher bandwidth and runs cooler. Samsung HBM4E design currently has a 12-layer configuration, which works out to 48GB capacity. This is up from 36GB with HBM4. Samsung is also developing 32GB (8-layer) and 64GB (16-layer) variants to give its customers more options when building their designs. In addition to the 33%...

Minifutbol üzrə Azərbaycan millisi Slovakiyada keçirilən Avropa çempionatında növbəti oyununa çıxıb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komanda İtaliya ilə qarşılaşıb. Matç millimizin qələbəsiylə başa çatıb – 3:0.

Azərbaycan yığması ikinci qalibiyyətini əldə edib və növbəti mərhələyə vəsiqə qazanıb.

“Kəpəz” futbolçusu Əli Səmədovla müqaviləni yeniləyib.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə klubun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.

Komandanın kapitanı ilə 2 illik anlaşma imzalanıb.

Əli Səmədov son mövsümdə 19 oyun keçirib.

Just days before beginning his participation in his sixth World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo became a topic of discussion for Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez, who did not rule out the possibility of having the forward available for the 2030 FIFA tournament.

During an interview with El Larguero, Martinez was asked whether Ronaldo could still be fit enough to play in the 2030 World Cup, despite being 45 years old by then. “No one should doubt it. At least he has earned that,” the coach responded.

That answer came during a moment in the interview when Martinez was speaking about his admiration for Cristiano’s longevity, as he remains a globally relevant player at 41 years old at both the club and international levels.

“I think Cristiano Ronaldo does not play to win a specific title, collective or individual. It is the hunger he has. No matter what he wins, the next day he has the same hunger to improve,” the Portugal coach said. “Having that objective allows you to have longevity.”

Martinez later acknowledged that multiple factors come together in CR7’s case to make his level of performance possible. “Of course there is a genetic aspect, that is clear. There is also the work he does and everything he does to help his body. But it is more of a psychological aspect,” Roberto explained. “I have worked with many players who, after winning the Champions League or the Ballon d’Or, lose their hunger.”

The oldest players in World Cup history

In the hypothetical scenario that Cristiano Ronaldo extends his career long enough to compete in the 2030 World Cup, which will be held in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, he would have a real chance to become the oldest player ever to appear in the FIFA tournament.

The record is currently held by Essam El-Hadary, who played for Egypt at Russia 2018 at 45 years and 161 days old. By the summer of 2030, Ronaldo will be around 45 years and 130 days old, meaning a deep Portugal run could allow the forward to claim the all-time record.

The list of the oldest players ever to appear in a World Cup includes, behind Essam El-Hadary, Colombia’s Faryd Mondragon (43 years and 3 days), Cameroon’s Roger Milla (42 years and 39 days), and Northern Ireland’s Pat Jennings (41 years old). This year, Ronaldo will move into fourth place on the list.

Martinez praises Ronaldo’s current form

In the same interview, Roberto Martinez explained that Cristiano Ronaldo’s call-up for the 2026 World Cup is not a tribute to his career, but rather a deserved reward for his current performances with Al Nassr.

“We are talking about a soccer icon. He is our captain, but he has the same demands as everyone else, who always have to perform at the highest level,” the Portugal coach began. “He has scored 25 goals in his last 30 matches. One thing is the opinion of Ronaldo as an icon, another thing is his day-to-day reality. For us, he is very important, essential.”

The high-stakes transfer saga surrounding Julian Alvarez is rapidly shifting into overdrive as the summer window approaches. Just days after revelations surfaced that the Atletico Madrid forward had rejected a lucrative $11 million contract extension at the Metropolitano, Barcelona have reportedly made their move to lure the World Cup winner to Catalonia.

According to international transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona have formally submitted a first official proposal to Atletico Madrid for Julian Alvarez worth a flat €100 million ($116 million).

The Italian insider further detailed that the blockbuster package consists entirely of guaranteed base fee, featuring no performance-based add-ons or player-exchange components.

Despite the astronomical figure, Romano notes that Atletico Madrid management is deeply frustrated with how the situation has unfolded and rejected this opening line of credit. However, preventing an exit will be an uphill battle for Los Colchoneros, as Alvarez has already formally submitted a transfer request to club hierarchy.

Barcelona are widely expected to regroup and return with an improved package, confident that the player’s unwavering desire to don the Blaugrana shirt will ultimately force Atletico’s hand.

Could PSG hijack Barcelona’s dream deal?

While Barcelona currently lead the race for Alvarez’s signature, they could face fierce financial competition from the French capital. According to journalist Iñaki Villalon on the Spanish sports program El Chiringuito, Paris Saint-Germain previously tested the waters with a massive proposal.

The insider revealed that prior to the Copa del Rey final—which Atletico Madrid lost on penalties to Real Sociedad—PSG had tabled a $140 million offer that also included two players in exchange for the Argentine forward.

At the time, Atlético executives immediately dismissed the French giants’ advance, maintaining hope that they could still salvage the relationship and convince Alvarez to remain in Madrid.

However, now that the forward has rejected a contract renewal and communicated his desire to leave, PSG are reportedly ready to leverage their immense financial power to hijack Barcelona’s top summer target.

Source

Source

Source

Roma have released an official statement confirming that Frederic Massara is no longer sporting director, following senior advisor Claudio Ranieri out of the Stadio Olimpico exit. 

Official: Roma part company with sporting director Massara

Massara had only been in his position for one season, joining Roma ahead of the 2025-26 season, but various reports over the last few months indicate that he, along with Ranieri, never truly saw eye-to-eye with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. 

Gasperini and Ranieri were often publicly critical of one another in interviews and press conferences, and reports in Italy claimed that the pair had stopped speaking to each other at the club’s training ground, a situation that quickly became untenable. 

In the end, Roma put their full confidence in Gasperini and decided instead to part company with senior advisor to the club, Ranieri. Now, just over a month later, sporting director Massara has followed him out of the door. 

“AS Roma announces that it has mutually agreed to terminate the employment relationship with Sporting Director Frederic Massara,” read a statement on the Giallorossi website. 

“The Club would like to thank Frederic for his professionalism, dedication, and contribution throughout the season. Thanks in part to his work, the Club achieved important objectives, including qualification for the next edition of the UEFA Champions League.

“AS Roma wishes Frederic all the best in his future professional endeavors.”

Massara has also had an opportunity to comment, adding: “I would like to thank the ownership for the opportunity to return to work in an environment to which I am particularly attached. I believe that this year the Club has created further foundations for a successful future, and I wish the entire AS Roma family every success in achieving new milestones.”

Interim Italy national team head coach Silvio Baldini has explained why he has called Gianluigi Donnarumma and Francesco Pio Esposito into his youthful squad for the upcoming international friendlies in June and has hinted that both could be included in the nation’s Olympic squad in 2028 should they qualify. 

Baldini was called in to temporarily take over as head coach of the Italy national team following the resignation of Gennaro Gattuso immediately after the World Cup play-off final defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina at the end of March. 

He has been tasked with leading the Italy national team into a pair of meaningless friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece at the beginning of June and has decided to name a squad almost entirely made up of young players he knows from his regular role in charge of the U21s. 

Of the 24 players that Baldini has selected, only Donnarumma, Marco Palestra, Niccolo Pisilli and Esposito have previously been capped by the senior Italy side. 

• Read more: Everything Baldini said during first Italy national team press conference: ‘Pride’

What Baldini said about Donnarumma and Esposito and potential Olympic involvement with Italy

It was widely reported that Donnarumma had ‘made himself available’ for the June friendlies, despite the disappointment of missing out on a World Cup spot back in March. It was slightly more of a surprise to see Esposito included, given that he is now firmly considered a senior member of the squad for both Inter and Italy after an impressive breakthrough campaign in 2025-26. 

Baldini spoke about the inclusion of both players during his press conference on Friday, and hinted that there is a chance that both are called up for the 2028 Olympics in the event that Italy qualifies. 

“I’ve called two senior level players like Donnarumma and Pio Esposito into the group because I see the possibility of having these players, also ahead of the Olympics. The two of them fall under this possibility,” Baldini said on Friday (via TMW). 

The next Olympic Games will take place in the United States in the summer of 2028. Three European nations will compete in the football tournament, and these slots will be determined by the final rankings of the 2027 U21 European Championship. 

Since 1996, teams competing at the Olympics are permitted to name their regular ‘U23’ squads, but are allowed to name three overage players, hence why Baldini says that Donnarumma and Esposito could potentially be included for Olympic selection.

Baldini went on to confirm that Donnarumma was the only member of Italy’s regular senior squad that voluntarily made himself available for these upcoming friendlies in June. 

“Only Donnarumma contacted me giving me his availability. The message is clear: Italian football wants to see change. I’m convinced that the boys will do very well. We’ve seen that it’s a cohesive group with the U21s and there is ample room for improvement. 

“In addition, we also have the inclusion of two great players in Donnarumma and Pio Esposito.” 

But, was Baldini ‘disappointed’ by the fact that Donnarumma was the only Italy player to reach out to him? 

“No, I think the wound was still too big after Bosnia,” Baldini replied. “Even if they had called me, I would have limited the call-ups to those two (Donnarumma and Esposito), with a view to my future work. Sometimes it’s better to sit back and not participate.” 

Silvio Baldini says that he is ‘convinced’ Italy’s squad of youngsters is ready to win against Greece and Luxembourg in the upcoming June friendlies, has had his say on who should be given the national team head coach role on a permanent basis and has given his opinions on the current state of Italian football as a whole. 

Baldini was called in as the interim head coach of the Italy national team following the resignation of Gennaro Gattuso immediately after the World Cup play-off final defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina at the end of May. 

Baldini will be tasked with leading the Italy national team into a pair of friendlies at the beginning of June and the U21 coach has named a squad that is made up predominantly of young talents he has worked with before. 

Of the 24-man squad that Baldini has selected, only Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marco Palestra, Niccolo Pisilli and Francesco Pio Esposito have previously been capped by the senior Italy side. 

Speaking during a press conference on Friday, Baldini explained his decision to pick a youthful squad, spoke about the need to play for pride, the change that needs to happen at club level in order to help the national team and the potential next incumbent of the Italy CT role. 

Baldini on his surprise Italy call and the state of Italian football

“I believe that to coach the Italy national team, you need to have a certain CV and I don’t have that,” Baldini admitted at the beginning of his press conference (via TMW). “I’ve seen a lot of fans cheering because they’ve seen a change, but I’m not doing it to show off. 

“You need a certain CV to become the coach of the national team. I’ve had a chance with the U21s and to maybe win the European Championships, maybe the Olympics as well. At that point, I would have a bit more hope. I believe in meritocracy, not in luck. I’m here today because Gattuso resigned. If he hadn’t done, I wouldn’t be here. 

“Sometimes I see Serie A teams appointing their Primavera coaches. I don’t agree with taking advantage of someone else’s misfortunes to get into the game. I will play these two matches, which I hope will help. 

“I’ve called two senior level players like Donnarumma and Pio Esposito into the group because I see the possibility of having these players, also ahead of the Olympics. The two of them fall under this possibility.” 

Baldini confirmed that Donnarumma was the only senior player to reach out to him and offer his availability in the wake of Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup and the subsequent resignation of Gattuso. 

“Only Donnarumma contacted me giving me his availability and it didn’t seem real to me. The message is clear: Italian football wants to see change. I’m convinced that the boys will do very well. We’ve seen that it’s a cohesive group with the U21s and there is ample room for improvement. 

“In addition, we also have the inclusion of two great players in Donnarumma and Pio Esposito.” 

Was Baldini ‘disappointed’ by the fact that Donnarumma was the only Italy player to reach out to him? 

“No, I think the wound was still too big after Bosnia,” Baldini replied. “Even if they had called me, I would have limited the call-ups to those two (Donnarumma and Esposito), with a view to my future work. Sometimes it’s better to sit back and not participate.” 

Baldini was asked for his thoughts regarding the current state of Italian football as a whole. 

He said: “Italian football is in the hands of directors who think about their own interests and not about the growth of the game. The aim is to do well on the transfer market with older players, not with younger players. I won’t hide away from it, these are things I’ve always said. Some people call them ‘swindlers’, and they often have the reins of the game in their hands. Without serious directors, it will continue to be a problem.” 

But why is there such a ‘fear’ of giving opportunities to young players? 

“You get experience by playing. If the experience is limited to just a few games, your value remains low. At youth level, the national teams have always done well, but the problem is always the jump to the senior team. We need to let them play, but it’s not a problem for the federation, it’s a problem for the clubs. 

“Where is the advantage in signing a 39-year-old player instead of finding one in the academy? As long as there are no serious people at the top of Italian clubs, it will still be a problem. 

“We play slower on the pitch for the same reason. Youngsters bring enthusiasm, rhythm, speed. The older players tend to manage their efforts and attack less. Think about PSG or Aston Villa.” 

Baldini on Italy’s upcoming friendlies 

The focus began to shift towards the two matches that Italy have coming up over the next few weeks. 

“These are two games that will fill us with pride,” Baldini insisted. “There’s no such thing as friendlies with the national team. You have to compare yourself with other nations. Even if there’s nothing at stake, there is still honour to play for. You have to have pride. 

“For me, this is an unexpected prize. Fate has made things happen in the past and that’s why I find myself here.” 

What are the best qualities of this current Italy group? 

“They’re very united, they are pleased to be together, they laugh and joke together. They’re social, nobody isolates themselves. Some players told me that they would sign for a club for life if they could find the same joy they had with the U21s. 

“Camarda came with us to the training camp before North Macedonia even though he was injured. He did it just for the sake of being with us. The other was Mane, but Borussia Dortmund wouldn’t release him. 

“This means that it’s a healthy group, that the kids want to be helped. If we have this sort of material in our hands, we can’t make mistakes because this is our future.” 

Baldini was asked who he thinks should be given the Italy national team head coach job on a permanent basis. 

“I would go for a coach with a good resume, but it’s pointless to say names like Guardiola or Fabregas. We have a lot of good coaches in Italy, but I don’t want to name the names of Italian coaches. Those who feel they are able to have an impact. I hope that I can be hopeful to whoever comes in, not a hindrance.” 

And what has Baldini told his Italy players heading into the June friendlies? 

“I’ve asked them to be themselves, to play with enthusiasm, to think that they are the strongest. Life can be surprising sometimes, and they can’t miss this opportunity. They have to show that they are good players, but we need to be a team. So help your teammates when they are struggling.” 

Many of Baldini’s young Italy players are currently playing outside of Italy: There are three from Borussia Dortmund alone. 

“They get to see different leagues and cultures,” said Baldini. “What they all have in common is that they all love what they do. They’re all pure, they’re not distracted by money or success.”

And how does Baldini himself feel heading into this most rare of opportunities? 

“The feeling was beautiful until yesterday. The wait was the most beautiful part because it was something I never thought I would do. I try to transfer my principles and respect onto the team. I set rules and I want them to be respected. There are no fines, for me, that’s reductive. It doesn’t make it clear that you’ve made a mistake. For me, if you’ve made a mistake, you go home. 

“Young people know that I’m a credible, transparent and unfiltered person. I’ve explained to them that I’m not here to set rules or to be a dictator, but I want to make  them understand that without rules, there are no principles and without principles, there is no team. 

“You have to have rules: Nutrition, waking up, going to the gym, recovering well. In general, dedicating everything to your body to get yourself in the best condition for the games, so you can express yourself at your best.” 

Baldini insists Italy’s young squad is ready to make its mark

Baldini was asked which members of the current Italy squad are ‘ready’ for regular first-team call-ups. 

He said: “If I’ve called them up, I’m convinced that they can win these two games, with freedom and without pressure. I know that they have great technical qualities.” 

And when asked for his response to the reports that the Greek federation were angered by Italy’s decision to name a youthful squad, given that they wanted a test against the experienced, senior side, Baldini said: “I won’t respond to the Greek coach, he can say what he wants. That’s his opinion. 

“It amazes me that in the country where democracy was born, Greece, people care more about what others do.” 

There is a risk that if Italy does not win its next two matches, the nation will drop further down the FIFA rankings. 

“There is that risk, but nobody can predict what will happen in these games,” Baldini replied. “But what can I do? I’m not afraid of playing these games. I’m sure the boys can win them and I don’t see a problem. 

“If I start with this idea of losing, I have no enthusiasm and I don’t transmit confidence, and the boys feel that.” 

Ibrahima Konate has decided to leave Liverpool on a free transfer this summer owing to an impasse over wages.

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The France international, whose terms expire at the end of June, had reportedly been made ‘a very good offer’ to extend his stay on Merseyside.

However, the financials on the table were not enough to convince the 27-year-old that his future remains at L4.

Liverpool lose Ibrahima Konate over wages

Alex Crook over at talkSPORT reported on X (formerly Twitter) that Konate and Liverpool could not come to an agreement over wage demands.

Worth noting Liverpool made Konate a very good offer to stay but ultimately they could not agree terms due to his wage demands. https://t.co/mgl18ydPvT

— Alex Crook ??? (@alex_crook) May 29, 2026

While Liverpool should be applauded for sticking firm to their guns on wage structure, I struggle to see this as anything other than another serious failing from the boffins at the AXA centre.

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The Reds are heading into their most critical summer window yet in recent years and now need to add a new centre-back to an already burgeoning shopping list.

A shopping list that will, as has already been made clear in prior reporting, be perhaps slightly constrained by a more limited budget (in comparison to the spending spree of 2025).

Not ideal, Liverpool. Really not ideal.

How much was Konate expecting to earn?

With Konate already on a reported £150,000-a-week (Capology), and Liverpool reported to have offered the centre-half a ‘very good offer’, we have to wonder at the kind of money he wanted.

Bear in mind that both Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike are on £200,000-a-week, and Andy Robertson maxed out at £160,000-a-week.

Does the Frenchman deserve to be on that kind of money?

We’ll have to await further details on Ibrahima Konate’s specific demands.

Marcos Senesi is a no-go but Nico Schlotterbeck is available

Liverpool have painted themselves into a bit of a corner here, haven’t they?

They can’t afford to spend a huge chunk of change on a centre-half, given the extensive surgery that needs to take place from the midfield up to the forward line.

But I personally find it unfathomable that they could start the season with newbie Jeremy Jacquet partnering Virgil van Dijk.

I think there’s a big ceiling Liverpool will take advantage of, but it’s an awful lot to put on a young talent (the Frenchman turns 21 this July) in his first season in English football.

With that in mind, and budget-depending, Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck could be an excellent solution this summer. If it’s indeed the case that the Reds can activate a €50m-60m [£43.2m-51.9m] release clause – as Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg suggested is an option – it’s probably the best move they can do in that price range.

I don’t think they can afford not to, if Richard Hughes and Co. feel they’ve got the wiggle room in the budget to make it work.

More Stories / Latest News

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May 29 2026, 11:00

The post Liverpool can replace Ibrahima Konate instantly with £43.2m bargain after Sky Sports update appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Reputation is sticky in the NFL. A couple of big seasons, a fat contract, or a famous name can keep a player propped up long after the tape stops backing it up. Hype lingers. Production moves on. That gap is where the overrated label lives. The players below are not scrubs.

Most have made Pro Bowls and cashed real checks. The issue is the distance between how they get discussed and what they actually deliver heading into 2026.  Here are five names the conversation has gotten ahead of.

MORE: Steelers former first-round pick has uncertain future

Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears

The MVP buzz is arriving well ahead of the play. Williams set a franchise record with 3,942 passing yards and a 27-to-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio while leading Chicago to an NFC North title and a wild-card win.

Look closer, though. His completion rate dropped to 58.1 percent, the worst for any quarterback to reach the postseason since Andrew Luck in 2012. He also paced the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns to wide-open targets, feeding the argument that Ben Johnson’s scheme is carrying the offense more than the quarterback is.

Johnson set a 70 percent completion goal that Williams whiffed on, then made accuracy a daily project this spring. “We need to get the completion percentage up,” Johnson said.

Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs

Kelce is still discussed as the standard at the position. Maybe a few years ago, that was the case. The 2025 numbers place him in the middle of the pack.

He caught 76 passes for 851 yards and five touchdowns, a third straight season short of 1,000 after the run of seven in a row ended in 2022. PFF graded him 14th among tight ends as a receiver. At 36, the burst that once made him a weekly mismatch now shows up in flashes rather than every series.

Kansas City rewarded the resume anyway, re-signing him for more than $54 million over three years after he had considered retirement.

The Hall of Fame case is on lock. The week-to-week impact looks closer to a complementary piece than a centerpiece.

DK Metcalf, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

Metcalf still gets talked about like a No. 1 receiver who bends a defense around him. The production no longer backs it up.

Pittsburgh traded draft capital for him, handed him a five-year deal worth $150 million, then shipped out George Pickens to clear his runway. The return was a career-low 850 receiving yards, a sub-60 percent catch rate, and one touchdown after Week 8. A two-game suspension late nearly cost the Steelers a playoff spot.

Some of the dip traces to a thin receiver room and a run-first plan with Aaron Rodgers throwing it. But Metcalf has fallen short of his billing for several seasons running now.

At 27, the physical gifts are still loud. The results have gone quiet.

Trey Hendrickson, EDGE, Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore made Hendrickson the prize of free agency, handing him a four-year deal worth up to $112 million. The pass-rush résumé earns the check. The rest of the profile invites questions.

He is one of the best in the NFL at a single job, with back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons in 2023 and 2024. He is also a liability against the run, grading 90th among edge defenders there last year. Former teammate Andrew Whitworth put it bluntly, saying, “You can run the football right at him all the time, anytime you want.”

Now 31, Hendrickson is coming off a seven-game, four-sack season cut short by core muscle surgery, and Jesse Minter’s scheme rarely loads the box to cover for it.

Davante Adams, WR, Los Angeles Rams

Adams led the NFL with 14 touchdowns in 2025, which keeps him filed among the premier receivers. The rest of the line argues for caution.

He caught just 53 percent of his targets, a career low, and his 789 yards were his fewest since 2015. Much of his value rode on a 7.7 percent touchdown rate, a figure that rarely holds from one season to the next.

Now 33, Adams plays second fiddle to Puka Nacua and missed time with a lower-body injury. Los Angeles is leaning into a three-TE look that thins his snaps, and the team shopped him before deciding to keep him.

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The Dallas Wings scored 50 second-half points on Thursday, erasing an eight-point halftime deficit and seizing a 95-87 victory over the defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces.

Las Vegas head coach Becky Hammon wasn’t happy about her team’s defensive performance in Arlington, Texas — explaining that the Aces got off bodies, were late on actions and lacked the necessary physicality — but she also took issue with how the game was officiated.

“Most of the time, we like to play out of our defense, which we weren't playing in. So that hurts us,” Hammon said, when asked about the lulls Las Vegas experienced on the offensive end in the second half as well.

