US President Donald Trump is set to meet with several senators on Thursday as negotiators race to get the CLARITY Act across the line before the Senate’s August recess.
Conor McGregor's UFC 329 octagon return on July 11 went off the rails almost immediately. The former two-division champion headlined the fight card in a rematch with former featherweight champion and BMF titleholder Max Holloway.
At the sound of the bell to start the bout, McGregor rushed across the cage and leaped into the air with a jumping switch kick. He landed awkwardly on his right leg and fell to the canvas. He fell twice more, once while throwing a kick and later a punch. The referee stepped in once it was obvious McGregor had suffered an injury. It's unknown what specific injury the Irishman fell victim to or the severity of it. But that will change on Thursday.
McGregor expects the results from scans to come back tomorrow. He also thinks the bout should be rules a no contest and all wagers place on the bout returned.
"A few notes
"1. I will have the results of the scan on my leg tomorrow. 2. The fight should be a no contest and all bets returned," he wrote on Instagram.
McGregor (22-7) returned after a five-year hiatus in a welterweight
booking against Max
Holloway at
UFC 329 in Las Vegas. His highly anticipated return ended
anticlimactically as he injured his knee on the first kick he
threw. “Notorious” was barely able to plant both feet firmly after
the injury, leading to a stoppage loss just 69 seconds into the
first round.
Conor McGregor reflects on UFC 329 loss
McGregor now wants his defeat to Holloway to be overturned to a no
contest. The former UFC double champ also revealed that he’ll soon
have the results of the scan of his injury. Notably, McGregor wants
all bets on the fight to be returned.
“A few notes 1. I will have the results of the scan on my leg
tomorrow. 2. The fight should be a no contest and all bets
returned,” McGregor wrote on Instagram.
There’s growing discourse regarding whether McGregor entered the
bout with a pre-existing injury. He momentarily stumbled and winced
while removing his shoes before stepping into the Octagon,
prompting many to speculate that the Irishman knew his right leg
was compromised. However, his coach, John
Kavanagh and UFC CEO Dana
White have both reiterated that there was no injury going into
the fight.
Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson (22) and guard Jackie Young (0) high-five one another during a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Seattle Storm, Monday June 8, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev.
When the All-Star Game arrives, A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young will both be placed in a strange situation: against one another.
The All-Star Game rosters have officially dropped, placing Wilson on Team Spoon for general manager Teresa Weatherspoon, while Young joins Team Coop for general manager Cynthia Cooper.
Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon was also tabbed to represent Team Coop, opposite Team Spoon and Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve.
Wilson was the second pick of Team Spoon behind second-leading vote-getter Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever, while Young was the second-to-last selection for Team Coop, which features leading vote-getter Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings.
The All-Star Game this season is designed to commemorate 30 years of the WNBA, paying homage to the past while showcasing the stars of the present and future.
Wilson and Young will be set to square off when the game tips off on July 25 at United Center in Chicago.
They collide in a bantamweight Muay Thai bout, which headlines the Asia primetime spectacle from Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, July 17. The card follows immediately after The Inner Circle 22, which streams exclusively to members at live.onefc.com.
A win rebuilds Kongklai’s momentum after a recent setback, while a statement victory for Benwarwar would silence a veteran with serious finishing pedigree. For either man, the outcome could also mean a significant step closer to a coveted US$100,000 main roster contract.
Here is what both knockout artists had to say ahead of their main event showdown at Lumpinee this week.
Kongklai Determined To Bounce Back In Style
Kongklai Sor Sommai returns to the weekly series unshaken despite a recent setback.
The Sor Sommai and PK Saenchai Muaythaigym representative saw his three-fight winning streak in the organization come to an end against Julio Lobo in the main event of ONE Friday Fights 152. It was a decision loss he views as nothing more than a minor setback, however.
The Thai shared:
“I messed up [in that fight against Lobo]. Once I got [handed] the eight-count, the fight was actually really close and fun. But it was already late in the third round too, so I couldn’t win.
“But it didn’t affect my confidence because I know I did my best. Confidence-wise, I’m not at a disadvantage because I’ve been fighting Muay Thai my whole life.”
Across a career that has produced an 83-23 record, wins and losses have both come and gone. One thing has remained a constant throughout: his ability to put opponents to sleep.
Inside the ring, Kongklai has finished Paedsanlek PK Saenchai with knees to the head. Deniz “Bad Boy” Demirkapu and Ferrari Fairtex, meanwhile, were knocked out cold courtesy of his missile-like left hand. In fact, all but one of his promotional triumphs arrived inside the distance.
The 27-year-old is not going to be chasing one this time around, however. He is simply focused on doing his job and letting the finish come naturally.
He said:
“Lately, I haven’t been able to finish fights or get a bonus. So, I don’t want to hope for that anymore. I figured it’s better not to expect it.
“It’s better to just do my job to the fullest. If I’m meant to get it, it will come on its own. But if my opponent comes to trade punches, it’s going to be absolute fire. I guarantee it’ll be a war just like the last fight.”
Above all, Kongklai is not walking into this matchup taking Benwarwar lightly.
The Thai has extensively studied his dance partner and has broken down exactly where he believes they stack up against one another. He did not hold back when sharing his findings.
Kongklai said:
“Adam is big, and he hits hard. He’s fast with his punches. However, [his Muay Thai] is pretty much the same as anyone else. He has great hand speed and heavy shots, but when opponents hit him back, he backs off too.
“His other weapons aren’t on my level. [But] we have a complete set of other Muay Thai weapons.”
Kongklai Sor Sommai may believe the gap in weaponry between the two men is significant, but Adam “El Capitano” Benwarwar’s most recent performance made a strong case against that theory.
The 23-year-old bounced back from a unanimous decision defeat in his promotional debut by scoring a 52-second knockout of Kendu Irving this past May, securing his 24th career win in the process.
Notably, Irving remains the only fighter to have taken Kongklai the distance across his ONE Championship victories, a detail that has not been lost on Benwarwar heading into fight night.
The Moroccan dynamo said:
“This is an important fight for me. I’ve also heard that Kongklai said that I have nothing except size and speed. So I want to prove that I have more than size.
“I want to show all the Muay Thai elements [from my arsenal] to everyone who watches this fight. I’m very, very prepared and ready for this fight.”
Every ounce of that message has been backed up by his preparation at Petchsaman Gym in Pattaya, Thailand.
Alongside sharpening his own tools, “El Capitano” has also studied his opponent closely, and the Thai veteran’s knockout reputation has done little to shake his confidence.
Benwarwar said:
“After watching some of his fights, I think his rhythms [of attacks] are very slow. Sometimes, he spends too much time trying to figure out what to do.
“As for his strengths, I don’t see many dangerous weapons from Kongklai other than his work in the clinch. He’s good there, but I’m prepared for his calf kicks, his punches, and hard hooks.”
Should everything go to plan, Benwarwar is eager to make it back-to-back highlight-reel triumphs in the weekly series, with a US$100,000 main roster contract potentially awaiting whoever comes out on top.
For the Moroccan, a finish would not just settle the argument over who owns the sharper tools, it would also make the loudest possible case for why that life-changing deal belongs to him.
He concluded:
“I’m going to find a way to knock him out. It could probably be in the first, second, or third round. It doesn’t matter.
“I’m very confident with my right hook, though. If I connect with my right hand, there is probably like a 90 percent chance that it will be a knockdown.”
Samsung is reportedly reserving its latest display technology for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 phones. The company yesterday introduced Flex Titanium foldable display tech, but a new report suggests the Galaxy Z Flip 8 might be missing it.
According to NewsPim, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 doesn’t feature Flex Titanium display. The new solution appears to be limited to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, a massive letdown for the clamshell foldable fans.
Samsung’s Flex Titanium display technology
Flex Titanium uses a dual-layer structure that places a titanium alloy film beneath the OLED panel while also incorporating titanium into the supporting display plate.
Samsung claims the titanium alloy offers around 20 times the rigidity of conventional polymer materials. The result is a display that is more resistant to deformation while also becoming thinner.
The upgraded panel structure of the screen, combined with new organic display materials, is also expected to deliver better image quality and improved power efficiency.
The Fold and Flip use very different hinge mechanisms and display assemblies, so Samsung may have chosen to validate the technology on one product family before expanding it further.
Industry sources also indicate that Samsung’s privacy display feature will not make its way to either foldable this year. Meanwhile, the company is reportedly planning to bring it to all models of the Galaxy S27 series next year.
Its absence is especially interesting on the Galaxy Z Fold 8. The larger unfolded display naturally exposes more on-screen content in public places, making privacy protection an obvious use case.
Two late goals by Argentina sealed the comeback victory to punch their second ticket in a row to the World Cup Finals this Sunday. They’ll face off against Spain Sunday at 3 pm in New Jersey.
“Gutted,” said one England fan. “Absolutely gutted... It’s heartbreaking. We waited 60 years for this.”
Another added, “I’m still in shock. I’m still trying to comprehend everything... I don’t even know what to say really.”
He continued, “You go so far again. You believe, as we talked in the beginning, we thought it was coming home.”
While England fans mourned the loss on the first floor of The Greatest Bar, Argentina fans rushed downstairs from the top floors to celebrate in the streets outside.
“It’s coming home,” one Argentina fan yelled.
Another said, “I just wanted to say I never doubted it for one minute and look where we are now.”
Most England fans at The Greatest Bar Thursday told Boston 25 they’ll be rooting for Spain in the finals Sunday.
The Philadelphia Flyers re-signed RFA Trevor Zegras to a four-year contract on Wednesday.
The deal is worth $9.125 million annually and keeps Zegras signed through 2029-30.
One week after the Anaheim Ducks matched the Flyers' offer sheet for Zegras' former teammate, center Leo Carlsson, Philadelphia has taken care of one of its current RFAs who was scheduled for arbitration.
Zegras avoided arbitration on July 22, according to PuckPedia.
"We're thrilled to have Trevor committed to our organization for the next four years," Flyers GM Daniel Briere said in a statement. "The growth he showed this past season, proving that he is the skilled player he entered the league as, reinforced our belief that he will be an impact player for the Flyers for the years to come. He's the type of player who can help take our team to the next level, and we're excited to continue building alongside him."
The 25-year-old had a bounce-back campaign with the Flyers after they acquired him from the Ducks in June 2025. Zegras had a career-high 26 goals and 41 assists for a career-best 67 points in 81 games, up from 32 points in 57 games the season prior.
In 349 career NHL games, Zegras has 93 goals and 160 assists for 253 points. He added two goals and six points in his first 10 career playoff games this past spring with Philadelphia.
While Zegras played much of last season as a left winger on a line with Christian Dvorak and Travis Konecny, he has plenty of experience as a center.
Flyers coach Rick Tocchet could try to stick with that line this upcoming season, or he could move Zegras back to center in the hope he is the No. 1 pivot the team tried to acquire when it tendered an offer sheet to Carlsson for $18 million annually for five years on July 2.
With Zegras signed, Philadelphia still has about $20.44 million in cap space and three RFAs remaining.
Defenseman Jamie Drysdale, 24, is scheduled for arbitration on Monday, July 20. He had 32 points in 78 games this past season.
Right winger Nikita Grebenkin, 23, had four goals and 14 points in 55 games in 2025-26. He's not eligible for arbitration or an offer sheet.
Defenseman Hunter McDonald, 24, spent most of this past campaign with the AHL's Lehigh Valley Phantoms. He had six assists in 65 games.
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The Lenovo Legion Y700 Infinite is an upcoming gaming tablet. It is confirmed to feature 5G connectivity and a flagship Snapdragon chipset. Ahead of its launch, a leak has revealed more details about the device.
Leaks suggest Xiaomi’s Redmi K100 Pro could feature a 185Hz OLED display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, 200MP main camera and an 8,500mAh-class battery. The gaming-focused flagship may launch in September or October 2026, although Xiaomi is yet to give official confirmation.
Realme has just launched the Narzo 100x 5G, pairing an 8,000mAh battery with a 144Hz display and Dimensity 6300 processor. Its strong battery and practical features make it a strong contender in the budget segment.
Fed-up Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 and 2 PS5 owners are requesting PlayStation Store refunds. Along with concerns over price and a lack of performance upgrades, multiplayer hacks have spoiled the fun. With Sony’s transition to digital games, its stringent policies are under scrutiny.
Base creator Jesse Pollak is stepping back from leadership of the Base App after admitting he was “definitively wrong” to bet on social experiences driving crypto adoption.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed Tuesday that a bidding war is underway to bring the Sonics back to Seattle.
The league is targeting the 2028-2029 NBA season for the team’s potential return.
Samantha Holloway, the majority owner of the Seattle Kraken and Climate Pledge Arena, is the only known group to have publicly expressed interest in a Sonics bid. While a growing number of groups are now involved in the bidding process, fans in Seattle are reportedly experiencing some fatigue over the ongoing wait for official news regarding an NBA team’s return.
“I’ve seen [Detlef] Schrimpf play. I’ve seen Tom Chambers play,” longtime fan Jack Gerke said. “Broke my heart when DJ left. I’m going to start crying. Don’t get me started guys!”
Danny Ball of Iconic Sonics noted the prolonged discussions, saying, “It feels like I’ve been having the same conversations since March. We are more or less in the same standing...holding pattern of waiting for these guys to take a real vote on expansion.”
Holloway’s known interest, particularly given her ownership of the Kraken and Climate Pledge Arena, has been viewed by many fans as a logical fit for a potential NBA return.
However, when reached for comment regarding Commissioner Silver’s statements about the bidding war, Holloway’s spokesperson declined to comment at this time.
Despite the exhaustion from the protracted wait, fans maintain a degree of optimism.
“But there is a part of me that’s tired for sure. I would love to be talking about who we are hiring as a GM, whose going to be the head of basketball operations,” Ball said. “There’s an excitement there and we are almost in the home stretch. Get’em back by 28-29. That’ll be 20 years and pretty poetic.”
Commissioner Silver affirmed that the league should have answers regarding the expansion by the end of the year.
Does a viral image prove that Argentina-England referee Ismail Elfath "asked for a photo" with Argentina's captain Lionel Messi? No, that's not true: The photo was cropped to remove the captain of the opposing team, who was posing with Messi and the referees for a standard pre-match shot. The image was produced in 2022, before a different match played by Argentina and France.
The claim appeared in a post (archived here) on X where it was published by @TheFootyFeed on July 14, 2026. It opened:
So only one referee at this World Cup has asked for a photo with Lionel Messi at the end of a game, And that referee is the one that the FIFA chose to appoint for a World Cup semifinal... You could not make this shit up 🤦♂️
This is what the image attached to the post looked like on X at the time of writing:
Image source: post by @TheFootyFeed on X.
Paired with the caption, the image could be misread as evidence that Argentina-England referee Ismail Elfath -- standing to Messi's left -- was actually "asking for a photo" with him during a Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup game.
In 2026, when the post reviewed in this fact check was published, Elfath was selected to officiate (archived here) the FIFA World Cup Argentina-England match (archived here) on July 15, 2026. However, the image did not show what the viral post claimed it did. The photo predated the game by roughly four years and was digitally cropped to remove additional context.
The full-size photo (archived here) could be found on Getty Images where it was published under the title:
Argentina v France: Final - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
The description of the image continued:
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: referees and team captains from L-R: Tomasz Listkiewicz, Lionel Messi, Ismail Elfath, Szymon Marciniak, Hugo Lloris, Pawe Sokolnicki [sic] before the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.
(Image source: Screenshot of Getty Images website.)
A search across the same stock image database for similar pictures featuring captains of two competing teams with soccer officials showed that such pre-game photos are a standard part of documenting matches, as seen, for example, here (archived here) and here (archived here).
Bill Simmons has joked that he’d require medical attention if a Boston team lost in the way that England did to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final.
Not many onlookers regardless of just how much they are into soccer would have seen Argentina winning after England scored first in their huge game.
They may be world champions but they were not creating many chances, with Lionel Messi unusually quiet by his own high standards.
Still, England ceded control in Atlanta and allowed Argentina back into the game. They played too defensive too early and that meant perhaps their greatest footballing rival found a way to progress into the biggest game the sport has to offer.
Simmons jokes he’d be upset if a Boston team lost like England
Taking to social media platform X, Simmons wrote: “If a Boston team lost in the way England just did, I’d honestly need medical attention.”
That was certainly a painful defeat from an English perspective, so it’s easy to see what Simmons is getting at.
To be so close to reaching the World Cup final against a huge rival, only to throw it all away will take some getting over.
Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images
Fans are rightly asking questions as to what happened. Though Argentina are clearly a brilliant team, the way in which the momentum turned all too quickly will live long in the memory.
The fact that Argentina keep finding a way would suggest it’s not down to luck. Yet, it’s difficult not to feel as if England threw their chance of reaching a second World Cup final away themselves.
No matter what sport one follows, to see your own team prove architects of their downfall is a painful experience.
Simmons certainly isn’t wrong here. Medical attention might be a touch dramatic but there will clearly be an awful lot of soul searching going on within English football over the next few days and weeks.
Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike (30) scores a layup during a WNBA game against the Chicago Sky, Friday July 10th, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
When the lights come on in Chicago for WNBA All-Star Weekend, the Los Angeles Sparks will have representation on both sidelines.
Kelsey Plum and Nneka Ogwumike, who were both named All-Star reserves earlier this month, learned their teams during Wednesday's WNBA All-Star Draft. Plum was selected by WNBA legend Cynthia Cooper with the ninth overall reserve pick and will suit up for Team Coop, while Ogwumike was taken two picks later by Teresa Weatherspoon as the 11th reserve selection to join Team Spoon.
🌟 TEAM COOP IS SET 🌟
Introducing the official Team Cooper roster for the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game!
While they'll be opponents for one night, it's another reminder of how important both veterans have been to the Sparks this season.
For Plum, it's another All-Star appearance in a season that hasn't been in her favor injury-wise. Injuries have sidelined the veteran guard for almost a month so far, but before going down, she was having a career season. Her ability to score from anywhere on the floor and create for teammates made her an easy choice when Cooper began filling out her roster. It is not confirmed whether she will be playing yet, as she has not returned to the court in a couple of weeks.
Ogwumike's selection felt just as fitting.
The longtime Sparks star has continued adding to an already remarkable resume in her 15th WNBA season. Over the past week alone, she became one of only five players in league history to reach 3,000 career field goals, moved into the top five in career assists, and tied Lisa Leslie for the most points in Sparks franchise history. Even as Los Angeles has battled injuries throughout the season, Ogwumike has remained the steady presence the organization has leaned on night after night.
Those accomplishments made her an easy fit for Weatherspoon's squad, where she'll join a roster headlined by some of the league's biggest stars.
The split also adds a little extra intrigue for Sparks fans. Rather than rooting for one All-Star team, they'll have a reason to watch both, with Plum and Ogwumike competing against one another instead of alongside each other. Being selected as All-Stars was the recognition that reflected the impact each has had despite the Sparks navigating a rocky first half of the season.
Now, they'll head to Chicago wearing different jerseys but representing the same franchise. Plum will look to help Team Coop come away with a win, while Ogwumike will do the same for Team Spoon. Once All-Star Weekend wraps up, the two veterans will reunite in Los Angeles as the Sparks turn their attention back to the second half of the season and a push for the playoffs.
With the Iran conflict once again in full swing and demand for AI chips booming, industry sources expect that semiconductor raw material prices will only increase. Earlier this month, China created some turmoil in the semiconductor manufacturing raw materials supply chain when it announced that it would suspend Helium exports due to the supply chain turmoil. While China is not a key Helium exporter in terms of capacity, its role nevertheless could create trouble down the road if there is further disruption. Semiconductor Manufacturing Raw Materials Providers Raise Prices As Demand, Supply Dynamics Bite The complexity of semiconductor fabrication, which […]
NVIDIA has unveiled its brand-new Jetson Thor solutions, expanding into mainstream robotics, humanoids & Edge AI with the T3000 & T2000. NVIDIA Jetson Thor T3000 Offers 865 TFLOPs of AI Compute For Humanoids & Robotics, While T2000 Pushes 400 TFLOPs For Edge AI We already told you that some big news was coming on the Physical AI side of things when Jensen landed in Japan yesterday, and the first of these announcements has been revealed in the form of the NVIDIA Jetson Thor T3000 and T2000. Kawasaki Heavy Industries provides technology designed to improve the overall efficiency of hospital operations, including […]
A Bloomberg report has added to earlier claims that OnePlus may withdraw from Europe and the US, suggesting that the shutdown could extend to India in 2027 while the brand remains active in China. Meanwhile, an Amazon India microsite has confirmed the upcoming OnePlus N6x.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Expanded playoffs make it harder to predict whether Tarik Skubal and other choice acquisitions will be dealt before the Aug, 3 trade deadline.
Twenty-three of the 30 teams are within four games of a playoff position heading into the season's second half, which opens Thursday with the back-in-contention Philadelphia Phillies hosting the woeful New York Mets.
“You’ve got a lot of really good teams that were on the bubble that have gotten in and kind of made it,” Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper said. “Anybody that has an opportunity to get in, anything can happen and that’s what makes our sport great.”
Skubal, a two-time Cy Young Award winner who can become a free agent after the World Series, is the most prominent possible trade bait. The 29-year-old left-hander is 2-3 with a 3.62 ERA in six starts for the Detroit Tigers since surgery on May 6 to remove a loose body from his pitching elbow.
