Mining companies are now split between those liquidating Bitcoin to cover operating expenses and those holding their BTC in reserve to fuel future growth.
Traders say Bitcoin has room to rally higher, but the upside could be capped at BTC’s active supply cost basis near $78,000.
Democratic lawmakers called out Michael Selig for unilaterally advancing policies at the regulator that's normally led by a bipartisan group of five commissioners.
Schwab will introduce direct trading in the two biggest cryptos through a dedicated account, its first move into spot trading as it expands its digital asset offerings.
Bitcoin trades below the profitability threshold for active holders, with early signs of BTC demand offering limited price support for now.
Bitcoin attempted to recover the $75,000 level as US stocks chase after a second day of fresh all-time highs. Is the bull market back on?
The CEO of the troubled Zonda exchange has disclosed a Bitcoin wallet holding around 4,500 BTC, but said the private keys were never transferred during a company handover.
Despite rumors initially pointing to a reveal happening today, a new report from Insider-Gaming points to Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced getting its full reveal next week. But most importantly, the report claims that we have a release date to look forward to for the upcoming remake. Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced will reportedly launch on July 9, 2026. This comes after Ubisoft reportedly held a private presentation for content creators and select members of the press today, ahead of next week's full public reveal. It's unfortunate, of course, that today's reveal was seemingly postponed, but all signs are pointing […]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/assassins-creed-black-flag-resynced-release-date-july-2026/
The debate over the use of generative AI tools for game development has raged across the industry for well over a year, and it doesn't seem to be letting up any time soon. As with anything related to AI, opinions are often polarized between those who want to take advantage of the new technology to improve games or simply to speed up the ever-growing development times, and others who are revolted at the mere idea of using it for any creative endeavor. In my most recent interview, Mitchell Patterson, CEO of backend developer Wolfjaw Studios, stressed that AI won't magically […]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/wolfjaw-ceo-ai-game-development-good-developers/
All the way back in 2021, a former Ubisoft producer, Jade Raymond, and PlayStation Studios came together to form Haven Studios, a new team that was set to make a new multiplayer-focused game for PlayStation, which was revealed to be a new heist shooter, Fairgames, two years later in 2023. As we've continued to wait for any sign of Fairgames' release, Raymond left the studio, it was rumored to be cancelled at one point, and now, a new report claims it has pivoted to be a new kind of game in what is seemingly the hottest genre around: extraction shooters. […]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/haven-studios-fairgames-reportedly-pivoting-to-extraction-shooter/
House of Pitches is a social platform where early-stage founders match with aligned investors through a swipe-based discovery experience. Create a startup profile, pitch your idea, and connect with investors who are genuinely interested in what you're building. Founders can then book office hours directly with matched investors, get real feedback on their pitch, and track engagement. No cold emails, no ghosting, just a simple process that connects the right founders with the right investors.
MurmurCast aggregates your favorite YouTube channels and podcasts, then uses AI to transcribe and summarize every episode so you can scan what matters and dive deeper when you choose. It delivers personalized daily briefs that keep you informed without the noise.
Paste any YouTube link for on-demand transcripts, search across all your past summaries, and see which channels are most valuable with smart ranking.
Microsoft Advertising is rolling out a slate of updates aimed at making Performance Max campaigns easier to manage, measure, and migrate — especially for advertisers already using Google Ads.
Driving the news. Microsoft now lets advertisers import Google PMax campaigns that use new customer acquisition (NCA) goals, a feature that has been generally available in Microsoft since early this year.
The update is now live for all advertisers.
That means marketers can more easily port over campaigns designed to prioritize first-time buyers without rebuilding them from scratch.
What’s new. Microsoft says imported Google PMax campaigns with NCA goals will carry over if they don’t already exist in the advertiser’s account. Existing Microsoft NCA settings won’t be overwritten.
For audience lists:
Microsoft also says it takes a more conservative approach to “unknown” customers, classifying them as existing customers to avoid overcounting new customer conversions.
Why we care. This could make cross-platform campaign expansion faster and lower the friction of testing Microsoft’s PMax inventory removing the need of rebuilding campaigns from scratch. The added landing page reporting and search term visibility also give marketers better insight into what’s driving performance, which can help improve optimization and budget decisions.
More visbility for PMax. Microsoft is also adding landing page (Final URL) reporting for PMax campaigns. Advertisers can now see spend, clicks, impressions, conversion value, and ROAS by landing page.
They can also segment by campaign, asset group, and other dimensions.
Microsoft also said search term reporting is becoming more visible by default, with more transparency updates — including auction insights and added publisher URL metrics — planned later.
Other key updates:
The bottom line. These updates make it easier to scale across platforms, save time on campaign setup, and get better visibility into what’s actually driving performance — giving advertisers more control over both efficiency and results.
Ultimate Europe Travel Breakthrough Riverside Mahler Set to Deliver Unmatched Luxury, Personalized Experiences, and Stunning River Adventures in 2028!Riverside Luxury...
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Hilton Takes a Bold Step Towards Inclusive Hospitality in Singapore by Adopting the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program to Support Guests...
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Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/air-canada-redefines-economy-comfort-with-new-meridian-seats-on-a321xlr-routes-heres-what-you-need-to-know/
Air Canada Redefines Economy Comfort With New Meridian+ Seats On A321XLR Routes: Here’s What You Need To KnowThe new Airbus...
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Revolution at Sea: Fully Electric Cruise Ship Concept Promises Cleaner, Quieter and More Sustainable Travel Across EuropeFully electric cruise ship...
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Last year, Apple achieved its goal of removing all plastic from the packaging of its products – now every Apple gadget you buy comes in 100% fiber-based packaging that you can recycle at home. The gadgets themselves feature a lot of recycled materials. The company used 30% recycled materials across the products that it shipped last year. And in three specific areas, the recycled content is 100%: all Apple-designed batteries use 100% recycled cobalt all magnets use 100% recycled rare earth elements all Apple-designed printed circuit boards use 100% recycled gold plating and tin...
This week, Inter Miami were shaken by Javier Mascherano’s surprising decision to step down, citing personal reasons. Guillermo Hoyos was appointed on an interim basis to replace him and has now opened up about his connection with Lionel Messi.
“Being on the field with the greatest player in history is extraordinary,” Hoyos said in his first press conference as head coach of the Herons, as shared by reporter Jose Armando on his official X account.
Regarding the nature of his relationship with Messi, the coach was clear: “There’s a friendship we’ve built over the years, like with many other players in different countries… Friendship is non-negotiable.”
However, Hoyos made it clear that this bond of trust also comes with boundaries. “That doesn’t mean we’re around him every day. You have to respect everything — his privacy, for example — be prudent, and quietly continue building this approach,” Guillermo said. “All of this is new.”
Lionel Messi and Guillermo Hoyos first crossed paths when the forward was still a teenager and had just arrived at Barcelona. At the time, Guillermo was working within the club’s academy and quickly took on a role in helping his compatriot adjust to a new country and club.
“He helped me a lot from the moment I arrived at Barca. He was always there for me… He taught me things and helped me get to where I am,” Messi said previously about Hoyos’ role in his development at Barcelona, according to Ole.
More than 20 years later, the two reunited at Inter Miami in different roles: Messi as the team’s superstar and Hoyos as sporting director. However, Mascherano’s sudden departure forced the club to turn to him to fill the vacancy, at least on an interim basis.
In the same press conference, Guillermo Hoyos addressed his current situation after moving from sporting director to interim head coach. “I’m at the club’s service, and that’s why I’m in this position today. A couple of days ago, I was in a different role,” he said. “I’m here to help in any way the club needs.”
Finally, Hoyos expressed strong optimism about Inter Miami’s potential. “It’s one of the 10 best clubs in the world, not just in MLS,” the coach said. “Because it has a structure. And especially with the stadium they’ve inaugurated, which is something extraordinary. It’s a club with tremendous potential.”
The fallout from Real Madrid’s 6-4 aggregate defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final will inevitably rumble on for several weeks.
The competition was Madrid’s last realistic route to major silverware in a season which promised a lot, but will ultimately deliver nothing.
Barring a monumental collapse by Barcelona in La Liga, the 15-time European champions will end a second consecutive campaign without a trophy.
With that in mind, read on as we assess the repercussions for Real Madrid, starting with an issue which has been entirely of their own making.
Kylian Mbappe is one of the best forwards in the world. That point is evidenced by his tally of 84 goals in 98 appearances for Los Blancos.
However, his desire to be the ‘main man’ is not only a problem Madrid didn’t need, but one which they could have avoided.
Mbappe scored 256 goals in 308 for Paris Saint-Germain. However, his efforts in front of goal failed to deliver the desired results in the Champions League.
In their first season without the French international in their team, PSG were crowned kings of Europe. They have reached the semi-finals again this season.
By contrast, Mbappe has made Madrid worse. They won La Liga and the Champions League in 20234/24 – since then, they have suffered a series of disappointments.
The 27-year-old’s ego was problematic when he was at PSG, and has continued to upset the equilibrium in Madrid’s dressing room.
Players such as Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior are no shrinking violets, yet are expected to play second fiddle to the ‘Mbappe Show’.
Intriguingly, Madrid looked far more coherent as a team when Mbappe was recently sidelined with a knee injury. With Vinicius and Brahim Diaz leading the line, they were more balanced.
It may seem churlish to question a player who has scored goals for fun in Madrid colours, but it cannot be ignored that they have regressed since signing him.
Madrid’s decision to appoint Xabi Alonso as manager last summer appeared to be a sensible decision with SportsView and other major football publications all predicting success for Los Blancos, but he lasted just seven months.
At a club packed with egos and led by president Florentino Perez, the former Bayer Leverkusen boss was always likely to be on a hiding to nothing.
Alonso quickly lost the dressing room, with Vinicius and Federico Valverde amongst the players who publicly expressed disapproval at his methods.
Appointing Alvaro Arbeloa as Alonso’s replacement was no real surprise. He had done well with the club’s youth and ‘B’ teams, so was viewed as a steady pair of hands.
However, the club’s failure to specify the length of his contract when he was placed in charge suggested that they were unsure whether he was the right man for the job.
A record of 13 wins and one draw in 21 matches highlights why Madrid may have been reluctant to confirm whether he was a long-term appointment.
Arbeloa will reportedly be replaced this summer, with Perez seemingly eager to bring in someone with a proven track record of success.
That may be easier said than done given the dearth of viable options currently available.
Alonso seemed to be the ideal fit for Madrid. He was a former player who subsequently enjoyed success as a manager with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.
Sacking him after just seven months in charge did not seem like the brightest idea anyone had ever had, and developments this summer may hammer home that point.
Several managers have been linked with the Madrid managerial job including Zinedine Zidane, Jurgen Klopp and Maurico Pochettino.
Perez rates Zidane highly, but he seems destined to replace Didier Deschamps as the French national team manager at the end of the World Cup.
Klopp would be welcomed with open arms at the Santiago Bernabeu, but has demonstrated no desire to leave his position as head of Red Bull’s football operations.
Pochettino could be available after the World Cup, although nothing he has done with the United States national team suggests he is the right option for Madrid.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has been touted as a possibility after the club recently confirmed he will be leaving at the end of the season.
Several pundits believe the 43-year-old is an ‘elite-level’ manager, but whether he is ready to step into the Madrid hot-seat is hugely debatable.
Madrid’s eagerness to pander to egotistical players and dispense with Alonso’s services has created a problem that may find extremely difficult to fix this summer.
Kylian Mbappe added another historic chapter to his remarkable career on a painful night for Real Madrid, as the forward matched a major Champions League scoring mark previously set by Karim Benzema. Although the Spanish club suffered elimination against Bayern, Mbappe still found a way to leave his stamp on the contest.
The result was devastating for Los Blancos, but it also underlined how central Mbappe has become to the team’s future. Even in defeat, the French star continued his record-breaking run in Europe’s biggest club competition, showing why he remains one of soccer’s most decisive players.
Bayern Munich produced a dramatic 4-3 victory over Real Madrid in the second leg of their quarter-final, sealing a 6-4 aggregate triumph and booking a place in the Champions League semi-final. The German club struck late through Luis Diaz and Michael Olise after a chaotic and emotional encounter.
Madrid had entered the match hoping for another famous comeback, but their resistance was broken in the closing stages. Tensions rose further when Eduardo Camavinga was sent off in the 86th minute, a decision that sparked furious protests from the visiting side.
The match exploded into life almost immediately when Arda Guler scored after only 34 seconds following a mistake from Manuel Neuer. Bayern responded quickly through Aleksandar Pavlovic, setting the tone for an open and high-level contest. Harry Kane then added another goal for Bayern after Guler had restored Madrid’s lead earlier in the half.
Vinicius hit the crossbar before creating the chance that allowed Mbappe to score and keep Madrid alive before the interval. That finish from the French superstar briefly gave the Spanish club the belief that momentum was shifting. Instead, Bayern’s late push proved decisive as the Bundesliga giant surged through.
While the team’s result was bitterly disappointing, Mbappe still reached several significant milestones with his goal. Among the many records, Mbappe tied Karim Benzema for second place among Frenchmen in a single Champions League season with 15 goals scored in one season.
That places him alongside one of Real Madrid’s greatest modern forwards and another legendary French striker. Benzema achieved the feat during his Ballon d’Or-winning season, making Mbappe’s achievement even more notable given the pressure and expectations surrounding his first full era as Madrid’s attacking leader.
Only one French player has scored more in a single UEFA campaign, with Stéphane Guivarc’h’s 1997-98 tally for Auxerre still ahead. Mbappe is also now just two goals shy of Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-time single-season Champions League record of 17.
Mbappe’s overall numbers this season remain extraordinary. He has scored 40 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions, a return that would usually place a player on course for multiple trophies.
Instead, Madrid now faces the possibility of finishing the campaign empty-handed. The club is already out of the Champions League and Copa del Rey, while Barcelona holds a commanding lead in La Liga.
The countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues to build momentum, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino stepping forward to address one of the most discussed uncertainties surrounding the tournament. As the global stage prepares for its biggest edition yet, questions about participating nations, mainly Iran, have added an extra layer of intrigue.
The tournament itself is shaping up to be historic in every sense. Set to feature 48 teams for the first time, the competition is expected to generate more than $11 billion in revenue, underlining its massive global appeal. With matches spread across multiple host nations, anticipation continues to grow among fans and stakeholders alike. The 2026 edition promises to redefine the scale of international soccer.
With 48 teams divided into 12 groups, followed by an expanded knockout phase, the structure introduces a new level of competition and opportunity. This format ensures more nations are involved, increasing both representation and unpredictability. Also, more than 500 million ticket requests have already been recorded, highlighting the event’s reach across all continents.
As speculation intensified, FIFA moved to clarify its stance on Iran’s participation. “The Iranian team is coming for sure,” Infantino told CNBC, firmly addressing the uncertainty surrounding the situation. His statement confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup, putting an end to weeks of doubt.
Infantino emphasized the fundamental principle behind the decision. “They represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play,” he explained, reinforcing FIFA’s commitment to sporting merit.
Beyond the confirmation itself, Infantino highlighted a deeper philosophy guiding FIFA’s decisions. “Sports should be outside of politics,” he stated, acknowledging the challenges while maintaining a clear stance. The aim is to preserve the tournament as a platform for unity and competition, regardless of external circumstances.
He also acknowledged the realities of the world while defending this approach. “We don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth,” Infantino said, before adding that FIFA continues to work toward building connections through soccer. These remarks underline the balance between idealism and practicality in organizing a global event.
Looking ahead, the focus shifts back to the competition itself. Iran is scheduled to play its group-stage matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt, with games set to take place in major U.S. cities. If successful, further matches would continue within the same host nation as the tournament progresses.
The broader objective remains ensuring a successful and secure event. “A win would be that we have a successful World Cup from a security point of view, so no incidents,” Infantino explained. Delivering high-quality matches while maintaining safety standards stands at the core of FIFA’s vision.
Gazetemizin 12 Nisan'da duyurduğu dev operasyonda artık sona gelindi. Juventus'un Sırp gol makinesi Dusan Vlahovic için geri sayıma geçen Fenerbahçe yönetimi, sağlık raporlarını masaya yatırırken müjdeli haber İtalya'dan, tanıdık bir isimden geldi. Juventus CEO'su Damien Comolli'nin ayrılık kapısını açık bırakan kritik açıklamaları transferin önündeki engelleri bir bir kaldırıyor.
Fenerbahçe dev bir transfer operasyonu için gün sayıyor. Juventus'un gol makinesi Dusan Vlahovic için yürütülen görüşmelerde sarı-lacivertli yönetim büyük bir mesafe kat etti. Gazetemizin de 12 Nisan'da duyurduğu üzere transferde "son aşamaya" gelindi.
COMOLLI'DEN AÇIKLAMA GELDİ
Görüşmelerde el sıkışma noktasına gelen yönetim, 26 yaşındaki yıldızın transferini resmileştirmeden önce her detayı titizlikle inceliyor. Bu kapsamda oyuncunun fiziksel durumunu ve güncel formunu teyit etmek amacıyla Juventus’tan detaylı sağlık raporları talep edildi. Raporlarda herhangi bir pürüz çıkmaması durumunda imzaların atılması bekleniyor.
AYRILIK KAPISINI DA KAPATMADI
Transfer gündemini hareketlendiren bir diğer açıklama ise Juventus CEO'su Damien Comolli'den geldi. Vlahovic'in durumuna dair konuşan Fenerbahçe'nin eski futbol aklı, oyuncuyla sezon sonunda masaya oturulacağını vurgularken, ayrılık kapısını da tamamen kapatmadı.
İTALYANLAR HALA BEKLİYOR AMA
İtalyan kulübünden gelen açıklamalar, stratejik bir bekleyişe işaret etse de; kulübün diğer oyuncularla sözleşme yenileme hazırlığında olması, Vlahovic'in ise "sezon sonu görüşülecekler" kategorisinde kalması ayrılık ihtimalini güçlendiriyor.
PFDK; teknik direktör Burak Yılmaz'a 2 maç men, 75 gün hak mahrumiyeti ve para cezası verdi.
Detaylar geliyor...
Teknik direktörlüğünü Arda Turan'ın yaptığı Shakhtar Donetsk, AZ Alkmaar'ı eleyerek UEFA Konferans Ligi'nde adını yarı finale yazdırdı.
Arda Turan'ın çalıştırdığı Shakhtar Donetsk, UEFA Konferans Ligi çeyrek final rövanş maçında AZ Alkmaar ile deplasmanda karşı karşıya geldi. Maç 2-2'lik beraberlikle sona erdi.
İLKLERİ BAŞARDI
İlk maçı 3-0 kazanan Ukrayna temsilcisi adını yarı finale yazdırdı. Böylelikle Shakhtar Donetsk tarihinde ilk kez UEFA Konferans Ligi'nde yarı finale yükseldi. Aynı zamanda Arda Turan'da UEFA Konferans Ligi'nde yarı finale çıkan ilk Türk teknik direktör oldu.
Voleybol Vodafone Sultanlar Ligi play-off final serisi dördüncü maçında Fenerbahçe Medicana, sahasında VakıfBank'ı ağırladı. Fenerbahçe mücadeleyi 3-2 kazanarak seride durumu 2-2'ye getirdi.
Voleybol Vodafone Sultanlar Ligi play-off final serisi dördüncü maçında Fenerbahçe Medicana, sahasında VakıfBank'ı 3-2 mağlup etti.
Bu sonuçla sarı-lacivertli takım, seride durumu 2-2'ye getirdi.
Üç galibiyet alan takımın şampiyonluğa ulaşacağı play-off final serisinin 5. ve son müsabakası, 19 Nisan Pazar günü VakıfBank Spor Sarayı'nda oynanacak.
Salon: Burhan Felek Vestel
Hakemler: Yavuz Akdemir, İbrahim Acar
Fenerbahçe Medicana: Arelya Karasoy Koçaş, Fedorovtseva, Korneluk, Vargas, Ana Cristina, Eda Erdem (Gizem Örge, Gülce Güçtekin, Yaasmen, Sude Hacımustafaoğlu, Hande Baladın, Aslı Kalaç)
VakıfBank: Deniz Uyanık, Cansu Özbay, Markova, Zehra Güneş, Boskovic, Cazaute (Ayça Aykaç, Sıla Çalışkan, Derya Cebecioğlu, Berka Buse Özden, Dangubic)
Setler: 21-25, 25-19, 25-22, 18-25, 15-11
Süre: 132 dakika (31, 26, 31, 27, 17)
Fenerbahçe ile sergilediği başarılı performansla Avrupa futbolunun radarına yeniden giren Domenico Tedesco için Premier Lig kapıları aralandı. Andoni Iraola ile sezon sonunda yollarını ayırmaya hazırlanan Bournemouth, yeni dönem planlamasında Alman teknik adama da yer verdi. İngiliz ekibinin üç kişilik kısa listesinde Marco Rose ve Kieran McKenna gibi güçlü isimler var.
Premier Lig ekibi Bournemouth’ta teknik direktör Andoni Iraola’nın sezon sonunda görevinden ayrılacağının kesinleşmesi, transfer piyasasını ve teknik adam borsasını hareketlendirdi. Üç kişilik kısa bir liste hazırlayan İngiliz temsilcisinin listesindeki en dikkat çekici isimlerden biri, Fenerbahçe ile yeniden doğan Domenico Tedesco oldu.
ŞU ANDA 3 NUMARALI ADAY
Belçika Milli Takımı’nda yaşadığı form düşüklüğünün ardından kariyerinde yeni bir sayfa açmak için Türkiye’nin yolunu tutan Tedesco, Fenerbahçe’deki performansıyla Avrupa devlerinin dikkatini tekrar üzerine çekmeyi başardı.
Belçika’daki eleştirilerin ardından Süper Lig’de yakaladığı taktiksel başarı ve takım üzerindeki etkisi, Bournemouth yönetiminin onu listeye "3 numaralı aday" olarak dahil etmesini sağladı.
İKİ DAHA GÜÇLÜ ADAY VAR
Bournemouth yönetimi her ne kadar Tedesco ile ilgilense de listede Avrupa futbolunun iki önemli ismi daha bulunuyor:
Marco Rose: Listenin en güçlü adayı. Salzburg, Dortmund ve Leipzig tecrübeleriyle listenin zirvesinde yer alan 49 yaşındaki Alman teknik adam, Premier Lig’e adım atmaya oldukça yakın.
Kieran McKenna: Ipswich Town’ı Premier Lig’in kapısına getiren 39 yaşındaki genç dahi, listenin ikinci sırasında yer alıyor.
CİDDİ BİR OPSİYON HALİNDE
Tedesco için Bournemouth seçeneği, sadece bir lig değişikliği değil, aynı zamanda kariyerini dünyanın en prestijli liginde test etme fırsatı anlamını taşıyor. Fenerbahçe’deki başarılı grafiğini sürdüren genç teknik adamın, Bournemouth’un oyun felsefesine uygunluğu ve modern futbol anlayışı, onu İngiliz kulübü için ciddi bir opsiyon haline getiriyor.
Okan Buruk raporunu yönetime sundu! 28 milyon Euro'luk Noa Lang'ın yerine 30 milyon Euro'luk Marcus Rashford için operasyon talep etti. Cadena SER'in "Barça dönemi bitti" dediği, Manchester United'da ise geleceği belirsizliğini koruyan İngiliz süper yıldızı kadrosuna katarak dünyayı sarsmaya hazırlanan Galatasaray, bu büyük fırsatı kaçırmamak için tüm imkanlarını seferber ediyor.
Galatasaray’da transferin rotası 180 derece kırıldı. Okan Buruk, Avrupa futbol piyasasında taşları yerinden oynatacak dev bir operasyon için düğmeye bastı. Hedefteki isim: Marcus Rashford! Yönetimin kısa süre önce düğmeye bastığı operasyonda 28 milyon Euro’luk opsiyonu olan Noa Lang'ın yerine İngiliz oyuncu için ön görüşmeler yapıldı.
Barcelona’nın Manchester United’dan kiraladığı Marcus Rashford için sahip olduğu 30 milyon Euro’luk satın alma opsiyonu, 31 Mart itibarıyla sona erdi. Katalan devinin bu opsiyonu kullanmaması, Avrupa transfer piyasasında adeta deprem etkisi yarattı. Bu "tarihi fırsatı" fark eden Okan Buruk, yönetime sunduğu raporunda, "Bu kalitede bir oyuncuyu bu şartlarda yakalamışken kaçırmayalım" mesajını verdi.
CADENA SER'E GÖRE BARÇA DÖNEMİ BİTTİ
Rashford’un geleceğiyle ilgili en çarpıcı iddia ise Cadena SER’den geldi. Radyoda yapılan yorumlarda, İngiliz yıldızın özellikle Şampiyonlar Ligi’ndeki Atlético Madrid eşleşmesindeki etkisiz performansı masaya şöyle yatırıldı:
- Transfer için istenen yüksek rakam, oyuncunun istikrarsız performansı ve en kritik anlarda takıma katkı sağlayamaması, Barça'nın 30 milyon Euro'yu ödememesine neden oldu. Rashford ve Barcelona defteri neredeyse kapandı.
MANCHESTER'IN DURUMU DA AVANTAJ
Manchester United’daki geleceği de belirsizliğini koruyan Rashford için Galatasaray yönetimi tüm imkanlarını seferber etmeye hazırlanıyor. Noa Lang transferindeki yüksek maliyeti daha global bir yıldız olan Rashford’a kaydırmayı planlayan sarı-kırmızılılar, hem taraftarı heyecanlandıracak hem de Avrupa’da ses getirecek bu transfer için önümüzdeki günlerde İngiliz ekibinin kapısını çalacak.
Galatasaray'la başarıdan başarıya koşan ve Avrupa'nın devlerini peşine takan Okan Buruk, Napoli ve Lazio'nun kısa listesinde Sérgio Conceição ile birlikte en güçlü aday durumuna geldi. Ancak başarılı teknik adama Al-Ittihad'dan yıllık 10 milyon Euro'luk astronomik bir teklif de ulaştı. Bir yanda futbolculuk yıllarından kalan Serie A sevdası ve Avrupa'nın zirvesinde yarım kalan işini tamamlama arzusu, diğer yanda ise reddedilmesi güç bir ekonomik paket duruyor. Buruk, ligin kaderini belirleyecek Fenerbahçe derbisi sonrasında son kararını vererek.
Galatasaray ile üst üste elde ettiği başarılarla dikkatleri üzerine çeken Okan Buruk, Avrupa’nın önemli kulüplerinin ve Suudi Arabistan’ın radarında yer alıyor. İtalyan basınında çıkan haberlere göre Napoli ve Lazio’nun teknik direktör adayları için oluşturduğu kısa listede Portekizli çalıştırıcı Sérgio Conceição ile birlikte Okan Buruk'un ismi de üst sıralarda yer alıyor.
ARABİSTAN'IN TEKLİFİ ÇOK YÜKSEK
Suudi Arabistan temsilcisi Al-Ittihad, Okan Buruk’u ikna etmek için kesenin ağzını açtı. İddialara göre kulüp, başarılı teknik adama yıllık 10 milyon Euro gibi reddedilmesi güç bir rakam teklif etti. Bu, maddi açıdan Buruk’un önündeki en cazip seçenek.
İTALYA'YA DÖNMEYİ ÇOK İSTİYOR
Futbolculuk kariyerinde Inter formasıyla Serie A tecrübesi yaşayan Okan Buruk için İtalya her zaman özel bir yere sahip. Napoli ve Lazio’nun ilgisi, Buruk için sadece bir transfer değil, Avrupa’nın zirvesinde bir "yarım kalan işi tamamlama" fırsatı.
KARARINI DERBİ SONRASINDA VERECEK
Buruk’un geleceğine dair nihai kararını, ligin kaderini belirleyecek Fenerbahçe derbisinden hemen sonra vereceği öne sürüldü. Derbi sonucuna ve sezon sonu hedeflerine göre tecrübeli teknik adamın, İtalya hayali ile Suudi Arabistan’ın cazip teklifi arasında bir seçim yapması bekleniyor.
Gelen bilgiler, Okan Buruk’un futbol vizyonu gereği İtalya’ya daha sıcak baktığını ancak Al-Ittihad’ın sunduğu bütçenin de profesyonel kariyeri için ciddi bir dönüm noktası olabileceğini işaret ediyor. Galatasaray yönetimi ise başarılı hocaya henüz bir teklif yapmış değil.
Saracoğlu Stadı'nda kapasite artırımı hayalleri, Marmaray hattı, ana arterler ve Kurbağalıdere yatağının yarattığı "mekânsal hapis" duvarına çarptı. İBB ve Koruma Kurulu'ndan gelen "uygun değildir" raporları, Aziz Yıldırım ve Hamdi Akın'ın dev projelerinin neden imkansız olduğunu tescilledi. Fenerbahçe için Maltepe'de sıfırdan bir stat inşa etmek artık bir tercihten ziyade teknik bir zorunluluk haline geldi. İşte o iddialar...
Son günlerde yeniden alevlenen "Saracoğlu Stadı’nın kapasitesi artırılacak" tartışmalarına mühendislik ve şehircilik perspektifinden son nokta konuldu. Fenerbahçe’nin mevcut konumunda bir santimetre dahi genişleyemeyeceği gerçeği, geçmişteki dev projelerin neden rafa kalktığını da bir kez daha gözler önüne serdi.
Ankara'dan Fenerbahçe'ye 300 milyon euro! Saracoğlu taşınıyor
18 ŞUBAT'TA MALTEPE GÜNDEME GELDİ
Gazetemiz, henüz tartışmalar bu kadar ısınmamışken 18 Şubat tarihinde yaptığı özel haberle, stadın Maltepe'de sıfırdan yapılacağı haberini duyurdu. Neden olarak Saracoğlu'nun çevresindeki fiziksel kısıtlamaların kapasite artışına izin vermeyeceğini yazdı. Özellikle stadın dibinden geçen ana arterlerin ve Marmaray hattının yarattığı "mekânsal hapis" durumu stadın Maltepe'de yeniden yapılanmasını zorunlu kılıyor.
YILDA 15 MİLYON EURO GELİR
Hamdi Akın'ın projesinde stadın önünden Bağdat Caddesi’ne uzanan yolun viyadüklerle havaya kaldırılması ve altının stada giriş yolu ile ticari alanlara dönüştürülmesiydi.
Projenin yıllık 15 milyon Euro ek gelir getireceği ve kendini 10 yılda amorti edeceği hesaplanıyordu. Ancak mühendislik gözüyle bakıldığında, bu planın önünde aşılması imkansıza yakın engeller var
Fenerbahçe stadını büyütüyor! Yeni kapasite 'yok artık' dedirtti
UYGUN DEĞİLDİR RAPORU
Gelen bilgilere göre Kurbağalıdere yatağı ve Marmaray tünellerinin varlığı, böyle ağır bir viyadük inşaatını teknik olarak riskli kılıyor.
İBB Ulaşım Daire Başkanlığı (UTK) ve Kültür Varlıklarını Koruma Kurulu, bölgedeki trafik sirkülasyonunu ve tarihi dokuyu bozacağı gerekçesiyle bu tür projelere "uygun değildir" raporu vermeye (hatta verdiği bile iddia ediliyor) hazırlanıyor.
Saracoğlu yıkılıyor mu? Fenerbahçe’nin sponsoru ortalığı karıştırdı
İKİ PROJE DE İMKANSIZ
Hem eski başkan Aziz Yıldırım’ın hem de eski asbaşkan Hamdi Akın’ın stadı modernleştirme ve kapasite artırma yönündeki girişimleri biliniyordu. Ancak edinilen bilgilere göre taslak projeler için ilgili merciler "olumsuz" yanıt verdi.
Bunun temel sebebi, stadın sadece bir yapı değil, Kadıköy’ün en kritik ulaşım düğüm noktasında yer alması. Mevcut statik yapının yapılacak her türlü genişletme çalışmasının çevredeki binaları ve kamu yollarını doğrudan tehdit ettiği rapor edildi.
Galatasaray'ı son yıllarda sırtlayan Latin Amerika ekolü yerini Victor Osimhen'in mutlak liderliğinde Afrika etkisine bırakıyor. Icardi'nin kayboluşu, Torreira ve Sanchez'deki form kaybı, Sara'nın büyük lig hayaliyle birlikte Saray'da bir devir resmen kapanıyor. Galatasaray, Avrupa sahnelerinde fiziksel güç ve hız odaklı yeni bir kimlikle boy göstermeye hazırlanıyor.
Galatasaray'ın transfer politikasında sezon sonunda tarihi bir eksen kaymasına yaşanacak. Son yıllarda kadroya damga vuran Latin ağırlıklı yapılanma yerini, Victor Osimhen merkezli bir Afrika ekolüne bırakmaya hazırlanıyor.
LATİN HAKİMİYETİ BİTİYOR
Sarı-kırmızılı ekipte bir döneme damga vuran isimlerin ayrılık çanları çalıyor. Takımdaki düşüş ve ayrılık isteği dikkat çekiyor...
- Mauro Icardi'nin sezon sonu vedasına kesin gözüyle bakılıyor.
- Gabriel Sara Brezilya Milli Takımı’na seçilerek vitrin yaptı. Kariyerine daha büyük bir ligde devam etmek istiyor.
- Devre arasında ayrılık talebi reddedilen Torreira'nın, o günden bu yana form grafiğindeki düşüş yönetimi düşündürüyor.
- Sözleşme yenileme sürecinin ardından performansında belirgin bir gerileme olan Davinson'un durumu belirsiz.
- Yaser Asprilla'nn bonservisinin alınmaması planlanıyor.
Osimhen'den transfer kararı! Lookman'dan sonra Bernardo Silva
GAZETEMİZ 7 NİSAN'DA DUYURDU
Galatasaray’ın yeni transfer stratejisi tamamen Victor Osimhen’i en verimli şekilde kullanmak üzerine kurulacağı uzun zamandır konuşuluyordu. Nijeryalı golcünün, takımın oyun yapısı ve transfer edilecek isimler konusunda belirleyici bir rol üstlendiği iddia ediliyor.
Osimhen'in, skor yükünü paylaşacak isimlerden ziyade kendisini besleyecek oyunculara odaklanılmasını istediği zaten biliniyordu.
DAHA SERT VE DİREKT OLUNACAK
Galatasaray yönetimi, Okan Buruk'un da talebiyle yeni sezonda Osimhen’in etrafını onun oyun karakterine uygun, hızı ve dinamizmi yüksek oyuncularla donatmayı hedefliyor. Latin rüzgarının yerini alacak bu yeni yapılanma, sarı-kırmızılıların hem taktiksel hem de fiziksel olarak daha sert ve direkt bir oyuna geçeceğinin sinyallerini veriyor.
1. Lig'e dönmek için sadece 1 puana ihtiyacı olan Bursaspor'da şehir, şampiyonluk havasına girdi. Yönetim "vefa" ile "radikal değişim" arasında yol ayrımında. Muhammet Demir, İlhan Depe ve Halil Akbunar gibi skor yükünü sırtlayan tecrübeli isimlerin bir üst ligin temposuna nasıl yanıt vereceği tartışılıyor.
Bursaspor, 1. Lige dönmek için gün sayıyor. 2. Lig'de bitime 2 hafta kala yeşil-beyazlı ekibe 1. Lig bileti için sadece 1 puan yetiyor. Şehir şampiyonluk kutlamalarına hazırlanırken, kulüp koridorlarında gelecek sezonun planlaması şimdiden ciddi bir tartışma konusu başlattı.
Bursaspor’u bu noktaya getiren en büyük güç sahada devleşen tecrübeli isimler. İstatistikler, takımın skor yükünü neredeyse tamamen bu "tecrübeli" kadronun sırtladığını gösteriyor.
GOLLER VE ASİSTLER YAŞLILARDAN
Takımın en golcü ismi Muhammet Demir (13 gol) olurken, onu İlhan Depe (11 gol) ve kritik anların ismi Soner Aydoğdu (4 gol) takip ediyor.
Takım oyununun merkezinde yine aynı isimler var. İlhan Depe (8 asist), Halil Akbunar (6 asist) ve Muhammet Demir (5 asist) ile hücum organizasyonlarını yöneten beyin takımı oldular.
ZOR BİR KARAR VERİLECEK
Ertuğrul Ersoy, Musa Çağıran ve Rahmetullah Berişbek gibi isimlerin de içinde bulunduğu bu çekirdek kadro, alt ligin sertliğini tecrübesiyle aşmayı başardı. Ancak 1. Lig'in daha yüksek tempo ve fiziksel güç gerektirmesi, yönetimi ve teknik heyeti zor bir kararın eşiğine getiriyor.
TECRÜBE Mİ GENÇLEŞME Mİ?
Bursaspor yönetiminin önünde iki temel yol bulunuyor.
1: Vefa ve devamlılık denilerek iskelet kadro korunur, uyum sorunu yaşanmaz. Ancak ilerleyen haftalarda yaş ortalamasının yüksekliği nedeniyle fiziksel düşüş yaşanabilir.
2: Radikal bir gençleşme yapılır. Dinamik ve uzun vadeli bir kadro kurulur. Ancak bu da tecrübe eksikliği ve yeni transferlerin uyum süreci puan kaybettirebilir.
Sezonun ilk yarısında basınla iç içe bir görüntü sergileyen, antrenmanlarını medyaya açan ve futbolcularıyla kamuoyuna mesajlar veren Trabzonspor'da, 10 Ocak'tan bu yana radikal bir sessizlik hakim. Yaklaşık 4 aydır tesislerin kapılarını dış dünyaya kapatan, özel röportajları ve açık idmanları tamamen durduran bordo-mavili yönetim, iletişimi tek elden yönetme kararı aldı.
Trabzonspor’da saha içindeki hareketlilik kadar, saha dışındaki sessizlik de gündemdeki yerini koruyor. Ligin ilk yarısında şeffaf bir yönetim anlayışı benimseyen bordo-mavili ekipte, son 4 aydır adeta "bilgi karartması" uygulanıyor.
Sezonun ilk devresinde medya birimi, kamuoyunu bilgilendirme konusunda oldukça aktif bir profil çiziyordu. Basın mensupları haftalık röportajlarla, oyuncuların kendilerini ifade etme şansına yardımcı oluyordu. Haftada en az bir kez, 20 dakika da olsa antrenmanlar basına açılıyordu. Gazeteciler, takımın havasını kendi gözleriyle analiz edebiliyordu.
BIÇAK GİBİ KESİLEN SÜREÇ
Ancak 10 Ocak tarihinden itibaren kulüp stratejisinde radikal bir değişikliğe gidildi. Yaklaşık 4 aydır tesislerin kapıları dış dünyaya kapatılmış durumda. Antrenmanlar basına açılmazken, futbolcularla yapılan özel röportajlar da tamamen bıçak gibi kesildi.
Kulüp şu anda tüm iletişim sürecini kendi imkanları ve servis ettiği görüntülerle yönetiyor. Şu anda dışarıdan bir gözün takımı yorumlaması veya bağımsız bir analiz yapması imkansız hale geldi.
Futbol üzrə Paraqvay milli komandasının sabiq mərkəz hücumçusu Oskar Kardoso 42 yaşında karyerasını bitirməyə qərar verib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, təcrübəli futbolçu bu barədə özünün sosial şəbəkə hesablarında məlumat yayıb.
Oskar Kardoso peşəkar karyerasına Paraqvayın “3 de Febrero” klubunda başlayıb. Ölkəsində “Nasional Asunsion”un da şərəfini qorumuş hücumçu sonralar Argentinada “Nyuels Old Boys”, Portuqaliyada “Benfika”, Türkiyədə “Trabzonspor”, Yunanıstanda “Olimpiakos” kimi klubların formasını geyinib. Kardosonun sonuncu iş yeri isə Paraqvayın “Libertad” komandası olub. O, 2017-ci ildən formasını geyindiyi bu klubdan 2026-cı ilin yanvarında ayrılmışdı.
Paraqvaylı hücumçu “Benfika” ilə 2 dəfə Portuqaliya çempionu olub, 5 dəfə Portuqaliya Liqa Kubokunu, 1 dəfə Portuqaliya Kubokunu qazanıb. O, “Olimpiakos”un heyətində 1 dəfə Yunanıstan çempionu olub, “Libertad”la da 5 dəfə Paraqvay Aperturasını qazanıb.
Kardoso 2006-cı ildə debüt etdiyi Paraqvay millisinin heyətində 57 oyunda meydana çıxıb, 12 qol vurub, 1 məhsuldar ötürmə verib.
Futbol üzrə Fransa millisinin və İngiltərənin “Liverpul” klubunun mərkəz hücumçusu Huqo Ekitike uzun müddətə sıradan çıxıb.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, o, UEFA Çempionlar Liqasının 1/4 final mərhələsinin PSJ (Fransa) ilə cavab oyununda zədələnib.
Ətraflı müayinələrdən sonra forvardın axilles vətərindən zədə aldığı müəyyənləşib. Ekitike mövsümünün qalan hissəsində oynamayacaq. “Liverpul” 23 yaşlı hücumçunun DÇ-2026-da Fransa millisinə kömək edə bilməyəcəyini də vurğulayıb.
Xatırladaq ki, “Liverpul” Ekitikeni 2025-ci ilin yayında 95 milyon avro müqabilində Frankfurt “Ayntraxt”ından transfer edib. Fransalı hücumçunun İngiltərə klubu ilə 2031-ci ilin yayınadək müqaviləsi var. O, “Liverpul”un heyətində 45 oyuna çıxıb, 17 qol vurub, 6 məhsuldar ötürmə verib.
Huqo Ekitike “Reyms”in məzunudur. Hücumçu, karyerası ərzində həmçinin “Vayle” (icarə), PSJ və “Ayntraxt”da oynayıb.
Fransanın U-20, U-21, U-23 komandalarında da oynamış Ekitike 2025-ci ildən formasını geyindiyi əsas millinin heyətində 8 oyuna çıxıb, 2 qol vurub, 1 məhsuldar ötürmə verib.
Ektike PSJ ilə Fransa çempionu (2022/2023, 2023/2024) olub və Fransa Super Kubokunu (2023/2024) qazanıb.
“Transfermarkt” internet-portalı 23 yaşlı fransalı mərkəz hücumçusunun transfer dəyərini 90 milyon avro məbləğində qiymətləndirir.
Azərbaycan cüdoçuları Turan Bayramov və Əhməd Yusifov bu gün Avropa çempionatının bürünc medalını qazanıblar.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, Gürcüstanın paytaxtı Tiflis şəhərində təşkil edilmiş qitə birinciliyinə strart verilib.
İlk yarış günündə Azərbaycan milli komandasının 7 üzvü tatamiyə çıxıb. Onlardan yalnız ikisinin çıxışı daha uğurlu alınıb.
Gültac Məmmədəliyeva (52 kq) yarışa uğurlu başlayıb. Təmsilçimiz 1/16 final mərhələsində Lüksemburq idmançısı Karla Tavares Fernandeslə qarşılaşıb. Görüşdən qalib ayrılan Məmmədəliyeva növbəti mərhələyə yüksəlib. Lakin o, növbəti raundda macarıstanlı idmançı Reka Ruppaya məğlub olaraq çıxışını başa vurub.
52 kq çəki dərəcəsindəki digər təmsilçimiz Leyla Əliyeva da 1/8 finala yüksəlib. Azərbaycanlı idmançının 1/16 finaldakı rəqibi serbiyalı Nikolina Nişaviç görüşə çıxmayıb. Nəticədə Leyla döyüşmədən mərhələ adlayıb. Əliyeva növbəti raundda dünya çempionu italiyalı Odette Cuffridaya qızıl xal bölümündə məğlub olaraq çıxışını 1/8 final mərhələsində başa vurub.
48 kq-da yarışan Könül Əliyeva ilə Şəfəq Həmidovanın da siftəsi uğurlu alınıb. Könül 1/16 finalda Amber Qersyesi (Niderland), Şəfəq isə Erza Muminoviçi (Kosovo) məğlub edərək 1/8 finala yüksəlib. Əliyeva 1/8 finalda İspaniya idmançısı Laura Martines Abelendaya uduzduğu üçün mübarizəni dayandırıb. Həmidova isə 1/8 finalda İtaliya təmsilçisi, son dünya çempionu Assunta Skuttonu məğlub edib. Azərbaycanlı idmançı 1/4 finalda Tara Babulfathdan (İsveç) da güclü olub. Şəfəq yarımfinalda Şirin Bukliyə (Fransa) uduzub. Bununla da o, bürünc medal uğrunda iştirak etmək hüququ əldə edib. Üçüncü yer uğrunda görüşdə Laura Martinesə (İspaniya) də uduzmuş cüdoçumuz Avropa çempionatını mükafatsız başa vurub.
Kişilərdən isə bu gün Əhməd Yusifov, Balabəy Ağayev (hər ikisi 60 kq) və Turan Bayramov (66 kq) medal qazanmağa çalışıblar.
Turan 1/16 finalda Nikolas Kuntsedən (Almaniya) güclü olub. Bayramov 1/8 finalda İtaliya təmsilçisi Elios Manzini də məğlub edib. 1/4 finalda rusiyalı Murad Çopanova yenilən Turan təsəlliverici görüşə qatılıb. Təsəlliverici görüşdə Radu İzvoreanunu (Moldova) üstələmiş cüdoçumuz bürünc medal uğrunda görüşə vəsiqə qazanıb. Üçüncü yer uğrunda görüşdə Rusiya təmsilçisi Abdullah Parçiyevə qalib gəlmiş Bayramov bürünc medal qazanıb.
Balabəy 1/8 finalda Andrea Karlinonu (İtaliya) mübarizədən kənarlaşdırıb. Əhməd eyni raundda Çarli Eyri (Böyük Britaniya) məğlub edib. Ağayev 1/4 finalda Dilşot Xalmatova (Ukrayna) da qalib gəlib. Yusifov isə bu mərhələdə uduzub. O, Fransa təmsilçisi Luka Mixeidze ilə bacarmayıb. Bu üzdən də Yusifov təsəlliverici görüşə çıxıb. Azərbaycanlı idmançı təsəlliverici görüşdə Romen Valadier-Pikardı (Fransa) üstələyib və bürünc medal uğrunda görüşə vəsiqə qazanıb. Balabəy də yarımfinalda Giorgi Sardalaşviliyə (Gürcüstan) uduzub. Beləcə, Ağayev də üçüncü yer uğrunda görüşə çıxmaq hüququ qazanıb. Bürünc medal uğrunda görüşdə iki azərbaycanlı cüdoçu üz-üzə gəlib. Əhməd Balabəylə görüşdə qalib gələrək Avropa çempionatının bürünc medalına sahib çıxıb.
Avropa çempionatı aprelin 19-da başa çatacaq. Azərbaycan Tiflisdəki qitə birinciliyində 11 çəki dərəcəsində 15 cüdoçu (9 kişi və 6 qadın) ilə təmsil olunur.
”Udineze”nin prezidenti Franko Soldati Nikolo Zaniolonun komandadakı çıxışından çox razı olduqlarını və onun birdəfəlik transferi üçün danışıqlara başladıqlarını açıqlayıb.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, Soldati futbolçu haqqında bu sözləri deyib:
“Zaniolo həm xarakteri, həm də futbolu ilə komandaya mükəmməl uyğunlaşıb. Onu çox müsbət qiymətləndiririk və inanıram ki, Nikolo daha bir il bizimlə qalacaq. Artıq transfer məsələsi üzərində işləyirik”.
Zaniolo bu mövsüm çıxdığı 30 matçda 6 qol, 6 məhsuldar ötürmə ilə yadda qalıb. Onun “Qalatasaray” ilə müqaviləsi gələn il bitir.
Gürcüstanın paytaxtı Tbilisidə keçirilən cüdo üzrə böyüklər arasında Avropa çempionatının ilk günü yekunlaşıb.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, millimiz günü 2 medalla bitirib.
Əhməd Yusifovdan sonra 66 kiloqram çəki dərəcəsində mübarizə aparan Turan Bayramov da bürünc medal qazanıb. O, Rusiya təmsilçisi Abdullah Parçiyevi məğlub edib.
Avropa çempionatı aprelin 19-da yekunlaşacaq.
Türkiyənin tanınmış hakimi Halil Umut Meler Yunanıstan Super Liqasında həftənin ən maraqlı qarşılaşmasını idarə edəcək.
Futbolpress.az Yunanıstan Futbol Federasiyasına istinadən xəbər verir ki, bazar günü baş tutacaq “Panatinaikos” – “Olimpiakos” derbisində baş hakim funksiyasını Halil Umut Meler yerinə yetirəcək.
Ona yan xətt hakimləri qismində İbrahim Çağlar Uyarcan və Abdullah Bora Özkara köməklik göstərəcəklər.
Afina şəhərindəki “Apostolos Nikolaidis” stadionunda keçiriləcək prinsipial qarşılaşma bazar günü, Bakı vaxtı ilə saat 22:00-da başlayacaq.
Azərbaycan Basketbol Liqasının pley-off mərhələsi çərçivəsində daha bir oyun keçirilib.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, NTD və “Neftçi” komandaları cavab görüşündə üz-üzə gəliblər.
Bakı İdman Sarayında baş tutan qarşılaşma “Neftçi”nin 119:99 hesablı qələbəsi ilə bitib.
NTD ilk dueldə qalib gəldiyi (97:94) üçün yarımfinala adlayan tərəf üçüncü görüşdə müəyyənləşəcək.
Unai Emery insists Aston Villa are ‘so respectful’ when hosting Bologna again in the Europa League quarter-final, despite winning the first leg 3-1. ‘It is not done.’
It kicks off at Villa Park in Birmingham at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).
Aston Villa have one foot in the Europa League semi-finals after winning the first leg 3-1 away from home.
They beat Bologna all three times in the last 18 months in the Champions League and Europa League.
“We are so, so respectful with them because they showed us their capacity to go for this title and to go a long way like we are expecting,” Emery told TNT Sports.
“We achieved a good result there, but it is not done and how they are playing and performing, we have massive respect. Today, I know it is going to be difficult and we must play extending our game plan like we did in their stadium and today of course here with our great, great atmosphere here with our supporters, we are confident but so, so respectful.”
Boubacar Kamara, Ross Barkley and Alysson are still out of action, with Emiliano Martinez starting despite a calf problem, while Jadon Sancho and Tyrone Mings not at 100 per cent.
It means Emery has chosen the exact same starting XI that played at the Stadio Dall’Ara last Thursday.
“We have our own experiences in Europe. Two years ago, we were doing our debut in Europe in the Conference League and we achieved the semi-final here against Olympiacos and we remind ourselves what we did two years ago, how we lost the semi-final, how we did last year in the Champions League when we lost in the quarter-finals against PSG.
“Everything we are learning in our process, we are trying to remind ourselves and be very demanding and consistent to achieve things. Very difficult match tonight. This is the competitive way we are building here. We are excited, motivated and we are aware of how we can control our emotions.”
Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano said repeatedly that Aston Villa are the favourites to win the Europa League this season.
“It is a way to win a trophy and a way to get into the Champions League. It is very difficult to win this trophy. Today is the moment and we must enjoy today. I have won it three times and I know how difficult it is,” insisted specialist Emery.
"Of course Champions League is the best gift we can achieve."
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery on today’s tie with Bologna
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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 16, 2026
Vincenzo Italiano wants Bologna to be ‘more clinical in front of goal’ against Aston Villa and make sure the Europa League quarter-final ‘isn’t a comfortable night for them.’
It kicks off at Villa Park in Birmingham at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).
The situation is extremely difficult after losing the first leg 3-1 at home last week, although once again the performance was considerably better than the result would suggest.
“I would love to play five minutes tonight, though I couldn’t manage more than that,” smiled Italiano on Sky Sport Italia.
“It’s a fantastic environment, the team is strong, I expect a different match to the one that we saw on Thursday, but we’ll play our cards. The important thing is to match their intensity, try to cause problems for them when we’ve got the ball, and we’ll see what happens.”
Curiously, Bologna only lost two Europa League matches this season, and they were both against Aston Villa, after the September 25 defeat in Birmingham to open the league phase.
“We must try to keep the ball, as Aston Villa let you keep it for a bit, and we need to quality to attack with everyone we can get into the box, also be wary when we lose the ball, and be more clinical in front of goal than we were in our last two trips here.”
Jhon Lucumi is suspended, with Lukasz Skorupski, Thijs Dallinga and Benjamin Dominguez injured, but Martin Vitik returns from his ban.
“Aston Villa will have their usual approach, they even have a two-goal advantage, so will be the same as the previous meetings. When we defend, we’ve got to defend well, but above all must prove that we can hurt them when we’ve got the chance. I believe we can do that.”
There are also some options that Bologna can call from off the bench at Villa Park.
“We have Odgaard, Sohm and Pobega who can attack, Cambiaghi and Orsolini, so we’ll see how the game develops and then evaluate.
“I want to see the maximum desire to cause them problems, to ensure this isn’t a comfortable night for them, try to improve the result and leave here with our heads held high. I think courage is the right word, what we need in this stadium and against this opponent.
“These lads always bring out something extra at the crucial moments, and I believe they’ll do it again tonight,” concluded Italiano.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner admits Fiorentina have a ‘more attacking side than we expected’ in the Conference League quarter-final. ‘We know how they’re going to play and what we want to do.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Artemio Franchi at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).
Crystal Palace make only one change from the side that played in London, and that is forced, as Evann Guessand picked up an injury.
“We rotated against Newcastle, so the three players in the front and two midfielders should be fresh. In defence they are doing so well, so it’s all good,” Glasner told TNT Sports.
The Viola have a mountain to climb after losing the first leg 3-0 at Selhurst Park, especially as they are missing suspended Dodo, plus injured Moise Kean, Marco Brescianini, Fabiano Parisi, Tariq Lamptey and Niccolò Fortini.
With nothing left to lose, Fiorentina coach Paolo Vanoli has chosen a very attacking 4-2-3-1 formation with two creative midfielders supporting Jack Harrison, Albert Gudmundsson, Manor Solomon and Roberto Piccoli.
“Maybe it’s a bit more attacking than we expected, Solomon is more of a winger than Gudmundsson when he played in that position, he’s more of a Number 10, where we expect him today,” confessed Glasner.
“Comuzzo of course is a centre-back and not as attacking as Dodo. I think in April, you can’t change the way you are playing, so you have to rely on the things you are doing well.
“We know pretty well how they are going to play, and we know what we want to do against them.”
Fiorentina are on home turf with a 3-0 deficit to overturn, so they are going to come flying out of the blocks.
“We expect them to be more aggressive than at Selhurst Park, going man for man, making a lot of pressure, you always try to find the pockets, with flick-ons, one touches, the inverted wingers try to cut in and then deliver the cross, with three players in the box,” noted Glasner.
“That is how they are playing. Similarly, we want to move it to the side quickly and find space, then we will create opportunities.
“When you play two legs, this is the situation, but we trust ourselves and the way we are playing. We saw yesterday in the Champions League, at this stage of the competition they are always tight games, and that is what we expect here as well.”
“We know pretty well how they’re going to play, and we know what we want to do”
Oliver Glasner ahead of tonight’s Conference League second leg against Fiorentina
@msmith850 |
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 16, 2026
Paolo Vanoli explains his extremely attacking Fiorentina line-up against Crystal Palace in the Conference League quarter-final. ‘Of course we believe, and we need players who can score goals.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Artemio Franchi at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).
A minute’s silence will be held before kick-off and Fiorentina are wearing black armbands following the death of Alex Manninger, who was their goalkeeper in 2001-02.
“It’s a tragedy. I found out this afternoon. Alex was an exceptional lad, I was fortunate enough to play with him here in Florence, we are close to his family, it’s hard to find the words,” Vanoli told Sky Sport Italia.
The Viola are going to need something truly extraordinary to reach their fourth consecutive Conference League semi-final, because they were beaten 3-0 in the first leg at Selhurst Park.
“Of course we all believe, so do these fans, who showed once again despite a difficult season that they are behind us. It is a dream, so we must always believe. When it comes to an achievement like this, the players must give 110 per cent.
“We are up against a strong opponent, but have been getting some good results lately in Serie A. As I said in the first leg, what disappointed me was not having a full squad to choose from in this tie.”
Moise Kean is still out injured, with Marco Brescianini, Fabiano Parisi, Tariq Lamptey and Niccolò Fortini, while Dodo is suspended at right-back.
It is a very attack-minded formation, with four strikers used together, plus creative Nicolò Fagioli and Rolando Mandragora in midfield.
It’s not yet clear whether Marin Pongracic or Pietro Comuzzo will be the makeshift right-back.
“In order to achieve something remarkable, mentality and belief is the most important thing, as the players need to give their best performance of the season,” continued Vanoli.
“We know it’ll be tough, as Crystal Palace showed how they can punish the first mistake, but we’ve got to try something that would remain in the history of Fiorentina during a season that has been complicated from the start.”
The focus this season for Fiorentina was always on avoiding relegation from Serie A, and they have almost done that now after breaking eight points clear of the drop zone.
That was achieved with Monday evening’s 1-0 victory over Lazio, so some of the crippling pressure has been lifted.
“When I made the line-up, I realised if you have to recover this deficit, you need players who can score goals. Robin Gosens is another, as he is very dangerous on set plays and runs to the back post. Everything can become important tonight,” concluded the coach.
Italian teams have shone in European competition in recent years. Current Serie A league leaders Inter have reached two Champions League finals in three seasons, while Fiorentina have two Conference League finals under their belt, and Roma have reached two European finals as well. However, it looks as though no Italian outfit will be reaching a final this term.
All four of the country’s Champions League participants were dumped out by the Round of 16, with reigning champions Napoli eliminated after the initial league phase and last season’s beaten finalists Inter shockingly beaten by Norwegian minnows Bodø/Glimt in the knockout phase playoffs.
It’s a similar story in both the Europa League and the Conference League, with just Bologna remaining in the former and Fiorentina in the latter. And both of them have mountains to climb if they are to reach the semifinals of their respective competitions.
Bologna were given a tough task when they were drawn to play tournament favourites Aston Villa, and the English outfit duly swept them aside by three goals to one in the first leg in Emilia-Romagna. Two-time finalists Fiorentina find themselves in an even worse position in the Conference League after also losing to a Premier League side, slumping to a 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Online betting sites now make both English teams the clear favourites not just to progress, but also to end the season with continental silverware.
Popular betting outlet Ozoon sportsbook makes Aston Villa a 5/4 favourite to win the Europa League, while Crystal Palace find themselves in the same position in the Conference League. For Bologna and Fiorentina, a quarterfinal exit appears likely, and should that ultimately come to fruition, it would mark the first time in seven years that Italy hasn’t had a semifinalist in any European competition. So, what happened the last time around? Let’s take a look.
The biggest news in the summer of 2018 was Cristiano Ronaldo’s blockbuster arrival in Turin, with Juventus forking out €112m to sign the Portuguese legend from Real Madrid. CR7 was supposed to finally deliver the Champions League to the Bianconeri at long last, and because he had won the tournament in each of the last three seasons with Los Blancos, the possibility seemed very real. Shockingly, however, Juve wouldn’t even reach the semifinals.
Max Allegri’s men pulled off a stunning comeback against Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16, overturning a two-goal first-leg deficit after Ronaldo’s stunning second-leg hat trick. However, in the quarterfinals, an upstart Ajax would continue their surprising march. The Amsterdam outfit had just knocked off reigning champions Real Madrid in their second round clash, eliminating Los Blancos from the tournament for the first time since 2015. And in the quarters, they would send Juve packing as well, winning 2-1 in the Allianz Stadium despite Ronaldo’s early opener.
But Juventus weren’t the only team to endure misery that term. Both Inter and Napoli would drop into the Europa League after finishing third in their UCL groups, then went on to lose to Eintracht Frankfurt and Arsenal, respectively. Roma did make the Champions League knockout round but were immediately eliminated in the Round of 16 by FC Porto. Milan would exit Europe’s secondary competition at the group stage, while Lazio were handily beaten by Sevilla in the Round of 32.
In 2015, three years before Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival, Juventus reached the Champions League final, becoming the first Italian club to do so in five years. While they were ultimately beaten in the Berlin showpiece by a Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar-powered Barcelona, hopes were still high that the Bianconeri could build upon their shock run to the final. Unfortunately, that wasn’t to be the case.
Juve would exit the 2015/16 Champions League at the Round of 16 after losing a thrilling two-legged tie to Bayern Munich. After a 2-2 draw in Turin, it looked as though the Italian giants would get the job done in the second leg in Bavaria, leading by two goals to nil with less than 20 minutes remaining. Then, goals from Robert Lewandowski and a last-gasp Thomas Müller header forced extra time, where the Germans would complete the comeback, winning 4-2.
Roma were also eliminated at the same stage, having been beaten 2-0 home and away by eventual champions Real Madrid. The Giallorossi’s eternal rival, Lazio, meanwhile, didn’t even reach the group stage after losing to Bayer Leverkusen in the playoffs.
That saw the Eagles drop into the Europa League. They would fare somewhat better in the continent’s secondary tournament, but ultimately fell to Slavia Prague in the Round of 16 after a shocking 3-0 home defeat in the Stadio Olimpico. Fiorentina also progressed to the knockout round of that season’s UEL, but their journey was also short-lived, losing to Tottenham Hotspur in the Round of 32.
Fiorentina are forced into yet more changes with Albert Gudmundsson and Manor Solomon starting in the Conference League quarter-final with Crystal Palace.
It kicks off at the Stadio Artemio Franchi at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).
Fiorentina have a huge task ahead of them to reach a fourth consecutive Conference League semi-final, because they lost the first leg 3-0 at Selhurst Park.
It is no secret that their focus this season is all on avoiding Serie A relegation, and they took a huge step forward there on Monday with a 1-0 victory over Lazio putting them eight points clear of the drop zone.
However, injuries remain a problem, as Moise Kean is still out injured, with Marco Brescianini, Fabiano Parisi, Tariq Lamptey and Niccolò Fortini.
On top of that, Dodo is also suspended, so either Marin Pongracic or Pietro Comuzzo becomes a makeshift right-back.
Roberto Piccoli is again the centre-forward, but Manor Solomon is available again and completes the extremely attacking line-up with Jack Harrison and Albert Gudmundsson.
Crystal Palace welcome back Jorgen Strand Larsen, who was suspended for the first leg 3-0 victory, but rest him anyway, so Jean-Philippe Mateta leads the attack again.
Evann Guessand sustained an injury in the first leg and misses out with Caleb Kporha and Eddie Nketiah.
Ex-Lazio midfielder Daichi Kamada plays with Yeremi Pino stepping in alongside Ismaila Sarr.
Fiorentina will wear black armbands and hold a minute’s silence before kick-off following the death of Alex Manninger, who was their goalkeeper in 2001-02.
Fiorentina: De Gea; Comuzzo, Pongracic, Ranieri, Gosens; Fagioli, Mandragora; Harrison, Gudmundsson, Solomon; Piccoli
Fiorentina bench: Leonardelli, Christensen, Fazzini, Kospo, Ndour, Kouadio, Balbo, Deli, Puzzoli, Fabbian
Crystal Palace: Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Canvot; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Sarr, Yeremi Pino; Mateta
Crystal Palace bench: Matthews, Benitez, Lerma, Johnson, Clyne, Hughes, Strand Larsen, Sosa, Riad, Rodney, Devenny, Cardines
Ref: Gil Manzano (ESP)
Bologna hope Santiago Castro, Jonathan Rowe and Federico Bernardeschi can mount a Europa League quarter-final comeback against Aston Villa.
It kicks off at Villa Park in Birmingham at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).
The Rossoblu have a real mountain to climb after losing the first leg 3-1 at home, although as is often the case, the performance was far better than the result would suggest.
That was also the situation when losing here 2-0 in the Champions League last season and 1-0 earlier this term during the league phase.
Injuries continue to pile up, as Lukasz Skorupski, Thijs Dallinga and Benjamin Dominguez are still out of action, with Jhon Lucumi suspended.
At least Martin Vitik returns from his ban, with Charalampos Lykogiannis back in the squad too.
Castro remains the only centre-forward available and is being run into the ground lately, flanked this time by Rowe and Bernardeschi, leaving Riccardo Orsolini on the bench.
Vincenzo Italiano’s men have lost only two Europa League games this season, and both were against Aston Villa, as they won their next five away fixtures in a row after that September 25 defeat in Birmingham.
Aston Villa won every single Europa League fixture except for a 2-1 away to Go Ahead Eagles on October 23, making them the hot favourites to lift the trophy, especially with Unai Emery as their coach.
Emiliano Martinez has shaken off a calf injury and returns to take the gloves.
Jadon Sancho and Tyrone Mings are also carrying knocks, with Boubacar Kamara a long-term absentee, plus Ross Barkley and Alysson left off the Europa League list.
Juventus-owned Douglas Luiz is once again dropped in favour of Emiliano Buendia.
Ollie Watkins continues to lead the attack after his brace in the first leg.
Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Pau Torres, Digne; Tielemans, Onana; McGinn, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins
Aston Villa bench: Bizot, Wright, Lindelof, Mings, Elliott, Andres Garcia, Abraham, Sancho, Douglas Luiz, Maatsen, Bogarde, Bailey
Bologna: Ravaglia; Joao Mario, Vitik, Casale, Miranda; Ferguson, Freuler, Moro; Bernardeschi, Castro, Rowe
Bologna bench: Pessina, Franceschelli, Pobega, Orsolini, Heggem, Zortea, Odgaard, Lykogiannis, Sohm, Cambiaghi, Castaldo
Ref: Sanchez (ESP)
For the first time in 131 years, the Merseyside Derby will not be contested at Goodison Park.
BUY EVERTON VS. LIVERPOOL TICKETS
Instead, Everton will host Liverpool at their magnificent new 52,888-capacity waterfront home, the Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock on 19th April.
Adding to the historic weight of the occasion are the massive Premier League stakes.
With both clubs navigating vastly different campaigns, this clash promises to be fiercely competitive.
Everton, revitalised under David Moyes, sit comfortably in 8th place and are eager to win the first-ever Merseyside derby at their new stadium.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool find themselves in 5th place, desperately chasing Champions League qualification amid a highly inconsistent spring.
Everton have been formidable lately, highlighted by a commanding 3-0 demolition of Chelsea and a comfortable 2-0 victory over Burnley. A hard-fought 2-2 draw away at Brentford last time out showcased their newfound defensive resilience.
Liverpool, meanwhile, arrive down the Mersey in desperate need of momentum. Slot’s men recently snapped a bruising losing streak with a 2-0 win over Fulham, but the scars of a heavy 4-0 defeat to Manchester City and a 2-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion remain fresh.
BUY EVERTON VS. LIVERPOOL TICKETS
The Toffees will heavily rely on the creative spark of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who leads the team with seven goals and three assists, alongside goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who boasts an impressive 10 clean sheets this term.
Jack Grealish is out for the season for Moyes’ side and they will miss his creativity against their city rivals.
Everton predicted line-up: Pickford, O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Gueye, Garner, McNeil, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye, Beto.
Liverpool travel to the waterfront with a severely depleted squad. Alisson Becker, Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, and Stefan Bajcetic are all ruled out through injury.
In Alisson’s absence, Giorgi Mamardashvili will continue in goal. The Reds’ attack will be spearheaded by striker Hugo Ekitike, who leads the club with 11 league goals, supplied by the creative brilliance of Florian Wirtz and Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool predicted line-up: Mamardashvili, Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Salah, Wirtz, Ngumoha, Ekitike.
The Everton tickets page can be found on the club’s official website, though it might not be the most convenient option if you don’t hold a season ticket or maintain an active paid membership.
Because of this, it’s worth exploring our recommended link, which provides a reliable and budget-friendly alternative for purchasing match tickets.
BUY EVERTON VS. LIVERPOOL TICKETS
Liverpool fans usually go directly to the club’s official ticket portal, which can be accessed here, but it’s sensible to review other options as well in case more attractive deals can be found elsewhere.
For example, we recommend using our link if you want to avoid extra membership costs simply to bypass long queues for a big match, while our easy-to-use platform also offers reassurance through a 150% money-back guarantee.
This fixture has produced countless dramatic moments over the decades. In the Premier League era, the two sides have now met 66 times.
Historically, Liverpool hold a dominant upper hand with 31 victories compared to Everton’s 9, alongside 26 draws.
As the rivalry officially transitions to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton will be desperate to rewrite the script.
Verdict: Manchester City win Best Odds: 1/1 Bookmaker: Dachbet In what looks set to be a season-defining showdown from the Etihad on Sunday afternoon, Manchester City will host a struggling Arsenal. Manchester City Starting with the hosts, while Manchester City might still have a major job on their hands in the race to recapture their […]
The post Prediction: Manchester City vs Arsenal – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts appeared first on Soccer News.
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Hugo Ekitike described his Achilles tendon rupture as “unfair” after the Liverpool and France forward saw his World Cup dream dashed. The France Football Federation confirmed on Wednesday that Ekitike would miss this summer’s tournament in North America, after sustaining a serious injury in Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Ekitike looked distraught […]
The post Ekitike rues ´unfair´ Achilles injury after World Cup dream dashed appeared first on Soccer News.