Then Hammon pivoted, ending her news conference with a expletive-filled message about the game’s free-throw disparity: “A'ja Wilson shoots one free throw. Chennedy Carter, zero, Jackie Young, zero," Hammon said. "I'm f***ing tired of that bulls***. I'm not saying they didn't earn their 22 (free throws) down there. But when Awak Kuier shoots more free throws than A'ja Wilson and Jackie Young and Chennedy Carter all combined, that's a problem.

"We're not getting the same whistle. Give me my fine.”

Kuier, a Dallas forward who played 21 minutes off the bench, made all four of the shots she attempted at the charity stripe. As Hammon alluded to, Wilson, Young and Carter attempted just one free throw between the three of them. That belonged to Wilson, who went 10 of 24 from the field and clocked out with 21 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. She got up at least six free throws in each of her previous five outings.

As a team, the Aces shot a mere 12 free throws on Thursday, 10 fewer than the Wings. So far this season, Las Vegas is tied for last in the WNBA with 18.3 free-throw attempts per game.

Hammon’s aired out similar grievances before. Last year during the postseason, she was one of the coaches fined for calling out the league’s officiating. Notably, Hammon backed longtime Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve after Reeve was ejected from Game 3 of the Lynx’s semifinals series against the Phoenix Mercury for berating an official and then suspended for Game 4 due to her postgame tirade about the W’s refs.

But, again, Hammon didn’t just have a bone to pick with the officials on Thursday. It was clear she was upset with her group’s effort defensively.

Wings forward Jessica Shepard collected her second triple-double of the season, this time starring with 22 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists. This year’s No. 1 overall pick, Dallas guard Azzi Fudd, made her first career start and also poured in 22 points, doing so on 9-of-15 shooting.

The Wings (5-3) have won four of their past five games. On the other hand, the Aces (4-3) have dropped back-to-back contests and currently rank fourth-to-last in the W in points per game allowed (88.6). Plus, the Aces are 10th out of the league’s 15 teams in defensive rating (106.9).

Hammon, who has led Las Vegas to three WNBA titles since taking over the reins in 2022, bluntly said the Aces’ defense “sucked” against the Wings.

“Until we want to play defense for 40 minutes, we'll just continue to take these lumps on the chin,” Hammon said.

Jose Mourinho has signed a three-year deal to become Real Madrid's new head coach.

He will not be officially unveiled until after the club's presidential election, which is due to take place on 7 June.

However, the 63-year-old's contract will only be valid if current president Florentino Perez remains in his role.

Perez announced the election during an extraordinary news conference earlier this month in which he criticised journalists and La Liga and spoke of an "organised campaign" against him.

The 79-year-old has been in office since 2009 - and was previously president between 2000 and 2006 - but has overseen two successive trophyless seasons.

Renewables tycoon Enrique Riquelme is standing against Perez in the first presidential election in 20 years featuring a challenger, although Perez is expected to still win.

Mourinho is leaving his role as manager of Benfica, where he took charge in September and led them to third place in the Primeira Liga this season.

In his previous spell in charge of Real between 2010 and 2013, the Portuguese won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.

Mourinho will replace Alvaro Arbeloa, who only took charge in January following Xabi Alonso's departure as boss.

Real ended their 2025-26 campaign trophyless, with rivals Barcelona sealing the La Liga title with a 2-0 El Clasico victory.

Los Blancos' Champions League run also ended with a 6-4 aggregate defeat by German champions Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.

After leaving Real in 2013, Mourinho returned to England for a second stint at Chelsea, winning the third of his three Premier League titles, plus the EFL Cup, in the 2014-15 season.

Following his departure from the Blues by mutual consent in 2015, Mourinho joined Manchester United on a three-year deal in 2016.

He won the Europa League, EFL Cup and Community Shield during his first season at Old Trafford, but was sacked in December 2018 after a poor run of results.

Mourinho also had spells at Tottenham, Serie A side Roma, where he won the Europa Conference League in 2022, and Turkish club Fenerbahce, before taking over at Benfica.

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Astros $95 million pitcher tabbed by MLB insider as 'realistic' trade candidate originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Houston Astros are struggling this season, and sitting at 26-32, they're very much in play to become trade deadline sellers later this August.

In such a scenario, there is bound to be plenty of interest in the Astros players. Yordan Alvarez will draw interest, but Houston is not likely to trade him. The same cannot be said for a couple of other players.

MLB insider for Fansided.com, Robert Murray, tabbed one Astros pitcher making $95 million as a realistic trade candidate this season. That pitcher is 32-year-old closer Josh Hader.

Astros' Josh Hader is a realistic trade candidate

"Hader feels like a realistic trade candidate provided he's healthy," Murray writes. "... Perhaps the biggest obstacle toward a trade will be his five-year, $95 million contract through 2028. If the Astros are willing to eat some of it, many contending teams will surely be in the mix for the 32-year-old."

Hader is currently recovering from a biceps injury, which has kept him out for a long time, dating back to last season. He's almost back, and he should return before the trade deadline at the start of August.

The left-handed reliever is under contract through the 2028 season on his five-year, $95 million contract. It's a huge deal for a reliever, and the Astros likely would have to eat some of the contract to get back a worthwhile return in a trade.

MORE: Ex-MLB GM projects White Sox to sell at trade deadline despite 2026 success

But, with how expensive he is, it would make sense to trade him for a solid return this season. There will be plenty of teams needing more reliever help, and Hader might be the best one available this season.

He has a 2.05 ERA in 48 appearances last season, and is a five-time All-Star who has a 2.64 ERA in 468 games in his MLB career with 227 saves.

Hader will draw trade interest, and Murray believes he's a realistic candidate to be traded this season. It might be a bit more complicated than some other trades, but the Astros sending away their veteran closer this season is very much in the realm of possibility.

More MLB news:

• 5 reasons to believe in Jordan Walker's breakout for Cardinals
• Roman Anthony might’ve been overhyped for Red Sox
• Dodgers still have a Roki Sasaki problem
• Chase Burns becomes first Reds pitcher with elite stat line since 1922
• Yankees’ Aaron Judge on track to become first player in MLB history with five 50+ homer seasons

UIC vs. Georgia Tech baseball box score: Live stats from NCAA Baseball Championship Game 1 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Georgia Tech opens 2026 NCAA Tournament play as the No. 2 national seed, matching the highest postseason seed in program history.

The Yellow Jackets are hosting an NCAA regional for the 13th time and the first since 2019, with hopes of reaching the super regional round for the first time since 2006. Tech faces the UIC Flames, who won the Missouri Valley Conference.

The Jackets arrive with major momentum after sweeping the ACC regular-season and tournament championships. They're the first conference team to do this in 13 years. 

UIC vs. Georgia Tech baseball box score: Live stats from NCAA Baseball Championship

UIC Flames

Stats will appears after first pitch

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Stats will appears after first pitch

How to watch: UIC vs. Georgia Tech 2026 NCAA Baseball Championship Game 1

Date: Friday, May 29

Time: Noon ET

TV: ACC Network

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Amid an era of theatrical schedule releases on social media, the Detroit Lions had just two words for fans when introducing their 2026 calendar: “Strictly business.”

The image of head coach Dan Campbell ignoring a variety of noise about the validity of the Lions’ Super Bowl window isn’t just a statement about Detroit sticking strictly to business. It’s also a symbol of the light at the end of the tunnel for Lions fans. 

After facing one of the most difficult gauntlets in the league last season and failing to deliver on high expectations, Campbell and Detroit will face the NFL’s easiest schedule based on 2025 opponent records.

For 2026, the Lions’ quest for a championship continues.

Last Place Finish A Blessing in Disguise for Detroit

Since falling to the San Francisco 49ers in the 2023 NFC Championship Game, Detroit’s hopes of a deep playoff run have been on a downward trajectory.

The Lions followed a season where they won its first two playoff games since the turn of the century with an NFL-best 15-2 record. However, they fell to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels in the divisional round, sending the Lions back to square one. And after coming out on top of a gauntlet in the NFC North, Detroit earned the tough calendar of a first-place team. 

Last year, the Lions couldn’t handle the league’s second-hardest regular season schedule, narrowly missing the playoffs and finishing last in the division with a 9-8 record.

That last-place finish could be a blessing in disguise for Campbell and company. The Lions return largely the same core that was 30 minutes from the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance. Paired with the league’s easiest schedule, they have every reason to compete for a Lombardi.

Holmes Locking Down Stars for Lions

General Manager Brad Holmes did not splash in free agency. Instead, he ensured the young stars who fueled Detroit’s rise stayed put. Nearly every franchise cornerstone is 25 or younger, and Holmes hasn’t let any of them walk yet. 

All four All-Pro-caliber players — Aidan Hutchinson, Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Kerby Joseph — have already signed long-term extensions in the past couple of years. This offseason, the Lions locked down Jameson Williams through 2029. They also extended Jack Campbell after his first-team All-Pro campaign.

Detroit has also shown signs of working on extensions for Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta. Brian Branch is still on the final year of his rookie deal. For now, the Lions have avoided tough roster decisions and get at least one more run with their full arsenal.

Jared Goff finished top three in passing yards, touchdowns and passer rating last season. With LaPorta returning from injury, Detroit’s offense is poised to return to the top of the league. And for 2026 at minimum, they’ll retain the difference makers on defense requisite to compete for a championship.

Non-Division Foes Give Detroit Potential for Strong Start

Last year, a season-opening loss to the Packers served as a reality check for the Lions, who were forced to fight tooth-and-nail to compete in one of the league’s strongest divisions. A brutal non-division lineup — including losses to the Chiefs, Eagles, and Rams — didn’t help matters, leaving Detroit scrambling to prepare for its NFC North bouts.

Apart from a Week 2 trip to Buffalo, the Lions will face four of the NFL’s bottom-10 teams over the first five weeks of the season, including the Saints, Jets, Panthers, and Cardinals. As a fourth-place team, Detroit draws other bottom finishers in most non-division matchups. That means 10 opponents from the bottom half of last year’s standings. 

Unlike the quarterback-less Jets and Cardinals, the Lions aren’t lacking for talent or team identity. It’s not often that a legitimate contender gets the chance to play the schedule of a rebuilding franchise. But Detroit has a unique opportunity to flex its muscle early and build up momentum for another playoff run. 

And with easier matchups outside the division, Campbell will be able to divert additional focus to the NFC North gauntlet, where the Lions were swept by both Green Bay and the Vikings in 2025. If the Lions turn talent gaps into blowout wins the way they did in 2023 and 2024, and keep the defense healthy, they will be in prime position for another playoff push. 

Clock is Ticking for the Lions

Holmes and Campbell don’t have forever to keep this squad together. Without the high picks they enjoyed during the rebuild, sustaining that draft success gets harder. The talent pipeline will thin. Eventually, they’ll be forced to let key players walk and a championship run slip away.

As Caleb Williams and the Bears continue to blossom in one of the toughest divisions in football, the margins will continue to decrease for the Lions. Boasting an advantage in offensive talent doesn’t mean they’ll be able to run the table against surging divisional foes. And if Detroit can’t conquer the NFC North, bringing down other contenders like Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Seattle appears less likely.

The league’s easiest schedule gives the 2026 Lions an opportunity to remain in contention.

But if they can’t take it, the voices in their release video will start to ring more and more true.

The post The Lions’ Championship Window Is Still Open — for Now appeared first on The Lead.

Brusque is having a great Série C campaign and faces Barra this roundCredits: Disclosure / Brusque

In one of the most evenly matched editions, Brazil’s Série C continues this weekend with a fierce battle for a place in the G8. At the end of the group stage, eight teams advance in the competition. From leaders Paysandu, with 17 points, to 14th-placed Barra, with 10, the gap is only seven points.

The 9th round has six teams, starting from 9th place, with a chance to move into the qualification zone, that is, the G8.

This round will feature four matches on Saturday, five on Sunday, and one on Monday (June 1). Check out the fixtures:

Saturday: Itabaiana vs. Volta Redonda, at 5 p.m., at Etelvino Mendonça; Floresta vs. Confiança, at 5 p.m., at Presidente Vargas; Botafogo-PB vs. Maringá, at 6 p.m., at Almeidão; and Caxias vs. Ituano, at 7 p.m., at Centenário.

Sunday: Inter de Limeira vs. Ypiranga, at 4 p.m., at Major Levy Sobrinho; Guarani vs. Amazonas, at 4 p.m., at Brinco de Ouro; Santa Cruz vs. Ferroviária, at 4 p.m., at Arena de Pernambuco; Anápolis vs. Maranhão, at 6:30 p.m., at Jonas Duarte; and Figueirense vs. Paysandu, at 8:30 p.m., at Orlando Scarpelli.

Monday: Barra vs. Brusque, at 8 p.m., at Arena Barra.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

This Saturday evening, Budapest will be decked out in the colors of the most beautiful competition of all: the Champions League. 

The final, kicking off at 6 p.m., is already firmly on everyone’s mind. PSG and Arsenal supporters are just waiting for the whistle to blow on this final stage.

Before turning our thoughts to that historic moment, let’s look back at finals that ended in blazing fashion.

2012 — Chelsea 1-1 Bayern Munich

Probably the biggest smash-and-grab in modern football. Chelsea finished only sixth in the Premier League, sacked André Villas-Boas in mid-season, and arrived in Munich without John Terry, Branislav Ivanović, or Ramires. On the other side? Bayern… at the Allianz Arena. Dominated for 120 minutes, the Blues still snatched an equalizer through Didier Drogba before winning on penalties to claim the first Champions League title in their history.

2005 — Liverpool 3-3 AC Milan

The legendary “Miracle of Istanbul.” Trailing 3-0 at half-time against one of the greatest Milans in history (Maldini, Kaká, Pirlo, Shevchenko), Liverpool pulled off the unthinkable by scoring three goals in six minutes before Jerzy Dudek became the hero of the penalty shootout.

1997 — Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Juventus

Juventus were the reigning European champions and had a galactic squad featuring Zidane, Del Piero, and Christian Vieri. Dortmund were respected… but far from favorites. Yet the German side delivered a tactical masterclass: Paul Lambert kept Zidane quiet, Karl-Heinz Riedle scored a brace, and the young Lars Ricken sealed the upset.

And for you, what is the greatest Champions League feat?

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

Rangers part ways with .728 OPS former Royals outfielder originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Texas Rangers have parted ways with a 33-year-old outfielder. 

According to a report from Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com, the AL West club released Dairon Blanco on Friday morning. 

Blanco did not make an appearance with the Rangers at the Major League level, spending his tenure with the organization at Triple-A Round Rock. 

He is a Major League veteran of four years, but has never made more than 138 trips to the plate in a season. From 2022-25, Blanco hit .257 with seven home runs and a .728 OPS in 171 games with the Kansas City Royals. 

Blanco's stolen base track record is more than solid. He's 59-for-73 in stolen base attempts in his career. 

"Blanco has experience at all three outfield positions. His outstanding speed gives him the range to cover any of the spots, but he’s been dinged for a below-average arm dating back to his prospect days," Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors wrote Friday.

MORE: Phillies’ Aidan Miller finally beginning baseball activities amid back injury

"It hasn’t graded out well during his big league time, making him best suited for left field with occasional work in center." 

Given his speed and agility, Blanco should be able to find another minor league deal sometime soon. 

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Britain's Katie Boulter has led calls for the French Open to remove on-court sponsorship boards after Turkey's Zeynep Sonmez said tripping over one left her needing stitches.

Sonmez had to retire from her doubles match on Friday after colliding with one of the foot-high signs while chasing a ball.

The 24-year-old said was left with a bruised knee after the incident and needed two stitches.

"Do we really have to wait until a player is seriously injured before these courtside boards are removed?" Sonmez wrote on social media.

"Player safety must come first."

Boulter escaped injury in a similar incident during her singles match on Thursday, but said the advertisement blocks are an unnecessary hazard.

"These things have to go," Boulter wrote. "[I] got lucky last night but next time I might not be."

Four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek and Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk, who said she does not chase some balls due to fear of injury, also said the boards should be removed.

The French Tennis Federation (FFT) has been contacted for comment.

• Vallejo criticised for saying woman should not have umpired match
• Is more Grand Slam woe for Brits a worry for Wimbledon?

How boards, covers and line judges have become obstacles

Sonmez is not the first player to be injured because of the tight space behind the Roland Garros baselines.

The Paris heatwave has produced firmer, bouncier courts, meaning players want to stand further behind the baseline to receive serve.

Belgium's Alexander Blockx was forced to withdraw from the men's singles earlier this week after spraining his right ankle when he landed on a tarpaulin rain cover at the Jean Bouin practice facility, a short walk from Roland Garros.

Blockx said on social media he "heard a snap" in his ankle and sarcastically blamed the "really necessary" covers.

The world number 37 later edited his post to remove the reference to the covers.

As well as sponsorship boards and covers, there has also been another obstacle on Roland Garros' smaller outdoor courts - line judges.

The French Open is the only major tournament that still has line judges.

Both ATP and WTA Tours use electronic line calling and Argentina's Juan Manuel Cerundolo says it is "very tough" for the players to adjust to.

Cerundolo beat Britain's Jacob Fearnley on a smaller court, where line judges had to nimbly move out of his way, before knocking out top seed Jannik Sinner on Court Philippe Chatrier.

"It is weird to play with line judges - especially on the shorter courts," Cerundolo told BBC Sport.

"I played all my life with line judges but now over the last year we played without them so it is very different.

"You have to be ready to not hit them and say 'please go back and move to the side'. You have to adapt again."

• Live scores, results and order of play
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Adolfo Daniel Vallejo has been criticised for saying his French Open second-round match should not have been umpired by a woman as they do not have the "courage" to handle the crowd.

The Paraguayan world number 71 lost to French teenager Moise Kouame on Court Suzanne-Lenglen on Thursday, with the 17-year-old receiving vocal support in a near five-hour 6-3 7-5 2-6 2-6 7-6 (10-8) victory.

Vallejo criticised umpire Ana Carvalho of Brazil for being unable to control the "annoying" and "disrespectful" crowd.

He also said he was unhappy with how much time Kouame was given in between points.

Players are only allowed to take up to 25 seconds between points, but umpires can use their discretion as to when to start the shot clock while the crowd settles down.

"I think this sort of matches should be umpired by a man," Vallejo told Clay magazine in an interview listened to and verified by BBC Sport.

"It's very difficult for a woman to do it because the crowd is very annoying and you need to have a lot of courage to go against the crowd.

"I knew it [the crowd] was going to be like that. It didn't harm me, it only strengthened him."

Asked whether having a male umpire would have made a difference, Vallejo added: "Yes, yes, absolutely. The crowd was really disrespectful, but I understand it because they are supporting their home player."

Vallejo has since taken to social media to defend his comments, stating on X that they have been "taken out of context" and he was referring to Carvalho specifically, rather than all female umpires.

The French Tennis Federation (FFT), who organise the tournament, have been contacted for comment.

• Is more Grand Slam woe for Brits a worry for Wimbledon?
• Players call for sponsorship boards removal after injury

In-form Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was expected to put up another show at the New Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on Wednesday during Rajasthan Royals' Qualifier 2 clash against Gujarat Titans.

The boy wonder was in majestic form in the ongoing season, having already scored 680 runs in the 15 innings he has played. 

In the previous match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, the youngster scored a sensational 97 runs in 29 balls. He missed out on a historic fastest-ever IPL century. 

All eyes were on the young southpaw once again as Rajasthan Royals take on GT in a knockout Qualifier 2 clash.

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How many runs did Vaibhav Sooryavanshi score in today's GT vs RR IPL 2026 Qualifier 2?

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again narrowly missed out on a century as he scored 96 off 47 deliveries. 

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's record in IPL

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For San Francisco 49ers fans intrigued by the idea of Nick Bosa reuniting with his brother Joey next season, the former just poured ice-cold water on the rampant rumors.

We are deep into the NFL offseason, and many of the major additions to rosters have been made with the top stars in free agency signed, trades made and the NFL Draft in the rearview. However, there are still many intriguing veteran players available on the open market. Accomplished stars like Tyreek Hill, Stefon Diggs, and Deebo Samuel.

One in particular has been linked to the 49ers for weeks, and that is Joey Bosa, the older brother of San Francisco great Nick. The five-time Pro Bowler had a solid debut season with the Buffalo Bills in 2025, and while he has shown signs of an injury-related decline, many feel he could be a difference maker for the 49ers in 2026. As well as give the team a family discount.

Is Joey Bosa more likely to retire than sign with the San Francisco 49ers?

However, this week the younger sibling offered up an update that suggests Joey Bosa is more likely to retire at 30 years old than play in San Francisco in the upcoming season.

“Yeah, I think he’s working on his golf game right now,” Nick said in a new interview [h/t NFL.com]. “I don’t think he’s thinking too much about football.”

The fact that the five-time Pro Bowler is this far into the offseason and isn’t giving serious thoughts to where he will play in 2026 says a lot. Despite having a memorable career mostly spent with the Los Angeles Chargers, the elder Bosa sibling has dealt with injury woes throughout his career.

Be it concussions, leg and upper body injuries, Bosa has dealt with a lot during his 10 seasons in the NFL. After making $156 million during his NFL career, he may prefer to pass on the pain of the game and enjoy the fruits of his labor.

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Dustin Poirier isn't ruling out the idea of coming back to fight Conor McGregor.

Poirier (30-10 MMA, 22-9 UFC) retired after losing to Max Holloway in their BMF title fight at UFC 318 last July. Although he's happily retired, Poirier admits another bout with McGregor could lure him back.

McGregor hasn't competed since breaking his leg in a TKO loss to Poirier in July 2021 and will make his long-awaited return in a rematch against Holloway in the UFC 329 headliner on July 11 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Poirier is up 2-1 on McGregor, but would he fight him again for a fourth time?

"If it was realistic and they called me and said, 'Hey,' I would probably get back in the drug-testing protocol and get licensed again, yeah," Poirier said on the "Weighing In" podcast.

Poirier expects McGregor to perform better than Nate Diaz did when he was bloodied and stopped by Mike Perry at MVP MMA 1 less than two weeks ago.

"Yeah, I don't think Conor's going to look as bad as Nate. That was really bad," Poirier said. "I think the punching power is going to be there regardless. Conor's going to come back from the injury and still have that natural punching power. The question for me is the timing, the athleticism, the movement, all those questions need to be answered. I don't know. We haven't seen him, so I don't know.

"If his counter-punching and his timing is anywhere near what it was, he has a chance to beat Max. Look, I love Max, but the career he's had and the longevity he's had, he's touched the canvas in his last three fights. That's more than he's touched it in his entire career. I just think time's catching up with him. He's still a young man, but he's taken a lot of shots, and Conor can punch. No matter how long he's been out, he still has the great equalizer, and that's power. Some guys are born with it."

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Dustin Poirier says 4th Conor McGregor fight would be tempting

The 2025 season was rough for Ricky Pearsall, Jordan Watkins and Jacob Cowing. The trio missed a combined 38 games this past season due to various injuries.