Detroit was 22-38 at the start of June — at 16 games under matching the 1914 Braves (12-28) as the most under .500 of a team that rebounded to reach the postseason, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. The Tigers are 22-14 since and trail by 3 1/2 games for the last AL wild card, needing to overcome six teams. Their performance in 16 games before the deadline will help determine whether they are buyers or sellers.
Minnesota's Joe Ryan and the Mets' Freddy Peralta also could become available. The Mets also could deal left-handed relievers Brooks Raley and A.J. Minter to contenders and San Francisco may try to jettison second baseman Luis Arraez.
Baseball’s only division leads of more than three games are held by the Los Angeles Dodgers (11 1/2) and Milwaukee (five).
“There are some middling teams that are potentially going to finish stronger and some teams that are front-running right now that might fall back to the pack,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “It’s what the fans wanted. It keeps everyone involved through September, as many teams as possible.”
Just seven teams of the 30 teams are more than four games out of a wild-card berth: the Athletics (6 1/2), Cincinnati (eight), Kansas City and the Los Angeles Angels (10 each), the Giants (10 1/2), the Mets (12) and Colorado (13 1/2).
“I think having more teams involved and more fan bases feeling like there’s something to play for later in the season is always good,” said Toronto pitcher Dylan Cease, the All-Star Game winner.
Phillies rebound after Mattingly becomes manager
Philadelphia fell to 9-19 when Rob Thomson was fired on April 28 and replaced by Don Mattingly. The Phillies are 44-24 since and trail NL East-leading Atlanta (55-40) by two games.
“Once we got Wheels back, I think everybody kind of took a deep breath,” Harper said. “That helped a lot of our other starting pitching kind of just fall into place.”
Despite a 46-48 record, the Red Sox trail by just a half-game for the last wild card in an AL that has just five teams with winning records.
“We've done a much better job overall with our approach,” Tracy said. “We’re taking more pitches. We’re seeing more pitches against starters. We are getting starters deep in counts earlier in games. We're scoring runs in the first five innings of the game and letting our starting rotation pitch with a lead.”
If the Red Sox struggle in the next few weeks, closer Aroldis Chapman and starter Sonny Gray could get dealt.
First-round byes at stake
Three of the four teams that had first-round byes last year advanced to League Championship Series: Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Seattle and Toronto. Among the teams emerging from Wild Card Series, only the Dodgers won their Division Series.
Having the bye allows teams to reset their rotations and assure opening the Division Series with their best starters.
Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler thought back to New York losing the AL East title and the bye to Toronto on a tiebreaker last year.
Credit: The Dan Patrick Show / Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Dan Patrick isn’t fully on board with the swings Netflix took to dress up Monday’s Home Run Derby.
Discussing the broadcast on Tuesday’s episode of his eponymous show, Patrick said Netflix could stand to do a better job getting the word out about the star power it brought to the event, noting he had no idea names like Barry Bonds and Albert Pujols were involved until the broadcast was already underway.
“I’d like to think I’m at least socially aware of sporting events, but I had no idea,” Patrick said. “And then all of a sudden, it’s like Netflix, and then you had Will Ferrell show up, you had Bonds and Pujols, and I’m like, OK. They’re trying. Netflix is trying, trying different things. Now, sometimes you can try too hard. Sometimes you can try to dress something up, and you really don’t need to.”
That tracks with the broader reaction to Monday’s broadcast, which got the Derby’s new swing-based format right while stumbling on execution elsewhere, including a Will Ferrell-led intro segment that landed with viewers about as well as it did with Patrick.
“I didn’t need Will Ferrell on the broadcast. I think they tried too hard in what they were trying to do there,” he said. “But, still, you’re trying to do new things. Sometimes, it’s just good the way it is.”
Patrick has been down this road with Netflix before. Back in March, he tore into the streamer’s Opening Night broadcast, an hour-long pregame slog padded with celebrity cameos that pushed first pitch to 8:25 p.m. and left him feeling like he’d “tuned into a PowerPoint on Netflix” with a baseball game buried somewhere inside it.
He wasn’t uniformly critical of Monday’s broadcast, though. Patrick praised Bonds’ ability to pick out small, specific details in hitters’ swings, after previously knocking him for spending too much time rambling about his own playing days a few months prior.
Netflix gets another shot Aug. 13, when the Phillies and Twins play at the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa. Two broadcasts into the deal, Patrick has made a habit of grading its work. There’s little reason to think he sits this one out.
Lionel Messi celebrates Argentina's win against England to reach the World Cup final, Lamine Yamal in action for Spain against France Credit: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto/Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal will meet in a master vs apprentice scenario in the World Cup final on Sunday.
Messi has been regarded as the greatest player of all time but is coming towards the end of his career at 39 whereas Yamal, who recently turned 19, is being tipped to become the next global superstar.
As the two prepare to do battle and carry their nation on their shoulders in the World Cup final, there is a mutual respect from one Barcelona academy graduate to another.
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Lionel Messi said Lamine Yamal is ‘one of the best’
Things have changed since then and now they are both key players for their nations.
Greatness recognises greatness though and in May, Messi told Diario Sport: “There is a new generation of footballers who are very good and who have many years ahead of them, but if I have to choose one because of age, for what he has done so far and for the future he may have, it is Lamine.
“There’s no doubt, for me, he’s the best.”
Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images
Meanwhile, Yamal has previously admitted that Neymar was his hero growing up but realises that Messi is the best to do it.
“I think that in every match he shows that he is the best player in history,” Yamal said to RTVE. “If someone has doubts, it is because they are looking for them; there is nothing more to say there. For me, he is the best.”
Have Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal ever played against each other?
The World Cup final will be the first time that Messi and Yamal have ever come up against each other on the pitch.
Even when Messi was playing for Paris Saint-Germain, the two never crossed paths in the Champions League and the 39-year-old was long gone from the Camp Nou before Yamal made his debut at the age of 15.
This game won’t determine who is better out of the two, but it could be the perfect stage for one great to bow out and another to step into his shoes.
The New England Revolution are back on the pitch after the World Cup break.
The mid-season layoff is over for MLS teams, so the club resumed practice with a newly extended player on the training grounds.
The Revolution re-signed homegrown defender Peyton Miller to a multi-year contract extension that runs through the 2028-29 MLS season, with a club option for the following season.
Miller is from Unionville, Connecticut and is 18 years old.
“I grew up watching this club,” Miller said. “For me to re-sign another contract, it means everything to me.”
He boasts five goals and three assists in 48 games played, 39 of them starts. This season, he has scored a career-high three goals with plenty more matches to go as the Revs gear up for the second half of the schedule.
“There’s plenty of interest from around the globe on Peyton Miller,” Chris Tierney, Revolution General Manager & Chief Soccer Officer, said. “He is a really elite profile that we need to continue to develop to get him to the spot that we think he’s capable of.”
Miller has been a member of the Revolution Pro Pathway program since age 13. The club has developed him into a contributing teenager for the top side. He has seen minutes at both left back and left wing in 2026.
“He’s making great steps going forward, and with his age, he has a great amount of maturity in his game and he’s impacting our team in a really positive way,” Revolution head coach Marko Mitrovic said. “So I’m really, really happy to see the progress that Peyton is making.”
Miller was the twelfth homegrown player in Revolution history, and the first from Connecticut. He was also the youngest player in club history to sign an MLS contract.
“There’s a lot that I think I need to work on and I have so much belief in Marko (Mitrovic),” Miller said. “He holds me to high standards and expectations, so I just think that there’s a lot more for me to accomplish here and there’s stuff that I need to do.
The Revs are back in action Wednesday, July 22 when they host Toronto FC at 7:30 p.m. at Gillette Stadium.
That said, the first half was full of ups and downs for the Boys in Blue, but they hit the break with an MLB-best record of 61-36.
We here at Dodgers Nation asked fans to help us put together our list of the best moments.
Check out some of our favorite responses below, and let us know if we missed anything!
1. Miguel Rojas’ epic throw
Let’s start with an electric defensive highlight that Lysa Stone summed up nicely: “Miggy throw, Freddie split.”
On June 5 in the Freeway Series, a hard-hit ground ball ricocheted off of Roki Sasaki’s glove.
Fortunately, Miggy Ro was there to barehand the ball and get it to first baseman Freddie Freeman, who was in a full split, narrowly beating the runner.
The Angels runner was initially called safe, though Rojas’ incredible play was confirmed to be an out upon review.
Fortunately, with the bases loaded in the seventh inning, Teo Hernandez stepped up and homered to left center field, flipping the game on its head and leading to a Dodgers win.
As Brent Schneider noted, that’s just one of several come-from-behind wins against the Padres this season, providing several results for Dodgers fans to savor.
3. Vesia’s save in front of the nurses
Shoutout to Joe Collins for bringing up this emotional moment.
Vesia and his wife, Kayla, lost their daughter during the 2025 World Series run, and for this game, the Vesias invited a few dozen healthcare workers who’d cared for their family to take in Dodger Stadium.
After the game, SportsNet LA’s Kirsten Watson pointed out the caregivers’ suite to Vesia.
That wave he shared with them was a moment not to be forgotten.
4. Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s nearly perfect game
This one was nominated by X user @yestosehunn: On June 13, Yoshinobu Yamamoto took a perfect game into the eighth inning and a no-hitter into the ninth.
A bobbled ball by Mookie Betts with two outs in the eighth inning and a solo homer in the ninth were all that stood between Yama and history, though the game was well in hand by that point.
With the near-miss performance, it seems like it could be a matter of time until Yamamoto earns that no-hitter.
As an honorable mention, we have to include Yama’s dominant performance against the Toronto Blue Jays after his World Series MVP performance last year, an achievement noted by both Daniel Schneider and Damien Garrett.
5. Dalton Rushing responds to controversy with walkoff hit
In the Dodgers first extra-innings game of the year, Rushing was the hero with an 11th inning RBI single.
“Rush getting that walk off after all the controversy. Feels good,” Jose Ortega said.
Apr 15, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Dalton Rushing celebrates after hitting a grand slam home run in the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
And an honorable mention here: Rushing’s first MLB grand slam against the New York Mets on April 15.
What did we miss?
There’s so much we didn’t even get to with this list, moments like Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts each hitting their 300th home runs, Max Muncy’s greatness and more.
Let us know what you wish we had included and perhaps we’ll have to put together a Part 2 before the regular season resumes.
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Inter captain Lautaro Martinez came off the bench to give Argentina a 2-1 comeback victory over England, sending them into the World Cup Final against Spain.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez, Como’s Nico Paz and Juventus-owned Nico Gonzalez were on the bench for the reigning champions. England made several changes, starting Inter-linked Djed Spence and Aston Villa wide man Morgan Rogers.
It was, as expected, a scrappy affair with numerous fouls and arguments from the opening whistle. The first real chance saw John Stones nod wide from a free kick to the back post, while Enzo Fernandez saw his scorcher flash inches off target.
The first genuine save was at the dawn of the second half with Jordan Pickford parrying the Julian Alvarez effort low at the near post.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 15: Anthony Gordon #18 of England scores his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
However, England opened the scoring when a low Morgan Rogers cross from the right found Anthony Gordon ready to tap in at the far stick.
Argentina immediately threatened an equaliser with Alvarez, only to be denied by a stunning tackle from Inter-linked full-back Djed Spence, formerly of Genoa, and Enzo Fernandez then blasted over.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 15: Djed Spence #25 of England makes a stop against Giuliano Simeone #17 of Argentina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Nico Gonzalez of Juventus came off the bench and immediately knocked a dangerous ball back to be cleared by Stones, then Pickford got down for a great save on his glancing header.
Argentina poured forward and were unlucky to see an Alexis Mac Allister free header smack against the upright on Rodrigo De Paul’s cross.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 15: (EDITOR’S NOTE: Image was captured using a remote camera from behind the goal.) Alexis Mac Allister #20 of Argentina attempts a header against Jordan Pickford #1 of England during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Lautaro Martinez was finally introduced for the final 10 minutes, and a long-range Enzo Fernandez screamer was fingertipped over the bar.
Argentina’s siege finally paid off with a scorcher from Enzo Fernandez on the resulting short corner and Lionel Messi assist, smashing in from well outside the area.
“Enzo Fernandez has simply been setting his sights!”
The momentum had shifted too much with England’s defensive attitude, and it cost them in added time, because after another Mac Allister effort came off the woodwork, Messi floated in the cross for Lautaro Martinez’s header. It was the Serie A Capocannoniere’s third goal of the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina are ahead!
A relentless spell of pressure sees Alexis Mac Allister hit the post before ANOTHER Lionel Messi assist sets up Lautaro Martinez to make it 2-1. pic.twitter.com/kVoNouFgKZ
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Argentina have beaten England and made it to the World Cup final, with Lionel Messi and co. now preparing to take on Spain.
Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in Wednesday night’s semi-final, but Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scored twice late on to send the Three Lions out of the World Cup.
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For England, the 60 years of hurt goes on, and they’ll have to look back at what ended up being a pretty negative performance against Argentina.
Thomas Tuchel went far too defensive after England went ahead, so it’s not exactly the players’ fault, but here’s our look at how the players from both sides rated…
Argentina 2-1 England World Cup semi-final player ratings
Jordan Pickford – 6
Reece James – 7
Djed Spence – 7
Marc Guehi – 6
John Stones – 6
Declan Rice – 7.5
Elliot Anderson – 6
Jude Bellingham – 6.5
Morgan Rogers – 7
Anthony Gordon – 7.5
Harry Kane – 6
Not too many stand-out performers there from England, but Rogers and Gordon combined well for the goal, while Rice also played his part and generally worked hard in a difficult midfield battle. James and Spence were also in good form at both ends of the pitch, with the latter particularly impressive with one last-ditch challenge in the second half.
Argentina were not exactly spectacular, but Messi and Fernandez produced when it mattered and that will give them confidence against Spain in the final. A word too to Romero, who hasn’t always been at his best in a Tottenham shirt, but who looked like a real leader at the back tonight in an important game, keeping Kane quiet throughout.
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Who do you think will win this weekend’s final now? Give us your predictions in the comments!
ATLANTA (AP) — England desperately wanted to protect its lead as time was winding down in the World Cup semifinals. Coach Thomas Tuchel made lineup and strategy changes to build a wall in front of goal.
England led 1-0 late in the second half before Messi assisted on goals by Enzo Fernandez in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martinez in the second minute of injury time to give Argentina a wild 2-1 victory Wednesday and a spot in the World Cup final against Spain.
Tuchel's tactical choices in one of the biggest matchups in one of soccer's biggest rivalries will likely be scrutinized and criticized for years. England missed it chance to return to the World Cup final for the first time since 1966.
“We played a good game for the large majority of it. Once we went 1-0 up, we seemed to just try and hold on, which at this level is not enough," England striker Harry Kane said. "Just gutted, gutted. Because we’ve worked so hard to get here.”
England's loss marked only the second time this century that the team that scored first in a World Cup semifinal match did not reach the final, according to Opta. The other team was also England in 2018 against Croatia.
England took the lead on Anthony Gordon's goal in the 55th minute. But Argentina quickly switched the momentum with furious pressure on England's defense.
To protect the lead, England drew closer and closer to its own goal, hoping to build the sort of impenetrable wall it had when it held on to beat Mexico in the round of 16 despite being down to 10 players.
Tuchel swapped defender Reece James for Dan Burn, and midfielder Declan Rice for defender Nico O’Reilly in the 82nd minute.
Fernandez struck barely three minutes later, with a precision right-footed strike from just outside the penalty area. Messi set up the play with a pass to his teammate's feet and England defenders failed to close him down before he ripped the shot that curled past diving goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Argentina kept coming and England's wall kept crumbling. The defending champions hit the crossbar and missed another header across the mouth of the goal before Martinez finally sealed it with a powerful close-range header when England defenders lost him on a cross from Messi.
“They got tired,” Martinez said. "They pressed for 60 minutes and then just ran out of steam. They got their goal and then sat back. That gave us more composure to move the ball around and stretch the pitch.”
Harry Kane couldn't find the back of the net against Argentina as Thomas Tuchel's side was beaten by Argentina -Credit:DeFodi Images, DeFodi Images via Getty Images
England captain Harry Kane has disclosed that head coach Thomas Tuchel sent him a confidential message from the sideline before they endured a devastating late 2-1 loss to Argentina in their FIFA World Cup semifinal. The 32-year-old appeared reflective as he addressed the media following the crushing late setback, with Anthony Gordon's opening goal neutralized by Enzo Fernandez.
Substitute Lautaro Martinez then emerged in the second minute of added time to nod home the decisive goal for Argentina, who had controlled the closing stages of the match. Kane, who had an understated performance spearheading the attack for Tuchel's side, revealed what his manager communicated to him following Gordon's strike.
"The boys are always ready for any moment in the game. When we went ahead, the message was to go ahead and get another goal," Kane told BBC Sport.
-Credit:Michael Regan - FIFA, FIFA via Getty Images
"Then obviously once they scored their two goals it was to try and find something [another goal]. But we couldn't quite get the momentum back in the game."
England have now advanced to the semifinal in three of their past four major competitions, in addition to reaching the UEFA Euro 2024 final before falling to Spain. When questioned about what the squad can take away, Kane acknowledged they were lacking something when it comes to the advanced stages of tournaments, via The Mirror.
"We had a lot of good moments in this tournament, a lot of good games, another semi-final," he added. "We talk about knocking on the door, we're close, but we just need to find that missing piece in the final stages of the tournament.
"These tournaments take it out of you, so much effort, pressure and mentality. We've shown a lot of that out of the six or seven weeks we've been together. We're just missing that final piece."
Tuchel had switched to a 5-4-1 formation for the last 25 minutes of the game, sending on Dan Burn and Nico O'Reilly to defend the slender lead. As Argentina pushed further forward, the Three Lions retreated onto the edge of their own box.
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When reflecting on England's downfall, Kane declined to point the finger at Tuchel's tactical approach, instead crediting Argentina's relentless pressure as the decisive factor in their victory.
"We struggled to get pressure on the ball. Especially first half and start of the second half, we pressed them well, we put them under loads of pressure high up the pitch which then allowed us to win balls and control the game a bit better," he added.
"After the goal, whether it was them putting more men forward or us not being able to match them man for man, it was just wave after wave. Lads were putting blocks in but, in the end, it just wasn't enough."
With England now eliminated, Argentina will set their sights on becoming just the third nation ever to claim back-to-back World Cup titles, following in the footsteps of Italy and Brazil. Scaloni's squad will square off against Spain in Sunday's final, after Luis de la Fuente's side dispatched France 2-0 on Tuesday.
IHRA Cancels the Rest of Its 2026 Stock Car Season After Running Exactly One Race
The International Hot Rod Association pulled the plug on the rest of its 2026 Stock Car Series this week, and the box score tells you more than the press release does. The circuit had run exactly one points race all year, on March 21 at Pulaski County Motorsports Park in Fairlawn, Virginia, before IHRA decided the smarter move was to stop scheduling races altogether.
This isn't just a Facebook statement fading quietly into the algorithm, either. IHRA's own website now carries a banner marking the previously scheduled July 25 return to that same Fairlawn track as cancelled, which means the decision is baked into the sanctioning body's official calendar and not just its social feed.
IHRA framed the move as a reset rather than a retreat, saying it wants the series to return in 2027 with a stronger and more sustainable program. The organization was candid that this is about more than trimming a couple of dates off the schedule, telling racers and fans it's about the series' long-term health and "not just a couple events in 2026." IHRA also said it plans to spend the coming months working with racers, track owners, promoters, and industry partners to build a long-term plan, and it thanked competitors, sponsors, officials, and fans for their patience during the pause.
Read between the lines and the math isn't hard to guess. Regional stock car touring series live and die on car counts, sponsor dollars, and promoter guarantees, and when any one of those legs wobbles, the whole schedule gets shaky fast. A sanctioning body still has to cover purses, insurance, and officiating whether ten cars show up or forty do, and if a date can't pencil out, canceling before the tow bills start piling up is the financially sound call, even if it's a rough look for a series trying to build momentum.
It's also the second time in 2026 that IHRA's stability has become a talking point among racers, following months of unverified chatter about the organization's plans for Atlanta Dragway. That situation remains murky, but stacked next to a stock car season that produced one race before folding, it's fair for competitors to want hard specifics before committing entry fees to whatever IHRA rolls out for 2027.
For racers who'd already budgeted a season around this series, the smart move is to hold off on non-refundable costs until IHRA actually publishes a 2027 schedule with confirmed dates and purses. That same caution applies across grassroots stock car and drag racing right now, and it echoes a lesson playing out in the small-tire world, where car values and race economics have been shifting fast enough that nobody should assume next season looks like this one.
IHRA governs drag racing, pulling, powerboating, and stock car competition under one roof, and none of those other disciplines are named in this announcement, so this reads like a targeted correction rather than an organization-wide crisis. Still, a promise to come back stronger next year is worth exactly nothing until there's an actual schedule, a real purse structure, and cars sitting in the pits to prove it.
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EU regulators are expected to rule that Google illegally favored its own shopping, travel, and other specialized services over rivals in search results.
The European Commission is expected to issue the decision next week under the Digital Markets Act, according to the Financial Times (subscription required), citing people familiar with the matter and internal Commission documents.