The post Ekitike rues ´unfair´ Achilles injury after World Cup dream dashed appeared first on Soccer News.
Liam Rosenior believes Chelsea are “running out of time” in the Champions League race, ahead of their crucial clash against Manchester United this weekend. The Blues are currently sixth in the Premier League, four points off fifth-placed Liverpool and seven behind United in third. Since the start of March, no side in Europe’s top-five leagues […]
The post Chelsea ´running out of time´ in Champions League race, says Rosenior appeared first on Soccer News.
The post Chelsea ´running out of time´ in Champions League race, says Rosenior appeared first on Soccer News.
Just a few weeks after landing a verbal commitment from the 2026 Iowa Mr. Basketball, the Hawkeyes have now made it official.
On Wednesday, Iowa basketball posted to social media that Jaidyn Coon has now signed with the program, making a highly-anticipated move official. With this signing, Ben McCollum has landed an elite prospect to add to a young, intriguing 2026-27 roster.
Officially Official. 🔏
— Iowa Men’s Basketball (@IowaHoops) April 15, 2026
Welcome to the Hawkeye family, @CoonJaidyn32! pic.twitter.com/XC51QGKs0X
Coon was originally committed to Creighton, but decommitted following the announcement that longtime Blue Jays head coach Greg McDermott was retiring. The Storm Lake, Iowa, native decided to stay in-state and buy into the program that McCollum is building, verbally committing to Iowa on April 2. He's the 49th-best small forward in the 2026 class and the third-best player in the state of Iowa, according to 247Sports.
The 6-foot-6, 180-pound wing had offers from Iowa State, Illinois, and Nebraska as well, making it an even bigger win for McCollum and the program. With Bennett Stirtz off to the NBA and Tavion Banks potentially not getting a fifth-year waiver, there's going to be plenty of important minutes to go around. While Coon will have to earn those minutes over other talented options, it's not crazy to think that he could have a huge impact on next year's Hawks.
McCollum is building something special in Iowa City, and Coon is one of the first to buy into it. It looks like he could do a lot of winning in the black and gold before his collegiate career is done.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Zach on X: @zach_hiney
This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Jaidyn Coon officially signs with Iowa basketball
Liverpool’s search for attacking reinforcements has brought renewed focus to Anthony Gordon, with the Anfield Index podcast featuring Dave Davis and Spencer Mossman exploring his potential fit. With Gordon expected to leave Newcastle United this summer, Liverpool’s long standing interest has come back into focus.
As Davis noted during the discussion, “there’s a real split element on Anthony Gordon,” reflecting the divided opinion among supporters and analysts alike.
Mossman’s evaluation leaned into qualities that go beyond basic output. “I would rate him above Touré for just the stuff that you don’t even see in the data,” he explained, pointing to attributes that are harder to quantify.
Among those, Gordon’s attacking instincts stand out. “He is pretty good at finding shots and finding good quality shots,” Mossman said, highlighting a forward who consistently puts himself in dangerous positions.
More impressively, he emphasised Gordon’s efficiency in turning possession into opportunities. “He’s one of the best wingers in the Premier League in terms of generating xG based on where he receives it,” underlining his ability to improve the quality of chances through movement and decision making.
A major part of the argument in favour of Gordon centres on his athleticism. Mossman described him as “still really fast, in open space he’s lightning fast,” reinforcing his value in transition.
This aligns closely with Liverpool’s recruitment model. “If you look at the players that Liverpool typically sign, they all have the pace that they have,” he explained. Gordon fits that mould perfectly, combining speed with endurance.
In fact, Mossman highlighted that Gordon offers multiple physical advantages, stating, “he’s just a top end athlete,” and adding that he ranks highly in “sprints and sprint speed and even distance covered.”
That combination makes him particularly appealing in a high intensity system where pressing and recovery runs are essential.
Photo: IMAGO
Gordon’s versatility also plays a key role in his appeal. While primarily operating from the left, he offers flexibility in attacking roles. Mossman noted he can function as “a winger or more of like a winger striker hybrid.”
This adaptability allows Liverpool to deploy him in different tactical setups, particularly in systems that require fluid front lines and positional rotation.
Importantly, Mossman suggested that Gordon’s current environment has limited his output. “He’s doing a lot with a little,” he said, referencing Newcastle’s struggles this season. That context implies there may be more to unlock in a stronger attacking structure.
The repeated links between Liverpool and Gordon are not accidental. Mossman believes they are grounded in clear recruitment logic. “He’s homegrown and his physical level… those are all legitimately good reasons to be excited about him,” he explained.
With Gordon expected to move on from Newcastle, Liverpool face a decision. His profile offers Premier League experience, elite athleticism and tactical flexibility, all traits that fit the club’s current direction.
While opinions may remain divided, the data and analysis suggest a player capable of thriving in the right environment. For Liverpool, the question is whether they see Gordon as a key piece in their evolving attack or simply one option among many.
Oliver Glasner’s side head to Italy with one foot in the Semi-Finals after a stellar display at Selhurst Park saw the Eagles take a three goal advantage into the second leg.
It has been a rollercoaster 10 months for Crystal Palace, after lifting the FA Cup, their first ever piece of silverware the Eagles were controversially kicked out of the Europa League due to issues relating to multi-club ownership rules.
They have since battered and grinded their way though the Conference League and sit on the verge of making even more history. A stunning performance and result at home to the Italians that ended in goals from Tyrick Mitchell, Ismaïla Sarr and a returning Jean-Philip Mateta to take the tie from a potentially nervy one to one that the Eagles can be very confident going into.
This comfortable victory hasn’t come as too much of a surprise considering how poor Fiorentina have been this season, the Italian side currently sit in 15th place which is actually a remarkable turn of fortune considering that at one point this season they sat rock-bottom.
Paolo Vanoli’s team have been seriously disappointing this season having qualified for Europe in the previous campaign. Three wins in their last five has softened the blow recently, but the side which includes former Premier League players Jack Harrison and David De Gea have had a season to forget.
As for Palace, a strong start to the season was massively de-railed by the news that captain Marc Guéhi, manager Oliver Glasner and lead striker Jean-Philip Mateta would all not be at the club come the start of next season. It’s news that’s likely to rock any side to it’s core and it certainly did for Palace.
The Eagles won just one of their next five games and slumped down to 14th in the table where they’ve remained up until this week. Now with any chance of retaining Europe all but off the cards, Palace can fully focus their efforts on the Conference League where they are looking increasingly like the favourites.
Another thing helping the Eagles in recent weeks has been a return to fitness for a large majority of their players. Despite this, forwards Evan Guessand who was brought in from Aston Villa, and Eddie Nketiah will both miss the tie and possibly the rest of the season. Other than this Glasner has his full squad to pick from.
As for Fiorentina, former Everton striker Moise Kean has been ruled out with a thigh issue and winger Dodô will also be missing from the line-up after he accumulated one too many yellow cards. Another former Premier League player who has been ruled out has been Tariq Lamptey who has been out for ages with a knee injury.
Thursday’s game could give Crystal Palace a real chance at attaining European glory whereas for Fiorentina it’s a chance for them to salvage something what has been a fairly ugly campaign overall.
The game will take place at 8pm (UK Time) and is live on TNT Sports.
A stunning volley from Igor Matanović and Yuito Suzuki's double marked Freiburg's surge into the Europa League semi-finals after the Germans defeated Celta Vigo 3-1 away and 6-1 on aggregate on Thursday.
The Black Forest outfit were 3-0 up from last week's home leg but still went on the offensive in the quarter-final second leg in north-west Spain.
They easily sealed a semi-final meeting with another Spanish team Real Betis or Portugal's Braga.
Celta fans initially created a febrile atmosphere inside the three-sided Estadio Balaidos but around 1,200 Freiburg supporters also made themselves heard in the early kick-off.
The away section had even more to cheer when Croatia striker Matanović superbly latched on to Jordy Makengo's knock-down from 20 metres on 35 minutes. A rogue offside flag delayed the celebrations.
Japan's Suzuki soon made it 2-0 in the Galician sunshine and added another after the interval. Williot Swedberg's goal in stoppage time for Celta meant little.
The German side, who went with the same team from the first leg, have never been this far before in European competition and fans will now be dreaming of overall glory in Istanbul on May 20. They have never won a major trophy.
Celta were contesting their fifth UEFA Cup/Europa League quarter-final but have only ever made one last-four appearance.
Winning the Europa League offers a spot in the Champions League, a feat Freiburg - eighth domestically - have never managed. Their success over Celta also helps in Germany's bid to snatch a fifth Champions League berth next season from Spain.
Celta are sixth in LaLiga.
Betis host Braga later after a 1-1 draw in Portugal last week. Europa League specialist Unai Emery's Aston Villa are 3-1 up from the first leg when they welcome Bologna and Nottingham Forest entertain twice champions Porto, with the scores locked at 1-1.
Tottenham Hotspur’s season continues to spiral, and fresh revelations from Sports Boom, credit to their reporting, have added further weight to the growing sense of instability in North London. The latest development centres on Cristian Romero, whose future now appears increasingly detached from the club’s uncertain trajectory.
According to the original report, “Tottenham captain Cristian Romero is heading for a dramatic Spurs exit after being ruled out for the rest of the season.” That update alone would concern supporters, but the situation becomes more critical when paired with another key detail, “SportsBoom understands he has a clause in his current deal that allows him to leave if Spurs go down.”
This contractual nuance shifts the narrative significantly. Tottenham are not merely battling poor form, they are confronting a scenario where elite players can exit without resistance. Romero, still contracted until 2029, suddenly becomes one of the most attractive free agents in European football should relegation occur.
Sources cited suggest “he has no interest in playing Championship football,” a stance that feels both predictable and revealing. For a player of Romero’s pedigree, ambition remains non negotiable.
Photo IMAGO
Romero’s journey in North London has been anything but quiet. As highlighted in the original article, his spell has been “eventful,” featuring 156 appearances and 13 goals across competitions. His aggressive style and leadership credentials saw him evolve into a central figure and eventually captain.
Yet, this season has exposed cracks. “A poor disciplinary record has seen Romero miss key games through suspension,” while his “outspoken criticism of the club on social media” has amplified internal tensions. These details paint a picture of a player increasingly misaligned with the club’s direction.
From a broader perspective, Romero’s situation reflects a dressing room under strain. When key figures begin to disengage publicly and privately, it often signals deeper structural issues.
Romero’s potential availability has not gone unnoticed. The report states that “Manchester United are understood to have made early enquiries,” identifying him as a “ready made solution.” That description feels apt, given his experience in both Serie A and international football with Argentina.
Interest does not stop there. “Crystal Palace and Newcastle United are also understood to have made tentative checks,” alongside unnamed European clubs. A defender of Romero’s calibre becoming available on a free transfer represents a rare market opportunity.
One could argue that this situation encapsulates the harsh economics of modern football. When instability meets contractual loopholes, elite talent quickly becomes mobile.
Tottenham’s broader struggles form the backdrop to this unfolding saga. The report references “managerial upheaval and a run of disastrous results,” factors that have contributed to the club’s alarming decline.
It is difficult to ignore the symbolic weight of Romero’s potential exit. A captain departing under such circumstances would not merely be a squad loss, it would represent a deeper failure in planning, leadership, and cohesion.
From a Tottenham supporter’s perspective, this report lands heavily. Romero has been one of the few players who embodies fight and intensity, and seeing him linked with a departure underlines how far standards have slipped.
There is a sense of frustration that it has come to this. If the clause is real, then questions must be asked about how such terms were allowed in the first place. It suggests a lack of long term foresight at boardroom level. Fans expect ambition to be protected, not exposed.
Romero’s attitude may divide opinion. His discipline issues and public comments have not helped, yet many supporters will feel his frustrations mirror their own. When performances drop and direction becomes unclear, tension is inevitable.
The idea of rivals circling is particularly difficult to accept. Manchester United showing interest only sharpens the concern. Losing a captain to another Premier League club would feel like a direct blow, not just a rebuild step.
Ultimately, this situation reflects a club drifting without clear identity. Supporters want accountability and a plan, not another high profile exit that resets progress yet again. If Romero leaves, it must trigger meaningful change, not another cycle of decline.
Roma host Atalanta this Saturday at the Stadio Olimpico on Match Day 33 of the Serie A. The match will be broadcast live at 19:45 on DAZN.
Roma currently have 57 points and lie in 6th position. In their last match, Gian Piero Gasperini's team prevailed 3-0 against Pisa (Serie A 2025/26).
Atalanta have won 53 points to date and are placed in 7th position. In their last encounter, Raffaele Palladino's team were beaten 0-1 by Juventus (Serie A 2025/26).
The last meeting between the two teams ended with Atalanta winning 1-0.
Roma: Mile Svilar, Daniele Ghilardi, Evan Ndicka, Mario Hermoso, Zeki Çelik, Bryan Cristante, Neil El Aynaoui, Devyne Rensch, Matìas Soulé, Donyell Malen, Bryan Zaragoza
Atalanta: Marco Carnesecchi, Giorgio Scalvini, Berat Djimsiti, Sead Kolasinac, Davide Zappacosta, Marten de Roon, Éderson, Lorenzo Bernasconi, Charles De Ketelaere, Nikola Krstovic, Nicola Zalewski
Roma ( vs Pisa 2026-04-10): Mile Svilar, Daniele Ghilardi, Evan Ndicka, Mario Hermoso, Zeki Çelik, Bryan Cristante, Niccolò Pisilli, Devyne Rensch, Matìas Soulé, Donyell Malen, Lorenzo Pellegrini
Atalanta ( vs Juventus 2026-04-11): Marco Carnesecchi, Giorgio Scalvini, Berat Djimsiti, Sead Kolasinac, Davide Zappacosta, Éderson, Marten de Roon, Lorenzo Bernasconi, Charles De Ketelaere, Nikola Krstovic, Nicola Zalewski
Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has a chance of returning to the squad this weekend after over two months out of action, according to Craig Hope.
Guimaraes has been out of action since early February due to a hamstring injury, leaving Newcastle short in the engine room during a key stretch of the season.
The Geordies will be happy to have their captain back for this run-in as they bid to secure a European slot in the final six games of the season, despite sitting in 14th.
The Brazilian international is a key player for Eddie Howe and has been particularly missed in the past three games.
Howe has tried different combinations in the engine room, but they have all failed woefully.
The Toons have lost three on the spin, recording only one win in their last six outings.
Guimaraes will likely start from the bench when Newcastle host Bournemouth at St James’ Park this weekend.
Hopefully, he can get some playing time towards the end of the game.
Off the pitch, there has also been noise surrounding Guimaraes’ future, with reports in Brazil linking him to a potential move to Saudi Arabia.
However, those claims have little substance. Newcastle have no intention of selling their skipper, particularly not to a Saudi-owned club, per the report.
Given the club’s ownership structure and UEFA’s financial regulations, there is no incentive to sanction such a deal.
Profits from transfers involving PIF-linked entities would not be recognised in the same way.
As it stands, Guimaraes remains central to Newcastle’s project and leadership group.
Only a significant structural change, such as Saudi clubs operating independently of PIF, would alter that stance.
Guimaraes is not for sale, and his immediate focus will be on helping the side rediscover form in the closing weeks of the campaign.
Vincenzo Italiano wants Bologna to be ‘more clinical in front of goal’ against Aston Villa and make sure the Europa League quarter-final ‘isn’t a comfortable night for them.’
It kicks off at Villa Park in Birmingham at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).
The situation is extremely difficult after losing the first leg 3-1 at home last week, although once again the performance was considerably better than the result would suggest.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, reacts during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“I would love to play five minutes tonight, though I couldn’t manage more than that,” smiled Italiano on Sky Sport Italia.
“It’s a fantastic environment, the team is strong, I expect a different match to the one that we saw on Thursday, but we’ll play our cards. The important thing is to match their intensity, try to cause problems for them when we’ve got the ball, and we’ll see what happens.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 09: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, talks with Federico Bernardeschi of Bologna prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Bologna FC 1909 and Aston Villa FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 09, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Curiously, Bologna only lost two Europa League matches this season, and they were both against Aston Villa, after the September 25 defeat in Birmingham to open the league phase.
“We must try to keep the ball, as Aston Villa let you keep it for a bit, and we need to quality to attack with everyone we can get into the box, also be wary when we lose the ball, and be more clinical in front of goal than we were in our last two trips here.”
Jhon Lucumi is suspended, with Lukasz Skorupski, Thijs Dallinga and Benjamin Dominguez injured, but Martin Vitik returns from his ban.
“Aston Villa will have their usual approach, they even have a two-goal advantage, so will be the same as the previous meetings. When we defend, we’ve got to defend well, but above all must prove that we can hurt them when we’ve got the chance. I believe we can do that.”
There are also some options that Bologna can call from off the bench at Villa Park.
“We have Odgaard, Sohm and Pobega who can attack, Cambiaghi and Orsolini, so we’ll see how the game develops and then evaluate.
“I want to see the maximum desire to cause them problems, to ensure this isn’t a comfortable night for them, try to improve the result and leave here with our heads held high. I think courage is the right word, what we need in this stadium and against this opponent.
“These lads always bring out something extra at the crucial moments, and I believe they’ll do it again tonight,” concluded Italiano.
Team Scotland has condemned "abhorrent" racist abuse aimed at its models who showcased the new outfits for the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in Glasgow.
Numerous racist comments have been made about the models online, accusing them of not being Scottish.
Commonwealth Games Scotland said discrimination had no place in sport and society and gave its full support to the models involved.
One comment on X said: "Modelled on people who aren't Scottish despite Scotland being 96% white. Where's the representation for Scots?"
Another said: "How representative. Any chance the models could actually be Scottish?"
A Team Scotland spokesman said: "Commonwealth Games Scotland condemns in the strongest possible terms the abhorrent online abuse aimed at the models who featured in our Ceremonies Outfit reveal this week.
"Discrimination has no place in sport or society, and we will continue to stand alongside anyone subjected to such comments.
"Adam and Victoria have our full and ongoing support."
Adam, the male model in the photos, wrote on Instagram: "I did not expect this amount of blatant hate and racism.
"I was honoured to have landed the job as the model for the launch of the ceremonial Commonwealth Games outfit of my home country and host nation."
He said he was saddened by the comments which he did not believe were representative of Scottish society.
"I take pride in being from Scotland," he said. "And take pride in the kind, warm and open-minded nature of the people.
"However, it's clear we still have a long way to go.
"If your family, colleagues friends are racist, be the one to break the chain for posterity.
"Please continue to be actively anti-racist in your day-to-day life."
Many more online comments accused Team Scotland of being sexist as some of the photographs showed the female model wearing a mini-kilt and heels.
Former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies was among those joining the backlash against the outfits.
In a post on X she said: "As a past female elite athlete personally there is no way on earth I'd want to totter around of (sic) 4 inch heels at a long opening ceremony before I was to compete. It was an unwise choice."
She accused Team Scotland of "missing the point somewhat", adding that most people were "having a go at but the overtly sexualised outfit that was chosen for your female athletes".
A post from someone else said: "Come on - mini skirt and heels? Just leeringly creepy for sporting competition."
Team Scotland has pointed out that a longer kilt is also an option for female athletes but the shorter kilt had proven more popular with them.
It said shoes were not provided so athletes could choose their own footwear.
The Team Scotland spokesman said: "We do not issue footwear to athletes or team staff as part of the Ceremonies outfit - again they are free to choose the style of footwear they feel most comfortable in."
The spokesman added: "This summer, Glasgow will welcome 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories across the Commonwealth.
"Glasgow 2026 will be a festival of celebration: the most inclusive, community-driven and connected Games yet.
"We look forward to celebrating the power of sport, and our inspiring athletes, in the months to come."
Other comments accused the organisation of hiring a misogynist male designer.
The designer was in fact a woman - award-winning Siobhan Mackenzie, who also designed outfits for the 2018 and 2022 Games.
In a statement to BBC Scotland, she said there were three lengths of skirt and which one to wear was a matter of preference for individuals.
"Athlete and team staff feedback underpins every decision. If anyone had been uncomfortable with a design, it simply would not have been chosen," she said.
"I wear the 18 inch length kilts myself. Does that undermine my credibility, professionalism, or accomplishments? Absolutely not. Suggesting otherwise is outdated and unacceptable.
"Claims that these designs are about sexualisation are entirely unfounded. They ignore a process driven by athlete choice and preference.
"Telling women in 2026 that they should not wear a shorter skirt, when that is exactly what athletes have chosen as one of the options, is the real issue.
"Women have the right to decide what they wear. These length options exist to support that, nothing more, nothing less," she added.
Browns General Manager Andrew Berry has heard the same speculation about his plans for the No. 6 pick as everyone else.
That speculation has centered on the Browns trading down in order to add more picks that can be used to replenish their roster ahead of Todd Monken's first season as the team's head coach. At a Thursday press conference, Berry smiled while saying that he loves "how everybody last year thought we weren't trading down and everybody this year assumes that we are" before going on to say that the dynamics are different than when the team traded out of the No. 2 pick last year.
Berry landed the Browns a a second first-round pick this year in that trade and said that his only goal with the team's top pick in 2026 is to make sure they maximize their return regardless of whether they stay put or make a move.
"I'd go back to what I’ve said in the past," Berry said. "Our mindset going into the draft with our most valuable asset isn't about, hey, just trade it away. It's maximizing the asset. And that can, at different times, take different forms. It can be selecting a player. It could be trading up for a veteran. It could be trading down. It could be trading up. We will continue to work through all those possibilities up until, really, we get on the clock on Thursday night. But I'd say we're working through a number of different scenarios at this point."
The first five picks will have something to do with the direction the Browns choose to go once the time comes for Berry to stop considering the choices and make his decision, but Berry should have a good idea of what will be on the table by the time next Thursday rolls around.
As of Thursday night, the Houston Texans own the 28th overall pick, but given general manager Nick Caserio, conversations about moving back into Round 2 have already begun.
For the third straight year, the Texans will pick in the back half of the 20s. Now the only question is, will they stay there for the first time since the winning started with C.J. Stroud? Houston traded away the pick initially in 2024 to land Will Anderson Jr. at pick No. 3 in 2023. Then last season, the Texans shifted out of Day 1 to allow the New York Giants to move up and select on Day 2.
Throughout the past two decades, teams haven't had the most amount of success with pick No. 28. Most players have either underperformed or been transformed into nothing more than depth pieces on different teams.
Here's every player drafted 28th overall since 2006
Outside of Queen, no one has become a staple of their franchise. Turner is a backup on the Lions, while Worthy, Wyatt and Murphy have been role players for their respective franchises. Williams had a promising rookie season, but he's only one year into the deal and still isn't a full-time starter.
Queen might have taken a step back last season, but he's a two-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro. He might not become the next Ray Lewis, but the pick was warranted in 2020 by the Ravens for a consensus top 20 linebacker who had two elite seasons.
Two players ended up suiting up for Houston before their careers ended. In 2021, Ingram, who earned Pro Bowl honors with the Saints, played for the Texans before eventually being traded back to New Orleans to close out his career. Tomlinson, who bounced around from San Francisco to New York and Baltimore, started seven games for the Texans before being waived in early November.
Outside of those two, Edmunds had a decent career with the Steelers as a strong safety, but for the most part is better served as a backup.
They really don't make them like they used to, do they? Wood and Staley ended up playing for over a decade, helping their franchises return to some form of stability in rebuilds. Staley ended up becoming a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro on the 49ers' offensive line for 13 years. Wood, a former All-American at Louisville, earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2015 before calling it quits in 2017. Meanwhile, Lewis, a standout for UCLA, just finished his 20th season with the Denver Broncos, proving that age is simply nothing more than a number.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans NFL Draft: Every player selected 28th overall since 2006
The Oklahoma City Thunder held practice on Thursday. They continue to await who they will face in Round 1 of the 2026 NBA playoffs. It's down to two possibilities — the Phoenix Suns or the Golden State Warriors.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Cason Wallace talked to the local media after practice.
Gilgeous-Alexander talked about OKC's odds of going back-to-back; Holmgren discussed entering the NBA playoffs with health; Wallace talked about recently attending the 2026 WNBA draft to support girlfriend Kiki Rice.
Here's what else happened at OKC's Thursday, Apr. 16 practice:
Another Thunder practice today. Will either face the Suns or Warriors in the playoffs pic.twitter.com/pVlrdtEADN
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) April 16, 2026
Thomas Sorber working on the court nearest where the media parks at the facility pic.twitter.com/nYlq0W2XU8
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) April 16, 2026
Jalen Williams rocking a new look at practice today pic.twitter.com/rJPLQF9Zb9
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) April 16, 2026
Ponytail Dub pic.twitter.com/CKBzyGZ72k
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) April 16, 2026
SGA on going back-to-back: “It’s a cool opportunity. I think going through last year and realizing that’s so far down the line. So many things have to happen before we get to the Finals-clinching game.” pic.twitter.com/3F4mg8FnuA
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) April 16, 2026
SGA on this week off during the play-in: “Has a training camp flow. Get into shape. Get into rhythm.” pic.twitter.com/0TulYuq5SW
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) April 16, 2026
SGA on physically preparing for the playoffs: “You just gotta win and chip away at it. Hopefully you build enough muscles… That’s what the regular season and summer is for me. Making sure my body is right.” pic.twitter.com/TRjzJnJkPC
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) April 16, 2026
Chet Holmgren on his upcoming playoff run: “I’m extremely excited. Last year was very challenging. I don’t think I felt the best physically. I feel really good right now.” pic.twitter.com/kulWpu3O11
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) April 16, 2026
Chet Holmgren on going back-to-back: “The goal is always to win the last game of the season.” pic.twitter.com/PXRLPhCZUw
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) April 16, 2026
Chet Holmgren on separating last year’s title run from this year’s playoffs: “You have to try and carry over the experiences that you learn from. But you can't carry over the result. The result means absolutely nothing.” pic.twitter.com/qzEf7SGVcO
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) April 16, 2026
Chet Holmgren on making an All-Defense Team: “Individual awards are great. I think they're around to reward players for the hard work that they put in… I’d be lying if I said I didn't want to earn something like that. But at the end of the day, my focus is on our team.” pic.twitter.com/sxbSCsRg4x
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) April 16, 2026
Cason Wallace on Ajay Mitchell: “He's definitely an underrated defender. He can switch on the main guys. We have confidence in him knowing that he’s gonna do the job. Whenever he's on the defensive end, we don't have to worry too much.” pic.twitter.com/b5PrFokG30
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) April 16, 2026
Cason Wallace on attending the WNBA draft to support Kiki Rice: “A lot of fun. Just seeing my lady get drafted, her and her family have fun.” pic.twitter.com/YmFWR6YKdy
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) April 16, 2026
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Recap: What happened at OKC Thunder's Thursday, Apr. 16 practice
DENVER (AP) — The bruise and redness under his right eye taught Jared Bednar an important lesson: Keep your hands out of your suit pockets while on the bench.
The Colorado Avalanche coach is off the injured list and back with the team for the regular-season finale Thursday against Seattle after taking a puck to the face last weekend. Bednar missed the Avalanche's two-game trip to undergo further evaluation. He was diagnosed with facial fractures and a corneal abrasion.
“That’s why you've got to keep your head on a swivel and your hands out of your pocket,” said Bednar, whose squad has the top record in the NHL this season.
Bednar was standing behind the Colorado bench when the puck flew off the stick of Vegas forward Keegan Kolesar, caromed over the boards and hit Bednar in the right cheek early in the third period. Bednar was helped to the locker room by a trainer.
“I would have had to have been Derek Jeter to not get hit with that one,” Bednar said in reference to the New York Yankees Hall of Fame shortstop. “Whenever you get hit the face or the head, it always stinks.”
Bednar underwent a series of tests and “got good news right away on the scans,” he said. “Then it was just waiting for a couple days to make sure my eye was OK. ... It seems to be all good."
Any chance he will wear a helmet while coaching from behind the bench?
“No," said Bednar, the winningest coach in franchise history. "It’s just part of the game. There’s a lot of close calls, and when they don’t make contact, you're like, ‘Oh, that was close.’"
With Bednar away, Avalanche assistant coaches Nolan Pratt and Dave Hakstol helped lead the squad. Colorado went 2-0 on the road swing, beating Edmonton 2-1 in a shootout and then Calgary 3-1. Bednar tuned in to watch.
“It was interesting to listen to the opposing teams' broadcast talk about our team and talk about their teams as well, which I don't really get to do very often," Bednar said.
While Bednar is back, the Avalanche remain without defenseman Josh Manson (upper body) and forward Nazem Kadri (finger). Any concern with the playoffs starting for Colorado on Sunday?
“I expect our whole roster to be options for Game 1 of the playoffs,” Bednar said.
___
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl
The San Francisco 49ers don't have any clear needs, but they certainly have a lot of areas that need to be addressed in the 2026 NFL draft. Offensive line, receiver and edge are all positions that should be considered with any number of the team's six picks, and The Athletic's Dane Brugler did just that in his new seven-round mock draft.
However, Brugler's ordering of which positions go when was interesting. He prioritized the offensive side of the ball early and only took two defensive players in the entire class. The oddest decision, meanwhile, was waiting until the No. 138 pick to take an edge rusher despite the 49ers' clear lack of depth at the position with Nick Bosa and Mykell Williams recovering from ACL injuries.
Here is Brugler's full class for the 49ers from his seven-round mock draft:
Reports indicate the 49ers won't target an offensive lineman with this selection, but that doesn't mean they wouldn't take the best player available at the position. Lomu could start over Trent Williams if the team moved on from him, or he could be a developmental lineman for the future of the team.
Despite the additions of Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, the 49ers need to shore up their receiver room. Evans will be 33 when the season starts and Kirk will be 30 later this year. There isn't much depth behind those two, either, besides Ricky Pearsall. Bernard is productive (2,203 yards and 13 touchdowns on 155 receptions in four years), fast and has good size (6-foot-1, 206 pounds) — he'd be a solid WR3/4 in 2026 who would develop into a WR2.
Cornerback depth is never a bad thing, but the 49ers don't really need another one this early in the draft. Lee III is a tall outside cornerback at 6-foot-1 and 189 pounds who had eight passes defensed in 2025 but no interceptions. He finished his college career with four picks and 24 passes defensed in 36 games over three seasons.
The 49ers have an open starting spot at left guard, and Stephens played 820 snaps there during his time at Iowa. His 6-foot-5, 315-pound frame is solid, but he lacks the arm length that teams like to see in interior linemen. But in the fourth round, the 49ers could find themselves a player who could push for a starting role.
Finally, the 49ers address edge rusher. Gumbs is a raw prospect, as evidenced by the fact that he transitioned from receiver to edge rusher in 2023 when he played at Northern Illinois. Gumbs had just 11 total sacks in the past three seasons but 21 tackles for a loss. He would need some time to develop.
Endries has good experience during his time at Cal and Texas, but he projects as a backup tight end in the NFL who could develop into a solid F tight end that lines up inline or out wide. He caught 124 receptions for 1,376 yards and seven touchdowns in his three seasons in college.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 7-round mock draft: 49ers wait forever to hit top need
Rick Bowness agreed to a contract on Thursday to return as coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets next season.
Bowness led Columbus to a 21-11-5 record after taking over for Dean Evason on Jan. 12.
“Rick has done an outstanding job since his arrival and it was obvious to all of us that he is the right person to lead our club as head coach,” President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell said in a statement. “Rick developed strong relationships with our players who will continue to benefit greatly from his leadership as we look to learn from the hard lessons of this season and work towards our goal of competing for a Stanley Cup.”
The Blue Jackets were in last place in the Eastern Conference when Bowness arrived. They went 18-2-4 in Bowness’ first 24 games and moved into a playoff spot after collecting a point in 12 straight games.
But Columbus struggled down the stretch, going 3-9-1 to miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the sixth straight season.
Bowness gave his players a lot to think about after a 2-1 season-ending loss to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night. He launched into a 3-minute rant on the team's effort and that “losing is not important enough to them. It doesn’t bother them."
He also said that if he was back "we’re changing this freaking culture. I’ve been around long enough to know. I’ll find ways. I’ve got enough experience. I’ve dealt with this. I’ve dealt with it before. If we’re back, we’ll straighten it out.”
Bowness is expected to be the league's oldest coach at 71 when next season begins. He has a 331-419-48-42 record in stints with the Blue Jackets, Winnipeg Jets (twice), Dallas Stars, Phoenix Coyotes, New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins.
Columbus went 40-30-12 this season, the first time it has posted 40 games two straight seasons since 2018-19. The 92 points this season are the fifth-highest point total in club history, but the first time the team had at least 90 points and didn't make the playoffs.
The Blue Jackets have Zach Werenski, who led the team with 81 points and is among the favorites for the Norris Trophy as the league’s top defenseman.
Center Charlie Coyle and left wing Mason Marchment, along with captain Boone Jenner, will be unrestricted free agents. Adam Fantilli, the third pick in the 2023 draft, is a restricted free agent in line for a lucrative extension.
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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl
Bring on the 2026 NFL draft.
Denver Broncos general manager George Paton and coach Sean Payton had a pre-draft conference call on Thursday, exactly one week before the big event in Pittsburgh.
After trading for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle last month, Denver now holds seven picks in this year's draft, but that could change if there are more trades. Following free agency, the Broncos are now poised to fill out the 90-man offseason roster with rookies (both draft picks and undrafted free agents) in the coming weeks.
Here are five quick takeaways from Paton and Payton's call on Thursday.
1. Denver could trade up during NFL draft: As usual, Paton did not rule out moving up (or down) during the draft. The Broncos are currently slated to pick at No. 62 overall in the second round. Paton said it would be "unlikely" to trade all the way into the first round because that would take "quite a haul," but he noted that moving up in the second round could be in play. Given his history, it wouldn't be surprising to see Paton move up and down the board multiple times during the draft.
2. Broncos focused on six prospects: Paton said there are six players Denver has been focused on as potential targets at pick No. 62. We don't know exactly who those prospects are, but fans and pundits will be making calculated guesses leading up to Round 2. We know that the team has met with more than 100 prospects leading up to the draft.
3. Evan Engram's stock is trending up: There's been plenty of buzz about the Broncos potentially adding a tight end during the draft, perhaps even with their second-round pick. Payton, however, said the team will "continue to find ways" to add to Engram's workload in 2026. It's possible that both things could be true — Denver could target a tight end early in the draft and still increase Engram's workload this fall.
4. Denver's rookies could have limited impacts: Because the Broncos have such a deep roster that was one game away from the Super Bowl last season, Paton said "it's going to be hard" for a rookie to come in and start on Day 1. That's a sign of Denver's impressive depth that will help the team (generally) target the best player available at each pick instead of reaching for big needs.
5. Final year for Broncos' current draft room: Denver's in the process of building a new training facility and headquarters that is set to be completed this summer. "RIP to this draft room," Payton said of the current building. "This is the last one." Next year, the Broncos will draft in their new building, and they believe 2027 will be a deep class.
Following the NFL draft (April 23-25), clubs can hold a rookie minicamp from May 1-4 or May 8-11. Denver has not yet announced its rookie camp schedule, but veterans are scheduled to report for the start of the offseason program on May 4.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: 5 takeaways from pre-draft press conference
Fernando Mendoza's sidekick could be a first-round pick originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
For months, Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been written in Sharpie as the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Las Vegas Raiders won the sweepstakes, winning not only the right to take their franchise quarterback but the extra time to spend on the rest of the draft, too.
In a league driven by parity, it's soft factors like those that make the first pick in an easy class all the more important.
Mendoza isn't the most promising passer to hear his name called first in recent memory. He's not the biggest, or the strongest, or the fastest. But after his tantalizingly efficient season, a successful Heisman campaign, and a championship to his name, Mendoza is a well-deserving inaugural selection.
The only question for the Hoosier faithful is how many of his teammates will join him in Round 1.
Wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. was a late entry into the early-round conversation. He didn't start the year as the top receiver on Indiana's depth chart, nor did he have the freakish athleticism or measurables to put him on the map before the draft cycle began.
Cooper seemingly arrived out of nowhere, catapulting up boards with one of the craziest catches of the season.
Almost immediately, evaluators flocked to Cooper's film and came away impressed. He was an early Day 3 pick, then a Day 2 prospect, and, before long, in the first round of mock drafts. But should it stick?
MORE: 3 reasons why Germie Bernard is 2026's most underrated receiver
The good news for Cooper is that he checks plenty of boxes, mitigating the risk of his hype being the result of an over-weighted piece of evidence. Cooper is well-liked by the film community, citing toughness over the middle and an ability to impact every level of the field. His usage suggests he can play both inside and out, his YAC was among the best in the country, and his platform season ended with 937 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.
Cooper blossomed in 2025, surpassing teammate Elijah Sarratt and making key plays for a team destined for the history books. After the season, his stock continued to rise thanks to strong athletic testing numbers.
Running a 4.47-second 40-yard dash with an average (6'1", 196 pounds) frame is impressive, and he backed it up with a good 10-yard split and vertical jump, putting his excellent athleticism on paper.
At the next level, Cooper projects as an instant starter in the slot whose quarterback-friendly skill set should earn him a high target share. He gets his hands dirty in traffic, turns routine catches into explosive plays, and has few drop issues to speak of. That combination could very well land him in the back half of Round 1, as we've seen so many receivers do in recent years.
While it's enticing to send the Hoosier receiver to Las Vegas at the beginning of Round 2, several playoff teams will be liable to roll the dice before the Raiders get that chance. Cooper's a top-45 prospect with real first-round hype, and as the draft approaches, he's the best bet to join Mendoza in Round 1.
Two of the top prospects in the country are on the Forty Acres on Thursday as the Texas Longhorns host the nation’s No. 1 wide receiver, Monshun Sales, and the No. 1 cornerback, John Meredith III.
Th nation’s top-ranked WR, Monshun Sales, in Austin for a visit to check out the #Longhorns. pic.twitter.com/6j3ZzLs7C2
— Jason Suchomel (@OB_JasonS) April 16, 2026
The nation’s top DB, John Meredith, back in Austin for the second straight week. pic.twitter.com/75W185dFto
— Jason Suchomel (@OB_JasonS) April 16, 2026
Out of Indianapolis (Ind.) Lawrence North, Sales is ranked as the No. 7 overall player in the 2027 recruiting class, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, making him one of the most coveted players in the country with almost 40 offers. Any visit from a prospect of Sales’ caliber is a significant development, but the timing is also notable — the Longhorns didn’t extend an offer to the 6’5, 195-pounder until April 6, so getting Sales on campus so quickly is a sign of his interest in Steve Sarkisian’s program.
On Thursday, Sales posted a picture with quarterback Arch Manning and wide receiver Cam Coleman.
HOOK EM!!!🤘🏾🤘🏾 pic.twitter.com/KYOgzKurdW
— Monshun “Showtime” Sales (@__1problem) April 16, 2026
Texas is also set to host Sales for an official visit this summer with other official visits scheduled to Alabama, Indiana, Miami, and Ohio State. After taking a number of unofficial visits last fall and during the winter, Sales is at an advanced place in his recruitment reflective of his prospect status, so the Horns have a lot of ground to make up on Thursday and during his official visit in June as wide receivers coach Chris Jackson tries to add another elite wide receiver prospect to a class that already includes Easton Royal, the nation’s No. 2 wide receiver, who continues to take visits despite his commitment status.
With Meredith, Texas is in a much better position after hosting him on a visit last week. After starting his high school career at Euless Trinity, Meredith will spend his senior season at Fort Worth North Crowley. Before Meredith’s senior season starts, he’ll take official visits to Alabama, Ohio State, and Texas A&M. Miami is the other school officially in his top five. As an in-state prospect ranked as the No. 2 player nationally, Meredith is one of the top targets in the 2027 class for the Longhorns because of his elite cover skills and prototypical size at 6’2, 175 pounds.
After a quieter first couple months of the year, commitments are starting to pick up as crucial spring visits are leading 2027 prospects to early decisions.
That, along with multiple ranking updates across the recruiting industry, has led to some frequent changes in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. Early on, the Southwest continues to dominate.
Texas A&M, Texas Tech and Oklahoma have each held the top spot at various points this cycle, but it’s the Aggies that currently sit atop the rankings, as of April 16. The top 10 is loaded with usual suspects like Ohio State, USC, Miami and Oregon.
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Things will only ramp up from here, meaning the rankings will fluctuate heavily across the next few months. Below is a look at where things stand, as of April 16:
12 total commits
2 five-stars | 9 four-stars | 1 three-star
Top Commit: EDGE Zyron Forstall, No. 17 NATL. (No. 2 EDGE)
The Aggies added a pledge from four-star WR Jaden Upshaw this week and now have six top-100 overall prospects in the mix early on. Forstall pledged at the end of March and flanks five-star safety Kamarui Dorsey at the top of the class. A&M has an elite defensive back haul in Dorsey, four-star CB Raylaun Henry and four-star safety JayQuan Snell, all three of whom are top-50 recruits.
7 total commits
1 five-star | 5 four-stars | 1 three-star
Top Commit: DL Jalen Brewster, No. 1 NATL.
Joey McGuire and the Red Raiders have announced their arrival on the recruiting trail. Four top-50 commitments, headlined by Brewster, the nation’s top-ranked recruit, are in the boat thus far. Brewster has been in the mix since October and was joined by four-star QB Kavian Bryant and four-star WR Benny Easter Jr. a month later. Earlier this week, TTU landed elite EDGE Anthony Sweeney, who’s now the No. 21 overall prospect and will likely retain five-star status as the rankings expand later this year.
20 total commits
1 five-stars | 11 four-stars | 8 three-stars
Top Commit: OT Cooper Hackett, No. 16 NATL. (No. 3 OT)
The Sooners have nearly filled out their entire class before official visit season. No program has more commits than OU, but that’s not what has the SEC program pushing for the No. 1 ranking. Nine top-200 prospects are committed. Headlining the haul is the OT duo of Hackett and four-star Kaeden Penny. The blue-chip linebacker duo of Cooper Witten and Taven Epps highlight the defensive side of the ball. Keldrid Ben is the No. 5 RB in the class, while Seneca Driver is the No. 1 TE in the Rivals300.
9 total commits
2 five-stars | 4 four-stars | 3 three-stars
Top Commit: EDGE David Jacobs, No. 4 NATL. (No. 1 EDGE)
Jacobs’ commitment in December had plenty of twists and turns, but it was Ohio State that made a late move to beat Miami for the Five-Star Plus+ prospect. Five-star WR Jamier Brown, the No. 1 recruit in Ohio, has been pledged to the Buckeyes since November 2024 and he remains rock-solid. Another elite in-state commitment came from four-star IOL Kellen Wymer, the nation’s No. 5 IOL, in November. Five top-200 recruits are committed to OSU thus far.
10 total commits
1 five-stars | 5 four-stars | 4 three-stars
Top Commit: ATH Honor Fa’alave-Johnson, No. 19 NATL. (No. 1 ATH)
After signing the No. 1 class in the 2026 cycle, Lincoln Riley and the Trojans are back in the mix in 2027. In-state recruiting has been key to this point. All but one commit in the class hails from the Golden State thus far. Fa’alave-Johnson pledged last month and could play numerous positions on both sides of the ball at the next level. Four-star WR Quentin Hale and the four-star CB partnership of Danny Lang and Aaryn Washington are the other top-100 recruits committed thus far.
8 total commits
2 five-stars | 2 four-stars | 4 three-stars
Top Commit: RB Kemon Spell, No. 5 NATL. (No. 1 RB)
The Bulldogs won out for Spell, a former Penn State pledge, on Feb. 2. He’s now a Five-Star Plus+ prospect and is the consensus top-ranked RB in the nation. Last summer, UGA won out for five-star CB Donte Wright. Others are pushing for a flip but he’s still locked in with Kirby Smart and Co. to date. Four-star CB Jerry Outhouse and four-star OT Kelsey Adams are both top-150 recruits and top-20 players at their respective positions.
6 total commits
1 five-star | 4 four-stars | 1 three-star
Top Commit: IOL Maxwell Hiller, No. 3 NATL. (No. 1 IOL)
No program is currently hotter on the trail than Florida. Jon Sumrall and his staff have now landed Hiller, a Five-Star Plus+ prospect, four-star QB Davin Davidson and four-star CB Aamaury Fountain this month. Fountain, the No. 25 recruit and No. 4 corner in the Rivals300, flipped from South Carolina. Davidson is the No. 10 QB in the cycle. Last month, UF landed four-star ATH Tramond Collins for the second time. Collins is the No. 114 recruit overall.
10 total commits
0 five-stars | 6 four-stars | 4 three-stars
Top Commit: WR Nick Lennear, No. 26 NATL. (No. 6 WR)
It’ll be tough for another ACC program to leap past the Hurricanes. Mario Cristobal and Co. have closed on numerous top targets early on. Lennear was trending toward The U for a long time and finally committed last month. He’s one of eight in-state commits in the class already. Earlier this month, elite QB Israel Abrams, now the No. 2 passer in the nation, locked in with Miami. Other top commits include four-star IOL Sean Tatum and four-star safety Jaylyn Jones. Tatum is the No. 9 IOL in the cycle.
9 total commits
0 five-stars | 8 four-stars | 1 three-star
Top Commit: CB Xavier Hasan, No. 54 NATL. (No. 7 CB)
No program is more synonymous with building recruiting classes early than Notre Dame. The Irish are in great position to ink another top-10 haul this cycle. Hasan, four-star CB Ace Alston and four-star safety Khalil Terry form an elite defensive back trio atop the class. Four-star IOL James Halter is the No. 7 IOL in the cycle. Last month brought two blue-chip RB commitments via Isaiah Rogers and Lathan Whisenton.
8 total commits
0 five-stars | 6 four-stars | 2 three-stars
Top Commit: EDGE Rashad Streets, No. 66 NATL. (No. 9 EDGE)
The Ducks have made some big moves this month, landing a trio of of blue-chip commitments from Streets, four-star CB Ai’King Hall and four-star CB Josiah Molden. Hall is the No. 10 corner and No. 1 player in Alabama, while Molden checks in as the No. 1 recruit in Oregon. Zane Rowe and Cam Pritchett are both four-star D-linemen in the mix. Rowe is the No. 104 recruit and No. 11 DL in the nation. February brought a commitment from four-star RB Cadarius McMiller, the No. 10 RB in the cycle.
11. Texas — 90.173
12. Tennessee — 89.652
13. Louisville — 89.485
14. Nebraska — 89.395
15. Clemson — 89.230
16. Washington — 89.224
17. Kentucky — 89.069
18. Wisconsin — 88.835
19. SMU — 88.792
20. Michigan — 88.690
21. Penn State — 88.428
22. Vanderbilt — 88.324
23. Cal — 88.046
24. Minnesota — 87.858
25. UCLA — 87.726
Nick Faldo is never one to shy away from giving his opinion, especially at The Masters.
After all, the three-time champion certainly knows what he is talking about when it comes to Augusta National.
The Englishman recently posted a video on social media about Rory McIlroy’s second consecutive Masters victory.
While he did praise McIlroy’s golf, Faldo was more focused on the menu at next year’s Champions Dinner.
The Masters Champions Dinner is one of the best traditions at Augusta, where the defending champion chooses the menu.
McIlroy’s food choices earned good reviews from his peers last week, and Faldo is already looking forward to next year’s dinner.
The 68-year-old made four suggestions to McIlroy to ensure that the 2026 menu meets his standards.
“The most important thing is what we are having for dinner. So I’ve got a couple of suggestions. We need Dublin Bay prawns. I love them,” Faldo said.
“Now, when I won in Killarney, there’s a restaurant in town, and they would take lobster, cook it, and mix it with some Cognac and cream secret sauce and put it back in the shell. That was fabulous.
“Then the other thing – please go to Lough Erne because the chef there had the finest chocolate mousse in the world.
“I promise you [it’s the best] in the world, because he gets his cocoa beans from France and all this sort of thing. He told me all about that. It’s gorgeous, even better than the French can do.
“And I think, even better, we should have a nice bottle or two of Rioja because Seve would have been 70 that week. So there are my suggestions.”
Who knows whether McIlroy will take any of Faldo’s advice when choosing his dishes next year?
Of the four suggestions, it seems most likely that the Northern Irishman would appreciate the idea of the Seve Ballesteros tribute.
McIlroy is a keen golf historian and has always spoken highly of Ballesteros – another of Europe’s greatest golfers.
Real Madrid’s recent loss to Bayern Munich and subsequent exit from the UEFA Champions League will have major ramifications.
There are already reports of the club’s hierarchy wanting to replace not just some key players in the dressing room but also on the operational front, with even Juni Calafat facing the heat.
As part of the expected overhaul, one of the players who is facing an uncertain future at the club is Raul Asencio.
According toEl Mundo, Real Madrid are ready to make big changes in the coming summer, and one of them would be to get rid of Asencio.
The defender had initially made a huge impression, with many hailing him as the lightning spark for the resurgence of La Fabrica talents breaking into the first team.
However, after that initial flurry, Asencio’s spark has faded and the player has turned into more of a utility man than anything else.
End of the road for Asencio at Real Madrid? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
In the current setup, Asencio is largely considered the fourth choice centre-back, behind Dean Huijsen, Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger, while occasionally serving as a makeshift right-back.
With his importance waning in the first team, Real Madrid want Asencio to leave the club in the coming summer.
Despite his recent struggles, Real Madrid are perhaps aware that the Spaniard may still fetch a sizable sum in the transfer market, having already attracted interest from several clubs across Europe.
With a long-term contract, Real Madrid have a sizable leverage should they negotiate with other clubs and the sale of Asencio can then subsequently be utilised to fund other transfer market moves in the summer.
Orioles getting great contributions from 5 players Mets might regret letting go originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Baltimore Orioles are 9-9 to begin the 2026 MLB season, and while it's not perfect, and behind both the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees in the AL East, there's plenty of reason to be optimistic about the team this season.
And a big reason for the success of the team this season is the production of five players formerly on the New York Mets roster. With the Mets struggling at 7-12, these five positive contributors for the Orioles would be big helps for the Mets.
As The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal points out, the five former Mets producing for the Orioles this season are Pete Alonso, Ryan Helsley, Jeremiah Jackson, Anthony Nunez, and Rico Garcia.
"First baseman Pete Alonso and closer Ryan Helsley are the most prominent Baltimore Orioles who previously were New York Mets," Rosenthal writes. "But three other players who last were with the Mets organization - second baseman Jeremiah Jackson and relievers Anthony Nunez and Rico Garcia - also are making an early impact in Baltimore."
While the Mets continue to struggle, the Orioles are looking like a solid team, thanks to the production from a couple of former Mets players.
Alonso, the Mets franchise leader in home runs, is hitting just .197 this season for Baltimore with two homers and seven RBIs with his .677 OPS. He's not playing well, but even he'd be an upgrade for the Mets this season.
Helsley was a disaster for the Mets last season, but this year for the Orioles, he's posted a 2.45 ERA with 11 strikeouts in eight appearances with five saves, and zero blown save opportunities.
Jeremiah Jackson, meanwhile, is hitting .340 with four homers and 14 RBIs this season. He's one of the hottest hitters in the sport, going 11-for-21 in the last five games with four homers and 10 RBIs, including a Grand Slam against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
More: Mets didn’t want to trade Brett Baty while White Sox didn’t want Mark Vientos in Luis Robert Jr. trade
Rico Garcia has been nearly perfect this season, posting a 0.00 ERA with 10 strikeouts in nine outings with just three walks allowed. Garcia hasn't allowed a hit this season, meaning he's thrown a complete-game's worth of no-hit innings.
Anthony Nunez hasn't been so dominant, but even he has a 1.04 ERA and 11 strikeouts in eight outings this season across 8.2 innings pitched.
Any one of these players, with production this good, would be a huge piece for the Mets. Instead, they're all playing well for the Orioles.
The Orioles have won the player exchanges with the Mets in the past year in a major way. The Cedric Mullins trade, which landed Nunez, and the claim of Garcia after being DFA'd were savvy moves that have been huge positions for the Orioles, and net negatives for the Mets.
With Shohei Ohtani pitching but not hitting against the Mets Wednesday night, Dalton Rushing got to fill in as designated hitter.
He did so, though, with a challenge from the two-way superstar.
“Twenty minutes before first pitch, he said, ‘Hey, go hit a home run today,'” Rushing recounted after the game to Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain. “I said, ‘Alright Sho. I got you.’ Sure enough, it happened in the last at bat.”
Dalton Rushing said that Shohei Ohtani told him to hit a home run before the game and Rushing responded by hitting a Grand Slam:
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) April 16, 2026
"20 minutes before first pitch he said: Hey, go hit a home run today. I said alright Sho. I got you. Sure enough it happened in the last at bat." pic.twitter.com/bANLLM7hKQ
Rushing entered the batter’s box in the bottom of the eighth inning with three men on base and no outs. He took the first pitch from Devin Williams 412 feet to center field.
Rushing has seen limited action thus far in 2026, only appearing in five games, the first four as catcher before this turn as designated hitter.
When he has played, though, he’s made the most of it.
Rushing is batting .529 with eight RBIs this year.
Wednesday night was his first grand slam, but he’d blasted three homers already this year.
He also has hit two doubles, including one Wednesday night.
Barring an injury, Rushing is likely to remain in a limited role.
It’s possible, though, that he could continue to DH when Ohtani pitches.
The MVP even complimented Rushing’s performance when interviewed about his pitching-only role after the game, as reported by Courtney Hollmon of MLB.com.
“Yeah, totally,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton. “I mean, we had a really good DH today, so I’m very open to that.”
Having a hitter like Rushing waiting in the wings, though, is depth that many other teams can’t match.
True, part of the plethora of talent on the Dodgers is due to a high payroll, but Rushing and starting catcher Will Smith were both drafted by the Dodgers out of the University of Louisville, making them homegrown talents, not splashy free-agent signings.
This is why the Dodgers are the best-run franchise in baseball.
— Nelson Espinal (@nelson__espinal) April 16, 2026
Andrew Friedman, rather than trading his prospects, keeps them and figures things out later.
He kept Dalton Rushing even with Will Smith in the fold, and now Rushing is breaking out. pic.twitter.com/Gl2X8rnHCo
As explained by Dodgers Nation’s Nelson Espinal, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman’s ability to both develop and acquire talent is what sets the team apart.
“This is why the Dodgers are the best-run franchise in baseball,” Espinal wrote. “Andrew Friedman, rather than trading his prospects, keeps them and figures things out later. He kept Dalton Rushing even with Will Smith in the fold, and now Rushing is breaking out.”
The 2026 NCAA women’s gymnastics championships will go down this weekend at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, but first, we must find out who will be hitting the mats with a shot at the national championship.
On Thursday, April 16, the semifinals will be held, with participating teams split into two sessions. The first session will begin at 4:30 p.m. ET, while the evening session will take place in primetime.
Both sessions can be watched on ESPN2, with live streaming available for free on Fubo.
In the first session, LSU and all-around sensation Kailin Chio will be going up against Florida, Georgia, and Stanford. In the evening session, the defending national champion Oklahoma Sooners face off against Arkansas, Minnesota, and UCLA, which includes Olympic champion Jordan Chiles.
Jan 30, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins Jordan Chiles warms up prior to the gymnastics meet against the Washington Huskies at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The national championship takes place on Saturday, April 18, at 4:00 p.m. ET on ABC.
All of the information you need to watch the semifinals of the NCAA women’s gymnastics championships can be seen below.
Date: Thursday, April 16
Start Time: 4:30 p.m. ET (Session I) | 9:00 p.m. ET (Session II)
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Venue: Dickies Arena
TV Info: ESPN2
Live Stream: Fubo (free trial)
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Round 14 of the SuperMotocross World Championship at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio, is the second consecutive daytime race, so if you enjoyed a little qualification with brunch and some race action for lunch last week, you're in luck. The race will be carried live on NBC, so set your alarm clocks and catch every minute. Peacock will continue to broadcast all the action, beginning with Race Day Live at 9 a.m., followed by the gate drop for the afternoon program at 3 p.m. ET.
This week, fans will be thrilled with the third Triple Crown format of the season.
Hunter Lawrence's victory last week in Nashville puts him in a great position with four rounds remaining, but in a season where the unexpected has become expected, anything can happen.
Eli Tomac faces an uphill battle to reclaim the red plate after falling out the top 10 last week for the second time in 2026. If he fails to gain points on Lawrence this week, his chances of winning the title go way down.
Meanwhile, Ken Roczen continues to be hot and is the only rider other than Lawrence who controls his fate.
The 250 riders have another standalone race, but the Triple Crown format and potential for rain on Saturday leave unanswered questions in that class as well.
For those who live outside Ohio: All 31 rounds of the SuperMotocross season will be streamed live on Peacock.tv.
Here are the pertinent details for watching Round 14 of the 2026 SuperMotocross season at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio:
(All times are ET)
TV coverage of Supercross Round 14 at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio, will begin live Saturday, April 11, at 9:00 a.m. ET on Peacock, and the NBC Sports App. The feature program coverage starts at3:00 p.m.ET, live on NBC and Peacock, featuring qualification coverage. An encore showing will air Sunday at 2 p.m. ET.
All 31 rounds of the 2026 SuperMotocross schedule will be broadcast across the NBC, NBCSN, Peacock, and NBC Sports digital platforms with live coverage of all heats and features on Peacock.
Details on how to sign up are available by clicking here.
View the full list of Peacock’s supported devices here.
Here are the start times and schedule for Saturday’s Supercross race
Qualification
8:30 a.m.: 250 Group C Qualifying 1 (First 2 Minutes Free)
8:47 a.m.: 250 Group B Qualifying 1 (First 2 Minutes Free)
9:04 a.m.: 250 Group A Qualifying 1 (First 2 Minutes Free)
9:21 a.m.: 450 Group A Qualifying 1 (First 2 Minutes Free)
9:38 a.m.: 450 Group B Qualifying 1 (First 2 Minutes Free)
9:55 a.m.: 450 Group C Qualifying 1 (First 2 Minutes Free)
10:22 a.m.: 250 Group C Qualifying 2
10:39 a.m.: 250 Group B Qualifying 2
10:56 a.m.: 250 Group A Qualifying 2
11:18 a.m.: 450 Group A Qualifying 2
11:35 a.m.: 450 Group B Qualifying 2
11:52 a.m.: 450 Group C Qualifying 2
The top 18 times from Qualifying in both classes transfer directly to the Evening Program
12:19 p.m.: 250 Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) – 5 Minutes/Plus 1 Lap
12:29 p.m.: 450 Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) – 5 Minutes/Plus 1 Lap
Evening Program
2:30 p.m.: Opening Ceremonies
3:06 p.m.: 250 Race #1 - 10 Minutes/Plus 1 lap - 22 riders
3:31 p.m.: 450 Race #1 - 12 Minutes/Plus 1 lap - 22 riders
4:12 p.m.: 250 Race #2 - 10 Minutes/Plus 1 lap - 22 riders
4:33 p.m.: 450 Race #2 - 12 Minutes/Plus 1 lap - 22 riders
5:09 p.m.: 250 Race #3 - 10 Minutes/Plus 1 lap - 22 Riders *
5:36 p.m.: 450 Race #3 - 12 Minutes/Plus 1 lap - 22 Riders
* Points awarded for overall combined score. Olympic Scoring.
Why Reds' pitcher was ejected for hitting Giants' Willy Adames with pitch after Spencer Steer NSFW controversy originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants are having a bit of a feud to close out their series on Thursday.
It all started Wednesday night with Spencer Steer and J.T. Brubaker, and it continued into Thursday with more from Steer and then some Connor Phillips and Willy Adames action.
It ended with Phillips ejected on Thursday, but there was more to it than that.
MORE: Bryan Woo was called for the weirdest balk as Mariners played Padres
This started on Wednesday night. Steer was hitting against Brubaker, and after a late timeout was called at the play, Steer yelled out at Brubaker.
Cameras caught Steeler yelling, "F--- you. Throw the f---ing ball."
Nothing else seemed to happen immediately in Wednesday night's game, but in Steer's first at bat Thursday, Landon Roupp hit him with the first pitch.
Maybe, by baseball thinking, that made the sides even.
But by that same line of thinking, a Giants player hadn't gotten hit yet, just yelled at.
So in the eighth inning, Phillips hit Adames. You'd have to read minds to know intent for sure. But Phillips was ejected.
Adames didn't seem happy after being hit by this pitch 😬 pic.twitter.com/kMbAQQ3GII
— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) April 16, 2026
The ejection was oddly not immediate, but only after the umpires talked for a few moments.
Reds manager Terry Francona wasn't happy about it. There hadn't seemed to be a warning issued after the early Steer HBP.
But the umps likely wanted to stop this from escalating further, and that's what they traded to do with the ejection.
Bala Town and Colwyn Bay have won their appeals to be granted a Football Association of Wales (FAW) Tier 1 licence for the 2026-27 season.
Bay are currently fourth in the JD Cymru Premier table while Bala are 11th and battling it out with Flint Town United to avoid relegation with one game remaining.
Both clubs were refused licences on personnel and administration grounds.
Colwyn Bay, who are in the hunt for European qualification via the play-offs, have also been awarded an Uefa licence for next season.
Holywell Town, who have guaranteed a top-three finish in the JD Cymru North, will play in the Cymru Premier next season after winning their appeal.
Caerau Ely, currently fourth in the Cymru South and competing with Ammanford for the third promotion slot were also successful with their appeal, as were Carmarthen Town.
"It has taken a significant collective effort to ensure 22 clubs have gained a Tier 1 licence ahead of the 2026-27 season and the relaunch of the Cymru Premier," the FAW's head of domestic leagues, Jack Sharp, said.
"Massive credit must go to every club that has invested the time, commitment and resources required to meet these standards.
"When we announced the new Cymru Premier structure in September 2024, I recognised the scale of the challenge to deliver a 16-team league defined by sporting merit.
"To get to this moment has required careful strategic planning and strong collaboration with our clubs."
Awarded Uefa Men's Licence for 2026-27 season
Barry Town United
Briton Ferry Llansawel
Caernarfon Town
Cardiff Met
Colwyn Bay
Connah's Quay Nomads
Flint Town United
Haverfordwest County
Penybont
The New Saints
Refused Uefa Men's Licence for 2026-27 season
Llanelli Town – Refused on Infrastructure, Personnel & Administration, Legal & Financial
Awarded FAW Men's Tier 1 Licence for 2026-27 season
Aberystwyth Town
Airbus UK Broughton
Ammanford
Bala Town
Barry Town United
Briton Ferry Llansawel
Caerau Ely
Caernarfon Town
Cambrian United
Cardiff Met
Carmarthen Town
Colwyn Bay
Connah's Quay Nomads
Flint Town United
Haverfordwest County
Holywell Town
Llandudno
Llanelli Town
Newtown
Penybont
The New Saints
Trefelin BGC
Refused FAW Men's Tier 1 Licence for 2026-27 season
Llantwit Major - Refused on Sporting, Infrastructure, Personnel & Administration and Financial
Newport City - Refused on Sporting, Infrastructure, Personnel & Administration, Legal & Financial
Penrhyncoch - Refused on Sporting, Infrastructure, Personnel & Administration and Financial
Withdrawn FAW Men's Tier 1 Licence Applications for 2026-2027 season
Afan Lido
Brickfield Rangers
Buckley Town
CPD Y Rhyl 1879
Denbigh Town
Gresford Athletic
Guilsfield
Pontypridd United
Ruthin Town
Eliot Wolf Reveals Mike Vrabel's Involvement In Patriots Draft Prep originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
It has been all quiet on the New England Patriots front since second-year head coach Mike Vrabel became the subject of some less-than-ideal public attention.
Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf was the first member of the organization to address the media following the Dianna Russini scandal. The press conference spanned 17 minutes, and reporters were friendly to the Patriots’ pseudo-general manager, keeping the questions focused on the football happenings leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft.
The one question that delved into the Vrabel direction dealt with his involvement with the team during this pivotal juncture in the 2026 season.
“Very involved. Business as usual,” Wolf said. “I’d say he’s been in there with us this round, probably a little more than he was in there last year. “He’s been in there. He’s been contributing. He’s watched a ton of the players.”
This is exactly what Patriots fans needed to hear leading into next Thursday’s draft.
In Vrabel’s first season at the helm, many games were won during the three-day draft. He and Wolf hit on a starting left tackle and left guard, a heavily featured running back, a wide receiver who contributed in packages and on special teams, and a fourth-round safety who led all defensive backs in tackles.
It’s a hard performance to follow up, but with higher expectations than last year, everyone in New England’s war room needs to be at the top of their game.
More NFL: Patriots Linked To Drafting 4-TD TE As Potential Hunter Henry Replacement
Barcelona complain to UEFA over Champions League refs: Club claims errors caused loss to Atletico Madrid originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
For the first time in six years, the Champions League semifinals will be without both La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, as the two iconic Spanish clubs were eliminated earlier than anticipated.
While a flawed Madrid side fell to new favourites Bayern Munich in an impressive display of attacking acumen from the Bavarians, Barcelona were surprisingly downed by Atletico Madrid as they were beaten 3-2 on aggregate.
The Blaugrana were felled 2-0 in the first leg at home, leaving them with a multi-goal deficit to overturn on the road. Hansi Flick's side managed a 2-1 victory at the Metropolitano, but were unable to get over the hump and do enough to reverse the aggregate scoreline.
A number of adverse refereeing decisions went against the Spanish giants in the two matches, including a red card to a Barcelona player in each game. The outcome has angered Barcelona hierarchy enough to force them into action, and the club has submitted an official complaint regarding the events across the 180 minutes.
The Sporting News discusses the action Barcelona have taken, how UEFA have responded, and what it is that Barcelona are upset about.
MORE:A look at the all-time Champions League top goal scorers
Following harsh words from president Joan Laporta in the immediate aftermath of the defeat, Barcelona have lodged an official complaint with FIFA over the officiating across both legs of their Champions League quarterfinal matchup against Atletico Madrid.
In an official club statement released on April 16, Barcelona claimed that refereeing crews led by veteran officials Istvan Kovacs (first leg) and Clement Turpin (second leg) significantly impacted the results of the matches.
"FC Barcelona has submitted a complaint to UEFA regarding the refereeing performance in the Champions League quarter-final tie played against Atletico Madrid," the club revealed in its official statement.
"The club considers that, across both legs of the tie, several refereeing decisions were made that did not comply with the Laws of the Game, resulting from an incorrect application of the regulations and a lack of appropriate intervention by the VAR system in incidents of clear significance.
"According to FC Barcelona, the accumulation of these errors had a direct impact on the course of the matches and on the final outcome of the tie, causing significant sporting and financial harm to the club.
"Through this complaint, the Club reiterates the requests previously made to UEFA and, at the same time, offers to collaborate with the organisation with the aim of improving the refereeing system to ensure a more rigorous, fair and transparent application of the Laws of the Game."
There were a few key decisions across the two legs that Barcelona will be particularly furious with.
The biggest decision that went against Barcelona in the two Atletico Madrid matches was the 44th-minute red card to Pau Cubarsi in the first leg. It not only left Barcelona playing down a man for half of the first leg, but also left them without their best defender for the second leg due to suspension.
Cubarsi was sent off for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO) when he fouled Giuliano Simeone, who was clean through on goal. While referee Istvan Kovacs initially produced a yellow card, VAR recommended a review for DOGSO, and Kovacs changed his decision to a red.
Kovacs initially believed the cross was behind Simeone enough that the foul did not necessarily prevent a chance on goal, but upon review, he changed his mind. In the end, Cubarsi has no one else to blame but himself here, and there's little gripe Barcelona can have in this regard, even if they don't believe the decision rose to a "clear and obvious error."
A nightmare few minutes for Barcelona.
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) April 8, 2026
First, Pau Cubarsi is shown a red card — and then Julian Alvarez gives Atletico Madrid the lead with a delightful free-kick. pic.twitter.com/FNvNjExSye
In the first leg, Barcelona were extremely upset that Atletico Madrid defender Marc Pubill, who was in as a substitute to replace an injured David Hancko, was not sent off.
In the 54th minute, with Pubill already on a yellow card for a 45th-minute shove on Robert Lewandowski, Atletico Madrid had a goal kick after Fermin Lopez fired a shot wide. Goalkeeper Juan Musso appeared to kick the ball to Pubill to trigger the restart of play, but Pubill did not notice this happen, and bent down to stop the ball with his hand.
After the match, Giuliano Simeone explained that the goalkeeper is never the one to take goal kicks for Atleti, and therefore Musso was kicking the ball to Pubill so he could put the ball in play. Unsatisfied with the explanation, Barcelona submitted an official protest to UEFA over the incident, which the European governing body dismissed as "inadmissible."
🚨 Barcelona want to file a COMPLAINT to UEFA over the Atletico Madrid hand-ball incident. ⚖️
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Footballtweet) April 9, 2026
Marc Pubill handled the ball after Musso’s kick-off and then took the restart again 😳
The Catalans are FURIOUS they weren’t awarded a penalty 😡
🗞️ SER pic.twitter.com/VkzfSxzoeJ
Just like in the first leg, a Barcelona defender was sent off in the second leg for a similar incident. 25-year-old captain Eric Garcia, who was deployed at centre-back while Ronald Araujo sat on the bench, was sent off for DOGSO after he fouled Alexander Sorloth.