However, all trio are back, healthy, and making great strides at OTAs. And head coach Kyle Shanahan has noticed.

"Ricky, we got to see throughout the year battling his injuries. Jordan and Jake, we didn't get to see quite as much of. They all came back healthy," Shanahan said. "I was really excited how Jordan and Jake came back though, you could tell they came back, it wasn't just healthy. You could tell they've been putting work in and coming in here in shape and stuff has allowed them to get farther ahead in these five weeks than just coming here to get shape. They've come here to play and work.”

Kyle Shanahan on Ricky Pearsall, Jacob Cowing, and Jordan Watkins:

“They all came back healthy. I was really excited with how Jordan and Jacob came back though. You could tell they came back— it wasn’t just being healthy, you could tell they’ve been putting work in and coming in… pic.twitter.com/Y4Eqa3Kh8x

— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) May 28, 2026

Pearsall, who was the 49ers' first-round pick in 2024, has battled injuries in both of his two NFL seasons but played nine games this past year. Cowing and Watkins, both former fourth-rounders, haven't seen the field much.

Cowing, a 2024 fourth-round pick out of Arizona, was placed on injured reserve in late August and missed San Francisco's entire 2025 campaign after a hamstring injury on the first day of training camp. It was the second consecutive summer derailed by hamstring trouble for the speedster, who played just 106 offensive snaps as a rookie in 2024, catching four passes on six targets while spending most of his time as a punt returner.

Watkins had a similarly frustrating debut. The 2025 fourth-round pick out of Ole Miss suffered a high-ankle sprain in the preseason but still made the 53-man roster as a rookie, finishing 2025 with two receptions for 26 yards across four active games — a healthy scratch for the remainder of the season.

Pearsall is locked into a role on this offense, but Cowing and Watkins will be battling for roster spots. Now entering their second and third years, respectively, the pair will be battling with veteran Christian Kirk and rookie De'Zhaun Stribling, with Demarcus Robinson around as well. With neither Cowing nor Watkins having made a substantial impact on offense to date, it projects as a battle between the two for one of the final spots on the roster — though Cowing's potential role in the return game could give him a leg up.

If the OTAs buzz is any indication, both players may be making that decision harder than expected.

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Kyle Shanahan excited to see trio of oft-injured WRs back in 2026

Mercedes enjoyed a stellar weekend at the Canadian Grand Prix with teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli claiming a brilliant victory, but the post-race celebrations inside the Brackley camp were heavily muted. On the other side of the garage, George Russell’s dominant weekend—which included securing two pole positions and a commanding Sprint race victory—evaporated in a split second due to a sudden, catastrophic electrical failure.

New inside details from the team’s Silver Arrows Radio Show, Episode 3: Montreal Unlocked, reveal that the pit wall was left completely in the dark, with trackside engineers initially believing their own computer screens had crashed rather than the car itself.

Mercedes Telemetry Blackout

According to Mercedes’ Head of Trackside Electronics and Controls, Evan Short, the failure offered absolutely zero pre-warning or diagnostic symptoms before completely knocking out the car’s communication systems.

“Like in this particular case, very little,” Short explained when asked about the team’s warning systems. “So we’re looking at the data, the first thing we see is a sudden stop in all the squiggly lines that we’re looking at. And of course, the first thing we think is ‘oh, something’s gone wrong on my laptop.’ And then you look around and think ‘oh, no one’s got any data.'”

Because F1 data engineers remain hyper-focused on raw live telemetry streams rather than the international television broadcast, the pit wall was blind to the physical retirement for several agonizing seconds. Short noted that it was “only when you then glance up at the TV and see the car grinding to a halt that you realize what’s really happened.”

The “Kill” System and Component Quarantine

The root cause of the retirement was a total failure of the car’s primary grounding mechanism. As detailed by Mercedes Deputy Team Principal Bradley Lord, the failure triggered a severe chain reaction through the W17’s complex hybrid power unit architecture.

“But yeah, a sudden sort of kill of the earth system on the car as he came into turn 8, and then that did a reasonable amount of damage afterwards as well,” Lord stated.

The electrical surge was so severe that the compromised hardware required immediate hazardous isolation. Lord revealed that after extracting the electronics module from Russell’s chassis, it “had to undergo some sort of pretty unusual safety procedures” before it could be safely packaged and shipped back to the United Kingdom.

Implications for the Championship?

The physical damage to the module has created a massive logistical hurdle for Mercedes’ engineering department. Lord confirmed that it will be “several months before the hardware gets back” to the factory for a teardown analysis, forcing the team to rely entirely on digital forensics and the seconds of data leading up to the failure to find answers.

While Antonelli’s victory keeps Mercedes firmly in the championship hunt, the loss of a guaranteed maximum points haul weighs heavily on the team. Lord lamented the missed opportunity, emphasizing that a potential 1-2 finish went begging through “absolutely no fault of George’s” after the British driver put together a flawless weekend performance.

Claude Lemieux -- who died on Thursday at the age of 60 -- and Darren McCarty had one of the most heated battles on the ice in the 1990s, as Lemieux's Colorado Avalanche and McCarty's Detroit Red Wings created the NHL's best rivalry.

But with Lemieux dying and tributes pouring in from all over the NHL world, McCarty joined in on social media.

"This is extremely sad no matter what feelings from past or present you hold," McCarty wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends and people who got to see the person off the ice wasn’t the person on. As I’ve said and will always call it as I see it."

If you are struggling at all," he added, "please reach out and talk to someone. Godspeed my friend."

Just heard the news on #ClaudeLemieux
This is extremely sad no matter what feelings from past or present you hold. My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends and people who got to see the person off the ice wasn’t the person on. As I’ve said and will always call it as I…

— Darren McCarty (@DarrenMcCarty4) May 28, 2026

The history between Claude Lemieux and Darren McCarty

Things got very bloody between the two as other players from their respective teams got tangled up, and they'd later have a rematch off a faceoff in a November game.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Claude Lemieux gets Darren McCarty tribute after death on Twitter

Still riding the crest of a wave after ending an 18-year wait for Ulster glory, Armagh launch their bid for a second All-Ireland title in three years against familiar foes Derry on Saturday evening (19:15 BST).

Armagh were afforded last weekend off after their Ulster final victory over Monaghan, while Derry have had four weeks to prepare for the start of the Sam Maguire series after their provincial campaign was ended by the Farneymen in a heart-stopping semi-final.

With Donegal having conquered the home of Munster and All-Ireland champions Kerry last week, Oisin McConville admits Derry are capable of delivering a similar statement against Armagh at the Athletic Grounds.

"Derry do have the potential, I think they've shown that," said Armagh's 2002 All-Ireland winner McConville.

"They seem to be back to themselves after a quiet couple of years. I still expect Armagh to win the game. They'll be on a crest of a wave.

"It's not new to them. I don't think they've over-celebrated and Armagh will be looking for some home comforts here as well."

'Watching Ulster final would have hurt Derry'

After a winless year in league and championship in 2025, Derry have shown signs of life under Ciaran Meenagh with five wins in a Division Two campaign that ultimately failed to yield promotion.

In Ulster, they comfortably dispatched Antrim but blew a 10-point lead against Monaghan, and Meenagh has stuck with the same team that started the latter.

"They've had time to recover. Watching the Ulster final surely would have hurt but I still think they will be well in the game," added McConville.

"It'll come down to the last five minutes. I think Armagh have so much quality and so much off the bench but Derry have a live chance."

Armagh, who have beaten Derry in All-Ireland round-robin games in each of the past two years, have included fit-again Callum O'Neill on the bench after his recovery from a shoulder injury that has kept him out since the Ulster preliminary round win over Tyrone on 12 April.

Orchard boss Kieran McGeeney makes just one change to his Ulster final starting team, with Gareth Murphy replacing Paddy Burns at left corner-back.

Derry are unchanged from the Monaghan defeat, but James Sargent and Dan Higgins are fit enough to return to the bench.

Can Monaghan keep Kobe quiet in Clones?

Also on Saturday, Cavan will be major underdogs when they travel to Mullingar to face newly-crowned Leinster champions Westmeath (17:00).

Westmeath - managed by Donegal's 2012 All-Ireland winner Mark McHugh - stunned the Dubs to claim a first Leinster title in 22 years, while Cavan have not played since a seven-point defeat by Monaghan in the Ulster quarter-finals six weeks ago.

Speaking of Monaghan, they must park the devastation of the Ulster final when they return to Clones to host Mayo on Sunday (16:00).

Mayo have been inconsistent under Andy Moran this year and were well beaten by Roscommon in the Connacht semi-finals, but they possess considerable firepower, as evidenced by their last trip to Clones in February when they racked up 2-30 to win by 19 points.

Kobe McDonald was the star that day, scoring 1-4 on his senior debut off the bench. The 18-year-old, son of former Mayo star Ciaran McDonald, is moving to Australia later this year after signing for Australian Football League (AFL) club St Kilda.

Before that, he will try to inspire Mayo to a first All-Ireland title since 1951, starting with another eye-catching display at St Tiernach's Park.

Among five changes from the Roscommon game, Moran has handed championship debuts to goalkeeper Jack Livingstone, wing-back Diarmuid Duffy, and corner-forward Darragh Berine.

Sunday's other game sees Dublin take on Louth in a rematch of the Leinster semi-final (14:00), with six-time All-Ireland winner Con O'Callaghan returning to the Dublin line-up.

Can Tyrone make it three in a row?

Of course, there are trophies to be handed out at Croke Park on Saturday, including the All-Ireland Under-20 title.

Tyrone, aiming for a third triumph in a row and fourth in five years, face Kerry (17:00), who they beat in the 2024 decider and last year's semi-finals.

The Kingdom, who are managed by Kingdom great Tomas O Se, are yet to prevail since the Under-21 competition became the Under-20s in 2018, while Paul Devlin is hoping to capture the fourth All-Ireland success of his hugely decorated stint at the Red Hand helm.

The Under-20 final completes a Saturday triple-header at headquarters, with the Nickey Rackard Cup (Tyrone v New York, 13:00) and Christy Ring Cup (Derry v Kerry, 15:00) finals also down for decision.

Line-ups

Westmeath: Jason Daly; Daniel Scahill, Charlie Drumm, Tadhg Baker; Ronan Wallace, Shane Allen, Matthew Whittaker; Brían Cooney, Ray Connellan; Kevin O'Sullivan, Sam McCartan, Conor Dillon; Shane Corcoran, Jack Duncan, Brandon Kelly.

Subs: Jack Connaughton, Adam Treanor, Tom Molloy, Robbie Forde, Ian Martin, Harry Niall, Shane Ormsby, Stephen McGonagle, Eoghan McCabe, Senan Baker, John Heslin.

Cavan: Liam Brady; Cormac Brady, Brían O' Connell, Niall Carolan; Gerard Smith, Ciarán Brady, Conor Brady; Ciarán Brady, Paddy Meade; Tiarnan Madden, Ryan Donohoe, Emmanuel Shehu; Caoimhan McGovern, Dara McVeety, Patrick Lynch.

Subs: Gary O' Rourke, Ryan Tobin, Jensen Tynan, Evan Crowe, Darragh Lovett, Fionntán O'Reilly, Barry Donnelly, Ryan Brady, Peter Corrigan, Cian Shekleton, Conor Casey.

Armagh: Blaine Hughes; Peter McGrane, Aaron McKay, Gareth Murphy; Joe McElroy, Tiernan Kelly, Greg McCabe; Jarly Og Burns, Andrew Murnin; Cian McConville, Darragh McMullan, Tomas McCormack; Conor Turbitt, Jason Duffy, Oisin Conaty.

Subs: Ethan Rafferty, Paddy Burns, Barry McCambridge, Ryan Duffy, Ross McQuillan, Oisin O'Neill, Daniel Magee, Aidan Forker, Aaron O'Neill, Callum O'Neill.

Derry: Shea McGuckin; Diarmuid Baker, Ruairi Forbes, Conor McCluskey; Conor Doherty, Gareth McKinless, Padraig McGrogan; Eoin McEvoy, Brendan Rogers; Ethan Doherty, Conor Glass, Paul Cassidy; Niall Loughlin, Shane McGuigan, Lachlan Murray.

Subs: Ryan Scullion, Charlie Diamond, Shea Downey, Dan Higgins, Sean Kearney, Patrick McGurk, James Sargent, Niall O'Donnell, Ruairi Ó Mianáin, Niall Toner, Sean Young.

Dublin: Evan Comerford; Greg McEneaney, Nathan Doran, David Byrne; Seán MacMahon, Charlie McMorrow, Eoin Kennedy; Ciaran Kilkenny, Brian Howard; Seán Bugler, Con O'Callaghan, Niall Scully; Paddy Small, Killian McGinnis, Cormac Costello.

Subs: Hugh O'Sullivan, Tom Lahiff, Liam Smith, Lee Gannon, Cian Murphy, Seán Guiden, Ethan Dunne, Páidí White, Niall O'Callaghan, Luke Breathnach, Tim Deering

Louth: Niall McDonnell; Emmet Carolan, Dermot Campbell, Donal McKenny; Daire Nally, Dara Mc Donnell, Craig Lennon; Conor Early, James Maguire; Paul Matthews, Sam Mulroy, Conor Grimes; Kieran McArdle, Ciaran Downey Conall Mc Caul.

Subs: Tiarnan Markey, Ryan Burns, Ciaran Byrne, Sean Callaghan, Tommy Durnin, Leonard Grey, Conor Mac Criosta, Tadgh McDonnell, Conal McKeever, Sean Reynolds, Anthony Williams.

Monaghan: Rory Beggan; Cameron Dowd, Killian Lavelle, Dylan Byrne; Aaron Carey, Ryan O'Toole, Dessie Ward; Mícheál McCarville, Karl Gallagher; Oisin McGorman, Mícheál Bannigan, Stephen O'Hanlon; Conor McCarthy, Andrew Woods, David Garland.

Subs: Kian Mulligan, Ryan Wylie, Robbie Hanratty, Bobby McCaul, Max Maguire, Ryan McAnespie, Shane Hanratty, Ryan Mohan, Stephen Mooney, Jack McCarron, Thomas Hughes.

Mayo: Jack Livingstone; Jack Coyne, Donnacha McHugh, Enda Hession; Sam Callinan, David McBrien, Diarmuid Duffy; Bob Tuohy, Jack Carney, Hugh O'Loughlin; Conor Loftus, Jordan Flynn; Darragh Beirne, Ryan O'Donoghue, Kobe McDonald.

Subs: Robert Hennelly, Fenton Kelly, Paddy Durcan, Eoin McGreal. Sean Morahan, Aidan O'Shea, Stephen Coen, Paul Towey, Diarmuid O'Connor, Tommy Conroy, Cian McHale

The Baltimore Ravens have never had a receiver reach 1,500 receiving yards in a single season. According to analyst Gordon McGuinness, that could change in 2026. McGuinness outlined why he believes Pro Bowl wide receiver Zay Flowers could join an exclusive group that included only a handful of NFL pass catchers last season.

The key, according to McGuinness, is Baltimore's new offensive structure under first-year offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. The video transcripts are highlighted by Kevin Eck on the Ravens' official team website.

"Declan Doyle's previous two spots saw him work under Sean Payton and Ben Johnson," McGuinness said. "In 2024 in Denver, Courtland Sutton saw 65 more targets than any other player on the Broncos offense. That same season in Detroit when Ben Johnson was the offensive coordinator, Amon-Ra St. Brown saw 50 more targets than any other player on that Lions offense.

"The coaches he has learned from have been more than happy to funnel an offense through one particular player if necessary, and I think that can be the case potentially in Baltimore in 2026. I think the Ravens play faster. I think they throw the ball at a higher rate in 2026, which means more targets in the offense anyway. If they do that, I think a 1,400-, 1,500-yard season is well within reach for Zay Flowers."

Flowers enters his fourth NFL season coming off the most productive campaign of his career.

The path to a 1,500 yard season for Zay Flowers pic.twitter.com/LZa9R3Qw84

— Gordon McGuinness (@GordonNFL) May 28, 2026

After posting 858 receiving yards as a rookie in 2023, Flowers surpassed the 1,000-yard mark in 2024 before taking another significant step forward last season. The former first-round pick finished with 1,211 receiving yards and earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection while establishing himself as Baltimore's clear No. 1 receiving option.

His growth has mirrored the Ravens' increasing trust in him.

Last season, Flowers finished with nine more targets than Mark Andrews and DeAndre Hopkins, Baltimore's next-most-targeted receivers, combined. The gap illustrated just how heavily Lamar Jackson and the offense already leaned on the dynamic wideout. The question now becomes whether that target share can increase even further.

History suggests Doyle may be willing to build the offense around a featured receiver. Johnson's Detroit offenses consistently prioritized Amon-Ra St. Brown, helping him become one of the league's most productive pass catchers. In Denver, Sutton operated as the unquestioned focal point of the passing attack under Payton's system. If Doyle incorporates similar principles in Baltimore, Flowers could be positioned for another significant statistical jump.

The challenge, however, should not be understated.

A 1,500-yard receiving season remains one of the NFL's most difficult accomplishments. The benchmark has become increasingly rare despite the league's emphasis on passing offense. There have not been more than three receivers to eclipse 1,500 yards in a single season since 2015, placing the achievement among the sport's most exclusive milestones. Flowers would also be attempting something no Ravens receiver has accomplished despite the franchise's long history and recent offensive success. The good news for Baltimore is that Flowers has shown consistent year-over-year improvement.

His receiving totals have increased from 858 yards to 1,059 yards to 1,211 yards over his first three seasons. Another leap of similar magnitude would place him firmly within the conversation alongside the NFL's elite receivers.

It would also reflect a broader philosophical shift for the Ravens.

Under head coach Jesse Minter, Baltimore enters 2026 looking to maximize an offense led by Jackson and supported by one of the league's deepest collections of skill-position talent. If Doyle increases the team's pace and passing volume as McGuinness projects, Flowers could become the primary beneficiary. Whether he reaches 1,500 yards remains to be seen.

But after three straight seasons of growth, two Pro Bowl selections, and an increasingly prominent role in Baltimore's offense, Flowers appears positioned to challenge some of the most significant receiving records in franchise history.

If McGuinness is correct, the Ravens may finally have a receiver capable of reaching a milestone that has long seemed out of reach in Baltimore.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Why Zay Flowers may be poised for historic Ravens season soon

The Steelers have parted ways with senior special teams coach Derrius Swinton “due to a violation of club policy,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Friday morning.

The exact details of the policy Swinton reportedly violated are unclear.

Part of the Steelers’ new coaching staff under head coach Mike McCarthy, Swinton entered 2026 as Pittsburgh’s top special teams assistant behind coordinator Danny Crossman. Swinton is an experienced NFL coach with history on offense, defense, and special teams. He was most recently the interim special teams coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025, where he worked alongside now-Steelers defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.

With Swinton suddenly off of the Steelers staff, it remains unclear if the team will look to hire a replacement this late in the process. The team has just four OTAs remaining.

For the second straight year at his end of season press conference, Kyle Dubas spoke directly about the need to improve the defensive group of the Penguins, citing below average performance in the chances given up that translated to a high number of goals against.

 “both in terms of what we’re expected to give up and in terms of what we actually gave up. Really, it’s the area that we have to improve upon the most if we’re going to continue to make strides and push the team back into being a contender.”

Dubas has made some progress, he signed Parker Wotherspoon as a free agent and it worked out tremendously. Sam Girard was acquired, and while results were somewhat uneven, Girard is a capable and legitimate NHL player. Ryan Shea had a career-best season last year.

“In the end,” Dubas said, “it’s on me to continue to make the moves, both with the development model for our younger players, to continue to take greater steps than they did this year, but also continue to make smart acquisitions and utilize our assets and our cap space in ways that best push the team back to being a contender.”

What Dubas is looking for, without saying it directly is to pull off the 2026 version of the K’Andre Miller trade. Miller was dealt from the Rangers to Carolina last summer. The cost was significant, the Hurricanes gave Miller a $60 million contract over eight years. They also had to give New York a first and second round pick, plus a well-regarded, near-ready NHL prospect in Scott Morrow.

The move, even with the heavy investment, has paid off handsomely for Carolina. Miller has been a driving force in their playoff run, leading them in ice time, plus/minus and recording eight points in 12 games. Miller took what was a good blueline on paper and elevated it into something special.

There are a couple of players heading to the same situation Miller at this time last year as an impending restricted free agent. Not all are the caliber of player that Miller may be, but interestingly as The Athletic notes there are a few defensemen that could be considered somewhat in the same mold.

Simon Nemec is the first one named, though realistically this isn’t a likely option for the Penguins. This level of elite young player almost always gets dealt out of the conference, expecting a blockbuster for a high-end player to move within the division would be unprecedented, especially considering the trade value of a 22-year old seemingly on the precipice of becoming an impact player.

The next is a former teammate of Miller, Braden Schneider, where despite being a division rival, makes more sense as the Rangers look to endeavor upon a longer rebuild and take the best they can get for an older player whose level they’ve tapped out with.

Contract projection: $6 million x six years (long-term), $4.1 million x one year (short-term)

Schneider has a reasonably high floor as a solid No. 4/5 defender, but the Rangers have been patiently waiting for him to take the next step as a stud top-four piece. That breakout simply hasn’t happened.

This would be a big gamble since Schneider isn’t as established as Miller was, but potentially one that could pay off for an acquiring team.

Stylistically, Schneider might not be that much of a fit for what the Penguins like – he’s big, rugged and isn’t not that skilled with the puck and hasn’t done well to help drive play. However the toolset is an intriguing one and at 24-years old and two seasons away from unrestricted free agency, this is the type of mid-20’s player that fits the Pens’ profile to some degree. Adding Schneider could be a piece to the puzzle as Kris Letang and eventually Erik Karlsson either phase down or potentially leave the team in the somewhat near future on the right side of the blueline.

Another potential target is one we’ve talked about recently, Anaheim’s Olen Zellweger.

Contract projection: $6.5 million x seven years (long-term), $3.2 million x two years (short-term)

Zellweger is a talented, smooth-skating puck-moving defenseman, but it’s fair to wonder if he’s truly a long-term fit with the Ducks.

The 22-year-old is terrific at transporting the puck — he ranked in the 78th percentile for defensive zone exits and 86th percentile for zone entries this season, according to Sznajder’s tracking data — but he’s undersized at 5-foot-10, isn’t an elite point producer (22 points in 76 games) and is a work in progress defensively.

On the surface, this makes a lot of sense. The Ducks will have to be mindful about their cap with several budding stars (Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Pavel Mintyukov) needing new deals this summer. Zellweger is becoming a luxury for Anaheim now that Jackson LaCombe has exploded into a star himself and Mintyukov has locked down another top-four spot on the left side.

