The summer transfer window is rapidly approaching, and Aston Villa are already looking to make some serious moves to strengthen their attacking options.

Unai Emery’s side have proven they belong in the upper echelons of the Premier League, but sustaining that elite level requires relentless, aggressive squad building.

According to a fresh report from Italian outlet Tuttosport, the Villans are preparing to reignite their long-standing interest in Juventus forward Jonathan David.

After heavily scouting the Canadian international last summer before his move to Italy, the Villa Park hierarchy clearly feels that now is the perfect time to finally bring him to the Midlands.

To say David’s high-profile switch to Turin hasn’t exactly gone according to plan would be a massive understatement.

Jonathan David has failed to meet expectations

Arriving at the Allianz Stadium as one of the most coveted free agents on the market following a brilliant, title-winning spell with Lille in France, huge things were expected of the attacker.

However, the reality of Italian football has been incredibly harsh. Stifled by tactical adjustments and the immense pressure of wearing the famous Bianconeri shirt, David has managed a highly disappointing return of just eight goals in 44 appearances across all competitions.

For a striker whose game relies heavily on confidence, sharp movement, and lethal finishing, a quick exit after just 12 months might be exactly what he needs to reset his stalling career.

From Juventus’ perspective, moving David on isn’t just about his underwhelming form, it’s about funding a massive, desperate attacking overhaul.

The Italian giants are staring down the barrel of a major crisis, with star striker Dusan Vlahovic inching closer to the exit door.

The Serbian powerhouse could sensationally leave as a free agent when the season concludes, a scenario that would be a catastrophic financial blow to the club.

Because David was signed on a free transfer just a year ago, selling him to a Premier League side like Aston Villa would generate immediate, pure profit on the accounting books.

This crucial cash injection would give the Juventus board the necessary funds to completely refresh their forward line.

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Aston Villa are ready to add depth to their attack

So, why are Aston Villa still so incredibly keen on a player who has struggled so badly this year? It all comes down to Unai Emery’s tactical vision.

The Spanish manager demands relentless energy, high-pressing, and tactical versatility from his forwards.

Ollie Watkins has been absolutely phenomenal leading the line, but he simply cannot shoulder the goalscoring burden alone across grueling domestic and European campaigns.

David’s explosive pace and intelligent link-up play, traits he showcased brilliantly during his time in Ligue 1, make him a highly interesting fit for the fast-paced, transitional style of the Premier League.

If Emery can wrap his arm around the Canadian star and help him rediscover the deadly touch he showed in France, this could easily end up being one of the shrewdest pieces of business for Aston Villa.

Aston Villa eye ambitious move for Paris-Saint-Germain youngster as summer plans begin 

The post Aston Villa plotting summer swoop for attacker who joined his club as a free agent last year appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Michael Carrick says he feels “pretty natural” in his role as Manchester United head coach, having secured Champions League football for next season. United’s 3-2 win over Liverpool on Sunday moved them onto 64 points for the season and also means they will definitely finish in the top five, returning to UEFA’s premier competition. Kobbie […]

The post Carrick: I love doing what I´m doing at Man Utd appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Carrick: I love doing what I´m doing at Man Utd appeared first on Soccer News.

• Aston Villa host West Ham in Women's Super League (13:00 BST)
• Second-bottom Hammers have already secured WSL status for next season
• West Ham searching for back-to-back wins
• Villa playing for first time in five weeks

WSL: Second-bottom West Ham visit Aston Villa seeking back-to-back wins

The 2025-26 Premier League season is moving toward its final stretch, and there is still plenty left to decide before the last round of fixtures in May. The title race remains tight, and that matters because the Premier League Player of the Season award has often gone to a player from the eventual champions. Still, history has shown that the prize does not always follow the team that lifts the trophy. Individual form, consistency, and impact in key moments can all shape the final vote, even when the title picture is still unsettled.

This season has produced a strong group of contenders across the league. Arsenal’s defensive base has stood out, with Gabriel leading a back line that has kept the team in the race. Manchester City have leaned on the scoring power of Erling Haaland, while Antoine Semenyo has delivered a strong season across two clubs and shown he can influence a title chase. Declan Rice has remained one of Arsenal’s most reliable performers in midfield, combining control with end product. Bruno Fernandes has also been central to Manchester United’s season, producing elite numbers in goals, assists, and chance creation. With so many players making a clear case, the award is shaping up as one of the most open races in years.

MORE: Soccer superstar Lionel Messi draws crowd at F1 Miami Grand Prix

1. Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United

Bruno Fernandes has been the standout individual in the Premier League this season. He has delivered 18 assists so far, just two short of the league record, and has also scored eight goals. His numbers in chance creation and big chances created place him at the top of the division in key creative categories. That kind of output has kept Manchester United in contention during a season that began poorly.

What makes Fernandes a strong candidate is not just the raw statistics, but the way he influences every phase of attack. Michael Carrick’s arrival has given him more freedom, and he has used it well from a No. 10 role. He has drifted wide, dropped deep, and still found ways to create chances from different areas of the pitch. If he breaks the assist record, his case for Player of the Season becomes even stronger. Even without team success, his season has been too important to ignore.

2. Declan Rice, Arsenal

Declan Rice has been Arsenal’s most consistent performer this season. He has driven the team from midfield and has provided a steady blend of control, ball-winning, and forward support. His overall influence has been central to Arsenal’s title push. In a season with several strong attackers, Rice has stood out as one of the most complete players in the league.

His value goes beyond visible goal contributions. He has helped Arsenal stay balanced in big matches and has given the side a reliable base in the middle of the pitch. That consistency matters in a title race where small margins decide everything. Rice may not draw the same attention as a top scorer, but his all-round performances have been among the best in the Premier League. If Arsenal finish first, he will have a strong case to win the award.

3. Erling Haaland, Manchester City

Erling Haaland remains one of the strongest individual forces in the Premier League. He is currently leading the league in goals, and his scoring has kept Manchester City close to the title race. Even though this season has not matched all of his previous numbers, his output is still at an elite level. City would not be in the same position without his goals.

Haaland already has a Player of the Season award from 2022-23, and he has shown again why he belongs in the conversation every year. His finishing has been consistent, and his presence continues to shape the way opponents defend against City. If Manchester City win the title, he looks like their most likely winner. A third Golden Boot would only strengthen his claim further.

4. Antoine Semenyo, Manchester City

Antoine Semenyo has put together an excellent season across two clubs. He scored 10 goals for Bournemouth before moving to Manchester City in January, and he has remained a regular starter since arriving in Manchester. That kind of transition is not easy, but he has handled it well. He has brought energy, goals, and direct play to two different teams in one campaign.

Semenyo’s case is built on impact and consistency. He may not have the profile of Fernandes or Haaland, but his season has been valuable and productive. He has been able to contribute in different systems and has given Manchester City another strong attacking option. For a player who moved midseason and still kept delivering, that deserves attention. If City finish with the title, he could enter the conversation more seriously.

5. Gabriel, Arsenal

Gabriel has been the leader of Arsenal’s defense and one of the biggest reasons the team has stayed near the top. Arsenal’s back line has been the best in the league in goals conceded and clean sheets, and Gabriel has been central to that success. He has also added three goals and four assists, which is strong production for a center back. His work at both ends of the pitch has given Arsenal an edge in tight games.

MORE: Every NFL stadium’s new name for the FIFA World Cup

Conclusion

Set pieces have been a major part of his value this season. He has been a constant threat in the box and has helped turn dead-ball situations into real scoring chances. Defenders rarely win Player of the Season, but Gabriel has done enough to deserve a place on this list. His chances depend heavily on Arsenal winning the title, but his influence has been obvious throughout the season.

The Premier League race is still open, and that keeps the Player of the Season discussion alive. Bruno Fernandes has the strongest individual case, while Declan Rice, Erling Haaland, Antoine Semenyo, and Gabriel each bring a different kind of value. As the season ends, the award may reflect both team success and individual impact. The same debate will carry into a busy football summer and the build-up to the FIFA World Cup.

On Sunday night Steve Clarke said that he was "more or less set in my mind" about the 26 players he intends to bring to the World Cup, before adding that two spots might still be up for grabs.

He didn't elaborate but you'd hope - probably a forlorn hope - that the Scotland manager has an open mind on his chosen strikers because if he's still weighing things up on that front then the weekend gave him much to ponder.

Ross Stewart, Tommy Conway, George Hirst, Kieron Bowie and Oli McBurnie all scored for their clubs. McBurnie scored twice. Robbie Ure, the former Scotland U-21 player, didn't score, which made a change for him. Ure is not a contender for Clarke's squad but he's scored four goals in six games for IK Sirus who are top of Sweden's Allsvenskan.

Clearly, Clarke has a shortage of goals from his striker(s). It's a problem as old as the hills. Back-to-back games without a goal now, a pair of blanks against Japan and Ivory Coast. Che Adams and Lyndon Dykes - the main men; willing, hard-working, great servants but hardly threatening.

A successful qualifying campaign that featured other-worldly strikes from Scott McTominay, Kenny McLean and one from Kieran Tierney that was just about of this planet, but a campaign, also, during which Clarke's two favourite strikers recorded just seven shots on target across six games.

Adams accounted for six of them with two goals in 446 minutes. Dykes had one attempt on target in half a dozen games - 171 minutes - and he put it away. Credit to him, sort of.

Blame those around them for not providing, or blame the strikers for not being in the right places at the right times, or for wasting the morsels that came their way, but whatever way you dice it, this is one of the burning issues for Scotland.

Can Clarke change his options front? Does he even want to? And, if he does, is he even looking in the right places?

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Clarke has taken Scotland to two European Championships and they've scored three goals in six games in those tournaments, one of them an own goal against Germany and another from a McTominay shot against Switzerland that found the net after a huge deflection.

Only one Scottish player has scored directly in any of those group games - Callum McGregor against Croatia in Clarke's first Euros.

The concern is that Clarke doesn't see fit to shake things up, to gamble a little. As a creature of habit, we could almost predict which way he's going to go on all of this.

He'll have five or six strikers/wingers in his squad - Che Adams, Lawrence Shankland, Dykes, Hirst, Conway and Ben Gannon-Doak. He knows them, he trusts them and it would be a surprise if he doesn't pick them.

Comparing levels is not easy. How does a goal in the Scottish Premiership compare to a goal in the English Championship or Italy's Serie A? Bowie, playing for a now relegated Hellas Verona, scored against fourth-placed Juventus on Sunday, for instance. What about the relative strength of the team it's scored for against the team it's scored against?

A Shankland goal against the Old Firm versus an Adams goal against Roma, currently sixth in the table. How do you weigh them up?

Crudely, if you constructed a league table of Clarke's options at centre-forward based on this season's shot conversion rate this is how it would look.

First - Stewart of Southampton. Second - McBurnie of Hull City. Third - Shankland of Heart of Midlothian. Fourth - Hirst of Ipswich Town. Fifth - Conway of Middlesbrough. Sixth - Bowie of Hibernian and now Hellas Verona. Seventh - Adams of Torino. Eighth - Dykes of Birmingham City and now Charlton Athletic.

If it was done on minutes-per-goal then Stewart would still be top with Shankland moving up to second and McBurnie dropping to third, Hirst would be fourth, Bowie fifth and Conway sixth. Adams and Dykes would remain seventh and eighth.

On goals plus assists, McBurnie would be top, Shankland second and Conway third. Adams and Dykes would be still be seventh and eighth.

On Saturday, Stewart scored for Southampton as they made the play-offs for the Premier League. It was his seventh goal in 14 games and his 10th in 31 in a season that has been curtailed by injury. He missed 16 matches. Stewart has been unlucky in that regard for three seasons, but he looks fit and well now.

The former Ross County and Sunderland player scored the winner that put Fulham out of the FA Cup in March and scored again when Southampton claimed Arsenal's scalp in April. The fact that Stewart is barely mentioned as a possible squad player in America is nuts.

This season, he's scored a goal every 122 minutes with a shots–per-goal figure of 3.3. He has a conversion rate of 30.3%. That's remarkably high. When he plays, he's been one of the-most efficient goalscorers in the entire league.

Clarke believes in loyalty to the ones who got the team to the World Cup in the first place. Stewart is not one of those guys, but on form he could be the kind of striker to help keep Scotland in America beyond the group stage.

The head coach needs form players, not protected species. Red carpets should not be rolled out for time served.

McBurnie scored twice for Hull in a 2-1 win over Wrexham on Saturday, his goals ensuring that Hull, like Southampton, are in the play-offs for the Premier League. He's now got 18 goals in 39 games, a run in all competitions that also includes seven assists. For a Scottish striker who missed two months of the campaign through injury, it's an impressive return.

To drill down a little, this season, McBurnie has scored every 172 minutes for his club and has a goal from every 4.2 shots and a conversion rate of 24%.

Recently, he contacted Clarke to see if he had any hope of making the World Cup squad. The way McBurnie tells it, Clarke's answer didn't give him a whole lot of encouragement. The head coach can't afford to be as dismissive as McBurnie made him sound.

Many of those who remember what McBurnie was like when he played for Scotland would, no doubt, agree with Clarke on this, if McBurnie's recounting of their conversation is accurate. Under Alex McLeish and in the early games under Clarke, he had his chance and he didn't take it.

Sixteen caps (seven starts) and no goal. More than that, in nearly 13 hours of action, Scotland only scored once while he was on the pitch. He was also once embroiled in controversy around his commitment to the cause.

It's been five years since he last played for Scotland. That's a fair old penance. Maybe he's a better player and a better person than he was then. He's certainly in a fantastic vein of form. In the final weeks of the Championship, with Hull fighting hard to make the play-offs, McBurnie stepped up and scored five goals in five games.

Nobody is expecting him to play for Scotland ever again, but if Clarke has already closed his mind to Stewart and McBurnie, as seems to be the case, then he's ignoring two players performing with huge amounts of confidence.

The Scotland manager didn't watch Southampton or Hull on Saturday, he watched Findlay Curtis playing and scoring for Kilmarnock against Dundee United.

Shankland (a goal every 152 minutes and a shot conversion rate of 17.7%) is a shoo-in for the squad and a front-runner for the team if form counts for anything. Hirst showed up well in the friendly against Ivory Coast, in the first half at any rate. He looked hungry and powerful, his appetite for work was unmissable.

He was the third Scot who scored in the Championship on Saturday, getting the first in Ipswich's 3-0 win over QPR that guaranteed his club a place in the Premier League next season. He has 11 goals in 44 games for Ipswich.

Hirst scores every 202 minutes and has a conversion rate of 15.5%. Conway (the fourth Scot who scored on the final day of the Championship as Middlesbrough joined Southampton and Hull in the play-offs) and Bowie are both ahead of Adams and Dykes in these metrics.

And yet Adams and Dykes are Clarke's go-to strikers. Adams is a certainty to travel and it's almost impossible to imagine the manager going without Dykes regardless of what he's been doing in club football, which is not a lot. He's scored seven goals in 43 games this season for Birmingham and Charlton. He's a big character and a positive presence in the squad but in football terms the case for his inclusion looks desperately weak if you're going solely on what's happening in the here and now.

Luckily for him, his bid for inclusion is probably compelling in the only place that truly matters - in the mind of the Scotland manager.

In the stats, Stewart, McBurnie and Shankland are Clarke's most in-form strikers. The probability is that In Clarke's estimation Stewart and McBurnie sit about seventh and eighth in the pecking order, if he's even noticed them at all.

Bowie probabaly won't go either. Since joining from Hibs he has scored three goals in 11 games for Verona - 50% of their total in that run - whereas Adams has five in 27. Bowie's Verona are 19th in Serie A, Adams' Torino are 13th.

Clarke has done a terrific job as Scotland manager and is entitled to select whoever he wants. There's a weight of evidence urging him to think beyond the usual tried and tested, though. He has options, should he decide to consider them.

The Giallorossi are getting healthy and the timing couldn’t be better for Gian Piero Gasperini and Company. The Giallorossi have four matches remaining and with draws for Como and Juve over the weekend, Roma can move up the table and within striking distance of a top four finish. A win on Monday against Fiorentina at the Olimpico and Roma would move ahead of Como into fifth place and within a point of Juventus for Champions League qualification.

After getting Wesley and Paulo Dybala back from injury last week, Gasperini will be able to welcome Manu Koné back into the fold for this match.

“Kone has recovered, while Dybala had already made a full recovery last week and played for a part of the game. They have done even better these past few days, so they will both be available on Monday. Friedkin’s presence is a clear sign: the owners are starting to work not only on the end of the season, which is our priority right now, but also on long-term planning.”

With the return of Koné, only Lorenzo Pellegrini, Evan Ferguson, and Artem Dovbyk remain unavailable through injury for this match. Meanwhile, Neil El Aynaoui will miss out through yellow card suspension.

And Koné is being tipped to start in his first game back in the central midfield alongside Bryan Cristante. This would push Niccoló Pisilli to the bench. Additionally, it looks like Dybala could return to the starting XI for the first time since January 25th against Milan. This could be a huge boost for a Roma side looking to keep the pressure on Juve for fourth.

Dybala would start alongside Matías Soulé in the attacking midfield in support of Donyell Malen. Meanwhile, there won’t be any other surprises in the starting XI as Wesley and Zeki Çelik will man the wings. And the usual defensive trio consisting of Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermoso will play in front of Mile Svilar.

ROMA (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Celik, Cristante, Koné, Wesley; Soulé, Dybala; Malen.

The Pittsburgh Steelers traded up at the end of the third round of the NFL Draft, from 99th to 96th, to snag a gentleman with quite the look, personality, and aura who may make him the perfect Steeler.

Offensive lineman out of the University of Iowa, Gennings Dunker, will absolutely become a fan favorite in Pittsburgh, not only due to his physical style of play that the Steelers love, but also his luxurious locks of a mullet and a big personality.

At the NFL level, he will make the adjustment from right tackle to guard. While at Iowa, he won the Joe Moore Award as the best offensive line in the country last season.

Dunker was fired up to land in Pittsburgh and reunite with some of his old college teammates, and spoke about his sponsorship with Casey's, who catered his NFL Draft party. While speaking to Pittsburgh Steelers on SI, Dunker would say, "My hometown is like 2,600 people. So, when we got a Casey's maybe ten years ago, it was a big deal. It's right in the middle of our town, and it's the gas station that everybody uses for everything," Dunker said. "Growing up, we would eat it all the time. So it was kind of like, 'This is awesome. I would love to do that.' Everyone was fired up."

"My draft party was like an open draft party for the community, just because I'm from such a small town," Dunker said. "I know everybody, I know their cousins, I know where they live. There was also a tornado that went through, so I thought it would be cool to have a community event and raise money for that. It was awesome to celebrate that with my community, have my football coaches there and my family and all my friends. I'm glad the community got to enjoy it."

Dunker is very excited to be a Steeler, and when asked what Steeler Nation could expect, he said, "Just somebody that likes to run and hit," Dunker said. "Not the most gifted guy or the most talented, but I'll let it rip."

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Gennings Dunker: A sure-to-be Pittsburgh Steelers fan favorite

The Stanley Cup playoffs are always electric, and this year is no different.

Coming into the playoffs, six former Wisconsin Badgers men's hockey alumni were participating. Now that the first round is complete, only one-third of that field remains.

A pair of former Badgers faced off in an electric seven-game series, one that saw Cole Caufield's Montreal Canadians prevail. In the process, he sent home 36-year-old Ryan McDonagh and his Tampa Bay Lightning.

Elsewhere, the Los Angeles Kings were embarrassed by the Colorado Avalanche. The Kings, who are the team 25-year-old Alex Turcotte plays for, were swept by this year's winner of the President's Trophy.

The other eliminated former Badgers include Edmonton Oilers' rent Frederic and Ty Emberson. Even with arguably the best player in the league on their roster, Edmonton fell to the Anaheim Ducks in six games.

Knowing all of that, Badgers fans still have a pair of players to root for. Caufield's Canadians are set to do battle with the Buffalo Sabers while K'Andre Miller represents the Carolina Hurricanes, a team that already enjoys a 1-0 lead on the Philadelphia Flyers.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.