And just like in the first leg, the initial on-field decision of yellow card was changed to red upon review. This time, Clement Turpin initially believed that Jules Kounde was close enough to cover the action, but on review decided Garcia was the last man and red was the correct call.
In the end, the judgement here is the same as Cubarsi's dismissal. While Barcelona maybe could argue that VAR should not have intervened as there was enough to negate the "clear and obvious" threshold, in the end Garcia did enough to create doubt. Kounde was slightly behind Sorloth at the moment of the foul, and proximity to goal just outside the penalty area meant red was probably the right decision in the end, even if it's not as blatant as some might wish for VAR to intervene.
ANOTHER BIG UCL MATCH, ANOTHER RED FOR BARCELONA.
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 14, 2026
A RED CARD IN BOTH LEGS 🤯 pic.twitter.com/tEPGWt9YfU
At this point, UEFA has not responded to the complaint or Barcelona's accusations.
The Sporting News has reached out to UEFA for comment, and will update this section if a response is received.
UEFA have already dismissed two prior complaints from Barcelona regarding this two-legged tie. They deemed the protest over the Marc Pubill handball incident to be "inadmissible," while they received frustrations from Hansi Flick over the state of the Metropolitano pitch prior to the second leg, although no official complaint was reportedly filed over that.
The "significant financial impact" Barcelona claim to have lost by failing to reach the Champions League semifinals begins with the prize money UEFA hands out to the four clubs who reach that stage.
By beating Barcelona and qualifying for the semifinals, Atletico Madrid will have banked €15 million ($16.6m), with the potential to earn a further €25 million ($27.8m) or €18.5 million ($20.5m) by reaching the final, depending on their eventual outcome.
MORE:A full breakdown of the 2025/26 Champions League prize money purse
In addition to prize money lost, the elimination of both Barcelona and Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals could significantly impact La Liga's chances of securing a fifth qualifying spot in next year's competition.
England have already mathematically confirmed one of the two extra places created in the new format of competition which are awarded based on the competitive achievements of two member nations across all UEFA competitions. That leaves just one other spot, with Spain currently chasing Germany for the place.
The Los Angeles Rams nearly made a run all the way to the Super Bowl last season, coming up just short against the eventual champion Seattle Seahawks in the NFC title game. They’ve since made notable additions to their roster with Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, while simultaneously losing minimal talent in free agency.
The Rams are positioned well to push for another ring next season, especially holding the 13th overall pick and three in the top 100 of this year’s draft.
Because Los Angeles is in win-now mode, ESPN’s Ben Solak argues the Rams should be aggressive in the draft and target players who are ready to contribute now. In his piece about how each team can ace the draft, Solak wrote this about the Rams, urging them to “trade up aggressively.”
It's rare that I write this in the predraft process, but here goes: Don't draft for the future. Draft for the now. Trade up aggressively. Find the last infinity stone. Every year with Stafford might be your last. Eventually the Rams will need a quarterbacking heir, but coach Sean McVay is well-compensated and regarded for a reason -- he'll help solve that problem when it comes. For now, just win.
The bottom line: Push for the Super Bowl. Draft pro-ready players, ideally at tackle, wide receiver and linebacker. Trade up!
Les Snead has already said it’s unlikely that the Rams will trade up from No. 13 in the first round, but that doesn’t mean he was being 100% truthful. It could have been a smoke screen to throw everyone off, or if there’s a player they covet that falls into their range, Snead could strike by moving up.
Either way, Solak’s argument is sound. Teams are always drafting for the future and the Rams should still account for that with whoever they pick. However, not every team is in position to win a Super Bowl like the Rams are, while also picking in the top 15.
If someone like Carnell Tate or Sonny Styles were to fall to, say, No. 10, the Rams should strongly consider giving up a Day 2 pick to go get them. They’d immediately make the team better, and at this point, Los Angeles should be aiming for quality, not quantity.
Snead said last month that the Rams were comfortable trading away Day 3 picks in this year's draft for McDuffie because they feel the class is a bit thin in the later rounds. By that logic, they shouldn't mind giving up additional picks to go up for a potential All-Pro talent.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: ESPN analyst explains how Rams can ace the 2026 NFL Draft
NFL teams are going through various exercises ahead of the NFL Draft. The goal is to prepare yourself for any potential unexpected scenario while you’re on the clock.
We’ll work through a scenario I did with Rob Lowder, where we labeled each prospect “hot,” “lukewarm,” and “cold” in each round.
If it’s not self-explanatory, “hot” prospects are the players you’d run to the podium for if they’re still on the board. We listed some players in this category as those rated higher who may slip down the board in a trade-up scenario.
Lukewarm prospects fall under “good but not great.” Players you’d rely on to start and contribute, but come with an obvious floor.
If you’re listed as cold, we identified enough red flags that it’s either a reach, not a good fit, or a combination of both, while we factored in the value.
You’re going to find different opinions consistently when talking about players. Five people could watch a wide receiver run one route, and each person could have a different conclusion. Keep that in mind when you’re reading through this and any other draft evaluation or critique of a player.
The untouchables:
Georgia OT Monroe Freeling
Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson
While unlikely, if either Freeling or Tyson fell to the early 20s, these are two players the 49ers should consider moving up for. Tyson’s injury history may scare some away, but he’s in the cluster of players who project to be a WR1. Freeling could end up being the best tackle in this class, the way he grew this past season. He’s a clean prospect that is still ascending.
The other players we discussed were Auburn’s Keldric Faulk. He’d give the Niners what they’ve been missing since Arik Armstead departed. The other is a wild card. It’s defensive tackle Caleb Banks out of Florida. He broke his foot at the NFL Combine.
Banks only played in a few games this past season. But man, the ways he won in those three games would make me want to roll the dice on his talent. Think of it like this: I’d rather have DT1 than WR5 in the first round. Banks would be a best-player-available scenario.
Realistically, when you’re selecting at the end of the first round, you’re going to end up drafting a player you’re lukewarm on, outliers aside. Here’s the lukewarm list:
Washington WR Denzel Boston
Arizona St OT Max Iheanchor
Clemson OT Blake Miller
Texas A&M WR KC Concepcion
Two wideouts who couldn’t be any more different, but would also help the Niners offense right away. Boston would be the red zone, free access, jump-ball wideout to take over for Mike Evans eventually. Brock Purdy would love playing with a couple of twin towers like Evans and Boston.
Concepcion would have thrived in the playoff game against the Eagles. He can run away from anybody. However, Concepcion isn’t limited to just a speed threat. He’s good off the line of scrimmage, can find the soft spot in zones, and win at every level. He’ll drop the pass where there is nobody around him, but then you’ll see Concepcion hold on to passes where he takes a big hit. Plus, he has 70 career carries. Kyle Shanahan could line Concepcion up in the backfield.
I just watched Miller go against Georgia’s defense in 2024. He went head-to-head against Mykel Williams a good bit in that game. Miiller was overwhelmed by the athleticism, but still held his own. That’s who he is—a guy who finds a way.
Iheanachor’s upside might be better than anybody at the position in the class. If it clicks, he can be a star. His ability to figure things out so quickly at the power level is a sign that the raw prospect just needs more seasoning to turn into a solid pro.
Ironically, some of the most popular players being mocked to the 49ers are listed here:
Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr.
Texas A&M EDGE Cashius Howell
Utah OT Caleb Lomu
UCF EDGE Malachi Lawrence
I believe Cooper Jr. is benefiting from the offense he played in, specifically as the quarterback. He ran a 4.42, but the 10-yard split was in the 48th percentile. The arm length is in the 11th percentile. You did not know his name until this season. And now I’m supposed to believe this prospect is a 1st rounder? Good luck with that. I’ll let somebody else be wrong about him.
Fun fact: Howell has the same arm length as Cooper. Speed-reliant players don’t do it for me. Maybe it’s a me problem. But after watching what wins in the NFL, and seeing the 49ers go the route of speed-first players for a couple of years and now try to pivot away from that after struggling to get off the field two seasons in a row, I couldn’t imagine spending a first pick on the same player you just couldn’t win with.
Lomu is not a bad player. Talent-wise, he belongs in the lukewarm group. But if I were a general manager, I would not be in the business of hoping a player gets stronger and grows into his body.
The later we get into the draft, the less the 49ers should be concerned with positional needs and the more they should focus on drafting good football players. Here’s the list in the second round:
Louisville WR Chris Bell
Arizona State CB Keith Abney
Penn State EDGE Dani Dennis-Sutton
I’ll either be hilariously wrong or unbearable if Bell ends up being what I believe he will be. Players that big, who run that fast and aren’t hindered by physicality, with the tracking ability Bell has, don’t lose in the NFL.
Abney wouldn’t fit a “need,” but it gives the Niners a defensive back with the instincts and athleticism to run any coverage. I’m surprised Abney hasn’t been thought of higher. He does everything well.
Dennis-Sutton played as a freshman at a big-time school. His pressure numbers got better every year. He’s getting lost in the shuffle because the school didn’t fare well in a chaotic season with a coaching change, but Dennis-Sutton, not the EDGEs listed in the first round, is the type of player the 49ers are looking for.
Personally, these three are some of my favorite players to watch in the draft. They are listed here because they need to be in ideal situations. But they’d all flourish in San Francisco:
Illinois EDGE Gabe Jacas
LSU S A.J. Haulcy
Notre Dame WR Malahci Fields
Jacas’s competitiveness makes it easy to stick up for him. He’s on the smaller side, and that’ll occasionally show, but he is as much of a plug-and-play prospect as you’ll get late in the second round.
Haulcy would lead the team in interceptions as a rookie. Let him play behind the 49ers’ defensive line, and he’ll look like a player who was severely underdrafted.
Fields is the YAC, big-bodied wideout that would improve the 49ers’ running game with his blocking. He’d also squeeze out a few extra yards from any underneath pass. Fields won’t be for everybody, but he should be on the 49ers’ radar.
A short list here:
Oklahoma EDGE R Mason Thomas
Tennessee WR Chris Brazzell
I wanted to like Brazzell. Watching him during the season, Brazzell was thought of as a 1st rounder. A 6’4″ receiver running a 4.37 being available in the late 2nd round should ring the alarms. The theme is consistent with players in this section. Brazzell is anti-physicality. That will not play well at the next level.
Thomas was an outstanding collegiate player, but he’s a difficult projection at his size. It’s hard to find where he’ll win over and over again as a pro, which is why he’s here. Again, small is not the direction to go.
The Niners have four swings in the fourth round. If two make the roster, the Niners did well. If one steps on the field and plays meaningful snaps as a rookie, you’re impressed. Here are some prospects who might be able to do that:
Ole Miss WR De’Zhaun Stribling
Washington RB Jonah Coleman
Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson
Georgia CB Daylen Everette
Miami OT Markel Bell
Iowa OG Beau Stephens
Stribling was my favorite wideout to watch in this class. No receiver plays as hard as Stribling did. He’s an A+ blocker, is sneaky good after the catch, and can win at every level.
The running backs would give the Niners a boost in the passing game. They also have enough wiggle as runners to make something out of nothing. I have them as the second and third best running backs in the class.
Everette played as a youngster at Georgia and has plenty of experience. He may be a special teamer, but could play in a pinch—like if Shanahan needs to get in Renardo Green’s ear.
Stephens played at a program that prepares you for the NFL.
Bell is 6’9 1/4″ and 346 pounds. Despite that size, he played over 1,000 snaps in 2025. If there’s a player along the line that the 49ers should draft, it’s Bell, regardless of which round. I’d bank on him being better than a lot of the prospects going in the first two days of the draft.
After Iowa women's basketball secured its second transfer portal commitment of the offseason by way of former Oklahoma State guard Amari Whiting, Hawkeye fans took to social media to celebrate the newest addition to the program.
Last season, the 5-foot-10 senior-to-be from Burley, Idaho, averaged 9.6 points per game on 42.5% shooting from the field, 32.1% from 3-point range, and 71.6% from the free-throw line. Whiting also averaged 5.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.8 steals per game with the Cowgirls.
As the addition of Whiting helps bolster the guard depth on the Hawkeyes squad, here are some of the best social media reactions from Hawkeye fans to the commitment:
Grateful for the journey… exactly where I’m supposed to be 🖤💛 pic.twitter.com/61qpOkG9g8
— Amari Whiting (@amari_whiting) April 15, 2026
Last year, BEST year !! pic.twitter.com/fZOwLjctuo
— Amari Whiting (@amari_whiting) April 15, 2026
Amari Whiting, YOU are a Hawkeye. https://t.co/5FRqIKuXRi
— Skim Milkey (@SkimMilkey) April 15, 2026
Let's go!!! pic.twitter.com/2nmb3u1iMz
— Ihawks (@IhawkFitz) April 15, 2026
The updated Iowa WBB backcourt with career starts...
— Kyle Huesmann (@HuesmannKyle) April 15, 2026
Amari Whiting (97)
Chit-Chat Wright (43)
Dani Carnegie (32)
Taylor Stremlow (20)
It's almost impossible to do something like that in the portal era.
https://t.co/mAzjwYQccgpic.twitter.com/5q3y8SHWka
— Zach Hiney (@zach_hiney) April 15, 2026
With the addition of Amari Whiting, she is the only senior thus far on the Iowa team. 📈
— rkrager8 (@rkrager8) April 15, 2026
Seubert will then slide in nicely next year.
Welcome to the Iowa Hawkeyes, Amari!!! You will absolutely love it here!!!
— Mike Buser (@tallicamike) April 15, 2026
— Jan Jensen (@goiowa) April 14, 2026
Signed. Sealed. It’s official. 🤩@amari_whiting x #Hawkeyespic.twitter.com/xHYr6jDW5s
— Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) April 16, 2026
https://x.com/StavrosForever/status/2038736820976939Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews
This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa women's basketball fans react to Amari Whiting's commitment
Thursday's edition of MMA Junkie Radio with "Gorgeous" George and "Goze" is here.
On Episode 3,660, the OGs welcomed in a trio of guests: UFC Winnipeg headliner Gilbert Burns, UFC 327 winner Aaron Pico, and UFC Fight Night 272 winner Darrius Flowers. Plus, they discussed the big MVP news conference for the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano fight on Netflix, the latest news and much more. Tune in!
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: MMA Junkie Radio #3659: UFC guests Burns, Pico, Flowers, Rousey-Carano
The Chicago Bears are gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft, where they're slated to have seven picks, including four in the Top 89.
The Bears have the 25th overall pick and a pair of second rounders, including the 60th overall selection after trading wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills. Chicago has a slew of needs to address on their roster, but it'll all come down to how the board falls for general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson.
When looking at the history of the No. 89 pick, there are some hidden gems that have turned into impact players. But given Poles' history drafting in the third round, there are questions whether he can find an impact contributor with the 89th overall pick.
The Bears have a slew of positions to address in the draft, so depending on what they do in Round 1, there will be options across the board on Day 3. With this 89th pick, it might be the perfect spot to take a center, including Kansas State's Sam Hecht, Auburn's Connor Lew, Florida's Jake Slaughter and Iowa's Logan Jones.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears draft: Every player selected 89th overall in last 10 years
Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund announced Thursday the sale of its majority stake in Saudi Pro League football club Al-Hilal, where French striker Karim Benzema plays.
The PIF, which also owns English Premier League side Newcastle United, sold 70 percent of Al-Hilal to Kingdom Holding Company (KHC), the firm run by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a billionaire businessman and member of the Saudi royal family.
The deal values the share capital of Al-Hilal at 1.4bn Saudi riyals ($373m).
The sale comes amid scrutiny over the PIF's investment in LIV Golf, with reports circulated that the breakaway tour is on the verge of collapse due to the possible withdrawal of Saudi Arabian financing.
"Al-Hilal is a national symbol and a source of pride for the Saudi people," Bin Talal said in a statement.
"This acquisition expresses our deep belief in the power of sports as a unifying force and a catalyst for national development.
"By applying our global investment standards and cultivating strategic partnerships, we will unlock Al-Hilal's full potential while preserving its history and identity."
The PIF, a wealthy public fund managed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, acquired a majority stake in the Riyadh-based club in 2023, along with three other teams in the Saudi league -- Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad -- as part of the kingdom's sports investment policy.
This capital injection enabled Al-Hilal to attract numerous foreign players, notably Brazilian star Neymar, before his departure in January 2025.
French striker Benzema joined Al-Hilal most recently after terminating his contract with Al-Ittihad.
"The sale aligns with PIF's strategy to maximize returns and redeploy capital within the domestic economy," the PIF statement read.
"This strategy supports PIF's wider efforts to drive the development and diversification of Saudi Arabia.
"PIF is unlocking opportunities to make a transformative impact in the Saudi sports sector and deliver positive, long-term results."
The PIF added that it had "led the transformation of Al-Hilal... empowering it to achieve significant growth in value.
"As a remaining shareholder, PIF will continue supporting Al-Hilal's growth journey."
bur-saa/gk/ea/bsp
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner admits Fiorentina have a ‘more attacking side than we expected’ in the Conference League quarter-final. ‘We know how they’re going to play and what we want to do.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Artemio Franchi at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).
Crystal Palace make only one change from the side that played in London, and that is forced, as Evann Guessand picked up an injury.
“We rotated against Newcastle, so the three players in the front and two midfielders should be fresh. In defence they are doing so well, so it’s all good,” Glasner told TNT Sports.
CRAWLEY, ENGLAND – JULY 25: Crystal Palace Manager Oliver Glasner looks on ahead of the pre-season friendly match between Crawley Town and Crystal Palace at Broadfield Stadium on July 25, 2025 in Crawley, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
The Viola have a mountain to climb after losing the first leg 3-0 at Selhurst Park, especially as they are missing suspended Dodo, plus injured Moise Kean, Marco Brescianini, Fabiano Parisi, Tariq Lamptey and Niccolò Fortini.
With nothing left to lose, Fiorentina coach Paolo Vanoli has chosen a very attacking 4-2-3-1 formation with two creative midfielders supporting Jack Harrison, Albert Gudmundsson, Manor Solomon and Roberto Piccoli.
“Maybe it’s a bit more attacking than we expected, Solomon is more of a winger than Gudmundsson when he played in that position, he’s more of a Number 10, where we expect him today,” confessed Glasner.
“Comuzzo of course is a centre-back and not as attacking as Dodo. I think in April, you can’t change the way you are playing, so you have to rely on the things you are doing well.
“We know pretty well how they are going to play, and we know what we want to do against them.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: Giovanni Fabbian of ACF Fiorentina is challenged by Daichi Kamada of Crystal Palace during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Crystal Palace FC and ACF Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on April 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
Fiorentina are on home turf with a 3-0 deficit to overturn, so they are going to come flying out of the blocks.
“We expect them to be more aggressive than at Selhurst Park, going man for man, making a lot of pressure, you always try to find the pockets, with flick-ons, one touches, the inverted wingers try to cut in and then deliver the cross, with three players in the box,” noted Glasner.
“That is how they are playing. Similarly, we want to move it to the side quickly and find space, then we will create opportunities.
“When you play two legs, this is the situation, but we trust ourselves and the way we are playing. We saw yesterday in the Champions League, at this stage of the competition they are always tight games, and that is what we expect here as well.”
“We know pretty well how they’re going to play, and we know what we want to do” Oliver Glasner ahead of tonight’s Conference League second leg against Fiorentina 👀
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A former player tied to a major NBA betting scandal wants to switch his stance in one of the federal cases against him.
Damon Jones originally pleaded not guilty in November 2025 to providing injury information on star NBA players LeBron James and Anthony Davis to bettors. However, he has requested a change-of-plea hearing, according to ABC News, citing court documents.
The hearing has reportedly been scheduled for April 28.
Jones allegedly twice attempted to sell personnel information to a group of bettors that included Marves Fairley and Shane Hennen. Jones, who played 11 seasons in the NBA for 10 teams, was charged by federal prosecutors in the same case involving Terry Rozier in October 2025.
He was also named in the indictment as a part of a rigged poker game with suspended Portland Trail Blazers head coach and Basketball Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups. Jones hasn’t altered his not guilty plea to that charge.
The first occasion occurred before a February 9, 2023, game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks, when he had a close relationship with James as an unofficial assistant coach.
Jones told the group of co-conspirators that James was going to miss the game. He told them in a text message to “get a big bet on Milwaukee” before the public information on James’ status was released, and Jones asked them to “bet enough” that he would get a piece of the winnings.
James indeed sat out. The Lakers lost the game, and the group of bettors profited from nonpublic information, according to the indictment. James, also a former teammate of Jones, was not implicated in the scheme.
“As alleged, the defendants turned professional basketball into a criminal betting operation, using private locker room and medical information to enrich themselves and cheat legitimate sportsbooks,” U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said in a statement last year. “This was a sophisticated conspiracy involving athletes, coaches, and intermediaries who exploited confidential information for profit.”
In January 2024, Fairley paid Jones $2,500 on a peer-to-peer transaction app for injury information reportedly on Davis, who was listed as probable for the game.
The conspirators thought Davis would sit, but he played, and the Lakers won. Fairley asked for his money back, but Jones claimed it was “credible” insider information, the indictment notes.
Fairley has also pleaded not guilty and said he didn’t benefit from Jones’ nonpublic NBA player injury information.
In the other case, Jones is accused, with Billups, of luring poker players into a game rigged by the mob. The defendants, who have also pleaded not guilty, allegedly used sophisticated electronic equipment to cheat players out of millions of dollars, according to the indictment.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.
Earlier today, FC Barcelona filed another formal complaint with UEFA over the inconsistent and controversial refereeing across their two-legged Champions League quarter-final tie against Atletico Madrid.
One of the biggest grievances that Barça had in the tie was the penalty they were denied in the first half for a handball by Marc Pubill.
The Atletico Madrid right-back stopped the ball with his hand after receiving a pass from his goalkeeper Juan Musso, with the Rojiblancos and referee Istvan Kovacs maintaining that the ball was not in play at the time.
Pubill, who missed the second leg of the quarter-final tie due to suspension, spoke to the media today, where he broke his silence about the incident.
“UEFA has already given its version, so there’s no need to elaborate. My opinion is clear: you can never whistle for that, so I have nothing more to say,” he stated, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Pubill’s handball was not called by the referee or the VAR. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Pubill also described last Tuesday’s second leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano against Barcelona, which saw Atlético qualify for the Champions League semi-finals, as “magical”.
“Doing it in front of our fans was beautiful,” he added.
Barcelona had lost the first leg of the quarter-final tie 2-0, after being reduced to ten men because of Pau Cubarsi’s red card.
Had Pubill’s handball been called by the referee, not only would the Blaugrana have earned a penalty, but the Atletico Madrid star would also have been sent off, meaning both teams would have been left with ten men.
However, it was not to be, much to the frustration and anger of Barcelona, who will now look to focus on sealing the La Liga title.
A football club that is on the brink of promotion to the Premier League has divided fans' opinions after significantly raising its ticket prices.
Adult season tickets at Ipswich Town Football Club will cost about 12% more next season, whether the club remains in the Championship or gets promoted.
The club has frozen season ticket prices for under-12s for the third year, and said adult tickets would be cheap compared to other Premier League clubs.
Fans on social media called the decision "outrageous" and "shameful", while others said it was "understandable" and they were "more than happy" to pay.
The club was last promoted to the top flight in 2023, for the first time in 22 years, but were relegated last season.
In comments under the season ticket renewal announcement on X, one fan accused the club of "exploiting loyalty" and another said Ipswich was "fleecing the fans".
However Sandra Cummingham, a fan of 44 years, said: "I still think compared to some, it's pretty reasonable."
She said: "If we are promoted, you would have four fewer games [in the Premier League], but you're paying for a superior product. You could be watching Arsenal, not Lincoln or Stockport.
"I'm desperate for my club to do well. Clubs have to comply with rules about profit and financial sustainability."
She added: "Nobody ever likes a price increase - we have a cost-of-living crisis, so I hope it doesn't stop people renewing.
"It would be horrible if anyone is priced out."
"It leaves a little bit of a sour taste," said Craig Finbow, who has been supporting the club since 1982.
He presents the Blue Monday podcast for fans of the club, and said other fans he had spoken to "felt the increase was higher than it needed to be".
Finbow said his ticket would cost £581 next season compared to £510 this year – and that comes after a rise last year.
"It's been a 25% increase over the last two years combined, it is a bit of a jump," he said.
"I don't know how that sits with other similar sized clubs, whether it puts us in line with them."
"You could argue that the club needs more money if it stays in the Championship, to attract players – but if we get promoted, the ticket sales pale into comparison with all the money you get from the Premier League.
"It feels a bit like profiteering," he added.
The club added that in many areas of the Portman Road stadium, its 26/27 prices would be similar or lower than the league average.
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As is tradition, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces the picks for the first round of the NFL draft. But after the first round, the NFL gives teams plenty of leeway when it comes to who calls the picks. It can be players, past or present, celebrities and even super fans. On Thursday, the NFL released the names of who will be making many of the picks in the 2026 NFL Draft and Day Two is a star-studded lineup for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
According to a post by ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter, the Steelers will have a different guest picker for each of their four Day Two picks as they stand now. The team will have three former players, Jerome Bettis, Joey Porter Sr. and John Stallworth calls picks as well as current Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. make a selection.
Penn State’s Joey Porter Jr to announce Penn State’s Drew Allar.
— Matthew Rhys Baldwin 🏴 (@MattRhys63) April 16, 2026
BOOK IT. #HereWeGo#Steelershttps://t.co/3EMhSraKku
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to start on April 23-25 and will take place in Pittsburgh, PA.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: NFL announces who will make the Steelers Day Two picks
The San Francisco 49ers went deep in their bag of franchise legends to find a player to announce their second-round pick at the 2026 NFL draft.
Former 49ers punter Andy Lee will take the stage in Pittsburgh to let fans know which player San Francisco is selecting with their scheduled No. 58 overall pick. It's their lone choice on Day 2 of the draft barring a trade.
Lee was a sixth-round pick of the 49ers in 2004 after wrapping up his college career at the University of Pittsburgh. He wound up spending the first 11 of his 18 NFL seasons in San Francisco and put together an outstanding tenure in the Bay Area.
His 49ers career featured three Pro Bowls, three First-Team All-Pro nods and a Second-Team All-Pro selection. In 2011 he led the NFL with 50.9 yards per punt.
Lee's attachment to the 49ers coincides with some of the worst years in franchise history where his exploits as a punter made him the team's best player across multiple seasons. As a 2004 draft pick, Lee didn't experience a winning season until 2011, and in his first seven seasons the club went a combined 39-73.
The 49ers aren't liable to select a punter on Day 2 when Lee announces the pick, but they'd love to find a player who is equally as successful as Lee was in San Francisco for more than a decade.
More 49ers: George Kittle says Achilles rehab is 'trending in the right direction'
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: NFL draft: Andy Lee to announce 49ers 2nd-round pick
Sunrise, Fla. — The Red Wings are expected to clean out their lockers Friday, with players talking with media for the final time this season before heading off to all parts of North America and Europe.
That'll be almost 48 hours since the Wings ended their season with a terrible 8-1 road loss to the Florida Panthers, which was one of those rare times where the score was nicely indicative of how this game transpired.
These were two teams with nothing to play for and closing out their seasons. But Florida — playing a mainly minor-league lineup — simply played with more passion and desire. The Wings did not.
Coach Todd McLellan was blunt and short, approximately 45 seconds, talking with reporters afterward, likely biting his tongue rather than offering truly choice words about the effort.
"I'll tell you that both teams came in with nothing on the line and you could see their championship pedigree," McLellan said. "So I'll compliment the Panthers, it runs throughout their organization. They came and played and it meant something to them."
Did it hurt to watch his team play that way?
"Yep," McLellan said.
Was McLellan and the team embarrassed?
"Yeah, we all should be," McLellan said before walking away.
The locker room was quiet, with players quickly moving into changing areas and the trainers' room. The Wings played without captain Dylan Larkin, a late scratch, after aggravating an injury that kept him out of seven March games.
But with or without Larkin, this wasn't a performance the Wings wanted to go into the offseason with.
"Horrible, there's really not much else to say about it," forward J.T. Compher said. "No one in that room should be anywhere near proud of waht happened on the ice.
"We didn't play like we had respect for the game. That was the result when you don't respect an opponent or anything in this league. That's what happens."
Said forward James van Riemsdyk: "We're representing our city, our organization, our fans, ourselves in here in the locker room. That's obviously not acceptable, the level we played at. It's definitely disappointing."
The Wings concluded the season losing six of seven games. With the season at its most important, they played some of their weakest hockey, including losing several games late when they appeared to be headed to overtime and chances to earn the full two points.
It all added up to missing the playoffs for a 10th consecutive season.
"When you're not consistent enough, you're going to find ways to beat yourself,” van Riemsdyk said. “So it's about finding that consistency to that level that we showed we could play at, and unfortunately, when you get down the stretch, the margins get tighter and when you're not giving yourself a chance game to game, shift to shift and period to period, you kind of roll the dice and leave the game up for chance."
Consistency was an issue with the Wings, especially the second half of the season. They only won eight of their final 24 games (8-12-4) and plummeted down the standings. Within the game, scoring at even strength, more defensive breakdowns, and streakier goaltending became issues.
"The consistency of all our details all over the ice need to be better every night," Compher said. “We have been in the position where every point and every single play throughout the year matters, and it was kind of the same thing this year."
General manager Steve Yzerman is expected to address the media at a later date. Yzerman's offseason is expected to be a busy one, what with holes among several spots among the forwards, and a need to find more offense.
Wednesday's night defeat showed plenty of surgery remains to be done on this roster.
tkulfan@detroitnews.com
@tkulfan
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Detroit Red Wings' loss leaves stench on another disappointing season
The Israeli Classico, one of the biggest matches that the Holy Land can offer between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Maccabi Haifa, is always an anticipated clash.
Maccabi Tel Aviv bested Maccabi Haifa 3-2 to punch its ticket to the Israel State Cup final, where it will meet Hapoel Beersheba.
Dor Peretz opened the scoring, but Eitan Azulay found the equalizer as the first half ended all knotted up at 1-1. After a triple substitution by Ronny Delia, Tyrese Asante gave the yellow-and-blue the lead while Roy Revivo doubled the advantage. Silva Kani pulled back a late goal for Barak Bachar’s side, which wasn’t enough as Maccabi closed out the victory.
The Israeli Classico, one of the biggest matches that the Holy Land can offer between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Maccabi Haifa, is always an anticipated clash that attracts fans from not only the two rivals but from across the spectrum. That’s especially true when the contest also happens to be part of the Cup, as was the case this year when the two met in the semifinals at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem. However, this version of the Classico was unlike any of the others due to the number of fans being limited by the Home Front Command to roughly 5,000.
Prior to a massive game in the capital that would normally attract 30,000 supporters, the shopping center and local establishments would be teeming with people taking up every nook and cranny. With only a fraction of that number, that was certainly not the case as restaurants were not busy and parking, which is usually at a premium in the area, was fairly easy to find. The same was true when entering the stadium with Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in the south stand, Maccabi Haifa supporters in the north stand, and the VIPs located in the west stand.
A serene quiet could be felt around the stadium at halftime as both sets of supporters needed a few minutes to take a breather after an exhilarating half that saw chances galore at both ends.
Cedric Don, who used to dance on this same field for Hapoel Jerusalem, had the chance of a lifetime to give the Greens the lead, but somehow he sent the ball way over the bar.
As Haifa continued to hold all of the cards, Ronny Delia’s Maccabi made a trio of substitutions to freshen up its attack. In no less than two minutes, the yellow-and-blue went right after the Greens, received a corner kick that Revivo promptly put into the box for Tyrese Asante to head it home and take a 2-1 lead in the 58th minute.
The triple substitution is always lethal, a trio of new players with plenty of energy to burn entering the fray, while in this case, Haifa coach Bachar made no changes to his lineup to counter, which led to a Maccabi penalty. With the chance to add an insurance marker, Shahar stepped up and skied the ball into the yellow-and-blue supporter section, giving Haifa a sliver of life.
Now with the chance to rectify the substitution debacle, Bachar quickly inserted a pair of new players, and with that, the Greens raced downfield and created a pair of incredible opportunities, but just came up short as the match hit the 70th minute.
Elad Madmon began the attack, sent the ball to Varela, who in turn passed it to Revivo, who scored to put Tel Aviv up 3-1. Haifa pulled a very late goal back as a result of a scrum in front of the goal via Kani, but it was too little, too late as Maccabi Tel Aviv headed to the State Cup final, and a duel with Hapoel Beersheba for the coveted trophy.
See more Israeli sports coverage at www.sportsrabbi.com/en
With Penn State women's basketball moving in a new direction under Tanisha Wright, her new staff is continuously growing to include many different members with many different experiences. Now, the staff includes a former head coach with tons of playing experience.
On Wednesday, the Lady Lions announced that they would be adding Octavia Blue, who brings with her a highly unique experience. Not only has she played at a high level collegiately, but also has international experience as well, playing in countries such as Israel, Greece, and Poland. She also was drafted in the first round of the WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks, making history for the first time in her career as the first Miami Hurricane to get drafted. That would not be the last piece of history she made.
Throughout her coaching career, Blue has taken on many different roles, starting out at St. Thomas University, then moving to St. John's, before ultimately landing with her alma mater, and then getting a chance to be a head coach with the Kennesaw State Owls. While Blue ended her time with them with a losing record(61-89), she also became the fastest head coach in the program's history to reach 30 wins as well.
While Blue has had a crazy career, the Lady Lions hope that she will be a guiding force in the new era of Penn State women's basketball.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State women's basketball hires new assistant coach
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who played for Austria at Euro 2008, died on Thursday after his car was hit by a train, his former club Red Bull Salzburg said.
The 48-year-old died when a train hit his car while crossing the tracks in the Salzburg region, the Austrian news agency APA reported.
"We mourn our former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident," Red Bull Salzburg posted on its Facebook page.
"Our thoughts are with his family and his friends. Rest in peace, Alexander."
Both the Austrian Football Association and Arsenal also expressed condolences.
"With him, the world of football has lost a very special person," the Austrian Football Association said on X.
"Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger," Arsenal posted on X.
The cause of the accident, in which no one else was injured, is still under investigation, according to police.
Manninger made 64 appearances for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002, winning the Premier League and FA Cup.
He spent most of his time with the Gunners as understudy to David Seaman.
Manninger, however, played a key role when the England goalkeeper was injured in helping the north London club complete a Premier League and FA Cup double in the 1997/98 campaign -- Arsene Wenger's first full season as Arsenal manager.
"He did amazingly well," Seaman told Britain's Press Association news agency.
"He was just a young lad when he broke into the first team. For a 20-year-old to come in and play for Arsenal in the way that he did was really special.
"The fans loved him. And I must admit it was touch and go as to whether I would get back in the side. He was a massive player for Arsenal."
Manninger also won 33 caps for Austria and represented his country on home soil during the 2008 Euros.
He started his career with hometown club Red Bull Salzburg and in addition to Arsenal played for teams across Europe, including the Italian trio of Siena, Juventus, Udinese as well as German club Augsburg.
Aged 39, Manninger signed a short-term deal with Liverpool in 2016 but did not play a first-team game for the English giants.
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The Green Bay Packers have done a mini roster rebuild this offseason, with several veteran starters exiting via trade or free agency. The roster has been left with holes, and possessing only eight picks in the 2026 NFL draft -- including six on Day 3 and no first-round pick -- provides a difficult intersection of needs and draft capital.
However, the roster holes look quite clear, and Brian Gutekunst's proven ability to find quality starters outside Round 1 provides an opportunity for the Packers to plug some short- and long-term needs with the 2026 draft class.
Instead of simply ranking roster needs, let’s categorize the individual needs into the four tiers: rookie contributors, long-term developmental players, positional depth and no clear need.
These are positions where the Packers likely need a rookie to play right away.
Interior defensive line: Who plays nose tackle for Jonathan Gannon's front? It's possible the Packers see veteran Javon Hargrave as an option, and Jonathan Ford and Nazir Stackhouse return. But this is a glaring hole on the roster, and the right rookie could be called on to fill it early in 2026. Overall, the Packers have only four roster locks at defensive tackle entering the draft, and none are true two-gapping nose tackles, so there is a real opportunity for a draft pick to come in and earn a role in the new 3-4 front.
These are positions where the Packers must find capable rookies to play early and develop into the future.
Cornerback: One could easily argue this position belongs a tier above, but the Packers will return Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine and Javon Bullard, an experienced trio who handled most of the starting snaps at cornerback a season ago. Is an upgrade required? Almost certainly, and both Nixon and Valentine are entering contract years. The Packers will take a corner at some point in this draft, and that rookie should be given every opportunity to play snaps early on. Finding a future starter from this class is absolutely vital.
Defensive end: Gone are Rashan Gary and Kingsley Enagbare, who played almost 1,200 combined snaps on the edge last season, and Micah Parsons is recovering from ACL surgery and likely to miss time to start the 2026 season. While the Packers have Lukas Van Ness, Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver returning, this position could use another investment via the draft. You can never have enough pass-rushers, and Van Ness, Sorrell and Oliver are each a variant of unknown at this point in their development.
Running back: Emanuel Wilson departed in free agency, and MarShawn Lloyd is a massive question mark after two injury-plagued seasons. Throw in the fact that Josh Jacobs has over 2,000 career touches in the NFL and an uncertain contact situation past the 2026 season, and running back becomes a position where the Packers could see fit to add competition and depth with a draft pick. A rookie would have a chance to be a legitimate backup option behind Jacobs in 2026 and a future starter as soon as 2027.
Offensive line: Both offensive tackle and the interior offensive line qualify here. The Packers have invested big (via dollars or draft capital) in their five expected starters, but competition and long-term depth planning is always a priority along the offensive line, and nothing is fully settled at guard or center past 2026. Finding a versatile, multi-position player in the draft could make for a valuable contingency plan.
These are positions where competition down the depth chart might be required.
Wide receiver: The Packers lost Romeo Doubs in free agency and traded away Dontayvion Wicks, but their departures were made possible by the long-term planning done a year prior. Matthew Golden and Savion Williams are now expected to slide into more prominent roles during Year 2 seasons. While Christian Watson and Jayden Reed are entering contract years, both are prime extension candidates. The addition of Skyy Moore provides a veteran option down the depth chart, and Bo Melton -- despite a position change to corner -- still only played receiver last season. Still, the Packers could use depth and the stability of a new, four-year rookie contract at receiver. Don't be surprised if the Packers take another swing in the middle rounds.
Tight end: Tucker Kraft, Luke Musgrave and Josh Whyle will all enter contract years in 2026. While Kraft is almost certain to get a new deal, the depth behind him is a long-term concern the Packers might address via the draft this year. Adding a blocking type with receiving potential is a possible path.
Linebacker: The Packers swapped Quay Walker for Zaire Franklin at linebacker. With Franklin, Edgerrin Cooper, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty'Ron Hopper, Nick Niemann, Kristian Welch and Jamon Johnson on the roster, linebacker looks mostly set, especially in a 3-4 front. Franklin's contract and Hopper's slow development does provide an opportunity for long-term planning here, however.
Quarterback: With Malik Willis now in Miami, only Desmond Ridder and Kyle McCord are on the roster behind Jordan Love. Is this the draft class to invest in a long-term backup plan? Or will the Packers look at veteran free agency following the draft, when comp picks are no longer in question? Green Bay is in a win-now window and would probably prefer the veteran option.
These are positions that don't have an obvious short- or long-term need.
Safety: This isn't to say the Packers couldn't attempt to upgrade at safety, especially with Javon Bullard now playing in the slot, but this position remains rock solid. Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams are an excellent starting duo, Bullard has the flexibility to play deep and Kitan Oladapo is entering his third season as a slot/safety combo. The Packers did lose Zayne Anderson, so there might be room for a special teams type at safety.
Kicker/punter: Daniel Whelan emerged as one of the NFL's best punters in 2025, and the Packers backed Brandon McManus over and over again despite some injury issues and late-season struggles. There really is no "long term" discussion of the kicker position; you either have one for the upcoming season or don't. For better or worse, McManus appears to be the guy for 2026.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers draft: Categorizing roster needs entering 2026 draft
CLEARWATER, FL: Felix Reyes of the Philadelphia Phillies bats against the Toronto Blue Jays at BayCare Ballpark on March 21, 2026. (Photo by Nathan Ray Seebeck/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
MLB Photos via Getty ImagesPhiladelphia Phillies’ prospect Felix Reyes turns heads with his outstanding ability to hit a baseball. Heads turn away, however, at the sight of him batting away balls with his glove.
The 6-foot-3, 195-pound slugger was a disaster at third base, somewhat passable at first, and is beginning to get the hang of things in the outfield.
Now in his sixth minor-league season since signing for $75,000 at age 19 in 2020, Reyes has yet to make an error in 16 games at Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2026. That’s good news to the Phillies, who would not mind adding his bat to the big-league lineup.
Reyes is hitting .333 (24-for-72) with 8 doubles, 4 homers and 13 RBI. That comes after he hit .333 with four homers in spring training.
READING, PA: Felix Reyes was bubbling with enthusiasm before the Reading Fightin Phils' game against the Somerset Patriots at FirstEnergy Stadium on July 3, 2025. (Photo by Rob Tringali/Minor League Baseball via Getty Images)
Minor League Baseball via Getty ImagesThat came after Reyes was named the Double-A Eastern League’s 2025 MVP. He won the batting title with a .335 average for the Reading (PA) Fightin’ Phils and had 34 doubles, 15 homers and 65 RBI in 95 games before being promoted to Triple-A last September.
“Every time he swings the bat, it’s on the barrel," Phillies manager Rob Thomson told Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer in March.
Thomson also defended Reyes’ defense. “He’s a lot more athletic and he’s faster than people give him credit for, and he handles himself very well in left field,” he said. “His first base play has improved greatly. He’s really under control, and he never gets sped up, it seems to me. So he’s a pretty impressive kid.”
The Phillies have always worked on Reyes’ defense. Shawn Williams, manager of the Phils’ team in the Florida Coast League, believes Reyes can do more than hit.
In 2024, he gave minor-league writer Larry Shenk his assessment of Reyes’ future:
“Played some shortstop in extended spring. Has good hands and arm, we figured it could only help him to get a few innings there and it did, made some very athletic plays. Always has a smile, great personality. Loves the game, so refreshing to watch someone like that play. He can hit, has power and bat to ball skills. Big body, can play both corners and the outfield.”
Reyes’ game will instantly remind Phillies fans of another defensively-challenged outfielder who won an MVP award at Reading a generation ago.
Greg Luzinski of the Philadelphia Phillies in 1980. (Photo by Louis Requena/MLB via Getty Images)
MLB via Getty ImagesIn 1980, Greg (The Bull) Luzinski hit .325 with 33 homers and 120 RBI at Reading. Called up that September, The Bull bashed 223 homers in a Phillies uniform through 1980, when he helped the team win The World Series for the first time – in the franchise’s 98th season.
From 1975 to 1978, Luzinski averaged .295, 32 homers and 112 RBI. He also accumulated a poor 29 errors in left field over that span. That was better than the 11 he made there in 1972.
Luzinski went to the Chicago White Sox in 1981 and retired at age 33 in 1984 with 307 homers, 1,128 RBI and a .276 average.
Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Dick Stuart in the early 1960s.
Bettmann ArchiveIn 1965, the Phillies had one of the biggest bats and worst fielders in history. Dick Stuart had hit 66 homers in a single minor-league season in 1956. He hit 35 for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1961, 42 and 33 for the Boston Red Sox in 1963 and 1964. For the Phillies, he swatted 28 and had 95 RBI.
Stuart earned the nickname “Dr. Strangeglove” with good reason. At first base, he led the league in errors in each of his first seven seasons beginning in 1958. He had a whopping 29 for Boston in '63.
MLB.com does not have Reyes ranked among the organization’s top 30 prospects. The chief reason, in addition to his ordinary defense, is his history of swinging – and often missing – at any pitch at any time.
In 372 minor-league games, Reyes has only 76 walks to 254 strikeouts. That’s not good but far, far better than many players these days. For example, veteran outfielder Jose Siri has played 373 big-league games with 76 walks and 442 strikeouts.
CLEARWATER, FL: Felix Reyes of the Philadelphia Phillies runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Toronto Blue Jays in a Spring Breakout game at BayCare Ballpark on March 21, 2026. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
Diamond Images/Getty ImagesThat’s a big reason why Siri and other players like him have bounced from team to team and up and down to the minors. Players like that often succeed against lower quality pitching and struggle against big-league stuff.
And while some are clamoring for Reyes to be called up now, the Phillies want him to keep working on improving his defense and pitch selection. He has not made an error in 107 innings this season. That’s progress.
The Phillies signed free agent outfielder Adolis Garcia to a $10 million contract in December to help the power-packed lineup that includes all-stars Trea Turner, Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber. Johan Rojas, who looked so good as a rookie in 2023, is currently out, suspended 80 games for using a performance-enhancing drug on the MLB banned list.
Thus far Garcia has hit only .231 with five RBI. The team will stick with him longer before deciding to make a move.
Felix Reyes is on the Philadelphia Phillies’ radar because he often hits baseballs out of range. With some more refinements, Reyes may make the big time later this year.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
SC Freiburg secured their place in the Europa League semi-final after beating Celta de Vigo 6-1 on aggregate. The Bundesliga representatives will now wait for the winners of Braga and Real Betis.
Despite the great atmosphere inside the stadium, the first half-hour was uneventful in both boxes. That suited Julian Schuster’s team rather well, with their three-goal advantage from the first leg last week still intact in the tie.
And they pretty much finished the job by scoring from their first two shots on target in the next ten minutes. Igor Matanović opened the scoring with a dream goal from outside the box, which needed a VAR check to be cleared from a potential offside in the buildup.
A long ball to Jordy Makengo initiated the first goal, and Philipp Lienhart winning the ball high up the pitch created the second. Yuito Suzuki doubled Freiburg’s advantage after a swift one-two with Jan-Niklas Beste. The slight deflection by the vastly experienced Marcos Alonso made it even more difficult for Ionuț Radu to save the Japanese midfielder’s effort.
In a dream night for Freiburg and Suzuki, the visitors extended their advantage early after the restart. Before the four half-time substitutes by Claudio Giráldez settled in the game, the in-form attacker made it 6-0 on aggregate.
Sergio Carreira denied Johan Manzambi on the goalline after a superb run down the right flank by the Swiss midfielder, but Vincenzo Grifo set up Suzuki’s simple finish from the follow-up.
Noah Atubolu made a few decent saves after that, but he was denied another clean sheet following an injury-time strike by Williot Swedberg. After scoring from each of their three big chances, Freiburg managed to see out the result to secure their place in the last four.
With Germany and Spain fighting for an extra Champions League spot, Freiburg winning both legs against a LaLiga side secured a big advantage for Bundesliga. Following a home Bundesliga game against bottom-placed Heidenheim, Freiburg will face neighbours Stuttgart in the Pokal semis.
Following an ACC title, bowl win and 9-5 season, Duke will have some former players hear their names be called during the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place on April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, Pa.
In The Athletic’s latest mock draft for all seven rounds, three former Blue Devils, led by cornerback Chandler Rivers, are set to make the transition from college to the NFL after stellar careers with the Blue Devils.
Rivers, who recorded 59 total tackles (37 solo) with 3.5 tackles for a loss, eight passes broken up, two interceptions, one quarterback hurry and one forced fumble during the 2025 season, is predicted to go with the 99th overall pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round. Rivers followed up his First Team All-ACC honors in 2024 with Second Team All-ACC in 2025.
Offensive line stalwart Brian Parker is predicted to be the next former Duke player to go, with him selected with the 132nd overall pick (4th round) by the New Orleans Saints.
Finally, Wesley Williams, fresh off a season in which he produced 44 total tackles, 16 quarterback hurries, nine tackles for a loss, two sacks, one pass broken up and one blocked kick, is set to go to the Carolina Panthers in the fifth round with the 158th pick.
This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Where every Duke player goes in The Athletic's NFL mock draft
If you were waiting to buy the flagship AMD Zen 5 X3D chip, you can pre-order it before it launches officially. AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition Listed On Amazon for $999; Newegg Lists it As Well, but No Pre-Order Option At $899 official MSRP, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 was already too expensive, but at $999, the Dual Edition has become the most expensive mainstream CPU in the current generation. After revealing the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition, AMD announced that it's going to see a retail launch on April 22, which is roughly six days away from now. The […]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/amd-ryzen-9-9950x3d2-dual-edition-lists-for-999-on-amazon/
All of Apple’s notebook competitors have been raising the prices of their products left, right, and center, leaving the Cupertino giant’s MacBook series the only viable option if exceptional value is what you’re searching for. Who would have thought that in the year 2026, Apple would become the only brand in the world whose portable Macs are the only sane alternative to purchase? What’s even better is that the M5 MacBook Air prices aren’t just stabilized, but some 13-inch and 15-inch configurations are available for $150 off on Amazon, meaning that from just $949, you can become the proud owner of […]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/m5-macbook-air-impressive-price-to-performance-several-models-150-off-on-amazon/
TSMC, in its Q1 2026 earnings call, talked a bit about Intel as a competitor in the foundry business while stating the benefits of its A14 process node. TSMC Posts Record Revenues But Acknowledges Its Competitors & Their Respective Technologies Good For The Industry For Q1 FY26, TSMC is reporting a revenue of $35.9 billion, up 6.4% Q-Q. During the earnings call, TSMC's Chairman and CEO, C.C. Wei, highlighted the company's current foundry ventures, updates on upcoming nodes, and also stated what he thinks about the competition & the situation regarding the current supply chain. Starting first with Intel, and […]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/tsmc-calls-intel-formidable-competitor-emib-attractive-technology/
NVIDIA has pushed the latest drivers to get players ready for Pragmata, the latest third-person action game from Capcom which is set to release tomorrow, April 17, 2026. The new drivers help players with all tiers of NVIDIA gear, though anyone sporting the latest RTX 50 Series graphics cards will undoubtedly have the best experience as they can take full advantage of the game's support of DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation and DLSS Ray Reconstruction. With path-tracing and DLSS 4 both on, players with that high-end hardware can hit upwards of 200 FPS according to NVIDIA. It's also worth […]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/pragmata-nvidia-geforce-drivers-now-available/
Apple silicon has truly come of age, and if any skeptic still requires an incontrovertible proof, look no further than the performance cores within the new M5 Pro chips, which are now going toe-to-toe with similar cores within Intel's Panther Lake chips, but at a fraction of their overall power draw. The SPEC integer rate metric shows the Apple M5 Pro chip's performance cores go toe-to-toe with similar cores within Intel's Panther Lake chips, while being incredibly efficient For the benefit of those who might not be aware, Apple introduced a new fusion architecture with its M5 Pro and M5 […]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/apples-new-performance-cores-within-the-m5-pro-chip-are-outcompeting-similar-cores-within-intels-panther-lake-chips/
The next entry in 4A Games' Metro franchise, Metro 2039, was fully unveiled today by the development team during a dedicated streaming event. It will be released this Winter on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, and Xbox app). First and foremost, it won't be an open world game, unlike Metro Exodus, which featured semi-open world environments. 4A Games is returning to a handcrafted experience that focuses mainly on Moscow's tunnels. Another significant change is that Artyom, the protagonist of the first three games, has been replaced by the so-called Stranger. This is perhaps not so surprising to those […]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/metro-2039-announced-new-protagonist-moscow-tunnels-winter/
Today’s upgrades for AI Mode in Chrome transform how you interact with the web
ChatGPT citations favor pages that rank well, match the query in their headings, and stay tightly focused, according to an AirOps study of 16,851 queries. The top retrieval result was cited 58% of the time, and pages that answered the main query more narrowly outperformed broader, more comprehensive guides.
Why we care. This study clarifies how to earn ChatGPT citations: win retrieval, mirror the query in your headings, and answer one question extremely well. In this study, that mattered more than breadth.
The findings. Retrieval rank was the strongest signal. Pages in the top search position were cited 58.4% of the time, versus 14.2% for pages in position 10.
What drove ChatGPT citations. In this study, pages that won citations usually ranked well, used headings that closely matched the query, and stayed focused on answering it.
Freshness helps, up to a point. Pages published 30 to 89 days earlier performed best, while pages newer than 30 days performed worse. This suggests new content may need time to build retrieval signals.
About the data. AirOps said it scraped ChatGPT’s interface, not the API, and analyzed 50,553 responses generated from 16,851 unique queries run three times each. The dataset included 353,799 pages and more than 1.5 million fan-out detail rows across 10 verticals and four query types.
The study. The Fan-Out Effect: What Happens Between a Query and a Citation
Google announced Chrome updates that let searchers use AI Mode in a more engaging, deeper way. Chrome lets you do it all without switching tabs and potentially losing your place.
What’s new. Chrome added three new features:
Why we care. These new Chrome-specific features for U.S. English users unlock more AI Mode capabilities. Again, they’re limited to Chrome users for now, but they show the direction Google is taking AI Mode.
United States Officials Urge Heightened Caution for Americans Traveling Abroad Amid Rising Global Risks: All You Need to KnowU.S. officials...
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College Station Set to Shine on the World Stage: Argentina vs Honduras ‘Road to 26’ Showdown at Kyle Field Sparks...
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American Joins United, Delta, Ryanair, Lufthansa in Revolutionising Boarding Pass with New Technological Upliftment for Seamless Passenger Services, New Update...
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Cuba’s Tourism Faces Collapse as US Sanctions Fuel Energy Crisis – What Travelers Need to Know About the Current CrisisCuba's...
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Samsung has launched Food Can cases for the Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro earbuds in the U.S. These cases come in three themes – Sardines, Sweet Corn, and Tomato Soup.
A unique thing about these cases is their design. Their themes resonate realistically with added cuteness. For instance, the Sardines case has a Sardine connected with a lanyard, which could be used as a keychain, and can be hooked onto a bag or belt loop.
These cases fit perfectly on Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro without complicating the process. When you don’t need it, the case comes off effortlessly by pressing it out from the bottom.
The Food Can Cases for Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro are available at $29.99 (each unit) via the official online shop. Customers can also opt for $7.50 in 4 installments.
The post Samsung launches Food Can cases for Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro appeared first on Sammy Fans.
There is finally a clean way to shut out Shorts on YouTube. After months of testing and controls, the platform has started rolling out a zero-minute limit for Shorts, effectively removing the feature from your feed on both Android and iOS.
The change builds on YouTube’s earlier time management tools, which originally capped Shorts usage at a minimum of 15 minutes. Now, setting the limit to zero does exactly what many users have been asking for: it stops Shorts entirely.
Back in January, YouTube expanded Shorts limits for supervised accounts, with a promise that stricter options were on the way. According to YouTube spokesperson Makenzie Spiller, that promise is now fulfilled, via TheVerge.
Once you hit the limit, or set it to zero from the start, the Shorts tab goes blank. You get a simple message saying you have reached your limit. More importantly, Shorts also disappear from the Home feed in many cases.
Infinite scroll formats like Shorts are designed to keep you hooked. One video becomes ten, then fifty, and suddenly half an hour is gone. Samsung users already have Digital Wellbeing tools baked in but those controls often sit one layer above the app.
The post YouTube adds ‘kill switch’ for Shorts appeared first on Sammy Fans.
Google officially launched Android 17 Beta 1 on February 13, 2026, and the tech world has shifted its focus to Samsung’s next major move: One UI 9. Even though the One UI 8.5 rollout is yet to start, Samsung’s internal test servers are already showing early builds for its next-gen software.
Here’s the breakdown of what to expect from the One UI 9 rollout.
When will One UI 9 launch?
We expect One UI 9 to make its official debut around July 2026, likely alongside the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8.
However, if you own a recent flagship like the S26 Ultra or S25 series, you won’t have to wait until July to see the software. A public beta phase is rumored to kick off as early as May 2026. This gives users a chance to test Android 17’s new features before the stable build hits the masses.
The Eligibility List: Is your Galaxy safe?
The big question is always: “Will my phone get it?” While there is no “official” list from Samsung yet, the seven-year update promise makes the math simple.
The upcoming Galaxy S26 series will be the first to test One UI 9 Beta this May. Joining it in the confirmed category are the Galaxy S25 and S24 series, both of which are in Samsung’s internal Android 17 testing.
The same logic applies to the foldable family. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 are already being used for internal One UI 9 “Now Nudge” testing, and the upcoming Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 (along with the rumored “Wide Fold”) will likely launch with this software out of the box this July.
For the A-series, the lines are a little blurrier but still promising for newer models. The Galaxy A56 and A36 are expected to stay in the loop, likely receiving the stable updates toward the end of 2026. Premium tablets; the Galaxy Tab S10 and S11 lineups are now on the same high-priority support track as the S-series phones, making them safe bets for One UI 9.
One surprising entry might be the Galaxy S23 series. Technically, the oldest active flagship will receive One UI 9 as its fourth and final major OS upgrade. If you are still rocking an S23, you have likely got one more big year left.
Now for the tough news. As of early February 2026, Samsung has officially moved the Galaxy S22 series and the Galaxy Z Fold 4 to a quarterly security schedule. These devices, along with the S21 FE and A53, are expected to stop at One UI 8.5.
If your device is on that list, it won’t stop working, but you will be missing out on the new AI-driven “Ask AI” browser tools and system-level resizability features that Android 17 is bringing to the table. If you are looking for a reason to trade in for the S26 this month, this might be it.
Samsung hasn’t confirmed if those older models will get a test of Android 17, so keep an eye on the Samsung Members app for a formal roadmap later this spring.
Important disclaimer:
This is not an official Samsung confirmation for One UI 9 eligibility. No device list has been published by Samsung for this specific update as of February 2026. Eligibility depends on how many major OS versions remain in each device’s promised cycle, regional variations, carrier involvement, and final decisions from Samsung. Policies can change, and some features (especially advanced Galaxy AI ones) may be limited to newer hardware. Always wait for Samsung’s official announcement, check website, newsroom, or the Samsung Members app for the real confirmed list when it drops. Don’t base any purchase or upgrade solely on this info.
The post Samsung One UI 9 (Android 17) eligible devices list 2026: Which Galaxy phones and tablets will get it? appeared first on Sammy Fans.
The upcoming Honor 600 and Honor 600 Pro have now been listed on a European retailer platform ahead of their launch on April 23. This has revealed their approximate prices in the Eurozone - €604.90 for the Honor 600 with 256GB of storage, €651.89 for the one with 512GB of storage, and €930.90 for the 600 Pro which only comes with 512GB of storage apparently. According to these listings, the Honor 600 will have 8GB of RAM and the 600 Pro gets 12GB. Interestingly, if you buy the Honor 600 you are getting a free Honor Watch 2, but the Honor 600 Pro has no such promotional...
Liverpool are facing one of their most difficult seasons in recent years. Not only are they not in contention to win the Premier League, but they were also eliminated from the UEFA Champions League. In addition, Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson have announced their departures. Adding further complications, Virgil van Dijk has reportedly decided not to renew his contract, forcing the club to pursue the signing of Marcos Senesi.
According to James Pearce, via The Athletic, Virgil van Dijk has decided not to renew his contract with Liverpool. Although he is an undisputed starter for head coach Arne Slot, the Dutch defender has decided to leave the team at the end of the 2026-27 season, as he has one year remaining on his contract. With this, the Reds could face significant uncertainty, as Joe Gomez’s contract also expires that same season and Ibrahima Konate has not yet renewed his contract.
Amid uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konaté, the Reds have already secured the signing of Jérémy Jacquet, paying €63.6M to Stade Rennes, with the defender joining Giovanni Leoni as part of the club’s future core. However, the potential departure of van Dijk has forced Liverpool to prioritize the signing of Marcos Senesi, leading the race for his signature ahead of Chelsea and Manchester United, according to Pete Hall and Mark Douglas via The iPaper.
At 28 years old and with four years of Premier League experience, Marcos Senesi would represent an immediate solution for the Reds. By securing his arrival, Liverpool FC would add one of the top left-footed defenders in England, who could benefit from a season alongside Virgil van Dijk to fully adapt to the team. Additionally, the Argentine could play a key role in allowing Giovanni Leoni time to develop, as both share a similar left-footed profile.
Following the arrival of Arne Slot, Liverpool have undergone a major squad rebuild, with the departures of Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, and Trent Alexander-Arnold among the first. Far from ending there, Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson have also announced their exits at the end of the season, losing several key leaders. On top of that, the potential departures of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker would mark the end of an era at the Reds.
With contracts running until 2027, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker are reportedly not expected to renew and could leave as free agents, meaning Liverpool FC would lose key figures from its leadership core. As a result, the Reds face the difficult challenge of replacing their on-field impact, with Giorgi Mamardashvili seen as the successor to the Brazilian, while Marcos Senesi could step in for the Dutchman.
Van Dijk has already pointed to Dominik Szoboszlai as his preferred candidate to become the Reds’ next captain. Still, head coach Arne Slot would need to select two additional leaders, with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch potentially stepping up. This would mark the beginning of a new era for Liverpool, one that raises questions about the squad’s competitiveness and leadership structure.
Lionel Messi finds himself at the center of a new controversy surrounding the Argentina Football Association (AFA), this time involving a high-stakes legal dispute over the October international window. After the Inter Miami star failed to appear in a friendly against Venezuela, the AFA is now reportedly facing a $7 million lawsuit for breach of contract regarding matches scheduled on U.S. soil.
The dispute stems from an agreement with VID, a Miami-based events company, which allegedly paid $7 million in August for the exclusive rights to Argentina’s October friendlies. The world champions were originally slated to face Venezuela on October 10 and Puerto Rico on October 14.
However, the international break clashed with a pivotal stretch of the MLS season. With Inter Miami chasing the 2025 Supporters’ Shield, a match against Atlanta United was rescheduled for October 11. Despite being officially “ruled out due to injury” for the national team’s clash with Venezuela, Messi started for the Herons against Atlanta just one day later, netting a brace and adding an assist in a dominant performance.
While Messi eventually joined the national team to play the full 90 minutes in a 6-0 rout of Puerto Rico at Chase Stadium, the damage was already done. His absence from the Venezuela fixture, where he was spotted watching from a VIP suite with his family, reportedly led to disastrous financial consequences for VID, triggering the multi-million dollar legal action.
According to local reports, the AFA and Messi are facing 10 different charges in the suit. A key stipulation in the contract, as reported by The Athletic, required Messi to play at least 30 minutes in both matches unless sidelined by a legitimate injury or illness, citing his massive commercial draw as the primary value of the deal.
The lack of star power for the Venezuela game resulted in a box-office catastrophe. Hard Rock Stadium saw a dismal turnout of approximately 15,000 fans, representing just 23% of the venue’s total capacity.
Furthermore, the relocation of the Puerto Rico match from Chicago to Miami reportedly dealt another financial blow to VID. The company claims it lost over $1.3 million in promotion and logistics costs for the original Chicago venue. Following the move to Chase Stadium, the promoters allege the AFA breached its contract by failing to refund a portion of the upfront payments as agreed upon.
In an attempt to salvage the partnership, reports suggest the AFA initially promised future U.S. matchups in June 2026 to compensate for the losses. However, those promises appear to have fallen through, and a third-party agent involved in the negotiations has also been accused of fraud.
The current counts against the AFA include negligent misrepresentation and multiple breaches of the $7 million contract. While the total damages sought by VID have not been fully disclosed, the company maintains that the fallout from the October window resulted in millions of dollars in lost revenue.
Despite his strong start at Barcelona, Marcus Rashford has experienced a noticeable dip in form during the second half of the season. With just 5 goals and 1 assist in 2026, the Englishman has become one of the most criticized players in the squad. After his underwhelming performance against Atlético Madrid, he may have effectively ended his chances of staying with the Blaugrana, opening the door to a potential return to Manchester United.
According to El Nacional Cat, Barcelona sporting director Deco has informed Marcus Rashford that the club will not trigger the €30M purchase option from Manchester United. Not only do they consider his valuation to be too high, but they also do not believe he fits the sporting project. After failing to make a decisive impact in the tie against Atlético Madrid, the Englishman has been fully ruled out by the Spanish side.
In the absence of Raphinha due to injury, Marcus Rashford took the his place in the starting lineup for the Champions League quarterfinals. Given a major opportunity to shine, the Englishman delivered a heavily criticized performance, missing key chances in the first leg and being relegated to the bench in the second leg. As a result, Barcelona now appear to have decided against signing him, focusing instead toward a young, high-potential left winger.
With the reported decision by the Blaugranas, Marcus Rashford has decided to change his stance, expressing openness to a return to Manchester United—a move to which coach Michael Carrick is reportedly quite receptive, reports Simon Stone, via BBC. However, the Reds are unwilling to discuss his return to the roster until they have secured their Champions League spot. The English forward could be a key asset in competing against world-class teams.
Marcus Rashford remains under contract with Manchester United until 2028, meaning he would be expected to return to the club at the end of the season. However, the Red Devils could face difficulties covering his high wages and may look to sell him if they fail to secure a spot in the 2026–27 UEFA Champions League. As a result, Juventus FC are reportedly emerging as a clear solution for the Englishman.
According to SportsBoom, the Vecchia Signora are open to signing Rashford if either Manchester United or Barcelona decide not to keep him in their squad. Despite being 29, the English forward could provide a decisive boost to Juventus’ attack, having proven his ability to deliver both goals and creativity. That said, his salary remains a significant hurdle and would likely need to be reduced.
is one of the most skilled fighters in the sport today, but in the eyes of world-class trainer, Robert Garcia, there is one fellow American he believes could be the man to hand the Newark southpaw his first career defeat. Stevenson dominated Teofimo Lopez to become a four-division world champion back in January and ever […]
The post Robert Garcia names the one man who can beat Shakur Stevenson: “He might not want to do that” appeared first on Boxing News.
Beşiktaş'ta Gedson Fernandes transferinde sıcak saatler yaşanıyor! İlk kez gazetemizin duyurduğu Spartak Moskova flörtünde pazarlıklar artık son aşamaya geldi. İlk etapta düşük görülen dönüş ihtimali ibreyi tamamen siyah-neyazlılar lehine çevirdi. Teknik direktör Sergen Yalçın'ın; savunmada Ndidi'nin sertliği, merkezde Gedson'un dinamizmi ve hücumda Orkun Kökçü'nün zekasıyla kurguladığı "rüya orta saha" projesi için geri sayım başladı.
İlk kez gazetemizin duyurduğu Beşiktaş'ın Gedson Fernandes için Spartak Moskova ile yürüttüğü pazarlıklar haberinde kritik eşik aşıldı. Görüşmelerde yaşanan somut ilerleme, transferin gerçekleşme ihtimalini bir hayli kuvvetlendirdi.
BEŞİKTAŞ İHTİMALİ ARTIYA GEÇTİ
Transfer süreci başladığında masadaki ihtimali % 30/70 şeklinde yorumlanıyordu... gelinen noktada dengeler değişti. Kulüpler arasındaki yoğun temaslar ve oyuncunun kariyer planlamasıyla birlikte bu oran, Beşiktaş lehine %55/45 seviyesine yükseldi.
NDIDI-GEDSON-ORKUN ORTA SAHASI
Beşiktaş yönetimi, Gedson’un yanına eklenecek yeni parçalarla ligin en dominant orta sahasını kurmayı hedefliyor. Sergen Yalçın’ın gelecek sezon kurgusunda merkez orta saha için kafasındaki ideal şablon Wilfred Ndidi, Gedson Fernandes ve Orkun Kökçü’den oluşuyor. Rakiplerine hem fiziksel hem de teknik üstünlük kurmayı hedefliyor.
PEKİ BU ÜÇLÜ NELER VAADEDİYOR
Peki, camiayı heyecanlandıran bu üçlü orta saha kurgusu neler vaat ediyor?
- Orta sahanın en gerisinde konumlanacak Ndidi, savunma hattının önünde süpürücü görevi görecek. Top çalma ve pas arası özelliklerini konuşturacak. Gedson ve Orkun’a ofansif özgürlük tanıyacak.
- Beşiktaş’ın motoru Gedson olacak. Topu savunmadan alıp üçüncü bölgeye taşıyacak. Ndidi’nin kazandığı topları dikine driplinglerle rakip yarı sahaya taşıyıp oyunun hızını belirleyecek.
- Sistemin "beyni" Orkun Kökçü olacak. Pas vizyonu, set oyunundaki yaratıcılığı ve ceza sahası dışından etkili şutları, Beşiktaş’ın kapalı savunmaları açmasındaki en büyük kozu olacak. Duran toplardaki ustalığı ise skoru her an değiştirebilecek bir tehdit oluşturuyor.
Kocaelispor'da kaleci Serhat Öztaşdelen'in sözleşmesi uzatıldı.
Trendyol Süper Lig ekiplerinden Kocaelispor, kaleci Serhat Öztaşdelen'in sözleşmesini 2028 yılına kadar uzattı.