In the end, it’s tough to expect or create a massive home run type of trade like Carolina got when they added K’Andre Miller. The supply of players who can make that impact is limited, the competition to try and upgrade is extreme. But if the Penguins want to improve their defense while fulfilling their idea of adding mid-20’s players who can help for the foreseeable future, working on impending restricted free agents would be a good way to achieve objectives.

The NFL offseason is rarely judged fairly in real time. Every fan base believes its team has improved, or at least hopes so. Every front office convinces itself that the roster is stronger than it was a year ago. The truth usually reveals itself somewhere between September and January. Still, some offseason moves feel more significant than others. For the Baltimore Ravens, three decisions stand above the rest.

If the 2026 season unfolds the way many in Baltimore hope it will, these are the moves fans may point to as the moments that reshaped the franchise's future. None of their mentions should come as a surprise.

1. Turning the page from the John Harbaugh era

Even now, this one feels strange to talk about. John Harbaugh spent nearly two decades establishing himself as one of the most important figures in Ravens history. He delivered a Super Bowl championship. He won consistently. He represented the organization with class and professionalism. He is, and always will be, a Raven.

At the same time, professional sports can be unforgiving. Sometimes even successful relationships run their course. Sometimes, a fresh voice is needed, not because the old one failed, but because a different message is required.

Baltimore made the difficult decision to move forward with Jesse Minter. Whether fans agreed with it initially or not, it instantly became the defining move of the offseason. Everything else flows from that decision. Time will tell if it was the right one.

2. Acquiring Trey Hendrickson

There was a moment when Ravens fans allowed themselves to dream. What if Baltimore had somehow landed both Trey Hendrickson and Maxx Crosby? That fantasy never materialized, but acquiring one of the NFL's premier pass rushers is hardly a consolation prize. Yes, Hendrickson turns 32 in December. Yes, concerns about eventual decline naturally accompany any significant investment in a veteran player.

Those concerns can wait. What matters right now is that Baltimore's pass rush is better than it was a season ago. Hendrickson changes game plans. He creates pressure without needing help. He elevates everyone around him. The Ravens desperately needed more disruption off the edge. Few players in football provide that more consistently.

3. Drafting Vega Ioane and Zion Young

Normally, drafting two rookies would struggle to compete with a coaching change and a blockbuster acquisition. These two feel different. Baltimore selected Vega Ioane with the 14th overall pick before returning in Round 2 to grab Zion Young at No. 45 overall. Both arrive with enormous expectations and even larger ceilings.

Ioane immediately helps soften the blow of losing Tyler Linderbaum. The Ravens still need a long-term answer at center, but adding a potential cornerstone along the interior offensive line was critical. He possesses the physical traits, pedigree, and temperament Baltimore covets. Young may be equally important.

Pairing him with Hendrickson suddenly gives the Ravens a much deeper and more explosive pass-rush rotation. Baltimore still hopes Mike Green develops into a star, but Young's arrival provides another young building block for a defensive front looking to regain its identity.

Projecting future Pro Bowls is always dangerous. That said, neither player's talent makes such a prediction sound unreasonable. The Ravens entered this offseason needing answers.

They emerged with a new head coach, an elite pass rusher, and two rookies who could become foundational pieces for years to come. That's a strong start toward writing a much happier ending in 2026 than the one Baltimore experienced a year ago. The other nine members of the Ravens' 2026 draft class are also solid additions and must be viewed as bonuses, but make no mistake, these two are the cream of the crop in this class.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: These 3 Ravens offseason moves stand above the rest in 2026

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique insisted his team are not favourites to defend their crown in Saturday's Champions League final clash against Arsenal.

The Ligue 1 champions are a thrilling attacking force with more goals than any other team in the competition with 44, while opponents Arsenal have conceded six, the fewest of any side.

In last season's final PSG waltzed to a 5-0 win over Inter Milan to claim the trophy for the first time but Luis Enrique said finals tend to be close affairs and that match was the exception that proves the rule.

"Finals are always difficult games, last year was exceptional, we did dominate against Inter," said the Asturian coach.

"In the final tomorrow I don't think there's a favourite and, I'm being honest with you, for us the devil is in the detail. It will be a very close call.

"We will have to give our all for the 90 minutes but also enjoy them. There's waves of tension but it's also about knowing how to manage that stress."

Luis Enrique said the clash of styles between PSG and Arsenal was not as apparent as some make out, despite the disparity in the teams' statistics.

"I'd say that rather than two different approaches, they are two similar approaches but with different tactics, because they are a team that also scores goals, and we are a team that also defends well, but we do so in different ways," added the coach.

Arsenal have never won the trophy, just as PSG had not until they finally won it last season.

"It's powerful (motivation)," said Luis Enrique of Arsenal's position.

"But you know how powerful it is to try to win the second Champions League in a row? It's bigger!"

Only Zinedine Zidane's Real Madrid have been able to win the Champions League in back-to-back seasons in the modern era of the competition.

Luis Enrique can become only the fifth manager to lift the trophy on three occasions if his team triumph at the Puskas Arena, after he won it with Barcelona in 2015 and then last season with PSG.

"It's important to know how to handle a final -– you never know when you'll be back in one," remarked the coach.

Luis Enrique said European glory was the reason he came to the club and PSG's main aim.

"That was my objective, the goal of the club, the goal of the sporting director, it was in the plan," he added.

"Maybe not as fast as we achieved it... we deserved to win the last Champions League, we were the better team.

"It's more easy when you have the possibilities we have, as a coach, and the facilities of the club, and the level of the players that I have to achieve those goals.

"At this moment we are thinking about the future -- the future is winning tomorrow, another important trophy, and that's the goal."

Luis Enrique confirmed defenders Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes were fit for the final, while forward Ousmane Dembele said he had recovered from a calf problem.

rbs/dmc

Oldham Athletic have agreed to sign striker Elliott Nevitt from Gillingham when his contract ends on 1 July.

The 29-year-old will join on a two-year deal having spent the latter half of the past season on loan at Cambridge United, where he won promotion from League Two.

Nevitt previously played for Oldham boss Micky Mellon when the pair were at Tranmere Rovers.

"I'm really happy, when I spoke to Micky earlier on, he told me how much he wanted me and that meant a lot. I loved working with him and I wanted to work with him again," he said.

"Micky was the first person to believe in me, he took a chance in signing me, so I owe him a lot. He gave me the chance to be a professional and made me the man I am today."

Spurs' Victor Wembanyama should listen to former NBA star's perfect advice originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The San Antonio Spurs forced Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder with an 118-91 win in Game 6. The stars were still the catalysts for the game, and there is a sense that this final game of the series is going to come down to the wire. 

Spurs' superstar center Victor Wembanyama has been all over the news regarding this series. His offseason training and work with Monks in China, and his on-court antics of being "dirty".  It is hard to ignore that he has been a polarizing topic this week. 

But former NBA star Gilbert Arenas had his say on what should come next for the next potential face of the Association. No matter the result of this series, the next step for Wemby is to work with another former NBA great, Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki. 

“Slow down. You’re in a rush… Go work with Dirk this summer. Dirk understood to keep the ball high. Shot from above his head. You couldn’t block his shot. Dirk didn’t move very fast or very quick. But got by everybody. Understanding pump fakes, triple threats. Triple threats still a thing. It is still very powerful. Anytime you catch the ball mid post, turn and face first. Keep the ball high.”

These are all things that Webanyama can master, and if he does, it could catapult him to even greater heights. He narrowly lost the MVP vote to OKC point guard and reigning Most Valuable Player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, this season. Expect that, after an offseason with a legendary shooter and scorer like Nowitzki, the result will be very different in 2026-27. 

For now, the focus must remain on this series and the Game 7 omega. All roads have led to this, with the New York Knicks patiently waiting. 

More NBA News:

• Mitchell Robinson injury update: Latest news, return timetable on Knicks center after suffering broken finger

• Victor Wembanyama drops explosive definition of ‘desperate’ play and it haunts Thunder

• Victor Wembanyama clarifies meaning behind pregame robe outfit before season-saving  Spurs win

Where to watch Texas high school softball state championship games: Schedule, channel, live stream for UIL finals originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The 2026 Texas high school softball playoffs will soon conclude with UIL state championship matchups, being held this week in Austin.

Only 22 teams have kept their seasons alive to compete for a state title, and it all comes down to a handful of games which are set to take place over the coming days. Championships will be decided across classes 1A-6A and divisions 1 and 2. 

The action will all take place on the University of Texas campus, at Red and Charline McCombs Field in the state's capital.

You won't want to miss this.

Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 Texas high school softball state championships, including TV channel and streaming options for each game.

How to watch Texas high school softball state championship games: TV channel, live stream

• TV channel: N/A
• Live stream:NFHS Network

The Texas high school softball state championships will not air on national TV channels. Viewers can stream games on the NFHS Network.

The NFHS Network offers two basic plans: an Annual Pass ($6.67 per month) or a Monthly Pass ($13.99 per month). These plans give subscribers the ability to watch live sporting events and create clips of their favorite moments from games.

Texas high school softball state championships schedule 2026

All games will be played at Red & Charline McCombs Field in Austin, Texas.

Thursday, May 28

Friday, May 29

Watch every game live on the NFHS Network.

Saturday, May 30

The Los Angeles Rams have been known as astute drafters over the years, but they produced one of the most valuable non-first round picks in the past decade.

According to Pro Football Focus, the selection of receiver Puka Nacua with the No. 179 pick in 2023 ranked as the fifth-best pick outside of the first round since 2026. Only Brock Purdy, Jordan Mailata, Tyreek Hill and Dak Prescott were higher.

Over the last three seasons, Nacua’s play has left him impossible to count out. The BYU alum leads the league in PFF receiving grade (95.6) and contested catches (56) while finishing second in first downs gained (224). Nacua has become a beacon of efficiency with a ludicrous 3.16 yards per route run in his career, fueled by a relentless motor — as reflected in his career average of 5.9 yards after the catch per reception.

Nacua's raw production is equally impressive. He has already caught 313 passes for 4,191 yards and 19 touchdowns in 44 games over his three NFL seasons. That ranks third, second and 15th among all receivers over that period.

He earned a role quickly in Sean McVay's offense when Cooper Kupp was injured in 2023 and never looked back. Now, he's Matthew Stafford's top target and already has the NFL all-time record for most average receiving yards per game at 95.3.

Part of what made Nacua so valuable over the past three years was his contract. He'll only count $5.8 million against the Rams' salary cap in 2026, per Over The Cap, after leading the league in receptions just a year ago.

He'll likely get a monster extension soon, even after off-field incidents. That new deal will be worth it, though, for what the Rams have seen from him in his first three years.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Puka Nacua named one of the most valuable non-1st round picks

OK, we’re getting close now.

After months of speculation and endless rumors in the football media world, an expected trade of A.J. Brown by the Eagles will likely come to fruition sometime after Monday. That’s because, after June 1, the Eagles can trade away their star receiver without absorbing as dramatic a salary cap hit.

You know all this. And now that Monday is creeping ever closer, the rumor mill is beginning to churn again after a few weeks of blissful respite.

Even if Rapoport is correct, it seems a forgone conclusion that A.J. Brown will be playing for another organization this season.

This week’s topic for the Eagles Deadzone Debates is a simple one — Will the Eagles be better off with A.J. Brown, or without him? Here are the arguments:

Better Off Keeping Brown

The arguments for keeping him are simple.

He’s probably the greatest receiver in Philadelphia Eagles history and is still a talented wideout that creates match-up problems for most defenses.

And, the Eagles will absorb a significant salary cap penalty if they deal him, even after June 1.

In four years in Philly, Brown has piled up 339 catches and 5,034 yards. He’s scored 32 touchdowns. He averages 81.2 yards per game, made two Pro Bowls and named 2nd-team AP All Pro three times.

When healthy and motivated, there are few receivers in the league better than Brown, and his presence on the team has always been a difference maker for Jalen Hurts and the offense. Even as Brown has complained about usage, he’s put up Hall of Fame numbers, been to two Super Bowls and had an impact in each, winning one of them.

And of course, the money. By waiting until after June 1, the Eagles can spread out the remainder of Brown’s signing bonus, his dead money, over multiple season, making it easier on their ‘26 cap situation. Still, Brown has $43.5 million in dead money left. Even with the post-June 1 designation, they still owe him that cash, only spread out — a little over $16 million this year and around $27 million in 2027.

So yes, waiting until after June 1 is better, but it’s still not ideal to be paying out $43.5 million for someone to play in another uniform.

Of course, the Eagles have done this before, and they’ve made it work. But if you’re looking for an argument to keep Brown, the wasted cap space is one of them.

Better Off Trading Brown

Brown is aging. He’ll be entering his age-29 season, and historically, production begins to drop off significantly for receivers approaching 30. It appears we began to see a bit of that a year ago, when Brown put up his lowest yardage total since coming to Philadelphia (1,003 yards in 15 games, 66.9 average per game).

His yards per target were down (8.3), and his 12.9 yards per reception were a career low, and his 50.4% success rate was also the lowest of his career. Brown supporters would argue much of this can and should be attributed to Kevin Patullo’s putrid playcalling, but to me, Brown appeared a step slower last season and was unable to win the one-on-one battles that have been the hallmark of his Eagles career. It’s fair to wonder if Howie Roseman would be trading Brown before his trade value decreases.

The Eagles have also added a ton of new receivers to the roster through free agency and the draft, acknowledging that, yes, Brown is almost certainly to be moved elsewhere. They drafted Makai Lemon in the first round this year and signed Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, Elijah Moore and John Metchie III. Not all of those receivers will join DeVonta Smith during the regular season this year, but there are enough viable bodies in the mix to allow the Eagles to begin anew with new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion.

Much of Brown’s lack of production can likely also be traced to effort. It seemed clear by the end of the season Brown was simply playing out the string. In terms of the locker room, while Brown is still beloved by his teammates, the constant distraction was just too much drama for them to overcome. Removing him from the equation can help the Eagles re-focus on the true goal of winning a Super Bowl.

At the end of the day, if the player doesn’t want to be here, he’s not going to be good. And so, in my mind, there’s little choice. The Eagles are more likely to return to Super Bowl contention without A.J. Brown than with him, given his current physical abilities, reluctance to play here, and off-season roster construction.

Yes, the Eagles are less talented on paper without him, but will be more productive as they replace him in the aggregate.

What do you think? Sound off in the comments below!

GT vs RR live score, toss winner, winning probability, result and highlights from IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 match originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

KEY MATCH DETAILS:

• Venue: New PCA Stadium, New Chandigarh
• Captains: Shubman Gill (GT), Riyan Parag (RR)
• Toss result: RR won the toss and opted to bat first.
• Live Telecast: JioHotstar (India), No Broadcast (Pakistan), CricLife Max, StarzPlay (UAE), Willow TV, Fubo, Willow TV app, Sling TV (USA & Canada)
• Umpires & Match officials: Rohan Pandit, Sam Nogajski (on-field umpires), Adrian Holdstock (Third Umpire), Ulhas Gandhe (Fourth Umpire), Prakash Bhatt (Match referee)
• Match result: TBD 
• Player of the Match: TBD

IPL 2026 HUB:Latest IPL News | IPL Points Table | Team Stats | IPL 2026 Squads

Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals live match Scorecard

Follow along with the latest live scorecard here as the match unfolds, or click here for key text commentary updates from the action.

GT vs RR IPL 2026: Playing XI

GTplaying XI: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Jason Holder, Washington Sundar, Nishant SIndhu, Rashid Khan, Sai Kishore, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj

Impact subs - Shubham Dubey, Sushant Mishra, Aman Perala, Ravi Bishnoi, Tushar Deshpande

RR playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag (c), Donovan Ferreira, Dasun Shanaka, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Brijesh Sharma, Yashraj Punja

Impact subs: Shubham Dubey, Sushant Mishra, Amanal Perala, Ravi Bishnoi, Tushar Deshpande

MORE: What happens if an IPL match is cancelled due to rain? Rules and refund details

GT vs RR IPL 2026 Updates

Hello everyone, and welcome to the live blog for the Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals Qualifier 2 clash at the New Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, Mullanpur.

RR innings: 171/5 (17 overs)

• RR lose two wickets inside the first three overs but Sooryavanshi is on song at the start. 
• RR going strong after the early setback.
• GT bounce back as they pick up a couple of wickets but Sooryavanshi still at the crease. 
• Sooryavanshi closes in on another century as RR are looking to finish their innings strongly with a 200-plus score. 

Toss result: RR won the toss and decided to bat first. 

GT vs RR: Win Probability

Key highlights and reactions: GT vs RR IPL 2026

• GT vs RR Dream11: Lineups, pitch report and score predictions for IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 match

• GT vs RR umpires: Full list of match officials for Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026 Qualifier 2

• RR vs GT head-to-head IPL: Last 5 matches, records at Jaipur, Guwahati and Ahmedabad

• Astrology Prediction: Who will win GT vs RR IPL 2026 Qualifier 2?

• Can GT bowlers restrict Sooryavanshi? Exploring Vaibhav's record against GT

New Chandigarh weather update: Chances of rain interrupting play

Let's take a look at the hourly temperatures and the probability of rainfall in New Chandigarh on Friday.

• 6:00 PM: 33°C (40% chance of rain)
• 7:00 PM: 36°C (40% chance of rain)
• 8:00 PM: 34°C (40% chance of rain)
• 9:00 PM: 32°C (40% chance of rain)
• 10:00 PM: 31°C (40% chance of rain)
• 11:00 PM: 30°C (40% chance of rain)

MORE:IPL 2026 schedule: Fixtures and full list of matches for Indian Premier League 2026 season

Complete history of every Qualifier 2 match in IPL playoffs

To keep up to date with all the latest cricket news and share your opinion on the biggest topics visit our Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter) pages.

Rajasthan Royals will be vying for a spot in the final when they lock horns against Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 Eliminator on Wednesday evening at Mullanpur. 

They beat Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator, thanks to a sensational knock from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, which inspired them to a 47-run victory. 

They haven't won the championship since the inaugural edition in 2008, and Riyan Parag and Co. will hope to seal another shot at glory by beating GT. 

Meanwhile, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan have been in good touch and will hope to take on Jofra Archer from the first ball. 

GT do have a formidable bowling line-up, comprising Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada and Mohammad Siraj, and the battle with Sooryavanshi might decide the fate of this fixture. 

The winners of the game will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. 

Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source

Live Scorecard

GT vs RR IPL 2026: Win probability and toss result  

After 17 overs, RR 171/5

Sooryavanshi closes in on another IPL century.

After 12 overs, RR 111/4

GT pick up two more wickets but Sooryavanshi still going strong. 

After 7 overs, RR 76/2

Sooryavanshi and Jadeja are forming an important partnership. 

After 3 overs, RR 34/2

Jaiswal and Jurel depart early but Sooryavanshi is off to a flying start. 

Toss: RR captain Riyan Parag won the toss and opted to bat first. 

GT vs RR IPL 2026: Playing XI

GT playing XI: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Jason Holder, Washington Sundar, Nishant SIndhu, Rashid Khan, Sai Kishore, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj

Impact subs - Shubham Dubey, Sushant Mishra, Aman Perala, Ravi Bishnoi, Tushar Deshpande

RR playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag (c), Donovan Ferreira, Dasun Shanaka, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Brijesh Sharma, Yashraj Punja

Impact subs: Shubham Dubey, Sushant Mishra, Amanal Perala, Ravi Bishnoi, Tushar Deshpande

GT vs RR: Win percentage

GT vs RR: Betting odds

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It took him a few attempts to get hold of her, but Michael McArdle knew it would be worth the wait for Emily Cassap.

When the teenager got off the training pitch and back to her phone, she discovered she had been called up to the Northern Ireland squad for the first time.

For manager McArdle, they are the best phone calls to make.

A former England youth international, Sunderland midfielder Cassap is in line to make her senior Northern Ireland debut in June's World Cup qualifiers with Turkey and Switzerland.

The 19-year-old switched her international allegiance earlier this year and was involved with Gail Redmond's Northern Ireland Under-19s, where she impressed in a short space of time.

"Emily has made strong progress with Sunderland and then Middlesbrough [where she spent the second half of the season on loan]," McArdle said.

"She has worked under Gail with the Under-19s where she was one of the standout performers.

"We have known her for a good period of time and we look at her with excitement.

"We see her potential and has earned that recognition."

• Cassap handed first Northern Ireland call-up

Cassap arrives in Northern Ireland's senior squad with a strong pedigree.

In 2024 she helped England to the final of the Under-17 Euros and the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

After breaking into Sunderland's first team as a 16-year-old, she signed her first professional contract with the club two years ago, and she got more senior experience with Middlesbrough in the second half of the season in the third tier.

While Cassap is used to playing in the centre of midfield, where Northern Ireland have traditionally played three players, she can also operate out wide in the wing back role.

Her versatility is another aspect to her game that can help her grow on the international stage.

"When they are young it is great as that versatility gives them opportunity," McArdle added.

"As they transition into senior football they want to master certain aspects and roles.

"It's great to have that versatility, but what we see in Emily is an exciting young talent who reads the game very well.

"She is predominately a central midfielder, but that versatility to play as a wing back on the left-hand side gives her the opportunity for other roles."

While McArdle has handed opportunities to the likes of Cassap and Linfield striker Cora Chambers in his short tenure to date, his predecessor Tanya Oxtoby gave the likes of Aimee Kerr, Mia Moore and Kascie Weir their first senior minutes on the international stage.

Of his squad for the two qualifiers, 16 of the 23 selected players are under the age of 25.

The Scot said it was "an opportunity to invest" in the long-term development of the squad, but said "you have to find that balance" between youth and experience.

He also praised the work of Redmond and Danielle McDowell-Tuffey for their role in the pathway of underage football in Northern Ireland with the Irish FA.

"Emily has got exciting potential with both club and country," he said.

"It is another recognition to the pathway that Gail and Danielle and all the staff do that one of the young talents is breaking through again."

A former Detroit Lions assistant coach is unexpectedly back in the headlines.

According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Pittsburgh Steelers have parted ways with senior special teams coach Derius Swinton II.

Schefter reported that the separation was the result of a violation of club policy.

“Pittsburgh Steelers and Sr. special teams coach Derrius Swinton have parted ways due to violation of club policy, per league sources.”

At this time, no additional details regarding the nature of the policy violation have been released.

Swinton Previously Worked for the Detroit Lions

While many Lions fans may not immediately recognize the name, Swinton does have ties to Detroit.

The Lions hired Swinton as an offensive assistant in 2018 during Matt Patricia’s first season as head coach. His stay in Detroit lasted one season before he moved on to other coaching opportunities around the league.

Since leaving Detroit, Swinton has built a lengthy NFL coaching résumé that includes stops with the Steelers, Raiders, Chargers, Cardinals, Bears, Chiefs, Broncos, Rams, and 49ers.

He had most recently served as Pittsburgh’s senior special teams coach.