This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Cole Caufield and K'Andre Miller represent Wisconsin in NHL playoffs

Through the 2024-25 season, the Los Angeles Lakers have had a total of 506 players suit up for them, going back to their days in Minneapolis. Some were forgettable, some were serviceable, some were good and a select few were flat-out legendary.

During the Lakers' 80th season of existence (they were founded back in 1946 as the Detroit Gems in the National Basketball League), LeBron Wire is taking a look at each player who has worn their jersey, whether it has been a purple and gold one or the ones they donned back in the Midwest during their early years.

In 1969, Rick Roberson was taken by the Lakers with the No. 15 pick in the NBA draft after he averaged 15.7 points and 12.4 rebounds a game during his three years at the University of Cincinnati. The 6-foot-9 big man got a chance to play as a rookie when Wilt Chamberlain missed most of the season with a knee injury, and that year, he put up 8.7 points and 9.1 rebounds in 27.1 minutes a game.

In two seasons with Los Angeles, Roberson averaged 7.1 points and seven rebounds in 21 minutes a game. He spent the following two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers and then played with the Portland Trail Blazers during the 1973-74 campaign, and with both teams, he got considerably more playing time than he did with the Lakers.

Overall, Roberson played seven seasons in the NBA and averaged nine points and 8.3 boards per game during his career.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers jersey history No. 35 — Rick Roberson

The U.S. men's national team might need a miracle to win the World Cup on home soil this summer.

In its new ad campaign for the tournament, Fox Sports imagines a world where it actually happens.

With just over a month until the World Cup kicks off, Fox launched its campaign around the 2026 World Cup, starting with a spot called "Miracle."

The ad envisions the USMNT and Brazil facing off in the final on July 19 in New Jersey. Christian Pulisic takes a last-second corner kick, leading to the tournament-clinching goal.

With the Elvis Presley song “The Impossible Dream" playing in the background, the country erupts.

The ad features cameos from several USMNT players including Pulisic, Tim Ream and Diego Luna, as well as former U.S. coach Bruce Arena. Fox Sports analysts Tom Brady and Zlatan Ibrahimović also make an appearance.

The last cameo comes from Mike Eruzione, captain of the "Miracle on Ice" 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team. Eruzione, as you'd expect, has some opinions about miracles.

Watch the full ad below:

“We really wanted the tone of this spot to evolve as you watch it, beginning with something that feels like it’s grounded, but quickly grows to be more and more improbable until finally reality can’t resist calling,” said Matthew Woodhams Roberts, chief creative officer of Special US, which made the ad along with FOX Sports Marketing.

“Of course, then we have Mike Eruzione and a living reminder that no dream is too big. So, we’re saying there’s a chance…maybe.”

The biggest stories, every morning. Stay up-to-date on all the key sports developments by subscribing to USA TODAY Sports' newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fox Sports launches 'Miracle' World Cup commercial featuring USMNT

The New York Giants traded back into the third round of the 2026 NFL draft to select Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields.

Fields was nothing short of a star over the past five seasons at Virginia and Notre Dame. The Giants selected the talented receiver with the No. 74 overall pick after a trade with the Cleveland Browns. Fields could quickly emerge as a key contributor to the Giants' offense during training camp this summer.

Standing at 6-foot-4 and 223 pounds, Fields is an athletic playmaker who should bring a new level of physicality to the Giants' wide receiver room in 2026.

General manager Joe Schoen was recently asked about Fields' potential role on the Giants' offense during his rookie season. Schoen views Fields as the "power forward" of the wide receiver room.

Giants GM Joe Schoen on the role Malachi Fields will play in the offense:

“He will be the power forward” in the WR room. pic.twitter.com/qUDricPz4o

— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) May 3, 2026

Fields recorded 2,479 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns across his five college seasons. Schoen's description aptly captures Fields' playing style, and it should not be long before the former Notre Dame star showcases his physicality on the field.

Fields and the rest of the Giants' draft class will participate in rookie minicamp from May 8-10. The talented receiver will look to make a strong impression ahead of training camp later this summer.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants' Joe Schoen views WR Malachi Fields as a 'power forward'

In a symbolic statement, sophomore cornerback Dylan Robinson proved he’s ready for the moment Friday night in UW’s annual Dawgs After Dark spring game.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound former four-star recruit from California was in the perfect position to be the benefactor of a tipped pass from Demond Williams Jr. to Rashid Williams for his first turnover early in the first quarter.

Not long after, Robinson took advantage of a freshman moment by wide receiver Mason James, who muffed a punt return that led to the ball spinning into the end zone for the long cornerback to put his hands on and add the first touchdown of the night for Team Gold.

“Really, with Dylan, he’s such a physical presence and his athleticism is off the charts,” defensive coordinator Ryan Walters said after Friday night's spring camp finale.

Dylan Robinson has been Johnny on the spot early with an interception and now a botched catch on a punt return led to an easy scoop and score

Golf 7, Purple 0 3:35 1Q

— Lars Hanson (@LarsHanson) May 2, 2026

“So really it was about confidence and being assertive in his gameplay. I think he’s made strides in that department.”

Ranked as the No. 8 athlete in the 2025 class by 247Sports, Robinson made an early impression as a freshman behind a pair of starters, Ephesians Prysock and Tacario Davis, both of which just went in the 2026 NFL draft to the San Francisco 49ers and Cincinnati Bengals respectively.

The ex-Bonita High School standout started five games in his first season at UW and appeared in every game, although his defensive snaps were limited between Week 7 and Week 12, which laid the foundation for Robinson to end spring in a strong position to be one of secondary coach John Richardson’s two starring cornerbacks in 2026.

”You watch him work out, you watch him run around. There’s clips at practice where you’re like, ‘Man, this kid is going to be really special,” Walters added. “We just have to get that from him all the time on a consistent basis.”

This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Washington Huskies CB Dylan Robinson Stars At Dawgs After Dark

The Lions had a medically-safe, low-risk draft. So, let's take a look at how it compares to our NFC North division rivals.

Here is the Chicago Bears draft recap from my NFC North division 2026 NFL Draft roundup:

Medical concern level ranges from 0 (no concern) to 10 (extreme).

(Ages in parentheses are at start of 2026 season and are factored into the concern level. Injury info and ages based on available public information.)

Chicago Bears 2026 NFL Draft

• Round 1, #25: Dillon Thieneman, S (22): remote MCL - 1/10 medical concern
• Round 2, #57: Logan Jones, C (24): major knee, ankles, hand fracture, age - 5/10 medical concern
• Round 3, #69: Sam Roush, TE (23): clean, perfect reliability - 0/10 medical concern
• Round 3, #89: Zavion Thomas, WR (22)
• Round 4, #124: Malik Muhammad, CB (21)
• Round 4, #166: Keyshaun Elliott, LB (22)
• Round 6, #213: Jordan van den Berg, DT (24)

Da Bears stayed very medically safe with their first-round selection in Thieneman. However, their second-rounder, Logan Jones, ratcheted up the risk to moderate levels in terms of injury history and age.

In the third round, they grabbed a very clean prospect in Sam Roush, who I had hoped might fill the Lions’ tight end need. A quick review of fellow third-rounder, Zavion Thomas, shows that he is very medically clean as well.

From an age standpoint, the Bears were willing to draft a couple 24-year-old prospects, but four of their seven picks were 22 or younger.

Overall, the Bears appear to have prioritized a medically low-risk draft. Maybe Ben Johnson’s injury-filled experience (Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, et al) in his final year with the Lions was a factor.

For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Jimmy on X, @JimmyLiaoMD

This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Bears' 2026 NFL Draft: What injury risks did NFC North rival select?

During a recent appearance on ESPN’s ‘The Pat McAfee Show, ’ Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach opened up about Travis Kelce’s decision to return to the team for a 14th season. He reveals that Kelce made his intentions known much earlier than expected.

“We played our last game of the season in Vegas, and when we got back, Trav (Travis Kelce) came in and he basically said ‘I’m going to take a few weeks off here, but I’m not going out like this, We knew basically the day after our last game (he was coming back).” said Veach “If this is the last dance, hopefully we make it special, but you knew Travis Kelce wasn’t going to go out with the season we had last year.”

"When we got back after our last game of the season Travis Kelce told us he wasn't going out like this..

We knew basically the day after our last game that he was gonna come back..

If this is the last dance hopefully we make it special" ~ Brett Veach #PMSLivehttps://t.co/hBbKj4aA4Mpic.twitter.com/jOe1V6cSn4

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 1, 2026

Kelce agreed to a 3-year, $54.735 million deal to return to the Chiefs that can be worth up to $57.735 million ($18.245 million average). The first year is $12 million plus 3 million in incentives. The expectation is that 2026 will be his final season in the league, with his assumed retirement draining his remaining cap hits over future years.

The eleven-time Pro Bowler enters 2026 third all-time behind Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten, and 2,126 yards behind Gonzalez for the most for a tight end in league history, with only 45 behind Witten in second place.

This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Brett Veach knew Travis Kelce’s status weeks before re-signing

BOSTON (AP) — Jury selection is expected to begin Monday in the assault trial of former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs in connection with a heated dispute he had with his private chef.

The four-time Pro Bowl wideout pleaded not guilty in February to a felony strangulation charge and a misdemeanor assault and battery charge stemming from the alleged dispute with his former private chef.

According to court records, the chef told officers that she and Diggs had argued about money he owed her for work. During the Dec. 2 encounter at his home in Dedham, Massachusetts, she said, he “smacked her across the face” and then “tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck,” leaving her feeling short of breath. She told officers she had trouble breathing and felt she could have blacked out.

Diggs’ attorney has said he “categorically denies these allegations,” calling them unsubstantiated and motivated by a financial dispute. Diggs did not speak to reporters outside court in February.

Diggs signed a three-year, $69 million contract with New England last year and was a key target for quarterback Drake Maye during the Patriots’ AFC East title run. Before joining the Patriots, Diggs was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2015 and played for the Buffalo Bills before a brief stint with the Houston Texans in 2024.

Diggs’ 1,000-yard season with the Patriots marked the seventh of his career. It helped complete a successful career revival after a season-ending knee injury derailed what turned out to be a one-year stay with the Houston Texans in 2024.

Diggs, who led the team with 85 receptions and 1,013 yards receiving with four touchdowns in his only season with the Patriots, was released by the team in March. Diggs posted a goodbye on social media, thanking the Patriots for the season and saying: “We family forever.”

Diggs has yet to sign with another team.

Construction has commenced on Huntington Bank Field stadium, marking the beginning of a major development project in Northeast Ohio, US.

Located in Brook Park, the stadium is expected to become the Cleveland Browns’ new home beginning with the 2029 season.

Haslam Sports Group (HSG) has partnered with AECOM Hunt and Turner Construction Company to manage the construction, while HKS will handle the stadium design.

The new venue, which aims to be Ohio’s first enclosed stadium, has a planned capacity for up to 75,000 attendees and is set to host a range of events, including Cleveland Browns games, NCAA competitions, international football matches, and concerts.

The development also includes a mixed-use entertainment district adjacent to the stadium.

Lincoln Property Company will lead the surrounding real estate projects.

Organisers held a ceremony at the construction site to mark the start of the project.

Representatives from HSG, the National Football League (NFL), state officials, and current and former Cleveland Browns players participated in panel discussions describing the stadium’s goals and its anticipated impact on the region.

The event highlighted plans to enhance the fan experience, create economic opportunities, and strengthen the stadium’s role in the community.

The facility will introduce a redesigned seating layout to bring fans closer to the field, along with a transparent roof that allows natural light and reflects local architectural character. The roof uses a long-span, truss-free structure, and the flexible seating configuration can be adapted for a wide range of events.

Project partners say construction will create more than 6,000 jobs, with additional permanent positions expected once the venue opens. The project team also plans to partner with local contractors, including DiGeronimo Companies, Independence Construction, and Independence Excavating, to maximise regional workforce participation.

HSG managing partner Dee and Jimmy Haslam said: “The new Huntington Bank Field will be an economic catalyst for our region, delivering best-in-class fan experiences and exciting events throughout the year.

“Today’s groundbreaking is a historic milestone, and we appreciate our partner’s efforts to help make this possible.”

AECOM Hunt and Turner Construction Company have a history in large stadium developments, having previously managed projects such as the current Browns stadium and several other sports facilities across the US.

The initial phase of the mixed-use district and the new stadium is scheduled to open simultaneously in 2029.

AECOM Hunt Central Region COO Ken Johnson said: “As one of the largest construction projects in the history of Northeast Ohio, the new Huntington Bank Field will deliver an unparalleled experience for football fans while featuring the flexibility to host a variety of large-scale, blockbuster events that will generate significant economic growth and attract more audiences to the region than ever before.”

"Construction begins on Huntington Bank Field project" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand.

The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.

Just like that, offseason workouts have arrived.

The Denver Broncos are set to begin their spring training today, but it should be noted that the first month will be limited to strength training and conditioning. Denver's not scheduled to hit the field for organized team activities (OTAs) begin in early June. While we wait for the on-field action to kick off, we've put together a quick offensive depth chart projection going into the spring.

Note that this is a projection, not an official depth chart from the club. The Broncos are not required to release an official depth chart until preseason begins this summer (and they still call that an "unofficial" depth chart).

Broncos offense depth chart

Quarterback (3)

• QB1: Bo Nix
• QB2: Jarrett Stidham OR Sam Ehlinger

Stidham and Ehlinger are set to battle for the backup QB job this summer, and Nix (ankle) might not be ready to practice before training camp, creating more reps for Stidham and Ehlinger this spring.

Running back (7)

• RB1: J.K. Dobbins
• RB2: RJ Harvey
• RB3: Jonah Coleman
• RB4: Tyler Badie
• Depth: Jaleel McLaughlin, Cody Schrader, Deuce Vaughn

Coleman's arrival is particularly bad news for Tyler Badie, who served as the team's primary passing-down back last season. Coleman is an upgrade over Badie as a runner and as a receiver, and he's also a skilled pass blocker, which was Badie's main role in 2025.

Wide receiver (12)

• X WR: Courtland Sutton, Pat Bryant
• Z WR: Jaylen Waddle, Troy Franklin
• Slot: Marvin Mims, Michael Bandy
• Depth: Lil'Jordan Humphrey
• UDFAs: Cam Ross, Kolbe Katsis, Dane Key, Sean Brown, Joseph Manjack

Waddle figures to immediately take on a large workload, but Sutton remains the "X" receiver in Denver. It will be interesting to see how involved Mims will be as he enters the final year of his rookie contract.

Tight end (7)

• TE1: Evan Engram
• TE2: Adam Trautman
• TE3: Justin Joly
• TE4: Nate Adkins
• Depth: Dallen Bentley, Lucas Krull, Caleb Lohner

Adkins is well-regarded in Denver, so he probably has a good chance to make the active roster again in 2026. Last year, the Broncos carried four tight ends on their initial 53-man roster. If that's the plan again this season, Adkins, Bentley, Krull and Lohner are set to have a fierce battle for one roster spot this summer.

Offensive line (17)

• LT: Garett Bolles, Frank Crum
• LG: Ben Powers, Kage Casey, Nick Gargiulo
• C: Luke Wattenberg, Alex Forsyth, Michael Deiter
• RG: Quinn Meinerz, Calvin Throckmorton, Matt Peart
• RT: Mike McGlinchey, Alex Palczewski
• Depth: Marques Cox, Tyler Miller, Gavin Ortega, Nash Jones

Several linemen will be backups at multiple positions, such as Palczewski and Casey providing cover at both tackle and guard. Throckmorton and Peart will be key veteran swing backups to watch this summer as younger linemen push for their spots.

The new arrivals will get their first opportunities to impress when the Broncos hold a rookie minicamp from May 8-10. After that, the next big events on Denver's offseason calendar will be OTAs (June 2-4; June 9-11) and mandatory minicamp (June 16-18). Players will then have a summer break until training camp, which usually begins in late July.

Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.

This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: Offensive depth chart going into offseason program

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It seems some magic is unfolding within the sports landscape, and I’m not talking about the developments in the NBA Playoffs. Longtime friends Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley have seemingly buried the hatchet years after their falling-out. That revelation recently came from Barkley, who suggested that he and MJ found some common ground. At the same time, there still doesn’t seem to be much movement regarding a reconciliation between Jordan and Scottie Pippen and, now a former teammate of theirs is weighing in.

A Former Bulls Player Weighs In On The State Of Michael Jordan And Scottie Pippen’s Relationship

Pippen and Jordan have been estranged since the release of the docuseries The Last Dance (which is streamable with a Netflix subscription) in 2020. While Pippen initially claimed not to have had a problem with the show, he later lambasted it and Jordan in his memoir, Unguaded. The Arkansas native claimed Jordan used his editorial power to uplift himself while not giving others due credit. Scott Williams mentioned the doc during his recent appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio Post Game Show (via The Basketball Network), saying:

A significant portion of the Emmy-winning documentary was devoted to the dynamic between Jordan and his teammates. While they admitted that MJ’s methods could be tough, they also lauded him for his effectiveness. Still, the divide between Jordan and Pippen remains, though Williams remains optimistic about the chances of them putting their differences aside:

Scott Williams isn’t the only person who’d like to see a Pippen/Jordan reunion at some point in the future, as Dennis Rodman also believes they’ll link up again. Another Bulls alum, Horace Grant, thinks it’ll take Jordan and Pippen setting aside their egos to truly mend fences. What’s ironic, though, is Williams' mention of an intermediary, as that apparently played into Jordan’s kumbaya moment with Charles Barkley.

How Did Michael Jordan And Charles Barkley Get Back On Good Terms?

Charles Barkley has been candid about “losing” his friendship with Michael Jordan, and that apparently happened after Barkley criticized Jordan’s acumen and asserted that he needed “better” people around him. Jordan apparently called Barkley later that evening and chastised him for sharing those sentiments. While it seemed like the two would never repair their friendship after that, it seems a third-party stepped in and, as Barkley explained to ESPN Chicago (as seen on YouTube), they have a baseball player to thank for this:

And here I thought it was sports analyst Michael Wilbon’s job to get Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan back together. In all seriousness, though, it’s great to hear that they’re set to hang out and that Barkley is “looking forward to the future.” Whether that future also includes a scenario in which Scottie Pippen joins the pair for a tee time is unclear. For now, fans will just have to hold onto hope alongside Scott Williams and others that Jordan and Pippen’s friendship will be renewed.

UEFA, the governing body over European football competitions including the Champions League, is closing in on broadcast agreements across 19 territories in Europe, South America, Central America, Mexico, and Canada, that will approach $6 billion in annual revenue.

According to a report by David Hellier in Bloomberg, UEFA’s new broadcast deals in 19 global markets, which include rights to UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Conference League competitions, will pull in approximately $5.9 billion per year between 2027 and 2031. The deals exclude major European markets including the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Germany, and Spain, as well as the United States. Paramount pays approximately $250 million for Champions League broadcast rights in the U.S. under a deal that runs through 2030.

UEFA’s new deals include Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Central America, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Mexico, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Ireland, Romania, Slovakia, South America, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Relevant to the American audience, however, are two of the media companies involved in bidding for this set of rights. Both Disney and Paramount were active bidders in the process, securing the vast majority of rights across South America, Central America, Mexico, and Canada. Champions League matches will be split 50-50 between Paramount+ and ESPN/Disney+ in South America, Central America, and Mexico, while Paramount+ will control 100% of rights to UEFA competitions in Canada.

Late last year, Paramount secured Champions League rights in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Germany.

Per Bloomberg, the rights fee UEFA secured in its recent set of deals outpaces the roughly 20% increase it secured in the major European markets last year. Those fee increases are, in part, being attributed to greater interest from American media companies.

With both Disney and Paramount clearly interested in UEFA competitions in American markets, the two companies could be headed for battle in a few years, when Paramount’s U.S. rights are set to expire.

The post UEFA secures global media rights deals approaching $6B annually appeared first on Awful Announcing.

Barcelona’s attacking success this season has often been linked with big names like Lamine Yamal, but there is another player quietly building a remarkable campaign – Fermin Lopez.

While the spotlight has naturally fallen on Barcelona’s wide stars, Fermin has carved out his own space with consistent and decisive performances. 

Simply put, the 22-year-old midfielder has influenced games in a way that has made him a key figure under Hansi Flick.