Kulübün açıklamasında, futbolcunun sözleşmesindeki opsiyonun kullanılarak sözleşmesinin 2027-28 sezonunu kapsayacak şekilde 30 Haziran 2028'e kadar uzatıldığı ifade edildi.
Natura Dünyası Gençlerbirliği'nin Portekizli milli kalecisi Ricardo Velho, Dünya Kupası hayalini açıkladı.
Natura Dünyası Gençlerbirliği'nin Portekizli milli kalecisi Ricardo Velho, ülkesinin Dünya Kupası kadrosunda yer almayı çok istediğini söyledi.
Velho, Beştepe İlhan Cavcav Tesisleri'ndeki antrenman öncesi basın mensuplarına açıklamalarda bulundu.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 30. haftasında Galatasaray ile önemli bir maça çıkacaklarını belirten Velho, "Evimizde oynuyoruz, 3 puan almak için bu maça çıkacağız. Bütün hafta boyunca çok iyi çalıştığımızı düşünüyorum. Tüm arkadaşlarımızın motivasyonu yerinde. Herkes bu maçta kendini göstermeye çalışacak. Kümede kalma hedefimiz var. O açıdan da çok önemli bir maça çıkıyoruz." değerlendirmesinde bulundu.
Her müsabakada takımına katkı sağlamaya çalıştığını vurgulayan Velho, "Zirve yarışındaki takımlara karşı oynadığınız zaman ekstra motivasyon her oyuncuda oluyor. Ama ben her hafta aynı hazırlandığımı düşünüyorum. Çünkü benim sporcu, kaleci olarak bu kulübe bir borcum var ve bunu ödemem lazım. Her hafta bunun için çalışıyorum. Bu da o haftalardan biri ama başta da dediğim gibi motivasyonlar farklı olabiliyor."
Gençlerbirliği'ndeki performansıyla adından söz ettiren ve Portekiz Milli Takımı'nın Meksika ve ABD ile oynadığı hazırlık maçlarının kadrosunda yer alan Velho, 2026 FIFA Dünya Kupası hedefine ilişkin soruya şu yanıtı verdi:
"Tabii bunun hayalini kuruyorum. Zorlu bir hedef. Bu zorlu hedef için şu ana kadar çok çalıştım. Seçildiğimde de iyi bir iş çıkardığımı düşünüyorum, orada güzel zamanlar geçirdim. Devamının gelmesini istiyorum. Devamının gelmesi için buradaki işlerin de yolunda gitmesi, sezonu iyi bitirmemiz lazım. Bu hayalimi gerçekleştirmek için her şeyi yapıyorum. Umarım gerçekleşir."
"Uğurcan dünya çapında kaleci"
Galatasaray'daki mevkidaşı Uğurcan Çakır'ın "dünya çapında" kaleci olduğunu dile getiren Velho, "Hem Şampiyonlar Ligi'nde hem de ligimizde gösterdiği performans gerçekten etkileyici. Kendisini çok beğeniyorum. Şu ana kadar Türkiye liginde izlediğim kalecilerin neredeyse hepsini beğendim."ifadelerini kullandı.
Sarı-kırmızılı golcü Victor Osimhen'in Gençlerbirliği'ne karşı oynamama ihtimalini avantaj görmediğini aktaran Portekizli kaleci, "İlk maçta da oynamadı ama Galatasaray'ın birçok kaliteli ismi var. Hangi isim oyuna girerse oynamayan futbolcunun yerini doldurabiliyor, belki daha iyisini bile yapabiliyor. Dolayısıyla bunun avantaj olduğunu düşünmüyorum." diyerek sözlerini tamamladı.
Gazetemizin aylar önce duyurduğu Semih Kılıçsoy hamlesi için resmi temaslar başladı! Galatasaray yönetimi, Mauro Icardi'nin yerini dolduracak ismi Beşiktaş'ın alt yapısından yetişen yıldızda buldu. Beşiktaş'tan Cagliari'ye kiralanan genç yetenek Semih Kılıçsoy için hazırlanan akılalmaz plan, hem hukuk duvarlarını aşmayı hem de ezeli rakibi saf dışı bırakmayı hedefliyor.
Galatasaray, gazetemizin aylar önce duyurduğu transfer piyasasını sarsacak dev hamle için düğmeye bu kez resmi olarak bastı. Sarı-kırmızılı yönetim, Beşiktaş’tan Cagliari’ye kiralanan Semih Kılıçsoy için İtalyan ekibiyle temasa geçerek ezber bozan bir teklif sundu.
TRANSFER HİLESİ OLMAYACAK
Sarı-kırmızılı kurmaylar, İtalyan ekibine gönderdiği mesajda transferin yol haritasını şöyle çizdi:
- Semih’in opsiyonunu kullanın ve 12 milyon Euro’yu ödeyin; biz de hemen ardından sizden 13 milyon Euro karşılığında bonservisini alalım.
İtalyan ekibinin bu transferi gerçekleştirme hakkı hukuken var. Galatasaray’ın bu operasyonu Cagliari üzerinden yürütmesi "transfer hüllesi" tartışmalarını da beraberinde getirebilir.
BEŞİKTAŞ'IN HERHANGİ BİR HAKKI YOK
Beşiktaş cephesinde ise durum oldukça kritik. Genç oyuncunun sözleşmesinde "Türkiye’ye dönerse öncelik hakkı Beşiktaş’ındır" şeklinde bir maddenin bulunmadığı öğrenildi. Bu boşluk, Galatasaray’ın operasyonu tamamlaması halinde Beşiktaş’ın hukuki olarak sürece müdahale etmesini imkansız kılıyor.
Gelen bilgilere göre Galatasaray Teknik Direktörü Okan Buruk bu transferin gerçekleşmesini en çok isteyen isimlerin başında geliyor. Doğrudan Osimhen’in birinci alternatifi olarak düşünüyor.
Semih Kılıçsoy tamam! 20 milyon euro'ya Galatasaray'a
ICARDI'DEN DAHA FAYDALI OLACAKTIR
Hatta tecrübeli teknik adamın, Semih’in takıma katılması durumunda taktiksel anlamda ayrılığı beklenen Icardi’den çok daha fazla fayda sağlayacağına inandığı gelen bilgiler arasında.
GAZETEMİZ 20 MİLYON EURO DEMİŞTİ
Bu gelişme aslında yeni bir sürecin devamı niteliğinde... Gazetemiz, Şubat ayında yaptığı haberde "Semih Kılıçsoy tamam! 20 milyon Euro'ya Galatasaray'a" başlığıyla bu transferin fitilini ateşlemişti. Ancak süreç mali açıdan Galatasaray'ın avantajına işliyor.
Fenerbahçe formasıyla Rams Park'a rakip olarak dönmeye hazırlanan Kerem Aktürkoğlu, 'sessiz fırtına' hazırlığında. Rizespor maçında göreceği tek bir sarı kartla derbi hayallerinin suya düşebileceğinin farkında olan milli yıldız, saha içindeki öfkesini dizginlemek için özel bir strateji belirledi. Rize maçında hakemle polemiğe girmeme, sertliğe karşılık vermeme ve riskli hamlelerden kaçınma sözü veren Kerem, yakın çevresine tek bir mesaj veriyor: Galatasaray'ı bana bırakın.
Dört sezon boyunca çimlerini ezdiği Galatasaray'ın stadı Rams Park'a bu kez Fenerbahçe formasıyla dönmeye hazırlanan Kerem Aktürkoğlu, "sıfır hata" parolasıyla hareket ediyor. Sarı-lacivertli oyuncu eski yuvasına dönüş anlamına gelen büyük randevuyu kaçırmamak için adeta kendi iç dünyasında bir seferberlik başlattığı konuşuluyor.
ÖFKE KONTROLÜ ÇALIŞMASI YAPIYOR
Rizespor karşılaşması öncesi sarı kart sınırında bulunan Kerem, kart görmesi durumunda derbide cezalı duruma düşecek. Rams Park'ta sahaya çıkmayı kariyerinin en kritik dönemeçlerinden biri olarak gören milli futbolcu, Rizespor karşısında kendisini dizginlemek için yoğun bir öfke kontrolü çalışması yürütüyor. Kerem derbi hayallerinin suya düşmemesi adına uygulayacağı stratejiyi de belirledi.
3 ANA MADDE ÜZERİNDE DURUYOR
- Kararlar ne yönde olursa olsun hakemle herhangi bir polemiğe girmeyecek.
- Kendisine yönelik sert müdahaleler karşısında sakinliğini koruyacak ve asla fiziksel bir karşılık vermeyecek.
- Oyun içinde riskli ve sert hamlelerden kaçınarak kart görme ihtimalini minimize edecek.
DERBİYİ BEN KAZANDIRACAĞIM
Yakın çevresine ve takıma olan motivasyonunu her fırsatta dile getiren Kerem Aktürkoğlu'nun, dev derbiye olan inancı ise tam. Sürekli olarak "Galatasaray maçını ben kazandıracağım" diyerek kendisini bu hedefe odaklayan yıldız oyuncu, Rams Park’ta galibiyetin mimarı olmak için önce Rizespor engelini kart görmeden aşmayı, ardından da derbide sahanın en etkili ismi olmayı hedefliyor.
Ezeli rakiplerin Divan kurulları öncesi rüzgar yön değiştirdi. 18 Nisan Cumartesi günü aynı anda toplanacak olan Galatasaray ve Fenerbahçe'nin yüksek istişare organlarında yaşanacaklar şimdiden çok merak ediliyor. Nisan başında seçim ilanı ve başkan adaylarının sert düellosuyla sarsılması beklenen Fenerbahçe Yüksek Divan Kurulu'nda sular durgun. Galatasaray'da ise fırtına gündemde.
Galatasaray ve Fenerbahçe için nisan ayı, konuşulan senaryoların aksine oldukça hareketli ve şaşırtıcı bir gündemle cayır cayır yanıyor. Her iki kulübün de yüksek istişare organlarında rüzgarın yön değiştirmesi bekleniyor. Cumartesi günü için kriz işaret ediyor. Nisan başında Fenerbahçe cephesinde beklenen "fırtına" yerini sükunete bırakırken; Galatasaray’da sakin olan beklenti yerini sert bir rüzgara bırakmaya hazırlanıyor.
Hem Galatasaray'da hem de Fenerbahçe'de Divan Kurulu toplantıları Cumartesi (18 Nisan) gerçekleştirilecek. Toplantı öncesinde Galatasaray camiasındaki genel beklenti, Başkan Dursun Özbek’in mevcut projeler ve gelecek planları üzerine rutin bir sunum yapacağı yönündeydi. Ancak son gelişmelerle birlikte rüzgar tersine döndü.
Toplantıda Özbek’in projelerinden ziyade; yönetimsel kararlar ve kulübün son durumunun yoğun eleştirilere maruz kalması bekleniyor. Hatta takımın bu eleştirilerden etkilenme ihtimaline karşılık Divan Kurulu toplantısının gününün değişmesi durumu dahi masada bulunuyor.
FENERBAHÇE'DE İŞLER DEĞİŞTİ
Şaşırtıcı tablo Fenerbahçe Yüksek Divan Kurulu (YDK) toplantısı için de geçerli. Nisan başında sarı-lacivertli camiada tansiyonun oldukça yüksek olması öngörülüyordu. 18 Nisan'daki YDK'da seçim tarihinin netleşmesi, Aziz Yıldırım ve Ali Koç cephelerinin Sadettin Saran’a yönelik sert eleştirilerde bulunması, toplantının oldukça gergin bir atmosferde geçmesi bekleniyordu.
Fakat Fenerbahçe cephesinde de "tersine dönen" bir süreç yaşandı. Beklenen o sert tartışma ortamı yerini daha farklı bir gündem akışına bıraktı. Bir anda şampiyonluk yarışının içine yeniden dahil olan takımın moralini bozmamak adına bütün planlar rafa kaldırıldı.
Galatasaray'da Barış Alper Yılmaz transferinin neden gerçekleşmediğine dair dosya yeniden açıldı! Milli yıldız NEOM ile 35 milyon Euro'ya el sıkışan yönetimin planı, Keçiörengücü'ne mi takıldı? Kasaya girecek net rakamı artırmak için devreye sokulan formülü neden ters tepti? West Ham için hazırlanan '2+2 yıllık kiralama' planının tüm ayrıntıları ilk kez gün yüzüne çıkıyor. İşte çarpıcı iddialar...
Galatasaray’ın yıldızı Barış Alper Yılmaz’ın transfer süreçlerinde yaşananların dair perde arkası bilgileri aralanıyor. Sarı-kırmızılı yönetimin kasasını dolduracak hamlelerde karşılaştığı ilginç engeller gün yüzüne çıkıyor. Buna göre sezon başında NEOM ile el sıkışan yönetim "protokol maddesi" nedeniyle işi bitiremedi.
KASAYA SADECE 28 MİLYON EURO GİRECEKTİ
Bu iddialara göre sezon başında Suudi Arabistan temsilcisi NEOM, milli futbolcu için 35 milyon Euro’yu gözden çıkardı. Galatasaray yönetimi bu rakama onay vermeye hazırdı... ancak önlerinde ciddi bir mali engel bulunuyordu.
Barış Alper’in eski kulübü Keçiörengücü ile yapılan anlaşma gereği, satış bedelinin %20’si (7 milyon Euro) Başkent ekibine ödenecekti. Bu durumda Galatasaray’ın kasasına net 28 milyon Euro girecekti.
ARAPLAR, KEÇİÖREN'LE GÖRÜŞMEDİ
Transferin tıkanma noktası ödeme planında yaşandı. Galatasaray tarafı, Araplara; "Bizim payımız olan 28 milyon Euro’yu bize verin, kalan 7 milyon Euro için Ankara ekibiyle siz anlaşın" teklifini sundu.
NEOM yetkilileri, Keçiörengücü ile doğrudan masaya oturmayı kabul etmedi. 35 milyon Euro’luk operasyon rafa kalktı. Eğer Suudlar görüşmeyi kabul etseydi, Barış Alper bugün Arabistan yolunu tutmuştu.
TOPLAMDA 30 MİLYON EURO
Bir diğer detay ise West Ham ile yapılan görüşmelerde saklı. Galatasaray’ın bir önceki sezonda Barış Alper için Premier Lig ekibine ilginç bir teklif sunduğu da ortaya çıktı. İddialara göre Keçiörengücü’ne ödenecek satış payını devre dışı bırakmak adına şu planı masaya koydu: İlk 2 yıl kiralama için 15 milyon Euro. Sonraki +2 yıl kiralama: 15 milyon Euro daha.
WEST HAM'A BEDELSİZ GİDECEKTİ
Bu formülle toplamda 30 milyon Euro kazanılacak, ancak resmiyette bir "satış" gerçekleşmediği için Ankara ekibine ödeme yapılmayacaktı. Dört yıllık kiralama süresinin sonunda ise Barış Alper, West Ham yolunu bedelsiz olarak tutacaktı. Ancak bu stratejik plan da somut bir transfere dönüşmedi.
Fabrizio Romano, dünyaca ünlü futbolcu Lionel Messi'nin bir futbol kulübü satın aldığını duyurdu.
Dünya yıldızı Lionel Messi bir futbol kulübü satın aldı.
Fabrizio Romano'nun haberine göre Arjantinli futbolcu, İspanya 3. Lig ekiplerinden UE Cornellà'yı satın aldı.
Messi, Katalan ekibinin tüm hisselerinin yeni sahibi oldu.
Uluslararası Atletizm Federasyonu (World Athletics), Türkiye adına yarışmak isteyen Jamaikalı atletlerin, Türk vatandaşı statüsünde uluslararası yarışmalara katılamayacaklarını açıkladı.
İçlerinde Roja Stona, Rajindra Campbell ve Jaydon Hibbert gibi Olimpiyat şampiyonu ya da Olimpiyat kürsüsü görmüş üst düzey 11 Jamaikalı atleti Türk vatandaşlığına geçirip, uluslararası organizasyonlarda Türkiye adına yarışmalarını sağlama girişimi sonuçsuz kaldı.
Bugün toplanan Uluslararası Atletizm Federasyonu’nun vatandaşlık talep dosyalarını inceleyen kurulu, Türkiye adına yarışmak isteyen 11 Jamaikalı atletin milliyet değiştirme başvurularını değerlendirip karara bağladı. Kurul, Jamaikalı atletlerin başvurularını konuyla ilgili düzenlemelerle örtüşmediği için reddedip, Türk statüsünde yarışmalara katılamayacaklarını açıkladı.
Kararın gerekçesinde, sürecin koordine edilmiş bir transfer stratejisinin parçası olduğu ifade edildi. Açıklamada, bu stratejinin Türk hükümeti tarafından tamamen devlete ait ve devlet tarafından finanse edilen bir kulüp aracılığıyla yürütüldüğü, yabancı sporcuları cazip sözleşmelerle ülkeye kazandırılmasının hedeflendiği vurgulandı.
Fenerbahçe, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 30. haftasında yarın sahasında Çaykur Rizespor ile karşılaşacak.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 30. haftasında yarın sahasında Çaykur Rizespor ile karşılaşacak Fenerbahçe, hazırlıklarını tamamladı.
Kulübün açıklamasına göre, Can Bartu Tesisleri'ndeki idman, salondaki core çalışmasıyla başladı. Sahada çabukluk, koordinasyon ve pas uygulamalarıyla devam eden antrenman, taktiksel ve bireysel çalışmalarla tamamlandı.
Sarı-lacivertliler, kampa girerek maç saatini beklemeye başladı.
Galatasaray ve Trabzonspor'da forma giyen eski futbolcu ve teknik direktör Rigobert Song, TFF'ye ziyarette bulundu.
Galatasaray ve Trabzonspor'da forma giyen eski futbolcu ve teknik direktör Rigobert Song, Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu (TFF) Başkanı İbrahim Ethem Hacıosmanoğlu ve TFF Başkan Vekili Mecnun Otyakmaz ile bir araya geldi.
TFF'nin açıklamasına göre Riva Hasan Doğan Milli Takımlar Kamp ve Eğitim Tesisleri'nde gerçekleşen ziyaretin ardından Song, Başkan Hacıosmanoğlu ve Başkan Vekili Otyakmaz'a Kamerun Milli Takımı forması verdi.
TFF Yönetim Kurulu üyeleri Tahir Ediz Kıray ve Bilal Arslan'ın da yer aldığı ziyarette TFF Başkan Vekili Mecnun Otyakmaz, Rigobert Song'a isminin yazılı olduğu A Milli Takım forması hediye etti.
Bu gün Azərbaycan Basketbol Liqasında (ABL) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 1/4 final mərhələsinin ikinci oyunlarına start verilib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ilk oyun günündə iki qarşılaşma baş tutub.
“Ordu” “Gəncə”nin qonağı olub. Gəncə İdman Sarayında baş tutmuş görüş meydan sahiblərinin qələbəsi ilə bitib – 85:78.
Xatırladaq ki, ilk görüşdə “hərbçilər” üstün olmuşdular – 108:106.
Günün ikinci matçında NTD və “Neftçi” komandaları münasibətlərə aydınlıq gətiriblər. Bakı İdman Sarayında keçirilmiş bu görüşdə də “Neftçi” 119:99 hesablı qələbəyə sevinib.
Bu komandaların ilk görüşündə də NTD qalib gəlmişdi – 97:94.
Beləliklə, hər iki cütdə yarımfinala yüksələcək komanda üçüncü görüşdə müəyyənləşəcək.
Xatırladaq ki, ABL-də 1/4 final mərhələsinin digər qarşılaşmaları aprelin 17-də baş tutacaq. Cütlərdə iki qələbəyə daha tez çatan tərəf yarımfinala yüksələcək.
“Bayern”in (Almaniya) fransalı cinah hücumçusu Maykl Olise UEFA Çempionlar Liqasında (ÇL) bu həftənin ən yaxşı futbolçusu seçilib.
Arena.az bu barədə UEFA-nın rəsmi saytına istinadən xəbər verir.
Olise ÇL-in 1/4 final mərhələsinin cavab oyununda “Real”a qarşı keçirilmiş matçın (4:3) sonlarında həlledici qola imza ataraq komandasının qələbəsində və yarımfinala yüksəlməsində böyük pay sahibi olub. Futbolçu səsvermədə Usman Dembele (PSJ), Martin Subimendi (“Arsenal”) və Dani Olmonu (“Barselona”) qabaqlayıb.
“Bayen” UEFA Çempionlar Liqasının yarımfinalında Fransanın PSJ klubu ilə üz-üzə gələcək. Digər yarımfinal cütündə isə London “Arsenal”ı Madrid “Atletiko”su ilə finala vəsiqə uğrunda mübarizə aparacaq.
Xatırladaq ki, “Bayern” Maykl Oliseni 2024-cü ilin iyul ayında İngiltərənin “Kristal Pelas” klubundan 53 milyon avro müqabilində heyətinə qatıb. 23 yaşlı futbolçunun Münhen klubu ilə 2029-cu ilin 30 iyununadək müqaviləsi var.
Olise “Bayern”in heyətində 98 oyuna çıxıb, 38 qol və 52 məhsuldar ötürmə müəllifi olub.
Olise daha öncə “Kristal Pelas” və “Ridinq” klublarının uğurları üçün çalışıb.
Fransanın U-18, U-21 və U-23 yığmalarında da oynamış futbolçu 2024-cü ilin sentyabr ayında əsas millidə debüt edib. O, Fransa millisinin heyətində 15 oyun keçirib, 4 qol vurub, 3 məhsuldar ötürmə verib.
“Transfermarkt” internet-portalı 24 yaşlı hücumçunun transfer dəyərini 140 milyon avro məbləğində qiymətləndirir.
The post Altcoins at Most Oversold Levels in Years, Analyst Flags ETH, ADA, SUI and DOG Setups appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Crypto analyst Dan Gambardello is watching four altcoins right now. The setups forming across Ethereum, Cardano, SUI and DOG on Bitcoin are sitting at oversold levels he has not seen since previous cycle bottoms.
“I’m not saying that the bottom is in. I don’t play that game anymore. I’ve done it and I’ve been wrong,” he said. “However, every cycle so far, these same indicators have basically been the bottom.”
Ethereum is forming a structure on the daily chart that closely mirrors the November 2024 setup before that year’s breakout. Higher highs and higher lows are building at the confluence of the 20 and 50-day moving averages.
Gambardello is watching $2,800 as the first resistance level, which corresponds to the 200-day moving average. If Ethereum can hold the current support zone and break the range, he sees it as the asset most likely to lead the altcoin move.
Rejection back to the moving average confluence remains possible, but the fractal structure is intact for now.
Cardano’s daily MACD is showing a squeeze that looks nearly identical to the October and November 2024 structure that preceded ADA’s breakout. Gambardello is waiting for one specific signal: the histogram closing green above the zero line with genuine momentum behind it.
He said fakeouts are possible, pointing to a false signal in September 2024 before the real move arrived. But the setup is there and he is watching closely.
SUI has declined 85% from its swing high. The monthly Stochastic RSI has been in oversold territory for over a year, an unusually extended reading for a quicker-moving momentum oscillator.
Gambardello said this kind of prolonged oversold condition does not happen often. If a reversal comes, he is watching $1.50 as the short to medium-term target.
DOG has fallen 91% from its all-time high, placing it in a similar drawdown category to ADA and SUI. Gambardello described it as the number one meme coin on Bitcoin and added it was the most engaged meme coin on X last week.
The post Bitcoin (BTC) Price Prediction 2026, 2027 – 2030: How High Will BTC Price Go? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Three months into 2026, Bitcoin price continues to hover around the $70K–$80K zone, and the market is starting to realize that this isn’t weakness, it’s a phase of positioning. Despite multiple attempts, BTC has struggled to sustain moves above the $72K–$76K resistance, while every dip toward the $67K–$69K range is being absorbed quickly. This behaviour reflects a market where selling pressure is no longer dominant, but buyers are also not chasing price aggressively. At the same time, capital rotation across the crypto market remains selective.
Large-cap assets like Bitcoin continue to hold relatively stable, while broader participation remains uneven, a pattern often seen when the market is rebalancing rather than trending. What’s also notable is the steady demand during dips. Recent price action shows consistent buying interest near support, suggesting that stronger hands are gradually building positions, while the lack of breakout continuation indicates that liquidity above remains heavy.
This push-and-pull dynamic has resulted in a tight compression structure, where volatility continues to contract and price action becomes increasingly controlled. Such phases don’t reflect weakness, they reflect preparation. With Bitcoin spending extended time within this range, the structure suggests that the market is building pressure near a key inflection zone, where the next move could define the broader trend for the months ahead.
With that in focus, let’s move into Bitcoin’s price prediction for 2026 and understand what lies ahead.
| Cryptocurrency | Bitcoin |
| Token | BTC |
| Price | $74,362.8564
 0.56%
|
| Market Cap | $ 1,488,498,467,491.19 |
| 24h Volume | $ 41,455,939,521.3017 |
| Circulating Supply | 20,016,693.00 |
| Total Supply | 20,016,693.00 |
| All-Time High | $ 126,198.0696 on 06 October 2025 |
| All-Time Low | $ 0.0486 on 14 July 2010 |
Bitcoin is holding firm near the $74K–$75K region, but the current structure is not just about stability, it is about whether this consolidation resolves into a continuation move. After reclaiming the $72K–$73K zone earlier this month, price has managed to sustain above it, indicating that demand is stepping in on dips rather than reacting late. This shift in behavior is important, as it reflects accumulation rather than distribution at current levels.
At the same time, the broader backdrop is not entirely supportive. Global macro conditions remain mixed, with lingering uncertainty around interest rate direction, liquidity conditions, and risk appetite across markets. These factors are not directly reversing Bitcoin’s trend, but they are slowing the pace of expansion, keeping price action more controlled rather than impulsive.
Within this environment, the market is not fully trending yet. The $76K–$85K range continues to act as the immediate resistance band, where price is encountering short-term supply. However, pullbacks remain shallow, suggesting that buyers are still active and willing to defend higher levels despite external headwinds.
This is where the setup becomes constructive. If Bitcoin continues to hold above the $73K–$74K base while gradually absorbing selling near resistance, the probability of a breakout increases toward the latter part of the month. In that case, a move toward the $80K mark by April end becomes a realistic extension, driven by steady participation rather than sudden volatility.
However, if macro pressure intensifies or resistance continues to hold, the move may take longer to develop, keeping BTC within a tighter range before any expansion. Overall, Bitcoin is not showing weakness, it is consolidating under resistance within a mixed macro backdrop, and once that ceiling is cleared, the move toward $80K is likely to follow with momentum.
Bitcoin’s price structure in 2026 points toward a transition year, where the market is gradually shifting from consolidation into expansion rather than entering a fresh bearish phase.
The first key trigger remains the $75K–$85K range. A sustained reclaim of this zone would indicate strengthening momentum, allowing BTC to move toward the $90K–$100K region, where the next resistance is likely to emerge. If price stabilizes above this level, it would confirm a shift out of the current range, opening the path toward the $110K–$130K zone in the later part of the year.
At the same time, external uncertainties continue to keep the upside controlled. Periodic spikes in geopolitical tensions, sudden liquidity shifts, and risk-off reactions across global markets are creating intermittent pressure, preventing immediate breakout continuation. This is one of the key reasons why Bitcoin, despite holding strong support, is still struggling to trend decisively.
However, what stands out is the consistency in demand. Every dip toward lower levels is being absorbed, suggesting that the market is building a base rather than weakening. This kind of structure typically forms before expansion, especially when downside follow-through remains limited. On the downside, failure to hold the $67K support zone could trigger a temporary correction toward the $60K–$62K region. But unless this level breaks decisively, the broader structure remains intact.
Overall, 2026 is shaping up as a rebuilding and controlled expansion phase, where Bitcoin is stabilizing under external pressure while gradually preparing for its next major move.
Bitcoin’s on-chain data is currently reflecting a strong shift in supply dynamics and holder behavior, aligning closely with the ongoing range-bound structure on the chart. One of the most notable developments is the decline in Bitcoin reserves on major exchanges like Binance, which have dropped to their lowest levels since the start of 2026. This reduction in available supply suggests that coins are increasingly being moved off exchanges into cold storage or long-term holdings, effectively reducing immediate selling pressure in the market.
At the same time, a contrasting trend is visible on platforms like Upbit, where reserves have climbed to their highest levels since 2024. This divergence highlights a shift in liquidity distribution, where global supply is tightening while regional trading activity, particularly in the Korean market, is increasing, often acting as an early signal of rising demand or short-term volatility.
Alongside this, holder behavior is undergoing a significant transition. Data shows that Bitcoin accumulated during late 2025 has now crossed the 155-day threshold, moving into the long-term holder (LTH) category. This shift indicates that a large portion of previously active supply is no longer being traded, but instead held with conviction. Historically, the transition from short-term holder dominance to long-term holder dominance marks a move away from speculative trading toward accumulation-driven phases. The current environment reflects a similar pattern, where conviction-based holding is beginning to outweigh short-term market activity.
Taken together, these on-chain signals suggest that Bitcoin is in a phase where supply is tightening while holding behavior is strengthening, even as price remains range-bound. This kind of setup typically forms when the market is building a base, where reduced sell pressure and increasing long-term conviction gradually set the stage for a stronger directional move ahead.
| Year | Potential Low ($) | Potential Average ($ | Potential High ($) |
| 2026 | 100k | 150k | 180k |
| 2027 | 170K | 250K | 330K |
| 2028 | 200K | 350K | 450K |
| 2029 | 275K | 500K | 640K |
| 2030 | 380K | 750K | 900K |
The BTC price range in 2026 is expected to be between $100K and $180K.
Subsequently, the Bitcoin price range can be between $170K to $330K during the year 2027.
With the next Bitcoin halving, the price will see another bullish spark in 2028. Specifically, as per our Bitcoin Price Prediction, the potential BTC price range in 2028 is $200K to $450K.
Thereafter, the BTC price for the year 2029 could range between $275K and $640K.
Finally, in 2030, the price of Bitcoin is predicted to maintain a positive trend. Indeed, the BTC price is expected to reach a new all-time high, ranging between $380K and $900K.
The long-term projection assumes Bitcoin (BTC) sustains relevance in overall cryptocurrency adoption and the continued development of blockchain payment solutions, with growth moderating over time as the asset matures.
| Year | Potential Low ($) | Potential Average ($) | Potential High ($) |
| 2031 | 540,830 | 901,383 | 1,261,936 |
| 2032 | 757,162 | 1,261,936 | 1,766,711 |
| 2033 | 1,059,945 | 1,766,711 | 2,473,477 |
| 2040 | 5,799,454 | 9,665,757 | 13,532,059 |
| 2050 | 161,978,188 | 269,963,647 | 377,949,106 |
“Jack Dorsey, former Twitter CEO (now X), predicts Bitcoin could exceed $1 million by 2030 due to its ecosystem growth and increasing adoption.”
Cathie Wood, CEO of Ark Invest, projects Bitcoin to reach $1.5 million by 2030, driven by institutional adoption and its position as digital gold.”
“Wall Street broker Bernstein believes 2026 will mark the start of a tokenization “supercycle,” maintaining its $150,000 Bitcoin price target for this year and $200,000 for the 2027 cycle peak.”
“Brad Garlinghouse, the Ripple CEO, predicts Bitcoin will hit $180,000 in 2026, due to favorable market and regulatory conditions.”
Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.
Bitcoin is expected to range between $100K and $180K in 2026, with bullish momentum building as consolidation near $70K shifts into expansion.
Bitcoin could range between $380K and $900K by 2030, with an average target near $750K as adoption, scarcity, and institutional demand grow.
By 2040, Bitcoin could range between $5,799,454 and $13,532,059, with an average estimate near $9,665,757 as adoption and scarcity increase.
Bitcoin in 2050 could range from $161M to $377M, with an average estimate near $269M, driven by long-term adoption, scarcity, and global demand.
Bitcoin can be a strong long-term asset, but it remains volatile. Investing gradually and holding long-term may reduce risk and improve potential returns.
Yes, investing $100 in Bitcoin can be a good start. It allows beginners to gain exposure, learn the market, and benefit from potential long-term growth.
The post Pi Network Latest News: Pi Says KYC-Verified Users Are the Only Metric That Actually Matters in Crypto appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Pi Network’s official account posted a pointed message this week aimed directly at how the crypto industry measures growth, and the argument is harder to dismiss than most project updates.
The network says it has surpassed 18 million identity-verified users on its Mainnet. But the post was less about celebrating the number and more about challenging how that number should be interpreted compared to user figures from other crypto networks.
Most blockchain networks measure growth in wallet addresses or accounts. Creating one costs nothing, takes seconds and can be done thousands of times by a single person or automated entirely by bots. The user counts that projects routinely cite in press releases and growth announcements reflect this reality, whether they acknowledge it or not.
Pi’s position is that its figure means something different. Every user counted in the 18 million has completed a KYC identity verification process, confirming they are a real and unique individual.
“Pi recognised the importance of identity verification early on and that unverified account creation is simply not enough,” the team wrote. “Verified identities are needed for any meaningful transactions, especially in real-world economies.”
The practical case behind the argument is straightforward. Any time an asset transfers hands, the same question arises: who is sending it and who is receiving it. Without verified identity, confirming that a transaction is valid or reaching the correct person becomes difficult.
A fully KYC-verified network theoretically produces measurable differences in how the ecosystem functions. Spam is harder to execute when bot accounts cannot pass identity checks. Trust between participants is higher when every counterparty is a confirmed individual. Applications built on top of the network inherit a compliance layer that most crypto projects have to build separately or do not have at all.
As regulatory pressure on digital assets increases globally, KYC compliance is shifting from a competitive advantage to a baseline requirement for projects operating in regulated environments. Pi’s approach embeds that requirement at the infrastructure level rather than leaving it to individual developers to solve.
Pi Network has faced years of scepticism about its timeline, its mainnet progress and whether its large user base would translate into genuine economic activity. The 18 million verified user figure is the project’s most concrete response to that scepticism.
Whether verified users translates into network utility, transaction volume and sustainable token demand is still being tested. The identity infrastructure is in place. The harder question of what gets built on top of it remains open.
”İnter”in ulduz müdafiəçisi Alessandro Bastoni həm fiziki, həm də psixoloji yorğunluq səbəbindən “Kalyari” ilə oyunda heyətdə yer almayacaq.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu gərginlik fonunda “Barselona” transfer təklifini masaya qoyub.
“La Gazzetta dello Sport”un məlumatına görə, Bastoninin son oyunlardakı performansı və üzləşdiyi mənfi rəylər onun qısa müddətli “fasilə” verməsini qaçılmaz edib. Baş məşqçi Kristian Kivu futbolçunu qorumaq məqsədilə onu heyətdən kənar saxlayıb.
Bastoninin klubdakı qeyri-müəyyən vəziyyətindən yararlanmaq istəyən “Barselona” rəsmi təklif göndərib.
Kataloniyalılar transfer qiymətini aşağı salmaq üçün nağd pulla yanaşı, gənc müdafiəçi Hektor Fortun mübadiləyə daxil edilməsi planlaşdırır.
”İnter” Bastoninin qiymətini 60 milyon avro civarında qiymətləndirir və ulduz oyunçunu dəyərindən ucuz satmaq niyyətində deyil.
”Arsenal”, “Yuventus” və “Liverpul” kimi nəhəng klubların keçmiş qapıçısı Aleks Manninger 48 yaşında faciəvi şəkildə həyatını itirib.
Futbolpress.az Avstriya mətbuatına istinadən xəbər verir ki, hadisə Zalsburq yaxınlığındakı kənddə baş verib.
Manninger idarə etdiyi avtomobillə qorunmayan dəmiryolu keçidindən keçərkən qatarla toqquşub. Hadisə yerində göstərilən ilkin tibbi yardıma baxmayaraq, təcrübəli idmançının həyatını xilas etmək mümkün olmayıb. Qatardakı sərnişinlər isə xəsarət almayıblar.
Avstriya Futbol Federasiyası Manningerin vəfatı ilə bağlı başsağlığı mesajı yayımlayıb:
“Aleks Manningerin ölüm xəbəri bizi şoka saldı. Futbol dünyası çox xüsusi bir insanı itirdi”.
“Çelsi” dayaq yarımmüdafiəçisi Moyzes Kaysedo ilə olan müqavilənin müddətini uzadıb.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə insayder Fabrizio Romano xəbər yayıb.
“Zadəganlar” 24 yaşlı ulduz futbolçunun müqaviləsini 2033-cü ilə qədər yeniləyib.
Kaysedo bu mövsüm “Çelsi” forması ilə ümumilikdə 42 rəsmi matçda meydana çıxıb. Ekvadorlu yarımmüdafiəçi bu qarşılaşmalarda komandasına 4 qol və 1 məhsuldar ötürmə ilə töhfə verib.
Dünya futbolunun əfsanəsi Lionel Messi karyerasında yeni və maraqlı bir səhifə açır.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, ulduz futbolçu İspaniya klublarından birini tamamilə öz mülkiyyətinə keçirməyə hazırlaşır.
Məşhur insayder Fabrizio Romanonun yaydığı məlumata görə, Messi İspaniya üçüncü divizionunda mübarizə aparan “UE Kornella” klubunu satın alır. Klubun yerləşdiyi Kataloniya bölgəsi Messinin uzun illər “Barselona”da çıxış etdiyi və onun üçün doğma sayılan bir məkandır.
Xəbərdə qeyd olunur ki, Messi klubun səhmlərinin 100%-nə sahib olacaq.
O, kluba yeni nəfəs gətirməyi və gənc istedadların yetişdirilməsi üçün yeni bir sistem qurmağı hədəfləyir.
Oskar Kardozo 42 yaşında aktiv futbol karyerasını sonlandırdığını rəsmən açıqlayıb.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, Paraqvaylı forvard bu qərarını sosial media hesabından paylaşıb.
2014-2016-cı illər arasında “Trabzonspor”un formasını geyinən Kardozo güclü fiziki hazırlığı və usta qolçuluğu ilə qısa zamanda azarkeşlərin sevimlisinə çevrilmişdi. O, Türkiyə təmsilçisinin heyətində çıxdığı 66 matçda 28 qol və 6 məhsuldar ötürmə ilə yadda qalıb.
Kardozonun Avropa karyerasındakı ən parlaq dönəmi Portuqaliya nəhəngi “Benfika” ilə bağlıdır. O, bu klubun heyətində 293 oyunda 172 qol vuraraq Avropa futbolunun ən qorxulu hücumçularından biri kimi adını tarixə yazdırıb.
Karyerasının son illərini Paraqvayın “Libertad” klubunda keçirən ulduz futbolçu burada da yaşın sadəcə rəqəm olduğunu sübut edib. O, “Libertad” forması ilə 352 matçda 136 qol və 37 asistlik möhtəşəm göstəriciyə imza ataraq futbolu zirvədə tərk edib.
Kostas Tsimikas has dropped a hint that Roma will not make his move a permanent one after the disappointing loan spell from Liverpool.
The Greece international had made the transfer on deadline day in August 2025 as a loan to the end of the season.
However, he struggled badly under coach Gian Piero Gasperini and made only 24 competitive appearances between Serie A and the Europa League, contributing one assist.
Of those 24 games, the left-back only started 11, as Gasperini largely preferred to shift Wesley over to the left flank rather than use Tsimikas.
This was even after the other choice for that side, Angelino, was ruled out for several months by a bout of pneumonia.
Nobody expected Tsimikas to make it a permanent switch, so it was not entirely surprising when he switched his Instagram profile picture from a Roma jersey back to a Liverpool one.
It is however a little unusual that he would do this when the season is still going.
The Giallorossi haven’t had the best of luck with their loans, sending Leon Bailey back to Aston Villa after just six months, and Evan Ferguson will not be purchased outright from Brighton and Hove Albion either.
Roberto De Zerbi is using a traditional Italian team-building exercise with Tottenham Hotspur, even though a similar approach already failed for Igor Tudor.
The Italian coach has become the third different boss at Spurs during this cursed campaign, and with his team in the Premier League relegation zone, is trying everything to get them working together quicker.
According to Telegraph Sport, De Zerbi took the entire squad out to dinner at Bacchanalia restaurant in Mayfair this week.
This is a common tactic used in Italian football to build team spirit, both during moments of crisis and in general during a season.
Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso tried it with players when he was not given time for traditional training get togethers.
Former Juventus, Udinese and Lazio coach Tudor learned the approach in Serie A too and tried it with Tottenham in February, but to limited results, as he parted company with the club after failing to win a single Premier League game.
“My job now is not to coach a style, with or without the ball, but try to give the players what they need in terms of mentality,” said De Zerbi after losing on his debut to Sunderland.
“My style is to trust the confidence of the players. During the week, they play better because they are clean in their heads, but in the game it is different. My work must be to get them to show what they are doing during the week in a game.”
Behind the scenes at training as we prepare for Brighton
pic.twitter.com/3EblhLAWZ0
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 16, 2026
While reports suggest a frosty rapport between Max Allegri and the club, Matteo Gabbia insists the players ‘all hope he will stay at Milan for a long time, he is a world class coach.’
The tactician only took the job last summer and currently has them in third place in Serie A, on track for a Champions League spot.
However, the drop down from second after back-to-back defeats with Napoli and Udinese prompted some question marks over his future, especially if he is offered the Italy bench.
“Allegri is a world class coach,” Gabbia told Sky Sport Italia.
“Everyone in the squad thinks this. He has a way of handling moments, both good and bad, that is just incredible! His experience, his knowledge of what to say, the buttons he has to press, it’s second to none.
“Then it is up to us to go on the field, assimilate what he asked for, and do the best we possibly can. Allegri has been a very important figure for us this season. We are all very happy with him and his staff.”
Gabbia also spoke to MilanNews and was specifically asked how much the team wants the coach to stay at San Siro.
“It is what the whole team wants, not just what I think. I am speaking here on behalf of the entire squad, we are super happy with the coach and hope he can remain with us for a long time.
“Right now, the most important things are the results, which decide everything. We’ve got to follow him 100 per cent, then it will all go the right way.”
The former Juventus boss has taken some sabbaticals in recent years, but the Milan players have been very impressed with his man-management skills.
“His ability to understand the various moments, especially negative ones, means he knows when he has to go in hard, or when to relax the tension,” continued Gabbia.
“I was honestly really surprised by the way he prepares the matches, because often times he will tell us about situations that genuinely do happen, so we can recreate the response perfectly.
“There are many situations where he can keep surprising us with his working method.”
The Lega Serie B has set the dates for the promotion play-offs and relegation playout, so the season will officially come to an end on May 29.
The race is still wide open for the two automatic promotion spots at the top of the table, and a third will be decided via the play-offs.
Those will begin with a one-off match on Tuesday May 12 between fifth and eighth place, and sixth and seventh.
The semi-finals are played over two legs, home and away, on Saturday May 16 and Sunday May 17, with the return match on May 19 and 20.
The Final is also home and away, with the first leg on Sunday May 24 and the return on Friday May 29.
As for the playouts, those are between 17th and 16th placed teams on Friday May 15 and Friday May 22.
As things stand, Venezia are the Serie B leaders on 72 points, followed by Monza and Frosinone both on 69.
Palermo have 65, then there is a big drop to Catanzaro in fifth place on 55, Modena 52, Juve Stabia 48 and Cesena 44.
| Rank | Teams | Played | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Venezia | 34 | 72 |
| 2 | Frosinone | 34 | 69 |
| 3 | Monza | 34 | 69 |
| 4 | Palermo | 34 | 65 |
| 5 | Catanzaro | 34 | 55 |
| 6 | Modena | 34 | 52 |
| 7 | Juve Stabia | 34 | 48 |
| 8 | Cesena | 34 | 44 |
| 9 | Carrarese | 34 | 42 |
| 10 | Südtirol | 34 | 40 |
| 11 | Mantova | 34 | 40 |
| 12 | Sampdoria | 34 | 40 |
| 13 | Avellino | 34 | 40 |
| 14 | Padova | 34 | 37 |
| 15 | Empoli | 34 | 36 |
| 16 | Entella | 34 | 35 |
| 17 | Bari | 34 | 34 |
| 18 | Reggiana | 34 | 33 |
| 19 | Pescara | 34 | 32 |
| 20 | Spezia | 34 | 30 |
Chelsea have secured a massive long-term boost as world-class midfielder Moises Caicedo has reportedly “given the green light” to a lucrative new contract, snubbing interest from European giants Real Madrid in the process.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the 24-year-old Ecuador international is set to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge until June 2033.
The breakthrough in negotiations comes at a vital time for Chelsea’s BlueCo ownership.
With the club enduring a turbulent 2025/26 campaign under manager Liam Rosenior, securing the commitment of their most vital assets has become a priority to stabilise the project.
Romano posted on X: “Breaking: Chelsea are closing in on new deal for Moisés Caicedo! The agreement will be valid until June 2033 with final details being sorted, as @CLMerlo reports. Caicedo has given green light to #CFC stay for long term.”
?? BREAKING: Chelsea are closing in on new deal for Moisés Caicedo!
The agreement will be valid until June 2033 with final details being sorted, as @CLMerlo reports.
Caicedo has given green light to #CFC stay for long term. pic.twitter.com/767McppwhU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 16, 2026
The deal follows in the footsteps of captain Reece James, who also recently penned a long-term extension.
For Caicedo, the move represents a clear show of faith in Chelsea’s future, despite the club currently sitting 6th in the Premier League and facing a battle for Champions League qualification.
The extension is a significant blow to Real Madrid, who had identified Caicedo as a primary candidate to bolster their midfield this summer.
Reports from Spain suggested that Florentino Pérez was prepared to launch a massive bid for the ‘world-class‘ midfielder.
However, Caicedo recently moved to shut down the rumors, telling El Chiringuito TV that his only focus is on becoming a “Chelsea legend.”
By committing to a nine-year deal, Caicedo has effectively ended any speculation regarding a move to the Santiago Bernabéu, ensuring he remains the centerpiece of the Blues’ midfield for the next decade.
The post ‘Has given the green light’: Chelsea closing in on deal for ‘world-class’ midfielder wanted by Real Madrid appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Having won the Champions League last season, Paris Saint-Germain remain strong contenders for the trophy again, as their double over Liverpool in the quarterfinals clearly shows. Though Ousmane Dembele scored both goals for the Ligue 1 champions against their Premier League counterparts, the midfield section certainly played its part. Joao Neves is simply unbelievable when […]
The post PSG midfielder Joao Neves shows superb ball control to repel Liverpool pressure (Video) appeared first on Soccer News.
The post PSG midfielder Joao Neves shows superb ball control to repel Liverpool pressure (Video) appeared first on Soccer News.
There was plenty of excitement in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal blockbuster between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Bayern had won the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu by 2-1, and it all kicked off straight away as Arda Guler struck for Real in the first minute. Aleksandar Pavlovic equalized only five […]
The post Michael Olise scores superb goal to secure Bayern Munich double over Real Madrid (Video) appeared first on Soccer News.
The post Michael Olise scores superb goal to secure Bayern Munich double over Real Madrid (Video) appeared first on Soccer News.
Marco Senesi, soon to be a free agent as his contract with Bournemouth nears its expiration date, has been linked with a host of top clubs. Juventus and Atletico Madrid are said to be keen on the 28-year-old, while Manchester United and Chelsea are believed to be options for him to remain in England. However, […]
The post Liverpool move ahead of competition in Senesi race appeared first on Soccer News.
The post Liverpool move ahead of competition in Senesi race appeared first on Soccer News.
The Big Ten women's volleyball automatic qualifier will be decided in a new way this fall.
As first reported by Big Ten Network's Emily Ehman, the Big Ten is unveiling a women's volleyball conference tournament to be played from Nov. 20-25 at Fishers Event Center in Fishers, Indiana. The tournament will feature the top 15 teams from the 18-team conference's regular-season standings and will offer the winner an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
“We look forward to bringing the nation’s top talent together for an entire week of exhilarating competition culminating in the crowning of the inaugural Big Ten Volleyball Tournament Champion,” Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti said in a statement.
COURT TIME: Boys volleyball 'engulfing local areas' as newest MHSAA sport
Based on the announced schedule, the tournament appears to operate similarly to the women's basketball tourney, offering double byes to the top four seeds in the conference and byes to seeds 5-9. The number of regular-season conference games will also drop from 20 to 17 per team, with each team playing each Big Ten team once per season.
HUGE news in the volleyball world 🔥 The B1G Volleyball Tournament is coming November 2026! ➡️ @emilyehman breaks down the format: pic.twitter.com/vl6CXhd1sW
— Big Ten Volleyball (@B1GVolleyball) April 16, 2026
The Big Ten is one of the most dominant conferences in women's college volleyball, with representatives in six of the last 10 NCAA title games. Penn State is the most recent Big Ten team to win a national championship, going 35-2 under coach Katie Schumacher-Calway in 2024.
"I am truly proud to be part of a conference that continues to push boundaries, set new standards and lead with innovation and purpose," Schumacher-Calway said in a release. "The introduction of the first Big Ten Volleyball Tournament marks a significant milestone, and it is a testament to the vision and growth of this league. Most importantly, it provides our student-athletes with an even greater platform – putting them center stage and showcasing their talent, dedication and passion at the highest level."
Since USC won the first NCAA Division I women's volleyball national championship in 1981, Big Ten teams have won 22 national titles (though UCLA's four titles and USC's three titles all came when neither school was a part of the Big Ten). Penn State is the most successful long-time member of the conference with 18 Big Ten titles and eight national titles, followed by Nebraska, with six conference titles and five national titles.
Nebraska won the Big Ten in 2025 going 20-0 in conference play and finishing the regular season undefeated, but the 1-seed Cornhuskers lost to the eventual champions, Texas A&M, 3-2, in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament.
Michigan State has won two conference titles (1995-96) while Michigan hasn't won any. The Wolverines did make the national semifinal in 2012.
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You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Big Ten women's volleyball getting conference tournament for 2026
Patrick Mahomes is healing.
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, 30, showed off his brutal scars for the first time since undergoing surgery after tearing his ACL in the final two minutes of the team's Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 14, 2025.
In new photos shared Monday, April 13, by his wife, Brittany, the dad of three posed alongside his kids for a family getaway to a Texas farm in shorts that revealed the blemishes following the procedure, which was successfully completed one day after he sustained the injury.
One of Mahomes' scars is first seen on his left leg just below the knee in a photo taken on a paddle board with his youngest child, daughter Golden Raye, 1, who sat beside her dad's legs as they hung out in the water.
The next photo featured the three-time Super Bowl champ holding his eldest daughter, Sterling, 5, as she reached down to pet a white goat on the farm. The size of that scar is lengthy, extending from the top of his kneecap to his upper calf.
The scars were on display in another pic with Golden that featured the daddy-daughter duo standing tall together on the farm. The NFL star lifted his little girl for the photo, propping her up on his shoulder for the shot.
Patrick, who also shares son Bronze, 3, with Brittany, 30, has been enjoying the offseason with his family as he recovers from the season-ending injury. In March, the Mahomes brood jetted off to a tropical locale for a getaway under the sun.
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Mahomes was back to work after the vacation, sharing a video of himself in a training facility throwing a football for the first time since the injury. In the clip, the athlete ran through a quarterback drill, but wore a brace on his left leg that covered up the scar.
"Day by day! Great being able to throw the ball around today! 🎯⏰" he wrote over the post.
The Chiefs' 19-17 loss to the Chargers on Dec. 14 derailed Kansas City's hopes of a postseason run, with the team failing to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Mahomes broke his silence on his injury a month later and shared his optimistic timeline to return.
"The doctor kind of gives you goals to get to," the NFL star said, sharing he's been "hitting all the checkpoints" in rehab in attempt to be ready for training camp this summer. "I just try to maximize those — they hold me back, because I always want to go a little bit further."
Mahomes said he wants to be "ready for Week 1," noting the doctors said he "could be" but couldn't predict what happens throughout the process.
"You want to be out there healthy and give us the best chance to win," he added.
In April, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid shared an update on Mahomes and a projected timeline.
"Every player is different. I will tell you though, I would never bet against him," Reid said of his QB at the NFL's annual meetings on March 31, per ESPN. "He's going to put in the time and effort and always push it but within reason, so he doesn't take steps back."
He added, "So far, it's all been positive. He's doing great."
Read the original article on People
When MLB launched its automated strike zone (ABS) challenge system, the challenge limit was always going to force teams into taking a strategic approach around deploying those challenges.
Well, it was only a matter of time until teams would come up with some gamesmanship for ABS. Twins catcher Victor Caratini did just that this week, and it was brilliant.
One of the consequences of ABS is that it kind of negates the need for catchers to frame pitches (unless the team is out of challenges). They generally have a good sense of the strike zone, so if an umpire misses a call, the catcher can simply initiate a challenge. But a bad frame job can really throw off the batter when he looks back on a taken pitch.
Caratini put that to the test with Red Sox infielder Andruw Monasterio at the plate, and it worked to perfection. Caratini wildly framed his glove outside the strike zone on a strikeout call, baiting Monasterio to challenge a pitch that was comfortably in the strike zone.
Andruw Monasterio’s losing challenge.
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) April 15, 2026
Don’t do that. pic.twitter.com/vRhd43mmym
The look of embarrassment was so real, and Caratini knew exactly what he was doing there.
not a great decision to challenge by Andruw Monasterio pic.twitter.com/UWsbfdyR2M
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) April 15, 2026
So, just like that, the Red Sox lost their challenge and Monasterio had himself a shameful walk back to the dugout.
We'll surely see other catchers take a similar approach. Those challenges are precious resources, and if catchers can get a batter to waste one on an obvious strike, it makes the pitcher's job so much easier.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Twins catcher cleverly tricked batter into wasting ABS challenge
Angers host Le Havre this Saturday at the Stade Raymond-Kopa for matchweek 30 of the Ligue 1.
Angers currently have 33 points and lie in 13th position. Last time out, Alexandre Dujeux's team slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Rennes (Ligue 1 2025/26).
Le Havre have picked up 29 points and currently lie in 14th position. In their last fixture, Didier Digard's team shared the spoils 1-1 with Nice (Ligue 1 2025/26).
The last meeting between the two teams ended with Le Havre winning 2-1.
Angers: Hervé Koffi, Marius Louer, Lillian Rao-Lisoa, Jordan Lefort, Ousmane Camara, Jacques Ekomié, Louis Mouton, Haris Belkebla, Branco van den Boomen, Amine Sbai, Lanroy Machine
Le Havre: Mory Diaw, Fodé Doucouré, Gautier Lloris, Arouna Sangante, Yanis Zouaoui, Ayumu Seko, Simon Ebonog, Lucas Gourna-Douath, Issa Soumaré, Sofiane Boufal, Rassoul Ndiaye
Angers ( vs Rennes 2026-04-11): Hervé Koffi, Lillian Rao-Lisoa, Marius Louãr, Jordan Lefort, Jacques Ekomié, Ousmane Camara, Louis Mouton, Branco van den Boomen, Haris Belkebla, Lanroy Machine, Amine Sbai
Le Havre ( vs Nice 2026-04-12): Mory Diaw, Fodé Doucouré, Arouna Sangante, Ayumu Seko, Gautier Lloris, Yanis Zouaoui, Rassoul Ndiaye, Lucas Gourna-Douath, Simon Ebonog, Ally Samatta, Issa Soumaré
Liverpool have faced turmoil in the striking department this season.
Alexander Isak - a record £125m signing from Newcastle - has yet to really get going. The Swede has only got two Premier League goals to his name in a write-off of a campaign - suffering numerous injury problems inculding a broken leg.
His strike partner Hugo Ekitike meanwhile has got off to a better start at Anfield. The 23-year-old has got 11 top-flight goals to his name - 17 in all competitions - but is now set for an extended spell on the sidelines.
Ekitike was hit with what appears to be an achilles tendon injury against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and could be out long-term.
Given Isak’s lack of robustness it could mean Arne Slot and Richard Hughes going back into the market for a striker next summer. Isak isn’t the kind of player to be relied upon to play every game and so the Premier League champions require options.
One option in the frame is Premier League breakout star Eli Junior Kroupi. The 10-goal Bournemouth rookie has been outstanding for Andoni Iraola’s side - attracting interest from around the top flight as well as abroad.
The Daily Mail now claims that Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea are in the chase for the young Frenchman - who moved to the south coast from Lorient last summer.
“Kroupi is attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs, notably Liverpool and Chelsea, as well as teams in Spain,” the report reads.
Eli Junior Kroupi is a 2006‑born forward who joined Bournemouth from Lorient in 2025 and has quickly become one of the Premier League’s most talked‑about teenage attackers.
Standing around 1.79m and right‑footed, he typically wears No.22 and is already a France youth international while still eligible for Ivory Coast.
He is a versatile attacker who can play as a central striker, left winger or left‑sided midfielder, but is at his best drifting in from the left to finish moves.
His game is built on movement, timing and clean ball‑striking rather than pure physical dominance, with very strong underlying shot volume and goal numbers for his age group dating back to his prolific Ligue 2 season with Lorient.
In 2025‑26 he has produced 10 Premier League goals in just over 1,200 minutes for Bournemouth, posting elite shot and goal metrics relative to other young forwards and cementing himself as their main attacking reference.
That output, on a team expected to be fighting in the bottom half, is fuelling the “wonderkid” tag and heavy interest from bigger clubs.
Inter are looking to land the plane after getting back on track with two crucial victories and continue planning for the summer, which will be livelier than the last one. However, given their abrupt UEFA Champions League elimination, their budget won’t be large. Oaktree will grant €30/40M, and the rest will have to come from the sales, La Repubblica informs.
The Nerazzurri are on the verge of reaching a long-term agreement with coach Christian Chivu. They’ll move on from a few veterans and search for younger replacements. Guglielmo Vicario continues to be their main target for the goal, but everything is on hold for now, considering Tottenham’s precarious situation.
Inter have added Gianluca Mancini to their list of defensive targets. Adding an experienced player wouldn’t hurt, especially if they sold Alessandro Bastoni. He was close to renewing his contract with Roma, but they halted every negotiation to focus on their remaining matches. Oumar Solet and Tarik Muharemovic are squarely on their radar. The Nerazzurri will keep tabs on Nico Paz once Real Madrid bring him back, but his valuation will start from €50M.
As for the likely departures, they seem finally ready to facilitate Davide Frattesi’s exit and are open for business for Luis Henrique and Andy Diouf. Carlos Augusto asks for €4M per year to re-up and would like to feature more.
The links to Mancini are likely just some maneuvering by his agents amid stalled talks, but it’d indeed be risky to go young with every addition. If true, there’ll be no room for big splurges with that budget, but they can rake in a lot of cash without hurting their XI.
A bride and groom have teen athletes to thank for saving their wedding day.
A tornado warning forced the couple and their 400 guests to take shelter inside a gymnasium at the Oklahoma City Convention Center — which happened to be hosting a junior volleyball tournament.
Footage shows the couple walking onto the court as teenage players rush over to pose for pictures before forming a massive celebratory circle around them — even hoisting the groom into the air in a spontaneous show of support.
Check out the video of teen volleyball athletes turning what could have been a wedding day disaster into a celebration!
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Athletes cheer bride and groom after tornado halts wedding day
Several former Florida football players could hear their names called when the 2026 NFL draft kicks off April 23 in Pittsburgh, and USA TODAY Sports has a projection for where each of them lands.
Ayrton Ostly of USA TODAY Sports released a full seven-round mock draft, projecting 257 players across all rounds. Multiple former Gators made the cut, with defensive tackle Caleb Banks drawing the most attention as the highest-projected Florida player in the piece.
Banks landed with the New England Patriots at No. 41 overall in the second round, the result of a projected trade that had the Cincinnati Bengals sending the pick to New England in exchange for Nos. 63 and 131.
Ostly acknowledged the talent-versus-durability debate surrounding Banks, noting that a foot injury has raised questions about his long-term health.
Offensive lineman Austin Barber was another Gator projected to be taken, landing with the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 100 in the third round. Ostly described Barber as a three-year starter at left tackle for Florida with ideal length and fluid athleticism, projecting him as a standout run blocker with the tools to develop into a potential starter at the next level.
There were a total of seven Florida Gators selected in USA TODAY Sports' 2026 NFL mock draft. Here's where each of them landed.
"Cincinnati sends No. 41 overall to New England for No. 63 and No. 131."
"New England is armed with nearly a dozen picks and weaponizes them to snatch up Banks before he falls much further. The Florida product had a foot injury at the NFL combine, his second in less than a calendar year. That’s raising some questions about his long-term durability in the NFL. Still, the talent is undeniable. He could pair with Milton Williams in the interior for years to come with a massive frame that makes Patriots fans forget about losing Khyiris Tonga."
"Jacksonville’s offensive line was solid in the regular season before getting exploited in the playoffs. Barber was a three-year starter at left tackle for the Gators with ideal length and fluid athleticism. He’s a standout run blocker with the tools to develop long-term into a potential starter or swing tackle."
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Seven Florida football players taken in USA TODAY Sports' mock draft
Argentine legend Lionel Messi has become the new owner of Catalan club Cornella.
The 38-year-old, who helped Barcelona win the Champions League four times and also claimed 10 La Liga titles with the Catalan giants, is currently playing for Major League Soccer side Inter Miami in the United States.
Cornella announced "eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Leo Messi has formalised the acquisition of the club", who are in the fifth tier of Spanish football.
They added: "This move reinforces Messi's close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalonia."
Messi left Argentina for Spain when he was 13 and made his first-team debut for Barcelona aged 17 in October 2004.
He went on to score a club record 672 goals in 778 games before he left for Paris St-Germain in 2021, and he then moved to Inter Miami in 2023.
Messi's former Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, bought a 25% stake in Spanish side Almeria in February.
"Leo Messi's arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in the club's history, aimed at driving both sporting and institutional growth, strengthening its foundations, and continuing to invest in talent," said Cornella.
"The project is guided by a long-term vision and a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability, and a strong connection to its local roots."
April 16 (UPI) -- Longtime Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva will leave the club this summer, he announced Thursday on social media.
Silva's future was a subject of speculation throughout the 2025-26 season, the final year of his contract with the Sky Blues. The Portuguese soccer sensation joined the Premier League club in 2017.
He totaled 76 goals and 77 assists over 451 appearances for the Sky Blues
"Cityzens, when I arrived nine years ago, I was following a dream of a little boy, wanting to succeed in life, wanting to achieve great things," Silva wrote on X and Instagram.
"This city and this club gave me much more than that, much more than I ever hoped for. What we won and achieved together is a legacy that will be forever cherished in my heart. The Centurions, the domestic quadruple, the treble, the four in a row much more ... it wasn't all that bad.
"In a few months, it's time to say goodbye to the city where not only we won so much as a football club, but also where I started my marriage and family. From the bottom of my heart, Ines and Carlota, thank you!"
Silva also thanked the fans, Pep Guardiola and the coaching staff and teammates.
"To the fans, your unconditional support throughout the years is something I will never forget," Silva wrote. "My main goal as a player was to always play with passion so you guys could feel proud and well represented on the pitch. I hope you felt that every single game. I arrived as a Man City player, I leave as one more of you, a Man City supporter for life.
"Keep supporting this young team, and I'm pretty sure they'll bring you a lot of new fantastic memories in the future."
Silva, 31, won 19 major trophies with the Sky Blues, including six Premier League crowns, two FA Cup titles and a Champions League title. He totaled two goals and four assists through 31 Premier League appearances this season.
The Sky Blues (19-5-7), who were eliminated from the Champions League last month, sit in second place in the Premier League standings, six points behind first-place Arsenal (21-4-7). They will host the league leaders at 11:30 a.m. EDT Sunday in Manchester, England.
The Sky Blues will battle Southampton in an FA Cup semifinal April 25 at Wembley Stadium in London.
For the second time this week, the Utah women’s basketball program got a commitment from a transfer in the Big 12 footprint.
That seems appropriate, considering the Utes have seen four of their players transferring out go to other Big 12 schools.
This time, the commitment came from former Oklahoma State guard Lena Girardi, who announced Thursday on social media that she will transfer to Gavin Petersen’s program.
Girardi is a 5-foot-10 guard from New York who played her freshman season at Oklahoma State and will have three years of eligibility remaining.
As a true freshman for Jacie Hoyt’s club, she averaged 7.8, 2.1 rebounds and 0.4 assists per game.
Girardi shot 43.6% from the floor and was a reliable 3-point shooter for Oklahoma State, making 51 on the season at a 39.8% clip. She averaged nearly two made 3-pointers per game.
She had 11 games where she scored in double-figures, mostly during nonconference play.
Girardi is the daughter of former Major League Baseball player and manager Joe Girardi.
Girardi is an excellent addition to a Utah roster that is in flux after seeing six players — including four underclassmen — hit the transfer portal.
With guards LA Sneed (committed to Oklahoma State), Avery Hjelmstad (TCU), Brooke Walker (Colorado) and Grace Foster all entering the portal, the Utes were in need of some experience in the backcourt.
Former Kansas guard Laia Conesa also committed to the Utes this week, though she has one year of eligibility remaining.
Only one guard, Ella Todd, is expected to be a holdover from last season for Utah. Todd redshirted as a freshman in 2025-26 because of injury.
Utah will also have a pair of freshman guards joining the program in high school talents Peyton Jones, a four-star talent from Colorado, and Bountiful High’s Milika Satuala, this year’s Deseret News Ms. Basketball recipient.
Indiana football safety Preston Zachman addressed the media on Wednesday following the Hoosiers’ ninth spring practice.
Zachman, who transferred in from Wisconsin this past offseason, brings plenty of experience to the Hoosiers’ secondary and helps fill a void left by departures from stars like Louis Moore and Devan Boykin. A graduate transfer, Zachman spent the past six seasons with Wisconsin, reshirting as a true freshman in 2020, not appearing in 2021 and seeing an injury-shortened season in 2022 before emerging as a starter in 2023.
Zachman was asked about his path from Wisconsin to Indiana, what he was looking for in a program out of the transfer portal, his relationship with former Badgers teammate and Hoosier Riley Nowakowski, Indiana’s safety room this season, playing against offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan’s offense in practice, his strengths as a player, his age as a college football player and his relationship with former and current teammate Joe Brunner.
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Why Yankees got rid of Gary Sanchez, who is thriving years later with Brewers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
For a stretch of time, it looked like Gary Sanchez would be Aaron Judge's slugger buddy for a decade or more.
Instead, though, the New York Yankees moved on from Sanchez four years ago. Judge is still doing his thing, but Sanchez has bounced around before landing with the Milwaukee Brewers.
So far this season, Sanchez is thriving. He's got an OPS above 1.300 in the very early going.
Sanchez is playing some DH, some catcher and some first base. The Brewers have standout catcher William Contreras doing most of the work behind the plate.
The most relevant part of Sanchez to Milwaukee is his bat.
The Yankees once believed greatly in that swing, but they eventually let him go.
MORE: Bryan Woo was called for the weirdest balk as Mariners played Padres
The Yankees traded Sanchez to the Minnesota Twins in March 2022 as part of a blockbuster deal.
Both Sanchez and Gio Urshela went to Minnesota in a trade that brought back Josh Donaldson, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Ben Rortvedt from the Twins.
Clearly, part of the deal was for the Yanks to get Donaldson and IKF coming back their way.
Really, though, the Yankees seemed to decide it was time to look in a different direction after a season in which Sanchez hit .204 with a .307 on-base percentage and .423 slugging average.
Sanchez had just turned 29 years old before the deal, so he still had some prime years ahead of him, it seemed.
His OPS in 2020 and 2021 was a lot lower than it had been in his standout seasons of 2016, 2017 and 2019, though.
That was coupled with an increasing frustration in New York with Sanchez's catching. He had a great arm, but there were moments when he seemed a bit lazy back there. He did three times lead the AL in errors, so that's definitely not good.
Since the trade to Minnesota, Sanchez has played for those Twins, then the Mets, Padres, Brewers, Orioles and now Brewers again.
It's been a journey, but the bat definitely still plays.
WWE WrestleMania 42 schedule: Complete list of events from CMLL Slamfest to GCW Bloodsport originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
WrestleMania 42 returns to Sin City on April 18 and 19. WWE will host several events during the week, from the WWE Hall of Fame, WWE World, SmackDown, and, of course, WrestleMania.
Pro wrestling’s Super Bowl is not just those two days, but it’s a week-long event. Almost every organization on the independent wrestling scene will travel to Las Vegas to take advantage of the legion of fans flying in from all over the world to watch pro wrestling.
BUY NOW: Best tickets for WWE WrestleMania 42 on StubHub
Throughout the week, WWE fans will see Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Becky Lynch, Oba Femi, Rhea Ripley, and more. WrestleMania week also includes wrestlers from other promotions like GCW, CMLL, PROGRESS, and more.
Before and after WrestleMania, there’s something for everyone.
Here's a full breakdown of the wrestling events taking place before, during, and after WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
Fernando Mendoza didn't lose a game last season. He led the Indiana Hoosiers to a perfect season and a National Championship and ran away with the Heisman Trophy along the way. That season is expected to earn him the top pick in this year's draft with the Raiders poised to select him at that spot with no hesitation. But if you ask ESPN's Jordan Reid, that's not enough to land in in the top five overall prospects in this year's NFL Draft.