Steelers Now Face Coaching Vacancy

The timing of the move is notable as teams around the league are currently conducting Organized Team Activities and preparing for mandatory minicamp.

The Steelers will now have to determine how they plan to handle special teams responsibilities moving forward as the 2026 season approaches.

For now, Pittsburgh has not publicly announced a replacement, and further details regarding Swinton’s departure remain unavailable.

AC Milan superstar Rafael Leao has seemingly issued a come and get me plea to Manchester United.

Milan are set to undergo a major rebuild this summer, with Leao expected to be part of the exodus. The Portuguese added fuel to the speculation himself by speaking highly of United in a recent interview.

 “Of course, I watch the Premier League a lot,” he told BBC. “I like Manchester United especially for Cristiano Ronaldo, who is my idol, but Arsenal is also a team I follow on TV.”

Manchester United keen on Rafael Leao

According to Football Insider, Manchester United are interested in signing Rafael Leao from AC Milan, who are ready to sanction a cut-price deal.

It is claimed Leao is one of many stars on United’s shortlist of winger targets, as Michael Carrick’s side have a new wideman as one of their main priorities to add to the squad ahead of next season.

Football Insider add that reports in Italy have suggested that the 26-year-old winger is available for as little as £43 million this summer. It is understood that Leao is “an appealing option at Old Trafford given his price tag.”

United are returning to the Champions League, and Carrick would need players of Leao’s calibre to go far in the competition.

The Portuguese has consistently impressed in Europe’s premier competition. He has been directly involved in 13 goals in 30 UCL appearances.

Rafael Leao Stats: 2025/26 Season

Last year, former Red Devil Zlatan Ibrahimovic hailed Leao, stating: “Of course, we expect magic, because Leao is magic! Of course, we’ll always talk about him, because he’s one of the best players in the world, and I’m not saying this for marketing purposes, but because I played football.”

Brazilian winger on Manchester United’s radar

Meanwhile, United have also entered the race for FC Porto’s breakout star William Gomes.

Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming United have made enquiries about the availability of the Brazilian right-winger.

However, Atletico Madrid appear to be pushing the hardest to sign the 20-year-old amid concerns over the future of Barcelona target Julián Alvarez.

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The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Portuguese coach José Mourinho has already signed his contract with Real Madrid and will officially become the team’s next manager as soon as Florentino Pérez wins the upcoming elections on June 7th, according to a report from The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

Mourinho would’ve been announced had it not been for this presidential race, which ultimately delayed the process.

Jose Mourinho has signed his contract to become the next head coach of Real Madrid.

Mourinho, 63, signed his terms last week and is set to complete a stunning return to the Spanish capital on a deal until June 2029.

Mourinho is the choice of Madrid president Florentino Perez. The 79-year-old triggered presidential elections at the club on May 12, which will take place on June 7. Mourinho is expected to be formally announced following those.
Source: The Athletic

This will be Mourinho’s second tenure as Real Madrid’s coach after winning a Liga title and a Copa del Rey during his first three years in the Spanish capital.

Brazil national team forward Rayan celebrated the opportunity to play in his first World Cup for Brazil during a press conference held this Friday (29) at Granja Comary. The 19-year-old recalled the start of his career, spoke about his call-up, and expressed confidence as he looked ahead to his goals at the World Cup.

“It’s a moment of great happiness, a time to enjoy. At 19, playing in a World Cup is for very few. Hearing my name on the list was a moment of happiness, not just for me, but for my family as well. A boy who came from the community getting to play in a World Cup — I’m very happy, very honored, and now it’s about enjoying the moment and bringing the sixth title to Brazil,” he said.

Rayan celebrated his call-up for his first World Cup with the Brazil national teamCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

Rayan also spoke about his relationship with the more experienced players in the Brazil squad. The player, who along with Endrick is the youngest in the group, said that some leaders, such as midfielder Casemiro and defender Danilo, advise the younger players, encouraging them to step onto the pitch relaxed while being aware of the weight of wearing Brazil’s shirt.

“Casemiro and Danilo are always talking with us, with me and Endrick. We’re the youngest in the group. We’re 19 and still have a lot of work to do, a lot to learn. As older players, they have very strong leadership and always tell us to go onto the pitch and play freely, but also with the responsibility that Brazil carries, because at 19 we have to go out there and do what we know how to do best, which is help the Brazil national team,” said the Rio native.

In addition, Rayan spoke about his current spell in English football and the importance of that experience for his growth and for securing his place at the World Cup. The player helped his team, Bournemouth, qualify for the first European competition in the club’s history — the English side will play in the Europa League next season.

“It’s a moment of great happiness to play in the Premier League. I arrived there and started very well right away; the club has a very good structure. Getting there and providing an assist in my first match, then scoring in the second, is a very important experience. Those moments helped me get here, and I’m also very happy that we put the club into European competitions,” he concluded.

Rayan celebrated his call-up for his first World Cup with the Brazil national teamCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

A South American U-17 and U-20 champion with the Brazil national team, the player highlighted the importance of the youth ranks of the Seleção in his development and in earning a place at the World Cup.

“When you’re in the youth setup, you learn a lot. Our youth coordinator is Branco. He used to tell us a lot that when we reached the senior national team, we would arrive with a very strong foundation, because we learn so much. So we got here with a lot of knowledge, because we learned many things from many professionals,” he said.

Finally, the player emphasized the importance of Vasco da Gama, the club where he was developed. According to Rayan, the club was his second home.

“Vasco was my second home, from the age of six to 19, and it always helped me. I’m very happy and very grateful for everything Vasco did for me,” he concluded.

Rayan during a press conference with the national team at Granja Comary during preparations for the World CupCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

Cavs All-Star Donovan Mitchell will be eligible to sign a contract extension on July 7. Asked whether the Cavs will offer an extension to Mitchell this summer, Koby Altman said, "There hasn't been any question on if he wants to be here or if he will be here." When asked why he considers Mitchell an elite No. 1 player, Altman said, "Donovan is uniquely ours and he's our guy. When you are constantly an All-NBA guy ... you embrace that." "Do we think we can win a championship with him as our best player? Yes," he said.

Akron Beacon Journal

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Cavs president Koby Altman on Donovan Mitchell: He's uniquely ours and he's our guy

Speaking on whether Evan Mobley will be with the Cavs next season, Altman said, "Yeah, he's part of our future." With regard to speculation that the Cavs could package Mobley in a trade for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, Altman said he's "not going to speculate on any players outside of these walls. Since Evan's been here, we have the third-best record in the league."

Akron Beacon Journal

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Koby Altman expects Evan Mobley back with Cleveland: 'He's part of our future'

Altman said that Cavs second-year player Jaylon Tyson "is going to be a big part of what we do, especially on (a rookie scale contract)." Altman said the team needs his tenacity, and that his ability to break into the rotation during his just second year in the pros speaks to his work ethic.

Akron Beacon Journal

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Altman said that Cavs second-year player Jaylon Tyson …

NBA Communications: The Knicks' Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart could become the fifth set of teammates to win NCAA (Villanova) and NBA championships together. 🏆 Derek Anderson & Antoine Walker (Kentucky, Heat) 🏆 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar & Lucius Allen (UCLA, Bucks) 🏆 John Havlicek & Larry Siegfried (Ohio State, Celtics) 🏆 Bill Russell & K.C. Jones (San Francisco, Celtics) *Players must have played in at least one NCAA Tournament game and at least one NBA playoff game. The NBA Finals begin Wednesday, June 3 at 8:30 PM ET on ABC.

Twitter

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: The Knicks' Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart …

President Donald Trump will be at Madison Square Garden for an NBA Finals game, but Bill Bradley, former U.S. Senator and N.Y. Knicks star, says he won't be the center of attention! The Knicks alum has some advice for the Prez, saying ... "If [Trump] goes to the game, he has to realize he is second fiddle. He's the president of the United States, but at an NBA Final, if he attends, he's second fiddle. He's not first." "We'll see what he does. Quite frankly, I don't give a s*** what he does," Number 24 said.

TMZ.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Donald Trump will be at Madison Square Garden for an …

The Los Angeles Rams only traded up one time in the 2026 NFL Draft, doing so in the sixth round to select wide receiver CJ Daniels out of Miami. They gave up two seventh-round picks to go up for Daniels, seeing him as a good fit for their offense.

It’s still very early in the offseason but Daniels has made a good first impression on Sean McVay, primarily for his maturity and demeanor in meetings.

“He’s got a maturity, he’s got a good look in his eye,” McVay said. “You feel his presence even just in the meeting room, and his engagement to be able to answer questions. But again, it’s really early on (for) any of these rookies. But liked his body of work, liked the background that we did from people that you really trust and value their opinions.”

Daniels contributed at both LSU and Miami in college, becoming a playmaker for the Hurricanes during the run to the national title game last season. He doesn’t wow with his speed or athleticism, but he’s a good blocker and has strong hands, which makes him a great fit for the Rams offense.

But Daniels isn’t the only wideout who’s looked good to McVay so far. He even mentioned other practice squad players from last year have looked more comfortable, along with the cast of Davante Adams, Puka Nacua, Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield and Xavier Smith.

“You’re talking about Davante, you’re talking about Puka, Jordan Whittington, Mumpfield’s looked good, Xavier Smith obviously played a bunch of meaningful snaps for us,” McVay said. “And then we’ve got some guys on the practice squad that look more comfortable going into their second year, hearing some of these plays and these concepts. Been pleased, but again, it’s still so early for us to say – I’ll be able to have a little bit better feel once we put the pads on in camp.”

The Rams have depth at wide receiver, but the question is whether any of those aforementioned backups will be able to step into a bigger role behind Adams and Nacua. That WR3 spot is an important one, and whether it’s Daniels, Mumpfield or someone else, the Rams need contributions from a third receiver.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams’ Sean McVay likes what rookie CJ Daniels has shown so far

We’re into the slow portion of the NFL offseason but we can now start looking ahead to training camp, preseason and eventually fantasy football drafts. There’s always plenty of movement during the offseason with new faces in new places. Yahoo analysts Justin Boone, Joel Smyth, Matt Harmon and Scott Pianowski give you their biggest riser for fantasy going into 2026.

Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2026 NFL season

David Montgomery, RB, Texans

Entering the offseason, Montgomery was a fading fantasy asset stuck behind superstar Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit. While he remained a flex option thanks to his visits to the end zone, Montgomery’s touches declined each year with the Lions. Fortunately, a trade in early March kick-started his fantasy outlook as the new lead back for the Texans. There’s very little competition for work on Houston’s depth chart, with backup Woody Marks best deployed in a pass-catching role.

Being a starter is nothing new for Montgomery. Prior to the last two seasons, the veteran handled at least 235 touches or more in his first five campaigns, including being a bell-cow for the Bears. Now, as he prepares to turn 29 in June, Montgomery has a chance to produce fantasy RB2 numbers once again — with the potential for even more. Remember, Joe Mixon finished as the RB5 overall in 2024 while racking up 1,325 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns as a member of the Texans. — Justin Boone

Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Jaguars

Smoke never became fire for Bhayshul Tuten in 2025, but the signs continue to be there for the young running back. After a year with several flashes, a mid-season injury and the second-best success rate in the NFL, Tuten finds himself in prime position compared to the end of 2025. Yes, the Jaguars signed Chris Rodríguez Jr. in the offseason, but they had to add an RB and it could’ve been much worse for Tuten’s fantasy stock.

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Jacksonville chose to let its former first-round RB Travis Etienne Jr. walk in free agency, followed by squashing any draft rumors with zero running backs taken out of 10 selections. Rodríguez brings a true threat to the backfield, but the positive far outweighs the negative. First off, in three seasons, Rodríguez has seven career targets. It should be Tuten’s role (one that Etienne maintained in 2025) with an offensive playcaller who has averaged the most RB screens since taking over in 2024.

The danger of Rodríguez sharing a short-yardage or goal-line role is real, but it is not due to the lack of success Tuten had last season as one of the most reliable in that area. He isn’t a shoo-in fantasy star, but running backs on good offenses, with high potential volume, going late in drafts immediately makes him a candidate for an ADP-crushing pick. — Joel Smyth

Josh Downs, WR, Colts

Josh Downs is easily one of the biggest risers from this offseason. One year ago, the Colts’ wide receiver group was crowded with Downs in the slot, Alec Pierce established as the X, Michael Pittman Jr. as the high-volume Z and AD Mitchell as quality depth as the WR4. Now, Mitchell is long gone and Pittman was traded this offseason, as well. The room is much lighter now behind Pierce, following a breakout season, and Downs.

It sounds like the team is ready to give Downs a look as the starting Z in addition to his slot duties, which gives him a path to playing in two-receiver sets. That proved to be a significant roadblock last year as the Colts played more heavy personnel after drafting Tyler Warren at tight end. Downs even looks like he bulked up a bit to be able to handle more snaps.

He’s an awesome talent and one of my favorite separators in the league. This is the year he’s finally projecting into a consistent and high-volume role. Easy buy right now. — Matt Harmon

Ladd McConkey, WR, Chargers

Nothing has changed with Ladd McConkey in recent weeks; I've just become more excited about what he can do in a Mike McDaniel offense. Thusly, McConkey is rising on my board. The Chargers had a complicated passing game last year, and their true offensive intentions were submarined by cluster injuries on the offensive line. Give them better pass blocking, a more condensed passing tree and McConkey in his third season — I'm all in. McConkey showed star quality in the second half of 2024 and it can return this fall. I'll draft him proactively. — Scott Pianowski

How Patriots' Mike Onwenu News Impacts Possible Christian Gonzalez Contract Extension originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

When the New England Patriots cleared cap space by signing offensive lineman Mike Onwenu to a revised contract Friday morning, many speculated that the move was made with a possible A.J. Brown trade in mind.

Onwenu will take a $7.5 million pay cut for the 2026 season, lowering his cap hit from $25 million to $17.5 million.

The 28-year-old was arguably the Patriots' best offensive lineman last season, committing just three penalties across 1,082 offensive snaps (99% of the available snaps) and 87 more on special teams.

Onwenu has also been very durable over his first six NFL seasons, missing just three games and starting each of New England's last 38 contests, including the recent Super Bowl run.

Friday's move not only sets the Patriots up for a potential trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, but a possible contract extension for Pro Bowl cornerback Christian Gonzalez as well.

"Interesting timing here with the #Patriots possibly making a trade for a well-paid player while also potentially extending Christian Gonzalez," Patriots senior reporter Evan Lazar posted on X.

Interesting timing here with the #Patriots possibly making a trade for a well-paid player while also potentially extending Christian Gonzalez. https://t.co/7z9xPcyJOQ

— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) May 29, 2026

Gonzalez was among seven New England players missing from voluntary OTAs on Wednesday.

"It's also possible the Patriots are creating extra space for a Christian Gonzalez extension. The star cornerback is set to make just $4.8 million this season on the final year of his rookie contract but is eligible for an extension this summer and could command a new deal worth more than $30 million per year," NBC Sports Boston managing editor Darren Hartwell wrote. "The Patriots have plenty of cap space ($43 million, fifth-most in the NFL), but if they want to trade for Brown and extend Gonzalez this offseason, they need all the space they can get. The decision to rework Onwenu's contract would aid in those efforts, and could be a sign of other moves to come shortly in Foxboro."

More NFL: Insider Shoots Down New A.J. Brown Reports; Believes Patriots Will Land Him

Cryptic Luka Doncic announcement confuses NBA fans, but there's a clear explanation originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic's cryptic post on Friday sent ripples throughout social media.

Doncic, whose season ended prematurely due to a hamstring injury, confused some wth an X post that read "Basketball is coming back to Rome 🔥." It marked his first post on the social media platform since April 16, when he acknowledged a ruling that allowed him to be considered for NBA postseason awards.

MORE: Brooklyn Nets named 'potential bidder' for Los Angeles Lakers star in free agency

However, while Doncic's post looks unusual without context, there is a fairly straightforward explanation for it. And it has nothing to do with his immediate playing future.

Basketball is coming back to Rome 🔥 pic.twitter.com/CvEBMlARMi

— Luka Doncic (@lukadoncic) May 29, 2026

Doncic has become a minority stakeholder in a group that is seeking to bring a new professional basketball team to Rome after Virtus Roma went bankrupt in 2020.

It's a cause that hits close to home for Doncic, as Italy and Slovenia share a 144-mile land border.

The group reportedly is led by former Dallas Mavericks general manager Donnie Nelson, who has a close relationship with Doncic from their shared time in Dallas.

This new team could feasibly form part of the NBA Europe league that industry sources expect to launch in a few years.

For now, the group of which Doncic is a part is working to transfer the license of Vanoli Cremona to Rome, which would allow the new team to compete in the top flight of Italian basketball.

More NBA news:

• Victor Wembanyama turns Game 6 into a statement win and Magic Johnson can’t stay silent

• How much time will Mitchell Robinson miss with broken finger?

• Meet the 7th-grader named Kobe Bryant whose highlights have basketball fans intrigued

• Stephon Castle believes his San Antonio Spurs are a better team than the OKC Thunder

MSI debuts the world’s first “Triple Mode” QD-OLED monitor ahead of Computex 2026 MSI has unveiled its newest QD-OLED monitor ahead of Computex 2026, and it is impressive. The MSI MPG OLED 322URDX36 is the world’s first “triple mode” QD-OLED monitor, allowing users to switch freely between 4K at 360Hz, 2K at 520Hz, and 1080p […]

The post MSI unveils its first “triple mode” QD-OLED monitor with 4K 360Hz mode appeared first on OC3D.

It’s a beautiful time to be in content marketing. AI writes your blog posts. It drafts your meta descriptions. It can knock out a month of social captions before your coffee goes cold.

There’s just one problem: it all sounds the same. Yours, theirs, and the competitor you don’t even respect. 

Same tidy sentences, same agreeable rhythm, same faint smell of nobody in particular. You can publish a hundred pages a month and still sound like a brand in witness protection.

I taught an SMX Master Class this spring on scaling content with Claude. The question that kept coming up had nothing to do with keywords or rank tracking: How do we get it to sound like us?

The answer is a Claude brand skill: a structured set of voice, tone, visual, and formatting rules that teach Claude how your brand should sound before it writes a single word.

Here’s how to build one that keeps your AI-assisted content recognizable, consistent, and distinctly yours.

What a Claude brand skill actually does

A Claude brand skill is your brand’s walkout song. When I played professional soccer, mine was “O Fortuna” from Carmina Burana because apparently I wanted to enter the field like a Roman army with shin guards.

Ridiculous? Maybe. Memorable? Absolutely.

That’s the job of a brand skill. It tells Claude what energy to bring before any words get written. Not just “friendly” or “bold” or whatever limp adjective survived three rebrands. The real stuff: cadence, bite, restraint, humor, visual taste, and what your brand would rather die than sound like.

Do it right, and your content stops reading like a group project between a junior writer, a freelancer, and a chatbot wearing business casual. It starts sounding like one company.

To show how this works, I’ll use a fictional cold brew brand named Hot Take throughout the examples below.

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Step 1: Raid your own archive

You already have a brand. It’s just scattered everywhere.

Before you write any instructions, go gather all your marketing materials. Get the style guide that you forgot about after the rebrand. Pull the deck that your founder makes every new hire read through. Even dig into those customer support emails that customers reply to, saying thank you for. 

The goal here is to round up as much information you’ve got about the current brand voice and herd it into one place for Claude to read.

Save all of this in one working folder. Keep it boring and obvious. Something like:

• Claude Brand Skill Source Materials

Then, make subfolders:

• 01 Brand docs
• 02 Voice examples
• 03 Visual examples
• 04 Content formats
• 05 Don’t sound like this

For visual guidelines, save screenshots or image files of the brand in the wild. Name the files like a person who wants to find them again:

• homepage-hero-example.png
• instagram-caption-tone-example.png
• bad-example-too-corporate.pdf

Then create one audit document. In that file, make three notes for every asset:

• What to keep: The parts that sound right.
• What to avoid: The parts that feel off-brand
• Why it matters: This is the rule Claude will learn from it.

Here’s an example:

• Asset: Q2 product launch email
• What to keep: Short sentences, direct CTA, playful first line.
• What to avoid: The phrase “seamless experience.” Retire it immediately.
• Why it matters: Launch copy should feel confident and useful, not like a SaaS brochure trapped in an elevator.

While you’re in there, you want to be ruthless.

Claude can read a lot, but your job isn’t to throw a junk drawer at it and hope for brand clarity to crawl out like Ripley’s baby in Aliens 4 wearing a tiny crown.

Once you’ve finished the audit, sort the keepers into four piles:

• Who the brand is.
• How it sounds.
• How it looks.
• How the voice changes

Those piles become your core skill files:

• brand-foundation.md
• voice-and-tone.md
• visual-guidelines.md
• content-formats.md

Hold that thought. This is where the fun starts.

Step 2: Build your foundation so Claude doesn’t have to guess who you are

• Template and example: brand-foundation.md

This is where we build your brand foundation file that keeps all your copy from running into traffic. Call it something basic like brand-foundation.md.

Claude needs to know what kind of brand it is writing for before it starts doing that thing where it gets confident, cheerful, and completely wrong.

Keep this file small. Painfully small. This isn’t the place for every tagline, campaign line, founder quote, abandoned slogan, or sentence that begins with “we empower.” Those belong somewhere else. Possibly a folder. Possibly a bonfire.

The foundation file should include six sections:

• Brand summary.
• Mission.
• Audience.
• Positioning.
• Personality traits.
• What we aren’t.

For the brand summary, write one paragraph. Say what the company does, who it helps, and why I should care.

For Hot Take, the summary would sound more like this:

• “Hot Take makes cold brew for people who want it strong, smooth, and a little less precious. No fake wellness glow. Just good caffeine, good flavor, and a morning that doesn’t require waiting behind a lavender mushroom latte with emotional support foam.”

Then write the mission. One sentence. Maybe two if you must. This is the hill the brand would die on.

Not something like this:

• “To revolutionize the beverage experience through innovative cold brew solutions.”

For Hot Take, I would keep the mission stupidly clear:

“Make cold brew that tastes good, works fast, and doesn’t make the morning more annoying than it already is.”

Next, define the audience. Claude doesn’t need “women 25-44 with disposable income” as much as it needs the emotional context.

More like this:

“Hot Take is for people who want coffee to do its job. They may be heading into work, to school drop-off, for a client call, for a creative sprint, or just to the emotional obstacle course known as opening Slack.

They like good coffee, but they aren’t trying to make it their whole personality. They don’t want weak coffee, wellness cosplay, or fake premium vibes.”

Then add positioning. This is where you tell Claude how the brand should sit in the market.

“Hot Take lives between gas station coffee and the $9 Starbucks.

It’s better than the sad office fridge situation. Less sensitive than the coffee shop, where ordering requires courage. Strong, smooth, unfussy, and just opinionated enough to feel like someone awake wrote the label.”