This season has been a clear step forward for the La Masia graduate, as Fermin has gone beyond his previous levels, delivering numbers that underline his growth. 

He has already scored 13 goals, showing his ability to arrive late in the box and make the difference in key moments. But what truly stands out is his creativity.

Chasing Lamine Yamal

On top of his goals, Fermin has registered 17 assists across all competitions, placing him among the most productive players in the squad. 

His latest contribution came in the recent La Liga clash against Osasuna, where he assisted the winning goal scored by Ferran Torres.

Fermin Lopez could surpass Lamine Yamal’s numbers. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

In La Liga alone, he has delivered nine assists, putting him right at the top end of the league’s creative charts. 

Within the Barcelona squad, only Lamine Yamal currently sits ahead of him in total assists.

That gap, however, is minimal, as Yamal has 18 assists, just one more than Fermin. 

With the young winger set to miss the rest of the season, the door is now open for the midfielder to pounce. 

As such, Fermin is only one assist away from matching that tally, and if his current form continues, overtaking it looks more than possible.

Barcelona’s season has been defined by attacking fluidity, and while several players deserve credit, Fermin Lopez’s rise this season deserves special recognition. 

Free agency and the NFL Draft bring a host of new players to the Atlanta Falcons, with new opportunities abounding for new additions. That does mean that some incumbent Falcons are going to have to fight for their jobs this summer, however, and some might have a very uphill sort of battle to wage.

Here are five players and a sizeable chunk of one position’s depth chart who may find themselves on the roster bubble, with fortunes ranging from “needs a good summer” to “needs a miracle.”

WR Casey Washington

He checks a lot of boxes for this list. Washington is a late draft pick from the former regime who got a bit of buzz as a sure-handed target with quality size and figured to push for WR4 over the long haul. Instead, he has just six catches for 94 yards over two seasons and 15 games, with numerous injuries that include multiple concussions and a back ailment along the way. He also hasn’t had much of a role on special teams.

If he’s totally healthy, Washington can push for WR5 duties with a strong summer, but the new regime has no attachments and he’s given them very little to consider to this point.

TE Charlie Woerner

In 2024, Woerner was a vital cog in the run game who paved the way effectively for Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. Last year, his performance slipped a bit, and he’s now set to make nearly $6 million in 2026. With the Falcons bringing aboard bruising blocking tight end Brandon Frazier in their undrafted free agent class, and with the team’s ability to save $4.75 million by cutting ties with Woerner, his position on the depth chart is far from guaranteed. He needs an absolutely stellar summer to ensure he sticks around.

T Jack Nelson

Last year’s seventh round pick no longer has the coaching staff and front office that drafted him around, most notably offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford, and played just four snaps in 2025. The Falcons have imported Ethan Onianwa (who is probably moving to guard but could play tackle) and hulking tackle Riley Mahlmann, and so Nelson will be battling for a spot with Storm Norton and Mike Jerrell also pushing for spots. I hope he can make it—I think he’s promising—but it’s far from guaranteed.

EDGE Bralen Trice

It’s a numbers game, and Trice simply hasn’t been healthy to this point. A very productive college pass rusher with the size and willingness to be a capable run defender, Trice seemed like great value in the third round of the 2024 draft, but has yet to appear in a regular season NFL game.

A looming James Pearce Jr. suspension may help keep him on the roster, but the Falcons added Azeez Ojulari, Samson Ebukam, and Cameron Thomas and still have DeAngelo Malone around as a potential core special teams guy. Trice has to be healthy this year to stick.

ILB Troy Andersen

Andersen has proven he can play at a high level, if only in short stretches, but faces the same roster calculus as Andersen. The Falcons have Divine Deablo, signed Christian Harris to compete for a starting job and Channing Tindall as a special teamer, and drafted both Kendal Daniels and Harold Perkins Jr. at linebacker.

If he’s fully healthy, Andersen’s coverage ability alone will give him an inside track to a roster spot, and he’ll be in the mix to start with Harris and Daniels. At this point, as you’ve noticed from my post-draft comments hyping Daniels for a starting job, I have my doubts that will happen. Given that a truly healthy Andersen is also unquestionably one of this team’s better linebackers, I still hope it will happen.

CBs Clark Phillips/Natrone Broooks/C.J. Henderson/Mike Ford Jr./Cobee Bryant

The cornerback corps is heavy with options, and it’s likely to cost multiple roster stalwarts jobs this summer.

Phillips has been either hurt or buried on the depth chart during much of his three year run in Atlanta, Brooks and Ford are here chiefly for their special teams value, and Henderson and Bryant are well-liked by this defensive staff but facing fierce competition. In addition to Avieon Terrell, the Falcons traded for Sydney Brown and signed Darnay Holmes in the offseason, and I’d bet heavily on the Falcons locking in the two Terrells, Mike Hughes, Billy Bowman Jr., and Brown as their top five options at cornerback. That leaves likely one roster spot and some practice squad openings for five players, so a couple of roster stalwarts are almost certainly headed elsewhere this year.

Who else do you see being on the roster bubble this summer?

The Colorado Avalanche scored a whopping nine goals in wildly entertaining Game 1. The Montreal Canadiens only had nine shots in Game 7, but they’re moving past the Tampa Bay Lightning and into the second round. In Toronto, the new front office leadership will be introduced later today.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — May 4.

Colorado Hockey Now

The Avalanche won a crazy, chaotic Game 1 against the Minnesota Wild on Sunday.

All that matters in the postseason is getting the wins. Still, this wasn’t really how things were supposed to unfold.

Author’s Note: I’ll be in Minnesota later this week, continuing my playoff coverage from the road. Unfortunately, the expenses are adding up pretty quickly, and it’s getting more difficult to be at every game. If you enjoy the coverage here at Colorado Hockey Now and want to chip in to our travel budget, you can do so here via PAYPAL or VENMO. My goal remains to bring the best possible coverage from the rink and inside the locker room. Thank you all so much for being readers and supporters. Here’s to a playoff run that goes all the way through the end of June.

Stanley Cup Playoffs Recap

Game 7 Recap — Canadiens 2 at Lightning 1 — (MTL wins 4-3)

By far the best, most entertaining series of the first round. The Montreal Canadiens handed the Tampa Bay Lightning their fourth consecutive first-round loss, winning Game 7 by a final score of 2-1. The game-winning goal came from a familiar face around Colorado. Alex Newhook banked it in with less than nine minutes to go in regulation.

The Habs had just nine shots on goal all game, including a second period where they didn’t get a single one for the first time in franchise history. Montreal advances to face the Buffalo Sabres in Round 2.

Tonight’s Schedule

• Game 2: Philadelphia Flyers at Carolina Hurricanes (5 pm MT on ESPN)
• Game 1: Anaheim Ducks at Vegas Golden Knights (7:30 pm MT on ESPN)

Around The NHL

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The looming Evgeni Malkin decision is difficult, but not complicated.

Montreal Hockey Now: Here’s the second-round schedule between the Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres, which starts on Wednesday.

Toronto Hockey Now: The news became official out of Toronto. Their new front office was named and will be introduced later on Monday. Not many people like where this is going for the franchise.

Boston Hockey Now: Viktor Arvidsson was a good fit for Boston. Will he stay there? He spoke about that during the Bruins’ closing interviews.

The post Deen’s Daily: Avalanche Score 9 Goals And Win; Montreal Takes 9 Shots And Wins; Sundin, Chayka Presser in Toronto Today appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.

Colorado Avalanche News

• 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Wild vs. Avalanche Western 2nd Round preview. [NHL]
  

• Who has the edge in Wild vs. Avalanche? Breaking down a titanic, conference-final worthy showdown. [The Athletic]
• Notebook: Avalanche prepare for heavyweight Round 2 series vs. Wild. [Sportsnet]

News Around the League

• Habs hang on in Game 7, eliminate Lightning on a goal from Alex Newhook, move on to face Buffalo Sabres. [CBC]
• NHL Draft Lottery: Canucks are no strangers to sliding, even with a lucky charm. [The Province]
• Malkin wants to keep playing in NHL, even if Penguins don’t re-sign him. [NHL]
  

• Maple Leafs elect for high-risk, high-reward option in hiring franchise legend Mats Sundin. [The Leafs Nation]
• Leon Draisaitl unloads: Edmonton Oilers have ‘taken big steps backward’. [Edmonton Journal]
• Top 50 NHL UFAs of 2026: Bobrovsky isn’t in the playoffs, yet his value is rising. [Daily Faceoff]
• Rantanen fined $5K for cross-checking Kaprizov. [The Score]

Major League Baseball is now roughly six weeks into the 2026 season, and teams have surged out to strong starts. At the same time, several stars have already taken early leads across the game’s key statistical categories.

Many of these leaders are familiar names fans expect to see at the top. Whether it’s Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees or Cleveland Guardians star José Ramírez, stars are stars in this game. However, a few unexpected players have also emerged as early standouts among MLB’s statistical leaders.

MORE: Bo Bichette returns to shortstop after New York Mets’ latest injury

With approximately 21 weeks remaining in the season, these categories will play a major role in shaping the race for individual awards. Honors such as the Cy Young Award and the Babe Ruth Home Run Award closely track the pitching and hitting metrics highlighted below.

Offensive Leaders

Batting Average
NL: Ildemaro Vargas (1B), ARI — .382 AVG.
AL: Ben Rice (1B), NYY — .343 AVG.

Home Runs
NL (3-way tie): Matt Olson (1B), ATL; Kyle Schwarber (LF), PHI; Mickey Moniak (LF), COL — 11 HR.
AL (2-way tie): Aaron Judge (RF), NYY; Munetaka Murakami (1B), CHW — 13 HR.

MORE: Red Sox give updates on their injured starting pitchers

Runs Batted In
NL: Matt Olson (1B), ATL — 31 RBI.
AL: Jonathan Aranda (1B), TB — 28 RBI.

Stolen Bases
NL: Nasim Núñez (2B), WSH — 14 SB.
AL (2-way tie): José Ramírez (3B), CLE; José Caballero (SS), NYY — 13 SB.

Pitching Leaders

Strikeouts
NL: Jacob Misiorowski, MIL — 59 K.
AL: Dylan Cease, TOR — 56 K.

Wins
NL: Chris Sale, ATL — 6 W.
AL (2-way tie): José Soriano, LAA; Gavin Williams, CLE — 5 W.

MORE: Giancarlo Stanton injury update is promising news for Yankees

Earned Run Average
NL: Clay Holmes, NYM — 1.75 ERA.
AL: José Soriano, LAA — 0.84 ERA.

Saves
NL: Mason Miller, SD — 10 SV.
AL: Lucas Erceg, KC; David Bednar — 9 SV.

As MLB enters Week 7 of the regular season, the question remains: can these early leaders maintain their pace? Can they stay ahead of the competition in the race for baseball’s top honors?

From top draft choice Jadarian Price through a 5-foot-6 United States Air Force lieutenant, the Seahawks brought in more guys for a rookie minicamp than they’ll have players on their roster next season.

It was 68 players in all. They were wearing the uniforms, practicing on the fields and getting trained by the coaches of the Super Bowl champions at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.

Fifty-three of those 68 at the rookie camp were tryout players. They are seeking to earn the contracts eight draft picks plus seven undrafted free agents already have with Seattle.

“It’s a lot of tryout guys,” coach Mike Macdonald said as the rookie minicamp ended Saturday.

Why?

It’s part of Macdonald’s credo.

“It’s a chasing-edges thing that we believe in here,” he said. “We found some really great players to be on our kind of 120 idea over the years.”

Their “120 idea” is a pool of about 50 guys beyond the 53 players on the active roster and 17 on the practice squad during the season. Macdonald and his coaching staff are taking from this past weekend about 50 players they could potentially call if one of the Seahawks’ practice-squad players gets hurt, or signed by another team to its active roster.

Macdonald rediscovered a linebacker Seattle had during the 2025 preseason. The team signed him back a few days after its Super Bowl win in February 2026.

“Everyone’s on a different timeline,” Macdonald said. “We’ve had several guys that have come back in camp — or even after camp or after the season. Jalan Gaines is a guy that comes to mind that’s with us now.

“To go through it with these tryout guys, there’s some talented guys that we’ll be interested in. And we’ll be a better team for it.”

With 20 of 22 starters on last season’s championship team returning for 2026, there aren’t a ton of Seahawks jobs available for the players who wore on their fields this weekend.

Who and what stood out to me during this rookie minicamp:

1. Yes, Jadarian Price catches passes

New running backs coach Thomas Hammock took a break from his pre- and post-draft razzing of Price. Hammock mentored Price on nuances of the position in drills through cones and pads on the ground. And on ball security.

Price fumbled three times in his last two Notre Dame seasons. Not a ton, but enough to have Hammock’s and the Seahawks’ attention to improve.

Hammock was the head coach at Northern Illinois before Macdonald hired him this offseason. Northern Illinois upset Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, during Price’s 2024 season for the Fighting Irish. And he won’t stop reminding Price and his new Seahawks.

“You guys beat Notre Dame. All right. We get it,” Schneider has told his new running backs coach.

#Seahawks first-round pick Jadarian Price in one of his first NFL running-back drills with new Seattle RBs coach Thomas Hammock.

Start of rookie minicamp with the Super Bowl champions here in Renton.

⁦@thenewstribune⁩ @933KJRpic.twitter.com/w0jQLAMFCH

— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) May 1, 2026

From check-down passes to called primary routes, and in drills before scrimmaging, Price was conspicuously catching the ball from quarterbacks Blake Shapen from Mississippi State, one-time BYU then Tulane QB Jake Retzlaff and recent University of Washington backup Kai Horton.

It was conspicuous because Price was a high-efficiency running back (6-plus yards per carry) with 21 rushing touchdowns and national-leading kickoff returner in three seasons for Notre Dame. He caught only 15 passes in those three years.

Price said upon Schneider and Macdonald making him Seattle’s fourth running back drafted in the first round April 23 his goal was to become a better receiver and pass blocker.

It’s been an emphasis for him since his last college game Nov. 29.

“That was the biggest thing to show at the (NFL scouting) combine and (Notre Dame) Pro Day was my ability to catch the ball out of the backfield,” Price said, “because I didn’t show that as much on film.”

Macdonald said it is more a matter of Seahawks coaches keeping their replacement for departed (to Kansas City) Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker out of any potential leg tie-ups with other guys in this first minicamp.

“It’s not like an extra point of emphasis,” Macdonald said. “I think because of camp, probably more space plays rather than keeping him in traffic. Just trying to be smart on how we utilize him in this camp. Getting off, but getting off to the right start.

“Did a good job. It’s definitely part of our offense.”

2. Guard Beau Stephens’ side

Schneider and Macdonald didn’t reach into the Seahawks’ stash of 12 expected picks in a stronger 2027 draft to trade and get Beau Stephens. The All-American guard for Iowa was still available in the fifth round of this draft - no need to have Stephens sit and watch Grey Zabel continue to be a stud at left guard for years.

Stephens makes sense as Seattle’s right guard of the future. If not the now.

Stephens already gets that.

“They obviously have a really good left guard,” he said Friday of Zabel, Seattle’s first-round pick last year. “So I’m assuming.”

Assuming that Stephens being at right guard during this rookie camp means that’s where he will begin when starting right guard Anthony Bradford and the veteran Seahawks join the new guys in offseason practices the next few weeks.

Bradford, maligned by fans and people outside the team facility, will be entering the final season of his contract this fall. Stephens started the last two seasons at Iowa at left guard. He was the Hawkeyes’ starting right guard as a sophomore in 2023.

Macdonald smiled following the rookie practice Saturday and said he knew I would ask him about the longer-term significance of Stephens being at right guard this first weekend. The coach wasn’t about to put Bradford on notice the first days of May, four-plus months before the Seahawks’ first game.

“Beau is on the right side,” Macdonald said, “but we’re going to train him at both spots. We’ll see how it goes inside. You need flexibility across, on the interior part of your line.

“He’s played both in his career. Right now he’s playing right guard. But we’ll be training him right and left.”

3. Air Force officer in camp

Cade Harris was running routes and catching passes this weekend — while on permissive temporary duty (TDY) from the U.S. Air Force.

Harris played four seasons for Air Force. He graduated from the Air Force Academy in December 2025. That earned him a commission on active duty as a second lieutenant, in logistics.

He told me his agent has a connection in the Seahawks’ front office. The team needed more guys for this rookie minicamp. That’s how Second Lieutenant Harris got to Renton this weekend, on TDY.

The 5-6, 182-pound Harris said he has another tryout next weekend at a rookie minicamp with the New England Patriots.

Third-round draft choice Julian Neal (1) warming up with the cornerbacks for #Seahawks rookie minicamp. ⁦@thenewstribune⁩ pic.twitter.com/FTzw7Mlqic

— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) May 2, 2026

4. Undrafted rookie gets noticed

Uso Seumalo entered the weekend as one to watch, on a position where Macdonald is seeking more depth for the 2026 season

Friday, the Seahawks announced they had signed Seumalo among seven undrafted free agents.

About an hour later, moments into his first 11-on-11 scrimmage with Seattle, the nose tackle made an impression.

He jumped while getting blocked. The 6-foot-3, 330-pound Seumalo knocked down a quick, short pass by Shapen, who got most of the plays quarterbacking with Price, Stephens and what appeared to be a first-team offense, if there was such a thing this weekend.

By the end of the rookie camp, a member of the Seahawks’ public-relations staff was confirming the pronunciation of his name.

With Brandon Pili re-signed for one season and 2025 undrafted rookie Bubba Thomas back in reserve as Seattle’s only true nose tackles, there may be a reason to learn his name is pronounced EW-so SAY-u-mall-o. He played volleyball and basketball at Molokai High School in Ho’olehua, Hawaii. He didn’t played football until his senior year there. Seumalo then played two seasons at Garden City Community College in Kansas and four more for Kansas State.

The Seahawks did not draft an edge rusher because the ones they wanted were selected ahead of where they were picking in later rounds. So they signed three undrafted free-agent pass rushers: Devean Deal from TCU, Aidan Hubbard from Northwestern and Marvin Jones Jr. from Oklahoma.

Also signed as rookie free agents: wide receivers Michael Briscoe from Cal Poly and Kansas’ Levi Wentz, plus tight end Lance Mason from Wisconsin.

5. A 6-5 cornerback

Tyrone Broden spent last season on the Seahawks’ practice squad after signing in the spring of 2025 as a rookie free agent. He was at the position he played in college at Bowling Green and Arkansas: wide receiver.

Seattle’s coaches have moved him to cornerback for 2026.

A 6-5 cornerback would be the tallest in NFL history. Original Legion of Boom cornerback Brandon Browner was 6-4. Richard Sherman, Browner’s teammate on those Seahawks title-winning teams of a dozen or so years ago, was 6-3. Broden was hurt in practice last season. He has been on crutches this offseason. He isn’t ready to be on the field yet when the veterans begin the second phase of the Seahawks’ offseason program Monday.

But Broden at cornerback is a unique idea.

“He’s someone that did a great job at the beginning of last year and unfortunately got hurt. We loved his movement ability, and he’s got ball skills and he competes. He’s got a great attitude,” Macdonald said. “We felt like it could translate to being a heck of a DB one day.

“He’s dealing with some health things right now in terms of his timeline on when he can get back on the field. So right now we’re not exactly sure when that’s going to happen. But he’s in meetings, and he’s got a great spirit about him.

“We’re excited about it. It’s going to take some time, but he’s a great guy for the job.”

Macdonald was asked about a guy Broden’s height never playing cornerback in an NFL regular season game.

“He can bend really well. He’s not just a straight-legged 6-foot whatever,” Macdonald said. “He can move and get in and out of breaks. His lateral quickness is really good. He’s a great special-teams player. He’s a great gunner (outside on the punt team). Those are traits that you look for in defensive players.

“So we think that’s going to translate.”

Good morning, baseball fans!

We are in the middle of a new feature for May that I’m calling the “12 Days of Mays-mas” because I won’t be around for this week, and I want to leave you guys with some fun things to watch while I’m gone.

For the fourth day of Mays-mas, I thought we could take another look at Matt Cain’s perfect game!