Reid put together a massive 500-person big board Thursday. On that list, you have to scroll a bit before you see Mendoza's name. That's because Mendoza doesn't show up until sixth in the ranking.
This is what Reid's top five looks like:
1. Jeremiyah Love, RB Notre Dame
2. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
3. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
4. Arvell Reese, ED, Ohio State
5. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Reid seems to be a big fan of the guys out of Ohio State. Especially their defenders. Which makes some sense. After all, they were the only defense last year to cool off Mendoza and hold the Indiana offense to below 20 points. That was the BigTen championship game. Ohio State still lost that game 13-10 and went on to lose to Miami in the first round of the playoffs. Meanwhile Mendoza caught fire to blow away the field on the way to the National Championship.
What it comes down to here is Mendoza is far and away the top QB in this class. And QB reigns surpreme in the NFL. The Raiders -- and a few other teams -- need one, so he will go at number one overall. So, I suppose give the other top draft talent their flowers?
For what it's worth, Dane Brugler over at The Athletic has Mendoza as the third player on his Big Board behind Arvell Rese and Jeremiyah Love.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: ESPN: Expected top pick Fernando Mendoza not top 5 talent in 2026 Draft
NEW YORK (AP) — Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole will throw around 45 pitches in his first minor league injury rehabilitation start as he inches closer to his return to the mound.
Cole will pitch Friday night for Double-A Somerset in the same game shortstop Anthony Volpe is rehabbing a torn labrum in his shoulder.
Cole, a six-time All-Star and the 2023 AL Cy Young award winner, is returning from last year's reconstructive elbow surgery. He made a pair of one-inning spring training starts on March 18 and 24, and has been facing hitters since.
In his latest session, Cole threw 42 pitches over three simulated innings on Sunday against batters from High-A Hudson Valley.
“I think we’ll get him to a higher threshold initially, but it’s one step at a time,” manager Aaron Boone said before the Yankees concluded a four-game series with the Angels on Thursday afternoon. “Looking forward to him starting on Friday and we’ll build him from there and then even when he gets back to us we’ll probably be conservative with him but we’ll probably get him to a higher threshold initially.”
The Yankees anticipate Cole will return in June but will gradually build him up and take advantage of rules about the length of minor league rehab assignments for pitchers coming back from injury.
While position players’ minor league rehab assignments are limited to 20 days, pitchers have 30 days and those recovering from Tommy John surgery may receive three consecutive 10-day extensions.
Cole's last official outing was in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series. He made a pair of spring training starts before undergoing the surgery with Los Angeles Dodgers team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
Cole’s 2024 season debut was delayed until June 19 because of nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow. He went 8-5 with a 3.41 ERA in 17 starts for New York and was 1-0 with a 2.17 ERA in five postseason starts.
Cole is signed to a $324 million, nine-year contract through 2028. He has a 153-80 career record and 3.18 ERA over 317 starts with Pittsburgh (2013-17), Houston (2018-19) and the Yankees (starting in 2020).
Besides Cole, Carlos Rodón will face hitters again on Saturday and will likely start a rehab assignment next week. Boone said the left-hander will need three rehab games.
Rodón threw 50 pitches to batters over three simulated innings before Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels. Rodón is recovering from surgery on Oct. 15 to remove loose bodies in his left elbow and shave a bone spur, and his rehab was slowed by right hamstring tightness.
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
WrestleMania 42 schedule: Complete list of events from CMLL Slamfest to GCW Bloodsport originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Last year, WrestleMania 41 took place in Las Vegas. This year, WrestleMania 42 returns to Sin City on April 18 and 19. Pro wrestling’s Super Bowl is not just those two days, but it’s a week-long event.
Almost every organization on the independent wrestling scene will travel to Las Vegas to take advantage of the legion of fans flying in from all over the world to watch pro wrestling.
The result? The host city's economy has been significantly boosted.
WWE will host several events during the week, from the WWE Hall of Fame, WWE World, SmackDown, and, of course, WrestleMania 42.
BUY NOW: Best tickets for WWE WrestleMania 42 on StubHub
Throughout the week, WWE fans will see Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Becky Lynch, Oba Femi, Rhea Ripley, and more. WrestleMania week also includes wrestlers from other promotions like GCW, CMLL, PROGRESS, and more.
Before and after WrestleMania, there’s something for everyone.
The Sporting News has provided a full schedule of wrestling events, which will be updated frequently — including times, matches, and tickets, when available.
ESPN's Mel Kiper no longer adheres to the philosophy that NFL teams should not select running backs in the first round of the NFL Draft, especially when a running back is as versatile as Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love.
That is why Kiper's final mock draft of the 2026 NFL Draft cycle has the Tennessee Titans selecting Love with the fourth pick in the first round.
"That was a long, long, long time ago when I started that philosophy (about not selecting a running back in the first round) when I would present stats and people were yelling at me that makes no sense, but that was based on what was happening at that time," Kiper said on a conference call April 16.
Fast forward to today's NFL, and teams are using running backs in a variety of ways, making them more than just ball carriers, which is why Kiper has changed his tune. Not only is he fine with running backs going in the first round, but he believes Love, who had 1,372 yards on 199 carries and 18 touchdowns and 27 catches for 280 yards and three touchdowns in 2025 at Notre Dame, is valuable enough to take very early in the first round.
"These running backs now are so accomplished as receivers that they're much more than just a running back. Just the swing passes or the screen passes, is not Jeremiyah Love. You can put him in the slot, you can put him out wide," Kiper said. "You think about Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Christian McCaffrey, all those backs are more than just a great running back. They are great receivers. They've been using these guys like that for a while now. Jeremiyah Love is much more than just a running back. He's a weapon, he's a fear factor player, and that's why I like him there."
With his combination of running and pass-catching abilities, Kiper believes Love would be an asset for Titans quarterback Cam Ward in Ward's second season, and that is another reason Kiper believes he could end up in Tennessee.
"Cam Ward showed mid- to late-season he can be a great quarterback in this league," Kiper said. "Obviously, he needs to get the ball out a little quicker; he needs to keep developing, which he will. He made some mistakes, all rookies do. He learned from his mistakes and got a lot better. So for me, Jeremiyah Love, a fear factor player, with Ward, a quarterback who is ascending hopefully to where he can be one of the better quarterbacks in the league, then it makes perfect sense."
Kiper expects the Titans to switch to defense for their second-round selection in the draft and pick UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence. Lawrence is among the top-rated edge rushers in the draft, along with Miami's Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor, and Texas Tech's David Bailey.
Lawrence, who is 6-foot-4, 253 pounds, did not receive the same level of attention as some others at his position because he played at UCF, but Kiper says he is in that mix.
"If he would have been at Miami or anywhere in the SEC, with his skill set, he would probably be anywhere in the top 10 to 15 picks," Kiper said. "He tested off the charts, has length as well. Really, for him, I think he could be in the late first (round). But the consensus when I talked to people was more early- to mid-second, so that's why he fell to Tennessee."
Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on X @MikeOrganWriter.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: ESPN expert Mel Kiper explains two Titans picks in final NFL mock draft
Colby Covington is not happy with the UFC's matchmaking for the White House event.
A big advocate for U.S. President Donald Trump, Covington (17-5 MMA, 12-5 UFC) was snubbed out of a spot at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14. Headlining the event is a lightweight title-unification bout between champion Ilia Topuria and interim champ Justin Gaethje.
Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) is a big favorite over Gaethje (27-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC), and Covington sees it as a mismatch.
"You'd think that there would be more American fighters on it from top to bottom," Covington said on Daniel Cormier's YouTube channel. "You'd think that there would maybe be some favorable matchups for the American, but to send Gaethje out there to get slaughtered – I mean, Topuria is the best fighter on the planet right now.
"No one can, I think, dispute that. The way he's just finishing these guys: (Max) Holloway, (Alexander) Volkanovski and (Charles) Oliveira, he's just on another level right now. He's in his prime, and Gaethje is on his way down, and there's no beating father time."
Covington highlighted another matchup on the card, where the American fighter isn't favored to win.
"I just feel like they could have put more Americans and bigger fights, and they didn't put the best American fighters on the card," Covington said. "They put Gaethje – he's a good American fighter for sure, but there's other great American fighters.
"I'm happy Sean O'Malley is on there. He's going to put on a good show for sure. But Michael Chandler? 41, 42-year-old Michael Chandler? He's a punching bag now. So, another guy – he's being sent to slaughter on our birthday for America."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Colby Covington: Justin Gaethje getting slaughtered at UFC Freedom 250
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – As Jacob Bridgeman trudged up the 52 steps to the clubhouse at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, it had slipped his mind that Tiger Woods, the tournament host, would be waiting to congratulate him after winning the PGA Tour’s Genesis Invitational in February.
Bridgeman, 26, had been in the presence of the 15-time major winner before, including at the Sage Valley Invitational, a prominent junior golf tournament in his native South Carolina, but this time Woods offered a handshake and piece of advice that comes from winning a Tour-record 82 times.
“It was special,” Bridgeman recalled on Wednesday ahead of the RBC Heritage. “I was in shock and after we talked for a second or two I think he realized that I didn’t know what I was supposed to do and he said, ‘Go sign your scorecard.’ ”
Bridgeman has been one of the breakout stars on Tour this season, making the cut in all nine starts and recording three additional top 5s, tied for the second most on Tour and just one behind world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. His T-41 in his Masters debut last week was Bridgeman's first result outside the top 18. Add it all up and it's no surprise that Bridgeman ranks third in the season-long FedEx Cup standings.
“It's been even better than I would have dreamed it to be,” he said.
Bridgeman grew up in the Palmetto State – Upstate as he put it – and learned the game at Woodfin Ridge Golf Course in Inman, just north of Spartanburg, where he idolized pro golfer Tommy Biershenk, who had a cup of coffee on the PGA Tour, playing one full season in the big leagues in 2012 and making 152 career starts on the Korn Ferry Tour, the Tour's top developmental circuit.
When Biershenk would come home from a tournament, Bridgeman and Korn Ferry Tour pro Trent Phillips would call him up and ask if he would play with them. Biershenk recognized raw talent when he saw it and says of Bridgeman, “I knew that as long as he kept working on it that he was going to make it.”
To Bridgeman, Biershenk is still one of the best golfers he’s ever seen and he instilled the confidence that he could do great things in the game. Bridgeman's putting always has been his super power but Biershenk emphasized the importance of the mental game.
“He always said there are a lot more losses than wins and he said he saw in me that I had the mental game to get there,” Bridgeman recalled.
During that one season on Tour, Biershenk tried to play what he termed “perfect golf” and was scared to make mistakes. He played to make the cut and was too concerned with keeping his card rather than winning. “I told him don’t do what I did,” Biershenk said.
After he lost his Tour status and returned home to teach, Biershenk coached Bridgeman, flattening his backswing because he was too steep and tightening his shot dispersion. Bridgeman became an All-American at Clemson University, where Biershenk played before him, and won the 2022 Atlantic Coast Conference title and Player of the Year honors.
Two years ago, Bridgeman switched to working with instructor Scott Hamilton, who travels the Tour and has a large stable of pros, but to this day, Bridgeman still does the same drill before he plays, that Biershenk taught him — sticking a head cover in his armpit to prevent him from getting steep.
It hasn't hurt that Bridgeman’s putting has reached new heights this season as he's climbed to first on Tour in Strokes Gained: Putting. Two years ago, he switched from a traditional blade putter he'd used since his youth to a TaylorMade Spider. While his caddie made a 28-hour drive from California to Minnesota for the 2024 3M Open due to the internet blackout that disrupted travel via airlines, Bridgeman grew bored waiting for him and decided to take the mallet-head putter for a test drive.
“Started making everything and decided I'm going to switch to this,” recalled Bridgeman, who shot 63 in his first competitive round with the new short stick. “Putted with it the first few days, decided I wanted some sort of alignment aid, took a Sharpie out, drew a dot on the top, and that's kind of been the putter I've been rolling with since.”
Playing this week at the RBC Heritage feels like a home game, even though it’s about four hours from his stomping grounds. Bridgeman remembers competing in the Junior Heritage here and visits with his grandmother, who had a timeshare nearby that the family would enjoy once a year. He developed a fondness for Harbour Town, where the average green size at the Pete Dye design is just 4,500 square feet, making them some of the smallest on the Tour.
“It’s a place where you have to plot your way around, be strategic off the tee, can't really overpower it with length,” he said. “That's the courses that I prefer.”
Bridgeman also is back on the Bermuda-grass greens that he grew up on, but he seemed to figure out the Poa annua greens at Riviera Country Club near Los Angeles, building a six-stroke lead entering the final round. Biershenk watched from his home while chatting with Bridgeman’s father as Bridgeman’s lead was trimmed to two strokes by the time he reached the last hole.
“As soon as he hit the green at 18, I told his dad now we can breathe,” Biershenk recalled. McIlroy proceeded to can a 30-foot bomb for birdie and when Bridgeman left his birdie putt 4 feet short the possibility of a playoff loomed should Bridgeman miss. Biershenk worried that he may have applied the jinx on his protégé but Bridgeman shook it in for his maiden Tour title.
“First of many, I told him,” said Biershenk, who was Bridgeman's guest to watch him in the opening round of the Masters last week. “The first win is always the hardest but once you get that one under the belt you realize it’s not as hard as you thought.”
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Jacob Bridgeman reflects on PGA Tour breakout, advice from Tiger Woods
Taking wide receivers early on in the NFL draft is far from an exact science. For every Tetairoa McMillan, there's a Xavier Legette—and thanks to that fact, the Carolina Panthers may once again have to allot capital to this position.
While the latest reporting suggests the Panthers may be targeting a safety in Round 1, wide receiver will definitely be on the menu at some point—likely before Day 3. That could mean Legette might end up as the odd man out in Carolina's new-look receiver corps.
According to Bleacher Report, he's one of 10 players around the NFL who may end up getting moved after the draft. Analyst Moe Moton wrote the following of the former 32nd overall pick:
Given his first-round draft pedigree, Xavier Legette's development has been underwhelming... Legette isn't going to draw strong interest following two modest years of production, but the Panthers may look to move on from him if they draft another receiver who can present more upside in a flashier career start.
The trouble is that Legette probably doesn't have the greatest of trade value. He's struggled to find his footing, sometimes literally—amassing just 860 receiving yards and seven scores over his first two seasons.
Carolina's best solution may be to diminish Legette's role and hope that he sticks on eventually, perhaps as an occasional gadget weapon or a contributor on special teams. The Panthers would be silly to pick up his fifth-year option given what they've seen so far, so Legette will have to prove himself in some way in order to justify any kind of a second contract.
As for his replacement, Jalen Coker is the most promising option already on the roster. However, Coker's pair of soft tissue injuries raise a red flag for the future.
The truth is that the Panthers may need to double up at wide receiver in order to meet their long-term needs at this position.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers WR Xavier Legette named post-draft trade candidate
The Cincinnati Bengals, as it turns out, were serious about getting one last NFL draft visit in at the buzzer.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Bengals gave NFL draft prospect Kaelon Black an Uber that wound up being a five-hour drive from Chicago after his flight was canceled.
Nice gesture by the Bengals, all things considered, to foot the bill on a single draft prospect’s ride, given the odd circumstances.
We had previously noted Black’s upcoming visit with the Bengals. They have quietly had an eye on running backs during this draft cycle because the depth chart doesn’t have much going on behind Chase Brown.
Brown is an extension candidate this summer, but only has one year left on his current deal. Behind him on the depth chart, Samaje Perine has one year left on his contract, too.
The Bengals have some notable developmental prospects like Tahj Brooks and Kendall Milton. But Black is one too: He just ran for 1,040 yards and 10 scores last season and averaged better than five yards per chance overall.
If nothing else, this saga of events would make for an interesting storyline if the Bengals end up with Black on their roster.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals' draft visit for a Joe Burrow weapon has an odd backstory
The 2026 NFL Draft is just one week away, and the Chicago Bears are finalizing their draft board before things kick off April 23 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Bears have a slew of positional needs and directions they could go with their first-round pick, most notably on defense. ESPN Analytics shared a draft day predictor tool that uses ESPN's mock drafts and prospect rankings to create graphs that show the most likely prospects to be selected by a team at a certain pick.
We compiled a list of the top players who are most likely to be drafted by Chicago at pick No. 25, according to ESPN Analytics. It's a group that consists of defensive linemen, offensive tackles and safeties. Here's a look:
Chance taken: 8%
Dane Brugler's analysis: Woods flashes the ability to win with quickness, strength and hand usage — and the next step in his development is for him to do so more consistently. He offers scheme diversity, although he projects best as a three-/4i-technique DT.
Chance taken: 7.5%
Dane Brugler's analysis: Howell needs to expand the consistency of his impact beyond winning as a high-side rusher, but his athletic twitch, play speed and violent demeanor make for the type of package you bet on at the position. At worst, he should be a designated pass rusher, with the ceiling of a versatile NFL starter (like Haason Reddick) who can be moved around the front.
Chance taken: 6.5%
Dane Brugler's analysis: McNeil-Warren is an impressive size/speed athlete on the back end, who is at his best when roaming to read his keys, flow to the ball and quickly close space. He has the rangy tools to push for starting safety reps as an NFL rookie.
Chance taken: 5.75%
Dane Brugler's analysis: Concepcion must cut down on the drops and fine-tune areas of his game, but he is a versatile playmaker with an innate feel for getting open before the catch and creating after it. He has the receiving talent to become a starting slot or Z while also providing value as a punt returner.
Chance taken: 5.25%
Dane Brugler's analysis: Lomu must get stronger and continue to develop his technique and grit, but NFL teams are understandably intrigued by his movement ability and ready-to-cultivate left tackle skill set. His upside points to him becoming an NFL starter.
Chance taken: 5.12%
Dane Brugler's analysis: Faulk has more “almost” plays than impact ones on his tape, but you bet on a developing, 21-year-old player with his exciting traits (he’s similar in several ways to Mykel Williams as a prospect). The character and upside are promising, but how early a team drafts him is dependent on its appetite for risk.
Chance taken: 5%
Dane Brugler's analysis: Mesidor won’t be universally loved because of his age and injury history, but he is a disruptive force off the edge who is always playing 100 mph. He projects as a three-down NFL starter, with interior value on subpackages.
Chance taken: 5%
Dane Brugler's analysis: Miller has an upright play style that could lead to issues vs. NFL competition, but he has the type of profile (physical traits, football IQ, competitive toughness) that teams will bet on every time. He should compete for a starting right tackle role as a rookie.
Chance taken: 4.75%
Dane Brugler's analysis: Thieneman reminds me of Justin Reid because of his scheme-friendly recognition skills and eagerness to get busy as a run defender. He projects as a durable NFL starter and has versatility that should appeal to a variety of defensive structures.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: ESPN predicts Chicago Bears' likeliest No. 25 picks
The 2026 NFL Draft is one week away and the anticipation is growing. With Fernando Mendoza widely expected to be the first pick to the Las Vegas Raiders, the intrigue begins behind him. According to one NFL general manager, the first round of the 2026 Draft could be filled with several trades.
Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach held a press conference one week before the 2026 NFL Draft. Veach teased that fans are going to love the trade activity on Thursday, April 23.
“I think the fans will be in for a treat next Thursday,” Veach said. “I think it should be an entertaining night, there will probably be a lot of trades…I think from a fans perspective, they should have a lot of fun next Thursday.”
Several NFL teams have already been linked to possible trades during the first round, such as the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals. There is a possibility that Dallas could trade the 12th pick to Arizona for the third overall pick. This is just one of several trades that have been discussed.
It doesn’t even include the trades for established NFL players, such as Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver receiver A.J. Brown. While it seems more likely after June 1, it shows that NFL teams can move established stars during the 2026 NFL Draft. After all, this wouldn’t be the first time it has happened.
Even if there isn’t a star moved in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the fanbase should be excited for what’s coming soon. One of the NFL’s best general mangers believes there will be “lots of trades.” If so, the drama and anticipation will continue to grow over the next week.
Read More: Is NBC in Danger of Losing Sunday Night Football? Netflix Eyes NFL Rights
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When is Man City vs. Crystal Palace? Date, time of game in hand in Premier League title race originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
This season's Premier League title race looks likely to go to the wire.
Regardless of the result in Sunday's seismic clash between Manchester City and Arsenal — which could set us up for an unprecedented title playoff — it looks probable that both teams will still be in the hunt for the trophy as we head into May.
Arsenal hold a six-point lead at the top ahead of the latest matchday, but City still have a game in hand. Their scheduled match with Crystal Palace, initially due for the penultimate weekend of March, was postponed because of the Carabao Cup final between City and the Gunners. The result of this match, when it finally takes place, could yet have a big impact on the title battle.
The Sporting News looks at the latest on when the game will be played.
EPL TITLE RACE:
The game between City and Palace has not yet been rescheduled. Google lists the fixture on Friday, May 22 at 3 p.m. BST (10 a.m. ET), but the league has not confirmed a date or time.
The match was initially moved because of the Carabao Cup final on March 22, and it has been difficult to find a convenient day due to City being in the latter rounds of the FA Cup and Palace competing in the UEFA Conference League.
Palace reaching the quarterfinals of the Conference League has complicated the schedule, even though City were eliminated from Europe by Real Madrid in mid-March.
The Eagles face Fiorentina in the second leg of their matchup on April 16, and as they hold a 3-0 aggregate advantage, they are expected to go through to the semifinals. Those matches will be held on April 30 and May 7, which would rule out holding the City game in those midweeks.
The weekend of April 25-26 is not possible because City face Southampton in the FA Cup semifinals on the Saturday. If City win, they will contest the final on May 16, which also means they will have to move their scheduled league match with Bournemouth.
The likelihood is these two games would be moved to midweek slots in the weeks beginning May 11 and May 18, which is the final week of the Premier League season. However, if City lose to Southampton, the Bournemouth game will not need to be rearranged, and the Palace match could take place in the week commencing April 27 if the Eagles are knocked out of the Conference League.
Projected Man City schedule, including Crystal Palace and Bournemouth games
| Date | Match | Competition | Schedule notes |
| Sunday, April 19 | Man City vs. Arsenal | Premier League (MW33) | Confirmed |
| Wednesday, April 22 | Burnley vs. Man City | Premier League (MW34) | Confirmed |
| Saturday, April 25 | Man City vs. Southampton | FA Cup (semifinal) | Confirmed |
| Wednesday, April 29 | Man City vs. Crystal Palace | Premier League (MW31) | Possible date if Southampton beat City + Palace eliminated from Europe |
| Monday, May 4 | Everton vs. Man City | Premier League (MW35) | Confirmed |
| Saturday, May 9 | Man City vs. Brentford | Premier League (MW36) | Confirmed |
| Wednesday, May 13 | Bournemouth vs. Man City OR Man City vs. Crystal Palace | Premier League (MW37/31) | Possible date if City reach FA Cup final + Palace reach Conference League semifinals |
| Saturday, May 16 | Bournemouth vs. Man City | Premier League (MW37) | Confirmed date if City DO NOT reach FA Cup final |
| Sunday, May 17 | Man City vs. Chelsea/Leeds | FA Cup (final) | Confirmed date if City reach FA Cup final |
| Wednesday, May 20 | Man City vs. Crystal Palace OR Bournemouth vs. Man City | Premier League (MW31/37) | Possible date if City reach FA Cup final + Palace reach Conference League semifinals |
| Sunday, May 24 | Man City vs. Aston Villa | Premier League (MW38) | Confirmed |
There is a sense that everything at Chelsea is broken from top to bottom, and when you see it listed it’s pretty stark.
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Henry Winter has been speaking about Chelsea’s ongoing “project” under the new ownership, and the former Telegraph writer has put it pretty plainly:
“Under BlueCo, Chelsea have an inexperienced coach, a team lacking an experienced leader, sporting directors who have produced an imbalanced squad, boardroom issues, disconnect with loyal fans, stadium impasse, concerning financial numbers,” Winter wrote in a Tweet to promote his new podcast.
You can see the show in the video embedded here:
Wow. It’s pretty damning, and also pretty hard to disagree with any of that, let alone the conclusion that the Chelsea project is “broken.”
Christian Purslow also chimes in with a very good explanation of why the Chelsea model won’t work – although if you read this website, you won’t need that explained to you again.
The factor of the disconnect between owners and fans was explained thus:
“The non-commercial element of English football takes time for Americans to understand, and even when the understand, they don’t like it” was the summary of a man who has worked with many American owners. Bleak.
Jorrel Hato has been solid this season and shows signs of improvement – we look forward to watching him develop.
Van Aanholt called Hato “one of the better left backs in the league” in his quotes.
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Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:
With a new CBA, two expansion teams, tons of free agents and the college draft, a lot has happened around the WNBA just a few weeks.
Every WNBA team is either trying to retool, rebuild or run it back. However, not all moves placed teams in a position to accomplish their objective.
Here are the three decisions made by WNBA teams that are, at best, questionable—and maybe even regrettable. Take to the comments and let us know if you agree, while also sharing any moves that left you scratching your head.
The Los Angeles Sparks trading Rickea Jackson to the Chicago Sky in exchange for Ariel Atkins is a perplexing win-now move for a franchise that hasn’t won anything since 2016.
In what world does it make sense to trade away your young talent for an older guard who has accumulated more injuries in recent seasons?
Breaking: The Chicago Sky and Los Angeles Sparks have agreed to a trade that'll send Rickea Jackson to the Sky and Ariel Atkins to the Sparks, sources told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/2SnRv1sF0y
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) April 12, 2026
Sure, the numbers between these two players are comprable. Jackson averaged 14.7 points and 3.2 rebounds per game last year, and Atkins ended her 2026 campaign averaging 13.1 points per game and shooting 36.1 percent from 3-point range.
And sure, Atkins is a better defender, but she’ll have to have quite a return to form to not only outplay Jackson but make this trade a win for the Sparks. Simply put, this was poor asset management for LA, and any other rationale at this point is copium.
Only the Sky could pull off a great heist by turning Atkins into Jackson and then simultaneously trade away their franchise superstar Angel Reese for pennies on the dollar in the same offseason.
ANGEL REESE TRADED TO ATLANTA DREAM, per @TaylorRooks 🤯 pic.twitter.com/JNt9ye45s4
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 6, 2026
Okay, it was obvious that Angel Reese had to leave. The relationship between her and the Sky was so fractured at the end of last season that her return was unrealistic.
She was honest, fair but critical of the state of the team when she spoke with the Chicago Tribune, saying, “I’m not settling for the same s*** we did this year. We have to get good players. We have to get great players. That’s a non-negotiable for me.”
Reese further explained:
I am very vocal about what we need and what I want. I’d like to be here for my career, but if things don’t pan out, obviously I might have to move in a different direction and do what’s best for me. But while I am here, I’m going to try to stay open-minded about what I have here and maximize that as much as I can.
So sure, she had to go, but for not a single promising player in return?
All you can get back for one of the best rebounders in the WNBA and a superstar athlete is a pair of first-round picks from a likely playoff team in the Atlanta Dream? That’s unacceptable.
The repercussions from this move will be felt for years to come.
The last time the Seattle Storm played basketball, they lost 74-73 to the Las Vegas Aces in the opening round of the playoffs. The entire starting lineup they had in Game 3 is now gone, except for Ezi Magbegor.
Nneka Ogwumike returned to the Sparks, Sklar Diggins joined the Sky, Gabby Williams signed a multi-year deal with the Golden State Valkyries and Brittney Sykes is a Toronto Tempo.
Skylar Diggins says goodbye to the Seattle Storm via IG stories. #WNBAFreeAgencypic.twitter.com/ffJdJgAcuI
— Roberta 🏳️🌈 (@robertawbb) April 11, 2026
That’s way too much change to create a successful environment in Seattle.
They still have Magbegor, who signed a three-year deal that totals $3.75 million. The Storm also have a top prospect in Dominique Malonga and just drafted Awa Fam with the No. 3 pick before trading for Flau’Jae Johnson—so the future is bright.
This duo 🤩 >@Flaujae x @awaafaam_pic.twitter.com/T3RuIDoQeG
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) April 14, 2026
However, don’t expect many wins this season. It’s fine that Seattle is going into a rebuild, but letting everyone walk and not setting up a smooth transition seems like a rough way to go from a playoff team to a lottery-bound team.
We’ll see how it plays out, but with the Portland Fire also setting up shop in the Pacific Northwest, ideally, the Storm should be rolling out a better squad as they fight to keep attention in that region of the country. By making such a drastic change, they have opened themselves up to losing some of that market.
Time will tell if these moves are as bad as they currently seem. My guess is that these will be the moves WNBA fans talk about all season long, but for the wrong reasons.
However, Sparks, Sky and Storm fans, defend your team’s decisions and point out the mistakes made by other organizations. Or, share you sense of despair.
Indiana football safety Amare Ferrell addressed the media on Wednesday following the Hoosiers’ ninth spring practice.
Ferrell is a senior entering his fourth season with the program after signing on as a recruit out of Columbia High School in Florida under Tom Allen. He saw minimal playing time as a true freshman in 2023 before emerging as a starter in 2024 under Curt Cignetti. He started in 15 of the Hoosiers’ 16 games during their run to the national championship in 2025, only missing out on starting the Peach Bowl after suffering an injury during the opening kickoff before returning for the College Football Playoff National Championship Game against Miami. He returned and figures to start yet again in a safety room that now includes former Wisconsin transfer Preston Zachman.
Ferrell was asked about the defensive performance in the first scrimmage of spring practice, his role as a leader, the next steps he has to take as a football player, and more.
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In the ever-shifting MMA landscape, ranking the world’s greatest fighters might seem like a fool’s errand, but that’s exactly what we’ve set out to do with the MMA Fighting Global Rankings. Here, our esteemed panel sorts out the movers and shakers from every division to provide you with the most definitive list of the best fighters on the planet.
Josh Hokit is 2026’s breakout fighter of the year and it’s not even May.
Hyperbole? Maybe. But it’s not a stretch at all to say Hokit is the most talked-about fighter after UFC 327, even with Carlos Ulberg overcoming an injury to knock out Jiri Prochazka and become light heavyweight champion, Paulo Costa deciding he’s going to become a contender in a second division just for kicks (pun intended), and Cub Swanson having a feel-good retirement fight.
Hokit drew all kinds of attention to himself during fight week, good and bad (the over-the-top promos aren’t awful, but I could have done without the racist character and jokes, myself), and when the lights were shining brightest, he delivered in a big way. Eight months after being signed off of Dana White’s Contender Series, Hokit found himself in the cage with perennial top 10 contender Curtis Blaydes and he did not back down for a single second.
The bell rang and Hokit just rushed Blaydes, kicking off a 15-minute back-and-forth battle in which it looked like either fighter could land a knockout flurry—or collapse flat on their face—at any second. And then Hokit won! And got $200,000 in bonus money! Best night ever? Best fantasy draft pick ever???
At 28, Hokit is the definition of fresh blood in a division sorely in need of it. He bursts into the MMA Fighting Global Rankings at No. 7 and already has his next fight booked thanks to a suggestion from President Donald Trump. Hokit is a plus-plus athlete compared to other heavyweights, is uncompromising with how he presents himself (again, mileage may vary), and now gets to face fan favorite Derrick Lewis at the freaking White House in June.
As the man himself would probably put it, what are you going to do when Hokitmania runs wild on you, brother?
Check out the latest edition of the MMA Fighting Global Rankings below.
Recent results for ranked fighters (previous ranking shown): Josh Hokit def. No. 6 Curtis Blaydes, No. 7 Waldo Cortes-Acosta def. No. 13 Derrick Lewis, Rizvan Kuniev def. No. 8 Jailton Almeida, No. 11 Serghei Spivac def. No. 12 Ante Delija, Tyrell Fortune def. No. 14 Marcin Tybura
Upcoming bouts featuring ranked fighters: No. 2 Francis Ngannou vs. Philipe Lins (MVP MMA: Rousey vs. Carano, May 16), No. 3 Ciryl Gane vs. No. 1 LHW Alex Pereira, No. 4 Alexander Volkov vs. No. 6 Waldo Cortes-Acosta (UFC 328, May 9), No. 5 Sergei Pavlovich vs. Tallison Teixeira (UFC Macau, May 30), No. 7 Josh Hokit vs. No. 15 Derrick Lewis (UFC White House, June 14), No. 10 Phil De Fries vs. Marcin Wojcik (KSW 117, April 18)
Fighters also receiving votes (number of ballot appearances shown): Valter Walker (5)
Falling out of the rankings: No. 13 Marcin Tybura, No. 15 Reug Reug
Recent results for ranked fighters (previous ranking shown): No. 4 Carlos Ulberg def. No. 3 Jiri Prochazka, No. 14 MW Paulo Costa def. No. 8 Azamat Murzakanov, No. 9 Dominick Reyes def. No. 15 Johnny Walker, No. 14 Nikita Krylov def. Modestas Bukauskas
Upcoming bouts featuring ranked fighters: No. 1 Alex Pereira vs. No. 3 HW Ciryl Gane (heavyweight bout), No. 6 Jan Blachowicz vs. No. 12 Bogdan Guskov (UFC 328, May 9)
Fighters also receiving votes (number of ballot appearances shown): Modestas Bukauskas (2), Johnny Walker (1)
Falling out of the rankings: No. 15 Johnny Walker
Recent results for ranked fighters (previous ranking shown): No. 14 Paulo Costa def. No. 8 LHW Azamat Murzakanov (light heavyweight bout)
Upcoming bouts featuring ranked fighters: No. 1 Khamzat Chimaev vs. No. 3 Sean Strickland (UFC 328, May 9), No. 7 Brendan Allen vs. Edmen Shahbazyan (UFC Vegas 118, June 6)
Fighters also receiving votes (number of ballot appearances shown): Shara Bullet (1)
Recent results for ranked fighters (previous ranking shown):No. 12 Ramazan Kuramagomedov def. Shamil Musaev, Uros Medic def. No. 14 Geoff Neal
Upcoming bouts featuring ranked fighters: No. 2 Jack Della Maddalena vs. No. 7 Carlos Prates (UFC Perth, May 2), No. 6 Belal Muhammad vs. No. 15 Gabriel Bonfim (UFC Vegas 118, June 6), No. 8 Sean Brady vs. No. 11 Joaquin Buckley (UFC 328, May 9), No. 14 Yaroslav Amosov vs. Joel Alvarez (UFC 328, May 9)
Fighters also receiving votes (number of ballot appearances shown): Jason Jackson (2), Geoff Neal (2)
Falling out of the rankings: No. 12 Ramazan Kuramagomedov (retired), No. 14 Geoff Neal
Recent results for ranked fighters (previous ranking shown): No. 3 Charles Oliveira def. No. 4 Max Holloway, No. 9 Mateusz Gamrot def. Esteban Ribovics, No. 15 Renato Moicano def. Chris Duncan
Upcoming bouts featuring ranked fighters: No. 1 Ilia Topuria vs. No. 5 Justin Gaethje (UFC White House, June 14), No. 10 Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler, No. 13 Beneil Dariush vs. Quillan Salkilld
Fighters also receiving votes (number of ballot appearances shown): Fares Ziam (2)
Recent results for ranked fighters (previous ranking shown): No. 1 Alexander Volkanovski def. No. 3 Diego Lopes, No. 2 Movsar Evloev def. No. 6 Lerone Murphy, No. 8 Jean Silva def. No. 7 Arnold Allen, No. 15 Aaron Pico def. No. 10 Patricio Pitbull, Kevin Vallejos def. No. 12 Josh Emmett, No. 14 Razhabali Shaidulloev def. Yuta Kubo
Upcoming bouts featuring ranked fighters: No. 3 Diego Lopes vs. No. 11 Steve Garcia (UFC White House, June 14), No. 4 Aljamain Sterling vs. No. 9 Youssef Zalal (UFC Vegas 116, April 25), No. 8 Arnold Allen vs. No. 13 Melquizael Costa (UFC Vegas 117, May 16)
Fighters also receiving votes (number of ballot appearances shown): Josh Emmett (1), Movlid Khaybulaev (1), A.J. McKee (1), Pat Sabatini (1)
Falling out of the rankings: No. 11 Brian Ortega, No. 12 Josh Emmett
Recent results for ranked fighters (previous ranking shown): No. 3 Umar Nurmagomedov def. No. 7 Deiveson Figueiredo, No. 5 Sean O’Malley def. No. 8 Song Yadong, No. 6 Mario Bautista def. No. 14 Vinicius Oliveira, Mitch McKee def. No. 10 Sergio Pettis, No. 12 David Martinez def. No. 11 Marlon Vera
Upcoming bouts featuring ranked fighters: No. 5 Sean O’Malley vs. No. 8 Aiemann Zahabi (UFC White House, June 14), No. 7 Song Yadong vs. No. 9 Deiveson Figueiredo (UFC Macau, May 30), No. 15 Magomed Magomedov vs. Leandro Higo (PFL Sioux Falls, May 2)
Fighters also receiving votes (number of ballot appearances shown): Raoni Barcelos (2), Farid Basharat (2), Marcus McGhee (2), Vinicius Oliveira (2), Raufeon Stots (1)
Falling out of the rankings: No. 14 Vinicius Oliveira
Recent results for ranked fighters (previous ranking shown): No. 15 Charles Johnson def. Bruno Silva
Upcoming bouts featuring ranked fighters: No. 2 Joshua Van vs. No. 5 Tatsuro Taira (UFC 328, May 9), No. 3 Kyoji Horiguchi vs. Manel Kape (UFC Vegas 119, June 20), No. 7 Muhammad Mokaev vs. Adriano Moraes (MVP MMA: Rousey vs. Carano, May 16), No. 11 Asu Almabayev vs. No. 15 Charles Johnson (UFC Baku, June 27), No. 13 Alex Perez vs. Sumudaerji (UFC Macau, May 30), No. 14 Steve Erceg vs. Tim Elliott (UFC Perth, May 2)
Fighters also receiving votes (number of ballot appearances shown): Tim Elliott (2), Yuya Wakamatsu (2), Tagir Ulanbekov (1)
Recent results for ranked fighters (previous ranking shown): No. 8 Ailin Perez def. No. 11 Macy Chiasson, No. 12 Joselyne Edwards def. Nora Cornolle
Upcoming bouts featuring ranked fighters: No. 4 Norma Dumont vs. No. 10 Joselyne Edwards (UFC Vegas 116, April 25), No. 5 Ketlen Vieira vs. No. 9 Jacqueline Cavalcanti (UFC Vegas 117, May 16), No. 8 Karol Rosa vs. No. 15 Luana Santos (UFC Vegas 119, June 20), No. 12 Bia Mesquita vs. Melissa Mullins (UFC Vegas 119, June 20), No. 14 Mayra Bueno Silva vs. Michelle Montague (UFC Vegas 116, April 25)
Fighters also receiving votes (number of ballot appearances shown): Nora Cornolle (2), Talita Bernardo (1)
Falling out of the rankings: No. 15 (tied) Pannie Kianzad (inactivity)
Recent results for ranked fighters (previous ranking shown): No. 3 Natalia Silva def. No. 9 Rose Namajunas, No. 6 Alexa Grasso def. No. 7 (tied) Maycee Barber
Upcoming bouts featuring ranked fighters: No. 10 Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. No. 15 Karine Silva (UFC Winnipeg, April 18), No. 11 Taila Santos vs. Yan Qihui (PFL Sioux Falls, May 2)
Fighters also receiving votes (number of ballot appearances shown): JJ Aldrich (3), Viviane Araujo (1), Jena Bishop (1), Gabriella Fernandes (1), Carli Judice (1)
Recent results for ranked fighters (previous ranking shown): No. 4 Tatiana Suarez def. No. 7 Loopy Godinez, No. 11 Gillian Robertson def. No. 6 Amanda Lemos, No. 14 Alexia Thainara def. Bruna Brasil
Upcoming bouts featuring ranked fighters: No. 15 Angela Hill vs. Xiong Jingnan (UFC Macau, May 30)
Fighters also receiving votes (number of ballot appearances shown): Denise Gomes (3), Loma Lookboonmee (2)
Falling out of the rankings: No. 15 Denise Gomes
A refresher on the ground rules:
Thoughts? Questions? Concerns? Make your voice heard in the comments below.
The Dallas Cowboys enter the draft with a pressing need to solidify their defensive secondary. While the current roster features some wild card options, a lack of reliable depth makes the cornerback position a top priority for the front office. Scouting reports suggest that one specific playmaker possesses the rare athleticism and processing speed required to dominate in this aggressive system. Selecting this lockdown defender would immediately boost the unit and give the defense a fighting chance on Sundays.
Height: 6’0” | Weight: 189 pounds | Speed: 4.4 forty time
Cisse began his collegiate career at NC State, where he quickly proved he belonged on the big stage by earning significant snaps as a true freshman and sealing games with clutch interceptions. Seeking to test himself against the best in the country, he transferred to South Carolina and became an immediate standout for the Gamecocks. During his time in the SEC, he transformed into a shutdown threat who routinely held top-tier receivers well below their season averages. His progression from a reliable rotational piece to a premier conference defender has scouts buzzing about his ceiling, especially considering he is still one of the younger prospects in the entire class.
The most striking aspect of Cisse’s game is his quick, explosive ability that allows him to mirror receivers through every twist and turn of a route. He possesses incredibly smooth footwork that keeps him balanced even when facing the shiftiest targets in the league. At the line of scrimmage, he utilizes his length effectively, using a long arm jam to disrupt the timing of opposing wideouts and force them off their intended path. This combination of twitchy movement and technical hand usage makes him a frustrating opponent for anyone trying to gain a clean release.
His athletic profile is further enhanced by elite leaping skills that allow him to contest high-point passes against much taller competition. Cisse does an excellent job of keeping his eyes on the ball while it is in flight, showing a natural sense of timing to break up passes at the last possible second. Unlike some cornerbacks who avoid the dirty work, he shows a genuine run support willingness and will aggressively fly downhill to blow up screen passes or limit outside runs. He plays with a high motor and a physical edge that endears him to coaches who value a complete defensive back.
If there is a concern about his transition to the professional level, it starts with his slender frame, where he may struggle against the more powerful possession receivers in the NFL. This lack of bulk occasionally leads to tackling inconsistencies where he can be dragged for extra yardage or bounced off by stronger ball carriers. Additionally, there are moments on tape where he shows slightly late reactions to complex route concepts or play-action fakes. He will need to sharpen his diagnostic skills to ensure his physical traits are not wasted by a split second of hesitation.
Cisse is a tailor-made candidate for the aggressive defensive identity that Christian Parker is building in Dallas. Parker places a high premium on cornerbacks who can combine raw speed with the mental processing required for modern match coverage. Cisse’s background as a two-way player gives him an intuitive understanding of offensive spacing, which aligns perfectly with the pattern-matching principles used by the Cowboys staff. His ability to recover quickly and his competitive spirit make him a natural understudy for the playmakers currently leading the Dallas secondary.
Projected as an early second-round selection, Cisse would only be in play if the Cowboys traded back in the draft, but he’s a prime Day 2 candidate if they want to inject youth and high-end athleticism into their defense. He fits the mold of a versatile defender who can provide immediate value on special teams while developing into a lockdown starter on the perimeter. Cisse offers the explosive burst and competitive fire to thrive in the Dallas spotlight. Taking a chance on this young playmaker would be a nice step in repairing a cornerback room that remains under construction.
Brandon Cisse feels like the epitome of a lengthy, jammy-type corner that the Cowboys scouts have historically desired, but also has the twitchy reactiveness for a Parker system. pic.twitter.com/VEMwNtdSE9
— Dan Rogers (@DannyPhantom24) April 11, 2026
It’s been an up and down season so far for the St. Louis Cardinals. It’s entirely reasonable to expect that it will be an up and down season from here on out. We’re all hoping for an outcome that’s special and unexpected, but the likelihood is that we’ll have to live through growing pains. In some ways, JJ Wetherholt’s (very, very) early season results are a microcosm for the roller coaster nature of this team as a whole. This is fitting in a lot of ways, as we all hope JJ Wetherholt will be in St. Louis for a very long time. (Unless you’re somehow anti-Wetherholt?! Please, go ahead and identify yourself so we can turn up our noses at you and cross the street to the other side. Thanks!)
Wetherholt, of course, is an uber prospect. Everybody who ranks prospects (including your pet dog), had Wetherholt as a consensus top prospect in all of the minor leagues. This designation is a bit of a catch-22 for Cardinals prospects. Wetherholt descends from a shaky Cardinals prospect tree that includes names like Carlson, Reyes, Taveras (RIP – a true sliding doors moment for the franchise), and Walker (WOW JORDAN WALKER SO FAR). I’m fine staking my non-existent Cardinals reputation on the fact that Wetherholt is absolutely not going to be a failure. While I’m here giving takes, let me just bring up the spice level. I’d happily bet money that Wetherholt will be in a red jacket someday. How’s that for confidence?
In our last episode of Redbird Rundown, we ranked the top three most untradeable major leaguers on the Cardinals roster and despite Jordan Walker’s thermonuclear start (let’s do it again – WOW JORDAN WALKER SO FAR), Wetherholt remains the top of the heap for me. You may disagree, and that’s part of being an observer! Check out that list and so much more if you’re into audio content – Apple and Spotify!
If you’ve watched any of the games thus far, you’ve seen why I have such confidence in Wetherholt. The guy is a quintessential high-floor player. His approach is elite – maybe even beyond elite? Wetherholt is a one man wrecking crew for opposing hurler’s pitch counts. As such, he’s running a walk rate that is in the 76th percentile. While spitting on balls outside the zone, Wetherholt is hacking at pitches in the zone. In the very early going (Yes, I’m still aware it’s early. Thanks for checking.), Wetherholt is displaying an aggressiveness that he’s never shown as a professional. As of this writing, he’s swinging at 5% more pitches in the zone and 3% more pitches outside the zone.
This newfound aggressiveness, while probably explained by a little rookie pressing to produce at the big league level, does not appear to be serving him well. His bat speed is exactly league average, so to leverage the surprising power he showed last year at Memphis, he’s going to have to swing at exactly the right pitches. Naturally, Wetherholt just had a two homer game two days ago, so there’s all the proof any of us need.
For the season though, his batted ball data is strikingly average. He’s the Michael McGreevy of batted balls so far? Not sure. May need to workshop that. He’s almost exactly 50th percentile in barrel %, hard hit %, average exit velo, and squared up %. All of these numbers last year were much closer to the top of the MiLB system. Obviously, MLB hitters on average are better than MiLB hitters, but this suggests to me that Wetherholt is making contact with pitches he just can’t do as much with. In short, he’s swinging too much right now.
The biggest plague on Wetherholt’s offensive production so far is the sharply hit ball to second base. Now, before you get visions of Victor Scott II dancing in your head, don’t. In general, just don’t do that to yourself. But, Wetherholt is pulling so many more balls than last year. It’s shocking really. Last year he pulled 42.5% of his batted ball events in the minors, this year it’s up to 53.8%. What gives? His opposite field contact has fallen a full 14%. The best version of Wetherholt anyone has ever seen in his very short career (Wetherholt himself is a bit of a short king, no?) has a spray chart that looks like a shotgun blast. It’s all over the field. Right now, he’s pulling far more pitches and suffering from a .245 BABIP. Many of these hard grounders are right at the first and second basemen.
What’s the upshot? JJ Wetherholt is running a 109 wRC+ being a substandard version of his best offensive self. I’m going to chalk it up to rookie pressing. He also has an interesting habit of going through an adjustment period at each new level and then his baseball AI brain recalibrates and he dominates. I’m not sure we’ll see the lofty 154 wRC+ he ran last year in the minors, but I expect him to improve. It’s been an impressive start, even as it’s substandard for him. If that even makes sense.
As you watch him in the coming weeks, pay attention to how aggressive he is in the box. My hope is that he edges down towards his college and minor league seasons when it comes to swing rates. The track record of this more patient player is beyond impressive. I suspect that the Cardinals have a top of the order hitter that will be there for a long time just starting his adjustment period to major league pitching. We’ll see what the future brings.
As always, thanks for reading! It’s been a great experience at VEB so far. Thanks for that! You can usually find me during games hanging out on twitter @mksmith86. I honestly tweet more from our podcast handle @redbirdrundown2. Drop by and say hey!
2027 three-star Buford (Ga.) High linebacker Ethan Hauser finished his visit to Michigan last weekend by immediately locking in a return trip. He will now be among the official visitors during Victor’s Weekend starting June 19 because of the treatment he received on campus.
“My latest visit to Michigan went very well,” Hauser told Maize n Brew. “I was made a priority by the entire staff. I was definitely impressed with the experience.”
Hauser was joined by another Buford linebacker in 2027 three-star Brayden Watson, both of whom will make the flight again in two months. For Hauser, his interest kicked off in mid-February when linebackers coach Alex Whittingham extended an offer. Since then, the two have connected on a personal level.
“I have a very strong relationship with coach Whittingham,” Hauser said. “He has also made it a point to build a strong relationship with my family. I think he is a great coach and also think he is doing a great job in my recruitment.”
Hauser also said head coach Kyle Whittingham is making a significant effort in building a bond.
“Coach Kyle, like coach Alex, is a great guy as well,” Hauser said. “A down-to-earth and well-rounded man who is interested in getting to know my family and I. He also makes me feel like a priority.”
At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, Hauser’s athleticism at the linebacker position is a big reason why there’s a mutual belief between himself and the Michigan staff that he could play at a high level in the defense.
“After watching practice, I definitely can see myself fitting into Michigan’s scheme, as well as play style,” Hauser said. “I think I fit in pretty well with Michigan’s linebackers. They are versatile and physical. Their communication was very good at practice.”
Heading into the official visit, the Wolverines are sitting comfortably for Hauser.
“Michigan definitely stands out to me after my visit and they are really sitting at the top for me right now,” Hauser said. “I’m excited to get a full look at campus and life as a student and player at the University of Michigan.”
Hauser has other official visits set for Vanderbilt (May 29) and Missouri (June 5).
Time/Place: 1:10 p.m., Comerica Park
SB Nation Site: Royals Review
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Pitching Matchup: RHP Keider Montero (1-1, 1.74 ERA) vs. LHP Kris Bubic (2-1, 2.50 ERA)
| Player | G | IP | K% | BB% | GB% | FIP | fWAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montero | 2 | 10.1 | 26.3 | 5.3 | 38.5 | 1.79 | 0.4 |
| Bubic | 3 | 18.0 | 33.8 | 10.3 | 42.1 | 3.20 | 0.4 |
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This spring, the Cubs have given contract extensions to two key players — Pete Crow-Armstrong and Nico Hoerner.
Other teams have done the same, primarily with young players, some even with players who have yet to play a MLB game.
The Cubs have two veteran players who don’t really fit either category above, but who have both been important contributors to the team in recent years — Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki. Both are free agents after this season. They are almost exactly the same age, born 10 days apart (Happ, Aug. 8, 1994 and Suzuki, Aug, 18, 1994). So both turn 32 later this year.
Happ has been a consistent 4 bWAR player over the past four seasons. He’s won Gold Gloves each of those four seasons, and almost always posts an OPS near his career average of .790. You know you’re going to get around 22-23 home runs every year from him, a lot of walks that produce around a .340 OBP even with a BA in the .240s. He is a respected clubhouse leader. He’s already hit four home runs this year — last year he didn’t hit his fourth homer until June 5.
Suzuki has been a bit injury-prone, but had a breakout 2025 season in which he batted .245/.326/.478 with 32 home runs and 103 RBI. The latter two numbers were career highs, as were his runs total (75), his 31 doubles, and 75 walks. He began 2025 mostly as a DH, but when Kyle Tucker went down with various injuries, Suzuki played 48 games in the outfield and was at least competent. (Granted, he has shown little of the defensive form that had him win NPB’s Golden Glove Award five times.)
Suzuki is off to a somewhat slow start this year, .261/.393/.261 (6-for-23), with five walks giving him a decent OBP. But that’s only six games for Seiya, and I feel certain he’ll come close to matching his 2025 numbers in 2026.
So of these two, which one would you want the Cubs to extend? Or both? Or neither?
Personally, I think I’d rather keep Suzuki. It seems to me that he might provide a bit more power over the next few years than Happ, and he could slide into a DH role if needed.
What do you think?
After 21 individual articles covering the best of what the Seattle Mariners have to offer in their minor league system, Colt Emerson has officially been crowned as Lookout Landing’s top prospect for the 2026 season, concluding our annual rankings. Having already signed a record-breaking extension earlier this season, Emerson exemplifies everything the Mariners want in a young shortstop and will be a key part of this team for the next decade or longer. His highly anticipated promotion is slated to be at some point this season, and though he’s already making major league money as a 20 year old, expect him to get some additional seasoning in Triple-A before he officially breaks through to the big leagues.
Colt Emerson goes oppo for a 2-run HR! pic.twitter.com/Yp2lPLkwEX
— Mariners Minors (@MiLBMariners) March 27, 2026
Emerson features premium bat-to-ball skills, budding power, and excellent plate discipline, a prototypical offensive approach of a young shortstop primed to excel at the next level. Perhaps even more important, however, is the fact he’s now a lock to stick up the middle, taking massive strides defensively and looking like a plus defender at the position on a nightly basis. He’s got a big time throwing arm and is fluid in his actions, showing off range that the Mariners have lacked for several years now. He’s a dynamic glove that doubles as an ideal table-setter atop a lineup.
Colt Emerson is too good. pic.twitter.com/LuSHY2JZXX
— Mariners Minors (@MiLBMariners) April 3, 2026
As of now, the goal for Emerson is to polish his offensive approach against veteran pitchers in Triple-A. The lower levels of the minor league typically feature a decent spread of raw “stuff” and can give hitters a taste of how pitches are moving, but Double-A and up is where things really step up. With just north of 200 PA’s at or above Double-A, getting experience against superior stuff is the final step in Emerson’s development and ultimately is what’s keeping him in the minors for now. At just 20 years old, he’s obviously way ahead of schedule and should be given plenty of time to develop regardless of his contract status. The Mariners are in on Emerson for the long haul; messing with his development in order to get him on to a roster that doesn’t have a clear role for him makes little sense and could wind up doing significantly more harm than good.
Thank you to all who have read along with this series! Hopefully the past two and a half months were able to provide some good context on state of the farm system and shine a light on some guys that you hadn’t yet heard of. We’ll still have weekly farm system updates every Monday if your prospect fix hasn’t yet been satiated, providing active updates to your new favorite farm hands. Sound off in the comments and Go Mariners!
Ah, life in the portal, where a week can feel like a month with the amount of movement that can happen in such a short period of time. When we last did this exercise, Michael Malone had just been hired as coach, about half the team had entered the portal, and Luka Bogavac was staying (more on him in a moment). But here we are a week later and there is a lot to discuss, so let’s dive in.
Quick reminder that the Portal closes on Tuesday, April 21st — but players do not have to decide by then.
Neoklis Avdalas
Avdalas becomes the first player to transfer to North Carolina under Coach Malone and based on where the roster stands he will not be the only one. He is the center piece to the new coaching staff and could have a monster year in Chapel Hill if everything breaks right.
Jarin Stevenson
Stevenson never entered the portal, but reconfirmed his commitment. Nonetheless, he is giving Michael Malone an experienced and versatile big to help stretch the floor and make life difficult for smaller wings and post players. The Chapel Hill native started his career at Alabama but will now finish it with the Tar Heels.
Jaydon Young
Young was the first player to commit to Coach Malone’s Tar Heels (Luka Bogavac was technically first, but again, we will get to him), deciding to stay at North Carolina after originally entering the portal. Young, who wanted to finish his career at UNC, brings leadership to the backcourt and could develop into the three-and-D type of player the new team needs.
Isaiah Denis
As of this writing, Denis is still in the portal, though there seems to be some momentum for him to return to Chapel Hill this year. Denis has decent size for a guard (6’4”, 180 lbs) and he did hit half of his three-point attempts in a season where he only appeared in 10 games (mostly at the end). Denis is the kind of player who could make a sophomore leap and at a minimum provide depth and stability to any backcourt he is a part of.
Kyan Evans
The only reason Evans is in this section is because he has not committed anywhere yet. Of all the players on this past season’s roster, Evans probably is in the most need of a change of scenery. He has visited with Minnesota (his former coach from Colorado State is head coach there now), while also being connected to some other schools as well.
James Brown
Brown also remains in the portal and though reportedly is taking visits to other schools. Brown is coming off a season-ending injury and is from Missouri, so he may look to transfer closer to home after two forgettable seasons in Chapel Hill, where he collected 15 personal fouls in just 50 minutes of play this past season.
Ivan Matlekovic
Matlekovic, who was a late add to Hubert Davis’ team last season, seemed like he would stick around at the end of Coach Malone’s bench. However, he instead decided to enter the transfer portal. The seven-foot transfer from High Point played very little before having his season end with an injury. He is raw but big and could find a role with a mid-major.
Juke Harris
The North Carolina coaching staff met with Harris in Salisbury this past weekend after the transfer from Wake Forest returned from his visit with Michigan. Harris, who has also entered his name in the draft process, is most closely linked to the Wolverines, Tar Heels, and the Tennessee Volunteers, who appear to be the favorites, and would provide defense and shooting to any teams starting backcourt.
Terrence Brown Jr
Brown was in Chapel Hill for an official visit this past Monday and Tuesday. Though he left Chapel Hill without committing, the Tar Heels are still considered a favorite along with Kansas and Kentucky, who he is visiting this week. Brown averaged 19.9 ppg, including 18 20+ point performances, last year in a very tough conference (albeit on a very bad Utah team).
Derek Dixon
After taking over as lead guard for the Tar Heels last season, Dixon entered the portal and officially committed to Arizona this week. With the Wildcats losing their starting guard to graduation, Dixon should have the opportunity to compete for the starting role on a team that made the Final Four this past season.
Luka Bogavac
After originally stating he was staying, Bogavac reversed course and entered the transfer portal this past weekend. He wasn’t there long, finding a new home with Oklahoma St. The Cowboys should provide Bogavac with the starting minutes he was originally looking for at UNC.
Jonathan Powell
Despite being one of former head coach Hubert Davis’s few trusted players, Powell also entered the portal and was the first to find a new home in Pittsburgh. The Panthers should provide him a starting role and plenty of minutes that would probably not have been available at North Carolina.
Zayden High
Like everyone else on this list, High entered his name in the portal around the same time Malone was introduced as head coach, and even though he left open the possibility for return, the Texas native officially chose to head to South Florida this week (the university in Tampa, not to Miami like a certain NBA player did 16 years ago). High should find a starting role with the Bulls or at a minimum provide energy and depth off the bench.
One final note; in addition to the reconfirming of Maximo Adams and the parting of ways with Dylan Mingo, North Carolina also received a reconfirmation from Malloy Smith, son of UNC legend Kenny Smith. Additionally, as of this writing Henri Veesaar has made no announcements about his future with the Tar Heels.
According to sources from Sky Germany, RB Leipzig wants to secure David Raum's services to the club on a long-term basis beyond his current contract until 2027.
The 27-year-old joined Leipzig in 2022 and has been a regular starter ever since, with the club wanting him for several more years.
However, there are currently no negotiations with Raum, who has made 32 appearances this season while providing a combined 11 goals and assists.
A potential extension for the left-back, whose release clause is set to drop below €40million, is currently hampered by Leipzig's new salary structure.
Marcel Schäfer's new policy ensures that no player's base salary should exceed €5million with performance-related bonuses providing additional income.
It will be interesting to see if RB Leipzig makes a financial exception for Raum or can reach some other agreement with the full-back.
While the ACC consistently fights with the SEC to be recognized as the best baseball conference, the unwieldy size of the conference means that unlike in other sports, some of the top teams don’t face each other during the season. Carolina only had ten conference matchups this year, and they’ve already faced off against ranked teams in Notre Dame, Louisville, and Boston College. Now, though, comes their biggest test of the season: ACC-leading Georgia Tech.
The Yellow Jackets are a 15-3 in the ACC, and they’re on a stunning ten-game win streak in conference. They haven’t lost a conference series all year, and they have swept three straight teams in NC State, Florida State, and Cal. Mixed in there is a run-rule win over Auburn before they played Cal. They are just rolling right now, and they present a prickly challenge for the Tar Heels.
You just don’t get series like this on your home field too often. Last year the Tar Heels faced a number two team in Florida State, but it was down in Tallahassee. Just being able to play a team of Georgia Tech’s caliber at the Bosh should create a fun environment.
The Tar Heels showed they were focused on the here and now in a pretty easy win over UNC-Wilmington Tuesday Night, 14-5. Carolina jumped up 5-0 early and despite UNCW getting some runs late, the Tar Heels ran away with the game to set up this showdown.
A look at the team numbers for Georgia Tech shows they aren’t just winning, they are demolishing, and they’re going to be playing in ideal hitting conditions this weekend as the weather will be warm in Chapel Hill. The team batting average is a full 50 points better than the second-place squad in Pitt, they’ve scored 80 more runs, have nine more homers, lead in slugging by 70 points, have the most walks, and only the seventh most strike outs. They just mash.
That said, Carolina brings the best pitching in the ACC to the table. The team ERA is .60 better than the Jackets, and notably they have given up the fewest home runs of anyone in the conference. They are tied with Boston College in only allowing 25 homers; the bad news is that the team next team on the list — California and their 26 allowed round-trippers — got whomped by the Yellow Jackets 17-2, 7-2, and 9-3. Preventing home runs isn’t any sort of guarantee that it’ll keep Georgia Tech off the board.
The biggest concern for Carolina might be tomorrow night’s starter Jason DeCaro. He had an off night last week in Clemson, only going 2 1/3 and letting the Tigers get rolling with three runs en route to their only win of the series. This is following a short 2 2/3 inning outing against Boston College the weekend before. He needs a strong start to get back to his Friday-starter form, and a good outing against the Yellow Jackets could be just what he needs to build momentum for the rest of the season.
Georgia Tech comes into the series with two players hitting over .400 and six more hitting over .300. Yes, that means just about every single regular hitter for Georgia Tech hits for over .300. Carolina’s pitchers will have their hands full without a doubt.
We’ll see just how much of a claim Carolina has to being one of the top teams in the country if they can avoid the sting of the Jackets. Bring your sunscreen if you plan to head out to the Bosh, as Friday’s game will start at 6 PM but Saturday will be at noon and Sunday will be at 1 PM. Both of the weekend games will be on the ACC Network, while Friday’s game is streaming only. The expectation is for it to be hot and sunny, so be prepared like you’re watching a game in June, not April.
Hopefully the home fans will be treated to some good baseball.
At 22 years old, Vinícius Tobias is making waves with Shakhtar Donetsk, and could be the latest Brazilian to make a breakthrough with the club.
From Willian to Fernandinho, from Douglas Costa to Fred, we’ve seen quite a few Brazilian stars make a name for themselves at Shakhtar Donetsk. This Brazilian cohort, which has seen 46 players score nearly 1,000 goals, has proven essential in helping Shakhtar dominate Ukrainian football over the first quarter of the 21st century. Today, there are a number of Brazilian players who are making their mark at Shakhtar, with Marlon Santos and Pedro Henrique emerging as vital figures in defense, and Pedrinho replacing Georgiy Sudakov as the club’s chief midfield playmaker.
Newerton Palmares has filled Kevin’s void down Shakhtar’s left flank following the Brazilian winger’s departure to Fulham for a club-record expenditure of £34.6 million, forming a stalwart duo with his compatriot Alisson Santana. There’s also Kauã Elias, Marlon Gomes, Eguinaldo, Pedro Henrique, Luca Meirelles, Isaque, and Lucas Ferreira, who have proven to be valuable rotational pieces, while Vinícius Tobias is competing for the starting right back position.
Born on February 23, 2004, Vinícius Augusto Tobías da Silva grew up in the Buraco Quente Favela of São Paulo, plying his soccer skills in the Jardim Matarazzo quarter of São Paulo. Oftentimes, he’d pass out at training due to not having eaten enough. He always knew that his way out of poverty was by playing soccer. It’s why he left his family for Porto Alegre at the age of 12 and joined Internacional. Within a year, he gained 16 pounds.
Tobias rose through the ranks for Internacional and Brazil, playing a handful of times for Brazil’s U-15s and U-16s in 2019 before making two appearances for the U-17s in 2021, and he’s since featured three times with the U-20s, and once with the U-23s. It’s why, despite not even playing a single match for Internacional’s senior team, Shakhtar decided to sign the 17-year-old for €6 million in July 2021.
Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images
He was forced to wait seven months before his 18th birthday before making the move to Eastern Europe, undergoing preseason in Türkiye before heading to Ukraine and embracing his new surroundings. But just when he looked set to make his Shakhtar debut, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, kicking off the biggest conflict as well as the biggest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II.
During this wartime period, FIFA made a special exception and allowed foreign players and coaches to unilaterally suspend their contracts with the Russian and Ukrainian football federations, as well as allowing them to leave on loan despite the transfer window already being shut. Tobias would start a new adventure in Spain with a little club called Real Madrid.
“That was a shock for me, because I was that kid who was fulfilling the dream of arriving at Shakhtar, being able to make my debut, being able to play great games, and unfortunately, the war began and it didn’t come to pass,” said Tobias in an exclusive Urban Pitch interview. “I went to Real Madrid, I stayed for three seasons, and I learned a lot of things there too. Of course, I’ve returned to Shakhtar now, and I’m very happy to be back and continue this dream.”
Upon making the move to the Spanish capital, Tobias played four times for Real Madrid Castilla in 2021-22 before sticking around for another campaign.
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
With a full preseason to prepare for his campaign, Tobias enjoyed a superb season under legendary Real Madrid striker Raúl González. Playing alongside a star-studded roster including Nico Paz, Álex Jiménez, Rafa Marín, and Gonzalo García, Tobias emerged as the starting right back with five assists in 41 appearances. In addition to impressing in the UEFA Youth League, Tobias helped them reach the verge of promotion before losing to Eldense in the finals.
“Honestly, my reaction when I found out that I was going to Real…I didn’t even believe it,” stated Tobias to R.Org. “I had just left Shakhtar because of the war, so, when I heard the news that Real Madrid Castilla wanted me on loan, I couldn’t believe it, because I was taking a huge step forward in my career. I didn’t make my debut for Shakhtar when I arrived, and suddenly I ended up at Real Madrid Castilla. Actually, I was a little shaken at first, but it finally clicked after I got there and did my first workouts. I was very happy and very fulfilled because of that.”
Tobias continued his impressive displays in the Spanish third tier and racked up four assists in 21 appearances, and he would make his debut for the senior team on January 6, 2024, playing 88 minutes in a 3-1 Copa del Rey win against fourth-tier outfit Arandina. After Real declined their €15 million purchase option, Tobias extended his Shakhtar contract through 2029 and finally managed to make his presence felt with the Miners, providing six assists in 26 appearances.
After a season that saw him debut in the UEFA Champions League and win the Ukrainian Cup, Tobias has taken his performances up a notch under Arda Turan, racking up two goals and three assists in 32 appearances this season. While he hasn’t completely displaced Yukhym Konoplia from the starting lineup, he is nevertheless proving essential for a Shakhtar side that, after a dismal third-placed finish last season, is getting back to its best form.
Despite playing their home matches in Kraków, Poland, Shakhtar managed to finish sixth in the UEFA Conference League league phase before knocking out Lech Poznán. And if they can defeat AZ Alkmaar, they will face Crystal Palace or Fiorentina in the semifinals. In domestic league play, the club has played its home matches in Lviv, a 17-hour drive from Donetsk, yet Shakhtar sit atop the Ukrainian Premier League standings, level on 51 points with LNZ Cherkasy with a game in hand.
We caught up with Tobias for a Q&A session discussing his move to Europe at such a young age, finding his home in Shakhtar, and the toughest players he’s faced throughout his career.
Urban Pitch: What do you think are the main attributes that made you stand out enough to earn a transfer to Europe at just 17 years of age?
Of course, I went to Internacional at 12, a very young age, and since then, I’ve always been working hard and striving to be able to play for a team outside the country of Brazil. So I was very happy when that happened because of my hard work and dedication. When the transfer to Shakhtar came up when I was 17, I was very happy. It was a dream come true.
There are a lot of stereotypes about Brazilian soccer players, that they only like to go to the beach, party in the night clubs and have fun off the pitch, do you think that these are founded in reality?
I think it depends on each person. I think everyone knows what they’re doing, everyone knows what they want to achieve, what they desire. Speaking for myself, I’m someone who likes to be focused, who likes to do what’s right in order to earn his place. In short, I think it depends on each person, you know?
When you moved to Shakhtar, what was it like starting a new adventure in such a drastically different part of the world, and what do you remember being the biggest culture shock?
Things have always happened very quickly for me because even at only 17 years old, I received the offer from Shakhtar. Of course, it’s actually very difficult, especially at the beginning. A 17-year-old boy leaving his country, leaving his family, his friends, in order to go to a country where you’re not sure if things will work out or if it will even be feasible. It’s a country you’ll have to completely adapt to, especially because of the cold. Because in Brazil, we already know how hot it is, so moving to Ukraine, a very cold country, where the people you don’t know yet, it’s a big deal.