Now get to the part everyone loves to skip: personality traits. Pick four or five traits with teeth. Not “innovative,” “customer-obsessed,” or “authentic,” unless you enjoy words that have been left in the sun too long.

For each personality trait, write enough that Claude can make an actual judgment call.

Not just “sharp.” That means nothing. A knife is sharp. So is a bad email from finance.

Write the trait like this instead:

Sharp

Hot Take gets to the point. The copy should have a little bite, but it shouldn’t draw blood. Use shorter sentences. Make the claim clearly. Let headlines carry some edge.

• Good: “Strong cold brew. No personality transplant required.”
• Too far: “Your current coffee is embarrassing.”
• Too flat: “Our cold brew offers a smooth and enjoyable taste experience.”

Do the same for every trait.

Playful

The brand can wink at the reader. It can’t put on a foam finger and start yelling internet slang. A joke is welcome when it makes the line more memorable. A joke isn’t welcome when someone is trying to understand pricing, shipping, refunds, or anything involving their money.

• Good: “The 12-pack landed. Your fridge is about to get interesting.”
• Too far: “This cold brew slaps harder than your Monday trauma.”
• Too flat: “Our 12-pack is now available for purchase.”

Honest

Say what the product does and what it doesn’t do. Tell the truth about the product, that’s enough. This isn’t a spiritual awakening.

• Good: “Strong, smooth cold brew for mornings that need backup.”
• Too far: “This will change your life.”
• Too flat: “Our beverage supports your daily routine.”

Warm

The brand should sound like a person you wouldn’t mind hearing from before 9 a.m. Helpful. Relaxed. Easy to understand. This should feel like waking up to Bill Withers singing Lovely Day. No baby talk. No “Hey bestie.”

• Good: “Need help picking a pack? Start with the classic. It plays well with most refrigerators.”
• Too far: “Bestie, your caffeine era is calling.”
• Too flat: “Multiple pack options are available for customers.”

Steady

Confidence without feeling like a fan girl at a T-Swift concert. This is the trait that keeps copy from spiraling. The brand can be excited.

• Good: “New flavor. Same strong cold brew. Available now.”
• Too far: “RUN. DO NOT WALK. YOUR MORNING DEPENDS ON THIS.”
• Too flat: “We are pleased to announce a new product offering.”

The trick is to give Claude contrast. A good line. A line that goes too far. A line that dies of beige. That’s how the model learns the edges of the voice instead of just memorizing adjectives.

Then write what the brand isn’t.

For Hot Take, I’d write it like this:

Hot Take should never sound smug.

• No coffee snob routine. No meme-account-with-a-product energy.
• No fake urgency. No fake scarcity. No fake intimacy.
• And please, for the love of every tired person in aisle seven, don’t say ‘fuel your journey.’

The “not” list is usually more useful than the “is” list. It catches the moment a brand starts drifting from playful into try-hard, from confident into cocky, from polished into beige.

End the file with a little pre-flight check. Just a few lines Claude can run through before it starts flinging adjectives around.

For Hot Take, that might look like:

Before writing, make sure this sounds like Hot Take on a good day.

• Is it useful? Does it feel confident?
• Did it get to the point before the reader aged visibly?
• Is the joke helping, or is it standing there waving?
• Would this sound weird coming from a cold brew brand?

That’s your foundation. Everything else in the skill should connect back to this file. Voice comes from it. Visuals should match it. Content formats should bend around it.

Step 3: Build the voice guide people will want to use

• Template and example: voice-tone.md

This is the file I would obsess over. Voice is the part people remember when the rest of the page gets chopped up in the sad little gap between meetings.

Voice is the brand on a normal day. Tone is the outfit it wears for the room.

Hot Take can be louder in a product launch email. It should be calmer in a refund email. It can be funny in a social caption. It should probably not be doing stand-up in a shipping delay message.

That’s the point of this file. Claude needs to know the difference between the brand’s personality and the mood of the moment. Then give it examples. Lots of them.

A trait like “honest” doesn’t help much on its own. Honest compared to what? A priest? A mechanic? A brutally direct aunt at Thanksgiving?

Give Claude the before, the after, and why the after works.

• Before: Our nitro-infused cold brew delivers a smooth, premium caffeine experience.
• After: It’s cold brew. It’s strong. It won’t taste like a compromise.

Now do the same for playful, where the line gets a little more wink and a little less brochure.

• Before: Hot Take is now available in a 12-pack.
• After: The 12-pack landed. Your fridge is about to get a lot more interesting.

Write five or six of these per trait.

Claude learns a voice the way a new hire does. Your before-and-after pairs are that training ground. The more useful contrast you give Claude, the less it has to guess.

Step 4: Teach Claude what the brand looks like

• Template and example: visual-standards.md

Sadly, my visuals always get treated like they were assembled during a minor hostage situation.

Claude doesn’t need every component state, hover color, and button radius that your product designer has carefully hidden inside Figma. It needs the basics. Things like logos, color palette, fonts, and what not to do.

“Deep blue” means one thing to your designer, another thing to your freelancer, and apparently something very alarming to AI.

Give it the actual codes and the job each color is allowed to do. For instance:

• Black: #111111. Use for headlines, body copy, and anything that needs to be easy to read.
• Orange: #F45D22. Use for CTAs and callouts. We aren’t painting a traffic cone.
• Cream: #FFF8EF. Use for warmer sections or background blocks.

Then add usage rules.

• “Use black and cream as the base. Orange is an accent. Aim for 80% neutral, 15% warm background, 5% accent.”

Do the same with type. Don’t just list the font family and call it a day. Tell Claude how the type should feel and how it should behave.

• Headlines should feel bold, clean, and editorial.
• Body copy should be easy to read.
• Use sentence case for headers.
• Avoid all caps.
• Arial or Helvetica if the primary font is unavailable.

Then get painfully specific about layout. “Generous spacing” sounds nice. It also means nothing. One person’s generous spacing is another person’s abandoned parking lot.

Give Claude something to work with:

• Keep the layout rules plain enough that nobody has to interpret them like cave drawings.
• Paragraphs should stay short. Two to four lines is plenty. After that, the reader starts looking for an exit.
• Each section gets one main CTA. Not three buttons fighting for custody of the click.

For imagery, don’t stop at “natural” or “bright.” That’s mood-board language. Give Claude the taste level.

For Hot Take, the image notes are less “brand guideline” and more “please don’t make this look dead inside.”

• “Use real morning stuff. A can on a kitchen counter. A fridge that looks opened by an actual person. Bad lighting? No. Perfect fake lighting? Also no. Somewhere in the middle, where humans live.”

That’s why this file is useful. Claude can help, but only after you show it the taste level. Otherwise, it defaults to safe, and safe is usually just beige wearing better shoes.

And safe is where brands go to become lobby furniture.

Step 5: Teach Claude how the voice changes by channel

• Template and example: content-format.md

A line that works beautifully in an Instagram caption can eat pavement in an investor update. I have seen it happen (no, I didn’t do it, and yes, it was cringe.)

That’s why the content-formats doc (content-formats.md) is created.

This file tells Claude how the brand behaves when the assignment changes. Blog post. Sales email. Support reply. Board deck. Landing page. Social caption. Each one needs its own little rulebook.

For each format, write down:

• What the piece needs to do.
• How it should be structured.
• Which voice traits should be louder.
• Which traits should stay in the back seat.
• One good example.
• One “absolutely not” example.

For Hot Take, here’s an example of social captions:

Turn up: Playful, Sharp, Warm

Turn down: Steady

Keep it short. Let the first line do the work. One joke is plenty. Don’t stack three jokes like a person trying to prove they are fun at a company offsite.

Good: “New 12-pack just dropped. Your fridge has been emotionally preparing for this.”

Too much: “BESTIES. THE 12-PACK ERA IS HERE AND YOUR FRIDGE IS SCREAMING.”

And here’s an example of customer support messages:

Turn up: Warm, Honest, Steady

Turn down: Playful

Be human. Fix the thing. A tiny bit of personality is fine, but nobody wants a stand-up set when their order went missing.

Here’s an example of good: “Sorry about that. Your order should have arrived by now, so we’re checking on it and will make this right.”

And here’s an example of too much: “Uh-oh, looks like your cold brew took a little vacation.”

The goal here is to keep the brand recognizable without forcing it to use the exact same voice everywhere.

Step 6: Write the SKILL.md and stress-test it

• Template and example: SKILL.md

Four files down. One to go, and it runs the show. This is called SKILL.md.

This is the one Claude checks first. 

Think of it as the little bouncer for the whole skill. It tells Claude what the skill is for, when to use it, which files to read, and what to do before handing you copy that sounds like it was microwaved in a corporate kitchen.

Inside SKILL.md, keep it boring in the places that need to be boring:

• Skill name.
• Description.
• When to use it.
• Files to reference.
• Workflow.
• Checklist.

The description matters more than people think.

Claude uses it to decide when the skill should wake up. So don’t write some vague little fortune cookie like:

• “Use this skill to support brand-aligned communication.”

Nobody is typing that. Nobody has ever said that out loud unless there was a webinar involved.

Write the description with the words you use when prompting:

• “Use this skill when writing or editing Hot Take blog posts, landing page copy, email campaigns, social captions, product copy, presentation copy, creative briefs, image prompts, or marketing content that needs to match the Hot Take brand voice and visual style.”

That’s the SEO part playing hide and seek. Use the words people search for. Or in this case, the words you prompt with.

Then add the workflow:

• First, read brand-foundation.md.
• Then check voice-and-tone.md.
• If the request involves layout, slides, images, or creative direction, read visual-guidelines.md.
• If the request is for a specific format, read content-formats.md.
• Before sending anything back, run the checklist.

After that, test it as if you’re trying to break it.

Give Claude a stiff paragraph and ask for a rewrite. Give it a support reply. A homepage section. A social caption. A slide title. A product description. Something boring. Something delicate. Something where the joke absolutely shouldn’t survive.

If the first few drafts are off, don’t keep adding one more to the prompt. That’s how you end up with a final piece that reads like you tried to duct tape your bumper back on.

Open the skill file and find the problem hiding there.Check the stuff you banned. There’s probably a word in there that your team hates but forgot to write down.

Or, maybe you said the brand can be playful, but forgot to mention that refunds aren’t open mic night. Add the line you liked and hated. Then test again.

You aren’t trying to make the prompt longer. You’re trying to make the skill smarter. That’s the whole game.

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Teach Claude your voice before it makes more beige

The real magic of a Claude brand skill isn’t that it makes AI faster.

Speed is everywhere. Taste isn’t. Your competitors have speed. The intern with a Canva password and a dangerous amount of confidence has speed.

The win is that your content stops multiplying like generic office wallpaper.

A good brand skill turns Claude from a polite autocomplete machine into a trained creative partner. It knows when to be sharp. When to shut up. When to use the joke. When to keep the joke in its little cage. It understands the words you use, the words you avoid, the rhythm of your sentences, the way your visuals should feel, and the kind of copy that should be escorted off the premises immediately.

For SEOs like me, the job is getting weirder. Now I’m thinking about what happens after the page gets scraped, summarized, cited, and wedged into an answer box with six other brands wearing the same khakis.

The goal is for Joe in San Diego to read one sentence and think, “Yep, that sounds like Anna.” Maybe he laughs. Maybe he hates it. Either way, I made it through the blender.

This doesn’t happen by asking Claude to “make it more on brand,” which is the content equivalent of yelling “be hotter” at a toaster.

So don’t treat the skill like a cute AI side quest. Build the thing as if it were part of your content infrastructure.

Give Claude the good examples. Give it the bad ones, too. Show it the phrases your brand owns, the phrases you never want to see again, and the little judgment calls your best editor makes without thinking.

That’s where the value is. Make sure your brand survives the blender: search results, AI answers, comparison pages, Reddit threads, and the human being skimming all of it while half-watching Netflix.

Creative testing has become a volume game in paid social, but producing more ads doesn’t automatically improve performance. When accounts become flooded with minor variations, budgets fragment, learning phases stretch longer, and performance insights become harder to interpret.

The strongest advertisers today are focusing less on creative quantity and more on differentiated concepts. They’re testing concepts built around audience psychology, emotional resonance, messaging angles, and formats that give algorithms stronger signals to optimize against.

What meaningful creative testing actually looks like

One of the biggest misconceptions about creative testing is that every new asset automatically becomes a fresh test in the algorithm’s eyes. That’s not necessarily true.

Uploading a high volume of ad variations doesn’t automatically create meaningful differentiation. If the only difference between five creatives is the color of the overlay text, the platform can still recognize that the core message, intended audience, and visuals are nearly identical.

Platforms like Meta typically won’t find new audience pockets when this happens, so your creatives compete with one another, leading to delivery overlap. One or two ads may even cannibalize your budget, leaving some variations with little to no impressions.

Meaningful creative testing is rooted in psychology, messaging, emotional triggers, and differentiated creative angles that change how people experience the ad and how algorithms interpret it.

Creative testing works best when concepts truly differ. Lean into different hooks, emotional drivers, positioning, motivations, and formats. That’s where you’ll see meaningful performance shifts.

Dig deeper: A testing primer for B2B paid social creative optimization

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The hidden costs of creative volume

If creative volume is prioritized too heavily over creative value, it can create performance inefficiencies, waste resources, and add operational drag to your advertising processes. 

When your account is flooded with high-volume, low-value creatives, analysis becomes more complicated and pulls you away from higher-level strategic thinking.

Fragmented budgets and longer learning phases

Every time a new asset is introduced, the platform needs data to determine who to show it to, how to optimize delivery, and where it’s most likely to drive results. 

When budgets are spread across too many creatives with minor variations, data becomes fragmented, and the algorithm struggles to gather enough conversion signals for each asset to move through the learning phase properly.

Instead of concentrating spend on stronger concepts, your budget becomes diluted across micro-test assets that are unlikely to achieve statistical significance. 

Don’t waste budget accumulating inconclusive data that provides little guidance for future creative variations.

The analysis tax

When an account is flooded with assets that contain only minor variations, advertisers get pulled away from macro-level strategy and trapped in the minutiae of the data.

Save yourself time parsing small differences in performance metrics to determine whether the red overlay text outperformed the blue one. Instead, analyze higher-level creative trends.

Misaligned KPIs

While creative production speed and output matter, they shouldn’t be the primary indicators of success. When volume becomes the primary KPI, teams optimize for asset delivery instead of strategic differentiation. There should be a balance between production efficiency and a deeper strategy.

Produce meaningful ads that create measurable impact for both your account and the business.

How to build higher-value creatives

If flooding the system with creative variations that contain only minor tweaks isn’t producing meaningful results, the next question becomes: How do you build high-value creative that actually scales?

Shift away from chasing trends, viral formats, and trendy audio. Instead, use real audience insights from reviews, customer service tickets, social media comments, survey results, and conversations in online forums like Reddit or Quora. Some of the strongest creative inputs already exist within your business.

Look for recurring themes. Are there recurring frustrations, objections, or emotional language patterns? Use AI to analyze them, save time, and uncover messaging insights that will resonate more deeply with your audience.

Once you identify your audience’s vocabulary and pain points, use those findings to shape your messaging and creative concepts. That’s where the real value lies.

High-value creative also doesn’t need high production quality or large budgets. Raw, low-fi content captured on a phone can perform extremely well. I’ve also found that founder-led ad content often performs best because it feels more native and less like polished advertising.

After all, value comes from the message, not the production quality.

Strategically feed the machine

Emphasizing creative value doesn’t mean abandoning testing volume entirely. It means sequencing your testing intentionally by using a two-phase framework that separates the pursuit of value from volume.

Phase 1: Macro-testing for value

This initial phase focuses on concept discovery. The goal is to test creative hypotheses.

For example, test three different concepts against one another and identify the winner. Use different formats, emotional angles, and creative styles across those concepts.

Phase 2: Micro-testing for volume

Once you have a clear winner from Phase 1, introduce volume.

If a founder-led video ad delivers a significantly lower CAC and a spike in hook rate, that creates an ideal opportunity to lean into volume. Take that winning creative and iterate on its components to maximize efficiency and extend its shelf life.

Test:

• Three different hooks in the first three seconds.
• Two variations of pacing or music.
• Several CTAs at the end.

By structuring your workflow this way, volume serves to optimize a concept that has already proven valuable.

Dig deeper: Why PPC tests in 2026 call for nuance, not winners

The weekly creative audit

Shifting from a volume-first approach to a value-first strategy can help pull your organization out of the content mill trap.

Once you implement this process, review your ad accounts each week with these questions in mind:

• Are we launching three unique ads or the same ad three times? Review your latest batch of creatives and make sure they contain distinct psychological angles, not just visual changes.
• What customer insights drove the last three winning creatives? If you can’t identify the exact objection, review keyword, audience phrase, or use case that inspired a winning ad, you’re scaling on luck and using a strategy that isn’t repeatable.
• Is the data telling us a story? Step back from individual metrics and evaluate creative trends holistically. Are videos outperforming images? Are founder-led ads holding attention longer than UGC? Use your metrics systematically to guide your next creative strategy decisions.

Dig deeper: How to read Meta Ads metrics like a system, not a scoreboard

Slow down the content treadmill

Algorithms are powerful and, in many ways, mirror human behavior. They can’t manufacture interest where it doesn’t exist, nor can they turn weak messaging into profits through repetition.

No amount of creative volume will compensate for a lack of strategic value in your ads. Step back, assess the data, identify which concepts are actually working, and give the algorithm something meaningful to learn from to help drive business growth.

Two and a half years ago, I wrote an article for Search Engine Land about how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) was the future of search. That piece argued that RAG was not Google’s reactive answer to ChatGPT. It was the architecture they had been building since the REALM paper in August 2020. SGE (now AI Overviews) was the production manifestation. Everything that has happened since has confirmed it.

The single-shot RAG pipeline I described in that article, query → retriever → top-k chunks → LLM → answer with citations, is already the past. Every major AI search platform has moved on. Google AI Mode, ChatGPT Search, Perplexity Pro Search, Claude with Computer Use, Gemini Deep Research, even the Microsoft Copilot Researcher and Analyst agents, they all run a different architecture now. They plan. They route between tools. They retrieve, read, then retrieve again. They grade their own first drafts and decide whether to go back for more. The retrieve-once-then-generate pattern that defined the first wave is obsolete.

This is agentic RAG, and it is now the default.

If your GEO program is still optimized for single-shot retrieval, you are optimizing for a system that no longer exists. Worse: in agentic RAG, you cannot see the gatekeepers rejecting you. You only see whether you ended up in the final answer. The traditional reverse-engineering playbook (rank checking, citation counting, even prompt-by-prompt sampling) only sees the last stage of a multi-stage pipeline. Everything that happens upstream is a black box.

By the time you get to the bottom of this page you will have a working mental model of agentic RAG, the patent evidence that Google has productized this architecture, what each major platform is actually doing, the six concrete shifts it forces in content engineering, and a reproducible audit you can run against your own brand this week. You will also have the strongest opinion I have published all year: the only honest way forward is model distillation.

What the Search Engine Land article got right and what’s changed

The October 2023 thesis still holds. Passage-level retrieval is the unit of relevance. Knowledge graphs are symbiotic with LLMs, not a checkbox you tick once and forget. Static IR scores are obsolete. The job of a search system is to lower Delphic costs, the cost a user pays to get to an answer, and Google’s organizing principle has always been that traffic is a necessary evil, not a goal. That part of the argument needs no revision.

What has changed is the shape of the retrieval pipeline.

In 2023, RAG was a linear assembly line. A query came in, an embedding model encoded it, a vector index returned the top-k passages, those passages were stuffed into the LLM’s context window, and the model generated an answer. Citation tracking was straightforward because the citation set was the retrieval set. If your content was in the top-k, you had a chance. If it wasn’t, you didn’t. This is the framework I described in that piece, and it was accurate at the time.

But things have changed. 

The pipelines now have four properties that the linear architecture lacks: planning, tool use, multi-hop iteration, and reflection. The implication is that retrieval is not a single event anymore. A single user query triggers somewhere between five and twenty internal sub-retrievals. The agent orchestrates them, evaluates the intermediate results, and only synthesizes a final answer once it has decided the evidence base is sufficient.

This is the upgrade my piece foreshadowed but did not name. 

Why naive RAG broke

Retrieval quality determines output quality and naive RAG has four failure modes that yielded lower quality results. 

1. Classic, single-pass RAG cannot serve compound questions – A prompt like {How does a 1031 exchange interact with a SEP IRA for an LLC owner under 50?} needs five retrievals, not one. A single embedding query against a vector index will land on documents about 1031 exchanges or SEP IRAs, and the synthesis will be incoherent because the model is forced to bridge two retrievals it never made.
2. Classic RAG can’t recover from a bad first pull – If the initial retrieval misses the canonical source because the embedding distance was off, or because the chunk boundaries split the relevant passage in half, or because a more aggressive piece of competing content scored higher on a query the user did not literally ask then the model has nothing to lean on except its parametric knowledge. That’s when hallucinations cascade.
3. Classic RAG didn’t route between retrieval tools – Vector search is the right answer for some sub-questions and exactly wrong for others. “What is today’s mortgage rate?” needs a structured-data API call, not a passage search. “What does the IRS say about Section 179?” needs an authoritative-source filter, not similarity. “Calculate the depreciation schedule on a $50,000 vehicle placed in service in March” needs a code interpreter or a calculator tool. A single retriever cannot make those choices.
4. Classic RAG can’t grade its own work – Once the answer is generated, naive RAG ships it. There is no critic. No second pass. No “wait, this contradicts the source I cited two paragraphs up.” If the model gets it wrong, the user sees the wrong answer.

These four failure modes are why every serious deployment moved to a different architecture. Each one has a corresponding fix, and the fixes together are agentic RAG.

What ‘agentic’ means in agentic RAG

The word “agentic” gets used loosely. Let’s nail it down structurally. There are four properties that turn RAG into agentic RAG, and a system needs all four to deserve the label.

1. Planning

Before any retrieval happens, the system decomposes the user query into a research plan. Sub-queries get generated, tools get pre-selected, retrieval order gets determined. In the AI Mode piece I called this “a latent multi-query event” when discussing query fan out.

Agentic RAG goes a step further: the system does not just fan out, it plans the fan-out. The foundational paper is ReAct (Yao et al., 2022), which framed the move directly: “we explore the use of LLMs to generate both reasoning traces and task-specific actions in an interleaved manner, allowing for greater synergy between the two: reasoning traces help the model induce, track, and update action plans… while actions allow it to interface with external sources, such as knowledge bases or environments.”

That interleaving is the planner. The production version is in every frontier model now, plus the planner-executor patterns that LangGraph and LlamaIndex have made standard.