I vividly remember this game, but not because I was watching it. I was still living in the bay at the time, and I remember getting about a half dozen text messages telling me to get to a television.

It was my brother’s birthday, and I remember very clearly him telling me that he refused to turn the game on because he felt he had the worst luck in the world and would jinx it. For his sacrifice, Matt Cain gave him the best birthday present a baseball player could give someone that would be forever associated with his day.

So grab your coffee, settle in, and enjoy!

What time do the Giants play today?

The San Francisco Giants return to Oracle Park tonight to begin a three-game series against the San Diego Padres at 6:45 p.m. PT.

THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL

BEARSSSSSS

Former Bears WR Chase Claypool tries to reboot career at Packers’ rookie minicamp

Two names I would be happy to never hear again, Claypool and Packers.

Bears take training wheels off QB Caleb Williams heading into Year 3

Good. It’s hard to run with wheels attached to your shoes.

What NFL Execs Thought About the Chicago Bears’ 2026 Draft Class

Nick Moreano spills the beans.

POLISH SAUSAGE

Former Steelers QB John Rhys Plumlee lands in the UFL

Well all righty then.
Caleb Downs has the top-selling rookie jersey, so far

How excited are Raiders fans about their new QB? Apparently they are whelmed, not overwhelmed.

Brian Schottenheimer: No plan to discuss decision to accept franchise tender with George Pickens

Pickens unexpectedly decided to accept the tender.

Fernando Mendoza learning to play from under center for the first time in the NFL

If he does, his jersey will sell better.

Shedeur Sanders returns to Colorado to get his degree

Good job Shedeur!

KNOW THINE ENEMY

Source: Wilfs aren’t selling the Vikings

Big spending drop apparently isn’t because the team is available.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON

2027 Bears mock draft: Way-too-early selections

Chicago Bears’ Dillon Thieneman is a ‘bust-proof player’

How Soon Will the Chicago Bears 2026 Rookie Class Make an Impact?

Austin Booker’s Physical Development Sets Stage for Key Year Three Push

More NFL Executives Weigh in on the Chicago Bears 2026 Draft Class

Chicago Bears Question of the Day: Did Ryan Poles overthink it?

How does Sam Roush impact Cole Kmet?

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If you are a fan of professional wrestling, you know that more and more the curtain has been pulled back. There are very few, if any, secrets anymore. Only children really suspend belief, much like watching almost any television show or movie, while watching wrestling. There is a lot of good and bad to that for that particular form of entertainment.

Professional sports have become similar, with the veil being lifted by things like “Hard Knocks,” “Unleashed” by the Cleveland Browns, and, now, “The Pick Is In” on ESPN. Those are just football examples.

We learned on the latest ESPN show focused on the 2026 NFL draft that the Browns turned down multiple trade offers in the first round this year. On that show, we also saw how the sausage is made with a trade as well as Cleveland GM Andrew Berry going over the draft board in Berea, telling everyone that OT Spencer Fano, WR Jordyn Tyson, and OT Francis Mauigoa were their top three targets after the trade:

While we may never know for sure, given the order in which Berry noted the three players, it is likely that Fano was the top option, with Tyson then Mauigoa following. In her piece on Yahoo Sports, Epstein noted that the monitors showed the odds of each player being available when they were to select with the ninth pick, but did not indicate in which order Cleveland had the three players ranked.

Of the three options Berry went over, only one of his top choices, Tyson, was off the board when they picked ninth, selecting Fano. While fans and media have more and more access through these shows, we will never know for sure how the Browns had the three options ranked. Is it possible that Tyson was ahead of Fano? Sure. On the other hand, the order in which Berry read off the names seems indicative that Fano topped the list.

Either way, getting to watch Berry work the phones and see the thought process, where they knew they would leave with one of their top options, was interesting. Much like last year’s Jacksonville Jaguars trade, it also seemed like Berry had already worked out the details of trading down three spots before the draft even started.

A smooth operation run in Berea, and the Browns got their guy in Fano. Would they have selected Tyson if all three were available? We will probably never know. Would any of the three have been available if Berry had accepted the Cowboys trade offer earlier? Probably not:

What are your thoughts while watching that video clip above? Any chance Tyson was ranked ahead of Fano for the Browns?

Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below

The Indianapolis Colts declined to pick up Anthony Richardson's fifth-year option for the 2027 NFL season.

This decision didn't come as a surprise by any means, but out of the 31 first-round picks made in the 2023 NFL draft -- Miami forfeited their selection that year -- Richardson was one of only nine players to not have his option picked up.

All first-round draft picks earn a four-year rookie deal, but teams also have the ability to pick up or decline that player's fifth-year option. These decisions have to be made prior to that player's fourth NFL season. The deadline this offseason was May 1st.

Below are the nine players whose fifth-year options for the 2027 season were declined.

2023 NFL draft picks whose 5th-year options were declined

• 4. QB Anthony Richardson, Colts
• 7. DE Tyree Wilson, Saints
• 14. OL Broderick Jones, Steelers
• 16. CB Emmanuel Forbes, Rams
• 18. LB Jack Campbell, Lions
• 24. CB Deonte Banks, Giants
• 26. DT Mazi Smith, Jets
• 28. DE Myles Murphy, Bengals
• 31. DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Chiefs

The Colts are currently trying to trade Richardson. So for that reason, picking up this option was likely never in play, especially after agreeing to a multi-year deal with Daniel Jones. The team is also bullish on Riley Leonard as a backup quarterback option.

But in addition to all of that, as a quarterback, Richardson's fifth-year option amount came with a steep price tag of $22.4 million -- all of which would have been fully guaranteed.

Trading Richardson has proven to be difficult, with ESPN's Adam Schefter reporting before the draft that the quarterback had a "soft" market. Ballard also wants to ensure that he is getting a fair return for Richardson.

For now, it would seem that the Colts remain in wait-and-see mode. "We'll continue to work through that," GM Chris Ballard said while appearing on the 'Rich Eisen Show.'

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: List of nine 2023 NFL draft picks with 5th-year options declined

How Avalanche beat Wild in absurd 9-6 NHL playoff game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

It was an avalanche.

That's the best, and most punny, way to describe exactly what the Colorado Avalanche did against the Minnesota Wild on Sunday night in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal NHL playoff series that ended with a 9-6 score in favor of Colorado.

Yeah, it was as wild as it sounds.

In the early stages, it looked like the top-seeded Avalanche might just storm away with it. They scored three goals in 121 seconds to take a 3-0 lead midway through the first period.

But then the Wild answered back with two goals in 62 seconds, only a few minutes later, to pull within 3-2.

The Avalanche made it 4-2 four minutes into the second period.

MORE: Sabres' storybook season is real, and Stanley Cup dreams are valid

Then the Wild had a storm of their own, three goals across 10 minutes -- Vladimir Tarasenko, Quinn Hughes and Marcus Foligno -- to take a 5-4 lead late in the second.

Before it got to the intermission, though, Devon Toews scored to make it 5-5 after two.

The highest-scoring game of this postseason so far had featured 11 goals. This one would need at least 11 goals to have a winner.

In the end, they got to 15.

Cale Makar and Nazem Kadri scored within the first six minutes of the third period to make it 7-5 Colorado.

Mats Zuccarello nabbed the final Minnesota tally with four minutes to play to pull within 7-6.

But then Makar scored a minute later, and Nathan MacKinnon added an empty-netter, and that was that.

In one crazy statistical way, it was historic:

In tonight's Game 1, the @Avalanche had a 3-0 lead, trailed 5-4 and won 9-6. It is the first time in NHL playoff history a team led by three goals, then fell behind and won the game by three or more goals. pic.twitter.com/Y5ej2TAwjK

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) May 4, 2026

MORE: Canadiens win a playoff game like none other in NHL history

It also sets up for what could be an absolutely crazy series. 

Maybe the best news of all for Colorado was that Makar left with an injury scare but eventually returned and looked like his usual self.

They'll need him, and everyone else, to hold off the Wild going forward. These teams have some serious firepower.

More NHL news:

• The trade clock is ticking for Connor McDavid
• Sabres relish in Ryan Whitney's prediction misfire
• Sidney Crosby hints at retirement plans
• Stars facing Jason Robertson contract dilemma
• Sabres' fans show they can handle 'O Canada' with no microphone help

Rohit Sharma has been absent due to a persistent hamstring issue that he sustained during Mumbai Indians' IPL 2026 clash against RCB last month.

The franchise has struggled immensely to fill the gap at the top of the order. Without Rohit’s explosive starts, his replacement, like Danish Malewar, has failed to provide the necessary momentum, leaving the middle order under constant pressure.

However, before the all-important clash against LSG in Mumbai, MI hinted that Rohit could finally return to action on Monday. 

Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source

Will Rohit Sharma play today?

Hours before the must-win clash, MI posted images of their players in training, which included Rohit Sharma on X. In the caption, they wrote: "Putting in the work."

Putting in the work 💪 pic.twitter.com/oobxf5gs8F

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 4, 2026

What is Rohit Sharma's score in today's LSG vs MI IPL 2026 match?

If Rohit Sharma features in MI's starting lineup, he is expected to open the innings, alongside Ryan Rickleton. 

What is Rohit Sharma's record in IPL?

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The Denver Nuggets are facing major questions after a disappointing playoff exit.

Their first round elimination came against a Minnesota Timberwolves side missing key players during the series, raising serious concerns about the team’s trajectory.

That defeat has intensified scrutiny around the roster and sparked widespread discussion about a potential overhaul.

Amid that uncertainty, clarity has begun to emerge regarding who remains central to the franchise. NBA insider Shams Charania has now identified the only two figures in Denver whose futures appear secure heading into the offseason.

Shams Charania claims just David Adelman and Nikola Jokic are unlikely to move

According to Charania, the Nuggets are set for significant change, with just two individuals guaranteed to remain: head coach David Adelman and star center Nikola Jokic.

“David Adelman, their head coach, he is going to be back. His job is safe,” Charania said on ESPN last Sunday, dropping a confirmation that provides stability on the sidelines despite growing pressure elsewhere.

He then added: “The second order of business for the Nuggets this offseason is securing a long-term commitment from Nikola Jokic. He’s eligible for a contract extension: four years and $290 million plus. The expectation on both sides is that Nikola Jokic will be signing that when he’s eligible in July.

“But, beyond that, there is going to be real roster changes coming to Denver. They want to identify how they can surround Nikola Jokic with the right pieces to get this team over the top… They’re gonna get calls and listen to calls on everyone on the roster besides Nikola Jokic.”

Jamal Murray’s future uncertain as Nuggets weigh options

That stance inevitably brings Jamal Murray into focus as a possible trade candidate. The guard has been with Denver since being selected seventh overall in the 2016 NBA Draft.

Murray played a key role in delivering the franchise’s 2023 championship. His partnership with Jokic was central to that success and helped define the team’s identity.

However, recent playoff exits have led to growing questions about his role and long-term fit.

With Denver open to listening to offers across most of the roster, Murray’s situation could become one of the defining storylines of the offseason.

Read more:

“Reading are much, much better at developing youth nowadays”… is how I started this article last year. As for now? Not so much.

While it’s been an oft-discussed point that Leam Richardson doesn’t really seem to trust youth players (just look at a lack of game time recently for Emmanuel Osho, Luke Howard and others), the size of our Rookie of the Season 2025/26 nominees list makes the issue clear. This has not been a good season for youngsters breaking through into Reading’s first team.

So how does our list work? Well, to come up with it, we use the same criteria each year (updating the first line though, naturally):

• Have been 22 years old or younger on August 1, 2025
• Have made fewer than five Reading starts before the start of the season
• Have made five Reading starts this season or a combined 10 sub appearances + starts
• Not be on loan at the club

The 2022/23 relegation campaign was a particularly dour year for youth development, with only three players making our shortlist (Kelvin Abrefa, winner Nesta Guinness-Walker and Amadou Mbengue). A youthwards shift in 2023/24 yielded a whopping 13-man shortlist (congratulations to Tyler Bindon), which dropped slightly to seven in 2024/25 (congratulations to Jayden Wareham).

As for 2025/26? We’re down to… two players.

Now, obviously the situation at the club is very different now to how it was in the previous two campaigns. Reading had to play youngsters due to an inability to bring in new signings, and that’s not been the case so much in the post-Dai Yongge era.

However, it’s also fair to say that giving a youth a chance at Reading hasn’t been a strong part of this season’s rebuild. Yes, some have headed out on loan to the lower leagues and it’s made sense to do so, but such a major drop-off in opportunities in the Royals’ first team is still disappointing and should be rectified next season.

Without any further ado, here are both of your candidates…

John Ryan

Appearances: 6

Average rating: 6.3/10

The young Irishman got five starts at left-back in the cup earlier this season: three in the Pizza McPizza Virtuous Vase Shield and two in the League Cup. He did well on those occasions, particularly against West Ham United’s under-21s and MK Dons (both at home), as a well-rounded full-back. His high average rating underlines his consistency in those matches.

Unfortunately, Ryan’s season was again curtailed by serious injury, which has denied him football since December. It was another sad blow for someone who’s had horrid luck on this front in recent years, and at this point it looks unlikely he’ll be retained beyond the summer when his contract expires. Whatever happens though, he’s a bright talent and is one to watch for the future.

Benn Ward

Appearances: 8

Average rating: 6.3/10

A January arrival from Accrington Stanley, Ward’s also had bad luck on the fitness front, ruled out for the rest of the season after a cynical opposition challenge at Burton Albion in mid-March. He looked a class act during his eight appearances though, showing real quality at centre-back and left-back.

Had he shown that form across a full season, he’d have been at player of the season level, for me. Maybe that’s a bit over the top, but either way, I’m really looking forward to seeing more of him in the first team in 2026/27.

Vote

In previous years we’ve had such an extensive shortlist that we’ve asked you to rank all the nominees. Given that it’s between just the two players this time, we’ve stripped it back to a straightforward poll, which you can find in this link right here.

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The fifth edition of the Miami Grand Prix gave Formula 1 another chaotic and competitive weekend around Hard Rock Stadium. The race started three hours earlier than planned because of weather concerns, but the change did not reduce the action on track. Kimi Antonelli turned pole position into another victory, even after losing the lead on the opening lap, while early incidents involving Pierre Gasly and Isack Hadjar reshuffled the field. The result was a race that produced clear winners, painful losers, and another strong reminder that Miami has become one of the calendar’s most unpredictable stops.

Antonelli’s win stood out because it was built on control rather than a perfect start. The Mercedes driver again struggled off the line, but he recovered with a strong strategy call and held off pressure from Lando Norris to win. That made it his third straight Grand Prix victory from pole, a rare sequence in Formula 1 history. McLaren also left Miami with real momentum after Norris and Oscar Piastri both finished on the podium, while Williams, Alpine, and even the broader championship picture all found reasons to leave encouraged. On the other side, Ferrari, Red Bull’s second seat, Audi, Aston Martin, and George Russell all had weekends that exposed problems they still need to solve. Miami was not just a race winner’s story. It was also a weekend that showed which teams are building form and which ones are still fighting for answers.

MORE: How to live stream Jack Link’s 500: NASCAR, TV channel

Winner of the Grand Prix

Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Kimi Antonelli won the Miami Grand Prix and extended his championship lead to 20 points. He started from pole, lost the lead early, and still recovered to finish first by using a strong undercut and clean race management. The Mercedes driver became only the third racer to win his first three Grands Prix consecutively, joining Damon Hill and Mika Hakkinen. That makes his Miami result another major milestone in a sophomore season that is starting to look like a title fight.

Antonelli also showed more maturity under pressure, especially with Lando Norris close behind in the final stint. He said, “I think I feel much more comfortable in the car, much more in control as well.” His pace and composure gave Mercedes another clear win. Even with the start issues, he is proving he can still deliver when the race gets tense.

Franco Colapinto, Alpine

Franco Colapinto had his best weekend in Formula 1 so far. He qualified eighth, beat teammate Pierre Gasly for the first time this season, and finished seventh after Leclerc’s penalty promoted him one place. For Alpine, that was a strong sign that the upgrades may have worked and that the team can fight in the midfield.

Colapinto drove a clean race and avoided the mistakes that hurt several others around him. He made the most of Alpine’s improved pace and a lighter chassis. It was also a confidence-building result for a driver who has faced criticism since replacing Jack Doohan. The weekend gave Alpine proof that progress is possible when both pace and execution come together.

Lando Norris, McLaren

Lando Norris left Miami with a win in the Sprint and second place in the Grand Prix. That was a strong return for McLaren, especially because both drivers stayed in the podium fight across the weekend. Norris also pushed Antonelli hard in the closing stages and kept the pressure on until the flag. The result helped McLaren strengthen its position in the championship and close the gap to Ferrari.

Even so, his pace and consistency showed that McLaren’s upgrade package is working. With Oscar Piastri also on the podium, the team left Miami with a clear step forward. It was not the victory Norris wanted, but it was still a major positive.

Losers of the Miami Grand Prix

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

Charles Leclerc had one of the most frustrating Sundays of the race. He started strong, took the lead on lap one, and then lost ground after another slow Ferrari pit stop. He still fought back into third before a final-lap spin damaged his race completely. After the stewards gave him a 20-second penalty, he dropped from sixth to eighth in the final classification.

Leclerc said after the race, per SI, “I’m very disappointed with myself, it’s all on me.” That was a harsh end to a race that had once looked like it could produce a podium. Ferrari’s car showed some pace, but the execution again let the team down. If the team wants to stay in the title picture, it needs cleaner stops and fewer self-inflicted errors.

Isack Hadjar, Red Bull

Isack Hadjar’s Miami weekend ended in another early exit. He crashed into the wall at Turn 14 and finished the race as a retirement, adding to a difficult start to life alongside Max Verstappen. The Red Bull driver had already been off the pace in qualifying and sprint qualifying, and the race only confirmed how much work he still has to do. His crash also removed any chance of a useful result.

Hadjar admitted the mistake was his own, and the emotion was visible after the incident. His season has brought only four points from six scoring chances, which is not enough for a Red Bull seat under normal standards. The team will be hoping this is a learning weekend rather than a pattern. For now, the gap to Verstappen remains a major concern.

Aston Martin and Cadillac

Aston Martin and Cadillac both left Miami with more questions than answers. Aston Martin’s best result came from Fernando Alonso in 15th, while Lance Stroll finished 17th in both the sprint and the Grand Prix. Cadillac was more reliable, but both cars still finished outside the points in 16th and 18th. For teams at the back, that is not enough when others are making clear progress.

The future aspect is simple: both teams need more pace before the season slips away from them. Cadillac in particular is still early in its project, but slow progress will not help build momentum. Aston Martin, meanwhile, needs a stronger response after another flat weekend. The data from Miami may help, but the results do not.

George Russell, Mercedes

George Russell came into the season with championship expectations, but Miami was another weekend where he trailed Antonelli. He qualified and raced well behind his teammate, and the gap was clear throughout the event. Russell did recover to fourth after Leclerc’s late problems, but he was never a real threat to the win. That is a concern because Mercedes expects both cars to challenge at the front.

Russell’s problem is not one race, but a pattern. Antonelli has now beaten him in every Grand Prix qualifying and race since Australia. The Miami result made the gap in the standings even harder to ignore. He will need a stronger response in Canada if he wants to stay close in the title fight.

Audi, especially Nico Hulkenberg

Audi had a weekend full of reliability problems and no points to show for it. Nico Hulkenberg’s car suffered issues across the weekend, including a first-lap retirement in the Grand Prix after a fire in the sprint and more trouble in qualifying. Gabriel Bortoleto also had a rough weekend, finishing outside the points despite a better Grand Prix result than qualifying suggested. The team is still learning, but the losses are piling up.

Hulkenberg called it a “proper character building weekend,” which fits the overall picture. Audi says it is playing the long game, but long-term plans still need cleaner race weekends. If the team cannot finish sessions and races, it cannot make real progress. Miami showed the work still ahead.

MORE: NASCAR at Talladega, starting lineup for 2026 Jack Link’s 500

Conclusion

Miami delivered a race full of movement, mistakes, and momentum shifts. Antonelli proved again that he can handle pressure, McLaren made a clear step forward, and Colapinto gained real confidence. At the same time, Ferrari, Red Bull’s second seat, Audi, and others left with unfinished work. The season is still open, and Canada now offers the next chance to change the story.