Google search changes possible. The case focuses on how Google displays its own vertical services in search results compared with competing services. Google owns some of the most valuable commercial search real estate. An order requiring changes could affect visibility for comparison sites, travel platforms, shopping services, and other businesses competing for organic traffic.
Why we care. Google’s treatment of its own services influences which businesses users see first in high-intent searches. Required changes could create new visibility opportunities in competitive commercial categories.
Fines add pressure. The Commission is expected to fine Google hundreds of millions of euros across two DMA decisions. Google could also face daily penalties if it fails to comply with parts of the orders within 60 days.
Search data access. The Commission is also expected to decide whether Google must give third-party search engines access to search data, including ranking, query, click, and view data. Google argues that sharing the data would threaten user privacy and exceed the Commission’s authority.
The Commission is also considering whether Google must give third-party AI providers access to the same features available to Gemini.
Google’s AI Mode showed text ads on 29.45% of commercial queries in a new SE Ranking study, less than a year after ads began appearing in AI-generated search answers.
Ads appeared on 14,733 queries in the study, which analyzed U.S. commercial searches where text ads could appear, excluding product carousels.
AI Mode ad adoption accelerated.SE Ranking said ads began appearing in AI Mode responses in late 2025. By mid-2026, nearly one in three commercial queries in its data set showed a text ad. SE Ranking said the real ad rate may be higher because AI Mode results are inconsistent across sessions.
Two advertisers often appeared together. Most AI Mode ad blocks included more than one advertiser. SE Ranking found that 71.1% of ad-triggering queries showed two ads in the same AI Mode response, while 28.9% showed only one.
CPC best predicted ad visibility. Higher-cost keywords were much more likely to trigger AI Mode ads.
Ad presence was 24.33% for keywords with CPCs below $2.
It rose to 32.45% for keywords between $2 and $10, then jumped to 53.56% for keywords at $10 or more.
SE Ranking said search volume and keyword difficulty did not show the same relationship with ad frequency.
Ad presence varied across categories. Pets had the highest rate, with ads appearing on 72.38% of analyzed keywords. Healthcare had the lowest, at 2.64%.
Higher-ad categories were typically lead-generation markets with clear paths to paid conversions.
Lower-ad categories were more likely to involve informational or YMYL intent, where commercial demand may be lower or Google may be more cautious.
Advertisers were rarely cited. Buying an AI Mode ad didn’t make advertisers more likely to be cited as a source in the same response. Only 11.53% of advertiser domains appeared among the cited sources for the keywords they advertised on. At the URL level, overlap fell to 1.95%.
This held true even after comparing advertisers with similar non-advertising domains based on domain strength, backlinks, referring domains, and organic visibility, SE Ranking said.
Organic overlap was limited. Advertisers also rarely ranked organically for the same keywords. Only 2.32% of advertised URLs ranked organically for the queries where their ads appeared. At the domain level, overlap increased to 15.35%.
About 85% of advertisers didn’t appear in organic results for the same keywords where they showed AI Mode ads, according to the study.
Why we care. Buying visibility in AI Mode doesn’t increase your chances of being cited or ranking organically. Treat AI Mode ads, cited sources, and organic rankings as separate visibility channels.
About the data. SE Ranking analyzed 50,032 commercial keywords across 20 niches, averaging about 2,500 keywords per niche. The data reflects U.S. AI Mode results collected on June 30. SE Ranking noted that ad behavior may change as Google expands AI-specific formats.
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Atalanta are edging closer to an agreement for Kerim Alajbegovic, with reports of a new offer worth €25m plus add-ons to Bayer Leverkusen and the player asking Sead Kolasinac for advice.
It has been said by several sources over the last few days that La Dea are making a strong bid to sign the Bosnia and Herzegovina talent.
Now Sky Sport Italia and Sport Mediaset note that a new proposal has come in worth €25m plus bonuses, which is edging close to the €30m asking price.
Atalanta want Alajbegovic
CARDIFF, WALES – MARCH 26: Kerim Alajbegovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrates after winning in the penalty shoot out in the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-off match between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina at Cardiff City Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Alajbegovic won’t turn 19 until September, but has already made a real name for himself both playing for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and at club level.
The attacking winger spent last season on loan at RB Salzburg, where he scored 13 goals and provided four assists in 44 competitive appearances.
Another sign of progress in the negotiations is the suggestion he has already spoken to Bosnia teammate Kolasinac to ask about life in Serie A, and specifically living in Bergamo.
CARDIFF, WALES – MARCH 26: Kerim Alajbegovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-off match between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina at Cardiff City Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Kolasinac has been at the club since the summer of 2023 and was part of the Atalanta squad that won the Europa League in 2024.
COMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Mergim Vojvoda of Como 1907 shoots to score his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
There had been reports of interest from the likes of Cagliari, Venezia and Monza, but it would seem as if Udinese have the upper hand.
Sky Sport Italia give the figures as €1.3m plus €0.3m in add-ons.
Now it is up to the Friulani to agree personal terms with the versatile defender, who can also play in central defence, or in a more advanced position down the right flank.
He made 34 appearances for Como last season between Serie A and the Coppa Italia, scoring two goals with three assists.
Italian referee Marco Di Bello is the VAR for this evening’s World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina, with Maurizio Mariani the fourth official.
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Marco Di Bello, referee of the match talks with Enrico Delprato of Parma Calcio during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and SSC Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 12, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
The winners will go on to face Spain in the Final in New Jersey on Sunday, while the losers will take on France for the bronze medal on Saturday.
Much was made of the choice of officials for the semi-finals in this tournament, with France’s Didier Deschamps criticising the appointment of Ivan Barton from El Salvador.
The pick for the second semi-final was no less obscure, Ismail Elfath originally from Morocco, but nationalised US citizen.
Italian experience with Di Bello and Mariani
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JUNE 15: Referee Maurizio Mariani (C) walks out of the tunnel with match officials for warm ups before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay at Miami Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
In the VAR booth is Di Bello, who could well be called into action, considering the tense and scrappy history between these football nations.
Di Bello turned 45 on Sunday and has officiated 189 Serie A games, 75 in Serie B and 11 in the Coppa Italia.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Referee Marco Di Bello shows a red card to Matteo Guendouzi of SS Lazio as Christian Pulisic of AC Milan is shown a yellow card during the Serie A TIM match between SS Lazio and AC Milan – Serie A TIM at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
He was always one for discipline, flashing 822 yellow cards during his 189 Serie A matches, 31 straight red cards, and a further 17 dismissals due to double bookings.
Di Bello became an international referee in 2018 and was chosen to officiate the Final of the Cyprus Cup in May 2022.
He was a VAR at EURO 2020 and has been a FIFA Video Match Official since January 2021.
Napoli agreed personal terms with Exequiel Zeballos and reports are growing that they made the first formal offer to Boca Juniors worth just under €10m.
Multiple sources had already noted that the club had swooped for the player, who is primarily wide right of a trident attack, but can also go on the left or in a centre-forward role.
His contract with Boca Juniors only runs to December 31 this year, so although there is a release clause in his contract at €14.5m, this won’t be the asking price in the circumstances.
Zeballos has heart set on Napoli
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – MAY 19: Otavio of Cruzeiro blocks a shot from Exequiel Zeballos of Boca Juniors during a Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 group D match between Boca Juniors and Cruzeiro at Estadio Alberto J. Armando on May 19, 2026 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
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Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has praised the “incredible” Morgan Rogers as they play together for England in tonight’s World Cup semi-final vs Argentina.
Rogers starts on the right-hand side for England, with Thomas Tuchel trying something a bit different in this big game after mostly using Noni Madueke in that position throughout this World Cup.
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With Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka not fully fit, another Gunners star Madueke has come in for the Three Lions, but he’s not been that convincing.
Rogers, meanwhile, has been linked with Arsenal very strongly this summer, and it seems Rice is clearly a big fan of the Aston Villa man as they prepare to link up this evening…
Declan Rice looking forward to playing with Morgan Rogers
On Rogers starting, Rice said: “Yeah I think the manager’s obviously made a decision there. Morgan’s an incredible player, obviously he’s going to be playing off the right.
“He’s direct, he’s fast, he’s strong, can come inside, so whoever starts, whoever comes off the bench as seen throughout this tournament has made a massive impact, so I don’t think it’s going to affect much, but it’s a player we’re all looking forward to playing with today.”
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Morgan Rogers on Arsenal’s agenda
Rogers has shown outstanding quality with Villa and England, and it seems inevitable that he’ll soon get himself a big move.
As has been widely reported, our understanding is that Arsenal are making Rogers a priority this summer, and the 23-year-old is also keen on the move to the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners would do well to bring Rogers in, though he doesn’t normally play on the right, so would likely be signed with the view of replacing the departing Leandro Trossard on the left-hand side, or to provide an alternative to the likes of Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze in the centre.
Either way, Arsenal fans will no doubt be excited that Rice is such a big fan of Rogers, and perhaps take it as a hint that there’s strong interest from everyone at the club in signing him this summer.
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith has missed more than a month of the season so far, with what was thought to be a minor neck issue turning into a lingering problem.
Naturally, many Dodgers fans are worried about the World Series hero and are hoping for a quick return from injury, which has been diagnosed as disc inflammation.
Jul 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) in the dugout during the game against the Minnesota Twins at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
For some, though, that hope is turning to despair, with some online baselessly speculating that Smith is going to miss the rest of the season.
Smith is making some progress, with Jack Harris of the California Post noting that as of July 3, he had begun hitting in the batting cages adn throwing a bit as well.
That said, those activities are a far cry from a return to action.
Once Smith recovers enough to face live pitching and resume catching again, he’ll still have to go on a rehab assignment.
Jun 3, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The longer this injury takes to heal, the longer the rehab assignment.
“It happened in Arizona, played on it a couple days, played on it at home (last Friday), and then just that third or fourth day, I kind of felt it was just getting a lot worse. Couldn’t play that day.
“It’s one of those things we thought was going to get a little better in a couple days. It’s just taking a little bit longer.”
Exactly how much longer that will be remains to be seen.
Thomas Tuchel and Lionel Scaloni shared a touching moment ahead of the FIFA World Cup semifinal between England and Argentina -Credit:JUAN MABROMATA, AFP via Getty Images
Thomas Tuchel and Lionel Scaloni made their mutual admiration abundantly clear ahead of their nations' monumental showdown.
England's semifinal against Argentina at the FIFA World Cup in Atlanta Stadium got off to a feisty start, with both sides trading fouls and engaging in an intensely physical battle, reflecting the deeply complicated relationship between the two countries.
Despite the storied rivalry between the two nations — with both national anthems being drowned out by the crowd as a show of disrespect — it was evident that the animosity did not extend to the two head coaches, as they prepared for one of the most significant matches of their careers, as per The Mirror US.
Prior to kickoff, cameras caught both Tuchel and Scaloni taking a moment to seek each other out before retreating to their respective benches. Spotting Scaloni, Tuchel broke into a broad grin and pulled the Argentine coach into a warm embrace, which was enthusiastically reciprocated.
The pair then exchanged a few words, smiles spread across their faces, as they walked together with Tuchel draping his arm around his counterpart's shoulder. Scaloni rested his hand on Tuchel's midsection as the two continued their conversation ahead of the enormous contest.
For England and Argentina, their mutual animosity has been well-documented over decades. In 1966, the year England lifted the World Cup, Argentine captain Antonio Rattin was dismissed and refused to leave the field, later sitting on a red carpet reserved for the Queen.
Some 16 years later, the Falklands War saw England and Argentina clash with weapons. Four years on, Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal eliminated England from that year's tournament, with the Argentinians knocking out the David Beckham-led England squad 12 years after that.
Speaking ahead of the game, Tuchel stated that the history between the two nations is "irrelevant" and acknowledged that the squad is solely focused on what they can control and doesn't "speak about iconic moments."
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"It's, in itself, iconic enough and the tension is big enough so we try exactly the opposite and try to influence the players and what we want them to do, how to behave in different situations," he told reporters in English. "We try to reduce the information.
"The bigger the stage gets, the bigger the tension grows so hopefully we can simplify the messages enough that they can execute it. We try exactly what is maybe not possible but the magnitude of the match is just what it is. I think it does not help if we engage emotionally in that."
Scaloni similarly emphasized that the game is precisely that - a showdown between two of the strongest remaining sides in the World Cup.
"The coach never thinks about what we have been given, what we were, but what we are, what we are given in the present," he told reporters. "That is what we have always done, and that is what we will do. We will see tomorrow."
Through the opening 45 minutes, the two sides combined for 19 fouls, yet the referee brandished just two yellow cards.
And as it turns out, it wasn't some carefully planned act of gamesmanship. "Honestly, I just am a little sassy sometimes," Cunningham joked during an appearance on James Corden's Fox Sports World Cup show. "I've mastered getting in people's heads. It's kind of like a game within the game."
That "game within the game" produced one of the most recognizable sports memes of 2026.
Cunningham's now-iconic point came during Indiana's heated showdown with the Phoenix Mercury, a game that was already boiling over after teammate Caitlin Clark and Bonner exchanged words late in the fourth quarter. Clark was hit with a technical foul, but Cunningham believed Bonner deserved one as well.
She initially pointed to Bonner to make her case to the officials. Then Bonner fired back.
According to Cunningham, Bonner told her not to point at her. Cunningham's response was simple: she kept pointing. And pointing. And pointing.
For roughly 22 seconds, Cunningham never broke eye contact, holding the pose until a Fever staff member finally nudged her toward the bench. Both players were assessed technical fouls, but by then the damage—or, depending on your perspective, the comedy—was done.
Since that night, the image has taken on a life of its own. WWE legend John Cena has referenced it. Major brands have recreated it in social media posts. Even the White House joined the trend on social media. During Cunningham's interview, comedian Ian Karmel jokingly suggested the pose should replace the WNBA's league logo, drawing laughter from everyone on set.
8BitDo has finally released the FlipPad controller for smartphones. Priced at $30, the controller is available to pre-order now ahead of its release at the end of the month. It also comes in a new color way exclusive to the 8BitDo eShop.
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There are mixed reports in Italy and Spain on the status of Bologna talks for Real Oviedo left-back Rahim Alhassane, with an asking price of €4m.
The 24-year-old is a Niger international who has been at Real Oviedo since the summer of 2024.
He made 28 appearances for the club last season between LaLiga and the Copa del Rey, without contributing any assists or goals.
Alhassane a target for Bologna
VITORIA-GASTEIZ, SPAIN – JANUARY 04: Rahim Alhassane of Real Oviedo is challenged by Calebe of Deportivo Alaves during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Deportivo Alaves and Real Oviedo at Estadio de Mendizorroza on January 04, 2026 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
The suggestions in Spain via La Voz de Asturias are that negotiations are at an advanced stage and a deal could be done imminently.
He notes that although Alhassane talks are certainly on, Bologna are hoping to get an agreement reached for less than the €4m asking price set by Real Oviedo.
His current contract runs to June 2028 and the player can also do a job in central defence as well as left-back.
Lazio have set their sights on Fluminense centre-forward John Kennedy, claim Sky Sport Italia, but negotiations are still at an early stage with interest also from Watford and Wolves.
The striker celebrated his 24th birthday in May and is a product of the Fluminense youth academy, returning to Brazil following a brief loan spell in Mexico with Pachuca.
Kennedy made mark at Fluminense
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – MAY 19: John Kennedy celebrates after scoring the second goal of his team during the Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 group C match between Fluminense and Bolivar at Maracana Stadium on May 19, 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images)
He has scored 14 goals in 35 competitive games for the club in 2026, along with two assists.
There were also six appearances for Brazil at Under-23 level, finding the net on one occasion.
Sky Sport Italia report that the talks have just begun between Lazio and Fluminense, and they are still trying to work out the formula that could be used to sign him.
There is plenty of competition for Kennedy, because the centre-forward has also been linked with English clubs Wolverhampton Wanderers and Watford.
Cagliari had also been mentioned, but have since started looking to other targets.
Como President Mirwan Suwarso has confirmed the report he called Inter to offer a pact of non-aggression over Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah. ‘This is a win-win relationship.’
The two Serie A teams were reportedly about to spark a bidding war for the England international, with an asking price of €35m from Stamford Bridge.
To the general astonishment of the Business of Sport podcast crew, the Como President confirmed all of that was entirely accurate.
Como take modern approach to transfer market
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Mirwan Suwarso president of Como during the Serie A match between Bologna and Como at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 01, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“There was a story in the media that we were in competition with another Italian team for a British player, they were saying we might want to buy him,” Suwarso told Business of Sport.
“So you know what, why don’t I just call the President of the other club and say, do you want him? If you want him, you go for it, we’ll back out. But if you buy him, then give me one of yours.
“He said, thanks for calling, I appreciate this, I’ll let you know. So we said these are the other targets we’re going after, we’re happy to share with you.
“So for me this is a win-win relationship with other clubs, we are open, it helps all of us to grow. I have a lunch next week with another chairman of another club, who can start managing their clothing brand together.”
There are some Serie A sides who produce their own kits and lifestyle products, specifically Napoli and Venezia, so it is likely one of these is his lunch dates.
Como do things very differently to other clubs, and part of that is because they were so small before the Indonesian decided to take them from Serie C to the Champions League.
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Cesc Fabregas coach of Como 1907 reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Como 1907 at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 24, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
“We spent a quite significant amount, but we do believe that we can break even and start no longer requiring injections from the owners at the end of next season,” said Suwarso.
“I met with UEFA, there’s no precedent of where we are, because UEFA look at the last few years. In comparison with Juventus and Aston Villa, the start-up level and growth level is different. Even they say they would have to evaluate how they look at Financial Fair Play.
“We want to become good members of the Association, so if you have to fine us, then fine us, that can be an objective we need to overcome. We don’t want to be treated differently.”
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 21: Nico Paz of Como 1907 talks to Cesc Fabregas, Head Coach of Como 1907 during the Coppa Italia Semi-Final match between FC Internazionale and Como at San Siro on April 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Suwarso confirmed purchased Como for €850,000 plus €150,000 in debt, but then poured money into the club, including the construction of a training ground that previously didn’t exist.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez, Juventus winger Nico Gonzalez and Como’s Nico Paz are on the bench for Lionel Messi’s Argentina against England in the World Cup semi-final.
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – JULY 10: Nahuel Molina, Julian Alvarez, Christian Romero, Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Gonzalez #15 of Argentina attend a training session one day ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match at Sporting Kansas City Training Centre on July 10, 2026 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images)
There is some Italian representation here, as Maurizio Mariani is the fourth official on the touchline dealing with Thomas Tuchel and Lionel Scaloni.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JUNE 15: Referee Maurizio Mariani (C) walks out of the tunnel with match officials for warm ups before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay at Miami Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Argentina have scraped their way through to this stage in defending their title won in 2022, needing extra time against Cape Verde, a last-gasp turnaround from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2 amid controversy, and again extra time to defeat 10-man Switzerland.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez scored twice in this World Cup, but he is benched once more in favour of Julian Alvarez.
There was expected to be a Serie A player in the starting XI, as for the first time Juventus man Nico Gonzalez was going to get the nod rather than ex-Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul on the right.
Instead, it is Giuliano Simeone, younger brother of Torino forward Giovanni Simeone, who plays.
Curiously, Giuliano was born in Rome because his father Diego was playing for Lazio at the time.
Nico Gonzalez spent this season on loan with Atletico Madrid, but they did not agree to buy him outright yet, scoring five goals in 37 games.
Nahuel Molina, another former Udinese player, starts at right-back, while ex-Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes has shaken off a knock.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JULY 03: Nico Gonzalez #15 of Argentina is tackled by Diney Borges #3 of Cabo Verde during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Argentina and Cabo Verde at Miami Stadium on July 03, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
England were given their toughest test yet in the quarter-final, squeezing past Erling Haaland’s Norway in extra time thanks to a Jude Bellingham brace.
All but one of their goals in the competition have been scored by either Bellingham or Harry Kane.
Jordan Henderson is out after breaking his arm jumping over an advertising board, while Jarrell Quansah continues his two-match ban.
Declan Rice has recovered from a stomach bug, but the surprise is Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa given his second start of the World Cup on the right.
There’s now confirmation in a report from the Daily Mail that Camavinga’s Madrid future is in some doubt under new manager Jose Mourinho.
It remains to be seen if Camavinga will definitely leave, as the Mail note that his personal preference would be to remain at the Bernabeu.
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Still, it’s suggested that there are some doubts about his long-term future with Real, and that could mean there’s an opportunity there for United to pounce.
Manchester United linked with Eduardo Camavinga as they chase third midfield signing
United have already had a busy summer, with deals for midfield duo Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos both officially announced in the last few days.
It could be, however, that MUFC will now pursue a third signing in that area of the pitch, with Camavinga one of the options on their radar.
Another one to watch could be Roma’s Manu Kone, with Fabrizio Romano posting on his YouTube channel that United have been in touch with the France international’s representatives.
Camavinga and Kone are similar profiles, so could be good signings for United, though it’s debatable if they really need yet another arrival in that part of their squad.
Where else could United strengthen?
Michael Carrick could do with more depth in attack and defence as well as in midfield, though in fairness he’s coping with the loss of both Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte.
The latter of those is admittedly only out with an injury, though it looks like a serious and long-term one, but Casemiro left on a free transfer after his contract expired, and will be hard to replace.
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Over the course of a long season, United will need the option to rotate, and Camavinga would perhaps also be a good option for them due to his ability to fill in at left-back.