2. Tool use, also called function calling. 

Retrieval is one tool among many. The agent can choose to query a vector index, hit a BM25 index, hit a structured-data API, run code, browse a live web page, call an MCP server, or call another agent. Each tool has a schema, and the agent picks the right one for the right sub-query.

Toolformer (Schick et al., 2023) made the case bluntly: “language models can teach themselves to use external tools via simple APIs and achieve the best of both worlds… a model trained to decide which APIs to call, when to call them, what arguments to pass, and how to best incorporate the results into future token prediction.” That sentence is the spec for every router we’ll discuss later.

3. Iteration, sometimes called multi-hop retrieval

The agent retrieves, reads what came back, and then retrieves again based on what it learned. Bridge entities or the entities the first retrieval surfaced that the second retrieval needs to investigate, become first-class behavior, not edge cases.
IRCoT (Trivedi et al., 2022) defined the loop as “interleaving retrieval with steps (sentences) in a chain of thought, guiding the retrieval with CoT and in turn using retrieved results to improve CoT.” The same paper reported retrieval improvements of up to 21 points on multi-hop QA datasets when the loop was applied.

4. Reflection, also called self-critique

After drafting an answer, the agent grades it. Sufficiency, contradiction, freshness, source diversity. If the critic flags a problem, the agent goes back and retrieves more.

Self-RAG (Asai et al., 2023) is the most-cited paper in this lineage and the cleanest articulation: “a new framework called Self-Reflective Retrieval-Augmented Generation that enhances a language model’s quality and factuality through retrieval and self-reflection… the framework trains a single arbitrary LM that adaptively retrieves passages on-demand, and generates and reflects on retrieved passages and its own generations using reflection tokens.”

CRAG, Reflexion, and Self-Refine extend the same pattern in different directions, but the core mechanism is right there.

Anthropic’s December 2024 essay “Building effective agents” defines the same four properties under cleaner terminology, and one of its lines belongs in every GEO deck this year: “Agents are systems where LLMs dynamically direct their own processes and tool usage, maintaining control over how they accomplish tasks.” With so much confusion around what an agent is or what agentic means, let’s use that as the working definition. Ultimately, the terminology varies by vendor; the four properties do not.

A picture is worth more than the definition list above. Imagine the classic RAG architecture as a single arrow pointing right: query enters one end, answer comes out the other. Now imagine agentic RAG as a loop with five labeled stops — planner, router, retrieval tools, critic, synthesizer — and bidirectional arrows that allow the agent to revisit any stop until the critic signs off. That loop is what your content has to survive.

The agentic RAG reference architecture

Let’s walk through the canonical components, because you cannot reverse-engineer a system you cannot draw.

• Planner / orchestrator – Reads the user query, generates a research plan. Same LLM as the rest of the system, run with a planner-specific prompt. Outputs a list of sub-queries and a tool assignment for each.
• Router – Decides which retrieval tool fits each sub-query. Vector search? Lexical? A hybrid retriever? A live web fetch? A SQL query against a structured database? A function call into a calculator? An MCP server exposing a domain-specific API? An agent-to-agent call? The router is the most underrated component in the entire stack because it determines whether your content even gets a chance to be retrieved. If your domain has a tool surface and you do not expose one, the router skips you.
• Retrieval tools – Each tool is its own subsystem. Vector retrievers run cosine similarity over dense embeddings. Lexical retrievers run BM25 or rank-modified TF-IDF. Structured tools call APIs and return rows. Code interpreters execute scripts. Web browsers fetch live URLs. The agent treats them all uniformly: input goes in, evidence comes out.
• Memory – There are typically two layers of memory. Short-term scratchpad for the current research thread. This includes things like what sub-queries have run, what evidence has come back, what the critic has flagged. Then there’s long-term memory for user
• Critic / reflection module – Judges sufficiency and quality of the draft answer. This is sometimes a separate model, but often the same model with a critic-specific prompt. The Reflection module decides whether to ship or to re-query. The critic is the gatekeeper that nobody talks about, and it is the gatekeeper that drops the most content from final answers

• Synthesize – Composes the final answer with inline citations, often after a final pairwise re-rank against the surviving candidates. 

A clarification before we move on. Most production systems are not literal multi-agent constellations. They are a single LLM running tight loops with different prompts at each stage, plus tool calling. Do not conflate “agentic” with “multi-agent.”

Multi-agent setups exist. Anthropic’s research stack uses them, and so does Microsoft’s Researcher / Analyst pair, but the dominant production pattern is single-LLM, multi-prompt, multi-tool. When the marketing team tells you their AI is “multi-agent,” nine times out of ten what they mean is “we have a planner prompt and a critic prompt.”

Patent evidence: How Google is actually doing agentic RAG

Google has been quietly building toward this architecture for years, and the patent record maps almost cleanly onto the four-property definition from §3. Five Google LLC patents do the heavy lifting. Read them in this order and you can watch the agentic loop assemble in IP filings, one component at a time.

• Planning — query decomposition and fan-out. US11663201B2 — Generating Query Variants Using a Trained Generative Model was filed in April 2018 and issued in May 2023. It describes systems that use a trained generative model to produce query variants at runtime from a single submitted query. The patent enumerates eight variant types — equivalent, follow-up, generalization, canonicalization, language-translation, entailment, specification, and clarification queries — and explicitly handles “tail” queries with low submission frequency. This is the planner. When AI Mode receives one query and decomposes it into five-to-twenty sub-queries, the mechanic the patent describes is what is running. The companion filing, WO2024064249A1 — Systems and Methods for Prompt-Based Query Generation for Diverse Retrieval, is the Google Research version of the same idea. “Promptagator” which uses few-shot LLM prompting to generate synthetic queries for training dual-encoder retrievers across diverse domains. Plan-then-fan-out, productized.
• Tool use — routing among retrieval sources. US20240362093A1 — Query Response Using a Custom Corpus, assigned to Google LLC and published October 31, 2024, is the cleanest router patent in the stack. The system has the LLM process a user query and generate API calls to external applications, each of which has access to a respective custom corpus. The external applications return documents, which the LLM uses as context for generation. Tool selection. API calls. Multiple corpora. The behavior every frontier vendor now ships under the label “function calling” was filed by Google in this patent.
• Memory — stateful, multi-turn orchestration. US20240289407A1 — Search with Stateful Chat, assigned to Google LLC in March 2024, describes augmenting traditional search with a “generative companion” that maintains and updates user context across multiple chat turns. The patent explicitly handles synthetic query generation tailored to that ongoing state. This is the long-term memory layer of the architecture in §4 — the same layer that ChatGPT calls Memory and Gemini calls Saved Info. Google patented the mechanic before any of them shipped a UI for it.
• Reflection — pairwise ranking inside the loop. US20250124067A1 — Method for Text Ranking with Pairwise Ranking Prompting, assigned to Google LLC in October 2024, is the patent I covered in How AI Mode Works. The system ranks passages by having an LLM perform pairwise comparisons — “of these two passages, which is better for this query?” — and aggregates the comparisons into a final ranked list. This is relative, model-mediated, probabilistic ranking, and it is the inner loop that runs inside the agent’s reflection and synthesis stages. Your content is not competing in isolation. It is being compared head-to-head against every other surviving candidate, by an LLM that reads both passages and picks a winner.

• Synthesis — generative answers grounded in retrieved evidence. US11769017B1 — Generative Summaries for Search Results was filed in March 2023 and issued by September of the same year. The patent describes generating natural-language summaries of search results using LLMs, with explicit provisions for processing additional content to mitigate inaccuracies and improve summary quality. Industry analysts have correctly identified this as the patent foundation underneath SGE and the AI Overviews product. The “process additional content to mitigate inaccuracies” language is reflection in early form — the synthesizer is checking its own work before shipping the answer.

Five patents. One planner mechanic. One router mechanic. One memory mechanic. One reflection mechanic. One synthesis mechanic. Lay them on top of the four-property definition and it’s clear that Google has filed IP on every component of the agentic loop. The agentic stack is not a startup-vendor framing borrowed from the open-source agent ecosystem. It is a production architecture that Google has been building toward in its patent filings since 2018.

The other major platforms do not have the same patent footprint, but they have the same architecture. Patents are evidence, not boundaries. The fact that Google has chosen to file IP on these specific subsystems tells you which subsystems they consider strategic and which subsystems your content has to win at if you want to be cited in AI Mode.

How each major platform actually uses agentic RAG

Different platforms emphasize different pieces of the loop. The platform-by-platform read matters because the same content can win in one system and lose in another based on which gatekeeper does the heaviest lifting.

• Google AI Mode – The most aggressive agentic implementation in production. Planner-driven fan-out. Multi-pass retrieval into Search. Pairwise re-ranking per US20250124067A1. A reflection module that drops sources that fail the critic. The visible “expansion” UI shows you a fraction of the sub-queries, but the actual fan-out is wider. This is the platform where breadth and pairwise survivability matter most. 
• Google AI Overviews – A lighter agentic pattern. Shorter loops. Less iteration than AI Mode. AIO is closer to classic fan-out than full agentic RAG, but the trajectory is clear, every AIO update adds more reflection and more router intelligence.
• ChatGPT Search and Deep Research – Deep Research is the cleanest user-facing demonstration of the pattern. It literally exposes its planning, sub-queries, and reflection in the visible UI. You watch the agent decompose your question, route to tools, and grade its own progress. Standard ChatGPT Search runs a smaller version of the same pipeline without the visible plan. If you want to study agentic RAG empirically, run ten queries through Deep Research and read the trace.
• Perplexity Pro Search and Deep Research – Agentic from the start. Multi-step retrieval, source diversification by design, draft critique. Perplexity tends to be the most generous about source attribution, which makes it the best canary for whether your content is making it into intermediate retrievals.
• Claude with Computer Use, Projects, and Skills – Tool use as a first-class primitive. Claude features long-running multi-step tasks where retrieval is interleaved with action. The system can read a page, decide to fetch a different page, decide to run code, decide to query an API, all inside the same task. Claude is overrepresented in enterprise deployments where the action layer matters as much as the retrieval layer.
• Gemini Deep Research – Explicit research-plan-then-execute loop. Multi-source aggregation. Draft critique. The visible plan in Gemini Deep Research is a useful diagnostic. If your content does not show up in any of the planned sub-queries, you are not just losing the citation, you are losing the consideration set.
• Grok DeepSearch – An emerging real-time agentic pattern leaning on X data. The retrieval surface is fundamentally different in that it uses fresh social signals over a structured public corpus, but the loop architecture is the same.
• Microsoft Copilot Researcher and Analyst agents – Enterprise agentic RAG over SharePoint, Microsoft Graph, and the open web. The Researcher and Analyst pair is closer to a true multi-agent setup than the others on this list. Two specialized agents, each with their own tool stack, coordinating on a single research goal.

Here is the comparison across the eight major platforms. Iteration depth is rated on a five-point scale from minimal (single-pass with light reranking) to deep (10+ sub-queries with multiple critic loops). Visibility ratings reflect what is exposed in the user-facing UI as of mid-2026.

The honest summary: every major AI search system is now agentic. The differences are about which gatekeepers they expose and which ones they hide. None of them expose all five. The Deep Research surfaces — across ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity Pro — are the most useful diagnostics you have for studying agentic-RAG behavior in production, because they show the planner and partial reflection in the UI. The non-Deep surfaces are what most users actually run, and those hide nearly everything.

What this changes for Relevance Engineering

You know I’m not going to leave you without anything actionable. Here are the six concrete shifts that follow from everything above.

1. You have to win across many sub-retrievals, not one. A single “good ranking” page is no longer enough. Agentic systems decompose your topic into five to twenty sub-queries and retrieve against each one independently. Coverage breadth and topical depth are not nice-to-haves anymore, they are structural requirements. Pages that exist as standalone pillars without depth in the surrounding subtopic graph get cited once, maybe, and then dropped from the consideration set on the next sub-query. Pages that anchor a dense, well-linked topical neighborhood get cited five times in the same answer.
2. Atomic, scoped passages beat monolithic articles and now they have to win pairwise. Each agent sub-query retrieves chunks, not pages. Then those chunks get pairwise-ranked against competing chunks from competing sources, by an LLM that reads both. The line I used in the AI Mode piece holds: your passages have to survive pairwise scrutiny. That means you need self-contained logic, named entities up front, explicit scope conditions (“for businesses with under 500 employees”). You also need evidence density, tables, and lists that an LLM can quote without ambiguity. Anything that requires a human to scroll up two paragraphs for context will lose pairwise to a passage that does not.
3. Bridge entities determine multi-hop inclusion. When the agent’s first retrieval lands on Entity A, the second retrieval is about A’s relationships. If your content is the canonical bridge between A and B, you get cited in answers where the user never typed your brand. This is the most underexploited GEO surface in the industry today. I’ll talk more about it in another article.

4. Reflection cycles reward source diversity and contradiction-handling. When the critic grades the draft, it looks for corroboration and contradiction. Content that explicitly addresses counterarguments, edge cases, and “when this doesn’t apply” survives reflection passes that strip out one-sided sources. Salesy content with no acknowledgment of failure modes is a tell to the critic that the source is biased, and biased sources get filtered.
5. Tool-callable content is a new content type. Calculators. Structured-data endpoints. APIs. Comparison engines. When a tool exists, the router calls the tool instead of citing prose. If you are in a domain where a tool is more useful than an article like mortgage rates, drug interactions, tax brackets, product specs, ETF performance, fund characteristics, you should build the tool and expose it through an MCP server, an API, and structured data. The brands that ignore this and keep writing 2,500-word “ultimate guide” articles will be replaced in the answer by a function call.

6. Freshness is a reflection-stage gate. The critic checks freshness explicitly. dateModified in your schema. Version numbers in body copy. Explicit “as of [date]” framing in the prose. None of this is cosmetic. All of it directly affects whether your content survives the reflection pass when the agent is grading source quality. Stale content gets dropped at the critic, even if it won the pairwise re-rank, because the critic decides it cannot trust it.

The unifying point under all six: classic SEO content engineering optimized for one moment of judgment — the SERP. Agentic RAG content engineering has to win at five different moments for every subquery in the fan-out: planner, router, retrieval, pairwise, critic. That is roughly an order of magnitude more surface area, and the brands that build for it will see citation gravity that compounds.

The opacity problem — and why distillation is the smart way forward

Here is the part nobody else is willing to write yet, because saying it out loud has uncomfortable implications for the entire GEO measurement category.

In single-shot RAG, you could at least observe inputs and outputs. Your page either showed up in the retrieval set or it didn’t. You could reverse-engineer the retriever by sampling enough queries. You could correlate content changes with citation changes. The system was a black box, but it was a black box with measurable inputs and measurable outputs.

In agentic RAG, every gatekeeper between the user query and the final answer is opaque.

You don’t know which sub-queries the planner generated. You don’t know which tool the router picked for each sub-query. You don’t know which corpus was searched, which passages were returned, or which competitor passages your content lost to in the pairwise re-rank. You don’t know what the critic flagged. You don’t know which sources the critic dropped before synthesis. You only know whether you ended up in the final answer.

The implication is uncomfortable. Traditional reverse-engineering — “rank checking,” “citation tracking,” even prompt-by-prompt sampling at scale only sees the final stage. Every citation tracker watches what shows up in the published answer. They are all measuring the survivors of a five-stage filter without observing the filter. You are optimizing against a black box behind a black box behind a black box.

The honest path forward is model distillation.

Distillation, in plain English: training a smaller, observable model to imitate the behavior of a larger, opaque one. You cannot see inside Google’s planner, but you can stand up your own planner-router-critic stack on inputs and observed outputs, calibrate it against the citations you actually see in production, and use that as the diagnostic harness. When your local agent’s planner generates ten sub-queries that closely match the visible Deep Research plan for the same prompt, you have a calibrated proxy for the upstream gatekeepers in production systems. The proxy is not the production system, but it is observable, and observable beats invisible.

What this looks like in practice for a GEO program:

Stand up a local reference agent on Google Gemma 4 — the 31B Dense variant for the planner and critic loops where reasoning fidelity matters, or the 26B A4B MoE variant when latency and cost dominate. Pair it with LangGraph or LlamaIndex for the agent framework, a hosted embedding model, and a small custom index over the open web for your topic. There is a thematic point worth making out loud here: Google ships the open-weights model that powers the local distillation harness used to reverse-engineer Google’s own production stack. That is not a coincidence. That is a category opening up that the smart agencies and software companies will own.

Feed the harness the prompts you care about ranking for. Observe its planner output. Log every sub-query the router generates. Capture the retrieval candidates at each stage. Score the pairwise comparisons. Read the critic’s notes. Where your local agent’s behavior matches the production system’s visible behavior like the Deep Research plan, the Perplexity sub-question list, the AI Mode expansion then you have a calibrated harness. Where it diverges, you have a calibration target. When your content fails to make it past the router or the critic in your distilled local agent, that is a strong signal it is failing in production.

This is preferable to the current dominant playbook of “spam more prompts at ChatGPT and count citations” for one reason: distillation gives you a causal story for why content fails at each stage. Citation counting only gives you a correlational story for what survived. When a client asks “why are we losing to Competitor X in AI Mode,” the answer “your passages keep losing pairwise comparisons in the calculator-ratio sub-query” is defensible. The answer “our citation count went down 12 percent this month” is not.

The candid caveat: distillation is not free. It requires engineering investment, an evaluation harness, and continuous calibration against production-system behavior. The agencies and in-house GEO teams that build this capability now will have a measurement moat that compounds. The ones that wait will be running the same dashboard their competitors are running and wondering why their reports cannot answer the questions executives are asking.

You cannot optimize what you cannot observe. Reverse-engineering the production black box is a dead end. Distilling your own version of it is the only path to durable GEO performance.

What this changes for measurement

The measurement category is going to fragment, and the brands that pick the right side of the fragmentation will have a significant advantage for the next two years.

Citation counts under-report your real footprint by a factor of three to ten in agentic systems. If you appear in four of twelve sub-retrievals but get cited once in the final answer, classic citation tracking misses 75 percent of your actual impact. Worse, it misses the why. You can have a citation rate that looks healthy and a sub-query coverage rate that is collapsing, and a year from now the collapse shows up in citations and you have no warning.

The new metric layer needs:

• Sub-query coverage — what percentage of the agent’s planned fan-out includes at least one of your sources.
• Retrieval-to-citation ratio — for sub-queries where your content is in the retrieval set, how often does it survive to citation.
• Reflection survival rate — for content that makes the synthesis pool, how often does the critic drop it.
• Bridge-entity centrality — whether your content is positioned as the canonical link between key entities in your topical graph.
• Tool-call inclusion — whether the router is calling your endpoints when a tool fits the sub-query.
• Distillation stage-failure rate — from the local agent, where in the loop your content most often gets dropped.

Existing tools watch the survivors of a five-stage filter. The next generation of GEO measurement infrastructure will sit underneath them and watch the filter itself, partly through the visible UI of Deep Research and AI Mode, and partly through a distilled local agent that fills in everything the production systems hide.

A reproducible test you can run this week

You know I always want to leave you with something actionable. So, I’ve got two things you can do to make improvements on your AI Search performance. The first requires no engineering. The second is engineering-light, single-engineer effort.

Part A — The Observable Agentic RAG Audit.

The first one is a workbook for you to collect data and see how you are being interpreted by agentic RAG systems. Here are the steps:

1. Pick five high-value queries. Pick the ones where citation actually moves your business. The queries your sales team wishes you ranked for, the queries that drive demos, the queries that show up in customer support tickets. I understand that these are difficult to measure, so use your traditional search queries as a proxy if you need to.
2. Run each query through ChatGPT Deep Research, Gemini Deep Research, and Perplexity Pro with research mode enabled.
3. Capture the visible research plan for each. Deep Research and Perplexity show this directly; AI Mode partially exposes it through the expansion view.
4. Log every sub-query the agent issues. Save them in a spreadsheet, one row per sub-query, three columns for the three platforms.
5. For each sub-query, run it as a standalone search and check whether your content appears in the top retrieval set. If yes, mark hit. If no, mark miss.
6. Compare your sub-query coverage to your final-citation rate on the original five queries. The gap is your reflection-loss problem or the places where your content makes it into retrieval and then loses pairwise or fails the critic.
7. For every sub-query you miss entirely, classify why: no content on the topic, content too broad, poor chunking, missing schema, missing tool surface, freshness gap. The classification is the input to your content roadmap for the next quarter.

This will give you a sense of where you’re falling out of the pipeline and what improvements you need to make to your content.

Part B — The Distillation Audit.

This approach is more technical. Part A told you what the production agents publicly admitted. Part B tells you what they didn’t. The planner sub-queries you couldn’t read, the reranker verdicts you couldn’t see, the specific stage where your content fell out.

I built the harness so you wouldn’t have to: https://github.com/iPullRank-dev/agentic-rag-audit. It’s a local, observable version of the agentic-RAG loop the production systems run with the same five-node shape (planner, router, retriever, synthesizer with pairwise reranker, critic with reflection) on Google Gemma 4 via Ollama, with SerpAPI seeds, Scrapling fetching, Trafilatura extraction, and an opt-in LangExtract chunker. Strictly speaking it’s structural distillation, not model distillation. The point is diagnostic — observable end-to-end.

1. Install. Python 3.10+, Ollama running on a workstation GPU (8GB+ VRAM is fine), a SerpAPI key, your brand domain.

Set OLLAMA_CONTEXT_LENGTH=8192 in your system environment variables and restart Ollama — the 2048 default silently truncates prompts. Verify with ollama ps that the model lands at 100% GPU.

2. Run the same five queries from Part A. One at a time:

It’ll take roughly 90–120 seconds per query. You get eight diagnostic sections in your terminal — plan & routing, retrieval funnel, pairwise verdicts, brand journey, critic verdict, pipeline timing, final answer, citations — plus a trace JSON and a log file.

Here’s an example terminal output:

3. Read the brand journey. This is the section you came for. For each of your URLs that was surfaced, it shows which sub-queries found it, what the chunker actually extracted, whether it made the reranker pool, the head-to-head verdicts that named it, and whether it ended up cited. When your content falls out, you see your URL’s actual opening passage side-by-side with the URLs that did make the pool with targeted recommendations based on the observable diff (opening sentence, query-term overlap, passage density).
4. Roll up the metrics across the query set. After running all five Part A queries:

You’ll get six metrics: sub-query coverage, retrieval-to-citation ratio, reflection survival rate, tool-call inclusion, and stage-failure rate by stage. Here’s an example:

The stage-failure rate is what drives the content roadmap. Failing at retrieval is one kind of work — traditional SEO for the specific sub-queries the planner is generating. Failing at the reranker is another — passage-level content density and directness. Failing at synthesis selection is a third — unique-signal coverage. Each demands different work.

5. Calibrate against Part A. Capture each production Deep Research plan as YAML (template at examples/production-template.yaml) and diff:

Where the two converge, you have a calibrated harness. Where they diverge sharply, your planner prompt or your seed-page provider needs work. Re-calibrate quarterly or after any major prompt change.