Bill Simmons Reveals Who Deserves Most Blame For Celtics' Ugly Collapse Vs. 76ers originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

After watching their team blow a 3-1 playoff series lead for the first time in franchise history, Boston Celtics fans have spent the last few days pointing fingers and looking for someone to blame.

Unfortunately, there's plenty of blame to go around, from Joe Mazzulla and Jaylen Brown to Derrick White and Jayson Tatum's balky legs.

During Sunday's episode of "The Bill Simmons Podcast" with Zach Lowe, The Ringer's Bill Simmons revealed who he blames the most for the Celtics' historic collapse against the Philadelphia 76ers.

"I don't know what they were thinking in this series. I have so many questions," Simmons said. "Did Philly win the series, or did Boston blow it? I think the answer is both."

Some thoughts on the Celts pic.twitter.com/I9Ao7SZRP1

— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) May 4, 2026

Simmons thinks that Mazzulla didn't take the 76ers seriously enough and strayed from what made Boston so successful during the regular season, namely its deep bench.

"They just got away from what succeeded for them. The bench was the superpower of this team... and he just punted on it," Simmons continued. "I really think Mazzulla screwed the series up, and I'm always gonna think that."

Many Celtics fans would agree, as Mazzulla's strategy was baffling at times and he failed to make critical adjustments until it was too late.

Boston has a long offseason to unpack what went wrong, but much of the blame falls on Mazzulla's shoulders.

More NBA: Celtics' Historic Collapse Caps Brutal Stretch For Boston Sports Teams

Former Bayern Munich star Thomas Müller expects a very different game from the explosive first leg when the Germans host Paris Saint-Germain in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final decider.

Coach Vincent Kompany's side face the title holders after a spectacular 5-4 first-leg defeat in Paris last week.

"My thesis: It will be different in the second leg," the Vancouver Whitecaps forward wrote in a personal newsletter.

"From the 60th minute both teams will have the result in their heads, then the adjustments come. Whoever is in front accepts defending a bit deeper and the other takes the initiative. This will shape the second leg."

The 36-year-old twice Champions League winner believes his former team-mates are capable of reaching the final.

"5-4 is not a drama. There are more luxurious situations, of course. But Paris have only a one-goal lead and the second leg is at home," the 2014 Germany World Cup winner added.

"If Bayern play another 90 minutes the way they did in Paris then Bayern will win this thing by one or two goals."

New kit

Bayern will wear their kit for next season for the first time when they host PSG, the club said on Monday.

The new home shirts for the 2026-27 season are relatively classic, featuring light and dark red stripes as well as white lettering.

Bayern's women will also wear the new kit for the first time this week when hosting Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.

As it is their last home match of the season, they will be presented with the championship trophy at the Bayern Campus having already retained the title.

Six points clear of sixth-placed Bournemouth with three games left, Liverpool should secure Champions League football and deserve some credit for that.

But watch them on a weekly basis and it's clear to see this is a team that is struggling and cannot wait for this campaign to finish.

The injuries have been relentless and that was encapsulated with record signing Alexander Isak absent at Old Trafford and third-choice Freddie Woodman and fourth-choice Armin Pecsi as their two goalkeeping options.

Mohamed Salah, also ruled out with injury, watched on from the directors' box and how Liverpool could have done with the Egyptian, who has scored more times against Manchester United in the Premier League than anyone else.

Despite the absences, Liverpool would have been aware of the task against Michael Carrick's resurgent outfit and had all week to prepare, yet still delivered a woeful first-half performance.

Once again, they went behind first and despite United's best efforts to gift them a way back into the game and drawing level at 2-2, it was another Liverpool error which helped the hosts secure the three points.

Alexis Mac Allister will know he should have cleared his lines before Kobbie Mainoo's 77th-minute winner.

Arne Slot spoke earlier in the week about this summer representing the start of new cycle. At the bare minimum, he and his players need to ensure that includes Champions League football.

"I wouldn't say I'm concerned [about qualifying] but I am completely aware that we need three points and that is why I am so annoyed we did not get them," said the Dutchman.

"If you are 2-2 and have come back from 2-0 down, you should at least come out with a draw."

Deep down, he will know that regardless of Champions League qualification, Liverpool are in for a summer of change.

The pressure is on Manchester City to remain in touch with Arsenal in the Premier League title race as they face a potentially tricky trip to Everton.

Mikel Areta’s side took care of business against Fulham to open their advantage to six points at the top of the table and boosted their goal difference, with their title rivals now looking to reply in kind.

It’ll be a busy end to the league campaign for Pep Guardiola and his squad with five league games still to play as well as the FA Cup final, but a slip-up here could well prove costly.

Everton still have plenty to play for, too, in a congested chase for European places. They sit 11th after the weekend’s results.

Here’s everything you need to know.

When is Everton vs Manchester City?

Everton vs Manchester City is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Monday 4 May at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage on the channel from 6.30pm BST. A live stream will be available via Sky Go or NOW.

Team news

Everton have Beto back available with the striker recovered from the concussion that kept him out of the game against West Ham. Jarrad Branthwaite and Jack Grealish are set to miss the remainder of the season.

Rodri was yet to train when Pep Guardiola spoke on Friday and is a doubt as he manages a groin injury. Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias are absent, though.

Predicted line-ups

Everton XI: Pickford; O'Brien, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner; McNeil, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye; Beto.

Manchester City XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O'Reilly; Gonzalez; Semenyo, Silva, Cherki, Doku; Haaland.

Tom Aspinall has provided a positive update on his return to competition, saying he should be “cleared for contact” soon.

Aspinall last fought in October, when his first defence of the UFC heavyweight title ended prematurely, as he suffered multiple eye pokes from Ciryl Gane.

Those fouls forced a no-contest and led Aspinall to undergo double eye surgery, while Gane will fight Alex Pereira for the interim title in June – at an unprecedented event at the White House.

It has been expected that Aspinall, 33, will fight the winner of that bout depending on his health, and the Briton seems confident.

“We are just en route back from the eye hospital, where today I’ve had a scan, and things are progressing f***ing nicely, which I’m very happy about,” Aspinall said on his YouTube channel.

“They’re saying, pretty soon – if things keep moving in the right direction – I will be cleared for contact. I am back in the gym, I am back training, [but] not sparring just yet. But if things keep going the way they’re going, we are back.

“Everyone keeps asking when I’m going to fight. The obvious answer is the other two guys, Alex and Ciryl, have to fight for the interim title. I’m obviously going to fight the winner. The UFC has told me that I’m fighting the winner.

“First and foremost, I should get my health right, which is on the right track […] I have to wait for that to be done, and we fight the winner. Simple as that.

“No specific month. I’m waiting to get clearance, which is going to be coming soon, they’ve just told me. And any specific month depends on the UFC. Those two have got to fight each other. Let them do the thing first, recover from that, and then when everybody’s ready, we’ll do it.”

Aspinall’s overall record stands at 15-3 (1 no-contest), while his UFC record is 8-1 (1 no-contest) – with his only loss coming via injury in 2022, a defeat he avenged by knocking out Curtis Blaydes in 2024. Furthermore, all of Aspinall’s wins have come via stoppage, 14 in round one and the other in round two.

A clash with Pereira or a rematch with Gane would be highly anticipated. Pereira is a former middleweight champion and two-time light-heavyweight champion, while Gane is a former interim heavyweight champion.

Manager Marcelino will leave Villarreal at the end of the season.

The 60-year-old has secured Champions League football for a second straight year with Villarreal currently in third place in La Liga.

Confirming his imminent departure, the Spanish club said: "Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Marce, for everything you have given to this club and its fans.

"We wish you all the best in your future sporting endeavours."

The former Marseille and Sevilla manager began his second spell with Villarreal in 2023 and guided them to a fifth-placed finish last season.

Marcelino was reportedly only offered a one-year extension to his contract in January.

Villarreal were eliminated at the league phase of the Champions League, losing eight of their nine games, but have impressed in the league once more.

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Just two days after the Sixers earned a cathartic Game 7 win over their hated rivals in Boston, Joel Embiid and Co. have to walk into Madison Square Garden and play a team that finished off their round one series with a 51-point blowout. As head coach Nick Nurse told the 76ers on Saturday evening around 10 pm, you had until midnight to celebrate the victory before moving on to the next step of the journey. So it goes in the playoffs.

These two teams played a very fun series two years ago, but a lot has changed since then, with Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges entering the picture and Tobias Harris getting swapped out for Paul George in Philly. Let’s take a look at some stats, trends, and matchups to keep an eye on coming into the series, after the teams split the games 2-2 in the regular season.

Can VJ Edgecombe successfully slow down Jalen Brunson?

You could make a pretty easy argument that Edgecombe was the single-best defender of New York’s offensive engine in the regular season. The numbers are staggering for a rookie — Edgecombe guarded Brunson for around 106 possessions across four matchups, the second most of any individual player this season, holding Brunson to a total of 19 points on 8/24 shooting in those possessions. He slid around screens, contested midrange jumpers well, and wore Brunson down on the other end, making his life miserable for most of their time on the floor together. Other high-level defenders got their opportunities and struggled to keep Brunson down, with Jalen Suggs and Dyson Daniels both getting carved up by the Knicks guard in the regular season across a similar number of reps.

Though he battled foul trouble at times throughout the year, Edgecombe was fairly successful at guarding the more physical, timing-based players in year one, which is part of what allowed him to scale up and battle bigger wings in the mid-post, including in round one vs. Boston. Even when Brunson was able to shake Edgecombe with an initial head fake or dribble move, the rookie’s closing speed allowed him to get back into plays and contest without putting himself in jeopardy.

The trouble is that Brunson is a player who has proven he can work through initial struggles to produce big moments in the playoffs, with Brunson shooting a combined 16/55 against the Sixers in Games 1 and 2 in 2024, only to score 40+ points against Philadelphia in the final three games of the series. So even if Edgecombe can maintain the early advantage, this won’t be a one-person job by any stretch. This year, Philadelphia cycled through everyone from Paul George to Quentin Grimes to Justin Edwards on Brunson in the regular season, trying to throw different looks at him to change the sight lines and keep him guessing. I’d expect a similar kitchen sink approach in May.

Which backup center plays the most minutes?

Andre Drummond seems like the heavy favorite to play after Nick Nurse rode the roller coaster with him against the Celtics, and rebounding is arguably even more important in this matchup. I would play Drummond in any Robinson minutes that don’t overlap with Embiid’s to try to win the rebounding battle, but I’d consider Bona vs. Towns just to get a more mobile guy on the floor to combat the five-out lineups on New York’s end.

(I never thought I’d see the day when I’d write something like “Drummond’s corner shooting is a differentiator that can open the floor up for the guards,” but I absolutely believe it at this point. He has earned a lot of trust from me on those looks.)

Will Josh Hart shoot a billion percent from three again?

If the Knicks opt to go with their usual starting lineup of Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and Jalen Brunson, the Sixers will have to decide between two main defensive choices:

• Play the matchups straight up and bring Embiid up to the level on ball screens. The Sixers won’t be able to get away with the heavy drop they played against Boston, because Towns is a dead-eye shooter in the trail spot who the Sixers won’t be able to play off of too often
• Have Embiid “guard” Josh Hart and help off of him, while Paul George or Kelly Oubre takes the Towns assignment

I tend to believe Nurse will opt for the former to open the series for a variety of reasons. For one, using George to simply get out to the trail spot in 1/5 pick and pops feels like a waste of his defensive talents, putting him in less useful help positions and taking him off of more dangerous downhill threats. And if Embiid is reasonably healthy, he should be able to stay in front of Towns while also taking away space on the perimeter. But part of Philadelphia’s rebounding improvement against Boston relied on keeping Embiid near the paint, and that’ll be much tougher against lineups with Towns on the floor.

So keep an eye on Mr. Hart, who lit the Sixers up from deep for large portions of the 2024 series, with the Sixers banking on the idea that he couldn’t sustain it and losing that bet. Embiid will probably spend some time roaming so he can offer rim protection and rebounding, and Philly will have to live with the potential ramifications of leaving Hart open in those spots.

Which member of Knicks celebrity row will have the most unhinged reaction during a game?

Here are the odds as selected by yours truly:

• Turtle from Entourage -150
• Spike Lee -110
• Timothee Chalamet +100
• Jon Stewart +150
• Ben Stiller +225
• Tracy Morgan +300
• Fat Joe +350
• Any former Knicks player +600
• Steve Schirripa +800
• Kendall Jenner +2000

Place your bets now!

What is New York’s plan vs. Joel Embiid?

There has rarely been a point in their careers where Towns has been a credible defender against Joel Embiid. Embiid dominated him so thoroughly in their last meeting in mid-January that putting Towns in foul trouble actually ended up working against the Sixers in New York’s second-half comeback. New York used Mitchell Robinson, a stream of doubles and traps, and even OG Anunoby to try to force the ball out of Embiid’s hands in that game, willing to live with the others taking and missing open jumpers. I feel pretty good about Embiid’s chances to bulldoze New York’s typical starting lineup, if they choose to roll with it, based on the history with Towns.

Embiid vs. Robinson is a more fascinating individual matchup. While Robinson has never come close to “stopping” Embiid, the question is how he changes Embiid’s offensive process compared to the previous series against Boston. Robinson’s size makes him a lot tougher to post up, so Embiid will need to rely more on the face-up game and get into a groove with Maxey and Edgecombe in pick-and-rolls, forcing Robinson away from the basket with elbow jumpers. When Embiid gets Robinson further away from the basket, that’s where he has been able to draw more fouls and send Robinson back to the bench.

Anunoby is the potential secret weapon here as one of the NBA’s true five-position defenders, though it’s fair to say he’ll require help and doubles to hold up against Embiid for any extended period. If they can make that work, New York can throw some lineups heavy on ballhandling at the Sixers and juice up their offense, changing the dynamic of the game, particularly in transition.

The good news for Philadelphia is that the Boston series ranks among his best stretches of high-usage, low-turnover offense in the playoffs. Perhaps he has turned a corner, or perhaps he simply got a favorable matchup against a relatively soft frontcourt.

Can the Sixers keep Knicks fans out of their arena?

There were a lot of New Yorkers (including ostensibly serious media members) trying to make fun of the Sixers for effectively banning people outside of Philadelphia from buying tickets for their home playoff games, and I have to say, I don’t really get it. Knicks fans buy up secondary market tickets for a cheaper way to see their team. Sixers fans and players get upset about the arena takeover. The Sixers respond by trying to keep homecourt advantage an actual advantage. Everyone here seems like a rational actor to me.

Those efforts might not matter in the end, anyway, because Knicks fans are plentiful and only a short trip away from Xfinity Mobile Arena. If that happens, you can take solace in the fact that the Sixers have been road warriors this year, and should have won 2/3 on the road with a worse team in the 2024 series, if not for the botched end-of-game officiating that helped steal Game 2 for New York.

Will Philadelphia’s rebounding improvement hold up?

Though Boston’s three-point shooting was probably the No. 1 swing factor in the previous series, Philly’s improvement as a defensive rebounding unit was right there, too. The Celtics had far more one-and-done trips on offense as the series wore on, with the Sixers effectively locking Boston out of extra possessions for the final two games of the series. Schematic changes had a lot to do with that, with the Sixers staying home on shooters and leaking out less, giving themselves better post-shot opportunities to hit a man and gang rebound.

If you can believe it — and I know many of you won’t due to nightmares about 2024 — the Celtics were actually a better offensive rebounding team than the Knicks this season. In the regular season, the Knicks grabbed offensive rebounds on 32.8 percent of available opportunities. But it’s important to note the impact of lineup changes on New York’s identity. Robinson is basically a one-man offensive rebounding machine, and in the instances where the Knicks go Robinson/Towns for an ultra-big lineup, they absolutely mash teams on the offensive glass:

While the Sixers have ways to punish that sort of look on the offensive end, I am not sure they have a solution to keep that style of lineup off the glass unless they are prepared to play something like an Embiid/Drummond frontcourt.

What do the Knicks do to slow down Philly’s backcourt?

New York has great personnel to deal with the Celtics team Philadelphia took down in round one, and I would argue that half the reason they have Bridges and Anunoby is to deal with the Tatum/Brown wing combo. I am not quite as convinced about their ability to guard the Maxey/Edgecombe backcourt, who we saw get busy against the Knicks in the regular season. Maxey and Edgecombe scored a combined 49 points a night against the Knicks on stellar efficiency, frequently attacking Jalen Brunson and crushing the Knicks inside the arc.

New York made the mistake of trying to hide Brunson on the rookie early in the season, and there were some brutal bully-ball moments where Edgecombe just moved his man off a spot and scored through contact with ease. If the Knicks try to do that again, there are a bunch of ways to attack that — you could use Edgecombe as the lead ballhandler, run 1/2 ball screens to get a Brunson switch on Maxey, or run Edgecombe through off-ball screens to force Brunson to chase and absorb contact. Presumably, the Knicks will try to pre-switch some actions if the Sixers really start spamming the 1/2 screens, and the key is to not let Brunson simply hang out and use Edgecombe as a stationary shooter, even if he’ll need to be that at times throughout games.

The regression case would zero in on Edgecombe’s two-point efficiency in the regular season, because he shot an astounding 65.7 percent inside the arc against New York in four meetings. That’ll probably come down a bit regardless of how the matchups shake out, particularly if they can make him live on tougher pull-up twos and crowd him in the paint.

On Maxey’s end, Bridges was the primary defender in the regular season but didn’t do a heck of a lot to bother him. Josh Hart had the most success in the regular season on a fairly small number of possessions, I’m just not sure I buy him winning that battle over a longer period of time.

Can Nick Nurse put together another excellent series?

Narrative battles over Embiid’s career, Maxey’s heroics, and VJ Edgecombe’s awesome Game 7 have slightly overshadowed a terrific first-round series from the head coach. He made some noteworthy changes midway through to get them back on track, and as the teams got even more familiar deep in the series, Nurse and his staff were well-prepared and nimble as Joe Mazzulla got more and more unhinged with lineups and coverages. They did a great job as a team of reading coverages in real time and getting into their counters:

How deep in the bag is Nurse willing to go? Perhaps more pertinently, how deep in the rotation is he willing to go? Dominick Barlow was a little-used option against Boston, but perhaps there’s a place for him in this series, depending on New York’s willingness to play Robinson and Towns together (they logged 29 possessions against Atlanta in round one). What’s Nurse’s tolerance level for Justin Edwards, whose role fluctuated throughout the Celtics series?

Frankly, their play against Boston earned Nurse some benefit of the doubt I didn’t show him for a lot of the year. I’m eager to see what his crew cooks up for the second round.

Is it finally time for an Embiid conference finals appearance?

Because man, would it be cool for the Sixers to go on a settling all debts run, vanquishing the Celtics and the Knicks consecutively to make this happen.

Before the deadline hit on May 1, the Los Angeles Rams made the decision to decline Emmanuel Forbes Jr.'s fifth-year option for 2027, setting the cornerback up to be a free agent next offseason. After the Rams added both Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson this offseason, Forbes finds himself in a peculiar place. Here are three takeaways from the Rams' decision.

Forbes' future in Los Angeles remains bright

While Forbes is out of contract after this season, his stock as a player has never been higher. A redemptive season in 2025, Forbes went toe to toe with the best, displaying a specialty against smaller route runners, rebounding from early narratives of his career. His performances against Jaxon Smith-Njigba speak for themselves.

Even if Forbes is entering the final year of his contract, he could be in a position to still make an impact as he'll likely be in rotation with McDuffie and Watson. Forbes might be offered a prove-it extension after the season, similar to the deal Kam Curl signed when he first came to the Rams. However, he could make a pretty penny on the free-agent market if he has another strong year.

The Rams have a massive question within their secondary

While Forbes will likely make the 53-man roster, the Rams do not have any notable depth at outside corner. The Rams also have an overall depth issue within their secondary. With Tank McCollough playing a high volume of snaps, the team does not have many depth options in case players get hurt. Josh Wallace is the only backup on the roster with legitimate, trustworthy NFL experience.