David Ornstein says there could be a “great market opportunity” for Manchester United and other clubs to sign Roma midfielder Manu Kone this summer.
The France international has been in superb form in Serie A and also put in some “excellent” displays for Les Bleus at the 2026 World Cup.
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Kone has been linked with a number of top clubs in recent times, and it seems Ornstein is aware of Man Utd’s interest in him, with the Athletic journalist describing him as a good cheap option on the market this summer…
A lot of reports suggest that Manchester United are looking at him, and I think that would be excellent.
“It's, from what we hear, a great market opportunity, the value that you could get him from Roma.”
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) July 15, 2026
“It’s, from what we hear, a great market opportunity, the value that you could get him from Roma,” Ornstein said of Kone.
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Manu Kone transfer: What we know so far
Kone previously made a name for himself at Borussia Monchengladbach before moving to Roma in 2024, in an initial loan move that later became permanent.
The 25-year-old now clearly seems to be on United’s radar, following updates from both Ornstein in the video above, as well as a recent YouTube post from Fabrizio Romano.
MUFC have already confirmed the signings of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos in midfield, but it seems they’re keen on a third new addition in that position.
Do Man United need Manu Kone?
Some fans might feel a third new midfielder is a bit excessive, but there could be a case for completely revamping that position.
Casemiro has just left Old Trafford after coming to the end of his contract, while Manuel Ugarte is out with a long-term injury and hadn’t particularly impressed enough to be a regular starter for the club anyway.
There’s also Kobbie Mainoo, but if Michael Carrick can rotate between him, Kone, Tielemans, and Santos, that should cover the team well for the season ahead, with the team now set to have more games due to being back in the Champions League.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, following a good deal of fan demand, finally announced a bobblehead honoring Andy Pages’ iconic World Series Game 7 catch.
The Dodgers have one of the best, if not the best, bobblehead promotions every year, but this one holds special meaning for fans who took in the World Series.
Coined “The Catch” bobblehead, it will be given to fans on September 6th against the Washington National.
The bobblehead captures the moment where Andy Pages rises up for a catch on a fly ball in between left and center field, while Kike Hernandez ducks under and lets him make the catch.
Both players had a big collision, but Hernandez took the brunt of it. Hernandez got up happy after finding out Pages made the catch.
In the collectible, Hernandez looks quite funny as he seemingly accepts getting run over by Pages, and honestly, it is not too dissimilar from how the moment actually happened.
The play is already incredible from Pages in any context, but with the context of it being Game 7 of a World Series, with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs, the moment takes on its own legend.
Nov 1, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages (44) makes a catch against the Toronto Blue Jays in the ninth inning for game seven of the 2025 MLB World Series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
It was all the more special since Pages had been in an awful slump, failing to hit any pitch that came his way. He came in as a defensive substitute late in the game and pulled out a gutsy, iconic, and terrifying catch all in one go.
How much will “The Catch” bobblehead be worth?
Based on recent bobbleheads, this collectible should end up going past $100. Kike Hernandez’s pitching bobblehead, which came out very recently, resells for around $75.
“The Catch,” considering everything about the moment and what it means in modern Dodgers history, should blow well past that.
It does not have the mainstream appeal of Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Yoshi bobblehead, which goes for $170, but for any hardcore Dodgers fan, “The Catch” bobblehead is a must-have and will be in demand.
The get-in price is around $165 as of Wednesday, July 15th.
US President Donald Trump has invoked the ire of leading radio host Chris Russo as the dust refuses to settle after the USMNT’s World Cup exit.
Though Mauricio Pochettino’s team were eliminated in relatively tame fashion against Belgium in Seattle during the last 16, the build-up to the game was shrouded in controversy.
Indeed, Trump claimed to have intervened before a FIFA disciplinary committee made the almost unprecedented decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s red card.
To say that proved controversial would be an understatement. In fact, Balogun even admitted that the drama had a negative impact on his teammates.
Russo comments on Trump involvement in the World Cup
Asked about the saga on First Take, Russo said he was of the belief that Trump had upset the “soccer gods” by getting involved.
He said: “Leave the politics out of it. If you’re the president of the United States, stay out of it.”
Before adding: “You upset the soccer gods. If you’re a sports fan, you know you leave well enough alone. The United States, as you just said, were a fun little team.
“People were completely into them, they had Belgium on the run a little bit. Then, all of a sudden, they gave Belgium a cause because FIFA listens to the president?
Photo by Maja Hitij – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Russo then said: “That’s not the way the sports pantheon works. Leave it alone, the kid you put in there [as Balogun’s replacement] might score three goals and you win the freaking game.
“Instead, you butt in and you cause all sorts of problems.”
Belgium clearly rallied after FIFA’s decision. Though it’s impossible to say what would have happened had Balogun been suspended as initially expected, it obviously lit a fire under the Belgian players.
A lot of neutrals would also have turned against Pochettino’s team as a result, even if the players themselves did nothing wrong. Changing the very fabric of the sport will do that, no matter the level of involvement those actually competing on the field actually had.
So much so, in fact, that the Belgium players mocked Trump in their locker room after beating the USMNT 4-1.
It should be said, of course, that Belgium did beat the USMNT 5-2 in a friendly as recently as March.
As such, perhaps it was no surprise that they won relatively easily again. Still, there’s little doubt that the Balogun saga did not help anyone involved with the USMNT during their World Cup campaign.
July 15 (Reuters) - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) defended its decision to provisionally lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) after nine European Union member states called on Brussels to stop funding sports bodies that have re-admitted Russian and Belarusian athletes.
In a letter to European sports commissioner Glenn Micallef, the countries urged the European Union to stop funding sporting bodies, including the IOC, World Aquatics and the International Fencing Federation, that had allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes back into competition.
The nine countries are Estonia, Denmark, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania and Sweden.
An IOC spokesperson told Reuters that the ROC's suspension, which had been in place since October 2023, was lifted earlier this month after the organisation removed regional sports bodies from occupied Ukrainian territories from its membership, the reason it was originally sanctioned.
The IOC said the decision was provisional and did not signal a broader change in its position towards Russia.
"The IOC has to navigate the complex realities and consequences of the current geopolitical context," the IOC spokesperson said on Wednesday.
"The IOC must uphold its mission to preserve a values-based and truly global sporting platform that provides hope to the world."
The spokesperson added that the IOC would continue not to hold events in Russia or invite Russian government officials to its events. No decision has been taken on the use of Russian flags, colours or the national anthem at future Olympics.
The IOC also noted that competitions outside the Olympics fall under the authority of the relevant international federations.
The Olympic body said it had also strengthened the Olympic Charter, requiring National Olympic Committees to ensure athletes selected for the Games are chosen not only on sporting merit but also on their ability to act as role models who promote a peaceful society through sport.
The nine EU countries said allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to international competition overlooked the difficulties faced by Ukrainian athletes, many of whom have been displaced, lost access to training facilities or joined the military.
"Respect for human rights, the rule of law, and peaceful relations between nations are among the core principles underpinning international sport," the countries wrote.
They added that arguments that sport can be separated from politics were difficult to sustain given the human toll of the war in Ukraine.
(Reporting by Tommy Lund in Gdansk and Karolos Grohmann, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
Korean chip giant Samsung is reportedly considering outsourcing orders to design a portion of Google's Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) AI chips. Samsung is believed to be Google's manufacturing partner for the TPU chip's input/output (I/O) die. While the TPU's compute tile is expected to be manufactured by TSMC, the part on which the tile will be connected, called the I/O, is said to be Samsung's responsibility. For the I/O, Samsung is considering outsourcing the back-end design for the chip in order to ensure that Google's design is fit for its manufacturing facilities, says the Korean press. Several Korean Firms in […]
Polish developer Rebel Wolves has revealed today that their debut game, the action RPG The Blood of Dawnwalker, is officially gold. That means the physical disc is being printed, though of course, in this day and age, the studio will continue to work on day-one patches and the like up to the launch date of September 3. I suppose this saying will have to be updated if Sony's planned end of PlayStation disc sales from January 2028 goes ahead. Anyway, the gold status effectively confirms there will be no delays. The studio worked quite swiftly on its debut game; Rebel […]
You would have to be wholly fatuous to leak the details of an ongoing negotiation with a company as private as Apple, and from the mouth of the CEO no less, as PrismML appears to have done recently, indicating that the tidbit about its impending acquisition by Apple was nothing more than a glorified PR campaign. You don't leak details of an ongoing negotiation, especially when a company as sensitive as Apple is involved, if those talks have even a snowball's chance in hell of succeeding While speaking with CNBC earlier this week, PrismML's CEO casually lobbed a bombshell: Apple […]
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is launching as the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra on July 22, 2026. The company’s upcoming foldable phone is bringing notable upgrades, including the fastest Snapdragon chipset, a larger battery, faster charging, and enhanced AI capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra – Rumored Specifications
Processor
CPU Speed
4.74GHz, 3.62GHz | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
CPU Type
Octa-Core (TSMC 3nm)
Display
Size (Main Display)
8-inch
Resolution (Main Display)
2504 x 2256 (QXGA+) – expected similar to Z Fold 7
Technology (Main Display)
LTPO Dynamic AMOLED 2X, HDR10+, up to 3,600 nits peak brightness
Colour Depth (Main Display)
16M
Max Refresh Rate (Main Display)
1-120 Hz (LTPO adaptive)
Panel Structure (Main Display)
Samsung’s innovative Flex Titanium display with improved durability and less visible crease
Size (Cover Display)
6.5 inches
Resolution (Cover Display)
2520 x 1080 (FHD+) – expected similar to Z Fold 7
Technology (Cover Display)
LTPO Dynamic AMOLED 2X, HDR10+, up to 2,600 nits peak brightness
A fight between challenger Conor Benn and champion Ryan Garcia has finally been officially announced. The bout has been building for several months. Garcia captured the WBC belt with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Mario Barrios in February before immediately identifying Benn as his preferred first defence, while the Brit has repeatedly welcomed the […]
A reliable leaker has already provided plenty of details on the specs of the two Galaxy Z Fold 7 successors ahead of the Galaxy Unpacked event. Aside from their different form factors they differ in several key ways. Critics will certainly claim that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 was stripped of essential features and they wouldn't necessarily be wrong.
AOC’s portable E Ink monitor combines a color 3K display E Ink with a 30Hz refresh rate, adjustable front lighting and AI-assisted ghosting reduction for document-focused professionals. However, the device is yet to reach the global market.
SpaceX released a new Starlink Standard Kit that is way more compact and efficient, and it comes with the mini router. The V5 kit has now shrunk to nearly the size of a Mini dish.
The Joyroom Podix PR70 power bank has been released on Kickstarter. This new charging accessory features a massive 25,000 mAh capacity and can charge up to four devices simultaneously with a combined output of 240 W. Plus, the flight-approved power bank features dual displays.
OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, is developing a smart speaker that aims to set itself apart from competitors like the Apple HomePod and the Amazon Echo Studio with a few clever features. Bloomberg has already obtained many details in advance about one of OpenAI’s first hardware products.
Xiaomi has officially unveiled the 20,000mAh 22.5W power bank with a built-in cable in China. Alongside charging three devices at once, the updated accessory adds multiple safety protections designed to reduce the risk of overheating, fire, and explosions, as well as battery monitoring via a laptop.
Square Enix confirms Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis will end service on October 6, 2026. Producer Shoichi Ichikawa explains the shutdown, plus the final Before Crisis content roadmap and refund details.
Sony faces a €435 million lawsuit in the Netherlands over claims that its digital-only strategy eliminates competition, resale options, and consumer ownership. Representing 1.7 million gamers, consumer group SM&C alleges Sony’s market dominance and 30% commission inflate digital game prices and leave buyers dependent on the PlayStation Store.
FromSoftware seems to have a packed second half of 2026 with two major titles coming for the Switch 2. While The Duskbloods does not have a release date yet, it is getting close to launch, and the team wants to test it out first through a network test.
The best part about pre-ordering a new Samsung smartphone has, for the past few years, been that you can get a 'free' storage upgrade. Pay for one storage tier, get the higher one for no additional cost.
However, a new report from Korea today claims Samsung will not be offering this perk for the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold8, Fold8 Ultra, and Flip8, which it will unveil on July 22.
Instead, the company will only cover 50% of the price difference between the 256GB option and the 512GB model. So basically, you'll pay half of the difference to get the higher storage tier when you...
Google is testing a new Partners (Alpha) setting in Performance Max that gives advertisers the ability to opt in or out of Search Partners and the Google Display Network—a level of control that hasn’t previously existed in the automated campaign type.
What’s happening. Some advertisers are seeing a new Partners (Alpha) setting within Performance Max campaigns that lets them choose whether to include:
Search Partners
Google Display Network (GDN)
Until now, both networks were automatically included in Performance Max with no option to exclude them.
Why we care. The update gives advertisers greater control over where Performance Max ads appear, making it easier to align inventory with campaign objectives. Those focused on efficiency metrics such as ROAS or CPA can now test whether excluding certain networks improves performance.
What we’re watching. The feature is currently labelled Alpha, indicating it is only available to a limited number of advertisers. Google has not announced when—or if—it plans to roll the setting out more broadly.
The bottom line. Google’s new Partners (Alpha) setting could give Performance Max advertisers one of their most requested controls: the ability to decide whether campaigns run across Search Partners and the Display Network, rather than relying entirely on Google’s automation.
Spotted. This update was spotted by PPC Growth Strategist Saquib Syed, who shared spotting it on LinkedIn.
Google’s AI Mode increased citations to google.com by 8.4x in about two months, making it the No. 2 cited domain in Profound’s tracking.
The increase came almost entirely from Google Business Profiles and Product Knowledge Panels, according to Profound. Those Google-hosted cards now appear within AI Mode answers for many local and product searches.
Google cards moved up. AI Mode now surfaces Google Business Profiles as inline panels for local-intent queries.
These panels can display a business’s hours, photos, location, and reviews before users reach the company’s website. Profound said the shift makes the Google-hosted profile the first page many users see.
Local categories led. The change was strongest in industries where local intent drives revenue, including:
Hospitality and travel
Home services
Restaurants and dining
Real estate
Healthcare
Product panels gained ground. Product searches also shifted toward Google-hosted results. Queries about comparisons, compatibility, or specifications increasingly surfaced Product Knowledge Panels instead of direct links to ecommerce or brand websites, Profound said.
Why we care. Your Google-hosted profile may shape a user’s first impression before they ever reach your website. Missing hours, outdated photos, incomplete information, or poor reviews can cost you the click before users visit your site.
About the data. Profound tracked AI Mode citation share from April 15 through June 30, analyzing more than 32 million google.com/searchviewer instances.
Ostium halted trading and advised revoking contract approvals after blockchain security firms reported an apparent oracle-related exploit of its OLP liquidity vault, with estimated losses ranging from $18 million to $22 million.
The deployment marks Aave V4’s first expansion beyond Ethereum and introduces lending infrastructure designed to support future markets for tokenized real-world assets.
Securitize and Cantor Fitzgerald are developing infrastructure for tokenized IPOs and secondary equity offerings within the existing US securities framework.
BlackRock has joined a Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation pilot that has begun tokenizing stocks and U.S. Treasuries within a market infrastructure that safeguards about $114 trillion in assets. According to a Wall Street Journal report, BlackRock, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs,…
Institutional crypto OTC markets are evolving beyond block trades as firms demand liquidity, settlement, and cross-border infrastructure services. For most of its early history, the institutional crypto OTC market was defined by a single problem: how to move large blocks…
SBI Global Asset Management has launched the world’s first tokenized Japanese equity fund on the Solana blockchain through a partnership with DigiFT, bringing a high-dividend equity strategy on-chain for institutional and accredited investors. According to an announcement shared by SBI…
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy has accused the CLARITY Act of protecting President Donald Trump’s crypto business interests, intensifying a Senate fight over the digital asset bill just as lawmakers prepare for a floor vote. According to statements made during a…
After Paulo Dybala, Roma have reportedly agreed new contracts with Zeki Celik, Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante, with talks on for Lorenzo Pellegrini too.
The Giallorossi have been going down the list of priorities this summer, and much of that revolves around keeping the group intact that qualified for the Champions League.
Roma keeping core of squad
ROME, ITALY – MAY 17: Gianluca Mancini of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico on May 17, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Dybala was the most urgent, as his contract had already expired on June 30 and he had offers from Boca Juniors, but this week he signed a new deal to June 2027 at a reduced salary.
Venezia unveiled their home jersey for the 2026/27 season upon their return to Serie A, designed by club co-owner Drake’s NOCTA label, with promise of further streetwear options.
The Lagunari have been promoted back to the top flight after winning the 2025-26 Serie B title.
Venezia release home shirt for new season
Venezia home jersey for the 2026/27 season
They are celebrating the comeback with a mainly black shirt that showcases the club’s unusual and iconic orange and green bands across the chest.
There are also orange and green accents along the collar, and on the sleeves.
As part of this collaboration, the club and NOCTA will also release a series of training, travel, fanwear and streetwear items throughout the course of the campaign.
Kappa had been the kit designers for the Stadio Penzo side until the announcement in February that NOCTA were taking over.
The Belgium international was a disastrous signing last summer from RB Leipzig, on loan with an obligation to buy at the end of the season for a total fee of €46m.
Openda failed at Juventus
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 03: Lois Openda of Juventus looks dejected following the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Lecce at on January 03, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
He does not fit into coach Luciano Spalletti’s vision and barely featured in the closing weeks of the campaign, making only one brief substitute cameo in the last 11 rounds.
The forward made 34 competitive appearances for the Bianconeri, scoring just two goals, but was in the starting XI for only nine of those matches.
An exit is inevitable, with Coventry City and his old club RC Lens interested in giving him a way out of Turin.
However, today Footmercato claim that Olympique Lyonnais have dived in with a proposal, which would allow them to cover his entire salary, unlike RC Lens.
Juventus know that a loan with option to buy is their best bet to rebuild Openda’s profile and market value.
Como have officially signed Italy Under-20 international Mattia Liberali from Catanzaro, activating the €6m release clause after he turned down a return to Milan.
“I’m really keen to develop and improve, and I’ve found we share a lot of common ground with the club in this regard. I’ve also spoken to the manager, and I think the playing philosophy is perfect for me. I can’t wait to take to the pitch at the Sinigaglia and meet the fans.”
Liberali ready to take off at Como
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 31: Mattia Liberali of AC Milan reacts during a Pre-Season Friendly match between AC Milan and Real Madrid at Soldier Field Stadium on July 31, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
The creative midfielder only turned 19 in April and has represented Italy at various youth levels throughout his career.
He was a product of the Milan youth academy, but left amid frustration last summer when he realised there would be no playing time or imminent promotion to the senior squad.
Liberali joined Catanzaro effectively for nothing, but with Milan still owed 50 per cent of the future sale fee.
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 13: Mattia Liberali of Italy U17 in action during the International friendly match between Italy U17 and France U17 at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on February 13, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
However, he was convinced that Como and working with Cesc Fabregas would be the correct next step in his career.
He has signed a contract with Como until June 2031.
“Mattia is a creative player with excellent technical ability and confidence in possession,” coach Fabregas told the club website.
“He can operate in tight spaces, create chances and contribute in the final third. We believe his qualities fit our style and look forward to helping him continue his development.”
Last season, Liberali scored four goals with four assists in 30 games for Serie B side Catanzaro.
After weeks of uncertainty and controversy, with many promising a second Calciopoli scandal after 2006, the entire investigation was shelved today due to lack of evidence.
Rocchi and Inter cleared
AIA chief Gianluca Rocchi (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“Within the limits of the available evidence, including wiretaps, tracking, and witness statements, we identified interference and pressure in only a few of the cases involving referee designations at the centre of this investigation.
“However, based on the conversations intercepted between Rocchi and others, the evidence does not demonstrate that this interference and pressure was objectively aimed at altering the outcome of matches.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Referee Gianluca Rocchi during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Chelsea FC and AFC Ajax at Stamford Bridge on November 05, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
The most important missing element here was direct contact between Rocchi and the club, although it was revealed today for the first time that Inter had been under formal investigation too.
Instead, he is heard speaking to colleagues about common knowledge that Inter do not like or want certain referees assigned to their games.
“Therefore, no structured system emerged to influence the fairness of the matches, nor any director or intercepted contact between the refereeing designator and Inter officials,” continued the statement.
Whereas in Calciopoli there was direct pressure from various clubs to remove certain referees from games and assign others, this was purely a process of elimination.
If there was to be proof of an attempt to alter the outcome, it would be suggesting who to put in place of the ‘disliked’ referees.
The matches under the spotlight were Inter-Milan in the Coppa Italia on April 23, 2025, Inter-Verona in Serie A on May 3, 2025, and Torino-Inter on April 26, 2026.
The evidence has been passed on to the sporting justice system, who could still choose to look further into the matter and present other charges.
It seems that surprise talks could be about to begin for Fenerbahce to sign Manchester United misfit Marcus Rashford this summer.
The England international, currently at the World Cup 2026 and preparing for tonight’s semi-final clash against Argentina, has been left in limbo after his loan spell at Barcelona.
Rashford shone during his spell at the Nou Camp last season, but it seems that Barca will not be taking up the option to sign him permanently.
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Rashford was once a star player for Man Utd and showed he’s still got what it takes to perform at the highest level with some fine performances for Barcelona in La Liga and the Champions League.