But of course, when I joined Shakhtar, I had a dream of playing in Europe. And when I arrived at Shakhtar, I had the privilege of meeting my Ukrainian teammates as well, who, despite the language barrier, always try to talk to me and help me, and vice versa. Sometimes we can help each other, so I think that it really helps me to have the support of my Ukrainian teammates, who gave me all their strength when I arrived at Shakhtar.
Who’s the toughest player that you’ve faced, both in an actual game as well as a training session?
There have been some great players here at Shakhtar like Alisson, Newerton, even Kevin when he was here. They’re the type of players who are very difficult to mark because they have so much quality, they have so many technical resources. I think for us defenders, facing those kinds of players is very complicated, but of course, we always find a way, because we also try to defend as well as possible.
Lastly, you’ve made some considerable strides in your game since returning to Shakhtar, but it’s safe to say that you still haven’t edged Yukhym Konoplya to a starting spot. What has it been like competing with this slightly older Ukrainian player for the starting right back position, and what do you think you need to do in order to become an undisputed starter?
I think we’ve all been working hard every single day, and the opportunities are always coming. Of course, as I said here at Shakhtar, we have great players, excellent players, both in terms of the Brazilians and the Ukrainians…they’re perfect players. And as far as Konoplya goes, I think that we have a similar dynamic. We’re always united. It doesn’t matter who’s playing. It doesn’t matter who’s on the bench. Sometimes I think that we’re always together, regardless of the game; we want our team to win and take home the title. So, sometimes I’m happy that he plays too. He’s happy when I play. And that’s how things are. And of course, we’ll always be working so we can always play together.
The Los Angeles Clippers have some big roster decisions to make this offseason.
Multiple key players, like superstar Kawhi Leonard, are either entering the final year of their contract, deciding whether or not to exercise player options or approaching free agency.
“(Clippers coach Ty) Lue is under contract through 2029. (Darius) Garland is the Clippers’ new point guard of the future. They’re not going anywhere, a league source told The Athletic. Everything else is less clear,” wrote Law Murray of The Athletic.
One of the biggest questions for the Clippers this offseason will be regarding their future with Leonard. He is entering the final year of his three-year, $149.5 million contract with Los Angeles and will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2026-27 season if he does not sign an extension with the Clippers.
Leonard has not revealed whether he plans to stay with the Clippers or enter free agency.
“Let me cry about this loss a little bit more. We’re going to have our discussions when that time comes,” Leonard told reporters after the Clippers’ season-ending 121-126 loss to the Warriors on Wednesday night.
Two outside factors could impact Leonard’s future with Los Angeles: the outcome of the NBA’s investigation into his allegedly fraudulent endorsement deal with Aspiration and which pick the Clippers receive in the NBA draft lottery on May 10.
One of the potential consequences Leonard could face as a result of the investigation is having his contract with the Clippers voided. However, there is reportedly no expectation this will happen, according to The Athletic.
The Clippers could land a No. 5 or No. 6 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft if the Indiana Pacers do not get a top-four pick. If Los Angeles secures a top pick, it may convince Leonard to stick around long-term.
In addition to Leonard, the Clippers have a few other players to make decisions about this offseason.
Forward John Collins will be eligible for free agency if the Clippers do not extend him. Veterans Brook Lopez, Nicolas Batum and Bogdan Bogdanović along with young players like Jordan Miller and Kobe Sanders have team options.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The post Clippers Enter Offseason With Major Roster Decisions After Play-In Elimination appeared first on LA Sports Report.
Jordan Spieth has continued to struggle over the past few years, and is without a PGA Tour win since the RBC Heritage in April 2022.
Gary Player warned everyone 12 months ago about the cause of Spieth’s woes, and has now been proven completely right.
The 32-year-old from Dallas, Texas, is still an absolute box-office name in professional golf, in spite of his recent struggles.
The vast majority of golf fans continue to will Jordan Spieth to do well, but his swing changes are simply not cooperating.
Spieth’s putting has let him down badly on the PGA Tour over the past six years.
However, his long game has hardly been flourishing, contrary to what he may have you believe.
Spieth has been only one major win away from completing the career Grand Slam for nine years now.
And there is definitely an argument to be had that he is suffering from some form of paralysis by analysis.
The great Gary Player shared a really strong warning for Spieth back in 2025.
As reported at the time by The Golfing Gazette, Player explained why Spieth has struggled so badly over the past few years.
“There is a tremendous lack of knowledge with golf. I would say in America today the golf pros that are teaching know less about golf. They have all the equipment and the technology but they are teaching golfers to do this at the top.
“But you can’t once you do that you are gone. Jack Nicklaus won majors for 25 years, I won majors for 20 years, Palmer won for six years because he was shut.
“Look at Dustin Johnson. You haven’t heard of him. When was the last time you heard of Dustin Johnson? The minute you go like this, your golf career is limited. You have got to get the club and your hands under the club.
“What they are doing, they did it with Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler. Now those two guys. Jordan Spieth I think is the best golfer in the world but in my opinion he was taught the wrong thing. And he just went downhill. He went downhill.
“If you had a man like Ben Hogan teaching Jordan Spieth he would be the best in the world. He’s such a competitor, such a wonderful man. A wonderful guy for golf, the best short game, best course management but he just can’t hit the ball. That is a tragedy.“
While the word tragedy may be a slight exaggeration from Player, nobody can accuse him of being wrong about the situation.
When Spieth was winning majors and PGA Tour events regularly, the position of his clubface at the top of the backswing was far more neutral than it has been over the past few years.
Check out Spieth’s swing in super slow motion from 2016 here on Titleist’s YouTube Channel.
Now look at how laid off his swing path gets at the top in 2022 and how closed his clubface is by clicking here on Mike’s 3D Life YouTube Channel.
The difference is, quite frankly, astonishing.
Spieth is ranked 97th in strokes gained off the tee this season, and 33rd in strokes gained approach.
In 2025, he was ranked 33rd and 58th respectively in those two categories.
His driver was one of his main strengths in 2024, and he was ranked 15th in strokes gained off the tee, but he ranked well down in 138th in strokes gained approach.
Meanwhile, he was ranked 59th in strokes gained off the tee in the 2022/23 season and 71st in strokes gained approach.
The fact that Spieth keeps telling everyone how much his ball-striking has improved is a concern.
He continues to insist how great he’s swinging the golf club as well. Those kinds of levels of delusion will continue to hold him back.
Maybe the best thing for Jordan Spieth to do will be to go back to the way he swung the golf club in 2015, with more of a neutral clubface position at the top.
Gary Player is certainly not wrong. Those who swing with a closed clubface at the top usually have fairly short windows of success.
“It was a huge moment,” said Wood, reflecting on the 6-1 win over Holmesdale Keets that sealed the title.
“The girls are very important to me. It's like a little family so to secure promotion together is really rewarding.
“Relegation last year was tough, but we built from the ground up this season. Having the depth in the squad, along with first team girls coming in for minutes has really strengthened the side."
“Marta Boabonay is the perfect example; she’s a fantastic player who has scored so many goals for us and she has thrived stepping up to the first-team environment.
“Then Paula Holguin and Kirsty Matthews have come in with their game knowledge and experience to strengthen our side.
“They feel like part of that family as well, strengthening the relationship between us on and off the pitch.”
Whilst captaining the side to bounce back with promotion, Wood was part of a prolific front line that has been scoring goals for fun, netting 60 times in 16 games in the league so far.
The winger’s favourite moment was bagging a hat-trick against higher tier opposition, London Academicals.
“I’d gone away for a little bit and to come back into the squad and score three was unreal,” she recalled.
“I spoke to Tommy [Ryan-Maynard] and Will [Blithing] pre-game and they said, ‘We want you to start strong.’ I scored in the first minute!
“We've all got a great relationship with both coaches. They’re always striving for our development, to push us past our comfort zones, and to trust our ability.”
Outside of football, Wood has a busy professional life.
“I've recently become an assistant producer for Sky Sports. I work across Baller League and WSL which has been super rewarding,” said Wood.
“When I first walked into a production gallery, it was crazy to see how manual televised football is.
“You’ve got to be on your game; it's like working on what I'd imagine Wall Street is like. There's lots of different people communicating, it's very loud and busy.
“It's the most rewarding thing I've done career wise. Every time you put on a show, it's your whole gallery of 20 people doing their individual roles coming together to produce live TV that thousands watch.”
As well as her exciting role in TV production, the Brentford forward is also breaking into the content creation space. You can follow Wood on Instagram @gxorgia and TikTok @gxorgiawood.
“I do some sports modelling, and I’m starting to create content around fashion, football and how my personality intersects those things," explained Wood.
“It's so important to be real online because authentic content is what wins and people resonate with the real-life stuff.
“Taking the step is scary but you’ve got to trust yourself and dive in head-first. Without building my confidence at Brentford, I wouldn't have taken those risks in my career.”
'Without building my confidence at Brentford, I wouldn't have taken those risks in my career”
Brentford Women B now prepare for a Capital Cup semi-final against Fulham Under-18s on Sunday 19 April, with free entry at Wheatsheaf Park (2pm kick-off).
“I'm so excited to lead the girls out; we're not to be underestimated,” Wood affirmed.
“We're all so passionate and grateful to have the opportunity to showcase our ability at Wheatsheaf Park; it’s such a lovely pitch and it should be a good contest.
“We're really locked in - we know about the rivalry, and we've got our eyes on the double.”
Liam Rosenior has been asked about Enzo Fernandez’s return to Chelsea’s squad and whether it had caused any problems with the group.
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Enzo Fernandez’s two game suspension from Chelsea is over now, and he will almost certainly be back in the team when we play Manchester United this weekend.
Liam Rosenior was asked in his press conference today about the Argentine’s reintegration, and whether it had caused any rifts in his squad.
“Not that I’m aware of, no,” a tense Rosenior replied, without much conviction.
“No, Enzo’s come back to the group this week. The group’s been fantastic in terms of his training, Enzo has as well, and his application to training, and our group’s application to training, so no.”
Well no manager is going to admit that training has been sullen and awkward, or of a low standard. Rosenior always says the training has been good, and it’s been no guarantee of good results.
The proof will be on the pitch on Saturday – not only in the result, but in the attitude shown by Enzo and his teammates.
Rosenior was quite defensive in his take on the lack of “belief” being showed by his players. It’s not entirely convincing.
The best news from the press conference was that Levi Colwill is playing minutes for the Under-21s tomorrow, meaning he’s on course to feature for the first team this season.
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Atletico Madrid star Marc Pubill has been quizzed on the controversial decision not to award a penalty against his side in the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Barcelona.
Pubill bizarrely handled after goalkeeper Juan Musso has restarted play but escaped conceding a penalty and being awarded a second yellow card.
The decision left Barcelona furious after the game, but Pubill insists he did nothing wrong.
“I think UEFA has already given their version, so there’s no need to say more,” he told reporters. “My opinion is clear. No, you can never whistle like that. So I have nothing more to add.”
Barcelona submitted a complaint to UEFA about the match officials in the wake of the 2-0 defeat which was subsequently dismissed as “inadmissible.”
More controversy following in the same leg, as Eric Garcia was sent off and Dani Olmo denied a penalty, leading Joan Laporta to brand the refereeing a “disgrace” and insist the club would file another complaint.
This is going to be a piece about patience and taking it slow. I was going to start it off with a joke about stopping to smell the flowers above the left field wall, but they removed those a season or two ago, and I couldn’t quite come up with another lede, so the seams are showing a bit. And not showing in an effective, “oh god, that’s a Zack Wheeler four-seamer coming at me”, way. Anyhow. Bryce Harper’s first pitch swing percentage is down almost double digits this year.
Specifically, it’s down 9.7%, to 44.4% (all stats cited are taken from before yesterday’s game). He’s gone from swinging at a majority of first offerings to passing on most of them, though he’s still quite eager to get the at-bat started with a mighty hack. Small sample size caveats apply, but that’s still a pretty big change. His overall swing rate is down by 3.4%, so this would seem to be more than a general decision to swing less— it’s concentrated on the first swing. Although Harper’s swing is lethal, you can see the logic in his starting fewer at-bats with one: pitchers really don’t like to give Harper pitches in the zone, and they’re increasingly reluctant to give him the fastballs he feasts on. So why not start off by taking one of those pitches outside, getting into a hitter’s count, and forcing them to give him the fastball?
That would be sensible strategy, but it’s also not what’s happening. His first pitch swing rate is way down, but his first pitch strike rate has barely changed from last year (up 0.8%). Any benefit he’s getting with fewer first pitch whiffs and fouls is being offset by something. The only thing it could be, really, is that he’s getting more pitches in the zone, and thus taking more called strikes. His overall in zone percentage is actually down a bit from last year, though only by the small margin of 2.5%.
But if we look only at pitches on a 0-0 count, his in-zone percentage has increased from 45.8% to 52.8%. As Bryce has dropped his first pitch swings to under 50%, pitchers have raised their first pitch offerings in the zone to over 50%. Hence the lack of change in his first pitch strike rate. Pitchers have also changed which pitches they’re offering him on 0-0 counts: last year he got fastballs for the plurality of his initial offerings, but this year, and for the first time in his career, he’s getting more breaking balls than fastballs to start. Pitchers are starting to pitch Bryce backwards. He seems to be making an effort to swing less at breaking balls this year, and not just in 0-0 counts: overall, his swing rate against the moving stuff has dropped by 10%.
All this raises a question about what we’re seeing. Are pitchers offering Harper more first pitches in the zone because he’s swinging at them less? Or is Harper swinging less at first pitches because of what pitchers are offering him? Unlike the question of the chicken and the egg, we can make some progress towards answering this (also, did the Phanatic, being a bird, come from an egg? That’s beyond the purview of this piece, and also a little uncomfortable to think about).
See, Bryce isn’t alone. Taken as a team, the Phillies have dropped their first pitch swing rate by 7.7%, more than any other team in baseball. In part, that’s the product of a change in team composition: the Phillies parted ways with Nick Castellanos, who swung at a greater proportion on first pitches than anyone else in baseball in 2025, and replaced him with Adolis García, who ranked 100th for first pitch swing %. But it’s not just about the change in personnel:
| Player | First Pitch Swing %, 2025 | First Pitch Swing %, 2026 | Change, Year over Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryce Harper | 54.10% | 44.40% | -9.70% |
| Trea Turner | 38.40% | 30.70% | -7.70% |
| Alec Bohm | 35.30% | 28.80% | -6.50% |
| Adolis García | 33.20% | 15.90% | -17.30% |
| Brandon Marsh | 32.10% | 28.60% | -3.50% |
| J.T. Realmuto | 29.50% | 28.60% | -0.90% |
| Kyle Schwarber | 27.50% | 22.70% | -4.80% |
| Bryson Stott | 13.40% | 11.90% | -1.50% |
All of the Phillies starters have dropped their first pitch swing rate from last year. Even Bryson Stott, who swings at first pitches about as often as blue moons appear on leap years, has somehow found a way to do so less often. Part of this is (like everything else in April), small sample size. Case in point, during the time between my starting to poke around this topic and actually writing this, Stott’s decrease in first pitch swing % went from “wow, that’s a big drop” to “that’s a small, but notable drop” to “I’m pretty sure this doesn’t mean anything”. Realmuto’s drop also seems small enough to be negligible. But given that the growing reluctance to swing at the first offering is spread out across the entire team, it seems like there may be something real here.
The Phillies may be telling their hitters to take a more patient approach, to swing less at the first pitch (and not just at the first pitch— they’ve dropped their overall swing rate by 3.1%, more than all but five other clubs). That’s decreased their first pitch strike percentage by a bit (2.8%). I’m not so convinced that the decline in first pitch swing rate for the Phillies with small declines is all that meaningful; Realmuto and Stott’s declines are small enough to be noise, and Marsh and Schwarber’s drops could also turn out to be the same. But Harper and García seem to be genuinely more reluctant to swing at the opening offering, at least in the early going. It’s clear to me why Harper might want to make that change; only Castellanos was more likely to swing at first pitches last year, and pitchers are happy to exploit that. García’s change in approach is a little more surprising, both because of the size of the drop, and because he wasn’t unusually likely to swing at first offerings last year. But García is looking to return to form after an underwhelming 2025, and finding a way to get into more hitters counts certainly couldn’t hurt.
And on a team-wide level, the reasoning may be simple: no team in baseball was less likely to get a pitch in the zone last year. If pitchers aren’t inclined to give you something in the zone, taking fewer swings on first pitches gets you more 1-0 counts, and thus more pressure for the next pitch to be in the zone. Eventually, if pitchers realize giving a Phillie an out of the zone pitch on 0-0 is likely to get them a 1-0 count, then they’ll start off more at-bats with pitches in the zone.
It’s early. Not enough time has passed to gauge precisely how much of this is intentional strategy that’ll stick, and not enough time has passed to see how opposing pitchers will respond. So far, the Phillies are actually somewhat less likely to get pitches in the zone than they were last year. A lot of this could turn out to be noise. Still, it’s worth taking a swing at the first offering of early season data— even the Phillies are taking the opposite approach.
Mikel Arteta has expressed pride in his Arsenal side after they reached the Champions League semi-final in consecutive seasons, despite encountering difficulties against Sporting Club. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the club and reflects their continued development on the European stage.
Before the tie, many expected Arsenal to progress comfortably, yet the contest proved far more challenging than anticipated. Sporting provided resilient opposition, forcing Arsenal to work hard across both legs to secure qualification. The nature of the victory underlined both the team’s determination and the areas where improvement is still required.
Since the 2023 to 2024 season, Arsenal have made steady strides in the competition. They reached the quarter final during that campaign, advanced to the semi final last season, and have now repeated the feat, with ambitions of going even further this term.
Standing between them and a place in the final is Atletico Madrid, a side renowned for their resilience in knockout football. Arsenal are aiming to reach their first Champions League final since their defeat to FC Barcelona in 2006, and there is growing belief within the squad that they can achieve that objective.
Atletico Madrid will present a formidable challenge, given their track record in high-pressure European ties. However, Arsenal’s confidence remains high as they prepare for the next stage of the competition.
For now, the focus is on appreciating the significance of reaching another semi-final. As reported by BBC Live, Arteta reflected on the accomplishment and the effort required to reach this stage.
He said, “It’s a massive moment. It’s the first time in our history, in 140 years that we are on back-to-back semi-finals, so to be part of those four teams is something very special. You have to earn it. You have to go through a lot of work. Gratitude to the players.”
His remarks highlight both the historical importance of the achievement and the collective effort behind it. Arsenal’s progress in Europe illustrates a team growing in maturity and competitiveness, with the potential to reach even greater heights if it can overcome the challenges that lie ahead.
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“It’s a massive moment” Arteta reflects on back to back Champions League semifinals
Arteta knows Arsenal has to improve as a team
In a major development, journalist Matteo Moretto on MARCA reports that FC Barcelona have reached an agreement with the camp of Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni over personal terms.
The 27-year-old Italian international is a top target for the Blaugrana heading into the summer transfer window, given the need for reinforcements in defence.
Talks have been taking place between the club and the defender’s entourage for some time now. And, as per the latest update, an agreement over personal terms have now been reached.
There is, however, still the matter of Barcelona agreeing on a transfer fee with Inter Milan for the left-footed central defender.
Contract terms agreed. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
As already reported, the Blaugrana do not wish to spend a big sum on his acquisition, and as such, are considering offering a player in exchange to lower the overall cost.
Hector Fort, to that end, has emerged as an option, with Moretto suggesting that the teenage right-back is a player that Inter Milan like.
However, earlier reports in Italy indicated that the Nerazzurri do not want to accept any player as part of the deal for Bastoni and are instead seeking a transfer fee of €70 million for their defensive asset.
So, the two clubs will now need to find a middle ground and finalise an agreement, with the player already agreeing terms to join Barcelona in the summer transfer window.
JJ Redick has outlined Bronny James’ potential role as the LA Lakers prepare for a high-stakes playoff series against the Houston Rockets.
The matchup carries added pressure for Los Angeles, not just because of the opponent, but due to the players they will be missing.
With key contributors sidelined, the focus has shifted toward depth and whether younger players can handle a larger role.
Speaking ahead of the series via Ben Royer, Redick addressed the need for contributions across the roster.
“We’re gonna have to have all hands on deck for the series. He’s got to be ready. Nick [Smith Jr.] will have to be ready. I think Bronny’s improved a lot.
“I think we trust him. The shooting piece, I’m a believer in, because of how well he shot it in the last two years in the G League,” Redick said.
The fourth-seeded Lakers are set to face the fifth-seeded Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs.
With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves out indefinitely due to injuries, the team is expected to rely more heavily on its supporting cast.
Beyond offense, Redick also pointed to improvements in other areas of Bronny’s game.
“I know there was a stretch recently where he didn’t shoot it well and of course, he had a nice shooting game against Utah,” he continued.
Redick concluded, stating, “He’s improved a ton defensively in terms of his body positioning, both on and off ball. We want him to continue to evolve as a disruptive defender as well.”
The emphasis on defense reflects the type of role Bronny may be expected to play in the postseason. In a shortened rotation, contributions on both ends of the floor could become critical.
For the Lakers, the situation is clear. Injuries have created an opportunity, and players like Bronny James now have a chance to define their impact in a playoff setting.
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Stars vs. Wild schedule: Dates, times, TV channels, scores for NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
After a two-year hiatus, the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild are back for a first-round matchup in the NHL Playoffs.
The Stars won the matchup 4-2 in 2023, and return as the favorites in this matchup. After three straight conference finals losses, Dallas is looking to finally surpass the feat. The first team standing in its way? The Minnesota Wild.
The Wild are no strangers to recent playoff appearances. However, they do have a streak of playoff struggles, losing their last seven first round series, dating back to 2016.
This creates a matchup between two teams that are only separated by four regular season wins, but could not be more different in terms of recent playoff results.
Here's what you need to know to watch Stars vs. Wild, including broadcast information and start times.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 18 | Game 1 at Dallas | 5:30 p.m. | ESPN, SN, TVAS, DIRECTV |
| TBA | Game 2 at Dallas | TBA | TBA, DIRECTV |
| TBA | Game 3 at Minnesota | TBA | TBA, DIRECTV |
| TBA | Game 4 at Minnesota | TBA | TBA, DIRECTV |
| TBA | Game 5* at Dallas | TBA | TBA, DIRECTV |
| TBA | Game 6* at Minnesota | TBA | TBA, DIRECTV |
| TBA | Game 7* at Dallas | TBA | TBA, DIRECTV |
* If necessary
Games in the Stars vs. Wild series will air on multiple channels.
Fans can stream every playoff game live on DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users. Games on ABC and ESPN networks can also be streamed on the ESPN app or fubo, which also has a free trial.
Here are the key dates to know for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs and offseason. Some series start dates could move up depending on when previous series end.
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| First round begins | April 18 |
| NHL Draft Lottery | May 4 or 5 |
| NHL Scouting Combine at Buffalo | May 31-June 6 |
| Stanley Cup Finals Game 7 (if necessary) | June 21 |
| NHL Draft at Los Angeles | June 26-27 |
| Free agency begins | July 1 |
Michael Malone, UNC lose former four-star recruit to South Florida originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
In addition to bringing in players who fit the current mold of a particular franchise during the offseason, college basketball programs also lose players who are either seeking a larger role or a bigger payday.
In North Carolina’s case, a former four-star recruit is moving on from Michael Malone's Tar Heels and joining the South Florida Bulls.
“Former Tar Heel forward Zayden High has announced his commitment to South Florida,” InsideCarolina reported on X/Twitter Wednesday.
High was ineffective with North Carolina as a freshman, averaging 0.8 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 0.1 assists per game while shooting 31.6% from the field in 23 contests.
The Tar Heels suspended High for the entire 2024-25 season due to off-court issues, but the San Antonio, Texas native returned for the 2025-26 campaign. Although High’s production as a sophomore was far from serviceable, he certainly had his moments.
The 6-foot-10 forward scored in double figures four times and recorded at least one block on five occasions. For the season, which ended in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, High contributed 3.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per contest, shooting 48.1% from the field in 29 games.
Still, as a contributor who was on the outside looking in for most of his tenure with the Tar Heels, it makes sense for him to join South Florida and likely receive an impactful role from the get-go.
More college basketball: Duke reportedly pursuing 19.1 PPG Wisconsin transfer who 'could command as much as $5 million'
New Ahrefs data shows Reddit pages appeared often in ChatGPT retrievals but rarely as visible citations.
The post ChatGPT Often Retrieves But Rarely Cites Reddit Pages, Data Shows appeared first on Search Engine Journal.
PureMac strips system cleanup back to basics, offering full app uninstallation with leftover file removal alongside tools for clearing caches, logs, and other clutter. It's positioned as a free, open-source alternative to CleanMyMac, it runs on-device with no telemetry or subscriptions.
We all know mass layoffs are a major issue the video games industry has been facing for the last several years. It doesn't matter if you helped develop the best-selling game of the year, or if your game died within a year, game developers cannot trust that their jobs will be safe, and a new survey from Skillsearch has just put some numbers to how it is impacting the way developers navigate the industry. Spotted by GamesIndustry.Biz, Skillsearch's Salary and Satisfaction survey collected data from over 1,000 video games industry professionals across Europe, North America, the UK, APAC, and MENA, […]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/survey-shows-video-game-developers-are-considering-leaving-due-to-layoffs-instability/
Today, Battlefield Studios unveiled the 2026 Battlefield 6 roadmap. Season 3 will begin next month, with two classic maps returning after being reimagined: Season 3 also sees the debut of BR Solos — Battle Royale Solo as an official mode, as well as BR Ranked Play & Leaderboards, launching first in Battle Royale Quads in REDSEC. Battlefield Studios plans to expand the Ranked Play experience to Battlefield 6 multiplayer in future seasons. Season 4 will launch in July, introducing the previously teased Naval Warfare to Battlefield 6. The two new maps are: Naval-specific features include aircraft carriers with operational flight […]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/battlefield-6-2026-roadmap-naval-warfare-season-4/
As the AI industry enters the maturity phase, traditional terms have become outdated, which is why NVIDIA suggests that the new ways to think about AI TCO should be evaluated based on "Cost Per Token". NVIDIA Wants Everyone To Rethink AI TCO With "Cost Per Tokens" Metric Tokens are the single most important metric for AI. While yesterday's data centers were evaluated on their raw computing power, today's AI factories are evaluated on their token output. But it's not important for who does the most tokens, efficiency and cost are still the values that matter the most. That is why […]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/nvidia-wants-everyone-to-rethink-ai-tco-explains-why-cost-per-token-is-the-only-metric-that-matters/
Apple has turned into the mythological King Midas on memory, coveting it above everything else even as LPDDR5 modules now cost their literal weight in gold. We've been noting ad nauseum that Apple is hoarding memory resources not just to preserve its planned product launch roadmap this year but also to sabotage some of its competitors. Well today, we are placing Apple's memory-related moves within some much-needed context. Apple is all set to consume multiple exabytes of precious DRAM this year, and is not above sabotaging its competitors to get its way We reported on a specific bit of supply […]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/apple-all-set-to-consume-2-4-exabytes-of-lpddr5-memory-this-year-even-as-dram-costs-explode/
Glen Schofield, the Dead Space creator and more recently the founder of Striking Distance Studios, the team behind the Dead Space spiritual successor, The Callisto Protocol, is the kind of industry veteran who is almost always up for sharing his thoughts on what he believes the path forward for the industry is. Last year, while also admitting that the commercial failure that was The Callisto Protocol might have been the last game he gets to direct in his long career, he also talked about the current state of the video game industry and why it's so difficult for anyone looking […]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/glen-schofield-thinks-true-creatives-can-save-aaa-gaming-asks-artists-to-learn-some-form-of-ai/
It’s time to choose the next Doodle for Google winner — and every vote counts. Meet the five student finalists and make your pick.
Google Nest thermostats saved 200 billion kWh of energy since 2011. With energy-saving features, Nest helps get the most out of your home.
Nano Banana 2 now uses your personal context and Google Photos to create images that reflect your unique life.
Dageno AI is a GEO data and agent platform for global brands. It connects website data, traffic, prompts, social signals, and brand mentions in one unified layer. With Dageno, teams can understand how AI platforms represent their brand, identify visibility gaps and growth opportunities, optimize content and source coverage, and turn insights into automated execution. Unlike point tools or consulting, it closes the loop from monitoring to analysis to action.
SmoothApply offers a free resume builder with over 90 ATS-friendly templates and AI tools to enhance, proofread, and condense your content. You can edit directly on the preview, switch designs instantly, and export polished PDFs or DOCX files in seconds.
It also includes a cover letter generator, job application tracker, and shareable resume links. You can build on any device, tailor multiple versions for different roles, and get a real-time 11-point ATS score to help your resume pass employer filters.
Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/star-voyager-new-asia-itineraries-set-to-lift-hong-kong-okinawa-vietnam-tourism/
Star Voyager New Asia Itineraries Set to Lift Hong Kong, Okinawa, Vietnam TourismHong Kong, Okinawa, Vietnam, Penghu and Kaohsiung headline...
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Global Travel Surge Meets Football Fever as The 2026 World Cup Is Set to Transform United States Tourism: All You...
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FUFU Tokyo Ginza Recognized as One of the World’s Greatest Places for 2026 – Discover the Luxury Urban Onsen Retreat...
Source: Travel And Tour World
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Transforming US Air Travel Government Initiatives and Industry Innovations Paving the Path for Sustainable Aviation: What You Need To KnowExplore...
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Samsung is promoting a new Galaxy AI feature that is currently exclusive to the Galaxy S26 series, but awaited by the Galaxy S25 series users.
Audio Eraser has been one of the widely recognized features of the most recent One UI ecosystem. First introduced with Galaxy S25, it helps to reduce background noises that interrupt the voices and sounds that need your attention.
However, the initial integration was limited to the video player, which later expanded to system apps such as the voice recorder, allowing users to remove the background noises and get nearly clean audio.
The Galaxy S26 series takes the Audio Eraser to the next level with real-time sound separation and optimizations. The phone enables you to not only reduce the unwanted background noises in audio but also let you select the strength of the audio eraser.
The feature lets you focus on the voice by reducing the background music volume and other noises in real-time while boosting the voice. Overall, the improved audio eraser instantly improves the audio experience without waiting for it to download to your device’s local storage.
The best use case of the real-time Audio Eraser would be the YouTube livestreams, and our hands-on experience reveals that the feature works pretty well.
Yes, it’s a good feature, but it could have been better if Samsung had announced its support for the previous generation of S-series devices. The Galaxy S26 series, the S25, and the S24 series users are still in the queue to get their hands on the latest Galaxy AI suite.
Both of these lineups, along with the most recent foldable phones, are still testing One UI 8.5 software, and they’re expected to get the stable version starting early May. But the compatibility with the latest Galaxy AI features remains unconfirmed.
The post Samsung is promoting a Galaxy S26 feature without confirming it for S25, S24 appeared first on Sammy Fans.
Samsung has a new A-series device in the launch pipeline, and Galaxy A27 is one of them, which has been leaked in CAD renders, revealing its furnished design over the predecessor.
A collaboration between HotEUDeals and Onleaks has brought us the first look at the upcoming Galaxy A27 5G. Looking at the front, it brings a flat display with slim bezels all around. The major improvement here is the removal of the water-drop camera cutout, which is replaced by the hole-punch design.
The next thing to see here is the frame; the aluminum design gives it a premium look. The side of the phone has a power + fingerprint reader, a combined button, and a volume adjustment key. The company may have paid special attention to the frame, which is slightly bumped in the physical buttons area, and it’s a special feature of the device.
Samsung Galaxy A27
The bottom side has a USB Type-C interface, speakers, and a SIM card tray. The rear side comes with a pill-shaped camera island, and the lenses are arranged vertically.
Based on the latest details, the Galaxy A27 measures around 162.3 x 78.6 x 7.9mm compared to the 164 x 77.5 x 7.7mm on the Galaxy A26. So, the new phone is slightly wider and thicker than the previous generation.
Despite an unconfirmed specs sheet, the design of the Galaxy A27 is certainly a major leap from the Galaxy A26, and users can look forward to its release.
The post Galaxy A27 leak unveils design that you should see appeared first on Sammy Fans.
Oppo has revealed some new AI features coming to its ColorOS skin on top of Android 16 on the upcoming Find X9 Ultra, which is due to be unveiled on April 21. The AI Mind Space introduced with ColorOS 16 now supports AI Bill Manager, which can automatically extract and record key spending details from digital invoices and billing information. To use it, you simply need to enable AI Mind Space by pressing the Snap Key or using a three-finger swipe after making a payment on your phone. This also works with physical receipts - you just open your camera, activate AI Mind Space with the...
The Motorola Razr Fold has had a troubled launch – it was unveiled way back in early January, but it’s not available yet. That will change this Saturday as Bulgarian carrier Yettel is wrapping up pre-orders for the FIFA edition of the phone. The phone – the Motorola Razr Fold FIFA Edition England – Ghana with 512GB storage – will officially go on sale on April 18 and you can pick one up for €2,600. There is only one color and only one storage option. Motorola Razr Fold FIFA Edition England – Ghana Yettel has branches in Serbia and Hungary, but we didn’t find the phone...
Lionel Messi continues to take steps toward remaining involved in soccer once his professional playing career comes to an end. His latest move in that direction is the acquisition of a fifth-division club in Spain, Unio Esportiva Cornella, the third club he is involved in.
“The Argentine footballer and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Leo Messi, has finalized the acquisition of UE Cornella,” the club announced in a statement published Thursday on their official website. “With this operation, Messi strengthens his close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalunya.”
UE Cornella are a club founded in 1951 and based in the autonomous community of Catalunya, around 50 miles from Barcelona. They currently compete in the Tercera RFEF (Spain’s fifth division) and sit third in Group V, five points behind leaders Manresa.
“The arrival of Leo Messi opens a new chapter in the club’s history, with the aim of driving its sporting and institutional growth, strengthening its structure, and continuing to invest in talent. The project includes a long-term vision, with a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability, and local identity,” the statement added.
While continuing his professional career — since 2023 with Inter Miami — Lionel Messi has also begun exploring a role that was previously unfamiliar to him: club ownership and management. On more than one occasion, he has said this side of soccer appeals to him more than coaching, as he looks ahead to life after retirement.
Last year, he joined his friend and teammate Luis Suarez in a project of this kind in Uruguay, becoming co-founders and co-owners of Deportivo LSM. The club debuted in the country’s fourth division and, in its first season — 2025 — earned promotion, beginning what looks like a promising path forward.
In addition, the Messi family also founded a club in Argentina: Leones de Rosario FC, based in Leo’s hometown. The project began in 2015 with a focus on developing young talent, but this year took its first professional step by joining Primera C, Argentina’s fourth division.
The news of Lionel Messi’s acquisition of UE Cornella comes just months after Cristiano Ronaldo made a similar move. The 41-year-old forward has owned a 25% stake in Almeria since February of this year, another club competing in the lower tiers of Spanish soccer.
Almeria, unlike UE Cornella, are a more established club with greater tradition: they have spent a total of seven seasons in La Liga, most recently in 2024. Messi’s new club, meanwhile, have yet to play in Spain’s top division.
Following the departure of Iñigo Martínez, Barcelona have faced serious defensive issues, which ultimately led to their Champions League elimination. As a result, Alessandro Bastoni emerged as an ideal solution, as he is reportedly looking to leave Inter Milan. While his arrival initially appeared complicated, both clubs have reportedly found a potential solution, with the Nerazzurri showing interest in Héctor Fort as part of the deal.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Inter Milan are open to the departure of Alessandro Bastoni in the summer of 2026. Despite being a cornerstone of the team, they are aware of the Italian’s interest in moving to Barcelona, valuing his transfer at €70M (around $82M). However, the Spanish side is reportedly aiming for a deal in the €50–60M range (around $58–70M). As things stand, both parties appear to be moving toward a compromise.
In an effort to reinforce their defensive line, the Nerazzurri are interested in signing Héctor Fort, a Barcelona full-back currently on loan at Elche CF. With this in mind, the Blaugrana could be open to including him in a deal for Bastoni, reducing the overall transfer package, according to Matteo Moretto. Valued at €12M on Transfermarkt, the Spanish full-back could bring the operation down to the €50–60M range that they are looking to pay.
Following his red card with Italy national football team in the last match, Alessandro Bastoni does not appear fully comfortable. Ahead of the next game against Cagliari Calcio, head coach Cristian Chivu acknowledged that the defender is not at his best, both physically and mentally, ruling him out. As a result, he could push the Italian side for a move to Barcelona, potentially forcing a reduction in his transfer fee in the summer of 2026.
Throughout the 2025–26 season, Barcelona have kept Alessandro Bastoni as their top priority, as his profile is highly valued by sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick. However, his signing could prove quite complex, as Inter Milan maintain a very high valuation. As a result, the Blaugrana have reportedly also turned their attention to Luka Vušković, who has impressed at Hamburger SV.
According to Gabriel Sans, via Mundo Deportivo, the Blaugrana are closely monitoring Luka Vušković. Despite being under contract with Tottenham Hotspur until 2030, the Croatian is not keen on playing for the English side and is seeking a move following his loan spell at Hamburger SV. Should they end up being relegated, the defender could push even harder for an exit, with FC Barcelona interested in securing his arrival.
After impressing at Hamburger SV, Luka Vušković has seen his valuation rise to €60M (around $70M) on Transfermarkt, and it could climb even higher, as Tottenham are keen to keep him. However, his agent, Pini Zahavi, has a close relationship with Barcelona president Joan Laporta, which could facilitate a move by putting pressure on the English side to negotiate his sale.
The Drift Protocol will use the $150 million to relaunch and restore user funds following a $280 million exploit earlier in April.
UAE investors are buying the AI and tech dip, keeping exposure to software, chips and crypto as the Iran conflict stress-tests the Gulf’s bid to be a global tech hub.
Investors in the cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme OneCoin may finally get some relief through a Department of Justice program, some 12 years after the project launched.
Australia’s A$24B digital asset opportunity hinges on regulation. Clear rules could drive tokenized markets, faster payments and institutional investment.
The corrected filing details timeline, caveats and conditions tied to a potential Naver Financial IPO after the Dunamu share swap deal.
Ukrainian authorities detained a suspect linked to a $100 million cybercrime network targeting the US and Europe, seizing $11 million in assets, of which $3 million was in cryptocurrency.
AllUnity says it is expanding EURAU stablecoin liquidity pools across major DEXs such as Uniswap and Raydium, with trading pairs against USDT and USDT0.
Back said at Paris Blockchain Week that Bitcoin’s post-quantum shift may reveal the true size of the stash held by Satoshi Nakamoto, estimated at between 500,000 and 1 million BTC.
Executives at Paris Blockchain Week said European firms interested in Bitcoin treasury strategies are working around shallower capital markets and tighter constraints than in the US.
Voleybol SMS Grup Efeler Ligi play-off 5-8 etabının ikinci maçında Fenerbahçe Medicana, deplasmanda Bursa Büyükşehir Belediyespor ile karşılaştı. Fenerbahçe mücadeleyi 3-1 kazandı.
Voleybol SMS Grup Efeler Ligi play-off 5-8 etabının ikinci maçında Fenerbahçe Medicana, deplasmanda Bursa Büyükşehir Belediyespor'u 3-1 yendi.
Serideki ilk karşılaşmayı da 3-1 kazanan ve böylece 2 galibiyete ulaşan sarı-lacivertliler, 5'incilik, Bursa temsilcisi ise 7'ncilik maçları oynayacak.
Salon: Cengiz Göllü
Hakemler: Sadettin Deneri, Öznur Tosun
Bursa Büyükşehir Belediyespor: Hasan Sıkar, Corre, Gökhan Gökgöz, Mert Cuci, Dirlic, Mestre (Alpay Demirciler, Ümit Demir, Enis Ali Ay, Burhan Zorluer, Vidal)
Fenerbahçe Medicana: Drzyzga, Yiğit Gülmezoğlu, Mert Matiç, Adis Lagumdzija, Mirza Lagumdzija, Barthelemy (Burutay Subaşı, Caner Dengin, Halit Kurtuluş, Kaan Gürbüz, Galvez, Marttilla)
Setler: 21-25, 25-23, 22-25, 20-25
Süre: 112 dakika
Futbol üzrə Azərbaycan çempionatında (Premyer Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 30-cu turunun oyun cədvəli müəyyənləşib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə Peşəkar Futbol Liqasının (PFL) rəsmi saytı məlumat yayıb.
30-cu turun oyunları dörd günü əhatə edəcək. Mayın 2-də və 3-də iki oyun keçiriləcək. Qalan iki oyun isə ayın 4-də və 5-də baş tutacaq.
Premyer Liqa
30-cu tur
2 may
“Kəpəz” – “Sumqayıt”
Yevlax şəhər stadionu, 16:00.
“Araz-Naxçıvan” – “İmişli”
“Sumqayıt Arena”, 18:30.
3 may
“Şamaxı” – “Sabah”
Şamaxı şəhər stadionu, 16:00.
“Zirə” – “Qəbələ”
Zirə İdman Kompleksinin stadionu, 18:30.
4 may
“Qarabağ” – “Turan Tovuz”
Bakı. Tofiq Bəhramov adına Respublika stadionu, 19:30.
5 may
“Karvan” – “Neftçi”
Yevlax şəhər stadionu, 16:00.
Bu gün futbol üzrə Azərbaycan Birinci Liqasında 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 22-ci turunun oyunlarına yekun vurulub.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sonuncu oyun günündə üç qarşılaşma baş tutub.
“Baku Sportinq” – “Şəfa” matçında qapılara qol vurulmayıb. Üç qolun qeydə alındığı “Mingəçevir” – “Difai” oyununda meydan sahibləri qələbə qazanıblar. “Səbail” isə “Şimal”la ev oyununda 4 cavabsız qola sevinib.
Birinci Liqa
22-ci tur
15 aprel
MOİK – “Zaqatala” 2:1
Qollar: Nkonqo Mark, 9. Seyxan Fərəcov, 28 – Roini İsmayılov, 18.
Hakimlər: Murad Səlimov, Mirnihat Seyidov, Aydın Bəxşıyev, Maqsud Şamıyev.
Hakim-inspektor: Zöhrab Qədiyev.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Zaur Hacı-Məhərrəmov.
Binə qəsəbə stadionu, 15:00.
“Şahdağ Qusar” – “Cəbrayıl” 0:0
Hakimlər: İslam Məmmədov, Səbuhi Əmrahov, Səbuhi Soltanov, Namiq Bəkirov.
Hakim-inspektor: Feyzulla Feyzullayev.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Mübariz Hüseynov.
Şamaxı Olimpiya İdman Kompleksinin stadionu, 16:00.
16 aprel
“Baku Sportinq” – “Şəfa” 0:0
Hakimlər: Əkbər Əhmədov, Sənan Atayev, Rasim Axundov, Niyaz Əhmədov.
Hakim-inspektor: Ceyhun Haşımov.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Kifayət Mustafayeva.
Buzovna qəsəbə stadionu, 16:00.
“Mingəçevir” – “Difai” 2:1
Qollar: Kennet Kalunqa, 33. Abba Usman, 89-pen – Kristian Kamta, 49.
Hakimlər: Mahmud Bağırzadə, Qəzənfər Məmmədov, Taleh Məmmədov, Səbuhi Bayramov.
Hakim-inspektor: Əmrah İbrahimov.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Elman Musayev.
Yaşar Məmmədzadə adına Mingəçevir şəhər stadionu (ehtiyat meydança), 16:00.
“Səbail” – “Şimal” 4:0
Qollar: Kamran Quliyev, 1; 58-pen; 90-pen. Paulo Rikardo, 74.
Hakimlər: Şamil İmanzadə, Vüqar Bayramov, Rəhman Aslanov, Nazim Abdullayev.
Hakim-inspektor: Orxan Məmmədov.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Mahal Məmmədov.
“Bayıl Arena”, 17:00.
The post Dogecoin Breakout Confirmed After Third Attempt Flips Resistance appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Dogecoin breakout chatter is back but this time, it’s not just noise. After multiple failed attempts, the meme coin has finally pushed through its descending triangle resistance, and the way it happened tells a story traders know all too well: persistence pays… eventually.
Let’s break it down, because the sequence matters more than the breakout itself.
First attempt? Rejected. Clean and simple. The candle body didn’t even make it into the resistance zone that means that sellers were firmly in control, no debate there.
Second attempt? Slightly better, but still no cigar. Price managed to close right at the resistance zone. Buyers showed up, sure, but couldn’t push through. Sellers still had the final word.
Then came the third attempt. And this is where things flipped, per analyst TATrader_Alan.
The entire candle closed above resistance. Not a wick, not a tease thats a full-bodied move. That’s not hesitation. That’s conviction. And in technical terms, that’s your confirmation.
Moreover, the Descending triangles are usually bearish structures. Lower highs, flat support and it’s a setup that often resolves downward as trend continuation. But markets don’t always follow the textbook.
This time, Dogecoin price breakout seems to have went the other way. Instead of breaking down, it broke up and not on the first try, but after gradually weakening seller control. Each rejection wasn’t just failure; it was pressure building underneath. By the third attempt, that pressure cracked the ceiling.
Well, once resistance breaks, it doesn’t just disappear. It flips. That same zone that rejected price twice is now expected to act as support. And that shift from resistance to support is where the real narrative changes.
It’s not just about price moving up. It’s about control changing hands. Buyers aren’t just participating anymore instead they’re kind of dictating.
The post Bitcoin Sentiment Signals Hint at a Classic Contrarian Setup appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Bitcoin is at a stage where it is too strong to panic, and too uncertain to celebrate. Sitting around the $74,000–$75,000 range, the market looks calm on the surface, but underneath? It’s a psychological tug-of-war where sentiment, not price, is calling the shots.
Here’s the uncomfortable truth, per recent Santiment insights, the retail traders tend to peak emotionally right when markets peak structurally. The surge in “rally” and “moon” chatter isn’t just noise; it’s often a warning sign. When everyone’s already in, there’s no one left to push prices higher. That’s your local top.
Flip the script, though. When timelines fill with “crash” and “sell-off,” that’s when things get interesting. Panic drives weak hands out, and liquidity flows straight into stronger pockets. It’s messy, but it’s also where bottoms quietly form.
So where does that leave Bitcoin right now? Stuck, more or less. The $74K–$75K region has become a battleground we can say a “line in the sand” where neither bulls nor bears have full control. After the volatility earlier in 2026, this phase looks like classic consolidation.
Volume data doesn’t scream conviction either. Buy and sell pressure feels balanced, almost hesitant. But dig a little deeper, and there’s a twist. Whale vs. retail behavior is diverging. While retail sentiment swings wildly between fear and greed, larger players seem to be playing it smarter by offloading into hype and accumulating during doubt.
Technically, things look… fine. Not exciting. Not alarming. Just fine.
The Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) sits at 0.03 which is barely positive, suggesting selling pressure has cooled but strong accumulation hasn’t kicked in either. Meanwhile, the RSI at 59.46 signals momentum without overheating. There’s still room to move higher before things get stretched.
And that’s the catch. Markets rarely stay “balanced” for long.
Well, people are still arguing about $50K crashes and $90K moonshots while price floats in the mid-$70Ks. That kind of fixation usually means one thing: the market hasn’t shaken everyone out yet.
As long as traders see every dip as a buying opportunity, the risk of one more sharp shakeout remains. Something to flush out late leverage. Something to reset expectations.
So, what’s next? If geopolitical headlines trigger fear spikes, that could quietly mark the next opportunity zone. But if the crowd starts screaming “90K” before price even gets close, it might be time to tighten risk.
Because in this cycle, Bitcoin price isn’t just reacting to news but it’s reacting to how people feel about it.
The post Cardano (ADA) Price Prediction 2026, 2027 – 2030: Will ADA Price Hit $2? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Cardano (ADA), one of the most research-driven Layer-1 blockchains, is now entering a critical phase of execution after years of development-focused growth. While its earlier roadmap emphasized peer-reviewed innovation and network stability, the current cycle is increasingly centered around scalability, real-world utility, and ecosystem expansion.
The ongoing evolution of Cardano is being shaped by major upgrades, including the introduction of privacy-focused infrastructure through Midnight and scalability advancements targeting significantly higher throughput. These developments are positioning the network to compete more aggressively with leading smart contract platforms, particularly in areas such as DeFi, enterprise applications, and regulated use cases.
As the network transitions into this execution-driven phase, the key question for 2026 is whether these technological advancements can translate into sustained adoption and capital inflows. With fundamentals strengthening beneath the surface, Cardano’s next move may depend on how effectively it converts innovation into measurable network growth and price momentum.
This article delves into Cardano’s 2026 outlook and long-term price prediction, analyzing whether these catalysts can translate into a sustained breakout. Explore this Cardano price prediction 2026 and beyond, filled with expert insights and ambitious forecasts.
| Cryptocurrency | Cardano |
| Token | ADA |
| Price | $0.2525
2.77%
|
| Market Cap | $ 9,131,400,164.76 |
| 24h Volume | $ 660,295,516.2044 |
| Circulating Supply | 36,166,667,713.5872 |
| Total Supply | 44,994,745,704.7928 |
| All-Time High | $ 3.0992 on 02 September 2021 |
| All-Time Low | $ 0.0174 on 01 October 2017 |
Cardano’s recent developments point to a shift from roadmap delivery to early-stage execution.
Cardano continues to trade within a constrained range, but the tone of the market is starting to shift as the $0.24–$0.25 region repeatedly absorbs selling pressure, preventing any meaningful downside continuation. While this does not yet confirm a reversal, it signals that the market is no longer willing to price lower aggressively.
The real focus now sits higher. The $0.30–$0.34 zone remains the decisive barrier, where every recovery attempt has stalled. This is the level that defines whether ADA remains stuck, or finally starts moving. A sustained move above this range would not just be another bounce, but a structural shift.
If ADA clears and holds above $0.34, the path toward $0.45–$0.50 in April opens up quickly, marking the first meaningful recovery leg after a prolonged period of compression. Until then, the market is likely to remain range-bound, but with downside risk increasingly limited as long as $0.24 continues to hold.
Cardano’s price outlook for 2026 is increasingly shaped by a transition phase, where prolonged weakness is giving way to a more stable and controlled structure. After months of consistent lower highs, ADA has started to hold firm around the $0.24–$0.25 zone, suggesting that selling pressure is no longer as dominant as before, even as activity across the ecosystem continues to build gradually in the background.
The key challenge remains the $0.45–$0.60 range, which has repeatedly acted as a barrier during past recovery attempts. This zone now carries added significance, as it coincides with a phase where improving network activity, ongoing development upgrades, and a broader shift in market sentiment toward altcoins are beginning to align with price structure.
A sustained move above this range would signal a clear shift in trend, allowing ADA to move beyond consolidation and enter a more defined recovery phase. In such a scenario, the price could gradually expand toward the $1.20–$2.20 range through 2026, supported not only by structural improvement but also by increasing participation and capital rotation within the market.
At the same time, failure to reclaim this resistance may extend the current range-bound phase. Even then, the consistent defense of lower levels, combined with steady ecosystem progress, suggests that downside risk remains limited, with the market continuing to build a base over time.
Overall, Cardano is no longer in a declining phase, it is positioned just below a critical resistance zone, where both structure and underlying momentum are beginning to align, and how it reacts here will ultimately define its 2026 trajectory.
Cardano’s on-chain metrics are beginning to align toward a constructive setup, suggesting that underlying conditions may be improving ahead of a broader price expansion phase. The MVRV Ratio (30D) remains in negative territory, indicating that a large portion of holders are currently below their cost basis. From a market structure standpoint, this phase has historically coincided with accumulation zones, where downside risk tends to compress and long-term investors gradually increase exposure.
At the same time, development activity continues to hold steady, reflecting sustained builder engagement despite muted price performance. This consistency reinforces confidence in Cardano’s long-term roadmap, particularly as key upgrades move closer to implementation.
While active addresses (30D) have softened in recent weeks, this can be interpreted within the context of a consolidation phase rather than structural weakness. Periods of reduced activity often precede renewed participation, especially when supported by improving fundamentals and upcoming catalysts.
The combination of undervalued conditions (MVRV), consistent development momentum, and stabilizing network activity suggests that Cardano may be transitioning into an early-stage accumulation phase ahead of potential expansion.
Rather than signaling weakness, current on-chain conditions point toward quiet capital positioning and foundational strength, with the potential for demand to reaccelerate as catalysts begin to translate into real network activity.
| Price Prediction | Potential Low ($) | Average Price ($) | Potential High ($) |
| 2026 | 2.75 | 3.00 | 3.25 |
| 2027 | 4.50 | 4.75 | 5.00 |
| 2028 | 5.25 | 5.50 | 5.75 |
| 2029 | 6.75 | 7.25 | 7.75 |
| 2030 | 9.00 | 9.75 | 10.25 |
This table, based on historical movements, shows ADA prices to reach $10.25 by 2030 based on compounding market cap each year. This table provides a framework for understanding the potential Cardano price movements. Yet, the actual price will depend on a combination of market dynamics, investor behavior, and external factors influencing the cryptocurrency landscape.
| Year | Potential Low ($) | Potential Average ($) | Potential High ($) |
| 2031 | 11.00 | 12.50 | 15.00 |
| 2032 | 18.00 | 24.00 | 30.00 |
| 2033 | 32.00 | 42.00 | 50.00 |
| 2040 | 70.00 | 120.00 | 150.00 |
| 2050 | 200.00 | 280.00 | 350.00 |
Based on the historic market sentiments and trend analysis of the altcoin, here are the possible Cardano price targets for the longer time frames.
Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.
Cardano could trade between $2.75 and $3.25 in 2026, with an average near $3. If bullish momentum strengthens, some forecasts see ADA potentially reaching $4.50.
Cardano could trade between $9.00 and $10.25 by 2030, with an average near $9.75 if adoption grows and the broader crypto market continues expanding.
Long-term projections suggest Cardano could reach up to $70 by 2040 if blockchain adoption accelerates and ADA maintains strong ecosystem growth.
Some long-term models estimate ADA could reach around $200 on average and up to $350 by 2050, depending on global adoption and market maturity.
Cardano is considered a long-term project due to its research-driven development, scalability upgrades, and focus on decentralization.
ETF approval, institutional adoption, network upgrades, and improved macro conditions could all positively impact ADA’s price.
Misli Premyer Liqasında XXX turun oyun cədvəli müəyyənləşib.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, görüşlər 2, 3, 4 və 5 may tarixlərində keçiriləcək.
Turun cədvəlini təqdim edirik:
2 may (şənbə)
16:00. “Kəpəz” – “Sumqayıt”
Yevlax şəhər stadionu
18:30. “Araz-Naxçıvan” – “İmişli”
“SOCAR Polymer Arena”
3 may (bazar)
16:00. “Şamaxı” – “Sabah”
Şamaxı şəhər stadionu
18:30. “Zirə” – “Qəbələ”
Zirə İK stadionu
4 may (bazar ertəsi)
19:30. “Qarabağ” – “Turan Tovuz”
T.Bəhramov adına Respublika stadionu
5 may (çərşənbə axşamı)
16:00. “Karvan-Yevlax” – “Neftçi”
Yevlax şəhər stadionu
”Milan” hücum xəttini gücləndirmək üçün hərəkətə keçib.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “Qırmızı-qaralar”ın hədəfində “Yuventus”un serb ulduzu Duşan Vlahoviç var.
“La Gazzetta dello Sport”un məlumatına görə, gözlənilən performansı göstərə bilməyən Kristofer Nkunkunu satmağı planlaşdıran “Milan” onun yerini Vlahoviçlə doldurmaq istəyir.
Transferin pərdəarxasında maraqlı maliyyə detalları var:
Turin klubu illik 12 milyon avro qazanan 26 yaşlı hücumçuya maaşının ciddi şəkildə azaldılacağı qısamüddətli yeni müqavilə təklif edib. Vlahoviç isə bu təklifə qətiyyən isti baxmır.
“Milan” rəhbərliyi ulduz futbolçunu razı salmaq üçün ona hazırkı 12 milyon avroluq maaşından daha yüksək bir məbləğ təklif etməyə hazırlaşır.
Misli Premyer Liqasının XXVIII turun lider “Sabah” səfərdə ən yaxın izləyicisi “Qarabağ”la qarşılaşacaq.
Görüş çempionatda sona 6 tur qalmış qızıl medallar uğrunda mübarizədə həlledici rol daşıyır.
Matçın baş hakimi isə FIFA referisi Elçin Məsiyev olacaq.
Məsiyev bu mövsüm çempionatda 12 oyuna təyinat alıb. O, ötən ilin dekabrında Masazırda baş tutan “Sabah” – “Qarabağ” oyununun da hakimi olub. Bu matçda “bayquşlar” qələbəyə sevinib – 2:1.
Məsiyev bundan başqa, bu mövsüm “Sabah”ın 1, “Qarabağ”ın isə 3 oyununa təyinat alıb. Tərəflər FIFA referisinin idarə etdiyi digər görüşləri qələbə ilə başa vurub.
Elçin Məsiyev ümumilikdə 12 matçda 50 sarı vərəqə, 2 qırmızı vərəqə göstərib. Referi 7 dəfə penalti təyin edib.
“Sabah” Premyer Liqada 66 xalla birincidir. Ehtiyatda bir oyunu olan “Qarabağ”ın isə aktivində 56 xal var.
Şahin Cəfərov
Azərbaycan I Liqasında XXII tura yekun vurulub.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, sonuncu gündə üç matç baş tutub.
“Mingəçevir” “Difai”ni məğlub edərək ikinci pilləyə yüksəlib. Lider “Şəfa” “Baku Sportinq”lə heç-heçə edib. “Səbail” isə “Şimal”dan üstün olub.
Azərbaycan I Liqası
XXII tur
16 aprel
Mingəçevir – Difai 2:1
Qollar: K.Kalunqa, 33, A.Usman, 90 (pen.) – K.Kamta, 49
Baku Sportinq – Şəfa 0:0
Səbail – Şimal 4:0
Qollar: K.Quliyev, 1, 58 (pen.), 90 (pen.), R.Rikardo, 74
I Liqada çıxış edən “Cəbrayıl” klubunun əsas komandasının üzvləri üçün danışılmış oyunlara qarşı mübarizə mövzusunda maarifləndirici sessiya təşkil olunub.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, sessiya AFFA-nın Komplayns və danışılmış oyunlara qarşı mübarizə şöbəsi tərəfindən həyata keçirilib.
Təlimdə çıxış edən Komplayns və danışılmış oyunlara qarşı mübarizə şöbəsinin rəisi, eyni zamanda danışılmış oyunlara qarşı mübarizə üzrə məsul şəxs Naib Əsədov və şöbənin digər əməkdaşı Murad Məmmədli futbolçulara danışılmış oyun anlayışı, oyun zamanı edilən adi səhvlərlə qəsdən manipulyasiya edilmiş davranışlar arasındakı fərqlər, eləcə də bu cür halların futbolun dürüstlüyünə və nüfuzuna vurduğu ciddi zərər barədə ətraflı məlumat veriblər.
Sessiya çərçivəsində futbolçuların yalnız idmançı deyil, eyni zamanda dəyərlərin daşıyıcısı olduğu vurğulanıb, ədalət, dürüstlük, məsuliyyət və nümunə olmaq kimi prinsiplərin futbolçuların peşəkar fəaliyyətində mühüm rol oynadığı qeyd edilib. Danışılmış oyunların əsas motivləri, manipulyasiya hallarının daha çox hansı oyunlarda baş verdiyi, idman mərclərinin bu prosesdə rolu və futbolçulara təsir üsulları təqdimat vasitəsilə izah olunub.
Eyni zamanda, futbolçuların etik borcu, şübhəli və ya danışılmış oyun təklifi ilə qarşılaşdıqda atmalı olduqları addımlar, susmağın da məsuliyyət daşıdığı hallarla bağlı praktiki situasiyalar üzərində müzakirələr aparılıb. Sosial media üzərindən edilən yaxınlaşmalar, manipulyatorların istifadə etdiyi vasitələr və futbolçuların ictimai və şəxsi profillərinin düzgün idarə olunmasının vacibliyi xüsusi diqqətə çatdırılıb.
Sessiya zamanı AFFA-nın 2025-ci ildə qəbul edilmiş İntizam Məcəlləsinin müvafiq maddələri, danışılmış oyunlarda iştirakın, bu cür hallara cəhdin və ya məlumatın gizlədilməsinin ağır intizam pozuntusu hesab olunduğu bildirilib, həmçinin yerli və beynəlxalq təcrübədən konkret nümunələr futbolçulara təqdim edilib.
Maarifləndirici tədbirin əsas məqsədi futbol ictimaiyyətində şəffaflığın və dürüstlüyün qorunması, danışılmış oyunlara qarşı mübarizənin gücləndirilməsi və futbolçuların bu sahədə məlumatlılığının artırılmasıdır.
Tributes continue to pour in from former teammates of Alex Manninger, including Gigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini, while Fiorentina will hold a minute’s silence before tonight’s Crystal Palace match.
The football world was shocked by the death of former goalkeeper Manninger when his car was struck by a train on a level crossing in his home country of Austria this morning.
The Austria international spent much of his career in Italy, making 137 Serie A appearances with Juventus, Siena, Fiorentina, Bologna and Torino.
With this in mind, Fiorentina have been given permission by UEFA to hold a minute’s silence before tonight’s Conference League quarter-final against Crystal Palace.
The Viola will also be wearing black armbands in tribute to Manninger, who died at the age of 48.
Former Juventus teammate Buffon wrote a touching message on his Instagram alongside a picture of them together.
“Dear Alex, every word seems superfluous. Every tear would only be the latest for the loss of a friend and a person I always admired,” wrote Buffon.
“You chosen to remain independent from the bustle of the football world, going to seek your happiness in the simple things: a healthy life in the woods, fishing, nature, family. This was your credo.
“In a world that is often curved and prone to genuflection, which rewards overdoing things, careerism and easy gains, you always defended your freedom, holding your back straight, with the pride of a man who knows what he wants.
“You had the strength to walk away from all of this and look at us with your sly smile, as if to say ‘you are all crazy, you’ll never get me.’
“I hope, indeed I am certain, that from up there you will continue to guide your splendid children and your young wife. Rest in peace.”
There were more messages from Manninger’s old Juventus teammates, such as current club director of football strategy Giorgio Chiellini.
“Today is a very sad day, we say goodbye to an exemplary teammate and a person of great values. Ciao Alex, rest in peace. My thoughts are with your family.”
Claudio Marchisio and Stephan Lichtsteiner were also among those who posted messages of condolence.
Juventus pay tribute to their former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who died at 48 in a tragic car accident: ‘A man of rare values.’
Juventus honoured their former goalkeeper Manninger with a social media post on Thursday, hours after his tragic death in a car accident in Austria.
“Today is a very sad day,” Juventus wrote on X.
“We have lost not only a great athlete but a man of rare values: humility, dedication, and an exceptional sense of professionalism. Alex Manninger will be remembered for the example he set, on and off the pitch. Juventus expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Alex Manninger and stands close to his family in this moment of grief.”
A Serie A title winner with the Bianconeri in 2011-12, Manninger spent four seasons in Turin, making 40 appearances during his spell in Turin.
He won the Scudetto in his final season at the club under Antonio Conte.
Manninger also played for Torino, Siena, Bologna and Fiorentina in Serie A, collecting 137 appearances in Italy’s top flight.
A former Austria international, Manninger also won the Premier League title with Arsenal in 1997-98.
The former goalkeeper had given his last interview to Gazzetta dello Sport just a few days ago, recalling his close bond with Italian football and Juventus legend Gianluigi Buffon, and calling Siena his “home.”
Today is a very sad day.
We have lost not only a great athlete, but a man of rare values: humility, dedication, and an exceptional sense of professionalism.
Alex Manninger will be remembered for the example he set, on and off the pitch.
Juventus expresses its deepest… pic.twitter.com/QOd2aoP8C3
— JuventusFC
(@juventusfcen) April 16, 2026
A prominent Tottenham insider on X has shared a much-needed positive update on James Maddison, suggesting the playmaker is finally on the verge of returning to first-team action.
The news comes as a vital lifeline for manager Roberto De Zerbi, whose side is currently sitting in the relegation zone after a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland.
With Tottenham’s top-flight status hanging by a thread, the return of their primary creative engine could be the difference between survival and a historic fall to the Championship.
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The update comes from the well-known insider account, which has been at the forefront of injury news at Hotspur Way this season.
According to insider, the England international is nearing the end of his grueling rehabilitation process.
“Expectation that Madders could be around two weeks from a return to first-team action.”
If this timeline holds, Maddison could potentially be in the squad for the final four games of the season.
While De Zerbi has been careful not to rush players back, the desperate situation in the league table may force the Italian’s hand.
Maddison’s absence has been the black cloud hanging over Tottenham’s entire 2025/26 campaign.
The 29-year-old has yet to play a single competitive minute this season after suffering a devastating injury during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United last August.
The incident, which occurred during the club’s tour of South Korea, was initially feared to be a minor knock but was later confirmed as a complex ligament tear.
The nightmare recovery has spanned over eight months, leaving Spurs without their chief orchestrator during a period where they have recorded a 14-match winless run.
The post Tottenham handed huge boost as James Maddison return timeline revealed amid relegation fears appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has provided a rare glimmer of hope for Tottenham supporters, revealing that Dejan Kulusevski is set to remain at the club next season even if the unthinkable happens and Spurs are relegated to the Championship.
The North London side currently sits in 18th place with just six games remaining to save their top-flight status.
Following a disastrous 1-0 defeat to Sunderland in Roberto De Zerbi’s debut last Sunday, the pressure has reached a boiling point at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
While a mass exodus of stars this summer is expected, Di Marzio believes the Swedish international is committed to the project.
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Speaking to bettingsidor.se via Football London, Di Marzio emphasised that Kulusevski’s character makes him the ideal candidate to lead a potential rebuild.
Di Marzio said:
“I definitely think Kulusevski will stay at Tottenham, even if they get relegated. He is a good example for other players and Roberto De Zerbi likes him. He has the right mentality, so I think Kulusevski can be one of the most important players for their project, regardless if they are in the Premier League or the Championship.”
“De Zerbi will really try to keep him. He loves players like him who have a strong identity and personality. He will definitely try to keep him.”
The endorsement is particularly significant given that the 25-year-old has endured a “nightmare” season on the sidelines.
Kulusevski has not played a single minute of competitive football since May 2025 after suffering a severe right kneecap injury against Crystal Palace.
After a secondary minor operation in March 2026 to clean up the joint, the winger is finally nearing a return to fitness, though he is unlikely to feature before the end of the current campaign.
When fit, his quality is undeniable and easily one of Spurs’ best players. He contributed with 10 goals and 11 assists last season, helping Spurs to a historic Europa League trophy.
Overall, in 146 games for the club, he has scored 25 and assisted another 30, with his performances attracting praise from likes of Pep Guardiola as well.
If Kulusevski stays in the event of relegation, there is no doubt that he will play a massive role in the fight for return to the top tier next season.
The post Sky Sports journalist drops future update on Tottenham star loved by Pep Guardiola as relegation looms appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Arsenal scraped into the Champions League semi-finals after Wednesday’s goalless home draw sent them through with a 1-0 aggregate win over Sporting CP. Kai Havertz’s late winner in last week’s first leg ultimately proved decisive as Arsenal teed up a last-four meeting with Atletico Madrid, but Mikel Arteta’s side were far from convincing at the […]
The post Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (1-0 agg): Arteta´s side edge into last four thanks to first-leg triumph appeared first on Soccer News.
The post Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (1-0 agg): Arteta´s side edge into last four thanks to first-leg triumph appeared first on Soccer News.
Marco Senesi, soon to be a free agent as his contract with Bournemouth nears its expiration date, has been linked with a host of top clubs. Juventus and Atletico Madrid are said to be keen on the 28-year-old, while Manchester United and Chelsea are believed to be options for him to remain in England. However, […]
The post Liverpool move ahead of competition in Senesi race appeared first on Soccer News.
The post Liverpool move ahead of competition in Senesi race appeared first on Soccer News.
There’s been no shortage of reaction following our Champions League exit, and Stephen Warnock has now offered a particularly critical assessment of where Liverpool stand under Arne Slot.
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Speaking via BBC Sport, the former Red didn’t hold back when analysing both our style of play and how far he believes we are from Europe’s elite right now.
The ex-defender compared us directly to sides like Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, suggesting there is a clear difference in identity.
He said: “If I asked you how Bayern Munich and Paris St-Germain play, I think you could tell me exactly the style of football they play.
“Slot talks about controlled position, they look anything but controlled in a game at the moment and I think that’s a real concern.”
That’s a pointed criticism, especially given the emphasis our head coach has placed on control and structure since arriving at Anfield.