Note: The local agent isn’t the production system. Gemma 4 E2B is the smallest variant; reranker quality and critic decisions improve materially with E4B (one-line model swap in .env). The retriever depends on SerpAPI, so brand visibility upstream is still a hard prerequisite. Pairwise verdicts on small models are directional, not authoritative. You should read the actual reasoning in section 3 of each run to judge confidence.

What this gives you that Part A can’t: the specific stage where your content falls out, your URL’s actual extracted passage compared to the winners, the reranker’s stated reasoning when you lost a head-to-head, and the specific sub-queries your topic neighborhood doesn’t yet cover. That’s the diagnostic baseline you turn into a content roadmap.

Finally, as with any open source code I share, we likely have an internal version that is more robust. You should look at this as a starting point, build your own solutions on top, and share them back with the community.

Get the audit pack and let’s talk

Classic SEO playbooks are obsolete. Single-shot RAG playbooks are obsolete. The brands that win in 2026 and beyond will run agentic-RAG-aware content engineering on top of distilled measurement infrastructure, and they will lock in citation gravity that compounds for years. The brands that don’t will spend the next two years arguing about why it’s just SEO and watching their citation count keeps going down.

Download the Part A Audit Sheet and, if you’re more technical clone (and contribute to) the Part B distillation starter repo. And if you have not already, check out the AI Search Manual for the longer-form reference for much of what we’ve discussed in this article.

The retrieval-once playbook is over. The agentic loop is the new default. It’s time to build and analyze for it if we want to be serious about driving results.

This article was originally published on the iPullRank blog and is republished with permission.

B2B PPC advertisers have more options than ever for measuring success. In the past, you had to rely on form-fill data alone. Now, you can feed a wealth of offline conversion data into Google Ads and Microsoft Ads.

It’s tempting to measure every possible metric, but optimizing toward all of them isn’t a good idea. If you’re optimizing toward everything, you’ll probably end up succeeding at nothing.

So how do you know whether you’ve actually driven incremental value, and what are the right success metrics for B2B PPC campaigns? The metrics that matter might not be the ones you’re focused on.

The advertising metrics that matter

I’ve seen advertisers set up offline conversions and get excited because their total conversions increased. Then frustration sets in because they don’t see corresponding increases in their bottom line.

Usually, those conversion increases happen because the advertiser added more conversion actions and set them all to primary. Before making changes, they were only tracking form fills. Afterward, they were tracking form fills, leads, marketing qualified leads (MQLs), sales qualified leads (SQLs), and opportunities.

Instead of one conversion action, they now have four. But the same person could complete all four, meaning leads are being quadruple-counted. A similar issue can happen with platform-reported return on ad spend (ROAS). If you’ve attached conversion values to each action — which you absolutely should do — you’ll also see ROAS increase. Both are false signals created by faulty math.

Focusing only on average cost per action (CPA) can also be misleading. Average CPA can mask your marginal CPA — the cost of acquiring one additional conversion as marketing spend increases. You might be overspending on incremental conversions as you scale your account.

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Set up conversion values correctly

Setting up conversion values is a must for offline conversions. A lot of B2B advertisers get hung up on this step. They say, “We don’t know the value of the conversion at the time it happens. We won’t know that until it works its way through the system.”

While using actual conversion values is ideal, don’t worry if you can’t. Just assign relative values to each conversion action. Here’s a simple example:

In this case, the advertiser is measuring four conversion actions: video views, ungated asset downloads, form fills, and MQLs. MQLs come from offline conversions. The rest are measured through Google Tag conversions.

Each conversion is worth 10x the previous action. Ungated asset downloads are worth 10x a video view, and so on. MQLs are worth 1,000x a video view. The advertiser would rather get one MQL than 999 video views.

If you set arbitrary values, make sure to validate them against real data to ensure they’re directing bidding algorithms accurately. Setting values that are too high for lower-funnel actions can cause the algorithm to favor those easier-to-generate actions while deprioritizing lower-funnel actions.

This happened to us recently with a client who was getting a lot of leads, but very few MQLs and SQLs. We reduced the value of leads by a factor of 10, which made MQLs and SQLs look more valuable to the algorithm and increased MQLs and SQLs relative to leads.

Within two weeks, MQL and SQL volume increased significantly, while leads stayed flat. That might not sound like a good thing, but it was. The client was getting higher-quality leads for the same cost.

By using the right conversion values, even relative ones, you can measure incremental conversion value more effectively.

Dig deeper: Why incrementality is the only metric that proves marketing’s real impact

Get more specific with campaign-specific goals

If you want Smart Bidding to focus on down-funnel actions, you can use campaign-specific goals. You can assign conversion actions at the campaign level, so Smart Bidding only optimizes toward those actions.

You can find the feature in campaign settings in both Google Ads and Microsoft Ads.

Here’s what that looks like in Google:

And here’s what it looks like for Microsoft:

Let’s say you have a campaign that’s driving a lot of leads, but few MQLs and SQLs. You could use campaign-specific goals to optimize only for MQLs and SQLs and ignore leads, even though leads are a primary conversion in the account.

Note: If lower-funnel actions have low volume, this technique may not work. Automation still needs a clear enough signal to optimize toward. So if you only have one or two MQLs in a month, the automation might struggle.

Dig deeper: Why Google Ads, GA4 and CRM numbers never match

The success metrics for measuring incremental conversions

Looking at simple CPA and ROAS metrics isn’t enough to measure success. You also need to look at each conversion action and measure incremental conversions. A basic way to measure incremental conversions is to establish your baseline first and then measure the CPA and ROAS of conversions at a higher spend level.

For example, let’s say you’re currently spending $5,000 per week and getting an average of 50 conversions, so your CPA is $100.

Now let’s say you increase your weekly spend to $7,500 and end up getting 70 conversions, for an average CPA of $107 — not much higher than the previous CPA of $100.

Your marginal spend is $2,500, marginal conversions are 20, and marginal CPA is $125 — 25% higher than the original CPA.

The difference in CPA may or may not be acceptable for your goals. It might make sense to invest more to increase sales. But you need to understand where your upper limit is. At some point, you may exceed the amount you’re willing to invest for an additional lead while still making fiscal sense.

If you want to get more sophisticated, you can use a marketing mix modeling tool (MMM) to run an incrementality test.

There are several MMM tools you could use to do this. Some are expensive, and some are low-cost or even free. 

For example, Google’s Meridian is an open-source tool and it’s free, but the trade-off is that it requires technical know-how to set up and use. 

MMMs also require a significant amount of historical data — two or more years’ worth — but once the data is ingested, they’re fantastic for measuring incrementality. 

Dig deeper: How to avoid marketing mix modeling mistakes that derail results

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The true test of whether your success metrics are working

MQLs, SQLs, and closed deals are important. But the true measure of incremental value is revenue or pipeline. That means you need to make sure you’re actually measuring for it.

Not all sales are created equal. You might see one deal for $5,000 and another for $2 million. Both register as closed sales in the CRM, but the two are nothing alike. Which would you rather have?

It’s easy to undervalue conversion actions if you’re using proxy values like the ones described above. Yet pipeline and revenue are often determined outside the 90-day conversion window required for offline conversions.

It’s crucial to look at the data in your CRM and map it back to your paid search campaigns. Are there campaigns or content assets driving relatively few leads and MQLs, but a lot of pipeline? If so, don’t devalue them. Make sure you keep them running and give them enough budget to succeed.

Also, don’t forget about incremental revenue.

If you’re scaling your spend, keep an eye on incremental revenue to find the point of diminishing returns. Doing this can prevent overspending on campaigns or channels once they’re no longer cost-effective.

"We see PC building as a creative platform, not simply a hardware category," said Dennis Liu, CEO of Levelplay. "As modern hardware becomes increasingly standardized, many products are starting to lose some of the personality and interaction that made PC DIY fun in the first place. With this year's lineup, especially Newtro, we wanted to bring some of that feeling back. Not just through retro styling, but through physical interaction, industrial inspired details, and products that feel more memorable to actually use and build with."

Higher memory prices are expected to make their impact on the PC and server markets in the second half of this year and the first quarter of 2027, says investment bank UBS. The bank discussed computer hardware firm Dell in an investment note where it bumped the share price target to $440 from $243 and lifted the firm's earnings estimates for the fiscal years 2027 and 2028. UBS' coverage came after Dell's fiscal first quarter earnings report saw it post an 88% annual revenue growth on the back of a 757% AI server revenue bump. Memory Pressure On Dell's Server […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/sharp-memory-price-jumps-will-be-felt-more-severely-in-dells-pc-server-markets-in-coming-months-says-bank/

It's been a big week for the Call of Duty franchise. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 was finally revealed, and alongside it came the confirmation that the franchise will finally leave the previous console generation behind, with Warzone and Modern Warfare 4 both leaving PS4 and Xbox One behind. Now, two new ratings from South Korea's game ratings board has players thinking there's another major announcement coming, though it may not be what it seems. Two new ratings for Call of Duty: Black Ops and Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 spotted on Reddit has players wondering if this […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/call-of-duty-black-ops-black-ops-2-ratings-game-pass-remaster-rumour/

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Galatasaray'ın yüksek maliyeti nedeniyle vazgeçtiği Raphael Onyedika'da transfer rotası değişti. Nijeryalı yıldız için masada tek ciddi aday olarak Almanya'da küme düşen Wolfsburg kaldı.

Club Brugge'ün Nijeryalı ön liberosu Raphael Onyedika için transfer piyasası kızışırken, daha önce ısrarcı olan Galatasaray geri çekildi.

Geçtiğimiz transfer dönemlerinde Club Brugge’ü ikna etmek için yoğun mesai harcayan ancak Belçika duvarına toslayan Galatasaray, Onyedika defterini tamamen kapattı. Club Brugge yönetiminin, sözleşmesi önümüzdeki yıl bitecek olan oyuncu için 20 milyon Euro talep etmesi ve net bir tavır sergilemesi üzerine sarı-kırmızılı kurmaylar geri adım attı.

Gelen bilgilere göre, Galatasaray'dan sonra küme düşen West Ham'ın da çekilmesiyle tek bir ciddi aday kaldı: Almanya'da küme düşen Wolfsburg.

Galatasaray'da yeniden başkanlığa seçilen Dursun Özbek ve ekibi, pazartesi günü düzenlenecek resmi törenle mazbatasını alarak yeni dönem için resmen kolları sıvıyor.

Galatasaray’da tarihi seçimin ardından resmi süreç tamamlanıyor. Sarı-kırmızılı kulüpte kısa süre önce gerçekleştirilen olağan seçimli genel kurulda yeniden başkanlığa seçilen Dursun Özbek ve yönetim kurulu mazbatasını devralmaya hazırlanıyor.

Dursun Özbek ve kurmayları, pazartesi günü Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi RAMS Park’ta düzenlenecek resmi törenle mazbatalarını Divan Kurulu Başkanı'nın elinden alacak.

Mazbata töreninin ardından Özbek yönetimi, vakit kaybetmeden kulüp binasında ilk yönetim kurulu toplantısını gerçekleştirecek. Görev dağılımının netleşeceği bu kritik toplantıyla birlikte, Galatasaray’da yeni dönemin yol haritası da resmen çizilmiş olacak.

Beşiktaş'ın Önder Özen hamlesiyle üstünü çizdiği Dino Toppmöller, Crystal Palace ile masaya oturdu.

Beşiktaş’ın teknik direktör adayları arasında ilk sıralarda yer alan Dino Toppmöller için sürpriz bir hamle geldi. Sky Almanya'nın özel haberine göre Premier Lig ekiplerinden Crystal Palace, Alman teknik adamla resmi görüşmelere başladı.

Sergen Yalçın’ın görevi bırakır bırakmaz Eduard Graf yönetime Toppmöller ismini sundu. Hatta operasyon için düğmeye bastı. Graf'ın, başarılı çalıştırıcıyı Beşiktaş’a kazandırmak adına Almanya’da yüz yüze bir de görüşme gerçekleştirdi.

Ancak Beşiktaş’ta futbol yapılanmasının başına Önder Özen’in getirilmesiyle birlikte transfer ve teknik adam stratejisi bir anda sil baştan değişti. Toppmöller hamlesini beklemeye alan siyah-beyazlılar, Önder Özen’in raporu doğrultusunda rotayı alternatif isimlere çevirdi. Kartal'ın listesine giren ilk hocanın ise Filipe Luis oldu. Ancak Luis de reddetti.

Fenerbahçe başkan adayı Aziz Yıldırım'ın yönetim listesindeki güçlü isim Nihat Özbağı, Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadyumu'nun yenilenme projesi için müjdeyi verdi.

Fenerbahçe'de yaklaşan başkanlık seçimi öncesi Aziz Yıldırım’ın listesinde yer alan önemli isimlerden Nihat Özbağı, kulübün geleceğine ve stat projesine dair çarpıcı açıklamalarda bulundu.

Özbağı, Saracoğlu Stadyumu'nun yenilenme süreciyle ilgili camiaya net mesajlar verdi ve zaman kaybetmeden aksiyon alacaklarını vurguladı.

- Saracoğlu Stadı'nı yapmaya izinleri alır almaz hemen başlıyoruz. Hiç beklemeden çalışmalar başlayacak ve maçlar da stadımızda oynanmaya devam edecek.

İnşaat sürecinin takımı ve tribün atmosferini etkilemeyecek bir planlamayla yürütüleceğini vurgulayan Özbağı, hedeflerinin sezon sonunda çifte mutluluk yaşamak olduğunu söyledi. Projenin bitişi ve şampiyonluk hedefi için iddialı bir konuşma yapan Özbağı, sözlerini şöyle tamamladı:

- Mayıs ayında da şampiyonluk kupasını yenilenmiş stadımızda hep birlikte kaldıracağız.

Galatasaray'ın orta saha adayları arasında Milan'dan Youssouf Fofana da bulunuyor. Ancak Fransız futbolcunun maaş beklentisi, işleri çıkmaza sokuyor...

Galatasaray kış döneminde birçok yıldız orta sahayla görüşmeler yapmıştı. Ancak sonuç alınamadı. Bu bölgedeki tek takviye Renato Nhaga'ydı... O da Şampiyonlar Ligi listesine yazılmadı. Cim-Bom'un ara transferde temas kurduğu isimlerden biri Youssouf Fofana'ydı... Fransız futbolcu, Galatasaray seçeneğine sıcak bakmadı.

VERGİLERLE DAHA DA ARTIYOR

Milan önümüzdeki sezon Şampiyonlar Ligi'nde yer almayacak. Youssouf Fofana'nın bu yüzden Sarı-Kırmızılılar'a daha sıcak baktığı biliniyor. Ancak kurulan temaslarda oyuncunun talep ettiği ücret canları sıktı. 27 yaşındaki orta saha, kendisi için yıllık 10 milyon euro net maaş istedi. Vergilerle birlikte maliyet daha da artıyor.

BİR DE BONSERVİSİ VAR

Ayrıca Milan'a da bonservis ödenmesi gerekecek. İtalyan ekibinin oyuncuyla 30 Haziran 2028'e kadar sözleşmesi var. Onların beklentisinin de 30 milyon euro seviyelerinde olduğu konuşuluyor. Özetle resmi imzaların atılması için ağır yükümlülüklerin altına girilmeli... Galatasaray bu sebeple şu anda alternatiflere ağırlık verdi...

Saran yönetiminin organizasyonuyla çarşamba günü Maraton Fenerium'da düzenlenecek yeni sezon forma lansmanı, tarihi bir buluşmaya sahne olmaya hazırlanıyor. Kulübün unutulmaz efsaneleri Aykut Kocaman ve Alex de Souza'nın yanı sıra Oğuz Çetin ve Roberto Carlos da davet edildi.

Fenerbahçe’de yaklaşan başkanlık seçimi öncesi kulisleri hareketlendiren, adeta "seçim hamlesi" niteliğinde sürpriz bir gelişme yaşandı. Sarı-lacivertli kulübün yeni sezon formaları, Sadettin Saran yönetiminin organizasyonuyla çarşamba günü Saracoğlu Stadyumu Maraton Fenerium Mağazası’nda düzenlenecek görkemli bir lansmanla tanıtılacak.

Yeni sezon formalarının 6 bin TL’den satışa sunulacağı açıklanırken, lansmanın davetli listesi camiada büyük ses getirdi.

Saran ve ekibi, kulübün yakın tarihine damga vurmuş isimleri bir araya getirmek için devasa bir davetli listesi hazırladı. Lansmana sarı-lacivertli kulübün eski başkanlarının yanı sıra, taraftarın sevgilisi olan efsane futbolcular da davet edildi. Davetliler arasında en dikkat çeken isimler şunlar:

Aykut Kocaman

Oğuz Çetin

Alex de Souza

Roberto Carlos

Kritik başkanlık seçimi öncesinde yapılan bu hamle, camiada tam anlamıyla bir "seçim stratejisi" olarak yorumlandı. Özellikle mevcut dinamiklerde eski başkan Aziz Yıldırım ile birlikte hareket ettiği bilinen Oğuz Çetin ve Aykut Kocaman’ın bu organizasyona davet edilmesi büyük bir sürpriz olarak değerlendirildi.

Öte yandan, Aziz Yıldırım döneminin simge isimleri ve taraftarın sevgilileri olan Alex de Souza ile Roberto Carlos’un da davetliler arasında yer alması dikkat çekti. Spor kulislerinde bu hamle, "Sadettin Saran yönetiminin organizasyonu olsa da, dolaylı olarak Aziz Yıldırım’ın elini güçlendirecek ve onun ekmeğine yağ sürecek bir adım" olarak yorumlanmaya başladı.

Fransa Galatasaraylılar Derneği, Türk spor tarihinde eşi benzeri görülmemiş bir hamleye imza attı; Paris Belediyesi'nin onay vermesi halinde, dünyanın en ikonik simgesi Eyfel Kulesi sarı-kırmızı renklere bürünecek ve üzerine dev Galatasaray logosu yansıtılacak.

Fransa Galatasaraylılar Derneği, Türk spor tarihine geçecek devasa bir görsel şölen için kolları sıvadı. Derneğin, Paris’in ve dünyanın en ikonik sembollerinden biri olan Eyfel Kulesi için yaptığı sıra dışı başvuru, spor ve diplomasi dünyasında büyük yankı uyandırdı.

Yapılan resmi başvuruya göre, Paris Belediyesi’nin onay vermesi halinde, devasa çelik yapı tamamen Galatasaray’ın renkleri olan sarı ve kırmızıya bürünecek. Projenin en dikkat çekici kısmı ise kule üzerine dev bir Galatasaray logosunun yansıtılması planı oldu.

Fransa Galatasaraylılar Derneği yetkilileri, başvurunun olumlu sonuçlanması adına görüşmelerini sürdürüyor.

Fenerbahçe'nin eski stoperi olan ve Çaykur Rizespor ile sözleşmesi sona erdikten sonra serbest kalan Samet Akaydın, milli takımdaki performansını savundu.

Daha önce Fenerbahçe forması da giyen ve son olarak Çaykur Rizespor ile olan sözleşmesinin sona ermesiyle bonservisini eline alan deneyimli stoper Samet Akaydın, TRT Spor’a dikkat çeken açıklamalarda bulundu. Milli takımdaki performansına yönelik eleştirilere yanıt veren başarılı savunmacı, özgüven dolu ifadeler kullandı.

- Milli takımda bu zamana kadar kötü oynadığım maç belki bir tane, o da Portekiz maçı. Onun dışında milli takım formasıyla her zaman üst düzey oynadığımı düşünüyorum.

Charlotte, takımdan ayrılan Wilfried Zaha'nın boşluğunu Lens forması giyen Allan Saint-Maximin'le doldurmak için harekete geçti.

L'Equipe'in haberine göre; kadrosunda köklü bir değişime giden MLS ekibi Charlotte, takımdan ayrılan Galatasaray'ın eski yıldızı Wilfried Zaha'nın yerini doldurmak için kolları sıvadı. Kulübün hedefindeki isim daha önce Fenerbahçe forması giyen Allan Saint-Maximin.

Charlotte yönetiminin, Saint-Maximin için Lens kulübü ve oyuncunun menajeriyle temaslara başladığı ve bu transferi kısa sürede bitirmek için yoğun mesai harcadığı belirtildi.

Samsung is giving massive bonuses to workers in its chip business because of the growing AI market. The company’s semiconductor division will reportedly pay about $26.6 billion in bonuses to nearly 78,000 employees this year.

Workers making AI memory chips are getting the biggest rewards. On average, each employee could receive around $340,000, mostly in Samsung stock, as per the latest information. Some workers may even get bonuses close to $400,000.

Samsung created a new profit-sharing plan for chip employees. Workers will receive a percentage of the division’s profits, and the deal could continue for the next 10 years if profits remain high.

The agreement was approved after an 18-day strike by workers. Samsung wanted to avoid more delays as demand for AI chips continues to rise around the world.

However, workers in Samsung’s smartphone, TV, and home appliance divisions are getting much smaller bonuses. Reports say these employees may receive only around $4,000 each this year.

The huge difference has created anger inside the company. Some workers even tried to stop the bonus deal through legal action, while smaller union groups showed less support for it.

Last year, Samsung’s average yearly salary was around $105,000. Now, some AI chip workers are earning bonuses worth three or four years of normal pay. The situation shows how the AI boom is creating huge rewards for some workers, while others inside the same company feel left behind.

The post Samsung’s AI chip workers get skyrocketing bonuses, what about smartphone workers? appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Samsung will participate in VivaTech 2026, a big technology event that will take place in Paris, France, from June 17 to 20. During the event, Samsung will show how artificial intelligence (AI) can help people live healthier and better lives.

Samsung’s theme for the event is “Open Invitation to a Healthier Tomorrow.” The company wants to show how smart devices and AI can help people care for their health in simple ways. Samsung believes technology can give useful health information and help people build healthy habits every day.

VivaTech is one of the largest technology and startup events in Europe. This year is special because the event is celebrating its 10th anniversary. More than 4,000 companies are expected to attend, including large technology brands and small startups. 

At the exhibition, Samsung will present health services connected through Samsung Health. The company will also show ideas related to healthy aging and pet care. Visitors can also see new health features that may soon be available on Samsung smartphones, smartwatches, and other connected devices.

Image via Samsung

Samsung says it is working with startups and business partners to create an open and connected system that makes life easier and healthier for users. The company wants people to enjoy simple and smart technology in their everyday lives.

On June 19, Samsung will join a discussion about the future of AI in healthcare. Experts will talk about how AI and connected devices can give people more personal health support and better wellness experiences.

By joining VivaTech 2026, Samsung hopes to inspire people to use smart technology for a healthier future. Stay tuned.

The post Samsung will showcase AI health technology at VivaTech 2026 appeared first on Sammy Fans.