So, in many ways, it seems slightly surprising that Rashford might now be about to move to the Turkish league, which would represent a significant step down in terms of the competitiveness of the division.
Still, there are also a lot of good players at clubs like Fenerbahce, Galatasaray, and Besiktas, so perhaps Rashford can flourish there and make an impact in major competitions like the Champions League.
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It would also be interesting to see Rashford linking up with his former United teammate Greenwood again, with the pair often combining well together at Old Trafford.
MUFC will now have a decision to make, as some fans might even feel that Rashford’s fine form at Barcelona last season should mean he’s in contention for a first-team role again.
Perhaps that ship has now sailed and a fresh start would be the best for everyone, but much of that will now hinge on whether or not Rashford himself is open to joining Fenerbahce, or if he waits for other opportunities.
Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli is reportedly attracting transfer interest from as many as five clubs as he could be on the move this summer.
The Brazil international has perhaps not developed quite as well as many at Arsenal will have expected, scoring only one league goal for the entire 2025/26 campaign.
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Martinelli fared better in Europe, scoring six goals in 14 Champions League games as the Gunners reached the final of the competition.
According to Ekrem Konur, it now seems Martinelli could leave Arsenal, and he has interest from big clubs such as Manchester United, Newcastle, Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Roma…
?#Arsenal Gabriel Martinelli could leave Arsenal this summer.
? Man United, Newcastle and Bayern Munich are interested.
Konur posted: “Gabriel Martinelli could leave Arsenal this summer. Man United, Newcastle and Bayern Munich are interested. Roma and Juventus have also contacted Arsenal for the Brazilian winger.”
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Arsenal need an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli
It’s surely time for Arsenal to move on from Martinelli, who is just not consistent enough to start regularly for a club with the ambition to win major titles like the Premier League and the Champions League.
The 25-year-old has been at the Emirates Stadium since 2019 and perhaps he’d now benefit from a change of scene.
Arsenal could also do well to try something different on that side of their front three, and they’ve been strongly linked with Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis by Ben Jacobs and others.
Could Gabriel Martinelli still have a good Premier League career?
Martinelli has still shown enough during his time at AFC that could make him tempting to other English clubs, so the links with Man Utd and Newcastle aren’t too surprising.
The Magpies could do well to land Martinelli as a replacement for Anthony Gordon, who left for Barcelona earlier this summer.
United, meanwhile, might do well to bring in Martinelli to give them more depth behind their first choice front three of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, as he can fill in on the left, right, or as a central striker.
Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise is reportedly keen on a transfer to Real Madrid this summer, while the Spanish giants are eyeing a record move.
This is not the first time we’ve heard speculation about Olise’s future in recent months, with the France international in absolutely stunning form in 2025/26 with 29 goals and 32 assists.
Those numbers, via WhoScored, are for club and country, including last summer’s Club World Cup with Bayern, and this summer’s 2026 World Cup with the French national team.
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According to Santi Aouna, Olise is now eyeing Real Madrid as his preferred next move, and ideally wants it to happen this year, with Bayern already keeping an eye out on potential replacements…
“Michael Olise wants to join Real Madrid THIS SUMMER,” the journalist posted on X. “The French international believes it’s the perfect club to continue his progression.
“Real Madrid wants to pull off a record transfer. Bayern’s official stance: Olise is not for sale but the truth is more nuanced. The Bavarian club would like to extend his contract, but has also been in contact in parallel with players who could come in to replace him.
“Olise will discuss with his leaders after the World Cup.”
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Will Michael Olise be Real Madrid’s next Galactico signing?
Olise looks like he has it in him to get even better, and it would be exciting to see the 24-year-old at the Bernabeu alongside other world class talents like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
The former Crystal Palace man was not at his best in France’s defeat to Spain yesterday, but in general he has been really consistent on the biggest stage, winning the Bundesliga title with Bayern and helping them to the Champions League semi-finals.
Olise’s best position is coming off that right flank so he can cut onto his left foot, and that’s undoubtedly somewhere Real Madrid could do with strengthening.
Bayern don’t tend to sell their star names, but it seems this can’t be ruled out, with Olise keen on the move to Spain, as has been previously reported by TEAMtalk.
In a move rarely seen in the middle of a season, the Texas Rangers are changing streaming partners effective immediately.
According to a report by Dallas Morning News reporter Evan Grant, the Rangers will be dropping their streaming partnership with Victory+, which has offered a full-season streaming subscription for in-market Rangers fans since last season for a price of $100, and will switch to a startup platform called BZZR beginning with this Friday’s game against the Atlanta Braves. The move was reportedly made out of concern for Victory+’s ability to fulfill its financial obligations to the team.
Per Grant, all subscribers that had bought packages on Victory+ will have their accounts transferred over to BZZR. The move will not impact the linear distribution of Rangers Sports Network on cable and satellite services like DirecTV.
“It is unfortunate that this switch in direct-to-consumer distributors was necessary, but the decision was made in the best interest of both the Rangers and our fans,” Rangers Sports Media and Entertainment Company chairman Neil Leibman said in a statement.
The Rangers’ decision paints a grim picture for Victory+, a nascent streaming service that has staked its claim in an all-out effort to court MLB, NBA, and NHL teams to place local broadcasts on the platform. In most markets, Victory+ has introduced a free streaming model in which games are broadcast in front of a paywall and revenue is generated through advertising. The Rangers, with their $100 per season subscription, were an exception. The Dallas Stars, however, chose the free model. Per Grant, no changes have been made regarding the Stars’ local broadcast plans for next season.
Victory+ has reportedly been in the mix to secure local broadcast rights to some of the 13 NBA teams that were previously under contract with Main Street Sports Group, owner of the now-defunct FanDuel Sports Networks. So far, the streamer has not struck deals with any of those teams. Per Sports Business Journal, potential deals with the Orlando Magic, Charlotte Hornets, and Minnesota Timberwolves all fell through after Victory+ failed to secure new financing. The three former Main Street clubs that have already announced local broadcast arrangements for next season have all chosen to partner with over-the-air broadcast networks.
If Victory+’s finances are as dire as the Rangers seem to believe, it’s difficult to envision any of the 10 remaining NBA teams looking for local broadcast solutions to choose to partner with the platform.
LONDON (AP) — Helped by some mid-match drama, the Wimbledon final between Linda Noskova and Karolina Muchova over the weekend was ESPN’s most-watched women’s championship match at the grass-court Grand Slam.
The all-Czech final, during which Noskova wasted five match points and a 5-2 lead in the second set before eventually winning 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 on Saturday, averaged 1.9 million viewers. That was an increase of 48% compared to last year’s women’s final: Iga Swiatek’s 6-0, 6-0 rout of Amanda Anisimova in 57 minutes.
ESPN began its coverage of Wimbledon in 2003 and has had exclusive rights since 2012.
Jannik Sinner’s four-set victory over Alexander Zverev in the men’s final on Sunday averaged 2.4 million viewers, down 16% from 2025, when Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz in four sets.
Overall, it ranked as ESPN’s second most-viewed Wimbledon, with an 18% year-over-year increase, averaging 853,000 viewers per day, the network said. This year’s numbers trailed only the 2019 edition – when Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer in a memorable five-set final and Simona Halep beat Serena Williams for the women’s trophy.
Also this year, William’s return to Grand Slam tennis after nearly four years away earned ESPN its biggest audience for a Day 2 at Wimbledon, with an average of 1.8 million viewers — despite being played on a Tuesday afternoon in the U.S.
Italian TV
In Italy, where Sinner has become the country’s most popular athlete, the final in which he earned his fifth Grand Slam title was watched by an average of 4.2 million viewers and earned a 33.8% share, Sky Italia said.
Sinner’s victory over Alcaraz last year had an average viewership in Italy of 5.7 million.
The finals started at 11 a.m. ET in the U.S. and 5 p.m. in Italy.
Argentina's Vice President Victoria Villaruel called England 'usurping pirates' ahead of Wednesday's FIFA World Cup semifinal -Credit:Tomas Cuesta, Getty Images
Argentina's vice president launched a scathing attack on England on the eve of the two nations' monumental FIFA World Cup semifinal, deploying the phrase 'usurping pirates' in a social media post referencing the history surrounding the Falklands War.
The turbulent history between the two countries and the Falklands War has featured prominently in the build-up to Wednesday's game in Georgia, with Victoria Villaruel, the country's VP and daughter of a Falklands veteran, firmly in the spotlight.
Her broadside on social media has sparked considerable controversy, particularly in light of comments from Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni, who stated it would be 'quite wrong' to make the game about the war, via The Mirror.
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has attempted to distance the game from any Falklands-based hostilities -Credit:Erick W. Rasco, Sports Illustrated via Getty Images
Villaruel posted on her X account: "Tomorrow we play against the usurping pirates. This isn't just another match. I'm not going to be politically correct or cold-hearted; against the English, it's always something more. It's the Malvinas, it's Diego, it's Leo's [Messi] last one, go Argentina! Because until our last breath, we're going to claim what's ours!"
More than 900 lives were lost during the 1982 conflict, and Argentina supporters have sung about the Falklands throughout the tournament.
However, Scaloni has sought to defuse tensions by maintaining that mixing the conflict with the match would be disrespectful. He stated: "It's a football match; I can't mix things up, out of respect for what happened so many years ago.
"It was a very sad time in our history, and there isn't much we can do about it. Mixing the two would be madness. We criticize that there was war.
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"Of course, people remember history and what happened. It is a game of football, we need to keep things separate.
"Yes, we remember Argentinian people and people that were lost in the war, but let's not conflate things.
"What do the players of today have to do with many, many years ago?
"It was a sad time, we remember this, of course, but it would be quite wrong to put this into the game."
Compared with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, whose careers have become synonymous with winning, Mbappe now faces growing questions about whether this difficult spell is merely a temporary setback or the beginning of a larger challenge.
Kylian Mbappe‘s latest season has ended without a major trophy for either club or country, placing the Real Madrid and France superstar in unfamiliar territory. Compared with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, whose careers have become synonymous with winning, Mbappe now faces growing questions about whether this difficult spell is merely a temporary setback or the beginning of a larger challenge.
The France national team also finishes the campaign without silverware after the dissappointing 2026 World Cup exit, adding to the disappointment after Real Madrid fell short in every major competition. Individual brilliance has never been in doubt, but soccer’s biggest prizes have once again slipped away from one of the game’s brightest stars.
Mbappe arrived at Real Madrid in summer 2024 carrying enormous expectations after years of success with Paris Saint-Germain. Although he has continued to score at an elite level, his first two seasons in Spain have both ended without a major collective trophy, despite winning consecutive Pichichi awards and scoring 86 goals in his first 103 appearances for Los Blancos.
The French forward also misses out on this year’s Ballon d’Or race after Madrid failed to capture La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, the Copa del Rey, or the Spanish Super Cup, while France also ends the international campaign empty-handed.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France.
However, Mbappe has now completed exactly two senior trophyless seasons, both coming consecutively during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 campaigns. Before joining Madrid, he had collected 18 major trophies, including the 2018 World Cup and multiple Ligue 1 titles with Paris Saint-Germain.
How many trophyless seasons has Lionel Messi endured?
Mbappe’s current drought inevitably invites comparisons with the two players who have defined modern soccer for nearly two decades.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final.
Even though Lionel Messi built one of the most decorated careers in soccer history, he also endured periods when Barcelona failed to lift silverware. The Argentine completed three trophyless seasons during his senior career: 2006-07, 2007-08, and 2019-20. His longest barren spell lasted two consecutive campaigns before everything changed under Pep Guardiola.
Season
Club
Trophies Won
2007-08
Barcelona
0
2019-20
Barcelona
0
Following those difficult years, Messi spearheaded Barcelona’s historic 2008-09 sextuple, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the UEFA Champions League, the Spanish Super Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Years later, after the disappointment of 2019-20, he inspired Argentina to win the 2021 Copa America before finally lifting the 2022 World Cup.
Category
Record
Senior Career Seasons
20+
Trophyless Seasons
2
Trophyless Rate
Only 2 seasons without silverware
Longest Trophy Drought
2019-20 season
First Trophyless Season
2007-08 (Barcelona)
How many trophyless seasons has Cristiano Ronaldo endured?
Cristiano Ronaldo also discovered that sustained success is never guaranteed, regardless of individual excellence. The Portuguese legend experienced multiple trophyless campaigns, beginning with his early Manchester United years before later enduring difficult seasons during his return to Old Trafford and the start of his Saudi Arabian adventure.
Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal applauds fans
His setbacks, however, were followed by equally remarkable rebounds. After his first barren season, Ronaldo became the centerpiece of Manchester United’s dominant era, helping the club win three consecutive Premier League titles, the 2007-08 UEFA Champions League, and his first Ballon d’Or.
Season
Club
Trophies Won
2004-05
Manchester United
0
2009-10
Real Madrid
0
2021-22
Manchester United
0
2022-23
Al-Nassr
0
Later, after Real Madrid’s disappointing 2014-15 season, Ronaldo responded by leading the Spanish giant to three consecutive Champions League titles, cementing his legacy as one of the competition’s greatest performers.
Category
Record
Senior Career Seasons
20+
Trophyless Seasons
4
Clubs During Trophyless Seasons
Manchester United (2), Real Madrid (1), Al-Nassr (1)
Longest Trophy Drought
2009-10 to 2010-11 period before winning Copa del Rey
Despite Madrid’s collective struggles, Mbappe has remained among soccer’s most productive attackers. He finished the latest campaign with 42 goals across all competitions, while continuing to rank among Europe’s leading scorers.
His consistency mirrors situations Messi and Ronaldo also experienced during their careers. Messi famously scored 51 goals during the 2018-19 season, while Ronaldo struck 55 goals in 2012-13 and 61 goals in 2014-15, yet both campaigns ended with disappointment because their clubs failed to secure the biggest prizes available.
Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Xbox's planned 3,200 layoffs by July 2027 are already easily the biggest round of layoffs the industry has ever seen if taken at mere face value, but Bloomberg's Jason Schreier argues that's just the proverbial tip of the iceberg. In a new YouTube video, the journalist highlights the "hidden cuts" of the many contractors that were linked to a canceled project. Nowadays, triple-A game development involves several studios working together, some of which are external. For example, he reveals that the Perfect Dark reboot wasn't developed solely by The Initiative and Crystal Dynamics: sister studio Eidos Montréal was also involved, […]
In a development that comes on the proverbial heels of China's formal approval of Apple Intelligence features for the country's consumers, Alibaba has notified that its Qwen family of AI models will be integrated into Apple Intelligence, bringing AI-powered experiences for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS users. Users in China will now be able to access Qwen’s entire range of AI capabilities, including text, image, and content generation, directly on Apple devices Alibaba has now officially confirmed that users in China will be able to access its Qwen AI models via Apple devices, going on to note in a statement: […]
Although FromSoftware is known for keeping a very tight lid on its projects, the silence surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive The Duskbloods is getting deafening. After resurfacing during last month's Nintendo Direct, we have learned that a closed network test is scheduled for this Summer, and today we have finally learned when the Japanese development studio, will lift the veil from the game it reportedly spent the most time on to date. "We will be hosting a network test for The Duskbloods on Nintendo Switch 2 from Aug. 21 (Fri.) - Aug. 24 (Mon.). Participant registration will begin on […]
had been expected to make his professional comeback against Manny Pacquiao later this year, but following the postponement of the event, ‘TBE’ may need to look elsewhere and his former protégé has thrown his name into the mix. Mayweather has been linked to a shocking rematch with Manny Pacquiao throughout 2026, with a date and […]
Having retired from the sport, looks unlikely to ever make a comeback, but ‘Bud’ has now been warned that he will lose his undefeated record if he does opt to make a return and take on one unified world champion. Crawford hung up the gloves after a legacy-defining victory over Canelo Alvarez, walking away from […]
Sony abandoning physical games has raised concerns about consumer rights. However, while some critics fear higher prices, other gamers won’t have access to the PlayStation Store. Buyers in much of the world are unable to register PSN accounts without violating the terms of service.
The PS5 emulation scene has been making some steady progress recently. There are frequent updates from multiple projects, and a recent advancement was made by one called SharpEMU. The PC emulator has reportedly booted a PlayStation 5 exclusive, Astrobot.
Sony has announced the next lineup of games that will be added to the PS Plus Game Catalog in July 2026. A total of nine new games are being added, which will be available for Extra and Premium tiers.
The Snapdragon series for Windows ARM has come a long way in just a year with performance levels that now rival or often surpass top-end mobile Panther Lake-X or Zen 5 options.
Motorola has launched the Edge 70 Max in India as the new top-end model in the Edge 70 lineup. The device features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset and a 7,100mAh silicon-carbon battery with 25W magnetic wireless charging support.
After over 13 years, Nvidia has finally launched GeForce Now in India. The cloud-gaming service is priced the same as in the US and comes in three tiers, one of them being free.
Google is going to allow third-party app stores easier access to Android customers, in the U.S. at least. The company's new Play Catalog Access Program will let third party Android app stores use the Play Store's app library as part of a number of changes.
In Europe, Revolut has been offering a Mastercard with built-in LED lighting for some time. We ordered one to take a closer look and found that the debit card is very expensive for what it offers.
Mangmi has shared the display specs of the Air Y and Air Y Pro Android vertical handhelds. It has also released a new teaser video showing off the design, as well as additional details of the two devices.
It used to be that all iPhones bought directly from Apple in the US came unlocked, meaning that you could use them with any carrier – even if you bought the phone with financing from another carrier. Now that’s no longer the case.
Apple has updated its FAQ and it now says that iPhones bought with carrier financing are locked to that carrier until the phone is paid off. Once you complete the final payment, the phone will be unlocked and you will be free to switch to a different carrier.
The updated FAQ states that you no longer get an unlocked phone with carrier financing
This...
While you may very well have been underwhelmed by Apple Intelligence, at least you had access to it. That hasn't been the case for those in China so far, even as we are now 21 months after the initial launch.
However, that is finally about to change. Apple Intelligence has now received the green light from the Chinese government. The service has been registered with the Chinese cyberspace regulator for use on iPhones in the country. All AI products need to undergo this step before they can be offered in China.
In China, Apple Intelligence will allegedly "incorporate capabilities...
Binance has unveiled an $800,000 XRP airdrop campaign for eligible Ripple USD holders, introducing weekly rewards designed to encourage activity around Ripple’s dollar-backed stablecoin. According to a July 15 announcement from Binance, users holding RLUSD in Binance Earn, Margin, or…
Circle has secured a court-backed arbitration win after records made public in a Boston federal court detailed why the stablecoin issuer suspended Heka Funds’ USDC minting and redemption services over suspected market manipulation involving Tether. Court filings submitted by Circle…
EU AML watchdog has warned that the end of MiCA’s transitional period has increased the risk of compliance pressure on crypto firms as customers move to licensed providers across the bloc. According to Bruna Szego, chair of the Authority for…
There are reports Besiktas have set a deadline for Dusan Vlahovic to accept their offer, but the striker continues to wait for bigger European clubs, with Juventus in the background.
The forward is a free agent after letting his contract with Juve run down on June 30, and rejected the proposal to extend for €6m per season, approximately half the salary he was on before, plus performance-related bonuses.
Vlahovic not getting offers he expected
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 24: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on May 24, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
He had expected numerous bids to flood in from sides like Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Arsenal, but so far the only genuine offer on the table is from Besiktas.
According to Spanish newspaper Sport, that is a three-year contract worth around €8m per season, but without the big signing-on fee and commission that he is looking for.
Besiktas are losing patience, and it’s reported they have set a deadline of Thursday evening for Vlahovic to either accept, or they will turn towards other targets.
TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Juventus and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Juventus Stadium on November 04, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
The Serbia international does not seem inclined to take the contract, as he still believes that better offers will come in during the summer.
Juventus are also increasingly confident that Vlahovic might come crawling back to Turin when he sees the lack of alternatives.
Able to play in central defence, as a right-back or a left-back, he is still only 27 years old.
Tomiyasu could return to Serie A
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 28: Takehiro Tomiyasu of Arsenal celebrates after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Tottenham Hotspur scored an own goal, Arsenal’s first goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 28, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
According to Tuttomercatoweb, there have been negotiations with his entourage for a possible return to Italy with Sassuolo and newly-promoted Venezia.
He amassed 61 Serie A appearances, scoring three goals and providing three assists playing for the Rossoblu.
His career was most recently thrown off track by a serious knee injury, which kept him out from July 2024 to October 2025, but he did participate in the 2026 World Cup with Japan.
Venezia made the move for the Japanese player after discovering Marin Sverko requires surgery that could keep him out of action for several months.
Genoa have revealed their new home jersey for the 2026/27 season, which is inspired by the 35th anniversary of beating Liverpool at Anfield.
The Grifone launched their kit with a special video titled ‘you’ll never run alone,’ a play on the iconic Liverpool anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone.
Genoa remember Anfield coup
ITALY – MAY 17: Genoa fans put up a choreography prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and AC Milan at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on May 17, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Kombat designed the jersey and the advertising campaign reunited some of the stars who were part of that game, including Tomas Skuhravy, Mario Bortolazzi, Armando Ferroni, Vincenzo Torrente and Gennaro Ruotolo.
The 2-1 result in March 1992 allowed the Grifone to become the first ever Italian side to beat Liverpool on their home turf, and secure a 4-1 aggregate victory to reach the UEFA Cup semi-final.