When Quentin Lake and Roger McCreary went out with injuries last season, the Rams were scrambling for coverage, especially with Ahkello Witherspoon's injury problems. Entering 2026, they have even less depth. Perhaps they might have a practice squad project that they have faith in.

Trent McDuffie should become a versatile weapon

With Forbes being set to be a free agent next offseason, the Rams are likely to use him as much as possible. McDuffie's ability to play slot corner and safety will allow defensive coordinator Chris Shula to mix and match coverages in order to create interceptions and turnovers.

Shula's system is built on inducing the pass, especially in second- or third-and-long situations. The NFC West has various shifty receivers, giving Shula every reason to play Forbes, while utilizing McDuffie's strong suits – especially since it can keep Watson on the field.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams decline Emmanuel Forbes' 5th-year option: 3 key takeaways

Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants lock horns in a bottom-of-the-table clash at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday.

It's a must-win game for both teams if they want to remain in the hunt for an IPL 2026 playoff spot. 

In this article, The Sporting News tracks the IPL 2026 match and provides the live win probabilities for each team.

Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source

Live scorecard:

MI vs LSG IPL 2026: Win probability and toss result

Toss: The toss is scheduled at 7:00 p.m. IST.

MORE: Visit Cricket News for all the latest cricket coverage and opinion

MI vs LSG: Predicted playing XI

MI predicted playing XI: Ryan Rickelton (WK), Naman Dhir, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (C), Tilak Varma, Sherfane Rutherford, Will Jacks, Jasprit Bumrah, Krish Bhagat, AM Ghazanfar, Ashwani Kumar

LSG predicted playing XI: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Josh Inglis, Himmat Singh,  Ayush Badoni, Mohsin Khan, Mohammed Shami, Prince Yadav, Digvesh Rathi

MI vs LSG IPL 2026: Win percentage

MI vs LSG IPL 2026 odds

*All odds via Dafabet.

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Red Sox's Ranger Suarez injury update led to even worse news vs. Astros originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Ranger Suarez was dealing, so it was odd when he didn't return to the mound for the fifth inning on Sunday for the Boston Red Sox.

Only later did it become clear that an injury was to blame.

The Red Sox eventually announced that Suarez left the game with right hamstring tightness.

At the time, he had gone four innings of scoreless baseball, and he had only thrown 70 pitches. He likely had a couple more frames to go if no ailments had popped up.

Instead, Suarez left, and the Astros' bats eventually got to the Boston bullpen.

Houston won the game in 10 innings, leaving a lot of traffic on the bases before Cam Smith's two-run hit in the top of the 10th stood up as enough.

Suarez told reporters afterward that he hopes to make his next start, but that's one of those things that will likely be touch and go as Suarez works through his between-starts routine.

MORE: Braves make history for first time since 1892 Boston Beaneaters

Things have not been going well for the Red Sox pitching rotation, which makes this even more painful, especially with Suarez entering Sunday's game coming off a great start earlier in the week, too.

Garrett Crochet and Sonny Gray are both currently on the Injured List, and the Red Sox have to decide what to do with the struggling Brayan Bello.

Suarez was the big offseason signing, and after early struggles, he has begun to find a groove.

Whether he'll get to keep that roll going sooner than later will depend on how that hamstring feels this week.

More MLB news:

• Explaining the absurdity of 2 MLB players named Max Muncy
• NFL QB had one of worst ceremonial first pitches ever
• This was the funniest bunt attempt in baseball history
• This slider is really good and moves the entirely wrong direction
• Yasiel Puig is back in professional baseball

Everton and Moyes Send Clear Tyler Dibling Message

Moyes Raises Standards at Everton

David Moyes has challenged Tyler Dibling to turn promise into proof after a difficult first season at Everton. The 20-year-old arrived from Southampton for £42million last summer after a long pursuit, with the fee reflecting both his potential and the scale of faith placed in him.

Yet Dibling has started only four league games and has played just one minute since January. With Jack Grealish ruled out for the season at the start of the year, Everton hoped Dibling would force his way forward. Moyes now wants sharper work, greater intensity and a response that can carry into next season.

Photo IMAGO

‘He’ll have to do better I think,’ said the boss ahead of the Toffees’ home clash against Manchester City on Monday night.

Work Rate Becomes Key Test

Moyes has made the training ground the starting point. Everton need more from a player signed for serious money, especially with competition increasing.

‘He’ll have to do better in his work and in his training. We brought in Tyrique (George, from Chelsea) who is of a similar age and as competition as well to make sure we were covered.

‘I think Tyrique has done well in the moments he’s had in games and shown some bits that we like, so we want Tyler to step up, we really do.’

Dibling’s background offers context. He spent time at Chelsea in 2022 before returning to Southampton after struggling with homesickness, so another major move, this time to Merseyside, was always likely to test him. Everton have not lost belief, although Moyes made clear that patience must lead somewhere.

‘He’s important to us. He’s a player who we put a lot of faith and money into to bring him here so we are looking for a lot more.

‘That’s why we are not panicking about it, because of his age. We want him to step up, we are hoping that he’ll improve and next year will be a big year for him to see if he can do that.’

Barry Also Under Spotlight

Thierno Barry is facing his own challenge. The Everton striker enjoyed a productive festive spell, then scored only once in his next 11 league appearances. Moyes sees confidence, age and adaptation as part of the picture.

Moyes added: ‘I am saying a general thing here and it is that football supporters are not having much patience with many things. You might not get two or three years to become that player.

‘There is a bigger emphasis on, “We need things now, we are looking for that to happen quickly”. It is not just here at Everton. I think all clubs are the same.

‘He is young as well, first year in the country, at the moment we have four games to go and if he scores a couple of goals you might say it has not been the worst return for a young centre forward.

‘There are a lot of clubs who have paid a lot of money for centre forwards and you wouldn’t say that has been worth it.

‘We took a chance on a young, up-and-coming striker, we tried to get him in quickly and early to see how he was going. He has not done bad. I actually think he is improving as he is going along. First season in the Premier League, it is not that easy.’

Armstrong Offers Positive Sign

While Dibling and Barry seek momentum, Harrison Armstrong represents progress. The Everton midfielder is in talks over a new contract after a fine breakout campaign and a January recall from Preston.

For Moyes, the message is simple. Everton will invest in young talent, support it and protect it, yet standards remain non-negotiable. Dibling still has time. Next season will show whether he can meet the demand.

Liverpool and Arsenal circle as Barcola situation at PSG grows uncertain

There is a familiar rhythm to elite European transfer windows. A name circulates quietly at first, whispered in recruitment meetings and scouting reports, before suddenly gaining volume across the continent. Bradley Barcola now sits firmly in that phase. Liverpool and Arsenal are once again alert to his situation at Paris Saint-Germain, with signals emerging that the French club’s stance may not be as immovable as it once appeared.

As first reported by TeamTalk, Liverpool had already tested PSG’s resolve earlier in the year, alongside exploratory interest in other attacking profiles. At the time, the French champions rejected all approaches, holding firm in March when interest also extended to Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. That resistance, however, appears to be softening at the edges.

Barcola remains a player of immense technical quality and positional intelligence. At 23, he is entering a phase where development must align with opportunity. That equation is no longer perfectly balanced in Paris.

PSG dynamics create opening

Inside PSG’s attacking structure, competition has intensified. With Ousmane Dembele leading the line and a preferred trio forming around him, Barcola risks drifting into rotational territory rather than being a central figure. This is not a reflection of his ability, but rather of the abundance of elite options at Luis Enrique’s disposal.

The report notes that Barcola’s representatives have begun conducting due diligence on potential destinations. This is not yet a transfer request, but it is a clear indication of strategic positioning. Modern transfers often begin this way, with groundwork laid quietly before any formal movement.

PSG’s public stance remains consistent. The club maintains that Barcola is part of their long-term plans and has over two years remaining on his contract. Yet, there is nuance beneath that position. A willingness to open discussions with the player suggests that both sides are assessing the future with pragmatism.

Liverpool and Arsenal monitoring closely

Liverpool’s interest is neither new nor casual. The club is expected to reinforce wide attacking areas in the upcoming window, and Barcola fits a profile that blends pace, verticality and tactical adaptability. His ability to operate across the front line aligns with Liverpool’s fluid attacking principles.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are engaged in their own evaluation of left-sided attacking options. Their recruitment model under Mikel Arteta prioritises technical security and positional discipline, attributes Barcola possesses in abundance. The London club’s presence in this race adds competitive tension, particularly given their upward trajectory in recent seasons.

Beyond England, the list of observers is extensive. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are all tracking developments. Even the Saudi Pro League has registered interest, a reminder of the financial dimension that increasingly shapes the market.

Summer window implications for Barcola future

For now, there is no formal bid on the table. That is typical of this stage. What matters is the convergence of factors. A player evaluating his role, a club with depth in his position, and multiple elite suitors preparing for decisive action.

If PSG soften their stance, the situation could accelerate rapidly. Liverpool’s need for attacking reinforcements and Arsenal’s desire to add further quality to their forward line place both clubs in a strong position. Timing will be crucial, as will clarity from the player’s camp.

Barcola’s trajectory remains upward. Whether that continues in Paris or shifts to the Premier League will depend on how these next weeks unfold. What is certain is that his name will not fade quietly from the conversation. It is already gathering momentum, and the summer window has a habit of rewarding those who move decisively.

Real Madrid may have secured a crucial win over Espanyol, but one of the biggest talking points from the match had little to do with the scoreline. 

Instead, the spotlight has shifted to a growing selection call made by Alvaro Arbeloa.

According to recent reports from El Mundo, Fran Garcia has now moved ahead of Alvaro Carreras in the pecking order. 

This shift is not purely tactical but appears to come from internal issues between Carreras and the coaching staff.

What’s the story?

The situation became clear during the clash against Espanyol, as Arbeloa opted to start Ferland Mendy. However, that decision quickly backfired. 

Just ten minutes into the match, Mendy pulled up while tracking back, clutching his right hip in visible discomfort. 

It was yet another injury setback in what has been a frustrating season for the French defender.

Fran Garcia is Arbeloa’s preferred choice over Carreras. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

At that moment, many expected Carreras to step in as the natural replacement. Instead, Arbeloa made a different call, turning to Fran Garcia from the bench. 

Why was Carreras left out?

Reports suggest that tensions between Carreras and Arbeloa had already been building in recent weeks. 

The defender had been left out of previous starting line-ups, with concerns reportedly centred around his attitude. 

From the coaching staff’s point of view, his behaviour did not meet expectations, which led to reduced opportunities on the pitch.

That situation now appears to have escalated and the latest selection choice against Espanyol is being seen as confirmation that Fran Garcia has overtaken Carreras in the manager’s plans. 

What once looked like healthy competition for a starting spot has now turned into a clear shift in preference.

As such, the pecking order could shift next season, mostly because Real Madrid will be under new management, and it will be interesting to see how the new coach handles the situation.

MSI has built a Limited Edition GPU for The Mandalorian and Grogu MSI Germany has started to tease a new Limited Edition RTX 5080 graphics card. This new GPU will be themed around The Mandalorian and Grogu, the newest Star Wars movie. The film will be coming to cinemas on May 22nd, with Jon Favreau […]

The post MSI teases The Mandalorian and Grogu RTX 5080 GPU appeared first on OC3D.

The post XS.com Review: Is XS Ltd A Safe Broker Or A Scam? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

You are browsing the internet looking for a trading broker, and you notice that many investors mention XS. You have started to wonder if XS would be a good choice for you, and naturally, you also want to find the answer to the question: Is XS.com a safe broker or a scam? Of course, you want to answer this question before trusting the platform with your money. At this moment, you’re not actually interested in exploring the features it offers or how tight its spreads are because you want to find something much more fundamental: if the platform is actually legitimate or you are about to trust a scam with your money. 

So, let’s break it down step by step, so you can understand what to expect if you’re opening an account.

How Can You Tell When A Broker Is A Scam?

We won’t start reviewing XS until we figure out what exactly to look for. How can you tell if XS is a scam if you don’t know what the particularities of a reliable broker are? If XS were a scam, what would it look like? There are multiple red flags an experienced trader can easily spot in a scam broker, but maybe you’re a beginner, so let’s figure it out together. The biggest one is the lack of regulation. So when the broker cannot clearly prove who oversees its operations, it gives you a reason to look to its competitors. Then there’s the issue of transparency because scam brokers tend to hide critical information like their trading conditions, fee structures, or company ownership. You want to easily find all these details on the official website. Also, scam brokers often use aggressive marketing tactics that promise unrealistic returns and guaranteed profits. When something is too good to be true, it most likely is far from good. A reliable broker tends to avoid promising gains. 

And lastly, the user feedback can help you tell if a broker is trustworthy. All brokers deal with complaints, and the platforms that are known for having disappearing support teams, blocked withdrawals, and consistently unresolved issues raise some serious concerns. 

Is XS Ltd (XS.com) a Regulated Broker?

Regulation should be your first filter when checking any trading broker, not only XS. In its case, it definitely passes the test because it operates under multiple regulatory authorities, such as the Financial Services Authority of Seychelles (FSA), Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and Financial Services Authority of Labuan (LFSA). You can easily tell they aren’t some obscure offshore entities but recognized financial regulators that establish the rules on how a broker should operate. Does it have any significance for you that XS is regulated by these authorities?

It proves that XS must comply with a series of standards, such as segregating its clients’ funds, maintaining operational transparency, and undergoing periodic checks. Yes, meeting these requirements does not make it a perfect broker, but it significantly reduces the likelihood of exposing you to outright fraud. Because, as expected, a scam broker would do its best to avoid a strong regulatory environment. It would prefer instead to operate in a jurisdiction with minimal oversight, so it can act without any consequences. 

Is XS.com Transparent About Its Operations?

As mentioned earlier, there is no single telltale that a broker is reliable, so after checking the regulation, you should dig a little deeper to learn more about it. When checking the level of transparency, you might find some interesting things. You will have to visit the broker’s website and check its documentation to answer some of the following questions: Who owns the company? What are the trading conditions? What fees will you pay? What happens with your funds?

You will easily find information about these aspects and many more on XS forex broker because the broker offers detailed data in all necessary areas. The platform lists the types of accounts you can open, the commissions and spreads you pay, and offers insights into how the trading environment functions. Besides, you can also find information about the company structure and regulatory entities, so you can verify the claims independently and see if they are only marketing statements or more. 

How Does XS Handle And Protect Your Funds?

At this point in the review, you most likely feel like XS CFD broker looks like a legitimate broker, but you might still want to learn how it handles your funds. Fund protection is essential when trading, so it’s a smart move to learn more about it. 

According to XS, it keeps your funds in segregated accounts to ensure they are separated from the company’s operational capital. As mentioned earlier, this is standard practice for a regulated broker because it lowers the risk of misuse. Additionally, the broker reveals that it has insurance coverage to protect your money against internal risks. These are positive signals for any trader because it proves the broker complies with regulatory requirements and implements additional safeguards. It definitely prioritizes client safety. However, it’s important to be realistic and understand that no broker can eliminate risks. Even the most regulated online platforms operate within financial markets that sometimes are unpredictable. But what matters is that XS takes all the reasonable protections a broker could take.  

What Is The Traders’ Feedback on XS?

Real user feedback has the power to shape your first impression when reviewing a broker, and it’s important to dedicate your time to browsing the internet and checking XS’s reputation. Regardless of how polished a broker looks on paper, the real test happens when you use the platform for trading. So you should look at discussions on forums about XS.com, and chances are you will find a mix of opinions, which is exactly what you should expect when looking at a widely used broker. 

Yes, some people praise Xs for the positive experiences it provides them with, and the great features they can benefit from, like access to MetaTrader platforms, competitive spreads, and an overall smooth trading experience in normal market conditions. And yes, you will also find some complaints about withdrawal processing times or delays in customer support, which are normal in the trading world because of high demand, compliance checks, and banking systems that can slow things down. 

What is important to remember is that complaints exist in every industry. But you should also check how the broker chooses to handle negative feedback. You want to trade with a broker like XS that engages with the users publicly and invites them to provide complete information about their issue, so it can find the best solution for them. 

So, Is XS A Scam?

It was about time to come back to the original question. Is XS a safe or scam broker? There is strong evidence to suggest that XS is a trustworthy online platform because it offers clear and detailed information about its services, operates under recognized regulatory authorities, and has an active role in solving users’ complaints. 

The post Ethereum Price Gears Up for Breakout as Whales Accumulate: Is $3K Back in Play? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Ethereum’s price action may look stable on the surface, but underneath, a powerful accumulation phase is unfolding. Over $300 million worth of ETH has been absorbed by whales in recent days, while staking queues continue to expand, tightening circulating supply at a rapid pace. Despite this, price remains compressed below a critical resistance zone, suggesting that buyers are building positions rather than chasing breakouts. 

Historically, such conditions precede sharp directional moves. With ETH now pressing against a key technical ceiling, the market is watching closely, because a breakout here could quickly shift the narrative toward a $3,000 retest.

Whales Absorb $322M ETH as Smart Money Builds Positions

Ethereum’s on-chain data is sending a clear signal: large players are accumulating aggressively during consolidation. Whale wallets have added over 140,000 ETH (~$322 million) within a short time frame, coinciding with ETH holding firm above the $2,300 level after a brief dip toward $2,260.

The absence of a sharp price spike despite heavy inflows indicates controlled accumulation, where supply is being steadily absorbed without alerting the broader market. Additional flow data shows that spot order sizes are increasingly dominated by large participants, reinforcing the idea that institutions and high-net-worth players are positioning early.

Historically, such accumulation phases tend to precede volatility expansion, especially when they occur near key technical inflection zones.

Staking Demand Surges, Triggering a Structural Supply Squeeze

Beyond whale activity, Ethereum’s supply dynamics are tightening significantly. Current data shows ~3.48 million ETH queued for staking versus just ~441,000 ETH queued for exit, creating an 8:1 imbalance favoring supply lock-up.

As more ETH moves into staking contracts, liquid supply across exchanges declines, reducing the available inventory for selling pressure. At the same time, OTC absorption and long-term holder positioning are reinforcing this trend. The result is a market environment where supply is quietly shrinking while demand builds in the background. This kind of imbalance often leads to sharp repricing once resistance levels are cleared, as there is less available supply to cap upside moves.

Ethereum Price Compresses Below Resistance – Breakout Setup Strengthens

Ethereum price is trading within a well-defined accumulation range between $2,250 and $2,600, following its earlier corrective phase. Price structure within this range has shifted, higher lows are forming, indicating that buyers are gradually gaining control. The key resistance zone lies between $2,600 and $2,750, aligning with a previous breakdown region and higher-timeframe supply. ETH has tested this area multiple times, but recent price action shows tightening consolidation rather than sharp rejection, suggesting that sellers are being absorbed.

This compression beneath resistance is critical. It reflects reduced selling pressure and increasing bullish pressure, often seen before breakout moves. A confirmed daily close above $2,750 would validate a structural breakout, opening the path toward $3,000 as the next psychological and liquidity target. Beyond that, the next resistance cluster sits around $3,300–$3,400, where prior distribution occurred. On the downside, failure to break higher could trigger a pullback toward the $2,200–$2,300 demand zone, which has consistently acted as a strong support base. As long as this zone holds, the broader bullish structure remains intact.

Can Ethereum (ETH) Reach $3K?

Ethereum is approaching a decision point where structure, on-chain data, and supply dynamics are aligning. Whale accumulation, staking-driven supply reduction, and price compression collectively suggest that the market is in the late stages of accumulation. The key trigger now lies at the $2,750–$2,800 breakout zone. A sustained move above this level could accelerate momentum and push ETH toward the $3,000 mark in the near term, especially if broader market sentiment remains supportive.

The post Best Crypto to Buy in 2026: Franklin Templeton Goes All-In on Digital Assets as Pepeto Presale Hits $9.7M appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The best crypto to buy in 2026 stopped being a question and became a positioning decision the moment Franklin Templeton built an entire crypto division called Franklin Crypto through its acquisition of 250 Digital, according to CoinDesk. A $1.5 trillion asset manager does not create a dedicated unit for digital assets unless the next wave of capital is already on its way.

The largest financial firms are not waiting for the next cycle to build. They are building now. Pepeto has drawn past $9.7 million from buyers who see the approaching Binance listing as the event that turns presale cost into the type of return institutional capital will chase for years.