From what we saw against PSG, there were spells, particularly in the second half, where we looked capable of asserting ourselves, but the overall consistency across both legs simply wasn’t there.
Warnock didn’t stop there either, going further to suggest that despite heavy investment, the gap to the very top may actually have grown.
He added: “They spent £450m in the summer and look further away from Paris St-Germain than they did last year.”
That claim will divide opinion, especially when you consider the context of this season, where injuries to key players and a transitional squad have clearly impacted performances.
Roy Keane, for example, has taken a very different stance, insisting that we cannot be thinking about replacing the manager so soon after success, stating: “Yeah, you can’t be sacking the manager a year after winning the league.”
There is also the reality that Slot himself has acknowledged the need for further evolution, explaining that we have to sell to buy as part of a longer-term rebuild strategy.
What Warnock’s comments do highlight, however, is the growing scrutiny around performances and identity, particularly after a European exit that has left us with only the league to focus on.
With a top-five finish still within reach, the next few weeks will go a long way in shaping whether this season is remembered as a step back or simply part of a transition under a new manager.
ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — Alex Ovechkin said he wants a new two-year contract from the Washington Capitals.
He was probably joking.
Then again, nothing about Ovechkin's future is all that clear right now after the NHL's career goal-scoring leader finished his 21st season Tuesday. Fans — and even opponents — treated the past few games like they could be his last, but Ovechkin hasn't yet closed the door on returning.
This was the final season of his current contract with the Capitals. When he noted Thursday — in a longer-than-usual session with reporters — that he still needs to speak with coach Spencer Carbery and general manager Chris Patrick, he was asked what he wanted to hear from Patrick about the team's future.
“Two more years," he said, drawing a laugh. "This is the contract. Sign it.”
It would certainly be a surprise if the 40-year-old Ovechkin received that kind of deal. The bigger question is whether he'll keep playing in the NHL at all. He said he'll make that decision based on health, family and the team's outlook for next season.
The Capitals wrapped up their season with a win at Columbus on Tuesday. They had 95 points, which would have tied for the lead in the Pacific Division but left them three points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Young players like Ryan Leonard and Cole Hutson have emerged for Washington, and despite a disappointing season, the team seems decently positioned whether Ovechkin retires or comes back.
If he does return, the price would be intriguing after he carried a cap hit of $9.5 million a year on his previous deal. He scored a team-high 32 goals and played all 82 games this season, remarkable numbers for a player his age. But his famous shot from the left circle wasn't the weapon it used to be — he had only five goals on 86 shots on the power play — and his age shows in his two-way game.
Ovechkin was asked if playing elsewhere in the NHL was a possibility.
“I’m a free agent," he said.
When pressed on whether he could see himself somewhere else in the league after spending his whole career so far with the Capitals, he said: “Probably not, no.”
There's been speculation about Ovechkin going back at some point to play in his native Russia, but he said he needs to decide his NHL future first.
“I’m pretty sure it’s not my last game — I hope it’s not my last game, against Columbus. I have to make a decision to see where we’re at — the team, family," Ovechkin said. “Obviously, family are going to support me, like my wife and kids. Kids are already asking, ‘Dad, are you staying or not?’"
And what's his response?
“I tell them, ‘We’ll see,'” he said. ”They want me to come back because they love the city, they love the team, they love the boys.”
___
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl
The Miami Dolphins’ answer to filling the void left by Jaylen Waddle could be a receiver who will never be confused with Jaylen Waddle.
Whereas Waddle’s game is built around his sprinter’s speed, former Washington receiver Denzel Boston’s eye-catching trait is at the other end of the spectrum. He’s 6-feet-4 and 212 pounds, known not for speed but for toughness and strong hands that helped him score 20 touchdowns over the past two seasons.
If any of that has you picturing another Puka Nacua, you’re not alone. NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein compares Boston to Nacua (6-2, 216), making no apologies in the process.
“Two-year starter with elite ball skills that should supersede athletic/speed limitations,” Zierlein wrote. “A Puka Nacua comparison might feel strong, but like Nacua, Boston enters the draft with speed/separation concerns and outstanding competitive toughness. Boston gets off the line with good burst and maintains his top speed throughout the route.”
More Dolphins: Miami Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan blows it all up, bets on himself
Boston seems fine making a living that way. Ask him his favorite receivers and he’ll list Mike Evans, Tee Higgins and Nico Collins. As for great receivers of the past, he has to go with Randy Moss, Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens and Calvin Johnson. Perhaps, while reading those seven names, you detected a pattern. Rice, at 6-2, is the shortest of the bunch, with most checking in at 6-4. All are/were 200 pounds or more, all the way up to Johnson living up to his Megatron nickname at 237.
“Guys built like me,” Boston said. “I like to take from their game.”
Boston is projected as a late first-round pick, meaning he could be in play for Miami’s second selection, 30th overall.
He’s coming off a season with 62 receptions for 881 yards (14.2 average) and 11 touchdowns. His 2024 season was nearly identical: 63 catches, 834 yards (13.2) and nine TDs.
In explaining his style, Boston said, “I would describe it as a giant vacuum. I have very long arms and therefore I have a big catch radius. You put it up there, I’m gonna go get it. You put it out there, I’m also gonna go get it. So, you know, I’ll say a giant vacuum.”
Boston is sometimes mistaken as the son of former NFL receiver David Boston, who briefly played for the Dolphins. In reality, Denzel does come from an athletic family. His father, Chris, is a football coach. A brother, Andrew, tried out with the Kansas City Chiefs before signing with Hamilton of the Canadian Football League.
Besides traditional honors such as third-team All-Big Ten, Denzel was included in the Big Ten All-Academic team after majoring in “comparative history of ideas.”
Speaking of comparative history, NFL.com rates Boston a 6.40, “good starter within two years.” Compare that to Nacua, whose draft score in 2023 was just 5.80 (“average backup or special teamer”). Nacua was projected to go in the final two rounds, but the Rams took him in the fifth round. All they got for their trouble was 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns last season and Nacua’s second trip to the Pro Bowl.
“The ball skills and competitive nature he brings to the field give him a fighting chance to make a roster,” Zierlein wrote in Nacua's pre-draft analysis.
Zierlein’s projection for Boston, obviously, is much higher than that.
“He’s very skilled when it comes to winning jump balls and contested throws,” Zierlein wrote. “Boston also knows how to win in the red zone. Acclimating to NFL competition could take a year, but Boston has the makeup to become a productive possession target with above-average red-zone value.”
6-4, 212
His hometown is South Hill, Wash., although he was raised in Boise, Idaho.
Good question. He did not run at the NFL Combine and did not do the 40 at Washington’s pro day on the advice of his agent.
A vertical leap of 37.5 inches.
Actually, David Boston, former NFL receiver who briefly played for the Dolphins, is not his father. His dad, Chris, does coach football.
Yet bet. Last season, 79 percent of his receptions produced a first down or touchdown.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: NFL Draft 2026: Dolphins could take Denzel Boston late in first round
The Miami Dolphins’ answer to filling the void left by Jaylen Waddle could be a receiver who will never be confused with Jaylen Waddle.
Whereas Waddle’s game is built around his sprinter’s speed, former Washington receiver Denzel Boston’s eye-catching trait is at the other end of the spectrum. He’s 6-feet-4 and 212 pounds, known not for speed but for toughness and strong hands that helped him score 20 touchdowns over the past two seasons.
If any of that has you picturing another Puka Nacua, you’re not alone. NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein compares Boston to Nacua (6-2, 216), making no apologies in the process.
“Two-year starter with elite ball skills that should supersede athletic/speed limitations,” Zierlein wrote. “A Puka Nacua comparison might feel strong, but like Nacua, Boston enters the draft with speed/separation concerns and outstanding competitive toughness. Boston gets off the line with good burst and maintains his top speed throughout the route.”
More Dolphins: Miami Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan blows it all up, bets on himself
Boston seems fine making a living that way. Ask him his favorite receivers and he’ll list Mike Evans, Tee Higgins and Nico Collins. As for great receivers of the past, he has to go with Randy Moss, Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens and Calvin Johnson. Perhaps, while reading those seven names, you detected a pattern. Rice, at 6-2, is the shortest of the bunch, with most checking in at 6-4. All are/were 200 pounds or more, all the way up to Johnson living up to his Megatron nickname at 237.
“Guys built like me,” Boston said. “I like to take from their game.”
Boston is projected as a late first-round pick, meaning he could be in play for Miami’s second selection, 30th overall.
He’s coming off a season with 62 receptions for 881 yards (14.2 average) and 11 touchdowns. His 2024 season was nearly identical: 63 catches, 834 yards (13.2) and nine TDs.
In explaining his style, Boston said, “I would describe it as a giant vacuum. I have very long arms and therefore I have a big catch radius. You put it up there, I’m gonna go get it. You put it out there, I’m also gonna go get it. So, you know, I’ll say a giant vacuum.”
Boston is sometimes mistaken as the son of former NFL receiver David Boston, who briefly played for the Dolphins. In reality, Denzel does come from an athletic family. His father, Chris, is a football coach. A brother, Andrew, tried out with the Kansas City Chiefs before signing with Hamilton of the Canadian Football League.
Besides traditional honors such as third-team All-Big Ten, Denzel was included in the Big Ten All-Academic team after majoring in “comparative history of ideas.”
Speaking of comparative history, NFL.com rates Boston a 6.40, “good starter within two years.” Compare that to Nacua, whose draft score in 2023 was just 5.80 (“average backup or special teamer”). Nacua was projected to go in the final two rounds, but the Rams took him in the fifth round. All they got for their trouble was 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns last season and Nacua’s second trip to the Pro Bowl.
“The ball skills and competitive nature he brings to the field give him a fighting chance to make a roster,” Zierlein wrote in Nacua's pre-draft analysis.
Zierlein’s projection for Boston, obviously, is much higher than that.
“He’s very skilled when it comes to winning jump balls and contested throws,” Zierlein wrote. “Boston also knows how to win in the red zone. Acclimating to NFL competition could take a year, but Boston has the makeup to become a productive possession target with above-average red-zone value.”
6-4, 212
His hometown is South Hill, Wash., although he was raised in Boise, Idaho.
Good question. He did not run at the NFL Combine and did not do the 40 at Washington’s pro day on the advice of his agent.
A vertical leap of 37.5 inches.
Actually, David Boston, former NFL receiver who briefly played for the Dolphins, is not his father. His dad, Chris, does coach football.
Yet bet. Last season, 79 percent of his receptions produced a first down or touchdown.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: NFL Draft 2026: Dolphins could take Denzel Boston late in first round
The Lakers’ Luka Dončić and Pistons’ Cade Cunningham will be eligible for 2026 NBA awards after the league and players union ruled in their favor on their Extraordinary Circumstances Challenges, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Just in: The NBA and NBPA have ruled in favor of Lakers' Luka Doncic and Pistons' Cade Cunningham on their Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge for the 65-game award rule, making both eligible for all 2025-26 season honors such as MVP and All-NBA teams, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/gUYdUn1q4k
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 16, 2026
This breaking news story will be updated.
It’s often debated whether hitter hot streaks can be sustained. However, we know that breakout performances come from players with a mixture of luck and skill. To identify the players to discuss, we’ll use the Yahoo Player Rater for the past two weeks to provide a small sample to choose from. Besides those hot hitters on the player rater, we’ll discuss other hitters generating plenty of buzz throughout the fantasy baseball community.
Most of my analysis focuses on hitter skills, luck factors, and other underlying metrics that could be contributing to the player’s outcomes. As we gather more data, I plan to have hitter leaderboards with advanced stats to identify any risers or fallers.
Smith has been providing power and speed this season, as his skills suggest. Plate discipline has been a concern, given Smith’s 72.5% contact rate in 2026, similar to 73.8% (2025). If hitters struggle to make contact, we want them to crush the ball when they finally do. That’s how Smith makes an impact, given his elite 77.6 mph bat speed and 76.2% fast swing rate (percentage of swings at 75 mph or higher). That’s over three mph faster in his bat speed compared to his rookie season in 2025.
We’ve also seen Smith make an adjustment in his batting stance by having a more neutral stance (0 degrees) after being 10 degrees open. He also moved seven inches farther back in the box, helping with potential pitch identification. Although the pull rates (34-37%) and flyball rates (30-34%) have remained similar, Smith has been attempting to elevate and pull the ball based on his swing path metrics.
That’s evident in Smith’s attack angle increasing to 12 degrees (2026) from 8 degrees (2025), plus his pull direction moving 4 degrees toward his pull side.
Smith flashed elite speed (96th percentile) and athleticism in the outfield, being a strong defender, given his 99th-percentile Outs Above Average. That’s notable because Smith’s stolen base opportunity rate spiked to 26% early in 2026, up from 7% in 2025.
All told, Smith possesses the tools to put up a 20/20 season as a floor, if the playing time sustains.
I’ve mentioned a few times on X/Twitter that Walker has made significant swing and stance changes, especially after spending time at Driveline Baseball throughout the offseason. Walker has been using a significantly narrower batting stance, with 20.8 inches between his feet in 2026, compared to 28.7 inches in 2025. He used to have a batting stance that was 17 degrees open, but became more closed to 11 degrees in 2026, as seen below:
The red or wide foot placements indicate his stance when he impacts the ball, or bat-to-ball intercept point, as Baseball Savant labels it.
That helped Walker improve his ideal attack angle rate to 61.1% (2026), up from 47.7% (2025). We highlight that because the ideal attack angle rate is the percentage of swings between 5 and 20 degrees. That suggests Walker is making more consistent swings in those ideal attack angles, which should lead to better outcomes.
In other words, Walker’s inputs and skills have improved, coinciding with positive outcomes.
Like Smith, Walker’s tools have been known, evidenced by his elite 78.1 mph bat speed. Hitting too many groundballs has been an issue for Walker, but he’s lowered his groundball rate to a career low (33.3%) in 2026, over 10 points below his career average (47%). Where the swing changes and ideal attack angles have translated the most are the barrels, given his 15.7% barrel rate per plate appearance in 2026 after hovering around 6.5% throughout his career.
This is a significant swing change for Walker, which can translate into 35-40 home runs based on his skills. Walker made significant and legitimate changes that are worth buying into, whether as a hold or trade for in fantasy baseball.
Stewart was a highly touted prospect heading into the 2026 season. So far, Stewart has been productive early, with 7 home runs, 3 stolen bases and a .328 batting average. Though Stewart doesn’t have high-end bat speeds, he combines strong plate discipline (78.4% contact rate) with his ability to barrel the ball (career 13.1% barrel per plate appearance rate).
Furthermore, Stewart ranks 18th in Exit Velocity 50 or EV50 at 104.1 mph as shown above, which is the average of the hardest 50% of the player’s batted balls, giving us a more reliable metric than average exit velocity. That puts Stewart near strong power hitters like Yordan Alvarez, Ben Rice, Elly De La Cruz and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
I wasn’t sure if the 17 stolen bases from Triple-A in 2025 would stick around, but we’ve seen a respectable 13% stolen base opportunity rate, which should lead to 10-15 stolen bases across a full season.
The projection systems aren’t doing Stewart justice since he should be a five-category producer. Stewart’s skills support the early-season production.
DeLauter was crushing home runs early in 2026, leaning into a pull-heavy profile (55.6%). He had a 50% rate in the minors in 2024, but it was at 35.5% throughout the minor leagues in 2025. Plate discipline has been a strength for DeLauter, rocking an 83.2% contact rate and 6.9% swinging-strike rate. DeLauter’s 103.3 mph EV50 (No. 31) has been similar to Matt Olson, Matt Wallner, Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso.
That’s legitimate power from DeLauter, who boasts average bat speed (72 mph) while swinging in the ideal attack angles 57.4% of the time. The data suggests DeLauter has a strong hit tool with consistent swings to put the ball into optimal launch angles. Groundballs were an issue for DeLauter in the minors in 2025 (45.8%), but he has been hitting the ball in the air more in 2026, given a 44.4% flyball rate.
Injuries have been an issue for him throughout his career, including a core muscle injury that required surgery in 2025, fracturing a bone in his foot in April 2024 and a sprained right big toe in June 2024. That doesn’t include a broken left foot in college at James Madison. DeLauter fouled a ball off his foot in early April 2026, which raised alarms before he hit a home run after resting for a couple of days.
Fantasy managers might want to bail on him, due to the hot start and injury risk. However, DeLauter’s skills have supported the early-season breakout, so it’s not fluky production.
We discussed Bell as a strong hitter waiver wire option heading into Week 3 based on volume. Over the past two weeks, Bell has been rated as one of the best hitters on the Yahoo player rater. Bell’s .324 BABIP has been fueling the .268 batting average in 2026. That’s significantly higher than Bell’s career BABIP at .284, so we know luck has been in his favor. Interestingly, Bell’s contact rate dropped to a career low at 72.8%, nearly five percentage points below his career norm.
Bell’s contact rate could be small sample noise, especially with the BABIP spike. However, it’s worth highlighting that Bell has been pulling the ball at a career-high rate (48.4%) and hitting more flyballs (47.5%) in 2026. For context, Bell’s pull rate sits over seven percentage points higher than his career average, with the flyball rate (52.5%) nearly 20 points above the career norm.
That further aligns with Bell’s career-high 32.4% pulled air rate, over two times his career average (14.1%).
If hitters often hit the ball on the ground, we want them to crush flyballs and line drives. Unfortunately, Bell’s 93 mph exit velocity on flyballs and line drives in 2026 dropped from 96.7 mph (2025), 93.6 mph (2024) and 94 mph (2023). Like the totality of Bell’s career, there have been inconsistencies with his production and underlying metrics, showing 2025 might be an outlier.
Use Bell as a hitter streamer, though he can be replaceable for another hitter streamer later in the season. Essentially, ride his production for as long as it lasts, because there have been actionable early changes in his launch angle and pull rates.
Freiburg face Celta Vigo away from home in the return leg of the Europa League quarter-final tie. Goals from Vincenzo Grifo, Niklas Beste, and Matthias Ginter secured a big win for Julian Schuster’s side in last week’s first leg.
Johan Manzambi is fit enough to start for the visitors, while Philipp Treu starts instead of Lukas Kübler.
Here's how the two teams will start tonight’s game at Balaídos Stadium.
Celta: Radu; Rodríguez, Lago, Alonso; Mingueza, Vecino, Moriba, Rueda; López, Jutgla, Iglesias ©
Freiburg: Atubolu; Treu, Ginter, Lienhart, Makengo; Eggestein, Manzambi; Beste, Suzuki, Grifo ©; Matanović
Following the shocking retirement of Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman, the Chicago Bears find themselves looking for their long-term solution heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.
The news of Dalman's retirement was sudden and unexpected, especially at 27 years old, coming off a Pro Bowl season and in the first year of a three-year $42 million deal. But Dalman, looking out for his longer-term health, felt it was time.
Dalman was part of general manager Ryan Poles’ 2025 offensive line retooling that translated to just 24 sacks allowed, the second fewest in the league. He was the staple in the middle, playing all of 1,154 offensive snaps last season.
Chicago quickly pivoted, trading for veteran Garrett Bradbury, who came off a Super Bowl season with the New England Patriots. After being drafted 18th overall in 2019, Bradbury, 30, joins the Bears and will get to play alongside college teammate, All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney.
Poles didn’t elect to spend big money and sign Tyler Linderbaum, who got a three-year, $81 million contract. Instead, Chicago opted for the short-term, cheaper option because the 2026 draft class has a handful of guys who could fill the Bears' center vacancy for the future.
Here is the breakdown of the centers in this season's NFL draft, their strengths and weaknesses, and which one suits the Bears best with their seven draft picks.
Measurables: 6-foot-4, 303 pounds 31 5/8 inch arms, 9 7/8 inch hands
Sam Hecht is the most polished of the many prospects in this year's NFL draft. He’s light on his feet, which allows him to move quickly in both run and pass block situations, and his athleticism makes up for his slightly undersized frame. However, numerous scouts have reported that Hecht’s technique is the best in the draft.
Adding mass and size won’t be an issue for an interior offensive lineman, especially if Hecht gets drafted by Chicago, where he most likely won’t be asked to start right away. His ability to play in sync with his hands and feet allows him to get into run fits, and those same strong hands and active feet allow him to stay connected to blocks.
Last season, Hecht played 769 snaps, allowed zero sacks, zero hits allowed, and accounted for zero penalties. During an interview on Up and Adams, Hecht mentioned that during his pro day at Kansas State, Bears offensive line coach Dan Roushar and assistant Kyle DeVan worked the offensive lineman through drills and were able to build a relationship with one another.
“Protecting a quarterback of that caliber, that is super exciting for sure,” Hecht said. “The staff, the offensive line coach, and the assistant offensive line coach were amazing. I feel like we grew a good relationship just in the short time that we had with each other.”
Hecht has been all over the draft board, mocked from mid to late second round and even the third round. Chicago has two late picks in the second and one in the third. The question is how much they value the center portion, and is Hecht their guy?
Measurables: 6-foot-5, 303 pounds, 32 3/8 inch arms, 10 inch hands
Jake Slaughter brings plenty of experience as a three-year starter with plenty of game experience, but with his height matched with a lighter weight at 303 pounds, he lacks the size and mass needed to fill out his frame. The lighter weight has allowed Slaughter to be lighter on his feet, and he does a good job with his active feet.
He’s a guy projected to rounds four or later, but with time in the NFL to develop, learn more technique, and add on more weight with his experience, he could be a starter down the road in his career. With his size and lack of mass, Slaughter seems it's a guy Chicago would likely shy away from.
Measurables: 6-foot-3, 299 pounds, 30 3/4 inch, 9 1/2 inch
Logan Jones is another undersized center who has plenty of experience. His technique with his hands and feet has allowed him to excel thus far. He possesses initial quickness off the ball, allowing him to latch onto defensive tackles. Has a good first punch and is direct with his lands at a level against the rush. He can slide protect to open up run gaps and get to the second level quickly and locate linebackers.
Jones has similar traits to Hecht, who is an inch shorter, but poses the same kind of upside in the technique and IQ. He is projected to be later than Hecht and land potentially in the fourth or fifth round. If Chicago does wait, it could find itself in a position to draft Jones in the fourth round.
Measurables: 6-foot-4, 310 pounds, 32 3/8 inch arms, 9 inch hands
Connor Lew has a stronger frame than his tape may show for Auburn. He can bump and run and get to the second level against local linebackers and safeties. He plays with overall toughness, a good IQ, and leadership that might bring attention to him from teams earlier than he is projected.
With more reps in the NFL in a scheme that he will become familiar with, Lew will not only fill out in his frame, but also allow him to become a solid starter in the NFL. His wrestling background shows up in the hip roll to anchor on tape, and he can quickly bounce back an re-gain leverage in his hands and feet.
Like Jones and possibly Hecht, Lew is projected to go in the third round, and possibly even higher for teams who are more in need in the center position. Hecht, through Lew, is one of the top four centers in the class who have separated themselves from the rest of the pack, but there are options later in the draft.
Measurables: 6-foot-5, 311 pounds, 21 1/8 inch arms, 9 1/4 inch hands
The IQ, size, and communication skills are there for Pat Coogan, who spent four seasons at Notre Dame before transferring to Indiana for his final season. His leadership and traits will appeal to coaches. On top of that, Coogan is technically sound. He's good in gap schemes and inside zone and has a good first punch and relocated his hands well when knocked down.
Coogan is a Chicago native who attended Marist High School and had offers from schools. His anchor is given away against powerful bull rushers, and he has been very scheme-reliant and has a hard time finding a fit in the outside zone. Coogan can be an option for the Bears, but isn’t the prototypical light on his feet type center that would fit well in the Ben Johnson pulling offense.
Measurables: 6-foot-4, 305 pounds, 31 3/4 inch arms, 9 1/2 inch hands
Matt Gulbin is another guy projected behind the initial pack of the top four I mentioned. He is projected to be a Day 3 pick, but as a three-year starter, he brings average size and good power. He is a better vertical mover to the second level than he is a laterally moving block in the run game, but it is something he can improve on. Gulbin is a good pass-protection blocker with a good anchor to stay tight on his blocks.
Gulbin's tape shows consistency, and he can be nimble and take on good angles on linebackers in the second level. Other than needing to get better in his lateral movement, this is a potential pick for Chicago if Gulbin is available in the seventh or by acquiring a pick.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Sam Hecht leads pack for potential Bears centers
As the great Stu Bunting once said, "helps on the way!" Unfortunately, fantasy game managers want minor league upgrades to arrive in the majors now. Injuries dictate call-ups, while success at AAA drives the bus for their timetable for the best prospects in the game. Here's a look at the progress of some minor league players:
Rodriguez is riding an eight-game hitting streak (15-for-38 with nine runs, two home runs, seven RBIs, and one steal) at AAA, but he hasn't played in a game since April 9th due to a day off and postponements. Over the past two games, Rodriguez gained 126 games of experience at AAA, leading to a .321 batting average with 84 runs, nine home runs, 64 RBIs, and 21 steals over 504 at-bats. He had a winning walk rate (11.5%) and a favorable strikeout rate (13.1%).
The Giants have another catching prospect at AA who played well over his first seven games. Cavanaugh has 10 hits over his first 23 at-bats with 12 runs, one home run, five RBIs, while taking seven walks and striking out three times. Last season, he saw action at A, High A, AA, and AAA (.264/65/14/65/7 over 322 at-bats).
Last season, Jordan had a progression season between AA and AAA (.270/80/19/99/5 over 493 at-bats) despite being overmatched over his time at AAA (.198 over 172 at-bats with 21 runs, seven home runs, 37 RBIs, and two seasons). His bat refired at the highest level of the minors over his first 13 games (18-for-51 with seven runs, four home runs, nine RBIs, and one steal). He now has 223 at-bats at AAA with only 30 strikeouts (12.5%), which is a good sign for his future in the majors.
Over 11 starts at AAA, Condon has 14 hits over 44 at-bats with four home runs, nine RBIs, and one steal, with a favorable approach (eight walks and 11 strikeouts over 53 plate appearances). He has 382 at-bats of experience in the minors (High A, AA, and AAA) over the past two seasons, leading to a .272 batting average over 382 at-bats with 68 runs, 18 home runs, 64 RBIs, and two stolen bases. His bat was exceptional over two seasons at Georgia (.410/145/62/145/3 over 441 at-bats), showcasing his future power ceiling.
Despite trailing stats (.246/10/0/3/3 over 61 at-bats) over his first 15 games, Bazzana is riding a four-game hitting streak (6-for-14 with three runs and a steal) at AAA. His bat has underperformed his draft expectations over his first 126 minor league games (.244/101/12/54/20 over 464 at-bats). Cleveland drafted him first overall in the 2024 MLB June Amateur Draft after a breakout season (.407 over 214 at-bats with 84 runs, 28 home runs, 66 RBIs, and 16 steals) in his final year at Oregon State.
Over the past week, Foscue is sitting on a six-game hitting streak (11-for-26 with five runs, one home run, and seven RBIs). He raised his season average to .343 over 67 at-bats, with nine runs, two home runs, nine RBIs, and one steal. His bat has been productive over three seasons at AAA (.271/206/49/197/25 over 1,127 at-bats), but Foscue has yet to find his swing in the majors (3-for-51 with three runs and three RBIs while striking out 21 times).
Chavis hasn't played in the majors since 2023, but his bat has been on point over his last eight games at AAA (11-for-33 with eight runs, five home runs, and 14 RBIs). He raised his season average to .291 with 10 runs, seven home runs, and 17 RBIs over 46 at-bats. Over his last two seasons at AAA, Chavis has developed into a surprising power bat (.291/58/20/64/2 over 313 at-bats). At age 30, his only path to a major league opportunity will come via an injury to a starting player.
Over his first five seasons at AAA, Fitzgerald hit .249 with 201 runs, 52 home runs, 231 RBIs, and 25 steals over 1,435 at-bats, making him just a journeyman player at age 32. He has been off to a surprisingly hot start this year in the minors (.375 over 72 at-bats with 13 runs, two home runs, 21 RBIs, and one steal), while striking out only seven times.
The wait for Emerson to arrive in the majors is going to take longer than expected based on his play over his first 13 games at AAA (.265 over 49 at-bats with five runs, one home run, five RBIs, and two steals). His strikeout rate (34.7%) is out of line for a top prospect.
Eight games into his 2026 AA season, Lombard is already knocking on the AAA door. He has 15 hits over his first 32 at-bats with 10 runs, two home runs, six RBIs, and two stolen bases while striking out five times. Last season, Lombard was overmatched at the same level (.215/68/8/36/24 over 391 at-bats).
Over his last 10 games at AAA, Crews has 13 hits over 40 at-bats (.325) with eight runs, two home runs, six RBIs, and two steals. He took six walks over this span, with 12 strikeouts. The Nationals have given eight starts in center field and six in right field. Crews is getting closer to a call-up, once the combination of Jacob Young (.265/8/2/7/1 over 49 at-bats) and Joey Wiemer (.364/9/2/4 over 33 at-bats) ride off into the sunset.
Dominguez slowed down over his last five games (3-for-15 with three runs and four steals), but he continues to be on a path to New York once an opportunity opens up. He's batting .333 over his first 42 at-bats with 12 runs, two home runs, five RBIs, and eight steals while taking 12 walks with eight Ks.
Heading into Wednesday night, Waldschmidt picked up the pace with his bat over his last six games (10-for-23 with six runs, two home runs, five RBIs, and one steal). Over 82 games at AA and AAA, he has looked the part of a top prospect (.310/69/11/47/20 over 310 at-bats). The struggles of Alek Thomas in Arizona (.122 over 49 at-bats with four runs, no home runs, five RBIs, and three steals) suggest an outfield change could be coming for the Diamondbacks.
This article was originally published on www.si.com/onsi/fantasy as Dylan Crews, Jasson Dominguez Rise in Week 4 Fantasy Baseball Hitter Prospect Watch.
Straight up hill.
That is the path the BYU baseball team has been on since the second the Cougars joined the Big 12. Opposition has been stiff, injuries have been frequent, and expectations from around the conference have been low — even this year BYU was picked to finish 13th among the 14 teams.
Yet, as mid-April arrives, the Cougars (19-16, 8-7) are raising a few eyebrows as they rise in the standings, now up to a fourth-place tie in the Big 12 and just one game back of No. 23 Arizona State (26-12, 9-6). The Cougars and Sun Devils open a three-game series at Miller Park on Thursday (1 p.m, ESPN+).
BYU is riding a season-best five-game win streak, and the Cougars are fresh off their first series sweep at Houston. During the run, BYU outscored its opponents a combined 29-10.
“We are pitching really good, throwing a lot of strikes, walking less people. That’s the biggest thing,” said BYU coach Trent Pratt. During the streak, Cougar pitchers have struck out 38 batters and walked 21.
“Someone different every game has stepped up. On the offensive side, a lot of guys have had big games for us to win.”
Granted, Utah Valley, Houston and Lamar are a far cry from Big 12 leaders Kansas, West Virginia and UCF, but for a program needing a pick-me-up, this spring surge is providing an emotional boost.
Progress has been slow, but steady. BYU won seven Big 12 games in their debut season in 2024. Last year, the Cougars won 10 games and earned the final spot in the Big 12 Tournament where they stunned Arizona State 2-0 in the first round.
So far in 2026, with new pitching coach Adrian Dinckle managing the arms, BYU has already claimed more conference series wins (Cincinnati, Oklahoma State, Houston) than it did last season (Cincinnati and Texas Tech).
“I feel like we are getting better every year, but there is still a lot of work ahead,” Pratt said. “We need to finish strong.”
Among the eyebrow raisers is right fielder Tua Wolfgramm. The junior from Pleasant Grove was put into the lineup a few weeks ago for the injured Bryker Hurdsman.
Wolfgramm was listed eighth in the batting order but with his .294 average, including two home runs, a triple and five doubles, Pratt moved him up to fifth, and with his speed and glovework in the field, the fifth-year head coach can’t take him out of the lineup.
Sophomore Keoni Painter is another head turner, playing center field for the injured Crew McChesney. On the day McChesney went out with a hamstring strain on March 28, Painter entered the game and hit the first walk-off home run of his life to beat Oklahoma State, 5-4.
BYU’s season also mirrors Easton Jones. The senior third baseman from American Fork has nearly doubled his RBI total (29) from last year (15) and the Cougars still have 19 games remaining before the conference tournament.
Pitching has been a hodgepodge of smoke and mirrors with bullpen guys (Justice Reiser and Cayson Bell) starting games and the ear-marked preseason starters (Garrison Sumner and Nate Gray) now coming out of the pen. Dinkel’s all-hands-on-deck approach to BYU’s pitching might look different, but it’s working.
“We know they are a good team, but we’ve played other good teams. I don’t want to make it bigger than it is. We’ve got to go play good baseball and if we do that, we have a chance to win the series.”
BYU coach Trent Pratt on the Arizona State Sun Devils
“We know they are a good team, but we’ve played other good teams. I don’t want to make it bigger than it is. We’ve got to go play good baseball and if we do that, we have a chance to win the series.”
“We are landing more secondary pitches for strikes. They aren’t just fast balls,” Pratt said. “That’s been the biggest thing. (Adrian) has done a good job developing guys with extra pitches.”
Last April in Tempe, Arizona State roasted the Cougars on three-straight nights. The Sun Devils outscored BYU by a combined 36-13. During the series finale, Arizona State set a program record with six home runs in the second inning.
Returning to Provo for the first time since 2019, the Sun Devils will not only face a confident group of Cougars, but also much different weather as rain and cooler temperatures are in the forecast.
For BYU, the Arizona State series provides a measuring stick for how far the Cougars have come in their third year in the Big 12 and how far they still have to go.
“Yeah, a little bit,” said Pratt. “We know they are a good team, but we’ve played other good teams. I don’t want to make it bigger than it is. We’ve got to go play good baseball and if we do that, we have a chance to win the series.”
Dave McCann is a sportswriter and columnist for the Deseret News and is a play-by-play announcer and show host for BYUtv/ESPN+. He co-hosts “Y’s Guys” at ysguys.com and is the author of the children’s book “C is for Cougar,” available at deseretbook.com.
Andy Robertson appears to have his sights set on remaining in the Premier League after he leaves Liverpool at the end of this season.
It was confirmed a week ago that the Scottish left-back will depart Anfield in the summer upon the expiry of his contract, with the 32-year-old indicating that he hadn’t been offered a new deal by the club despite lengthy discussions with the hierarchy over his future.
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It remains to be seen where the former Hull City man will go next, with David Ornstein reporting in recent days that Tottenham Hotspur are in ‘pole position’ to sign him, although that could be contingent on whether or not they avoid relegation from the top flight.
In an article for The Telegraph outlining the futures of nine players who are either confirmed or rumoured to be leaving Liverpool in the summer, Dominic King corroborated claims over a potential move to Spurs, pending salvation of their Premier League status for 2026/27.
The reporter wrote: ‘If Tottenham remain in the Premier League, the Scotland captain would favour a move to them.
‘He has been unnecessarily under-used this season and letting a player who could have such a positive influence in the dressing room depart is a risk. Robertson is a great character, the kind who sets standards. He will not be easily replaced.’
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With the 32-year-old’s apparent preference for Spurs dependent on the outcome of their relegation battle, it seems apparent that he still feels he can make a telling impact in the Premier League.
Robertson had been a near-constant presence in the Liverpool starting XI for nearly eight years until the arrival of Milos Kerkez last summer, and the Scotland international hasn’t let the Reds down whenever he has played this season.
In addition to his qualities on the pitch, King has rightly referenced the leadership attributes of our departing no.26, and any top-flight club would benefit greatly from having a player of his standard-setting character to call upon.
If Spurs stay up and do succeed in signing him, it’d take getting used to seeing him in the colours of another Premier League club after spending almost a decade at Anfield, though at least he’d be going to a team who haven’t been direct positional rivals of ours for the past three seasons.
We don’t know yet where Robertson will be playing his football next season, but we can say without any fear of contradiction that whoever ultimately snaps up the Scottish left-back will be getting a fantastic footballer and an inspirational leader both on and off the pitch.
In snooker, a free ball can be awarded after a foul has been committed in which the player about to play their next shot is left snookered and cannot play a legal shot onto the intended ball.
When this situation occurs, the referee may declare a free ball, which allows the player to nominate any other ball on the table to play in substitute of the one they were due to play.
In order for a free ball to be awarded:
If the nominated replacement ball is potted, the number of points awarded for potting the replacement ball is the same as it would have been for the initial ball.
For example, if a player is aiming to pot a red ball but instead pots the replacement ball which is black, the shot would still only be worth one point.
In a typical frame of snooker a player pots a red, then a colour and so on until all the reds have been cleared.
This changes slightly in the instance of a free ball. In most cases, a free ball comes in a situation where a player is meant to be aiming to hit a red.
When they pot a free ball, they move on to a colour and should they pot that, they will move back on to red where a normal sequence would start from.
Because a red is not removed in the instance that a substitute ball is potted, it can create a unique situation where a player can actually be given extra points on top of their break.
An example of this came last month when Ronnie O'Sullivan set a world record break of 153, despite the maximum points in a break officially being 147.
This occurred when O'Sullivan was awarded a free ball and potted a green, followed by a black. That gave him eight points before he continued his break in a traditional way.
O'Sullivan followed that up with 15 reds, 13 blacks, two pinks and then all of the colours.
The break in a traditional fashion was worth 145, but with the eight points coming from the free ball, O'Sullivan's actual break finished as a 153.
This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.
No bueno. pic.twitter.com/k0yYhEOLuJ
— Tony Paul | Detroit News (@TonyPaul1984) April 16, 2026
Detroit — It's another wet and gloomy day in Michigan, which has the potential to make for a long (or short) getaway day for the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals — depending whether they get this game on.
Southeast Michigan got pummeled by rain overnight Wednesday, April 16, into Thursday, April 17, and it still was raining as of late morning Thursday, as the tarp covered the field at Comerica Park. The sun peeked out briefly just after 11 a.m., with the Tigers and Royals scheduled to play the last game of their three-game series. Tigers manager AJ Hinch said field conditions will be a consideration on whether to play.
"You've got to make the best decision for the safety and integrity of the game," Hinch said Thursday morning.
The Tigers won the first two, and they've won five straight overall to get to 9-9.
The game between the Tigers and Royals on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Comerica Park could start in a rain delay. There might be a dryer window to get the game in later in the afternoon.
First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m., with the game on Detroit SportsNet and 97.1.
Stay tuned to detroitnews.com for updates.
tpaul@detroitnews.com
@tonypaul1984
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Detroit Tigers-Kansas City Royals weather update: Will they play?
Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo has agreed a lucrative new contract to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge.
The Ecuador international, 24, had been pushing for improved terms after helping the club win the Conference League and the Club World Cup last season
His previous eight-year contract was signed after his move from Brighton in 2023 in a then British-record £100m deal, rising to £115m, which has since been surpassed by Liverpool's £125m signing of striker Alexander Isak.
It is understood the new deal runs to 2033.
The deal is the second in a series of renewals designed to reward Chelsea's top performers, with captain Reece James the first to sign and the club negotiating at least one further agreement before the end of the season.
Chelsea had also agreed a similar pay-rise for positive performances to Cole Palmer early last season, showing a willingness to reward star performers, albeit in an incentive-based structure which is adjusted for hitting certain targets like Champions League qualification.
When asked during the international break whether he would ever be interested in a move to Real Madrid, Caicedo said: "I'm focused on my club right now. I want to be a legend."
Chelsea regard Caicedo as one of the best midfielders in the world and he is among the club's captains.
Caicedo was the only player to start every Premier League match last season under former boss Enzo Maresca, while this campaign he has been ever present, playing 42 times and scoring five goals from defensive midfield.
Meanwhile, midfielder Enzo Fernandez and defender Levi Colwill are among those known to have discussed potential new contracts in the past six months.
However, Fernandez is returning from a two-game internal ban following comments made during international duty about wanting to live in Spain's capital, amid continuing links with Real Madrid.
After the ban was announced by head coach Liam Rosenior, Fernandez's agent Javier Pastore said "[He] deserves much more than he is currently earning," in a lengthy interview with the Athletic.
Chelsea next face Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, with the club sixth in the Premier League and chasing Champions League qualification via at least a fifth-place finish.
Manchester City will lose the services of their dependable captain next season after Bernardo Silva announced he will leave the club when his contract expires this summer.
While manager Pep Guardiola has led the club to an unprecedented period of success during his 10-year tenure, midfielder Silva - his most trusted lieutenant - has been beside him every step of the way.
"My main goal as a player was to always play with passion so you guys [the fans] could feel proud and well represented on the pitch," said the 31-year-old Portugal international. "I hope you felt that every single game.
"I arrived as a Man City player, I leave as one more of you, a Man City supporter for life."
When the skipper climbed the steps at Wembley Stadium following City's brilliant Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal last month, it was the 19th piece of silverware he had lifted since joining the club from Monaco in 2017.
Silva could end his time at City by collecting another domestic treble, with the side still in contention for the Premier League and facing Southampton in the FA Cup semi-finals next Saturday.
He may not quite have the standing of past City icons such as Kevin de Bruyne, Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany or David Silva, but his achievements will undoubtedly sit alongside theirs when he does make his exit from Etihad Stadium this summer.
There is a clear understanding and mutual respect between Guardiola and Silva, and one of the key reasons why he was handed the armband at the start of this season following the departure of De Bruyne on a free transfer.
Guardiola professed his "love" for Silva earlier this season, saying he had a "weakness" for the player and enthusing how he was "always there" - even during the lows of last season when the team finished third in the Premier League and failed to win a major trophy for the first time in nearly a decade.
Silva told BBC Sport in December that Guardiola has been a "massive" influence on his career and his boss has a "special affection for me" having played under him for nine years and enjoyed a trophy-laden era.
The Portuguese has player 451 matches in all competitions for City to sit inside the club's all-time top 10 appearance makers, scoring 76 goals and providing 77 assists.
All of those games have come under Guardiola - no player has been selected more times by the ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager.
Silva has managed only three goals and five assists this season, but has played in more Premier League games than any other City player and it is his leadership qualities and reliability that Guardiola rates so highly.
He has clocked up a team-high 315.3km distance travelled during those games due to his hardworking nature, while Silva's carrying ability has allowed him to notch a total of 5,325m with the ball at his feet, a number unmatched by any team-mate.
Of top-flight players who have played more than 1,200 minutes this season, only four average more distance covered per 90 minutes than his 12.2km.
Even when Silva was sent off for a deliberate handball to prevent a goal against Real Madrid in their Champions League last-16 tie, which effectively ended any hope of a comeback in the second leg, Guardiola did not attach blame to the player for the action, saying it was "instinctive".
Former City midfielder Michael Brown said Silva was a "brilliant player" and described his performance against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final as "infectious, clever and cute".
He added on City TV: "He comes alive - when it feels dead he makes things happen. Bernardo doesn't always do something special but he is just there, he is a team player and someone you would always pick.
"He is someone who says, 'I'll drop in at left-back, I'll go on the right and create problems later on'. He has a bit of everything to his game and is unselfish. That is what is different, he is not necessarily a match-winner."
In September, Silva said he knows "exactly" what he is going to do when his deal comes to an end, but he has not yet revealed his next club.
He has been linked with La Liga leaders Barcelona, Serie A side Juventus and clubs in the United States, while Ligue 1 leaders Paris St-Germain have reportedly been suitors in the past.
City are understood to be interested in signing Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson in the summer, so could the England international - who looks set to go to the World Cup this summer - be the answer?
Anderson's work-rate has seen him cover the most distance of any Premier League player this season with 353.4km, while the 23-year-old also impressively leads the top-flight metrics for most touches of the ball (2844), possession won the most times (296), most fouls won (69) and most duels won (258).
Former City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips said: "You don't replace Silva, he is in many ways irreplaceable. He doesn't have a position, he is everywhere."
The club's former women's captain Steph Houghton added: "There is nobody that can do what he does. With Bernardo, he is a different kind of leader to Kompany or Fernandinho.
"A lot of it is through performances and about him leading the boys in doing certain things. You can't fault his effort every single time he pulls on a Manchester City shirt.
"No matter where he is playing, he gives absolutely everything."
At this point in the season, Silva is undroppable. His experience, tactical understanding and positional versatility make him Guardiola's coach on the pitch, capable of adapting his role to ensure City can tweak their tactics game to game.
A big part of his role this season has been assisting the team's build-up. Although City's new signings are capable, in a league where man-marking is more common this season, Silva has been seen dropping extremely deep.
In the 1-0 win at Leeds in February, Silva and Rodri dropped in as central defenders. This moved the centre-backs out of areas that are harder to play in under pressure, catching the opposition off-guard. Both midfielders excelled on the ball here and helped City progress up the pitch.
His role out of possession has been paramount to City's revival in the second part of the season too. The game against Liverpool in November showcased the City captain's tactical understanding of how and when to press.
City cut off passing lanes to Virgil van Dijk, forcing the ball to Ibrahima Konate, the weaker of Liverpool's two ball-playing centre-backs.
Phil Foden pressed Konate when the ball went out to him and Silva was tasked with deciding which of the midfielders to press, Ryan Gravenberch or Alexis Mac Allister, something he did intelligently.
Liverpool made tweaks of their own by dropping Gravenberch into the right of what later became a back three. It was Silva here who amended City's press, negating Liverpool's change.
Foden continued to press the right centre-back, Gravenberch, while Silva switched between pressing Mac Allister and Konate, who was now positioned in the middle of the back three.
It's easy for the small details to be missed by fans but Silva's contributions are indispensable for his manager.
"He doesn't score too many goals or is not involved in all the assists but he gives us something that is not in the stats, and a lot of things that are incredibly valuable to us," said Guardiola back in November.
"[He is] absolutely one of the best players I have ever trained in my career."
Steph Curry's fan interaction after clutch shot shows Warriors star didn't even know bucket went in originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Sitting courtside at an NBA comes with a lot of perks. It also typically comes with a dent in your wallet. But how often do these tickets say that you may have to inform a player of whether or not their shot went in?
That's what happened for Steph Curry in the Warriors play-in game against the Clippers. With the game in a 121-121 tie, Curry hit a go-ahead three-pointer with 50.4 seconds on the clock.
Curry's off-balance shot meant that he turned around after shooting and fell into the crowd, unable to see if the shot was made. The quickest solution?
Ask the closest person to him. In this case, a fan.
Here's what went down with Steph Curry's fan interaction.
MORE: NBA Playoffs bracket 2026: When and where to find each game of postseason action
With fans trying to capture photos and video from this down-to-the-wire contest, one video of this interaction is making its rounds on social media. Curry makes the three to move the score to 124-121 with less than a minute remaining.
As Curry props himself up after falling into the crowd, he looks at a fan helping him and asks, "Did I make it?"
Stephen Curry virando o jogo e depois perguntando pro torcedor se ele tinha acertado o arremesso
— NBA do Povo 🏀🇧🇷 (@NBAdoPovo) April 16, 2026
Maluco kkkk pic.twitter.com/yl2o4uAlv1
It's unclear whether Curry was shocked or unable to hear this fan the first time, but once he's standing, he tries again.
"I made it?" Curry asked.
With this clarity, the celebration was on. Curry pumped his fists and headed back to his teammates. The Warriors went on to win the game 126-121.
MORE: Will Steve Kerr retire with his contract soon to expire in Golden State?
Michael Mankaka has found his next destination, and he won’t be leaving the ACC. The former Clemson football defensive back is set to continue his career at Boston College, becoming the final Tigers transfer from the 2025 cycle to land with a new program.
Mankaka’s move keeps him in a familiar conference while giving him a fresh opportunity to carve out a larger role. His time at Clemson didn’t come with much production, but his experience inside the program and willingness to adapt could give him a chance to compete for more snaps moving forward.
The 6-foot, 190-pound defensive back joined Clemson as a walk-on in 2022. Over four seasons, he appeared in 11 games and recorded one tackle. His path with the Tigers also included a position switch, as he initially arrived as a wide receiver before transitioning to the defensive side ahead of the 2024 season.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney shoulders blame for last season
— Clemson Wire (@Clemson_Wire) April 16, 2026
📸 Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina, Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images https://t.co/1vt1eckJ5Ypic.twitter.com/pugMbFjnAr
Before Clemson, Mankaka played at Laurens High School after moving from Rochester, Minnesota. Now with a new start at Boston College, he’ll look to take advantage of a bigger opportunity.
NEW: Clemson transfer cornerback Michael Mankaka has signed with Boston College, @PeteNakos reports🦅
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) April 16, 2026
The 6-foot, 190-pound junior made 11 appearances in four seasons at Clemson. https://t.co/kSYG7dYADjpic.twitter.com/q5dVgmUFwa
Contact us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.
This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Former Clemson DB Michael Mankaka transfers to Boston College
Jets have 3 WRs with first-round grades, and Makai Lemon is not one of them originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Jets are entering the 2026 NFL Draft with a few clear needs at three positions. Those positions are edge rusher, cornerback, and wide receiver.
While edge looks locked into the second-overall pick, the Jets own the 16th and 33rd picks, which could be used to stick-and-pick or move around for a first-round receiver. But which WRs do the Jets view as first-round caliber prospects?
According to NFL insider Tony Pauline for Essentially Sports, the Jets have three WRs with first-round grades. And, surprisingly, USC's Makai Lemon isn't one of them, according to this rumor.
"I'm told the Jets have first-round grades on the following receivers: Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, and (Denzel) Boston," Paulin writes.
Lemon, the USC wide receiver, is one of the NFL Draft's best receivers. Many analysts have Lemon as a top-three wide receiver, with some having him as the second-best WR in this year's class.
But, with Pauline's report not including Lemon in the Jets' first-round wide receiver grades, it seems like the USC prospect isn't an option for the Jets in Round 1.
Despite winning the Biletnikoff Award this past season for his 79-reception, 1,156-yard, and 11-touchdown season for the Trojans, Lemon isn't among the first-round WRs for the Jets.
More: Zachariah Branch would be ideal round 2 fit for Jets
Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson being named among the Jets' first-round WR grades isn't much of a surprise, as they've been two of the top WRs by consensus.
But Denzel Boston, the 22-year-old Washington WR who caught 62 passes for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns last year, getting a first-round grade is notable, especially with Lemon not included.
Omar Cooper Jr., out of Indiana, someone who's been strongly linked to the Jets, is also not a first-round grade. But, this isn't too much of a surprise. Lemon, though, is a big surprise.
The Jets not having a first-round grade on Lemon, according to this report, is very surprising. He's been a consensus top WR in this year's draft, yet the Jets seemingly don't view him as a first-rounder, according to Pauline's report.
LIV Golf disrupted professional golf's status quo when it began poaching players and holding its own tournaments in 2022, backed by the hefty wallet of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). It created division within the sport as several notable former major tournament winners elected to take historic paydays to defect from the PGA Tour.
Less than four years after LIV officially teed off, its experiment appears to be on the verge of ending.
What's going on with LIV Golf: Keep up with the all developments
The Saudi sovereign wealth fund, which has reportedly spent more than $5 billion founding and operating LIV Golf, could pull its money following the 2026 season as part of a strategic shift, according to multiple reports. LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil wrote in an email to staff on Wednesday, April 15, that the 2026 season would "continue as planned," but he did not comment on the state of the company beyond this year. The Saudi Public Investment Fund also did not mention LIV Golf in a news release Tuesday announcing its 2026-2030 strategic vision.
That leaves a lot of golfers in limbo moving forward, from big stars such as Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm to recent additions such as reigning NCAA champion Michael La Sasso. There were 57 golfers in the field for the LIV Golf Mexico City tournament this week.
Will every LIV golfer wind up back on the PGA Tour? The process won't be straightforward, and not simply because PGA Tour officials and existing PGA Tour golfers don't necessarily want them to return. Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed are already taking two different pathways after leaving LIV Golf in favor of a PGA Tour comeback before the 2026 season, and they're not the only ones to switch back to the PGA Tour from LIV Golf this year.
Here's a breakdown of what the process of allowing LIV Golf competitors back to the PGA Tour could look like and how the PGA Tour handled recent situations with defectors who wanted to return:
Yes, but the circumstances and initial status awarded by the PGA Tour will depend on the golfer, and on what terms they left the PGA Tour.
Brian Rolapp, the PGA Tour's new CEO, indicated in his most recent public comments that he was open to allowing more golfers who defected to LIV Golf to return to the PGA Tour if it made the PGA Tour stronger. But Rolapp emphasized it was not one of the PGA Tour's priorities as it eyes a revamped schedule beginning next year.
Koepka and Reed have provided a glimpse into what the difference could look like in terms of earning re-entry into the PGA Tour.
Koepka announced in December he had agreed with LIV Golf officials to forgo the final year of his contract and applied for reinstatement to the PGA Tour. Koepka is permitted to play in PGA Tour events throughout this season because of the Returning Member Program, which was introduced in January for golfers "who have been away from the (PGA) Tour for at least two years and have won The Players Championship, Masters Tournament, PGA Championship, U.S. Open or The Open Championship during the 2022-2025 seasons."
Koepka will not receive any payment from the FedEx Cup bonus program for the 2026 season and he's ineligible to earn equity from the player equity program for the next five years (2026-2030). Koepka could miss out on approximately $50 million to $85 million in potential equity earnings, according to the PGA Tour, depending on his competitive performance and the Tour's growth.
Koepka also agreed to make a $5 million charitable contribution to an agreed-upon organization. He had to qualify for signature events this season and is ineligible for sponsor exemptions into those fields. Other tournament fields have been expanded to accommodate Koepka's presence in order to ensure PGA Tour golfers didn't lose a spot this season due to his return.
The Returning Member Program was created in response to Koepka applying for reinstatement to the PGA Tour, as well as PGA Tour research that showed fans wanted to see the best golfers competing together more often. It would have also allowed DeChambeau, Rahm and Cam Smith to return to the PGA Tour had they applied for reinstatement and accepted the terms of the program before Feb. 2.
Rolapp indicated in March he expected the Returning Member Program to be a one-time opportunity.
"I don't know the contractual relationship or the terms of others on the LIV Tour, and they have contracts and those should be honored," Rolapp said. "But we do have a pathway; Patrick Reed is clearly taking advantage of that pathway as he's, I guess, out of his contractual commitment. And so I think the LIV players know what those pathways are, and until they change, those are the pathways."
Reed announced in February he is seeking reinstatement for the 2027 PGA Tour season under its past champion category and could play in some events this year.
Since Reed last played in a LIV Golf event on Aug. 24, 2025, and because he resigned his PGA Tour membership in 2022 before joining LIV Golf, he is eligible to compete again on the PGA Tour as a non-member on Aug. 25, provided that he complies with PGA Tour regulations and does not participate in additional unauthorized events. He is also allowed to improve his potential status on the PGA Tour by playing on the DP World Tour.
Reed, like Koepka, will be ineligible to participate in the PGA Tour's lucrative Player Equity Program through 2030, even if he were reinstated for 2027. Reed previously said his contract with LIV Golf had expired following the 2025 season.
Kevin Na, Pat Perez and Hudson Swafford are also in the process of being reinstated to the PGA Tour through its past champion category after defecting to LIV Golf.
Na last played in what the PGA Tour calls an unauthorized tournament on Aug. 24, 2025 and is currently facing disciplinary action, according to Golfweek. Perez had his membership reinstated in January 2026 and is eligible to return on Jan. 1, 2027. Swafford is also eligible to play on the PGA Tour on Jan. 1, 2027.
Though the PGA Tour hasn't stated anything specifically related to former members who defected to LIV Golf and never won a PGA Tour event before leaving, the PGA Tour has longstanding pathways to be eligible to play in PGA Tour events.
There are sponsor exemptions to individual tournaments, as well as the Korn Ferry Tour. Golfers who finish within the top 20 of the final Korn Ferry Tour standings receive a PGA Tour card for the next season. Most Korn Ferry Tour events offer eight spots in the field via an 18-hole qualifying event, according to the PGA Tour.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LIV Golf's future uncertain. What's next for players?
The Atlanta Falcons don't have to worry about blowing this year's first-round pick because they don't have one. New GM Ian Cunningham and Football President Matt Ryan will have to make do hitting on lower-profile prospects and attempt to find value and hidden gems on Day 2 and 3 of the draft, instead.
On that subject, they may have one particular prospect in mind. According to a note from Jordan Reid in ESPN's latest draft Intel from last week, NDSU wide receiver Bryce Lance is on their radar.
"In speaking to league sources connected to Atlanta, one position that has been heavily linked to the Falcons is defensive tackle. They have done an extensive amount of work there, but another position that routinely popped into conversation was wide receiver. Even after adding Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus this offseason, the Falcons want a field stretcher at some point on Day 2. Bryce Lance (North Dakota State) was a name that kept coming up."
Lance is the younger brother of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Trey Lance, one of the most athletic prospects to come along in recent NFL history. While he plays a different position, his little brother shares that gift - with a remarkable 9.98 RAS score, including elite marks in speed and explosion.
Lance (6-foot-3, 209 pounds) is coming off a productive 2025 season, totaling 1,079 yards and eight touchdowns. Here's the highlight reel.
For his efforts, Lance earned an 89.5 overall grade from PFF for the year, ranking 10th out of nearly 700 wide receivers in the nation.
At the moment Lance is projected to be taken in the third round of the draft, so if the Falcons really want him then they may have to use their 79th overall pick to get it done.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: ESPN says NDSU WR Bryce Lance is on the Atlanta Falcons' radar
New York Giants All-Pro defensive stud Brian Burns is urging the team to hold onto his teammate and friend, Dexter Lawrence, who is currently skipping the offseason workout program in a dispute over his contract.
“Dex is a huge locker-room presence,” Burns told the New York Post. “It’s been a little weird without him here, and knowing the uncertainty of the business of what he’s going through. It would be a huge loss to lose him. He’s a vocal leader. A lot of guys look up to him. Hell, I look up to him at times. You don’t ever want to lose a guy like that.”
Lawrence has been a huge presence on and off the field for the Giants ever since they selected him 17th overall out of Clemson in the 2019 NFL draft. He has become one of the game's top interior defensive linemen, and in 2023, the Giants paid him as such, inking him to a four-year, $87.5 million extension.
But that extension hasn't aged well. Since that agreement, Lawrence has seen less impactful players than him "get the bag," so to speak. He is now the seventh-highest paid in the league at his position. Naturally, the 28-year-old wants to strike while the iron is hot, hence the demand for a raise.
“Speaking for me, the Giants ain’t the Giants without No. 97 in the middle,” Burns told The Post. “So we are going to figure that out to keep him here regardless, I hope. That’s my boy. And I don’t want to play this season or any other season without him.”
Burns may not have to. The rumors are that the Giants are seeking trade partners for Lawrence rather than pay him. That makes no sense. The new coaching staff under John Harbaugh has vowed to make stopping the run and being stout in the trenches a priority. Ridding themselves of the 6-foot-4, 340-pound Lawrence goes against that initiative.
The general thinking is that the situation resolves itself. With the 2026 NFL draft a week away, the Giants and other teams are counting their chickens. If Lawrence is to be dealt, it would likely happen by next Thursday night.
That seems unlikely. The Giants are seeking to add to their rotation up front, not rebuild it from scratch. Trading Lawrence would mean just that. They should listen to Burns. The benefits of keeping Lawrence are aplenty.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Brian Burns: 'Giants ain’t the Giants' without Dexter Lawrence
Alex Bowman's hopes of making the Chase are quickly fading. After returning from a four-week absence, Bowman finished in last place after being involved in a wreck with Shane van Gisbergen and John Hunter Nemeczek. With 18 races left in the NASCAR Cup Series regular season, the points situation is very dire.
Bowman sits in 36th place with only 24 points through four races. The driver of the No. 48 car has a best finish of 23rd place at EchoPark Speedway and three finishes of 36th place or worse to start 2026. Now, Bowman is 153 points behind the Chase bubble, while the No. 48 team is 109 points back.
Time is ticking for Bowman and the No. 48 team because 100-plus points is still a lot in the Chase format. Bowman likely has to win a few races to put himself back in the mix at this point. It is great to see the Hendrick Motorsports driver healthy again, but it remains to be seen if he can salvage the rest of the season.
More: NASCAR reveals status of Kyle Larson's No. 5 car at R&D Center
This article originally appeared on Motorsports Wire: Alex Bowman's Chase hopes fading after another wreck to start 2026
Stefan de Vrij and Ange-Yoan Bonny could reportedly return to the starting lineup when Inter Milan face Cagliari on Friday.
According to Sky Sport Italia via FCInterNews, Cristian Chivu is looking to rest several first-team stars ahead of a decisive clash against Como.
Inter Milan have enjoyed a dream return to Serie A action after the March international break.
Indeed, Chivu’s men claimed six points in their last two league matches against Roma and Como.
Therefore, they head into the final six rounds of fixtures boasting a nine-point lead over second-placed Napoli.
Meanwhile, they’re potentially 90 minutes away from reaching the Coppa Italia final.
After a scoreless first-leg draw at the Sinigaglia Stadium, Inter will host Como at San Siro in the return leg of their semi-final tie next Tuesday.
Moreover, the Nerazzurri are currently unable to count on Lautaro Martinez, Alessandro Bastoni, and Yann Bisseck.
As such, Chivu is keen to avoid further injury concerns ahead of Como’s visit to Giuseppe Meazza.
De Vrij, whose last Serie A start came in a 2-0 win over Genoa in late February, could get the nod ahead of Francesco Acerbi.
Indeed, the 38-year-old needs rest after making back-to-back league starts for the first time in 2026.
On the other hand, Bonny may take Francesco Pio Esposito’s place in attack and partner up with resurgent Marcus Thuram.
UFC 327 created some huge moments, capped off by Carlos Ulberg knocking out Jiri Prozhazka on one leg in the main event to win the UFC light heavyweight title. However, Ulberg’s injury leads to an entirely different conversation for the division if he’s out for an extended period of time.
Following one of the best numbered UFC cards in quite some time, the panel reacts to the big moments, Ulberg’s title win, and where the division goes from here on an all-new edition of Between the Links. Additionally, topics include Josh Hokit’s ridiculous ascent after parlaying a pretty tough PR week into an incredible performance, a win, and two bonuses against Curtis Blaydes, MVP’s New York City press conference promoting the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano card on Netflix, UFC Winnipeg and RAF 8 going head to head, and much more.
Join MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Jed Meshew as they answer your questions all show long.
Watch the show live at Noon ET / 9 a.m. PT in the video above.
If you missed the show live, you can still watch above, or listen to the podcast version, which can be found below and on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your pods.
Chelsea Supporters' Trust have written a letter to the ownership, board of directors and senior leadership on the "growing lack of confidence among the supporters in the leadership, structure, and strategy that underpin it".
The Trust cites how "supporters have seen no meaningful change" since the findings of the January 2026 survey which highlighted the "deep and sustained" concern of the direction in which the club is going.
They went on to say that these concerns "persist" regardless of league position and club achievements as "the vision remains unclear, its execution inconsistent, and its leadership insufficiently accountable".
In a lengthy letter, the Trust have asked the ownership, board directors and senior leadership to respond to the following four questions:
The Trust concluded that they "remain willing to engage constructively" with the club and look forward to their response.
How Oilers can avoid playing Avalanche in NHL's Western Conference playoffs first round originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
If there's one thing the Edmonton Oilers likely would want to avoid in the first round of the NHL's Western Conference playoffs, it'd be a matchup with the powerful Colorado Avalanche.
So on the final day of the regular season Thursday, it's worth figuring out how the clinching scenarios can prevent that.
The good news for the Oilers is that they control their own destiny in this regard.
They're already in the playoffs, and it's a simple path toward avoiding Colorado.
MORE: Maple Leafs' president brought AI trade pitches to deadline meetings
The Oilers need to secure just a single point on Thursday night against the Vancouver Canucks.
A win, or an overtime loss, pushes the Oilers for sure into the Pacific Division 2-3 seed matchup. That's because they enter the night a point ahead of the Anaheim Ducks and two ahead of the Los Angeles Kings.
The Oilers would also avoid the Avalanche if both the Kings lose to the Flames and the Ducks lose to the Predators.
So the only way Edmonton falls into the last wild card spot and has to play Colorado is if the Oilers lose in regulation to Vancouver coupled with wins by both the Kings and the Ducks.
The most likely outcome is that the Oilers will play the Ducks, but there are still ways that can change.
The Oilers will just be hoping to take care of their own situation so they don't have to worry about the Avalanche yet.
Auston Matthews might be the biggest storyline of the 2026 NHL offseason. After a tough season for the Toronto Maple Leafs, there have been rumors that Matthews could request a trade to a different team. However, what does the Toronto superstar think about his future in the organization?
After the Maple Leafs finished the 2025-26 NHL season, Matthews commented on his future in Toronto. The comments certainly indicate that nothing is guaranteed.
“I can’t predict the future,” Matthews said. “There are steps that kind of have to take place. They’re gonna hire new leadership at management and stuff like that. So, I don’t really know. Like I said, I can’t really predict the future.”
Instead of committing to the Maple Leafs, Matthews chose to step into the middle. Toronto has some decisions to make, and it could affect the 28-year-old’s future with the organization.
The speculation with Matthews isn’t going to end anytime soon. After missing the playoffs for the first time in his career, the Maple Leafs star could be on a new team if he requests a trade. As of now, Matthews has two years left on his four-year contract with a $13.25 million cap hit. However, what would lead to a possible trade request?
There are questions about Toronto’s future in the NHL. After firing general manager Brad Treliving late in the season, the Maple Leafs have a void in their management. This has created questions about the team’s direction and whether it will be back in the Stanley Cup Playoffs anytime soon. If it is a rebuild, Matthews could want out.
Plus, Toronto has only won two playoff series since Matthews was drafted in 2016. Despite the talent on the roster, the Maple Leafs haven’t made the Eastern Conference finals since 2002. It is shocking to see a team with so much talent fail to meet the expectations set around the NHL.
Matthews said he “loves” being the captain of the Maple Leafs; however, he didn’t give a definitive answer on whether Toronto is the place he wants to play. It ultimately might come down to the new leadership, their direction, and whether Matthews believes he can win a Stanley Cup Finals in Toronto.
If not, Matthews could request a trade from the Maple Leafs as early as this summer.
Read More: Auston Matthews Linked to Surprising NHL Team Amid Trade Rumors
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It looks like the Cowboys will be retaining their kicker.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, there is no offer from another team forthcoming for restricted free agent Brandon Aubrey. The deadline for an RFA to receive an offer sheet is Friday.
This was always the likely outcome when Dallas placed a second-round RFA tender on Aubrey, as any team would have owed the Cowboys a second-round pick to sign the kicker.
Aubrey has been one of the best kickers since entering the league in 2023. He’s connected on 88.2 percent of his career field goals, hitting one of at least 60 yards in each of his first three seasons. In 2025, Aubrey was 36-of-42, making each of his field goals from inside 50 yards.
If Aubrey plays on the second-round tender in 2026, he’ll earn a one-year salary of $5.81 million.
"You can copy my homework, but change it up so the teacher doesn't notice."
"Volcano and Dante's Peak each had unique, important stories to tell."
"They're the same picture."
These are the tenets the Los Angeles Rams brought to their 2026 new uniform reveal. The franchise employed some of its biggest stars to debut its new kits, with Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, Davante Adams and Jared Verse all donning the team's iconic blue-and-yellow horns for a quick offseason boost. And, it turns out, they look pretty much the same as they did in 2025.
Behold, the least exciting uniform reveal of the budding NFL season.
Cleaner. Bolder. The first step in expanding our closet... pic.twitter.com/YBsF8Z7nBP
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) April 16, 2026
To Los Angeles' credit, it appears the Fruit Roll-Up texture of the jersey numbers and shoulder horns have been replaced by a more reasonable fabric that merely adds the sticky, shiny glow as an accent rather than the headline:
So fresh, so clean. 🤌 pic.twitter.com/57d2w2L3wb
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) April 16, 2026
The blue is a bit darker. The gradient has been removed from the "LA" logo, making it all yellow. But, for the most part, these are the same uniforms we've been used to for the past four decades.
Blue, yellow, horns, etc. It's nice, and it's clean, but it probably didn't need a full unveiling. Matthew Stafford could have stayed at home for this one. Or at least in the space Airstream that keeps fixing his back.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: The Rams new uniforms merely copied the homework of their old ones
The Kentucky Wildcats basketball team lost over half of their roster either to ending eligibility, the NBA draft, or to the transfer portal. They did manage to hang on to a few key pieces, though, including Kam Williams and Malachi Moreno, if he doesn't enter the draft. On Wednesday, they also officially learned that Reece Potter will return as well.
Potter is a 7'1", 230 lb center who came to Kentucky last offseason from Miami (Ohio) via the portal. In two seasons there, he averaged 6.3 points and 3.7 rebounds while playing just 15 minutes per game. He also showed some passing skills and a solid raw potential on defense, blocking nearly a shot per game.
I’m back.
— Reece Potter (@ReecePotter18) April 15, 2026
Let’s go to work, #BBNpic.twitter.com/noLxIZdpVj
An area where Potter excelled, and something Pope is sure to love, is with his ability to shoot the ball. He knocked down nearly 40% of his three-point attempts over two seasons.