Unfortunately, some of the legendary players from that season, captain Gianluca Signorini and defender Andrea Fortunato, are no longer with us, but are referenced in the video.
Carlos Aguilera scored both goals in the game, which is remembered in the clip with the original commentary from Bruno Pizzul.
Andrea Pirlo has emerged as the frontrunner to become Italy’s next head coach, but the prospect of appointing the former World Cup winner has already divided opinion across the country. Lorenzo Bettoni and Alasdair Mackenzie discuss in the latest episode of the Football Italia Summer Show.
While Pirlo’s reputation as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation is beyond question, his relatively limited experience in management has prompted a lively debate over whether he is the right man to lead the Azzurri into a new era.
Official: Andrea Pirlo is the new head coach of the Dubai-based United FC of the UAE first division.
With the Italian Football Federation facing a crucial decision, several other candidates have also been linked with the role.
Each brings a different profile, from proven tactical expertise to international experience, making the search for Italy’s next coach one of the most intriguing storylines in Italian football.
FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 29: Andrea Pirlo during the “Panchina d’Oro” award season 2022/2023 at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on January 29, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
In the latest episode of our Summer Show on YouTube, Lorenzo Bettoni and Alasdair Mackenzie examine Pirlo’s coaching career, weighing up both the strengths and the concerns surrounding his candidacy.
They also assess the leading alternatives, discussing which coach would be the best fit for the national team and who offers Italy the strongest chance of returning to the top of international football.
Danilho Doekhi has spoken for the first time as a Lazio player, with the Dutch defender completing the final stage of his medical before joining up with his new teammates.
Speaking to the club’s official channels, the former Union Berlin man made clear his satisfaction at the move.
“I’m very happy to be here. Lazio are a very important club, so I’m glad to have arrived,” he said. “I’ve spoken with coach Gattuso. We had a good chat. Now we just have to work. There are already two Dutch lads here and that helps me a lot, it’s nice that they’re here.”
Asked to describe himself, Doekhi offered a clear self-portrait.
“I’m a defender who tries to read the game, who likes defending, taking on strikers and stopping them from scoring,” he said. “But I also like to be dangerous in the opposition box from set-pieces and score with my head.”
HEIDENHEIM, GERMANY – APRIL 11: Danilho Doekhi of 1.FC Union Berlin in action during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 and 1. FC Union Berlin at Voith-Arena on April 11, 2026 in Heidenheim, Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)
New Lazio star Doekhi reveals Varane inspiration and Bogarde family ties
Football runs in the family: his uncle is former Ajax, Milan, Barcelona and Chelsea defender Winston Bogarde.
“I speak with him often, about this transfer too. He told me Lazio are a great club and Italy is a beautiful country to live in, and that the league is very competitive,” Doekhi said.
His compass, though, points to a more recent great. “My idol has always been Varane. He’s stopped playing but I always liked him enormously, partly because we have a similar style. For me he’s a reference point.”
The 28-year-old has taken the number five shirt, which he wore in Berlin, and signed off with a message for his new supporters, and a choice of nickname.
“You can call me Dani, or Duki, whatever you prefer! To the fans I want to say I’m delighted to be here, I can’t wait to meet them and I hope to give them plenty of satisfaction.”
Doekhi’s arrival continues the reshaping of Gennaro Gattuso’s defence following Mario Gila’s sale to Milan, giving the Biancocelesti an experienced, physical presence at the back.
Roma are actively working to sell Manu Koné for at least €60m, with reports in Italy claiming Manchester United are ahead of Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal for the France midfielder.
His asking price had already been a minimum of €50m before the World Cup, but has since surged thanks to his impressive performances, as confirmed by how badly he was missed in the semi-final against Spain when making way for Aurelien Tchaouameni.
Koné targeted by Premier League
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JUNE 30: Manu Kone #6 of France inspects the pitch before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between France and Sweden at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 30, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
There are some suggestions in England, most notably from Rio Ferdinand on his YouTube channel, that Manchester United have already agreed a deal worth €53m.
That is not the version given by the Corriere dello Sport, who insist that while Manchester United have been the most consistently interested and taken more steps, they are by no means the only club.
PARIS, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 13: Manu Kone of France in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between France and Ukraine at Parc des Princes on November 13, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)
Above all, the price is not going to drop below €60m (approximately £51m) after those performances in the 2026 World Cup.
The 25-year-old is going to provide a hefty profit regardless, as he was purchased from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer of 2024 for just €18m plus €2m in add-ons.
Aleksandar Stankovic will be part of Inter’s squad next season, and Cristian Chivu has made no secret of his enthusiasm for a player he first coached in the club’s youth ranks.
According to Calciomercato.com, the Serbian midfielder, youngest son of Nerazzurri great Dejan, has been bought back from Club Brugge for a total of €23 million after a breakout campaign in Belgium, a net outlay of €13 million once the €10 million Brugge paid a year earlier is factored in.
Asked at his season-opening press conference whether Stankovic could replicate Pio Esposito’s explosion into the first team, Chivu replied: “I hope so for him and for myself. He worked in our youth sector, he made a brave choice going abroad and had two important seasons. He has matured, I can’t wait to see him on the pitch.”
Aleksandar Stankovic returns to Inter from Club Brugge (via www.inter.it)
Where Stankovic fits in Chivu’s Inter midfield
The 2005-born midfielder is a slightly atypical profile. He came through as a deep-lying organiser, screening the defence and dictating tempo with the vertical passing Chivu prizes, but at Brugge he evolved into something more advanced, arriving behind the strikers and into shooting range from one of the two deeper berths in a midfield triangle.
That versatility could reshape Inter’s engine room.
Stankovic offers a genuine alternative to Hakan Calhanoglu as the central pivot, sparing Petar Sucic from being dragged into the regista role and freeing the Croatian to fight Piotr Zielinski for the mezzala space vacated by Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Alternatively, with Davide Frattesi’s departure long mooted, Stankovic could deputise for Nicolò Barella on the right of the three, where his shooting from range, a family trait, would be an asset.
His integration will be gradual, as it was for Sucic before him, with no rush to throw him in prematurely. But for a boy who has often said that wearing this shirt was his childhood dream, the season ahead is his chance to prove he belongs.
Sunderland have been linked with interest in another Ligue 1 player who has impressed in the French league.
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Sunderland did an exceptional job last summer in revolutionising their squad after promotion to the Premier League.
Things have been a lot quieter this year – as you’d expect. But they’ll still want to make some important additions.
One player we’ve seen linked to the Black Cats in recent days is Dayann Methalie. Football Insider are among the publications connecting the Toulouse left back to a move to the Premier League.
Methali already ready to step up to Premier League from Ligue 1
Methalie played 28 times in Ligue 1 last season for a Toulouse team who did well. He looks ready for the step up to the Premier League. According to the Football Insider piece, Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris and his staff consider the youngster as someone ready to make the move to England.
Sunderland did especially well raiding Ligue 1 last season, so we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see them wrap up this deal. The fact that they will be playing in the Europa League means they need to add depth as well as quality, and at the right price this deal looks like an obvious one to go forward with.
In other news…
Barcelona star Marc Casado is considering leaving the club this summer, and he has decided he wants one guarantee from his new team.
Diogo Costa remains a potential target for Chelsea, although we still have our doubts that they would actually spend the €60m required to sign him.
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After a dominant run through the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defending champion France was denied a third consecutive trip to the final with a 2-0 loss to Spain in Tuesday’s semifinal match. It was a rather stunning end to the team’s run given the way it played throughout the tournament, but none of the players were particularly interested in talking about it.
France entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the betting favorite to lift the trophy, and it certainly looked the part through the group stage and the first three matches of the knockout round, winning every match it played by more than two goals per match on average.
The team was a perfect 6-0 in the tournament entering Tuesday’s match and had not so much as surrendered a goal through the first three matches of the knockout round, all while its high-powered offense, led by the tournament’s leading scorer Kylian Mbappé, made scoring feel inevitable.
But all that changed in Tuesday’s match. Not only did France surrender its first two goals of the knockout round, but Mbappé and company had no answers on the offensive side as they were held scoreless for the first time all tournament.
Needless to say, it was a surprising result, but France did not seem all that willing to answer for it after the match.
According to Michael J. Duarte of The California Post, no French player went through the media mix zone after the match. While not every player is required to speak to the media after matches, teams are required to designate some players to speak in the media mix zone. According to Duarte, that didn’t happen.
All of the French players refused to come through the media mix zone after the match.
FIFA will hopefully fine them.
None of the French players wanted to talk about the loss to Spain that ended their World Cup.
“All of the French players refused to come through the media mix zone after the match. FIFA will hopefully fine them. None of the French players wanted to talk about the loss to Spain that ended their World Cup,” he wrote in a post on X.
It is worth noting that Mbappé appears to have spoken to at least some members of the media in some capacity, as he is quoted in a Reuters article where he called the team’s performance “sloppy.” He also interviewed with Fox Sports reporter Jenny Taft following the match. So it’s probably not fair to say that all of the French players were entirely unwilling to speak on the loss. Whether Duarte and others got the chance to talk to French players, however, is obviously a different story. But based on FIFA’s rules, players are supposed to be made available in the mixed zone, and teams can be fined if that doesn’t happen.
After the loss, France will now take on the loser of Wednesday’s match between England and Argentina in the third-place match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday afternoon.
Los Angeles Dodgers southpaw Justin Wrobleski pitched two innings in the All-Star game, raising some eyebrows with his performance.
Wrobleski had five strikeouts, but he made one mistake, leading to his only run allowed, which came on a home run to former Dodgers Miguel Vargas.
However, his five punch-outs were good for the most since 1999, when Pedro Martinez got six of his own.
The record, since there are so many pitchers that need a turn, is six, but Wrobleski fell just short. He also tied for the most among Dodgers pitchers at the ASG, alongside two legends, Fernando Valenzuela (1986) and Don Drysdale (1959).
Jul 14, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; National League Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Justin Wrobleski (70) reacts after giving up a home run during the eighth inning against the American League at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Wrobleski was notably down since he gave up a home run, understandably so since he is a hyper-competitive pitcher, but he did not fail to take it all in, making an unlikely All-Star appearance on his birthday.
“I’m super blessed and lucky to have the chance to do this,” Wrobleski said. “There’s not many guys in history that have had that chance. So pretty cool to play on my birthday. My family’s here. Got to talk to them all day. And yeah, it was super fun.”
Jul 14, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; National League Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Justin Wrobleski (70) throws out a pitch at the top of the seventh inning during the All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Justin Wrobleski’s underdog story
Wrobleski was a journeyman college pitcher, playing at three different schools and undergoing Tommy John surgery months before getting drafted, which dinged him in the pre-draft evaluation.
Additionally, in 2021, he went through a car accident so tragic that it nearly ended his baseball career.
Despite it all, Wrobleski never lost faith.
“For whatever reason, I’ve always believed I could do it,” Wrobleski said.
“Even when it doesn’t look like it’s been something that’s possible, or hasn’t looked like this dream is going to work out, I’ve always had the belief that God’s given me the talent, and I have the ability to be able to do all this stuff. And it’s great to –– not fulfill that –– but prove that I can be really good at the major league level.”
For many fans, the biggest question today isn't who will win the World Cup. It's much simpler: What time is Argentina vs. England today and how do I watch it?
The answer is 3 p.m. ET, but the matchup carries far more significance than a spot on the schedule. Lionel Messi and defending champion Argentina are trying to move one step closer to another World Cup title, while England hopes to reach its first World Cup final since its championship run in 1966.
The semifinal is one of the tournament's most anticipated matches and features two of soccer's most recognizable national teams. By day's end, the World Cup final matchup will be set, as Spain already clinched their spot after yesterday's 2-0 win over France.
World Cup games today: Who plays on Wednesday, July 15?
Only one match remains before the World Cup final is set:
England vs. Argentina
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Round: Semifinal
TV: FOX
Winner advances to the World Cup final against Spain
Spain became the first finalist after defeating France 2-0 in the other semifinal.
What time is Argentina vs. England today?
England and Argentina kick off at 3 p.m. ET Wednesday, July 15 in Atlanta
The match will be broadcast nationally on FOX and streamed through available FOX platforms.
How to watch Argentina vs England in the World Cup semifinals today
Fans searching for today's World Cup game will be looking for television and streaming information as two of soccer's biggest nations battle for a spot in the final. The matchup is expected to draw one of the largest global audiences of the tournament so far.
Watching the World Cup in the U.S. remains straightforward:
Spain secured a place in Sunday's championship match by eliminating France in the first semifinal. Now England and Argentina will battle for the other spot.
A Spain-Argentina final would feature Messi attempting to defend Argentina's World Cup crown. A Spain-England final would give England a chance to end a decades-long title drought.
Can Lionel Messi reach another World Cup final?
Messi remains one of the biggest storylines of the tournament.
Argentina has survived several tense knockout matches to reach the final four, and every appearance adds another chapter to Messi's legendary international career. Argentina defeated Switzerland in the quarterfinals and now stands one victory away from a return trip to the World Cup final.
For many casual fans, today's match is as much about Messi's pursuit of another title as it is about the semifinal itself.
How did England and Argentina reach the semifinals?
England advanced after a dramatic extra-time victory over Norway in the quarterfinals, helped by another standout performance from Jude Bellingham. The Three Lions have continued to find ways to win in pressure-packed moments throughout the knockout stage.
Argentina reached the semifinals with a 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland. The defending champions have repeatedly survived close tests and remain alive in their pursuit of back-to-back World Cup titles.
Who is favored to win England vs. Argentina?
The betting markets have viewed England as a slight favorite entering the semifinal, though the margins are narrow given Argentina's experience and championship pedigree.
England enters with one of the tournament's most balanced squads, while Argentina brings experience, confidence and the presence of Messi in what could be another defining World Cup moment.
Who will win the World Cup 2026?
With France eliminated, the tournament is down to three contenders: Spain, England and Argentina. Spain has already booked its spot in the final, while England and Argentina will decide the remaining berth Wednesday.
Streaming services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo and DirecTV Stream carry the same channels that will be airing the World Cup games, letting you follow the FIFA tournament in real time. FOX’s own platforms, including its app and direct-to-consumer options, also provide access to live matches.
The winner of today's semifinal advances to face Spain in Sunday's World Cup final at MetLife Stadium. With three former champions remaining, the tournament is guaranteed to crown a finalist with a rich World Cup history.
World Cup bracket: What's next after today's game?
After Argentina and England meet today, attention will shift to the third-place match on Saturday and the World Cup final on Sunday, By the end of the week, the field of 48 teams will be down to just two nations competing for soccer's biggest prize.
When is the FIFA men's World Cup 2026 final? World Cup schedule
The 2026 FIFA World Cup features a 48-team field across the United States, Canada and Mexico, running from June 11 through July 19 with 104 matches scheduled over several rounds as follows:
Group stage: June 11-June 27
Round of 32: June 28-July 3
Round of 16: July 4-7
Quarterfinals: July 9-11
Semifinals: July 14 and 15
Third-place match: July 18
World Cup final: July 19
Maria Francis is a Pennsylvania-based journalist covering trending and breaking topics across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions for USA Today Network. Reach her at mfrancis@usatodayco.com.
Crystal has released the renderings of family and outdoor spaces debuting on the Crystal Grace, its newest ship set to enter operation in 2028. Currently under construction at Fincantieri, the ship is scheduled to embark on its eight-night inaugural voyage on June 11, 2028, from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Venice. “Crystal Grace represents the future of exceptional luxury travel while honoring the elements...
Back in 2023, T-Force by TeamGroup introduced its first Gen5 SSD solution, the CARDEA Z540. Based on the Phison E26 controller, this SSD offered up to 12.4 GB/s speeds, making it a solid option back then. At the moment, there are plenty of Gen5 SSD controllers in the market, Phison has its new E28 and E31T, the SMI SM2508 is doing great, and InnoGrit, along with Samsung, has its own solutions offering really fast storage capabilities on NVMe products. TeamGroup has also streamlined its product family over the years, now leveraging the G-series branding in "GE", "GC", and "GA". The […]
A former TSMC executive, suspected of taking the firm's trade secrets to Intel, has had his records on Taiwan's research institute's body removed, according to reports in the local media. The executive, Wei-Jen Lo, was TSMC's senior vice president for corporate strategy and development and he played a role in helping the firm mass produce its 5-nanometer, 3-nanometer and 2-nanometer chip manufacturing process technologies. Authorities began investigating Lo last year in November after he left TSMC following allegations that the former executive took proprietary company data to Intel. Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) Removes Former TSMC Executive's Page Amidst […]
NVIDIA CEO, Jensen Huang, has arrived in Japan and will be holding key meetings with robotics partners to advance the Physical AI era ahead. Jensen Huang Arrives In The Birthplace of Humanoid Robots To Kickstart The Physical AI Era AI is a multi-domain market, and while Agentic AI is all the buzz these days, there's one other key market that is growing at a rapid pace with the evolution of AI: Physical AI. Robots are to Physical AI what humans are to Agentic AI. And NVIDIA has a vast robotics platform ready for the future. It is mainly powered by […]
ZeniMax Online Studios was among the first-party studios most affected by the Xbox layoffs in both July 2025 and 2026. Last year, the team saw its sci-fi online game Project Blackbird (with related layoffs of a few hundred employees who had been working on it for years) canceled despite then-Xbox CEO Phil Spencer reportedly loving it. The end of Project Blackbird also directly led to the resignation of ZeniMax Online Studios founder Matt Firor, who would later label it as a missed opportunity for Xbox. Following the cancellation of Blackbird, ZOS refocused on its prize jewel, the popular MMORPG The […]
The Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Kerala, India, has recently ruled in a consumer case regarding a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra that experienced overheating issues. The Commission determined that “Samsung India, e-commerce platform Flipkart, an official Samsung service center, and the retailer share joint liability for the consumer’s damages” and ordered them to “either repair the product free of charge or refund the purchase amount to the consumer.”
According to IndianExpress, an Indian District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission issued this ruling against Samsung India, Flipkart, Samsung’s official service center “Bright Care,” and the retailer CIGFIL, regarding a Galaxy S23 Ultra that had suffered from overheating issues.
The court ordered either a free repair or a full refund of the purchase price of INR 100,000. The Commission also ordered the parties to pay INR 20,000 (~ $210) in compensation for mental agony and Rs 7,000 (~ $80) for litigation costs.
Galaxy S23 Ultra overheating issue
The buyer purchased the Galaxy S23 Ultra through Flipkart in January 2024. About two weeks after receiving the device, overheating and camera performance issues arose, prompting a visit to the service center.
The service center returned the device after performing a software update, stating, “A replacement is not possible without the manufacturer’s approval.”
The buyer subsequently requested a replacement from Flipkart as well, but when that request was also rejected, they filed a lawsuit with the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.
During the Commission’s hearings, Flipkart argued that it was merely an intermediary platform, while the service center claimed it had no authority to issue replacements.
Samsung India denied responsibility, raising the possibility that the device might have been a used product. The retailer also countered that manufacturing defects are the responsibility of the manufacturer.
Samsung’s latest Spider-Man footage offers the first official look at the Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra ahead of Galaxy Unpacked on July 22.
Rather than revealing the devices through a traditional teaser, Samsung worked them into an original Spider-Man story that also sets the stage for its next foldable launch.
Samsung’s newest promotional video confirms the appearance of the Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra for the first time in official marketing material.
The campaign is part of Samsung’s ongoing partnership with Sony Pictures for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which arrives in theaters on July 31.
Samsung built an original story around Peter Parker’s everyday superhero life. The short film mixes newly created scenes with clips from the upcoming movie, while naturally placing Galaxy devices into the action.
Samsung also confirmed that today’s teaser is only the beginning. The story continues during Galaxy Unpacked on July 22, suggesting the collaboration will play a larger role during the company’s foldable launch event.
The company stated in its newsroom press release that the collaboration was built around Spider-Man’s qualities of ingenuity and resilience, making Galaxy foldables feel like a natural fit rather than obvious product placement.
The video also expands Samsung’s earlier “Spidey Tracker” campaign. Jacob Batalon, who plays Ned Leeds, returns in the new spot and has officially joined Team Galaxy as Samsung’s newest brand ambassador.
Laptop users are familiar with the major performance differences caused by varying TDP limits. The same effect is now emerging in the smartphone market. Our review of the new Sony phone clearly shows how widely performance can fluctuate. The test results highlight that power management will be a decisive factor for the speed of smartphones.
Satechi has just unveiled three color-matching accessories for the Apple MacBook Neo: the OntheGo 5-in-1 Multiport Adapter, USB-C Snap Hub and Slim EX Wireless Mouse. Priced from $29.99 to $44.99, the lineup adds expanded connectivity and streamlined portability.
A bright display is a great feature on a smartphone: The Motorola Edge 70 Pro actually comes with a fantastic AMOLED display in our review—but there’s also an issue that buyers should be aware of.
With the Galaxy A57 5G, Samsung has improved its mid-range smartphone in many ways: a slimmer design, a faster processor, and IP68 protection. However, the surprisingly poor battery life, the merely average camera, and the high MSRP detract from the overall positive impression.
The HP ZBook X 16 G2ig has been launched in China. It's available with Intel Panther Lake processors, but all the configurations feature the Nvidia RTX 5060. This sleek laptop also has 128GB RAM support and starts at CNY 12,999, about $1,920.