Best Crypto to Buy in 2026 Gets Validation as Franklin Templeton, Schwab, and Morgan Stanley Move Into Crypto

Franklin Templeton announced Franklin Crypto, a division built through its 250 Digital acquisition to target institutional demand for active digital asset strategies, according to CoinDesk.

Schwab followed by launching direct Bitcoin and Ethereum trading for 37 million brokerage clients, and Morgan Stanley released the MSBT Bitcoin ETF with $34 million in day-one inflows, as reported by CNBC. When the largest financial firms all build crypto access in the same quarter, the best crypto to buy in 2026 is the one sitting at presale cost before that capital wave reprices the market.

Institutional Expansion, Presale Strength, and the Tokens That Shape This Cycle

Pepeto: Why the Best Crypto to Buy in 2026 Was Already Answered by $9.7 Million in Capital

While trillion-dollar firms open crypto divisions, Pepeto, considered the best crypto to buy, is the presale that answered the question through committed capital. The creator behind the original Pepe token sent it past $11 billion on zero infrastructure and the same 420 trillion supply, and now runs a trading network where every swap costs nothing, removing the fee layer that drains gains on competing platforms. 

A contract scanner reads each token for trap code before any capital moves, SolidProof reviewed every line, and the $9.7 million committed proves that real money trusts real infrastructure even in a fear-driven market.

The bridge connects blockchains at zero cost and keeps full value on every transfer, while a former Binance executive leads the listing preparation that traders expect will open above 100x from the presale cost. The 176% APY staking program compounds every position each day. The entry at Pepeto right now does not exist after the listing opens, and every buyer who built early crypto wealth made the same decision: they bought while the price was still a presale number, not a market number.

BNB Price at $618 With Ecosystem Power but Limited Return Distance

Binance Coin (BNB) trades at $618 backed by a $1 billion Q1 token burn that removed 1.56 million BNB from supply, according to CoinMarketCap. Teucrium launched the first U.S.-listed 2x leveraged BNB ETF (XBNB) in late April, opening new regulated access to the token. 

But from an $82 billion market cap, BNB needs massive new capital just to double. Investors measuring the best crypto to buy in 2026 by return distance see a ceiling that even the strongest exchange token cannot break without years of growth.

Dogecoin (DOGE) Price at $0.10 as SpaceX IPO Hopes Fuel Record Whale Buying

Dogecoin (DOGE) holds $0.10 after gaining 16% in 10 days, with whale wallets reaching an all-time high of 108.52 billion DOGE worth $11.6 billion, according to Santiment data tracked by U.Today. 

SpaceX IPO speculation and X Money integration hopes drive the accumulation. From a $16.8 billion cap, reaching $0.20 delivers 82% over months, a return that a single listing event from a presale entry can compress into one session.

Conclusion: 

Franklin Templeton, Schwab, and Morgan Stanley all opening crypto access in the same quarter confirms institutional money is arriving at a speed never seen. Today is the day that counts, because the entry at the Pepeto official website does not exist once the next round fills, every stage that closes brings the listing closer, and the people who built wealth in crypto all made one decision, they acted today instead of waiting for tomorrow.

Getting into the presale now while the Binance listing has not repriced the token is the one move that puts a wallet on the winning side of this cycle, because the best crypto to buy in 2026 was never chosen by the crowd, it was chosen by the ones who moved while the window was still open.

Click To Visit Pepeto Website To Enter The Presale

FAQs:

Which token is the best crypto to buy in 2026?

Pepeto leads as the best crypto to buy in 2026 with $9.7 million committed, SolidProof-reviewed code, a working trading network, and an approaching Binance listing offering presale return distance that BNB and Dogecoin cannot match from current prices.

Why does Franklin Templeton launching a crypto division matter?

A $1.5 trillion asset manager creating a dedicated crypto unit confirms institutional money is entering at scale, and the best crypto to buy in 2026 is the token positioned at presale pricing before that capital wave reprices every project on the market.

The post Pi Network Shifts Toward AI Tasks as KYC Validation Rewards Decline appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Pi Network is signaling a transition for validators, with KYC validation tasks expected to decline as most users have already completed verification. AI-driven processes will increasingly replace manual checks, though not entirely. Validators may begin receiving new AI-related tasks alongside reduced KYC work, with rewards paid in Pi. These tasks could offer significantly higher earnings, potentially exceeding current mining rates, similar to past KYC rewards that reached up to 22x higher payouts.

The post Cardano Integrated Into Scorechain for Enhanced Compliance Monitoring appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Cardano has been fully integrated into Scorechain’s compliance and investigation platform, enabling institutions to monitor and analyze ADA and native tokens within a unified workflow. Built for Cardano’s UTXO model, the system supports high-accuracy risk scoring, transaction monitoring, and fund tracing. The move strengthens Cardano’s position in regulated markets by allowing consistent compliance standards across multi-chain operations.

The post ZachXBT Accuses Tokenlon of Handling Illicit Funds appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

On-chain investigator ZachXBT has alleged that a significant share of trading activity on Tokenlon is linked to illicit sources, including scams and underground markets. He also warned of potential future actions involving Tokenlon and imToken. ZachXBT further flagged platforms such as Butter Network, HiFiSwap, and SWFT as priorities for enforcement over suspected involvement in illegal fund flows.

The post Kraken Parent Completes $550M Bitnomial Deal to Expand U.S. Crypto Derivatives appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Payward, the parent of Kraken, has completed its acquisition of Bitnomial for up to $550 million. The deal secures key Commodity Futures Trading Commission licenses, enabling a full regulated derivatives stack in the U.S. This includes plans for 24/7 crypto settlement, spot margin trading, and eventually perpetuals and options, marking a major step toward compliant crypto derivatives markets for U.S. investors.

The post Ripple Claims 13,000 Bank Connections and $12.5T Payment Scale appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Ripple says its treasury platform now connects 13,000 banks and supports $12.5 trillion in payment volume, highlighting its growing role in global finance infrastructure. The company describes the system as fully adaptable with complete cash visibility. This follows Ripple’s $1 billion acquisition of GTreasury in 2025, part of its strategy to integrate existing financial systems rather than rebuild them from scratch.

The post Tether Mints $1B USDT on Tron, Boosting Crypto Market Liquidity appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Tether minted $1 billion worth of Tether USDt on the Tron network, increasing total supply to nearly $189.6 billion. The mint reflects fresh liquidity entering the market, typically tied to incoming fiat deposits. While some traders view it as bullish, the real impact depends on how the funds are deployed. Recent issuance trends show Tether rapidly expanding supply across networks, with Bitcoin holding steady near the $79K–$80.5K range.

The post When Will Bitcoin Price Hit $100,000 Again? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Arthur Hayes does not deal in vague timelines. Speaking at the Cointelegraph booth at Bitcoin Vegas, the BitMEX co-founder put a specific window on Bitcoin’s return to six figures: after the northern hemispheric summer.

“I think we’re going to hit $100,000 after the northern hemispheric summer,” Hayes said, “mostly because the dollar liquidity situation is improving.”

His reasoning is macro rather than technical. Wartime financing through commercial banks in the US and other economies is injecting liquidity into the system in ways that are beginning to show up in risk asset performance. Bitcoin, he argued, is already starting to outperform the NASDAQ and US tech stocks as a result of this dynamic, and he expects that outperformance to continue into the autumn.

On the question of whether new all-time highs are possible this year, Hayes was measured but bullish. “I think we could get through $125,000 by the end of the year.”

The Iran Variable

Hayes acknowledged the Iran conflict as the key risk to his timeline but said markets are already looking past it. He pointed to oil price spreads as evidence that supply is moving through the Strait of Hormuz in sufficient quantities to prevent a complete breakdown, even if politicians are publicly characterising the situation as unresolved.

“If you assume the Iran war is not going to get super duper messed up, then I think markets look past that,” he said. “There’s enough stuff coming through the street, even though the politicians claim it’s close.”

Where He Is Putting His Own Money

Hayes recently bought over a million dollars of Hyperliquid, describing it as the only altcoin that genuinely matters right now. His thesis is simple: real clients spending real money on a platform that is generating actual revenue and returning value to token holders through buybacks or staking rewards. Everything else, including Dogecoin as an altcoin season indicator, he dismissed entirely.

“If you’re not doing any of those things, I don’t care about you,” he said.

ASUS is planning to limit the production of its RTX 5070 Ti GPUs and prioritize the higher-end RTX 5080 models in its place. ASUS Prioritizes Higher-End RTX 5080 GPUs By Limiting Other 16 GB Models, Such As The RTX 5070 Ti While NVIDIA has confirmed that production across all RTX 50 GPUs remains stable, AIBs are doing things differently on their end. As per industry sources quoted by Channel Gate, it looks like ASUS is making some significant changes to its GPU allocation, where it will prioritize higher-end 16 GB graphics cards while limiting the supply of RTX 5070 Ti […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/asus-starves-the-rtx-5070-ti-as-memory-shortages-force-a-pivot-toward-the-more-profitable-rtx-5080/

Long-time gamers know all too well that Nintendo has a rather unique policy when it comes to discounts for its exclusive games: they rarely, if ever, exist. Most of the time, you'll see Nintendo titles keeping their full price even years after their release, whereas every other platform, be it other consoles from Sony and Microsoft or PC itself, applies regular discounts for even the biggest games some time after their original launch. Former Nintendo of America president and CEO Reggie Fils-Aimé provided his own explanation for why that's the case. In a recent talk with games analyst Joost Van […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/reggie-fils-aime-nintendo-full-price-kyoto-craftsmanship/

AMD's upcoming Ryzen AI 5 435G Desktop APU has leaked out, showcasing benchmark performance similar to Ryzen 8000G APUs. AMD Ryzen AI 400 Desktop APUs Bring The Latest Architectures To AM5 Platforms, Ryzen AI 5 435G Shows Similar Performance As 8600G The AMD Ryzen AI 400 Desktop APUs will be launching soon, bringing up to 8 "Zen 5" CPU cores, up to 8 "RDNA 3.5" GPU cores, and a 50 TOPS NPU. They don't feature the higher-end Strix/Gorgon specifications such as up to 12 "Zen 5" CPU cores, and 16 RDNA 3.5 GPU cores, but they do feature a modern […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/amd-ryzen-ai-5-435g-already-matches-ryzen-5-8600g-benchmark-leak/

Resident Evil Requiem running with NVIDIA DLSS 5 was among the most controversial showcases of the upcoming technology, if not the most controversial, as it seemed to alter Grace's character design significantly. Speaking with Eurogamer, Producer Masato Kumazawa refused to comment directly on the team's involvement in the controversial showcase, but what has been said suggests how the developer will place any tech that could alter artistic intent under heavier scrutiny in the future. "The fact a lot of players commented they really liked the original design of Grace and didn't want to see it changed was a positive," Kumazawa-san […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/resident-evil-requiem-producer-nvidia-dlss-5-reaction-louder-words/

Google's Director of Software Engineering recommended using AI to boost providing value and said, "clearly, this is something we can advise."

The post Google Advises Using AI In Best Possible Way For AI Search appeared first on Search Engine Journal.

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/world-cup-2026-travel-surge-in-the-us-why-only-certain-cities-will-cash-in-on-the-economic-windfall/

World Cup 2026 Travel Surge in the US – Why Only Certain Cities Will Cash In on the Economic WindfallWorld...

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United States Faces Declining International Tourism Amidst Rising Visa Delays, Travel Restrictions, and Economic Uncertainty: What You Need to Know...

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Samsung has restarted work on its SiC foundry push, a move that could ripple far beyond power semiconductors and into everything from EVs to your next Galaxy device.

Rewind to 2023, Samsung had SiC on the table alongside its GaN ambitions, but the broader chip slump and a pressing need to stabilize its memory business forced a slowdown.

Recent talks with materials suppliers and equipment vendors suggest the company is no longer testing the waters. It is lining up a supply chain; there are even early conversations around tool capacity, which usually come later in the cycle.

This looks like a shift from “explore” to “prepare.” The target is 2028 for mass production, which sounds distant, but in semiconductor terms, it is almost aggressive, especially for a segment where process maturity still lags traditional silicon.

Unlike advanced logic, where 12-inch dominates, SiC is still transitioning from 6-inch to 8-inch wafers. That makes 8-inch the cutting edge in this niche. For Samsung, it is a rare alignment of old infrastructure and new demand.

SiC handles higher voltages and temperatures with less energy loss. That is why it is showing up in EV drivetrains, fast chargers, solar inverters, and increasingly, data center power systems tied to AI workloads.

SiC will not sit inside an application processor anytime soon, but it can influence charging circuits, power management ICs, and even infrastructure behind cloud services that Galaxy devices rely on.

The post Samsung’s SiC plans could shape more efficient chips appeared first on Sammy Fans.

OnePlus recently launched the Ace 6 Ultra in China, expanding its Ace 6 lineup. Now, early details about the next-generation Ace 7 series have begun to emerge, with a new leak shedding light on key specifications of the upcoming phones. According to a tipster on Weibo, the OnePlus Ace 7 could be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. The tipster further claims that OnePlus is testing the phone with an in-built active cooling fan. OnePlus Ace 6 Ultra If accurate, this would mark a first for the Ace series. Even the recently launched Ace 6 Ultra relies on an external...

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip (and Z Fold) series is preparing to enter its eighth generation later this year, and we have a new report from South Korea that highlights some of the possible changes coming to the flip model. Samsung is expected to bring a crease-free folding panel alongside a new hinge mechanism. The new report does not go into detail, but we can assume Samsung will employ dual-layer Ultra Thin Glass (UTG), just like it is rumored to do with the Z Fold8. Galaxy Z Flip8 render Z Flip8 is said to be slightly taller than the outgoing model, and despite the upgraded hardware,...

Match Overview

Chelsea enters this crucial Premier League fixture in a state of crisis, desperate to salvage their season. Currently sitting in eighth place, the Blues are chasing a European qualification spot but are haunted by a devastating run of five consecutive league losses without scoring a single goal. The recent FA Cup semi-final victory over Leeds has provided a sliver of hope under a new interim manager, but the pressure is immense to translate that cup form into a statement win at Stamford Bridge.

Nottingham Forest arrives in London with a completely different momentum. Engaged in a fight for survival, Forest is on a six-match unbeaten streak in the league, a run that has pulled them five points clear of the relegation zone. However, their focus is split, as this match is critically positioned between the two legs of their Europa League semi-final against Aston Villa. Manager Vítor Pereira faces the challenge of balancing the immediate need for league points with the historic opportunity of a European final.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The season trajectories of these two clubs could not be more different. Chelsea has endured a tumultuous campaign marked by inconsistency and a mid-season managerial change, culminating in their worst league scoring drought since 1912. In stark contrast, Nottingham Forest has found form at the perfect time, transforming from relegation candidates into one of the league’s most resilient teams with a massive +11 goal differential over their unbeaten streak.

The tactical battle at Stamford Bridge is set to be a classic clash of styles. Chelsea, despite their finishing woes, ranks highest in the league for expected goals (xG), indicating they consistently create scoring opportunities and will likely dominate possession. Forest, however, has become masters of the counter-attack. They proved their lethal efficiency in a 5-0 demolition of Sunderland with just 39% possession and have scored an astonishing nine goals from only 20 shots in their last two league games.

Motivation for both sides is at a fever pitch, but for different reasons. For Chelsea, this match is about restoring pride, ending a miserable league run, and keeping their faint hopes of European football alive. For Nottingham Forest, the primary objective is securing their Premier League status for another year. A win would likely guarantee survival, but with a massive Europa League tie looming, the club may be forced to prioritize, potentially resting key players and settling for a draw on the road.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Historically, Chelsea has had the upper hand in this fixture, winning three of the last five encounters, with Nottingham Forest managing just one victory and one match ending in a draw. The Blues are currently on a three-game unbeaten streak against Forest, demonstrating a clear recent advantage in head-to-head matchups.

Looking at the most recent results, Chelsea secured a convincing 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season and has kept a clean sheet in their last two games against Forest. However, it’s worth noting that two of the last three meetings at Stamford Bridge have ended in a draw, suggesting that Forest is capable of frustrating the home side in their own stadium.

Key statistical trends reveal a low-scoring history between these teams. Forest has scored only a single goal against Chelsea in their last three meetings combined. Furthermore, only two of the last five clashes have seen both teams find the back of the net, with the matches averaging a modest 2.4 goals per game.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both squads are contending with significant availability issues, with Chelsea‘s extensive injury list being compounded by a suspension, while Nottingham Forest must manage fatigue and potential rotation.

Chelsea‘s interim manager faces a selection headache with several key players sidelined. Mykhaylo Mudryk is suspended, while Reece James, Levi Colwill, and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens are among those on a long-term injury list. The latest blow is a hamstring injury to Estêvão, which has put his World Cup hopes in jeopardy.

Nottingham Forest is also missing key personnel, including Callum Hudson-Odoi and Willy Boly for the remainder of the season. Manager Vítor Pereira’s main challenge will be managing his squad’s fitness, with this Premier League game falling between two crucial Europa League semi-final legs. Dan Ndoye is the newest injury concern and is likely to miss the trip to London.

Chelsea Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro.
This lineup leverages Chelsea‘s creative midfield trio of Palmer, Fernandez, and Neto to generate chances for their top scorer, Joao Pedro. The Brazilian has been a rare bright spot this season, netting 14 Premier League goals, and will be the focal point of their attack.

Nottingham Forest Projected XI (4-4-2): Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Cunha, Williams; Hutchinson, Sangare, Anderson, Gibbs-White; Jesus, Wood.
Forest is expected to field a disciplined 4-4-2 formation designed to absorb pressure and strike quickly on the break. The partnership of Jesus and Wood up front provides a physical presence and a direct threat, perfectly suited to exploit any defensive gaps left by an attacking Chelsea side.

More details on how to watch

You can watch the Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest match on DirecTV Stream. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Android TV, iPhone/iPad, Android Phone/Tablet, Mac, Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, and smart TVs from LG, Samsung, and VIZIO.

In addition to this Premier League match, a subscription to DirecTV Stream gives you access to a host of other top-tier soccer competitions. You can watch other Premier League games as well as matches from La Liga, Serie A, and Liga MX.

A subscription to DirecTV Stream costs just $69.99/month. This plan gives you access to all the live sports and on-demand content available through the service.

SEE MORE: For our comprehensive guide to watching all Premier League games, check out our Premier League TV schedule page.

How to watch anywhere with VPN

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Frank Warren is clear that there will be a world title on the line in ‘s return, regardless of whether is standing in the opposite corner. The leading contender claimed his WBC ‘interim’ title in February 2025, when he climbed off the canvas to halt Zhilei Zhang with a vicious sixth-round body attack. Prior to […]

The post Frank Warren says Agit Kabayel will be in world title fight this September appeared first on Boxing News.

Jose Benavidez Sr, the father and trainer of , has insisted there is only one fighter who would offer his son a considerable challenge. The 29-year-old became a three-division world champion against Gilberto Ramirez, dethroning his former sparring partner with a sixth-round stoppage at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena. Beforehand, many felt their encounter was likely […]

The post Jose Benavidez Sr says just one man can test his son David Benavidez: “He’s the only guy” appeared first on Boxing News.

Fenerbahçe'nin 2021 seçimlerinde başkan adayı olan Eyüp Yeşilyurt hayatını kaybettiği öğrenildi.

5 yıl önce özellikle Fenerbahçe başkanlık sürecinde Ali Koç’a rakip olarak adı öne çıkan Eyüp Yeşilyurt’un hayatını kaybettiği ortaya çıktı. 1970 İstanbul doğumlu olan Eyüp Yeşilyurt, Fenerbahçe’de 2021 yılında yapılacak seçimler öncesinde başkanlığa aday olduğunu duyurmuştu. Ancak yeterli imzayı toplayamadığı için resmi aday olarak seçime katılamamıştı.

FENERBAHÇE'DEN AÇIKLAMA

Fenerbahçe Kulübü'nden konuya dair şu açıklama geldi:

-Kulübümüzün 13445 sicil numaralı üyesi Eyüp Yeşilyurt vefat etmiştir.