Last year, with the Wildcats, Potter redshirted, leaving him two years of eligibility. His size and skillset should earn him playing time next season, and he could be a valuable part of the rotation. His ability to stretch the floor adds another dimension to the offense. It's good news for a team that needs as much of it as possible.
This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Kentucky basketball officially getting Reece Potter back
Florida State men's basketball has landed a transfer commitment from point guard and Tallahassee native Anthony Robinson II.
The former Missouri and Florida High guard will spend his final season of eligibility with the Seminoles after three seasons with the Tigers. A former All-SEC defensive team member, Robinson will replace Robert McCray V as FSU's point guard, and he brings a wealth of experience to the team. He was a priority target for the program.
Robinson averaged 8.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.6 steals per game last season. His best year at Missouri came as a sophomore, when he averaged 9 points, 3.5 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and two steals per game and was named to the SEC All-Defensive team.
In three total seasons he's averaged 7.4 points per game, 2.5 assists, and 2.7 rebounds, while holding a career 41.2% field goal percentage and shooting 31.2% from three, with a 40% mark as a sophomore, his best season from deep.
While at Florida High, Robinson helped lead the Seminoles to a state championship in 2022 and was the All-Big Bend Player of the Year in 2023. He was the all-time winningest player in Florida high school history for boys basketball with a 109-25 record at Florida High.
He joins UNC-Asheville guard Kameron Taylor and Cincinnati wing Shon Abaev in transferring to the program in the offseason. FSU held a visit with Colorado transfer Sebastian Rancik, and he is expected to visit Kentucky and BYU before making a decision.
Transfer portal departures
Eligibility expired
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Anthony Robinson II commits to Florida State men's basketball
Tributes continue to pour in from former teammates of Alex Manninger, including Gigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini, while Fiorentina will hold a minute’s silence before tonight’s Crystal Palace match.
The football world was shocked by the death of former goalkeeper Manninger when his car was struck by a train on a level crossing in his home country of Austria this morning.
The Austria international spent much of his career in Italy, making 137 Serie A appearances with Juventus, Siena, Fiorentina, Bologna and Torino.
With this in mind, Fiorentina have been given permission by UEFA to hold a minute’s silence before tonight’s Conference League quarter-final against Crystal Palace.
The Viola will also be wearing black armbands in tribute to Manninger, who died at the age of 48.
AUGSBURG, GERMANY – MAY 14: Alexander Manninger, goalkeeper of Augsburg celebrates with the fans after the Bundesliga match between FC Augsburg and Hamburger SV at SGL Arena on May 14, 2016 in Augsburg, Germany. (Photo by Micha Will/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Former Juventus teammate Buffon wrote a touching message on his Instagram alongside a picture of them together.
“Dear Alex, every word seems superfluous. Every tear would only be the latest for the loss of a friend and a person I always admired,” wrote Buffon.
“You chosen to remain independent from the bustle of the football world, going to seek your happiness in the simple things: a healthy life in the woods, fishing, nature, family. This was your credo.
“In a world that is often curved and prone to genuflection, which rewards overdoing things, careerism and easy gains, you always defended your freedom, holding your back straight, with the pride of a man who knows what he wants.
“You had the strength to walk away from all of this and look at us with your sly smile, as if to say ‘you are all crazy, you’ll never get me.’
“I hope, indeed I am certain, that from up there you will continue to guide your splendid children and your young wife. Rest in peace.”
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gianluigi Buffon (@gianluigibuffon)
There were more messages from Manninger’s old Juventus teammates, such as current club director of football strategy Giorgio Chiellini.
“Today is a very sad day, we say goodbye to an exemplary teammate and a person of great values. Ciao Alex, rest in peace. My thoughts are with your family.”
SIENA, ITALY – APRIL17: Siena’s goalkeeper Alexander Manninger and Milan’s Andriy Shevchenko in action during the Serie A match between Siena and Milan at Comunale Artemio Franchi, April 17, 2005 in Siena, Italy. (Photo by New Press/Getty Images)
Claudio Marchisio and Stephan Lichtsteiner were also among those who posted messages of condolence.
The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or is really heating up as the club season reaches its final stage and, with the World Cup still to come this summer, the main contenders have everything to play for as they battle it out for football’s top individual prize.
Since 2022, the Ballon d’Or has been based on seasonal performance rather than the calendar year, placing even greater emphasis on the run-in, with the 2026 award show set for September 21st.
Last year we witnessed Ousmane Dembele join icons like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Zinedine Zidane in lifting the prestigious prize – but who currently finds themselves in contention to win the 2026 gong?
Check out the latest Ballon d’Or odds below:
Find the latest 2026 Ballon d’Or odds here:
Harry Kane has surged to 9/4 favouritism for the 2026 Ballon d’Or as he looks to become the first English winner since Michael Owen in 2001 (back when only European players won the award).
Kane’s goal in Bayern Munich’s thrilling 4-3 Champions League win against Real Madrid soared his titanic tally to 50 goals in all competitions for this season, including 16 in his last 12 games.
He’s also cruising towards a third straight Bundesliga Golden Boot with 31 goals and counting – currently 13 clear of the chasing pack – and is hunting down Kylian Mbappe in the Champions League scoring charts: Kane (12) is three behind and through to the semi-finals, while Mbappe (15) can no longer add to his tally.
Kane has always scored goals, but this season he could back this up with a stunning Champions League, Bundesliga, and DFB-Pokal treble. Add in the chance to lead England to glory at the World Cup this summer, and it’s no surprise to see him top the betting right now.
Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal is widely tipped as a future multiple Ballon d’Or winner and 2026 could be the year he scoops his maiden accolade. Aged just 18, last year’s runner-up is priced at 4/1 in the betting.
Despite Barcelona’s Champions League exit, Yamal continues to produce remarkable numbers, reaching 100 goal involvements in just 150 appearances for the club following his goal against Atletico Madrid. This season alone, he’s contributed 41 goals and assists in 44 games.
While the Champions League quarter-final disappointment will sting, Yamal’s Barcelona are honing in on the league title to add to their Supercopa de Espana success. Yamal will then turn his focus to the international stage, as he aims to propel Spain to World Cup glory, just as he did at Euro 2024 as a 16-year-old.
Michael Olise
Michael Olise is simply a joy to watch, elevating his game to new heights since his summer switch from Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich, where he’s accumulated a whopping 47 goal involvements in 42 games across three different competitions.
The Frenchman’s panache and creativity has been off the charts, with 29 assists putting him just three shy of the single-season record in Europe’s top five leagues, which is currently shared by Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Xavi, and Lionel Messi (32). On current form, he could smash this.
Like teammate Harry Kane, Olise is a key figure in Bayern’s push for a treble, while he too also harbours ambitions of World Cup success with France this summer. Now priced at 9/2 – cut from 16/1 this week – he’s rapidly becoming one of the standout picks in the Ballon d’Or race.
Declan Rice has surged into the Ballon d’Or conversation, shortening dramatically from a 40/1 outsider in November to 6/1 with Bet365.
The midfielder has been a central cog in Arsenal’s campaign. While the club’s Quadruple, and then treble, dreams were crushed following domestic cup defeats, they do remain favourites for the Premier League title and have reached the Champions League semi-finals.
If Rice, who is the favourite to win the Premier League Player of the Year, can drive Arsenal to a first league crown since 2003-04, and potentially help deliver a first-ever Champions League triumph, he’ll be firmly in contention. Add in the prospect of a major international impact with England this summer, and his Ballon d’Or case only strengthens.
Kylian Mbappe’s odds lengthened a touch to 8/1 after Real Madrid’s Champions League elimination, meaning he’s now highly likely to go without club silverware this summer. He could, however, still win the Champions League Golden Boot (if no one catches his 15-goal tally) and he also leads the race for the La Liga Golden Boot. The Frenchman’s best chance could well come at this summer’s World Cup where he’ll be aiming to lift the famous golden trophy for the second time in eight years.
2025 Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele is out at 20/1 to become the first back-to-back winner since Lionel Messi in 2021. He’s unfortunately missed parts of the season to injury, but showed just what he is capable of with a superb brace in PSG’s win at Anfield.
Real Madrid and Brazil’s Vinicius Junior is also a 20/1 shot, with Man City’s goal machine Erling Haaland at 25/1, followed by PSG’s Ferreira Vitinha, who finished third last year.
Thursday's transfer talk features Anthony Gordon's future at Newcastle and Manchester United and Chelsea scouting a Serie A striker.
Chelsea and Manchester United will send scouts to the Midlands this evening to check in on Bologna forwardSantiago Castro. The Italian side face Aston Villa in the Europa League quarter-finals and il Resto del Carlino report that their Argentine goal-getter will be under surveillance. At just 21, Castro has hit 10+ goals in successive seasons for the Serie A side.
Also on the lookout for some forward firepower areArsenal. The Gunners are prepared to cash in on Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz in the summer to fund a significant striker signing.
Julian Alvarez remains the player top of Mikel Arteta's wish-list, report Caught Offside. Arteta will watch Alvarez up close when Arsenal meet Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals.
Over at Newcastle,Anthony Gordon is keen to explore a summer exit. With the club set to miss out on the Champions League, The Telegraph tell us that Gordon wants to assess his options. Arsenal, Liverpool and Bayern Munich have been linked, with Gordon eager to sort his future before the World Cup.
Newcastle could opt to reinvest a potential Gordon windfall inOusmane Diomande. The Sporting centre-back is being targeted as part of a rebuild at St James' Park, though Football Insider report that the Ivorian will cost north of £40m.
Another centre-back set for a summer switch isMarcos Senesi. Out of contract in the summer, the defender's free-agent status has attracted considerable interest. The iPaper believe Liverpool is the most likely destination as sporting director Richard Hughes eyes a reunion with his former Bournemouth buy.
Last but not least, Juventus are considering a move for bothAlisson and Bernardo Silva. The Old Lady are hopeful of tempting Liverpool shot-stopper Alisson back to Serie A, while Corriere dello Sport suggest Silva is also a target. Bernardo's bye to Manchester City has already begun with a farewell message this week.
Texas A&M announced the rosters for the upcoming Maroon & White Game, and fans are in for a treat with exciting matchups between fan favorites across the board. While the match is an intrasquad exhibition game, Texas A&M coaches and fans will be eager to see just how each player fares as they near the midway point of their offseason development.
The White team is led by last year’s familiar QB-WR duo of Marcel Reed and Mario Craver and supported by freshman WR Aaron Gregory, who has received no shortage of praise since the Aggies began their spring practices.
The star position group trio faces a Maroon cornerback room led by potential starter Julio Humphrey and incoming freshman Brandon Arrington, who was a five-star recruit, the top-ranked CB in the nation, and a track star. What better way to start the event than by watching Craver take on Humphrey in the slot while the two heavily-anticipated freshman battle at the X receiver position for the first time in their collegiate careers. Both receivers have something to prove – Craver that he’s a top WR in this upcoming draft class and Gregory that he’s a top rising talent in the nation – as do both CBs: Humphrey that he deserves the starting spot over incoming transfer Rickey Gibson III and Arrington that he is indeed the top corner in his class.
The Maroon offense will be quarterbacked by two intriguing 4-star prospects: Brady Hart and Helaman Casuga. While Hart is a redshirt freshman and Casuga is an incoming true freshman, the two players are the same age; Hart was initially in the high school class of 2026 but reclassified to join Texas A&M a year early. The two players should be on a relatively even playing field in terms of talent, but Hart will have the advantage of increased familiarity and reps in the Aggie system. The Maroon QB situation will be an interesting position group for fans to monitor as they wonder about the future if Reed leaves for the NFL draft after this season.
Alabama transfer WR Isaiah Horton and potential rising star Ashton Bethel-Roman will undoubtedly help these freshman quarterbacks. Even better for the Maroon team is that they face none of the Aggies’ projected starting cornerbacks; Horton and Bethel-Roman should be able to get open at will, placing the onus on the QB to make the timely, accurate throw.
While the quarterback play may be shaky given the lack of experience, the Maroon run game should run smoothly. The offensive line features three incoming transfers who project to start for the Aggies (Wilkin Formby, Tyree Adams, and Coen Echols) and has the talent to create lanes for starting running back Rueben Owens II. They will line up against a White DL unit also led by transfers: Anto Saka and CJ Mims. The Maroon running game has the talent to succeed; if they don’t, expect Saka and Mims to join a growing list of defensive linemen whose game has blossomed after transferring to Texas A&M.
The 2026 Maroon & White Game Rosters pic.twitter.com/HZkBnaY1nq
— Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) April 16, 2026
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Sam on X:@Smallred25
This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M announces lineups for highly anticipated Maroon & White Game
James Ellis has witnessed Mikel Arteta's Arsenal revolution first-hand. More than that, he's been an influential figure in the club's rise.
Ellis joined the Gunners from Fulham in 2021, and last summer was promoted to the role of technical director.
Prior to that he had been head of recruitment - playing a key role in identifying several of the squad battling to win the club's first Premier League title since 2004.
He left the club in February following a restructuring of the football leadership team.
So how does Ellis feel about the prospect of watching a parade he was due to be involved in?
He is magnanimous as he reflects on his departure, saying it doesn't rankle and insisting it hasn't diluted his ambition to return to football. And he provides an insight into the behind-the-scenes workings at the club.
Arsenal are top of the Premier League - six points ahead of Manchester City before the two teams meet at the Etihad Stadium this weekend. On Wednesday, they reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.
The Gunners have stuttered of late but remain in a strong position. When Ellis left, they were five points clear with 11 games to go.
"Of course, it would have been nice to stay around to see what, hopefully, unfolds," Ellis told BBC Sport.
"However, it was not meant to be and I just hope for everyone - and I mean everyone - that there is a sense of happiness, contentment and joy at the end of the season.
"Of course it would be a wonderful achievement for Mikel, staff, the players their families. But also for those who have been at the club for a number of years, those who have contributed to getting to this point.
"The staff that are in the background, that no-one knows - it is for those people I will be really happy for.
"I am a lifelong Arsenal supporter, so I will just now be the fan - a supporter that looks on hopefully when success comes the club's way. The fact that I have managed to work at my boyhood club is an added bonus."
Ellis' contribution to the evolution of the club shouldn't be underestimated.
Entrusted by former sporting director Edu, his interim successor Jason Ayto and former club director Tim Lewis, Ellis was key in implementing the recruitment structures the club rely on today.
When he arrived in 2021, Ellis was tasked with improving what was coined Arsenal's 'football intelligence' unit in the UK, with a view to helping the club make better-informed market decisions.
Arsenal - more than ever before - are leaning on emerging technologies and data analytics to inform their market decisions; or to put it differently, help them avoid the recruitment mistakes that marked the end of Arsene Wenger's reign and Unai Emery's 18 months in charge.
Ellis has been a key driver towards the implementation of those talent-identification systems, which are used in the pre-academy, academy and across the senior programmes for the men's and women's teams.
During his time at the club, his responsibilities would grow, and he became the club's technical director in June 2025. That meant his remit extended to supporting the implementation of new-look internal structures, including the player development and pathway process.
The £34m signing of Jurrien Timber from Ajax in the summer of 2023 has been cited as one of 'football intelligence' unit's most prominent successes, though many would argue Declan Rice's arrival from West Ham in the same close season has been the biggest triumph.
"In any rise, I believe it is the sum of all the parts, rather than one process or person. I was very lucky to be working with some very talented people," Ellis said.
"My role was very much in the background when I arrived in 2021 - Edu, Jason, Tim Lewis and Mikel were very much on the start of the journey to bringing success back to the club.
"We all wanted to make the place better with people at the heart of it. We were all committed to a plan over a period of time to support the growth and development of performance.
"All of the time I was at the club, we were all attempting to improve every day - that was the culture we were trying to set."
While success across all age groups was a major part of the leadership team's priorities list, there was - inevitably - a sharper focus on first-team performance amid an understanding that succeeding at the very top of the club would facilitate prosperity lower down.
"We were very clear that the red arrow at the front was Mikel, and the first team was the one that we had to support closely," Ellis said.
"But that was also the pull that allowed us to do more. Consistent first-team performances allowed us to innovate more with the rest of the club, play risk and reward and invest in medium to long term.
"Ultimately a club is as successful as first-team performance and we all understand that."
Edu's exit in 2024 eventually led to Andrea Berta's arrival as sporting director in April 2025.
The Italian's impact at the Emirates has earned rave reviews from supporters, with Viktor Gyokeres,Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke among the players signed in the summer.
Whether Berta's business eventually ends the club's wait for the title remains to be seen, but Ellis has seen the benefits of the Italian's work first-hand.
"The change from Edu to Jason to Andrea was an evolution for the club and one natural in any performance environment," he said.
"There were different approaches, but the goal was the same - to support a high-performing first team winning trophies.
"And as you can see now, they are very nearly there. All three of them are very different people, who have very different strengths, and all have made a contribution to where the club are now."
Ellis, who confirmed his departure from Arsenal through a social media post earlier this month, is looking to return to the game in time for next season in a senior leadership role.
"I feel I have unfinished impact and objectives I would like to achieve," he said.
"I have been through rejection, education, coaching, scouting, senior leadership all in this and would like to carry on."
And when he does return, Ellis insists people will be central to his ethos.
"I believe that investment in people is so important in high performance," he said.
"You undoubtedly need all of the technology, the data, the facilities you can have to support, but it's the people that are irreplaceable - connections, relationships, support, understanding, care and motivation.
"Those who you lead, those who work for you or around you, they are so important."
Capitals' Alex Ovechkin reveals retirement plans originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Alex Ovechkin has seemed to brush off the idea of retirement at every opportunity.
And now with the Washington Capitals' season over, having just missed the playoffs, Ovi is doing it again.
He was asked Thursday in his exit interview with reporters what he wanted to hear from Capitals GM Chris Patrick when they met.
Ovechkin's answer: "Two more years. Here's your contract."
Certainly doesn't sound like a guy who wants to retire.
MORE: Maple Leafs' president brought AI trade pitches to deadline meetings
That seemed pretty clear when the Capitals played the Penguins recently and Ovechkin tried to downplay the idea of a postgame handshake line. He didn't seem like someone who was planning to be done.
Ovechkin is 40 years old, but he also just had a 64-point season in which he played all 82 games. He scored 32 goals and dished out 32 assists.
The Caps did what they could to set Ovechkin up for success, starting him in the offensive zone whenever possible.
And now, he might also have a milestone in his sights.
He's already the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer. He's currently at 929 and counting.
Could he see a path to 1,000 goals? Could he score 71 goals in two seasons?
It seems like it'd be tough, but this is also Ovechkin. He might just be able to pull off the unthinkable.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has dismissed the idea of Jamal Musiala voluntarily skipping the World Cup and says the Bayern Munich attacker remains central to his plans.
Musiala suffered a leg fracture and has taken time to find full fitness amid minor complications with his healing.
Former Germany and Bayern goalkeeper Oliver Kahn sparked recent headlines with his idea for the 23-year-old to miss the tournament in North America in June and July. But Nagelsmann is having none of it.
"If the doctors say there is no risk to his overall career, then there is absolutely nothing against taking part in the World Cup," Nagelsmann told the MagentaTV talk series Bestbesetzung.
Musiala missed the national team's World Cup warm-up wins at the end of March in Switzerland (4-3) and against Ghana (2-1) due to ongoing symptoms.
The playmaker had previously stressed that he wants to play at the World Cup.
He was a Bayern substitute in Wednesday's 4-3 win against Real Madrid which sent them into the Champions League semi-finals. He provided the assist for the important 3-3 equalizer with a wily back-heel.
Musiala last played for the national team in March 2025.
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The Colorado Avalanche have piled up the wins down the stretch, but they haven’t scored much along the way.
With nothing to play for and key pieces likely to sit, my Kraken vs. Avalanche predictions and NHL picks expect the road team to keep this one close.
The Colorado Avalanche have still won plenty of late, but the explosive offense hasn’t been there, with the high-powered Avs scoring three goals or fewer in seven consecutive games.
That trend likely continues against the Seattle Kraken. Nathan MacKinnon hinted key Avalanche players could be watching this one from the seats. With nothing to play for, this sets up as a lower-scoring affair.
While Seattle is limping to the finish line, many players are trying to better position themselves for paydays this summer or bigger roles next season.
Expect the Kraken to put forth a competitive effort and keep this close.
Matty Beniers is centering Bobby McMann and Jordan Eberle on Seattle’s top line. It just so happens that McMann and Eberle rank first and second among Kraken players in goals this season. He has great linemates to make the most of his playmaking ability.
The Avalanche have played in seven straight Unders and are likely to sit most of their best players, leaving less firepower to gain separation or push this game Over the number.
The Avalanche have cashed the Under in 14 of their last 20 games for +9.8 units and a 45% ROI. Find more NHL betting trends for Kraken vs. Avalanche.
| Location | Ball Arena, Denver, CO |
| Date | Thursday, April 16, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.
It’s going, it’s going, it’s gone — or is it?
Some days a baseball jumps off the bat and never looks back. Other days, the same contact dies in the outfield air, landing short of the wall. And the difference may not always be in the power of the batter — but physics.
Across Major League Baseball, weather conditions like temperature, wind, humidity and atmospheric pressure can subtly change how far a baseball travels. Those shifts alter air density — the amount of resistance pushing against a moving ball — and even small changes can be enough to turn a warning-track flyout into a home run.
“In baseball, you’re playing the weather,” AccuWeather meteorologist Geoff Cornish said. “Hot day in Texas? Thinner air. The ball flies farther. Cold night in San Francisco? Heavy air — you won’t hit fly balls.”
More: Scientists weigh in on spike of home runs in MLB
At the center of how weather affects home runs is air density — how tightly packed air molecules are in a given space. That density determines how much resistance, or drag, a baseball encounters as it moves through the air, Cornish said.
Air pressure is the main factor that sets that density. Higher pressure packs more air molecules into the same space, increasing the number of collisions with a baseball and slowing it down faster. Lower pressure means fewer molecules and less resistance, allowing the ball to retain more of its speed over distance.
Even small changes in that resistance can add up over the 350- to 450-foot flight of a ball.
Elevation is where those pressure differences become most obvious.
As altitude increases, atmospheric pressure drops because there is less air above the surface pushing downward. The result is thinner air and lower drag conditions, Cornish said.
Denver’s Coors Field, at about 5,200 feet above sea level, is the clearest example of that effect — and what Cornish calls “a hitters’ paradise.” In that environment, baseballs do not gain extra lift; they simply lose velocity more slowly after leaving the bat, which extends their flight.
“There’s no ballpark that’s even remotely close to Coors Field,” he said. “The next closest is Arizona, and that’s just over 1,000 feet. Then Atlanta is third highest. And they’re all hitters’ parks.”
Humidity affects baseball flight in ways that often run counter to intuition.
Moist air contains a higher proportion of water vapor, which is lighter than the nitrogen and oxygen that make up most of the atmosphere. When humidity increases, some heavier gas molecules are displaced by these lighter ones, slightly lowering overall air density. With fewer dense air molecules in the path of a moving baseball, aerodynamic drag decreases and the ball can carry marginally farther.
But humidity also affects the baseball itself, not just the air around it. Moisture can influence the leather and core, changing how the ball compresses at impact. It can also affect grip and spin, which in turn alters pitch movement and contact quality.
Because it influences both the environment and the ball’s physical behavior, humidity is more variable in its effects than temperature or pressure.
"Generally if it’s humid the ball will travel more," Cornish said. "But if the ball gets saturated, it’ll deaden the ball a little bit."
They can also become slightly heavier and less lively off the bat — which is one reason some ballparks and leagues use humidor systems to store baseballs under controlled conditions.
Those systems regulate temperature and humidity to keep balls closer to a baseline condition, often around 70 degrees and 50% humidity, helping reduce extremes in how the ball performs from game to game.
It depends on the situation — and the stadium.
Wind is one of the most immediate and visible weather factors affecting how far a baseball travels because it changes the relative air the ball moves through. A wind blowing out toward the outfield reduces the effective airspeed against the ball, lowering drag and adding carry. A wind blowing in does the opposite, increasing resistance and knocking down fly balls that might otherwise leave the park.
“There are some ballparks more conducive to trouble because of wind,” Cornish said.
In Kansas City, for example, wind patterns frequently work against hitters. Even when wind is present, it more often suppresses home runs than boosts them, creating conditions that favor pitchers. Cornish said that effect may have more to do with stadium design and how airflow interacts with the structure than wind alone.
Meanwhile, in Chicago, the wind can swing outcomes on any given day. Even outside of the classic lake breeze setup, shifting wind direction and speed can turn the same contact into a routine fly-out or a home run.
“Wrigley Field is the token field where wind can make or break a deep fly ball,” Cornish said. “There will always be that lake breeze — even on a fair weather day.”
Unlike temperature or air pressure, wind is highly variable at the field level. It can change direction or intensity within short time frames, making it one of the least predictable factors in ball flight.
Because wind operates at both the broader atmospheric scale and the localized stadium level, it is often the factor players and fans notice most — even though, as Cornish notes, “statistically, it more frequently subtracts than adds to the distance hit."
Temperature affects baseball flight by changing air density — how tightly packed air molecules are in a given space — Cornish said.
As temperatures rise, air molecules gain energy and move faster, which causes them to spread farther apart. That lowers air density and reduces the number of air molecules a baseball collides with as it travels through the air. With less resistance, or drag, the ball maintains more of its speed after contact.
That is why hot-weather games, particularly summer afternoons and nights in places like Texas, tend to produce more carry. The same swing that results in a routine flyout on a cool night can travel several feet farther in warmer air, sometimes enough to clear the wall.
“This is why there are more home runs in the middle of the summer than on the book ends,” Cornish said.
More: Cold weather is a quiet thief that steals your golf distance
Not all ballparks are designed to play the same way — and many are built specifically to offset the effects of weather and environment.
At Coors Field in Denver, the challenge is elevation. This is also why ballpark design in Denver historically accounted for altitude, Cornish said. Stadium dimensions and outfield spacing have been adjusted in part to balance the offensive advantage created by reduced air resistance, though the environment remains consistently hitter-friendly.
Other parks take the opposite approach by removing weather from the equation entirely. Domed stadiums, such as Rogers Centre in Toronto, are designed to create a controlled environment where temperature, wind and precipitation have minimal impact on play. By closing the roof, teams can eliminate many of the day-to-day atmospheric variables — including wind shifts and temperature swings — that influence ball flight in outdoor parks.
Rogers Centre, originally SkyDome, was the first enclosed stadium in baseball with a retractable roof. Several modern stadiums followed, allowing teams to adjust conditions depending on weather. In those cases, airflow, humidity and temperature can be partially stabilized, reducing the variability that comes with outdoor environments.
Brandi D. Addison covers weather across the United States as the Weather Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. She can be reached at baddison@gannett.com.Find her on Facebook here.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Are more home runs in the forecast? Weather may be the reason
Hillsborough County will hold a Rays Stadium workshop this afternoon to consider the funding MOU submitted by the team last week. You can watch the proceedings starting at 1:30 PM.
The workshop is largely for commissioners to gather more information, which means it will also be the public’s best opportunity as well. Remember that Florida’s Sunshine Law means the County can’t have any meetings in private, so this kind of info gathering and discussion happens “in the sunshine.”
Ahead of the meeting both the Rays and the Governor interestingly seem to be adding pressure for the County as well.
CEO Ken Babby authored the letter that — for the first time, since the new ownership group took over — includes a threat that not meeting the team’s funding requirements could result in the team leaving the area, including key statements like, “Should this commitment ultimately not be achievable, we would have no choice but to evaluate alternatives…” and “Failure to meet these timelines risks the loss of critical state funding for Hillsborough College, which would render the deal economically infeasible.”
#Rays CEO Ken Babby sent a letter to Hillsborough County Commissioners in advance of today’s workshop on stadium funding request, recapping team commitment, their ask and their timeline.
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) April 16, 2026
Here are a couple of the key passages:
“The financial framework is foundational to the…
Also:
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) April 16, 2026
“The deadlines we have set are driven by practical constraints, not pressure tactics. Failure to meet these timelines risks the loss of critical state funding for Hillsborough College, which would render the deal economically infeasible. In addition, missing the 2029…
And:
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) April 16, 2026
“Ultimately, we must decide what the value of Major League Baseball is to our community – from both the tangible benefits of economic impact to the intangible benefits of having pride in your hometown team. We believe Tampa and Hillsborough County residents deserve both the…
Similarly, Governor Ron DeSantis has also put his thumb even further on the scale, posting to social media to add further support:
The construction of a new Rays stadium and surrounding entertainment district will ensure that @RaysBaseball remains in Tampa Bay for the long-term, will be good for Hillsborough College, and will transform the Dale Mabry site into an economic asset that will benefit the city,…
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 16, 2026
Previously: Rays push for quick financial agreement with Hillsborough, Tampa
The curtain falls on the Champions League quarter-finals. To wrap things up, UEFA unveiled the Team of the Week for the second-leg matches.
Just like last week, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern and Atlético are the clubs with the most players in this XI.
Three France internationals have been honored: Dayot Upamecano, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise.
Olise was named Player of the Week.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is confident Iran will take part in the 2026 World Cup despite geopolitical tensions putting the team's participation in doubt.
"The Iranian team is coming, for sure. Yes. We hope that by then of course the situation will be a peaceful situation. That would definitely help. But Iran has to come," Infantino said this week at the Invest in America Forum.
Iran earned its place in the tournament by topping its group in the third round of Asian qualification, the fourth consecutive time Team Melli has earned a place at the top tournament in the men's game.
But the U.S. and Israel's war on Iran, which started with airstrikes Feb. 28, has brought up questions about whether or not Iran will send its team - and if it will be welcomed into the U.S. if it does arrive.
Even before tensions escalated, there was speculation FIFA would route the team through co-host Mexico, but Iran was placed into the draw as normal and is scheduled to play a pair of games in SoFi Stadium in the Los Angeles area before meeting Egypt in Seattle. Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum said this week that FIFA had denied a request from Iran to move its games to her country.
Infantino has forged a friendship with U.S. President Donald Trump and joined him and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at a UFC event Saturday. At the same time as the fights, negotiators from the U.S. and Iran were leaving the table in Pakistan without a deal to extend a two-week ceasefire put into place April 8.
"Sports should be outside of politics," said Infantino, who personally awarded Trump the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize in December. "Now, OK, we don’t live on the moon. We live on planet Earth. But if there is nobody else that believes in building bridges and keeping them, you know, intact and together - we are doing that."
Infantino consistently has expressed optimism that Iran will be allowed to enter the U.S. without issue and take part in the tournament, even as political leaders on both sides of the conflict have cast that idea into doubt. Trump posted on social media last month that "The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup ... But I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety."
Around the same time, Iran sports minister Ahmad Donyamali told state TV that, "considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup."
Infantino visited the Iran team during its friendly matches in March. Those games took place in Turkey after being scheduled for Jordan but having to be moved because of the war.
It was a significant gesture from the FIFA president, who also attended World Cup qualification playoff matches in Mexico earlier during the international match window.
"They represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play," he said. "I went to see them two weeks ago. They were having at raining camp in Antalya. I went to see them. They are actually quite a good team as well. They really want to play, and they should play."
Iranian sports media outlets reported this month that the team would play preparation matches in the U.S., including a game against Puerto Rico. That game, too, is in the air because of the political tensions, according to those reports.
Iran is scheduled to be based in Tucson, Arizona, starting their World Cup with a June 15 match against New Zealand before a June 21 tilt with Belgium.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Iran in the World Cup? FIFA president says team 'coming for sure'
NEW YORK – Fans have been clamoring for years for a Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz trilogy, and Mike Perry believes he's the man responsible for allowing that massive fight to finally happen.
BKFC's "King of Violence" titleholder is set to fight Diaz on May 16 on MVP's inaugural MMA card, which is set to stream live on Netflix from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif. According to Diaz, who revealed he was also in negotiations for a UFC return before signing to fight Perry, his MMA comeback was between a fight with Perry on Netflix or a trilogy bout in the UFC. As seen, Diaz chose to fight Perry and explained his reasoning earlier this month.
Perry feels his work since his UFC departure in 2021 is responsible for making the Diaz fight happen, along with McGregor's inactivity.
"It feels great; I kind of snatched that one from under McGregor," Perry told MMA Junkie and other reporters during a scrum following an MVP press conference on Wednesday. "I've been over there at bareknuckle getting all the fights while he's been talking on the sidelines, not fighting anybody, trying to piggyback off my hard work. So the fact that I took out the trilogy. Nate didn't want to fight a dangerous weakling like McGregor. He said he's on one f*cking leg. He said he's either out of the door or he's going to revitalize his career by stepping back in there and beating on somebody. I'm not worried about that. I'm looking to beat Nate and then get all the opportunities that come with that."
Perry feels he poses a type of danger that wouldn't have been present in the McGregor trilogy. Perry, 34, expects to bring the fight to Diaz, who's six years older than him. He wonders if Diaz has what it takes to put up with his tenacity and violence at this point in his fighting career.
"I think he maybe knows he's in trouble," Perry said. "He's getting older. He's had a long road in this game, as have I. With my youngness – you know, I'm a lot of years younger than him – my strength and power, my aggressive style. To bring that to him, he knows I'm coming at him. To get the opportunity to face a Nathan Diaz before he decides to leave the game, I'm going to give the fans the fight they want."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Mike Perry: I 'snatched' Nate Diaz trilogy from Conor McGregor
Real Madrid’s Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich capped off yet another disappointing season for Los Blancos.
With only the La Liga left to play for, where Barcelona already hold a solid advantage, Real Madrid are on the verge of going trophyless for the second successive season.
This hasn’t gone down well with the club’s hierarchy, with president Florentino Perez already sounding out a warning to the players soon after the Bayern Munich defeat.
According to El Mundo, Anas Laghari, the closest adviser of Florentino Perez, wants a complete reconstruction of Real Madrid following back-to-back trophyless campaigns.
This doesn’t just mean the players are now at risk of being shelved in the coming summer, it appears Laghari wants to completely change Real Madrid from ground up.
Santiago Solari’s job might no longer be safe. (Photo by Agustin Cuevas/Getty Images)
As such, Juni Calafat is one of the faces who is facing an uncertain future at Real Madrid.Calafat currently serves as the chief scout for Los Blancos and was the brains behind the operations to sign Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, among others.
Apart from that, he plays a key role in advising Real Madrid on top talents, and naturally, he was involved in the club’s recent transfers as well.
Santiago Solari is also not safe. The Argentine serves as the Director of Professional Football at Real Madrid and for a time, was touted as a momentary replacement for Xabi Alonso after he was fired earlier in the year.
Both Calafat and Solari are facing an uncertain future at Real Madrid and could themselves be leaving the club if Los Blancos do indeed opt for a complete operational overhaul in the coming summer
Manchester United are lining up a summer swoop to sign AFC Bournemouth enforcer Tyler Adams in a shock twist for the expected midfield overhaul, according to Ben Jacobs.
The Red Devils are prioritising reinforcements in the engine room with Casemiro‘s time at Old Trafford drawing to an end and Manuel Ugarte failing to impress in his stead.
Two big-money recruits are expected to arrive to bolster the midfield, with Kobbie Mainoo considered a cornerstone of the INEOS project, despite the 21-year-old starlet having come close to leaving during Ruben Amorim‘s reign of terror.
Bruno Fernandes, bizarrely trialled under the Portuguese coach as a box-to-box midfielder, has been restored to his rightful throne as the team’s No.10 by Michael Carrick, who took charge as caretaker in the wake of Amorim’s dismissal in January.
The Portugal international has been red-hot in this more familiar role, returning three goals and nine assists in 11 appearances with Carrick in the dugout. With six games of the season remaining, O Capitão is just four assists away from breaking the all-time Premier League record.
The focus for United this summer is fortifying the pairing behind their talismanic leader with two signings, as a 4-2-3-1 shape is expected to remain in place irrespective of who is head coach next season.
But, interestingly, Jacobs contends a third midfielder could be added if a cost-effective deal presents itself – with contact already made with Adams’ camp over a summer switch to Old Trafford.
Speaking to the United Stand, Jacobs reveals United’s interest in a number of cheap midfielders suggests they are “not ruling out adding three” to their ranks.
The talkSPORT reporter then directly references Adams as a player the Red Devils held “initial conversations” with in January as a precursor to a deal this summer. His midfield partner at the Vitality Stadium, Alex Scott, is mentioned as another target in the club’s crosshairs.
United are understood to be interested in Adams as he is a physical box-to-box monster, capable of hard yards and relentless pressing. The United States international, set to play a key role for his country at the World Cup, has even drawn comparisons to N’Golo Kanté.
A price tag of just £30 million has been mooted as Bournemouth’s asking price, constituting a much cheaper deal than the ones United have been quoted for their primary targets, including Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest) and Sandro Tonali (Newcastle United).
The fact that the groundwork over a potential move is already in place further strengthens the allure of targeting Adams, in much the same way last year’s overture to sign Brighton juggernaut Carlos Baleba is expected to make a fresh approach easier this summer.
It’s clear INEOS are attempting to recreate the Premier League-proven approach they took to fixing the side’s misfiring attack last summer. Both Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo mirror the profile of midfield targets this summer, with the club only looking abroad for a younger player if they are considered an outstanding talent, such as Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens.
If United want to completely revamp their stalling engine room with three new additions that all tick this box, a cheaper option like Adams makes sense as the third signing after two big-money recruits are prioritised first.
Featured image Michael Steele via Getty Images
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Liam Rosenior has warned Chelsea their bid to qualify for the Champions League is hanging in the balance ahead of Saturday's crucial clash with Manchester United.
Rosenior's sixth-placed side are on a dismal run of one win from their last seven Premier League games, placing their hopes of reaching Europe's elite club competition in jeopardy.
Third-placed United will arrive at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea seven points behind them, while fifth-placed Liverpool are four points in front of the Blues.
It is more than six weeks since Chelsea last scored a goal in the league.
Rosenior's men have just six games left to climb into the top five and he knows there is no time to feel sorry for themselves after last weekend's 3-0 home defeat against Manchester City.
"As the season goes on, the less games you have left, the more important the games become," Rosenior told reporters on Thursday.
"We have to take advantage of this moment. We're running out of time.
"We need to show that initiative on Saturday and play on the front foot and make up those points, which is still definitely possible.
"If I look at each game, I think it's just come down to loss of concentration of focus in a moment that then has snowballed into the rest of the performances.
"What we have to do is manage the margins of the game a little bit better."
A protest by Chelsea supporters is planned ahead of the United game, reflecting the growing discontent since owners BlueCo took over from Roman Abramovich almost four years ago.
Unless results improve drastically in the next few weeks, this season will be the first under the club's American owners that the team's league position has dropped.
Rosenior's position is also likely to come under scrutiny after a disappointing start to his reign, which started in January when he arrived from Strasbourg to replace Enzo Maresca.
Maresca departed by mutual consent after hinting he did not receive sufficient support from the owners.
Strasbourg are owned by BlueCo, which led some fans to criticise Rosenior's appointment and claim he would be a puppet for the board, in contrast to the volatile Maresca.
"Every supporter has their viewpoint," Rosenior said. "Every supporter wants their club to do well and to win games. Our job, my job, is to produce those results in the long term."
smg/dmc/iwd
Ten teams have entered the offseason, and each arrived differently: some tanked for lottery odds, others struggled with underperforming veterans and a few are rebuilding around youth. For fantasy basketball managers, knowing how these rosters were shaped and why they landed in the lottery is valuable. Whether running a dynasty squad or prepping for next draft season, these insights matter. Let’s review where each squad stands as we approach the 2026-27 season.
The Wizards are executing their rebuild: developing young players like Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George and Will Riley, while acquiring buy-low veterans like Trae Young and Anthony Davis. After recording the NBA's worst record, they’re in a three-team tie for the best lottery odds (14%) to get the top pick in the draft. Young appears committed to Washington, while AD's status remains unclear. The team isn't close to contending, and with their stockpile of picks, cap space and young players, they're likely to struggle again next season. Watch for an intriguing offseason — especially if they snag a top draft prospect.
What to Watch: The draft lottery, Young’s health and the growth of George and Sarr. Seeing Tre Johnson and Riley at Summer League, too.
The Pacers tanked through Tyrese Haliburton’s rehab year, but he should return healthy next season. Assuming he’s over the shingles and slimmed down, I’d grab him as a late-first, early-second round pick. Key moves included adding Ivica Zubac and seeing growth from Andrew Nembhard. Watching Pascal Siakam rest late into the season was annoying, but expected. After a successful tank job, Indy is projected to get a high pick, but would it would go to the Clippers if the Pacers’ pick falls between 5-9. That potential addition, plus a healthy roster, could get them right back into playoff contention.
What to Watch: Haliburton's return timeline is everything. Also, where their pick lands in the draft lottery.
Full tank with no valuable takeaways. Michael Porter Jr. had a career year as their offensive hub, while Nic Claxton flashed early, but his production faded late in the season. Noah Clowney transitioned to a full-time starter and had his moments. Rookies Nolan Traoré, Egor Dëmin, Drake Powell and Danny Wolf all played their parts as schedule-dependent streamers at various points in the season. They have cap space and a potentially high draft pick this season, so the Nets will continue to build from the ground up. Still, they have to decide whether to extend MPJ or trade him before his contract expires at the end of the 2026-27 season.
What to Watch: MPJ's extension decision is one of the summer's biggest questions. Also, will the Nets take some swings in the trade market (like the Wizards) and buy low on some vets to upgrade their roster?
The Jazz acquired Jaren Jackson Jr. from Memphis at the deadline, adding him to a core that already includes Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, Ace Bailey and Walker Kessler. They’re tied for the fourth-highest odds in the lottery this season and saw considerable growth in George, Bailey and Isaiah Collier. George is eligible for a rookie extension and JJJ's escalating contract could put the Jazz in a financial bind when it comes to retaining Kessler as a restricted free agent. Next season could be go time for a squad that's been near the bottom of the standings since trading Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert years ago.
What to Watch: Which way will the Jazz go in the draft and will they field offers for Kessler?
The injury gods got their lick back on the Kings. Doug Christie's first year as head coach was a disaster through no real fault of his own. Sacramento lost Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine and De'Andre Hunter to season-ending injuries. Keegan Murray played in just 23 games. The funny thing is, there’s a good chance the Kings will be forced to spin the block on this dysfunctional unit once again because every starter except Russell Westbrook is under contract until at least 2027-28. Barring any surprising trades, it looks like fantasy managers will have to decide whether it's worth buying the dip on many of the Kings players.
What to Watch: How will the Kings continue to integrate rookie big man Maxime Raynaud when Sabonis is healthy? Can they actually find a trade partner for any of their vets?
It’s looking like Ja Morant will get traded in the offseason after playing in 20 games and falling out of favor with the front office and coaching staff. How are you going to tell that man to stay home on his own bobblehead night? Smh. The roster is a blank canvas now, with the Grizzlies investing in their youth movement. Fantasy-wise, it’ll likely be a stay away for me outside of a few players like Cedric Coward, Ty Jerome and GG Jackson II.
What to Watch: Coward and Jackson. Plus, whoever lands via the draft lottery.
Cooper Flagg. Man, what a rookie season. He flashed all the upside fantasy managers wanted to see. He’ll be a force in any format after posting 21-7-5 with 2 stocks per game, shooting 47% from the field and 83% from the free-throw line. He was a top-45 player in High Score and 9-cat formats. Getting Kyrie Irving back should relieve some of the pressure on Flagg, but it’s wheels-up on Cooper being a second- or third-round pick next season. The rest of the squad isn’t that appealing for fantasy purposes.
What to Watch: How Dallas continues to build around Flagg.
The Pelicans had to make the playoffs to retain their early 2026 draft pick. They failed. Miserably. The Pelicans roster is a mess but still offers plenty of fantasy value. Trey Murphy continues to be a 9-cat demon, finishing 11th in per-game value. Dejounte Murray was productive in his return from an Achilles injury. Per usual, Zion Williamson was better for points leagues than 9-cat, but he played at least 60 games for the third time in his career. Kudos to healthy Zion and to the resurgence of Saddiq Bey. Then there’s the rookies — Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears. Both look to be cornerstone pieces at the moment. Everyone else seems expendable. That said, it wouldn’t shock me if New Orleans tried to move Zion in the offseason, since he and Murphy would net the most assets in return.
What to Watch: What will Troy Weaver and Joe Dumars do next…? It could be nothing, could be something. Whatever it is, I hope that they don’t fumble future draft capital.
Chicago finally picked a lane. The Bulls made a league-high seven trades at the deadline, netting eight second-round picks. Not all good deals, but hey, it’s progress towards a rebuild and not punishing their fanbase with another middling play-in situation. The Bulls are walking into the summer with a top-10 pick, the No. 15 pick from the Trail Blazers and up to $64 million to use in free agency. Let’s hope they don’t waste it on another bad contract like the one with Patrick Williams.
What to Watch: How Matas Buzelis treats this offseason because it’s a big one for him. He’s one of my early risers heading into next season since his volume and usage are about to go up.
The Bucks missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade. Giannis Antetokounmpo is heading into the final year of his contract, but it doesn’t matter because he’s getting traded. Doc Rivers is gone. Myles Turner was a huge bust in his first season with the team. Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. were nice stories for fantasy; however, the offseason is all about Giannis. Milwaukee is in the gutter and Giannis wants out.
What to Watch: Giannis' destination is the biggest domino in fantasy basketball. His landing spot could alter several players' fantasy value overnight.
ESPN's Ben Solak recently detailed how the Indianapolis Colts could "ace" the 2026 NFL draft, and in doing so, he also mentioned five prospects that could be of interest to GM Chris Ballard.
Let's take a closer look at these players and potential Day 2 fits for the Colts.
Haulcy is an experienced defender with nearly 3,000 career snaps, spending regular time at both free safety and in the box. He's been a sound run defender by PFF's metrics and has had very good ball production in coverage, logging eight interceptions and 10 pass breakups the last two seasons.
Another experienced safety with over 2,700 defensive snaps played. He was one of PFF's higher graded run defenders at this position and has good ball production as well, with 15 interceptions and 20 pass breakups over four seasons.
Crawford had a big jump in production last season, totaling 43 pressures -- 17 more than the previous season. He also improved as a run defender according to PFF's grading system.
Measuring in at 6-5 - 265 pounds, Dennis-Sutton has put together back-to-back highly productive seasons, totaling 45 pressures and nine sacks in 2024, followed by 51 pressures and eight sacks this past season. He's also graded out well as a run defender by PFF's metrics. Dennis-Sutton was among the standout performers at the defensive end position at the NFL combine.
Hill Jr. has played nearly 2,000 defensive snaps over the last three seasons. During that span, he has generated 60 quarterback pressures and logged 227 total tackles, according to PFF. In coverage, he's allowed 8.3 yards per reception with three interceptions and two pass breakups.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Analyst highlights 5 fits for Indianapolis Colts
Tennessee Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi is keeping the preferences of head coach Robert Saleh in mind as he and the front office prepare for the 2026 NFL draft.
Borgonzi said at his pre-draft press conference on Thursday that he will consider which prospects will work best with Coach Saleh when making draft selections.
“You never take a player the coach doesn't want,” he said. “You need buy-in when it comes to players. You don't force a player onto a coach. If you can't come to an agreement on the player, it's not good for the player, it's not good for the coach, and it's not good for the team.”
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, and Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. are the prospects most frequently forecasted to land with the Titans at No. 4 overall in the draft.
The Titans’ greatest needs this offseason are at inside linebacker, defensive end, and wide receiver. However, Borgonzi indicated that Tennessee will prioritize the prospect most compatible with the team and its coaching staff rather than simply selecting the best player available. In the first round, that could mean taking Love.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans' Mike Borgonzi: 'You don't force a player onto a coach'
Gen Z workers surveyed by Gallup said they would trust work done without AI over AI-assisted output by more than 2-to-1, with the gap widening.
The post Gen Z Workers Pick Human-Only Output Over AI-Assisted appeared first on Search Engine Journal.
Intel has launched a new range of 18A CPUs for the mainstream market Intel has officially launched its Core 3 (not Core Ultra 3) series of mobile CPUs, promising users “exceptional battery life” and “AI-ready” performance for value buyers, commercial PCs, and edge devices. These new CPUs are “purpose-engineered for value” and are built on […]
The post Intel launches its Core Ultra 3 series CPUs for “everyday computing” appeared first on OC3D.
Our Leading the AI Transformation summit equipped execs to drive AI adoption, emphasizing how people use AI to unlock potential.
Gemini-powered tools vastly improved our ability to stop deceptive ads, and we’re continuing to evolve to stay ahead of bad actors.
AMD confirms that its 6th Gen EPYC Verano CPUs will be the first to utilize SOCAMM2 memory, further expanding its perf/W AI solutions. AMD Confirms SOCAMM2 Memory Support With 6th Gen EPYC Verano CPUs, Tightening The DRAM Supply Chain Even More Last year, AMD confirmed its next-gen EPYC Verano CPUs for AI at rack scale. These chips will be coupled with the company's next-gen MI500 accelerators and will come together using Vulcano interconnect. At the time, AMD didn't disclose much, and the first impression was that Verano would likely use Zen 7 cores. But that isn't the case, as AMD […]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/amd-epyc-verano-cpus-lpddr5x-socamm2-memory-perf-watt-optimized-ai-rack/
Apple is all set to debut a veritable flood of AI features at its upcoming WWDC 2026, including the AI-heavy iOS 27 and the accompanying chatbot-style Siri. In the runup to that highlight event, however, four tantalizing Apple Intelligence features have been discovered by the developer Nicols Alvarez within the iOS backend code. Apple's upcoming AI features are getting leaked left, right, and center as the WWDC 2026 approaches along with the unveiling of the iOS 27 update As per insights gleaned from the iOS backend code, Apple's Visual Intelligence is getting two major upgrades. First, users will soon get […]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/apple-starts-laying-the-groundwork-for-its-ios-27-ai-revamp-as-4-features-get-leaked/
UXUI Principles gives designers, PMs, and developers a research-backed standard to validate AI-generated interfaces. Access a library of 168 UX principles with over 2,098 academic citations, an AI Design Validator, flow checklists, and 600+ copy-paste prompts that guide AI tools to respect cognitive laws. Use it to catch issues before launch, defend decisions with citations, and ship interfaces that convert.
3PL Hub connects ecommerce brands with vetted third-party logistics partners through a free directory, a smart matching tool, and a concierge RFP service. It rejects commissions from 3PLs to stay impartial and helps you compare providers with line-by-line cost modeling, SLAs, tech stacks, and operational capabilities so you can choose the right fulfillment partner with confidence.
Google is making Gemini a core part of ad enforcement, saying the AI upgrade helped catch more scams while sharply reducing mistaken suspensions of legitimate advertisers. The move shows how quickly ad safety is turning into an AI fight over speed, scale, and accuracy.
The details. In its 2025 Ads Safety Report, Google said it blocked or removed 8.3 billion ads and suspended 24.9 million advertiser accounts last year. It said more than 99% of policy-violating ads were stopped before they ran.
By the numbers:
The U.S. picture: Google said it removed 1.7 billion ads and suspended 3.3 million advertiser accounts in the U.S. in 2025. The most common violations included abuse of the ad network, misrepresentation, sexual content, personalization violations, and dating and companionship ads.
Why we care. This directly affects whether campaigns launch, stay live, or get flagged. Google is signaling that AI will play a bigger role in deciding which ads run and which accounts get stopped. For advertisers, that raises the stakes on policy compliance while also promising fewer costly false suspensions.
How it works: Google said Gemini analyzes hundreds of billions of signals, including account age, behavior patterns, and campaign activity, to detect malicious intent earlier than older systems built more heavily around keywords and rule matching.
The company also said that by the end of 2025, most Responsive Search Ads would be reviewed instantly at submission, blocking harmful ads before launch. It plans to expand that capability to more formats this year.
Yes, but. Faster automated enforcement does not always mean smoother enforcement. Some advertisers in the U.K. and U.S. have recently reported bulk ad disapproval alerts despite finding no actual policy issues. That adds pressure on Google to prove tighter AI enforcement will not create new disruptions for legitimate brands.
Bottom line: Google wants advertisers to see Gemini as both shield and filter — tougher on scams, but more precise with legitimate accounts. The real test is whether that balance holds as enforcement gets faster and more automated.
Google’s blog post. Gemini is stopping harmful ads before people ever see them
Open ChatGPT, then search for a local business you know has a strong online presence. Ask for a recommendation in that category. Chances are, it comes up. If you check what the AI cites as sources, you’ll almost certainly find the business’s own website in the mix.
That tells you something important: AI doesn’t conjure answers out of thin air. It pulls from whatever it can find. If your website isn’t the best, most complete, most authoritative source of information about your business, the AI will assemble its answer from scraps. You lose control of your own narrative.
That’s what’s driving a growing question among business owners and marketers: “Do I even need a website anymore? If AI answers everything, why does it matter?”
Your website isn’t just a marketing tool anymore. It’s a source document. AI treats it as an authoritative input. The real question is who gets to define your business: you or someone else. Here’s what’s changing, where conventional wisdom falls short, and what to do about it.
A lot of marketers are seeing the same thing right now: impressions holding steady or rising, but clicks dropping. People get what they need without ever landing on a page, leading some to declare websites obsolete. That’s the wrong read.
Fewer clicks don’t mean less importance. They mean the nature of the click has changed. Look at where AI Overviews actually appear.
According to our analysis of Ahrefs data, of the 46 million+ keywords that trigger an AI Overview, nearly 99% are informational. Navigational keywords account for just 0.13%. Someone wanted a quick fact, got it, and moved on. Those were never high-intent visits anyway.
The clicks that drive revenue, the ones tied to bookings, calls, purchases, and consultations, still happen. Commercial and transactional keywords make up just 12.5% and 3.5% of AI Overview triggers, respectively.
(Note: These percentages exceed 100% in total because keywords can carry multiple intent classifications, a single keyword can be both informational and commercial, for example.)
Those are exactly the queries where people are closest to a decision. They just happen further down the funnel, after a recommendation has already been made. When someone is ready to decide, they validate and check the website.
Dig deeper: Your homepage matters again for SEO — here’s why
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When someone asks an AI assistant, “Who’s the best plumber near me?”, the AI might surface a few names. It’s pattern-matching based on reviews, location signals, website content, and business profile data. It’s offering a starting point, not a final verdict.
The AI isn’t picking up the phone or handing over a credit card. Especially for high-stakes local decisions, a contractor in your home, a doctor for your kid, a mechanic for your car, most people aren’t going to act on an algorithm’s suggestion without doing their own digging first.
What actually happens after the AI recommends? The customer:
That validation phase is where decisions are made. And your website is at the center of it. AI might have gotten you in the door, but your website is what closes it.
Dig deeper: If you can’t say what problem your brand solves, AI won’t either
AI systems are reading your content to determine what you do, who you serve, and how you help. They’re cross-referencing your site with your Google Business Profile, directory listings, and reviews to ensure consistency.
When everything lines up, they gain confidence recommending you. When it doesn’t, you get skipped. This means your website is now effectively a source document for AI.
Either it provides clear, structured information, or AI fills the gaps with third-party content — a stale Yelp review from 2019, an outdated directory listing with the wrong hours, or a competitor’s blog post that happens to rank well.
I know which one I’d rather have the AI pulling from.
Dig deeper: Why local SEO is thriving in the AI-first search era
If you want a sense of how selective AI is compared to traditional search, SOCi’s 2026 Local Visibility Index, which analyzed nearly 350,000 locations across 2,751 multi-location brands, puts it starkly:
AI is up to 30 times more selective than traditional local search. Here’s the kicker: strong performance in the local pack doesn’t guarantee AI visibility.
SOCi found that in retail, only 45% of brands leading in traditional local search also appeared in AI recommendations. More than half were invisible to AI entirely.
The brands making it into AI recommendations?
The ones with accurate, consistent information across platforms, strong review volume and sentiment, and well-structured website content. That last one is where most local businesses are leaving the most value on the table.
Everywhere else — Google, Yelp, review sites, social media, and AI summaries — you’re at the mercy of other people’s opinions and platform algorithms. You don’t get to decide what gets shown or how it’s framed.
Your website is different. You decide what to highlight, the story to tell, and the objections to address. You can showcase what makes you different and guide visitors exactly where you want them to go.
More importantly, you can feed AI the narrative you want it to use. If your site has well-structured service pages, detailed FAQs, and content that answers real questions your customers ask, AI can pull directly from that when generating responses. You’re essentially writing your own introduction.
On the flip side, if your site is thin or generic, AI fills in the blanks with whatever else it can find. You lose the ability to define yourself.
Dig deeper: Your website still matters in the age of AI
This doesn’t require a rebuild, just more intentional structure and content. Here’s where to focus.
Stop writing vague claims like “we’re the best in the business.” AI doesn’t know what to do with that. Write specific, factual, helpful content about what you do, who you serve, and what results you deliver.
Every piece of information on your website — your services, hours, location, and pricing approach — should align with what’s on your Google Business Profile and across your directory listings.
As Search Engine Land contributor Will Scott notes:
AI reads for structure, not just keywords. An AirOps analysis of 217,508 retrieved pages found that only 15% of the pages ChatGPT retrieves actually earn a citation in the response.
Being crawled isn’t enough. How your content is organized determines whether it gets used. That means:
Most business websites are written for the business, not the customer. Corporate speak, vague value propositions, and industry jargon nobody searched for. Customers don’t search for buzzwords. They search for questions:
If your website answers those questions directly and clearly, you become the best answer AI can find when someone asks. Not sure what questions your customers are actually asking?
Check your Google Business Profile Q&A section, your customer service emails, transcripts of your calls or meetings, and your reviews. The questions are already in front of you.
Dig deeper: How to apply ‘They Ask, You Answer’ to SEO and AI visibility
Here’s an exercise worth doing today: open ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Mode, and ask each one about your business. Ask contextual questions a real customer might ask, such as:
This is actually the first thing we do when onboarding a new client. We build a brand interpretation document.
It’s a snapshot of what AI systems currently know about a brand, pulled from the most important third-party sources in that industry. It tells us whether what’s being said about the brand is accurate, current, and coming from the right places, or whether it’s outdated, wrong, and sourced from somewhere you’d never choose yourself.
Ask your preferred AI what it knows about your business, then have it summarize consensus from key industry sources. Pay close attention to what comes back and where it came from.
That audit tells you exactly where your information gaps are and how to fix them.
Track, optimize, and win in Google and AI search from one platform.
If your website is thin, outdated, or poorly structured, AI fills the gaps with whatever it can find. That content may be inaccurate, negative, or just plain wrong. Maybe an old review mentions a service you no longer offer, or a directory has the wrong phone number. AI doesn’t fact-check. It aggregates.
Beyond accuracy, there’s the positioning problem. Without a strong website, what you’re known for and what makes you different gets shaped by third-party sources. Your expertise gets undersold. Your unique value gets lost in the noise.
AI might surface your name, but your website builds the trust that turns a recommendation into a call, a booking, or a sale. That’s where the decision happens.
Dig deeper: How AI is reshaping local search and what enterprises must do now
Google has unique policies for Google Shopping that are stricter than its general advertising policies. If Google thinks you’ve violated any of them, it can suspend your Merchant Center.
That cuts off access to Google Shopping, Local Inventory Ads, product feeds in Performance Max and dynamic remarketing, and free listings for products. That means losing your highest-ROI channel overnight.
Here’s how Google’s system works — and what you can do to fix suspensions and get back online.
A UK-based ecommerce retailer came to us after their Google Merchant Center account was suspended for “Misrepresentation,” cutting off their Shopping ads entirely.
Like many legitimate merchants, they were blindsided. Their store was real, their products were accurate, and they had no idea what Google’s specific objection was.
We started with a full compliance audit of their website and Merchant Center account, working through every area Google scrutinizes.
What we found wasn’t one big violation. It was a long list of smaller gaps that, in combination, signaled untrustworthiness to Google’s systems.
The website’s Contact Us page lacked a physical address, a domain-based email address, and clear customer service hours, all of which Google expects from a legitimate business.
Their policy pages (shipping, returns, refunds, and payment) either didn’t exist or lacked the specific detail Google looks for. Missing elements included cancellation windows, defective item procedures, and accepted payment methods.
Beyond policies, their site lacked an order tracking feature and a cookie consent mechanism (required under UK law). A bot blocker was preventing Google’s automated crawlers from crawling the site.
Inside Google Merchant Center itself, Shopify’s automatic shipping sync was creating conflicting data.
We documented every required change in detail and handed the client a clear, prioritized action list. Once they made all the changes, we requested a review from Google.
Google approved the appeal and reinstated the account.
Key takeaway: Google evaluates the totality of your website and feed, not just individual policy pages. A successful reinstatement almost always requires fixing multiple issues across your site before submitting an appeal.
Dig deeper: Google Ads account suspensions: What advertisers need to know
Google will email you the policy they believe you’ve violated.
You can also find this information on the Needs attention tab in your Merchant Center.
Read the suspension notice carefully because Google’s description, vague as it often is, will be your starting point for the following audit steps.
Misrepresentation is the most common policy we see cited for Google Merchant Center suspensions.
This policy covers a wide range of problems, from inaccurate information in Merchant Center, to missing policy pages on your website, to bad reviews about your business on third-party websites.
Follow the steps outlined in this guide to focus on improving four key areas:
You’re most likely to see this suspension reason if you’re reselling products from other brands (such as Pokémon cards, Prada bags, or Nike sneakers).
Helpful actions to take:
Rather than citing a specific policy violation, Google is flagging that your website doesn’t appear sufficiently complete or functional.
Use incognito mode and multiple devices to check your website for:
Google has a list of things that can be advertised via “regular” Google ads, but not via Google Shopping.
Services as a whole may not be advertised, which is why you won’t see ads for lawyers, doctors, or consultants on Google Shopping.
It gets tricky when services are bundled with products (you can advertise car tires, but you can’t advertise the labor to replace the tires on your car).
Google tends to aggressively flag things as services, or unsupported digital goods, that don’t actually fall within those policies.
What to do:
Google restricts advertising healthcare-related products. The policies are country-specific, so be sure to carefully read the policy for the country, or countries, you’re targeting.
To sell prescription and over-the-counter drugs in the U.S., advertisers must undergo third-party certification through a company such as LegitScript and a separate certification process with Google.
Google explicitly lists pharmaceuticals and supplements that aren’t allowed to be advertised. Unfortunately, this list is not comprehensive. We’ve had cases where Google support informed us that products not on this list are not allowed to be advertised.
What to do:
Dig deeper: A guide to Google Ads for regulated and sensitive categories
If someone reports your website for content that violates the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), Google will suspend your Merchant Center. These reports are filed in the Lumen database, where you can see what content has been flagged and when the report was made.
What to do:
Merchant Center settings are misconfigured in almost every suspension case we work on.
Go through every single page in your Merchant Center to make sure you’ve entered as much information as possible and that everything you’ve entered is accurate and matches what’s on your website.
Think of your product feed as your ads. Just as saying inaccurate things in your ads can lead to disapprovals, providing inaccurate or insufficient product data to Google can result in item disapprovals and account suspensions.
In addition to account-level suspensions, Google often disapproves specific products for product-level violations.
There are many things that can cause item disapprovals. Top issues include:
These problems don’t necessarily cause account suspensions, but you should fix as many as possible before requesting a review. You want Google to see you as committed to sending high-quality data and not violating any of their policies.
The price in your product feed must match the price shown when someone lands on that product’s page. Two common mistakes:
Global Trade Identification Numbers (GTINs) are the numbers, such as UPCs and ISBNs, that manufacturers assign to their products.
You don’t have to send a GTIN, but if you do, it must be accurate.
We’ve seen cases where advertisers created fake GTINs, thinking it would help their products perform better. Instead, Google suspended the entire account.
Resellers who copy product images and descriptions from manufacturers may run into problems, especially if you don’t provide the product GTINs in the feed.
Ideally, you should take your own product images and write your own product descriptions, so that everything on your website is original.
Dig deeper: Google Ads’ three-strikes system: Managing warnings, strikes, and suspension
Even if your Merchant Center settings and product feed are clean, your website itself can be the reason you’re suspended.
Google will suspend your account if they’re not able to crawl your website.
For example, we’ve seen clients block visits from countries from which a high volume of spam traffic was originating. This accidentally blocked Google’s robots from accessing the website and caused a suspension.
We’ve also seen mistakes with the robots.txt file accidentally excluding Google’s bots from accessing key pages, which looks to Google like you’re trying to hide something.
You need clear and distinct policy pages on your website, including:
You also need accurate contact information on your Contact page and a comprehensive About page.
Any claims you make on your website must be true. For example, if you say you offer free shipping on orders over $25, then you have to actually give free shipping when a cart value is greater than $25.
We often see inconsistencies on websites, such as:
Adding badges and awards (such as the Better Business Bureau badge and Trustpilot review widgets) to your website is a way to demonstrate credibility.
When you add badges, awards, or “As seen on” logos to your website, make sure to hyperlink them to supporting pages, or else Google may think you’re making unsupported claims.
Google wants only trusted businesses to run Google Shopping ads, so they look beyond your website and Merchant Center at your digital footprint as a whole.
If you don’t have reviews on third-party websites like Trustpilot and BBB, or worse, if there are many negative reviews about your business, Google will view you with more suspicion.
Make a focused effort to ask your customers for reviews and respond professionally to all reviews (positive or negative), so that Google sees you’re an active, engaged business.
Google expects websites to have profiles on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
There is even a place in your Merchant Center where you can directly link to your social profiles.
It can be helpful to claim profiles for your business and make sure that your business info in those profiles (domain, phone number, physical and email addresses) match what’s on your website.
If you’re an authorized reseller for another brand, establish as much of a connection to that brand online as possible. For example:
After you have followed steps 1-5 to identify and fix as many potential problems as possible, you are ready to ask Google to review your suspension.
To request a review:
Google sometimes makes the button unclickable until you go through identity verification, and in some cases, it also requires a video verification process.
Google doesn’t let you write any context when you request a review. Clicking the button is your only option.
Google limits how many reviews you may request. The limit varies per account, but often is three or less. Once you’ve reached that limit, Google will tell you that it will no longer accept additional review requests, and the button will no longer be clickable.
Google will not review your appeal unless there is at least one product in your Merchant Center.
Google sometimes flags Merchant Centers with multiple policy violations at the same time. Fix everything possible on your website and in your account, and then appeal the suspensions one at a time.
Start with the suspension that looks the most comprehensive. For example, misrepresentation is a more “egregious” suspension in Google’s eyes than sale of service, so start by appealing the former.
If one policy issue is a suspension and another is a warning (suspended for misrepresentation and warned for website needs improvement), appeal the warning first.
Google will tell you what policy it believes you’ve violated via email, and in a notification in the “Needs Attention” tab in your Merchant Center.
These policies are usually quite broad, and narrowing down exactly why you were suspended can be difficult, which is why it’s vital that you fix as many potential problems as possible before appealing your suspension.
In most cases, it lasts forever unless you successfully appeal the suspension.
That said, we’ve seen cases where Google re-crawled a website after changes were made and automatically reinstated an account prior to the advertiser requesting a review (but don’t count on this happening).
Sometimes, if you know how to ask the right questions, Google Merchant Center support will provide some ideas about what went wrong, or will point to specific data issues with your products.
Typically, Google will put your Merchant Center into a cool-down period during which you can’t request another review.
The first cool-down period is usually seven days, and the timeline gets longer with subsequent rejections.
Google typically limits appeals to between one and three attempts, though exceptions exist.
It’s not uncommon for Google to accept an appeal of a Merchant Center suspension and then suspend that account again for the same policy.
This could be due to Google’s automated systems re-flagging you for something that its manual reviewers decided was not a violation.
It could also be because Google is unfortunately inconsistent with how it flags policy violations and enforces its policies.
You can. If you’re sending product reviews to Merchant Center, you must disclose to Google if you incentivize customers to leave reviews.
Dig deeper: Dealing with Google Ads frustrations: Poor support, suspensions, rising costs
All of the steps outlined in this guide to fix suspensions are things you should proactively do to help prevent suspensions from happening.
Doing these things before you’re suspended can potentially save you tremendous time, frustration, and opportunity cost.
Here are a few more ideas to help stop suspensions:
Google has policies in place because it wants to protect consumers.
By following Google’s policies and showing that you’re a legitimate advertiser, you can protect your ability to use one of the most important channels available for growing an ecommerce brand.
Geely targets BYD rivals with a larger, faster plug-in hybrid sedan featuring 170 km electric range and advanced driver assistance.
The post Geely Galaxy Starshine 7 opens presales at 15,600 USD with 5.4 s AWD performance in China appeared first on CarNewsChina.com.
Greece’s Paros to Welcome the Stunning Parian Chronicle Hotel in Summer 2026 Offering Luxury, Culture, and Wellness in a Stunning...
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Italy and Sweden to Host Miramis’ Revolutionary New Luxury Hotels and Cultural Spaces Promising Unmatched Culinary, Wellness, and Social ExperiencesRead...
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