Deal | Imperiums: Greek Wars combines classic 4X gameplay with the historical conflicts of ancient Greece and an unusually deep diplomacy system. The strategy game is currently available on Steam with a 75% discount, matching its all-time low price of $7.49.
When the ROG Xbox Ally X20 arrives later this year, buyers may be able to purchase it without the Xreal R1 glasses. The handheld and the glasses were originally planned to be sold together, which would be quite expensive, but with the new announcement, the ROG Xbox Ally X20 should be more affordable..
We’re surprised it took this long, but the timing makes a lot of sense given how expensive gaming hardware has gotten. GeForce Now, Nvidia’s game streaming service, is now available in India. The service first entered the country with an open beta in April, but that only offered 90-day passes. Now, it’s widely available and it offers monthly passes instead.
The free ad-supported tier gets you 1080p @ 60fps streaming with gaming sessions limited to 1 hour. This is a great way to test things out (especially your Internet connection) and might work for games that are played in short...
Multiple Internet giants have found themselves under the scrutiny of lawmakers, regulators and organizations concerned with the safety of children on the web. Google and its AI Search are the latest to draw criticism.
Interestingly, it may have been the success of the Chromebooks that caused this – they are very popular as school laptops. The Common Sense Media organization explains that the thing that separates Google’s AI from all the other AI services is that it is “ubiquitous on children's personal and school-issued devices.”
Who needs to learn math when AI can just solve the...
FLORENCE, ITALY – DECEMBER 12: Amir Richardson of ACF Fiorentina scores a goal during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between ACF Fiorentina and LASK at Stadio Artemio Franchi on December 12, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Although he made 43 appearances in all competition for the club, scoring two goals and providing one assist, his time in Florence made little impact.
He was loaned out to FC Copenhagen in January 2026, and has no place in the current squad under new coach Fabio Grosso.
This represents a return to Le Havre for the Morocco international, who started his career in their youth team from 2019 until moving on in 2022.
The 24-year-old has nine senior caps for Morocco after representing France at youth level.
Another player set to leave Fiorentina is Robin Gosens, who last night agreed a loan with obligation to buy at the end of the season for €2.5m plus bonus to Schalke 04.
Roma were locked in talks for weeks to sign Mason Greenwood, but Olympique Marseille director Gregory Lorenzi reveals ‘only Fenerbahce made a formal offer’ and his ‘image’ was a problem.
The Giallorossi had targeted the Englishman for the whole summer, with reports of a proposal worth over €42m plus add-ons coming to Marseille.
Amid rumours of a bidding war with Atletico Madrid and teams from the Saudi Pro League, it is therefore surprising to learn that Roma never went all in.
Greenwood never received Roma bid
MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 16: Mason Greenwood of Olymquique de Marseille gestures during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Olympique de Marseille at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
He was referring to the domestic violence allegations that saw him pushed out of Manchester United, and the reason why Roma fans started a petition urging the club not to buy him.
Considering his splendid record in France, and the fact 40 per cent of the profit was owed to Manchester United, Marseille fans wonder why Greenwood only cost €39m plus bonuses.
“When we talk about the transfer fee, we shouldn’t assume that there were that many opportunities for Mason. Discussions had already taken place, the player was determined to leave as soon as possible, I want to make that clear.
“Clubs didn’t approach us, so the idea of selling for €80-100m… The market decided the player wasn’t worth that much. We thought there would be several clubs interested, which unfortunately wasn’t the case,” added Lorenzi.
Mason Greenwood joins Fenerbahce
“So we felt the best solution for all concerned was Fenerbahce, in the circumstances.”
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MAY 09: Oumar Solet of Udinese warms up ahead before the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Sant’Elia on May 09, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
When Inter did come forward with proposals for Solet, they were believed to be worth €20m including add-ons, which is not enough to tempt Udinese into a sale.
UDINE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Oumar Solet of Udinese celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Friuli on February 15, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
It is a big profit for Udinese, who picked up the Frenchman as a free agent in January 2025 after he left RB Salzburg in a contract dispute in September 2024.
Napoli’s new season is under way, with a first group of players reporting back for duty, among them two men whose summers have been anything but quiet.
According to IlNapolista, eleven players gathered at the SSC Napoli Training Center for the customary medicals and athletic tests: Beukema, Contini, Giovane, Gutierrez, Rafa Marin, Lindstrom, Mazzocchi, Lucca, Meret, Milinkovic-Savic and Vergara.
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Antonio Vergara of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 15, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Vergara and Milinkovic-Savic report amid Napoli transfer talk
The last two names carry the most intrigue.
Antonio Vergara returns as the young midfielder the club refused to sell, having rebuffed offers approaching €30 million while moving to extend his contract, with Massimiliano Allegri planning a role for him in the senior side.
Goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic’s situation points the other way: he is among the sizeable group of players tipped for possible exits as the club works to slim down a squad Aurelio De Laurentiis has said must shed some of.
Pasquale Mazzocchi and Jesper Lindstrom, both also linked with moves away, were in the group too.
Matteo Ruggeri remains firmly on Fiorentina’s radar as the Viola continue their search for reinforcements out wide, and the full-back’s own inclinations may work in their favour.
According to La Nazione, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the Atletico Madrid defender is strongly tempted by the idea of returning to Serie A, where he made his name and where he believes his development can best continue.
That openness could prove a decisive card for Fiorentina, who have identified the Italian as one of the ideal profiles for their flank and are weighing a concrete move in the coming weeks.
FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 26: Fabio Grosso manager of US Sassuolo looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and US Sassuolo Calcio at Artemio Franchi on April 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Ruggeri fits Fiorentina’s full-back rebuild
Atletico rate Ruggeri and the strides he has made in Spain, but the pull of Italian football appears real.
The full-back built his reputation at Atalanta, where he developed into one of Serie A’s most reliable wing-backs before earning his move to Madrid, and a return would come with none of the adaptation risk attached to a foreign signing.
For Fiorentina, the interest forms part of a wider reshaping of their defensive flanks.
Dodo’s expected departure has left a gap on one side, Alex Jimenez has arrived from Bournemouth on the other, and Fabio Grosso’s squad is being rebuilt at pace ahead of a European campaign. In Ruggeri, the Viola see a Serie A-proven operator entering his prime years, and, crucially, one who appears willing to come back.
Chelsea are still being linked with a top goalkeeper over a potential summer transfer – although it still feels unlikely.
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Chelsea’s stance on their goalkeeper situation this summer has seemed pretty clear – they’re going to stick with Robert Sanchez while bringing young talent Mike Penders back from loan to be his backup.
But rumours about the Blues wanting to spend big on on a ready made, elite option won’t go away. SportWitness today claim that a move for Diogo Costa of Porto is still on the cards.
Chelsea could be persuaded to change goalkeeper plan by one thing
The report claims that Chelsea are reluctant to pay the goalkeeper’s €60m release clause, instead aiming to pay around €40m.
That is a big gap, and one we don’t see being bridged easily.
We still don’t believe Chelsea will change their plans – there is only one thing that might have affected things. The appointment of Xabi Alonso, if he really insists he wants Costa, could be enough to get the Blues to consider a new approach.
Even at the full €60m, while expensive, it’s not insane for a player who could change the whole team’s prospects. It would be like Alejandro Garnacho plus Deivid Washington, for example…
In other news…
Fabrizio Romano says that Bournemouth are close to completing their latest impressive deal – a move for Antonio Silva from Benfica.
Coventry City are close to a deal for Aurele Amenda, the Frankfurt central defender who has just returned from a spell at the World Cup with Switzerland.
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Manchester City have reportedly intensified talks over signing Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, while Arsenal are also still in the running.
The talented young Morocco international has shone in Ligue 1 and also impressed with his national team at the 2026 World Cup, though his tournament ended with the recent defeat to France.
A recent report from the Guardian claimed Man City were keen on a potential £85m deal for Bouaddi, and there’s now been a new update.
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According to TEAMtalk, City have communicated to Bouaddi’s representatives that they want the player to come in straight away and become part of Enzo Maresca’s first-team.
They add that Arsenal remain ‘firmly’ in contention for Bouaddi, even if City have clearly been advancing on this one.
Should Ayyoub Bouaddi choose Arsenal or Manchester City?
A few years ago this would probably have been a no-brainer, with City the go-to destination for the world’s best players due to the chance to play under Pep Guardiola and get as good a guarantee as you can get of winning major trophies.
With Guardiola leaving this summer, though, there is no longer that guarantee, even if Maresca is also a good manager, and this remains a City squad full of world class players.
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Arsenal are reigning Premier League champions and possibly the favourites to retain their title in 2026/27, so Bouaddi could do well to choose the Emirates Stadium for the next step in his career.
It’s not an easy decision, though, with City probably likely to be able to offer more money, while there’s actually also a lot of competition in Arsenal’s midfield at the moment.
The Gunners already have Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Myles Lewis-Skelly in that area of their squad, so there’s no guarantee Bouaddi would get regular minutes.
City, by contrast, probably need to start thinking about rebuilding their midfield a little bit as Rodri is not getting any younger and has had some injury problems in the last couple of years, with Bouaddi looking like an ideal long-term successor in that role.
Bournemouth’s ridiculous run of impressive transfers is set to continue, with Antonio Silva close to joining from Benfica.
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Benfica centre back Antonio Silva is close to agreeing a move to Bournemouth, Fabrizio Romano has claimed today. The Italian insider claims that there is an “agreement on personal terms” and that a club to club deal is “very close.”
The 22 year old came through the Eagles academy and has been a regular for their first team since 2022. After turning down their offer of a new contract, he’s opened the door to a big move. The transfer fee isn’t yet known – but given AC Milan’s €20m offer was rejected out of hand, we can only assume it’s €30m or more.
Silva ready for Premier League move
There’s no doubt that, after years of being linked with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, this is a bit of a step down for Silva. He’s also trading Champions League football and potential titles in Lisbon for a quieter life on the South Coast of England.
But it’s also clear that Bournemouth are a great shop window for players looking to break into the Premier League, and Silva’s stay could be pretty short if he impresses.
In other news…
Coventry City are close to a deal for Aurele Amenda, the Frankfurt central defender who has just returned from a spell at the World Cup with Switzerland.
One defender who came to the fore at the World Cup is already a major target for Bournemouth and Southampton – although Leeds look to have the lead in the chase for his signature.
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Swiss centre back Aurele Amenda is set to join Coventry for almost 20m according to the BBC’s report today.
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It’s been a slow start to the transfer window from newly-promoted Coventry, but they’re about to get into gear with a huge deal by their standards.
Nizaar Kinsella of the BBC is reporting that the Sky Blues are close to a £17m deal for Eintracht Frankfurt defender Aurele Amenda.
The Swiss centre back has just got back from the World Cup and is now able to engage fully with a potential deal. He will cost £15.4m up front, with another £1.7m in add-ons, and will sign a four year contract.
He has apparently been persuaded by a “strong pitch” from manager Frank Lampard.
Coventry add more quality in key position – but still lack goalkeeper deal
Coventry completed an even bigger deal for Burnley’s Loum Tchaouna this week, and made Frank Onyeka’s loan from Brentford permanent earlier this summer.
Once they get Amenda over the line, their priority will be securing goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, who was excellent on loan from Brighton last season. The Seagulls are asking for big money, however, and Coventry may have to turn to Chelsea backup Filip Jorgensen as an alternative, according to this report.
In other news…
One defender who came to the fore at the World Cup is already a major target for Bournemouth and Southampton – although Leeds look to have the lead in the chase for his signature.
Tuesday's MLB All-Star Game was loaded with Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies had six representatives on the National League team, tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the most in the game.
All of them played, too, thanks to some skillful managing by Dave Roberts, who did his best to satisfy the Philadelphia fans at Citizens Bank Park.
Unfortunately for the NL, the Phillies players didn't perform very well in the Midsummer Classic, doing more harm than good in the NL's 4-0 defeat.
Cristopher Sanchez started for the NL and took the loss, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks in the first inning. The NL never recovered.
Jesus Luzardo and Jhoan Duran both pitched well in relief, combining for 1 2/3 scoreless innings. However, it was already too late.
The NL didn't get any run support as its lineup was stifled by the American League. Bryce Harper, Brandon Marsh and Home Run Derby runner-up Kyle Schwarber went a combined 0-for-5 with four strikeouts.
In the end, it just wasn't the NL's night, especially for Philadelphia's stars.
The MacBook Neo has turned into an instant hit, and even with the price bumps that Apple introduced that made the company’s most affordable notebook $100 more expensive for both configurations, the bigger figure isn’t what’s derailing the portable Mac’s momentum. It’s the lack of chip supply for the A18 Pro, and according to an analyst, Apple’s MacBook Neo shipments are expected to suffer considerably, with up to a whopping 40 percent drop. It appears that AI firms gobbling up the entire supply have made the situation quite uncomfortable for both TSMC and Apple. Updated shipment forecast states the MacBook Neo will […]
CXMT's DDR5 memory has some major drawbacks versus DRAM modules from the big three, as ASUS highlights poor overclocking and worse performance. Motherboard Vendors Have Unlocked Over 8000 MT/s Speeds On CXMT-Based DDR5 Memory Modules, But The DRAM Is Inferior In Performance & Overclocking With the ongoing DRAM shortages, China's DIY PC market has started relying heavily on domestic memory solutions. We have seen brands such as Kingbank, Gloway, Lexar, and many more utilize CXMT DDR5 memory. As such, motherboard vendors have started offering optimized support for these modules. With strengthened BIOS support, these memory modules can now surpass 8000 […]
is now searching for a first opponent after signing with Zuffa Boxing, but there is one man who says he is being avoided by Stevenson, whom he believes has ‘gone back on his word’. Stevenson has been linked to a host of names since his triumph over Teofimo Lopez in January, with , and Jose […]
The heavyweight division has been blown wide open recently, and in response one former ruler who defeated is hoping that he can get back into contention for the heavyweight throne, with his comeback fight officially confirmed. The WBA, WBC and IBF world titles were in the possession of until last month, but an underwhelming performance […]
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 will be officially unveiled in a few days. As a leaked spec sheet shows, the specifications have hardly changed compared to the previous model – but customers will likely still have to pay more for the flip phone with the newer processor.
Products such as the Apple Watch, the Fitbit Air, and the Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses are exempt from the EU Right to Repair regulation, meaning manufacturers can continue to install batteries that are virtually impossible for end users to replace.
Linux has evolved into a serious alternative for PC gamers in recent years. However, a new comparison by Meta PCs shows that while the open-source operating system can outperform Windows in some productivity workloads, Windows 11 still holds the lead in gaming performance and compatibility.
Xiaomi is currently rolling out a new update to several smartphones, bringing the Xiaomi 17 series and the Xiaomi 15T Pro to HyperOS 3. The new operating system is based on Android 17.
Deal | Looking for some old-school strategy? Sid Meier's Colonization is still considered one of the most influential games in the 4X genre and is currently available on Steam with an 85% discount for just over $1.
After an increasing number of Pebble Time 2 users complained about cracked screens and malfunctioning buttons, the manufacturer has promised free replacements – and revealed how many smartwatches are affected. The Pebble Round 2 is scheduled to begin shipping in August.
With its 7mm slim design and built-in stand, the Lenovo L16 is easy to bring along for work on the go. It offers a fairly bright and spacious 16-inch display and dual USB-C ports with 65W pass-through for $199.99.
Realme today expanded its portfolio of Narzo Series smartphones with the unveiling of the Narzo 100x.
The biggest highlight of the Realme Narzo 100x is its 8,000 mAh Titan battery, advertised to deliver up to three days of battery life on a single charge. The 8.8mm thick smartphone supports 45W charging, all-scenario bypass charging, and reverse wired charging.
The Realme Narzo 100x is built around a 6.81" HD+ LCD with a 144Hz refresh rate and 1,200 nits peak brightness. Realme says the smartphone will offer consistent 60FPS smoothness in BGMI, MLBB, and Free Fire, but hasn't...
Google Images launched 25 years ago. Back then it was as simple as it gets – type in some words and get matching images as a result. The image search feature has grown considerably more capable over the intervening years and is now getting a major overhaul to celebrate its quarter century anniversary.
Google Images is getting a new home page. You may not see anything different yet – it will roll out over the coming weeks starting with the desktop page in US English. But once it goes live, you will see something that looks and works kind of like Pinterest.
The new Collections...
Most robotics startups promise what factories might look like years from now. Walden Robotics says its robots are already on the job. The company emerged from stealth on Wednesday with a $300 million seed round, valuing the startup at $1.1 […]
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek is seeking a 500 billion yuan ($74 billion) valuation in a new fundraising round as it quietly prepares for a mainland stock market debut, according to multiple people familiar with the discussions. The move comes only […]
It’s Tuesday, July 14, 2026, and the flow of capital today underscores familiar but intensifying trends: governments and venture firms are doubling down on AI infrastructure and sovereignty, as well as defense and related automation. In the past 16 hours, […]
Boards keep asking the same thing this year: hire internally or bring in people who’ve already done this elsewhere? AI rewrites roadmaps faster than most teams can staff, and budgets haven’t kept up with the hype. That’s the gap advisory firms […]
Artificial intelligence is creating a new problem for Wall Street. AI can generate emails, marketing campaigns, research, and trading activity in seconds. Compliance teams still have to review all of it. That gap is growing, and legacy compliance software was […]
New York became the first U.S. state on Tuesday to halt construction of large new AI data centers, imposing a one-year moratorium over concerns that the facilities are driving up electricity costs, straining water supplies, and burdening local communities, according […]
A group of 26 former Meta employees has sued the company, alleging that artificial intelligence played a central role in deciding who lost their jobs during the latest round of layoffs and that the system unfairly penalized workers with disabilities, […]
The race to build humanity’s future beyond Earth is creating a new generation of startups. TerraFirma, a construction tech startup founded by two former SpaceX engineers, has raised $115 million from a group of high-profile investors to bring SpaceX-style speed […]
It’s Tuesday, July 14, 2026, and the tech world is no longer just building AI — it’s actively defending against it, racing to control it, and feeling its real-world friction. AI’s next phase is no longer being shaped by model launches […]
Revolut has secured in-principle approval from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority to expand its regulated crypto business in the United Arab Emirates, adding another regulatory milestone to its global digital asset strategy. According to a company announcement on Tuesday, the…
Andrea Pirlo’s presence on the shortlist to become Italy’s next head coach has drawn a note of caution from Antonello Valentini, with the former FIGC director general insisting the Azzurri are in no position to take risks.
Speaking to TuttoMercatoWeb radio, Valentini addressed the four-man list reportedly outlined by federation president Giovanni Malagò: Roberto Mancini, Antonio Conte, Pirlo and Pep Guardiola.
“For me Pirlo is a gamble, and we cannot afford gambles. Mancini and Conte are two certainties,” he said. “Guardiola is a great coach, but not one suited to a national team, because he needs time, intense daily work. A national side gathers on average every 45 to 50 days.”
The calendar, he argued, leaves no margin for error. “We can no longer gamble, we have to go with certainty,” he added, pointing to six Nations League fixtures against Belgium, Turkey and France in the autumn, ahead of December’s Euro 2028 qualifying draw.
AL RAYYAN, QATAR – JANUARY 25: Roberto Mancini, Head Coach of Saudi Arabia reacts during the AFC Asian Cup Group F match between Saudi Arabia and Thailand at Education City Stadium on January 25, 2024 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Valentini backs Mancini and Conte for Italy job after Pirlo doubts
On the two frontrunners, Valentini addressed the reservations attached to each.
“Conte is certainly a winning coach, but he has to make peace with himself, the Federation doesn’t need a coach for two years or eighteen months, it needs to open a new technical era,” he said.
As for Mancini’s 2023 walkout for Saudi Arabia: “Enough with this ethical life sentence. He understood he made a mistake, he repented, he apologised. He won a European Championship and had 37 consecutive results without defeat.”
The decision now rests with Malagò and new technical director Paolo Maldini, whose appointment alongside advisor Leonardo last week marked the first step of the federation’s rebuild after a third straight World Cup missed. Valentini, for his part, has made his order of preference plain.
Juventus have added Folarin Balogun to their list of centre-forward options, with the former Arsenal striker under internal discussion as the club’s pursuit of Randal Kolo Muani reaches a critical stage.
According to Tuttosport, Kolo Muani remains Luciano Spalletti’s first choice, but prising him from PSG will require an improved offer: Juventus can get close to €40 million in total, without quite reaching it, and guaranteeing the bonus portion may be the signal needed to convince Luis Campos that the Bianconeri mean business.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 04: Randal Kolo Muani of Tottenham in action during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 04, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Balogun gives Juventus alternatives to Kolo Muani
Balogun fits the profile Spalletti has drawn up: physical, sharp in space and, above all, a finisher.
The American scored 19 goals in 43 games for Monaco last season, including a Champions League brace against PSG, and boasts an excellent availability record, missing just one match through injury.
Monaco, however, intend to fund their own market with his sale and have set a minimum price of €50 million, hoping interest builds into an auction.
The Milan Public Prosecutor has announced the dismissal of the case against ex-referee designator Gianluca Rocchi, his deputy Andrea Gervasoni and Inter, who had come under scrutiny over alleged attempts to influence the appointment of referees.
No player or coach from any Italian team was known to be under investigation, but Inter had been under scrutiny, with suspicions that some of Rocchi’s referee appointments were made to please the Nerazzurri and to avoid match officials they didn’t like.