Merhumun cenazesi 4 Mayıs Pazartesi günü (Bugün) ikindi namazını müteakip Yakacık Ulu Camii'nden kaldırılacaktır.

Eyüp Yeşilyurt’a Allah’tan rahmet, yakınlarına başsağlığı dileriz.

Sezon sonunda sözleşmesi bitecek olan milli futbolcu Zeki Çelik'in Roma'dan ayrılmasına kesin gözüyle bakılıyordu. Türkiye'den Galatasaray ve Fenerbahçe'nin de yakından takip ettiği Zeki Çelik için Roma bütün planlarını değiştirdi.

Galatasaray, Roma'yla mukavelesi sezon sonunda bitecek olan Zeki Çelik'le ilgileniyordu. Fenerbahçe'de hem Nelson Semedo hem de Mert Müldür de yaşanan belirsizlik nedeniyle gündemine Zeki Çelik'i almıştı. Ancak milli futbolcu da durumlar tersine döndü.

ROMA VAZGEÇMİYOR

Fichajes'de yer alan habere göre, Gian Piero Gasperini, Serie A'nın devlerinden biri olan AS Roma'da uzun vadeli kadrosunu şekillendirmek istiyor. Nitekim, teknik direktör , yaz transfer döneminin kilit isimlerinden biri olabilecek Zeki Çelik'in performansından oldukça memnun.

Sağ bek oyuncusunun geleceği önemli bir konu, bu yüzden yaz transfer döneminde serbest oyuncu olarak ayrılmasını engellemek için ellerinden gelen her şeyi yapacaklar. Yine aynı habere göre, Türk oyuncunun menajeriyle sözleşmesini uzatmak için görüşmelere yeniden başladılar.

Sezonun bitmesine kısa bir süre kala yeni sezon için hazırlıklarına başlayan Galatasaray ve Fenerbahçe aynı ismi gündemine almıştı. Milan'dan ayrılmak üzere olan Rafael Leao için harekete geçen iki Süper Lig devinin bu transferde işi oldukça zor.

Taraftarlar ve teknik heyetle sorunlar yaşayan Rafael Leao'nun sezon sonunda Milan ile yollarını ayırması bekleniyor. 26 yaşındaki futbolcu için Galatasaray'ın devrede olduğu bilinirken Fenerbahçe'nin de bu transfer içi nabız yokladığı öğrenildi.

PREMIER LİG KULÜPLERİ KAPIDA

Fichajes'de yer alan habere göre ise, Premier Lig kulüpleri, özellikle de Leao için harekete geçmeye hazır olan Manchester United oyuncu için oldukça sabırsız. Öte yandan hem Chelsea hem de Arsenal, yaz transfer döneminde forvet oyuncusunu kadrolarına katmak istiyor. AC Milan, kanat oyuncusu için teklifleri beklerken , Premier Lig kulüpleri Portekizli yıldız için ciddi bir teklif yapmayı düşünüyor.

BARCELONA DA MASADA

Ayrıca, Barcelona'dan da hamle geldiği öğrenildi. La Liga temsilcisinin oyuncu cephesiyle temas kurduğu ortaya çıktı. Kısa süre içinde de Milan'la masaya oturmaları bekleniyor.

Ziraat Türkiye Kupası'nda Beşiktaş-TÜMOSAN Konyaspor maçının hakemi belli oldu.

Ziraat Türkiye Kupası yarı finalinde yarın oynanacak Beşiktaş-TÜMOSAN Konyaspor maçını Adnan Deniz Kayatepe yönetecek.

Tüpraş Stadı'nda 20.30'da başlayacak karşılaşmada Kayatepe'nin yardımcılıklarını Mehmet Kısal ve Kerem Ersoy yapacak. Müsabakanın dördüncü hakemi ise Reşat Onur Coşkunses olacak.

Beşiktaş geçen sezonu Solskjaer ile 4. basamakta tamamlamıştı. Sergen Yalçın önderliğindeki takım da bu sezonu 4. sırada bitirecek. Kartal'daki bu tablo aslında bazı acı gerçekleri anlatıyor.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, 19 Ocak 2025 tarihinde Beşiktaş'ın başına geçmişti. 28 Ağustos 2025'te ise görevine son verildi. Norveçli teknik adamın önderliğindeki Kartal, geride bıraktığımız sezonu 4. sırada tamamlamıştı. Solskjaer'in ardından göreve gelen Sergen Yalçın'dan beklentiler büyüktü.

HATALI HAMLELER

Yalçın'ın çalıştırdığı Kartal da bu sezonu matematiksel olarak 4. basamakta bitirmeyi garantiledi. Yani sıralama bakımından hiçbir şey değişmedi. Burada teknik adamlardan çok farklı sıkıntılar bulunduğu görülüyor. Özellikle transferlerde yapılan hatalı hamlelerin bedeli çok ağır oldu.

NEYE İHTİYAÇLARI VAR?

Beşiktaş'ta öncelikli takviye gereken bölgeler vardı. Ancak farklı mevkilere monteler geldi. Aynı tarzdaki birçok futbolcu, kadroya eklendi. Yapılan yüksek sözleşmeler, takım içindeki huzursuzluklar vb birçok problem baş gösterdi. Önümüzdeki sezon da hedef şampiyonluk. Fakat bu kez Kartal'ın hata şansı sıfır...

Kaleci arayan Beşiktaş, devre arasında da gündemine gelen Gabriel Brazao konusunda tekrar harekete geçti. Santos Kulübü'yle kısa süre içinde masaya oturulacağı öğrenildi.

Kartal'ın kış transfer dönemindeki kaleci adaylarından biri Santos forması giyen Gabriel Brazao'ydu... Brezilya ekibiyle bonservis konusunda anlaşma sağlanamayınca geri adım atıldı. Ancak Siyah-Beyazlılar'ın kısa süre içinde tekrar harekete geçeceği öğrenildi.

15 MİLYONLUK BEKLENTİ

Brezilyalı eldivenin Santos Kulübü'yle 31 Aralık 2028 tarihine kadar mukavelesi bulunuyor. 25 yaşındaki oyuncunun, Beşiktaş seçeneğine sıcak baktığı öğrenildi. 1.92 boyundaki file bekçisi için 15 milyon euroluk bonservis beklentisi olduğu konuşuluyor. Siyah-Beyazlılar rakamı indirmek için pazarlık yapacak.

SENELERCE SIKINTI ÇEKMEZ

2024'ün Şubat ayında Inter'den bedelsiz şekilde Santos'a katılan Gabriel Brazao, ülkesinde yeniden çıkışa geçmişti. Beşiktaş resmi imzayı attırabilirse, senelerce kalede problem yaşamayabilir. Çünkü Brazao 25 yaşında ve bu yaş, bir kaleci için "genç" kabul ediliyor.

Liverpool, yeni sözleşme görüşmeleri yaptığı Curtis Jones ile anlaşma sağlayamadı. İngiliz orta saha oyuncusunun yaz döneminde satılması bekleniyor. Galatasaray'ın da hamlede bulunabileceği öğrenildi.

Liverpool altyapısından çıkan Curtis Jones'un mukavelesi 30 Haziran 2027 tarihinde tamamlanacak. Bir süredir taraflar arasında yeni sözleşme konusunda görüşmeler sürüyordu. Ancak hiçbir ilerleme sağlanamadı. Daha yüksek bir maaş bekleyen İngiliz futbolcunun yazın satılması bekleniyor.

3 TAKIM DEVREDE

Eğer Curtis Jones takımda kalırsa, önümüzdeki sezonun ardından boşa çıkabilecek. 25 yaşındaki merkez orta saha oyuncusuyla Inter, Borussia Dortmund ve RB Leipzig gibi takımlar ilgileniyor. Ancak Galatasaray'ın da pazarlık masasına oturabileceği öğrenildi.

YÜKSEK PARA ÇEKİLEMEYECEK

Curtis Jones'un tahmini piyasa değeri 35 milyon euro civarında... Fakat mukavelesi önümüzdeki sezonun ardından tamamlanacağı için Liverpool'un yüksek bir bonservis talep etme şansı bulunmuyor. Galatasaray'ın da bu kozu kullanmak istediği belirtildi. Oyuncunun istediği maaş konusunda da sıkıntı çıkması beklenmiyor. Önümüzdeki haftalarda konuyla ilgili çok sürpriz gelişmeler yaşanabilir.

“Bavariya” yeni mövsüm üçün ev formasını təqdim edib.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “Adidas” tərəfindən hazırlanan dəstlər ənənəvi olaraq, qırmızı rəngdədir.

“Bavariya” mayın 6-da, Çempionlar Liqasında yarımfinal mərhələsində PSJ-yə qarşı keçirəcəyi ev oyununda yeni formalardan istifadə edəcək.

Komandalar arasındakı ilk matçda Paris klubu qələbə qazanıb – 5:4.

Braziliyanın “Santos” klubunun məşqində futbolçular Neymarla Robinyo Junior arasında mübahisə yaranıb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə “Globo” nəşri məlumat yayıb.

34 yaşlı Neymar 18 yaşlı Robinyonun onu aldatmasından narazı qalıb və bunu hörmətsizlik kimi qəbul edib. O, həmkarından xahiş edərək, onun daha sakit oynamasını bildirib. Bundan sonra tərəflər arasında mübahisə böyüyüb və dava düşüb. Neymar Robinyonun əvvəlcə üzünə vurub, sonra onu yerə yıxıb.

Gənc oyunçunun nümayəndələri Neymarın davranışından kluba şikayət edib. Lakin “Santos” rəsmilərindən hələlik açıqlama verilməyib. Daha sonra tərəflər barışıb və Neymar bazada gənc futbolçudan üzr istəyib.

Robinyo Junior braziliyalı keçmiş futbolçu Robinyonun oğludur.

“Mançester Yunayted” İngiltərə Premyer Liqasının XXXV turunda “Liverpul”u məğlub edib – 3:2.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “qırmızı şeytanlar” qələbə ilə xallarını 64-ə çatdırıb və altıncı pillədəki “Bornmut”u 12 xal qabaqlayıb.

“Mançester Yunayted” liqada sona üç tur qalmış Çempionlar Liqasına vəsiqəni təmin edib.

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Italy legend Fulvio Collovati insists that seeing the Azzurri replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup would be ‘humiliating.’

Italy have failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time, but there are reports that the Azzurri could still be heading to the tournament to replace Iran, especially after Paolo Zampolli’s recent claims.

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“Some people pushed these ideas more on a political level than a sporting one. Honestly, I never even considered them,” Collovati told Scommesse.io.

Collovati: ‘Humiliating’ to see Italy at World Cup

“It would be humiliating from a sporting perspective. In sport, what matters is the field and the result. You can’t get there through shortcuts. Italy have not qualified for the last three World Cups, and that’s no coincidence. It can happen once, even twice, but the third time means there are serious problems. Before those three missed qualifications, we had been knocked out in the first round twice in a row. It’s a crisis that has lasted for 20 years, since 2006. Before thinking about being admitted to the World Cup, we need to think about reforms.

“You can change all the people you want, but without reforms, nothing will change,” continued the 1982 Italy World Cup winner.

“We need to intervene in youth development, invest in young players, and require clubs to include them in the squads and actually play them in Serie A. Otherwise, we’ll keep standing still in the same place.”

• Read more – Italy’s presence at the 2026 World Cup would be wrong, but not surprising

Inter star Federico Dimarco admits the 2025-26 Serie A title ‘means so much’ after last season’s disappointments and dedicates the Scudetto to ‘those who said I was finished.’

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Inter are celebrating the 21st Scudetto in their history, the second in the last three years.

Dimarco: ‘Special to see Milan coloured in black and blue’

It’s the first Scudetto for Cristian Chivu, who has become the first foreign coach to win the Serie A title since José Mourinho in 2010.

Dimarco has been one of the standout performers this season, having contributed to 25 goals across all competitions.

“It’s an amazing feeling. To see Milan coloured in black and blue is special,” the Italian defender told InterTV via FcInter1908.

“It tastes like a restart after the bad disappointments of last season. We have restarted with the team and staff members. We have worked hard and crowned the dream of the 21st Scudetto.

“We are a united team, and we were united in difficult moments too, when we were being beaten from every direction. We always showed up, and now we enjoy this title. It means so much after what happened last year. I dedicate it to all the people who are close to me, especially those who said I was finished at the end of last season.”

Dimarco was among the Inter stars who headed to Piazza Duomo at late light on Sunday to celebrate with the Inter supporters in the city’s main square.

Inter have won the Scudetto with three games to spare, securing 26 victories in 35 league matches this term.

Last night, they needed just one point to put their hands on the Scudetto, but still secured a 2-0 victory with goals courtesy of Marcus Thuram and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

• Read more – Live: Inter win 21st Serie A title – reactions, pictures videos

Dimarco et Zanetti sont les premiers à mener la fête de l’Inter sur la Piazza Duomo avec les Tifosi pic.twitter.com/FxHjoRHZSX

— Inter Milan Internazionale.fr (@SoloInter) May 4, 2026

Recent reports suggest that Paulo Dybala will switch from Roma to Boca Juniors in the summer, which means La Joya will be one of the stars to watch in the Superclasico against River Plate in 2026-27.

Dybala’s Roma contract expires at the end of the season, and it is no secret that the Argentine star, a 2022 World Cup winner, is attracted by the idea of playing for Boca Juniors one day.

His possible move to the Bombonera will likely have a big impact on Bet on Superclasico, as Dybala has been one of the best players in Serie A and across Europe in the last decade.

The exciting attacker has scored 131 goals in 366 Serie A matches playing for Palermo, Juventus and Roma in Italy’s top flight.

His latest season at the Stadio Olimpico has been marred by injuries, limiting him to just 23 appearances across all competitions and three goals.

Nevertheless, Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini is reportedly willing to keep the Argentine at the Stadio Olimpico for at least one more season, prompting the club to offer him a new deal.

Dybala joined Roma on a free transfer from Juventus in the summer of 2022 and has scored 45 goals in 136 games with the Giallorossi.

Gasperini has often praised Dybala in the current campaign, especially in the first half, when the Argentine was deployed as a false nine before Donyell Malen’s move from Aston Villa.

“Playing as an attacking midfielder can become complicated when he has his physical troubles, as we’ve unfortunately discovered over this period,” Gasp said at the end of December 2025.

“I’ve always hoped to have him and have counted on him, because the value of our team increases when he is in that position. The whole attack benefits.

“It’s difficult to come across another player of (Dybala’s) quality. If he has problems, there aren’t really any like-for-like replacements.  

“If [Evan] Ferguson wants to take a step forward, remembering that he is 21 years old and still very young, he has to improve not on his technical level, but on that hunger, desire, understanding where he plays and how to make the most out of his weapons.”

Dybala has recently admitted that he’d love to play for Boca Juniors in the future, where he’d reunite with his friend and former teammate Leandro Paredes.

“It would be fantastic,” he said (via SportMediaset).

“Today I play for Roma, and I have to defend this shirt, but you never know what might happen.”

Dybala has only played at the club level in Argentina and Italy, rising through the Instituto Atlético Central Córdoba academy before joining Palermo in 2012.

Tijjani Reijnders could be on the move again just a year after arriving at Manchester City, with fresh reports suggesting the Dutch midfielder may be open to leaving in the coming weeks.

According to Football Insider, several clubs, particularly from Serie A, are monitoring his situation closely, with Juventus among the sides showing interest.

The potential exit comes as a surprise considering the expectations surrounding his move from AC Milan last summer, a deal believed to be worth around €55 million.

At the time, Reijnders was seen as a versatile addition to Pep Guardiola’s midfield options, capable of contributing both creatively and defensively.

However, football at the highest level can be unpredictable, and his situation at City appears to have shifted quickly.

Reijnders has struggled at Man City this season

Reijnders initially looked like he would settle seamlessly into life in the Premier League.

He made an immediate impact, scoring and assisting on his debut, a performance that raised hopes he could become a regular figure in Guardiola’s system.

His ability to carry the ball forward, link play, and contribute in advanced areas made him a valuable option in midfield rotations.

However, as the season progressed, his role began to diminish. Increased competition for places, a common challenge at Man City, has limited his opportunities in recent months.

Guardiola’s squad is known for its depth and tactical flexibility, often leaving even high-quality players fighting for consistent minutes.

For Reijnders, this has meant adapting to a more rotational role than initially expected.

Reijnders offers qualities that many teams value, composure in possession, intelligent movement, and the ability to transition play from midfield to attack.

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Serie A clubs are taking notice of his potential availability

These attributes have not gone unnoticed, particularly in Italy, where he previously thrived with AC Milan.

Juventus’ interest shows that they are looking to strengthe their midfield options with technically sound players who can control tempo and contribute creatively.

Other Serie A clubs are also believed to be monitoring the situation, sensing an opportunity to sign a player who has plenty to offer at the top level.

For Man City, any decision regarding Reijnders will likely depend on squad balance and long-term planning.

The club has a history of making calculated decisions when it comes to player sales, especially if it allows them to reinvest in areas of need. Financially, recouping a significant portion of the initial transfer fee could make a deal more appealing.

Huge bid: Man City ready big money summer move for midfielder wanted by Man United

The post Reduction in playing time could lead to shock exit of Man City star who joined last year appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool and Arsenal could be involved in a transfer battle this summer to sign one of the most wanted attackers in world football.

Bradley Barcola could be one of the more intriguing names to watch this summer, with Liverpool and Arsenal both reportedly keeping close tabs on the Paris Saint-Germain forward.

According to TEAMtalk, there are early signs that the 23-year-old’s camp is exploring potential opportunities, even though his contract in Paris still runs until 2028.

While PSG are not actively pushing him out, the situation appears fluid and that has alerted several top clubs.

With both Liverpool and Arsenal looking to strengthen their attacking options ahead of next season, Barcola’s profile makes him an attractive target if he becomes available.

Barcola is drawing interest from Liverpool and Arsenal

Barcola has quietly put together a solid campaign, registering 12 goals and seven assists across all competitions.

Those numbers reflect a player who is growing into his role at one of Europe’s biggest clubs, even if he isn’t always the headline name in PSG’s star-studded attack.

What makes Barcola particularly appealing is his versatility. Comfortable playing on either wing, he combines pace with direct dribbling and a willingness to take on defenders, qualities that are highly valued in the Premier League.

Liverpool’s interest is closely linked to long-term planning in their attack. With ongoing uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah’s future, the club is believed to be assessing potential replacements who can grow into a leading role.

Barcola’s age and skill set fit that profile, offering both immediate contribution and long-term development potential.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are continuing to build depth in their forward line. Mikel Arteta has emphasized the need for rotation and competition across attacking positions, especially with the club competing on multiple fronts.

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May 4 2026, 11:12

Winger’s future depends on PSG’s stance

Adding a player like Barcola would provide flexibility, allowing Arsenal to rotate without a drop in quality.

PSG’s stance remains key to how this situation develops. Reports suggest the club are constantly evaluating their squad structure, particularly as they balance experienced stars with emerging talent.

If Barcola feels his role could be limited or if PSG receive a strong offer, the door to a transfer could open.

If the Ligue 1 giants decide to listen to offers, this could quickly turn into a competitive transfer race and one that might shape the attacking options of two Premier League giants heading into next season.

Neville praises ‘top-class’ Arsenal player who was on top of his game against Fulham

The post Report: Liverpool & Arsenal on alert as 19 G/A attacker could soon become available appeared first on CaughtOffside.

If there were any lingering doubts about Arsenal’s title credentials, Saturday night at the Emirates Stadium firmly put them to bed.

Mikel Arteta’s squad delivered an absolute masterclass, completely dismantling Fulham in a dominant 3-0 victory.

The win was a massive statement, keeping the Gunners right at the summit of the Premier League with 76 points and establishing a crucial six-point gap over a relentless Manchester City side.

While striker Viktor Gyökeres secured an impressive brace with goals on either side of the half-time break, it was Bukayo Saka’s fine strike that truly captured everyone’s attention.

The sheer quality of Saka’s performance certainly didn’t go unnoticed.

Gary Neville praises Arsenal star Bukayo Saka

Speaking on on NBC Sports, Manchester United legend Gary Neville was quick to dish out the plaudits.