As reported by Gazzetta, Inter simultaneously entered into the register of suspects, but the proceedings against the club were immediately dismissed.
The main allegation against Rocchi, however, was that he put external pressure to influence VAR decisions during some Serie A matches.
Rocchi voluntarily stepped down during the investigation and was first replaced by Dino Tommasi and then by Daniele Orsato.
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Referee Gianluca Rocchi during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Chelsea FC and AFC Ajax at Stamford Bridge on November 05, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
In an official statement, quoted by Gazzetta, the Public Prosecutor’s Office said it had “requested that the Preliminary Investigations Judge dismiss the criminal proceedings concerning the offence under Articles 81 (continued offence) and 110 of the Italian Criminal Code, and Article 1, paragraph 1, of Law No. 401/1989, in relation to the alleged attempts to influence the selection or exclusion of match officials.”
With the same statement, the Milan Prosecutor’s Office said it had transferred the case file to the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Monza regarding allegations relating to incidents that occurred in the VAR operations room.
Copies of the case file were also sent to both the Federal Prosecutor’s Office of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI).
The investigation did not identify any structured scheme designed to influence the referee appointments.
The criminal investigation has been closed, but the review of the evidence relating to alleged influence on VAR will continue with the Monza Prosecutor’s Office examining the conduct of Luigi Nasca and Stefano Di Vuono, while Daniele Paterna’s position will continue to be examined in Milan.
The Federal Prosecutor’s Office has received the case files to determine whether the facts may constitute violations of sporting regulations, although that appears unlikely given that no sporting investigation had previously been opened.
Reports in Italy claim that Tottenham defender Djed Spence would be more expensive than Anan Khalaili for Inter, but the Nerazzurri are still willing to open talks with Spurs.
Inter are looking for a replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who has joined Real Madrid after the Merengues agreed to match his €20m release clause.
Inter ready to enter talks with Tottenham for Spence
Gazzetta, Sky Sport Italia and Corriere dello Sport claim that Spence is quickly becoming Inter’s favourite target, although the Nerazzurri are still assessing and have a long shortlist, which includes Strasbourg’s Guela Doué, among others.
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – JULY 05: Djed Spence #25 of England clears the ball in front of Santiago Gimenez #11 of Mexico during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Mexico and England at Mexico City Stadium on July 05, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
These sources claim that Spence would be more expensive than €25m-30m, the fee that the Nerazzurri were ready to invest to sign Khalaili, who was ready to complete a permanent €25m deal plus €5m add-ons.
Despite that, according to Sky, the Nerazzurri are still determined to enter talks with Tottenham.
Informal contacts have already taken place and even involved Cristian Romero, but the Argentine centre-back would be even more expensive than Spence as Spurs have demanded €50m.
Leeds are advancing strongly to pick up one of the World Cup’s breakout young players for a hefty fee.
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Leeds United’s big move of the summer so far was signing Harry Wilson on a free transfer, but the Whites are closing in on a far higher priced deal.
MOTLeeds says that Tarik Muharemovic is close to joining for £34m. Half of that fee will go to his current club Sassuolo, and the other half to Juventus.
The young centre back impressed with Bosnia at the World Cup, and will be one of the big transfer winners of this summer’s tournament. Sunderland and Bournemouth are also linked, but it seems Leeds are further ahead in their arrangements.
Shea Charles wanted by Leeds despite big bids for Bosnia man
The piece stresses that any deal for Muharemovic won’t affect Daniel Farke’s team’s long standing interest in Shea Charles of Southampton.
Their bidding is up to £30m for the midfielder, but they are able to buy both if their offers are accepted. The sale of Pascal Struijk to Brighton has freed up some liquid spending money which will allow them to continue to reshape their squad.
Get both deals over the line and Leeds will be looking a very interesting prospect for next season.
Newcastle are front of the queue for Dodo, the flying Brazilian full back from Fiorentina wanted by Nottingham Forest.
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Newcastle have been selling big players this summer, and definitely need to start bringing some new blood in to make up for it.
One very interesting deal they’re being linked with is one for Fiorentina full back Dodo. The Brazilian is full of talent, if a little inconsistent, but is available at a low enough price to get teams interesting in taking a risk. A report from SportWitness today puts Newcastle at the front of the queue, ahead of Nottingham Forest, and says they would only have to pay €16m.
Fiorentina offering full back to teams around Europe
The key factor behind the former Shakhtar man’s low price is his contract situation. He only had a year left on his deal with the Serie A side, so they know they need to sell now if they want any money back for him.
That means Dodo is being “offered around,” and if Newcastle don’t take him, it seems likely someone else will. The report says that Serie A teams have thus far not been interested, but if Fiorentina continue to struggle to sell and the price comes down further, that may change.
With the final for the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be played on Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium, the international soccer organization announced a few more festivities to mark the occasion.
Gates will open at 11 a.m. and the transportation options have been adjusted accordingly.
When will train and bus service to the FIFA World Cup final start?
NJ Transit confirmed train service will begin at 10:30 a.m., half an hour earlier than prior matches.
Natalie Hamilton, a spokesperson for the region host committee, said their shuttle buses will run from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Who's appearing in FIFA World Cup closing ceremony?
A closing ceremony featuring Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and IShowSpeed, as well as a special appearance by Tom Cruise will start at 1:30 p.m., ahead of the 3 p.m. match kickoff time.
Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson was also be on hand to sing “The Star Spangled Banner” ahead of match.
Carnival Cruise Line has announced that it made a surprise visit to children at the Queensland Children’s Hospital on Tuesday, July 14, with The Grinch and Cat in the Hat. The Dr. Seuss characters took time away from the Carnival Encounter to join the ship’s Cruise Director and Fun Squad at the Children’s Hospital Foundation...
MSC Cruises has announced the largest Venchi chocolate experience ever seen at sea aboard the MSC World Asia, its ship set to debut in the Mediterranean in December 2026. Seating for more than 60 guests, the 300-square-meter venue is designed as a multi-sensory destination, combining retail, café and gelateria into one space located in the ship’s Galleria district on deck 6,...
Tianjin Oriental’s Visio has completed two sailings from Qingdao International Cruise Homeport in July, extending the ship’s North China program, and marking Qingdao’s first large cruise homeport calls of the 2026 summer season. The rotation is a strategic shift for the company, which previously based the Visio solely in Tianjin. Qingdao now joins Tianjin and Dalian...
Aman is entering the cruise industry in 2027 with the debut of its first cruise ship, which is currently under construction at the T. Mariotti shipyard in Italy. Sailing for the Aman at Sea brand the Amangati will offer itineraries in the Mediterranean before repositioning to the Caribbean. First Cruise Date: May 7, 2027 Length:...
In a rare incident, a user found himself with the same problem as before, even though MSI was supposed to get the motherboard repaired properly. User Sends His Motherboard With Bent Pin for Repair; MSI's Service Partner, ASK, Sent It Back With Another Pin Bent Not everyone has the same luck when it comes to repairs, especially RMA under warranty. We have seen multiple times how vendors fail to provide proper repairs and replacement for products that are sent for the RMA service under their warranty periods. Similarly, a user expected MSI to repair his damaged motherboard, which was under […]
GTA 6 is without a doubt the most anticipated game of 2026 for many, but only PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S owners will be able to experience Rockstar Games' open-world title this November, as the game will not hit PC at the same time. Although many have long suspected this staggered release strategy is meant to get players to purchase multiple versions of the game, veteran GTA 5 producer John Ricchio (who worked at the studio from 2003 to 2014) confirmed there are other reasons behind this strategy, mostly technical. Speaking in an interview with Kiwi Talks, Ricchio emphasized […]
The rollout of Siri AI wouldn’t have mattered in China or the EU since strong regulatory checkups would mean Apple needed to expose itself to another headache that could take months, if not years, to complete. Fortunately, one tipster reveals that the Cupertino giant has crossed that bridge because Apple Intelligence has received its regulatory filing in the region. New progress with Apple Intelligence in China means talks over potential localized partnerships with the likes of Alibaba and Baidu were fruitful The image below, shared by prolific tipster Ice Universe, is an official Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) registration list […]
China's DFSX is working on fueling its domestic AI supply chain with next-gen 3.5D "Infinity Chiplet" architectures & 3D DRAM technologies. DFSX Is Working on China's First DF1000 AI Accelerator With 3D DRAM Technology, Also Unveils 3.5D+ Packaging DFSX recently hosted a presentation where they announced China's first 3D AI chip that is built entirely using China's domestic supply chain. There is a lot to unpack here, but the key product is the DF1000, which is a software-defined near-in-memory computing AI accelerator that will be used by domestic AI and tech firms. DF1000 - China's First 3D DRAM-Powered AI Accelerator […]
The games industry is still reeling from Sony's switch to a digital-only PlayStation future starting in January 2028, but after fierce backlash from fans and developers, Sony may now face opposition from politicians, too. In Mexico, two Movimiento Ciudadano legislators stated that the Japanese corporation may be crossing into monopoly territory with its planned move, following a broader wave of criticism around Sony's abandonment of physical media and its growing control over PlayStation's storefront economy. According to Mexican website Ovaciones, Movimiento Ciudadano senator Luis Donaldo Colosio and federal deputy Iraís Reyes plan to file a complaint with Mexico's antitrust authority […]
There's no other way to describe the latest Microsoft Xbox layoffs under parent company Microsoft Gaming than tragic. With 3,200 jobs getting cut by July 2027, it's no surprise that studios from Bethesda Softworks to Obsidian Entertainment have been significantly impacted, but it feels like few have been hit as hard as id Software, the legendary development studio behind the DOOM and Quake series. An official statement released a few days ago downplayed the brutal reset, but it seems like the situation is as dire as it looked like when the first reports came in, as the cuts may have […]
The newest and flagship ASUS Tandem OLED monitors have been officially released, including full specifications. ASUS Officially Launches ROG Swift OLED PG32UCWM and PG27UCWM Tandem OLED Monitors, Featuring Tandem OLED Coupled With TrueBlack Glossy Surface Popular hardware and peripheral manufacturer, ASUS, has officially released two of its best 4K OLED gaming monitors for retail, alongside revealing their full specifications. These are the ROG Swift OLED PG32UCWM and ROG Swift OLED PG27UCWM, which were introduced several months ago along with more OLED models. Both gaming monitors boast 4K resolution and offer dual mode configuration for enthusiasts, including 4K@240Hz and FHD@480Hz. The […]
lost for a fifth time in his last six fights when halted by Artem Suslenkov on Saturday, and now fellow British heavyweight and former sparring partner has offered his thoughts on Joyce’s performance and recent form. Following a knockout win over Joseph Parker in 2022, Joyce seemed set for a world title shot, given the […]
Next weekend, Australia is set to stage its biggest boxing event of the year as collides with the returning on home turf, but 11 days out from the fight there has been a request to change the weight. Tszyu has found it difficult stateside despite prior expectation that he could take over the division, holding […]
Grand Theft Auto 6 is on its way to the Sony PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series consoles. However, there are concerns that GTA 6 could be locked to 30 FPS on the current-gen consoles. Moore's Law Is Dead has now tried to gauge the audience's response to this potential development.
Even though GTA 6 is already available for pre-order, Trailer 3 and an in-depth gameplay presentation are still nowhere to be seen. As Rockstar's silence continues, frustration within the community is growing. Some fans no longer believe any new information will arrive in July.
With its 7mm slim design and built-in stand, the Lenovo L16 is easy to bring along for work on the go. It offers a fairly bright and spacious 16-inch display and dual USB-C ports with 65W pass-through for only $199.99.
PlayStation fans apparently have no intention of accepting Sony's planned move away from physical games without a fight. By canceling their PS Plus subscriptions and threatening to boycott the PS6, they hope to convince the company to change course.
PlayStation has announced that its FlexStrike wireless fight stick scheduled for release in a few weeks has been delayed. There's no new release date yet, but Amazon has put up a temporary release date for the PS5 and PC controller.
A PS Plus member shared that they are being offered a free 12-month upgrade to PlayStation Plus Premium. The offer comes shortly after reports of discounts being given to users canceling their subscriptions
Electoral Carnage throws U.S. presidents into satirical 2D duels and is quickly becoming a hidden gem on Steam. The fighting game currently holds a 96% positive user rating and is completely free to play.
The OnePlus N6 has barely been on the market for a month, but the company is already preparing to expand the lineup. OnePlus has confirmed that a new N6 series smartphone, the OnePlus N6x, will be launching soon.
Amazon India has already put up a dedicated microsite for the OnePlus N6x, although it doesn't reveal any specifications or availability details just yet.
Meanwhile, a tipster claims that the upcoming smartphone will feature familiar hardware, suggesting it could share many of its specifications with the recently launched OnePlus N6.
OnePlus N6
The OnePlus N6...
Motorola has launched the Edge 70 Max in India, introducing a new premium smartphone with flagship hardware, advanced AI capabilities, and the largest battery ever fitted inside a Motorola smartphone. It is the most powerful Edge 70-series phone, sitting between the Motorola Edge 70 Pro+ and Edge 70 Signature in the lineup.
Motorola Edge 70 Max specifications and features
Motorola Edge 70 Max
The Motorola Edge 70 Max sports a 6.8-inch Quad HD+ Extreme AMOLED LTPO display with a 144Hz adaptive refresh rate, 360Hz touch sampling rate and up to 7,000 nits peak brightness. The panel is protected by Gorilla Glass 7i and supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+. Powering the phone is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.1 storage.
The phone packs a 7,100mAh fourth-generation silicon-carbon battery while maintaining an 8.29mm profile. It supports 90W wired TurboPower charging, 25W Qi2 magnetic wireless charging with MagSafe accessory compatibility, and 5W wired reverse charging.
The Edge 70 Max features a 50-megapixel Sony LYTIA-710 primary camera with OIS, paired with an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera that also supports macro photography. A 32-megapixel front camera handles selfies and video calls.
Running Android 16 with Hello UX, the device is promised three Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates. To keep temperatures under control, Motorola has included a 5,500mm² vapour chamber along with an advanced cooling system covering a total thermal area of 29,550mm². Other highlights include Wi-Fi 7, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, Snapdragon Sound, MIL-STD-810H certification, and IP66, IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance.
Motorola Edge 70 Max price and availability
The Motorola Edge 70 Max is priced at Rs 54,999 (~$570) for the 8GB + 256GB variant, while the 12GB + 256GB model costs Rs 59,999 (~$625). It comes in Pantone Aqua Gray, Pantone Ice Melt and Pantone Dark Shadow color options. Sales will begin on July 20 via Flipkart, Motorola India, and authorized offline retail stores.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Xiaomi has announced its first power bank built to meet China’s new national safety standard for portable chargers. Dubbed the Xiaomi Power Bank 20000 22.5W, it will go on sale in China on July 22 for 149 yuan (~ $22).
The power bank has a 20,000mAh capacity and supports 22.5W charging through a built-in cable. Inside, it uses two 10,000mAh battery cells rather than a single large cell. Xiaomi says the product has cleared a demanding set of safety tests, including a 4mm needle penetration test, a 135 °C heat exposure test, an overcharge test at 1.3 times the normal voltage, a compression test using roughly 1.3 tons of force, and a 300-cycle aging test that checks for lithium plating.
The device also includes smart management features tied to its cable, so that users can check battery health and access traceability information about the battery inside. As for connectivity, you get one USB-A and two USB-C ports.
The new model is based on the Xiaomi 20000 22.5W Power Bank 2026, which it launched in June. It also has a built-in cable, uses a 2C+1A port layout, and sells for the same 149 yuan.
What is the new national standard?
China introduced a mandatory national standard for power bank safety in April; however, it doesn’t take effect until April 1, 2027. The rules require stronger protection against high heat, overcharging, and crushing, and add a new test for lithium buildup after repeated charging cycles to lower the chance of short circuits in older batteries. Power banks must also be able to store and share data about unusual events, and each unit needs its own identification code so consumers can check details like the battery brand.
The standard was shaped with input from several major manufacturers, including Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Anker, and is regarded as one of the strictest in the world. It brings in extra mechanical tests such as drops, crushing, and impacts, bans the use of recycled or refurbished lithium cells, and sets tougher rules for the chemical fluid inside batteries. Manufacturers have a transition period before the rules become mandatory, but Xiaomi’s new launch shows companies are already moving to meet the tougher requirements ahead of schedule.
There have been reports that Honor’s futuristic Robot Phone, first showcased at MWC 2026, will be unveiled in China this August. The handset has now secured two important certifications, indicating that the launch timeline remains on track. Here’s a look at the latest developments and what they reveal about the upcoming flagship.
An Honor smartphone carrying the model number APH-AN00 has appeared on China’s MIIT and 3C certification platforms. This device is said to be the upcoming Honor Robot Phone. While the MIIT listing does not disclose any hardware details, its appearance confirms that the device has moved one step closer to launch.
The accompanying 3C certification reveals that the handset could ship with a 120W fast charger, suggesting that Honor is preparing flagship-grade charging speeds for the device. Although certification platforms rarely reveal complete specifications, the latest listings strongly indicate that the Robot Phone is progressing towards its expected August announcement.
Honor Robot Phone specifications (rumoured)
According to recent information shared by tipster Digital Chat Station, the Honor Robot Phone could feature a 6.3-inch to 6.4-inch flat display offering a 1.5K resolution and ultra-slim bezels on all four sides. The device is also tipped to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and may pack a battery of around 6,000mAh, placing it firmly in the premium flagship category.
The camera setup is expected to be one of the phone’s biggest highlights. The leak suggests a 200-megapixel main camera with an f/1.6 aperture, 23mm focal length and 4D gimbal stabilization. It could also include a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera and a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera, with Honor’s Ailai imaging technology expected to enhance the photography experience. The tipster also claims the Robot Phone could offer an early preview of camera innovations planned for the upcoming Magic 9 series.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
The HyperOS 3.3 testing phase may have come to an end, as Xiaomi has just begun a public rollout to select high-end phones, including the Xiaomi 17 series and Xiaomi 15T Pro, upgrading the OS to Android 17.
While it’s technically a major OS upgrade, you should not expect to see visual changes or new features, as we hinted in our past coverage. It lays the groundwork to support advanced features and upgrades coming with HyperOS 4 later this year. According to the changelog shared by Ximitime, HyperOS 3.3 update mainly focuses on improving system stability and adds the June 2026 security patch.
Device
Codename
Region
Build
Status
Size
Xiaomi 17 Ultra
Nezha
Global
OS3.0.332.0.XPAMIXM
Public release
9.5GB
Xiaomi 17 Ultra
Nezha
Europe
OS3.0.332.0.XPAEUXM
Public release
9.5GB
Xiaomi 17
Pudding
Global
OS3.0.332.0.XPCMIXM
Public release
7.5GB
Xiaomi 17
Pudding
Europe
OS3.0.331.0.XPCEUXM
Public release
7.5GB
Xiaomi 15T Pro
Klimt
Global
OS3.0.331.0.XOSMIXM
Mi Pilot release
7.5GB
Xiaomi is rolling out the HyperOS 3.3 update to the Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra in the Global and European regions. It’s being distributed as a public release, while the Xiaomi 15T Pro is receiving the update on the global variant via the Mi Pilot testing channel. That means only a limited number of Xiaomi 15T users will be able to upgrade to the latest build before the wider rollout begins.
Even though HyperOS 3.3 doesn’t introduce many new features or visual upgrades, the download size is massive. That’s because the update includes a new OS, Android 17, which is itself a large package, although major changes are expected to be introduced as part of HyperOS 4.
Xiaomi usually rolls out updates in batches, so it can take a few days for the update to appear on your device. To check for available updates, go to Settings > About phone and tap the HyperOS logo. For the Xiaomi 15T Pro users, the update may take a little longer, as it’s currently rolling out via the Mi Pilot channel.
The HyperOS 3.3 rollout has just begun, but Xiaomi is already preparing to release the most anticipated HyperOS 4. That would be a true major upgrade with major visual upgrades, new features, and enhancements across the system. Xiaomi is expected to release HyperOS 4 in August with the upcoming Xiaomi 18 series, and the rollout to older devices could begin in September.
We’ll keep you posted as we receive new details. You can visit the Xiaomi section regularly or join our Telegram channel to not miss out on the latest updates.
Samsung has introduced Flex Titanium, a new display technology that will debut on its next-generation Galaxy foldable smartphones. Ahead of the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event, the company has revealed how the redesigned display structure aims to make foldable devices slimmer, tougher and more immersive while making the crease less noticeable.
Flex Titanium combines titanium with a redesigned display structure
Samsung Flex Titanium tech
Flex Titanium is the result of Samsung’s seven generations of foldable display development. Instead of relying on conventional materials alone, the new design combines a titanium-alloy film with a titanium plate beneath the OLED panel. The titanium-alloy film replaces the polymer support layer and delivers around 20 times higher mechanical stiffness while remaining extremely thin at roughly one-third the thickness of a human hair. This helps Samsung achieve a slimmer display without compromising flexibility.
The titanium plate sits below the display module and has been redesigned with precision-processed holes that remove air gaps between the adhesive and the display assembly. This structure offers firmer support when the phone is fully opened while still allowing the panel to fold repeatedly. According to Samsung, the new construction also helps reduce crease visibility and improves the overall viewing experience.
Samsung has also upgraded the display with a new high-resolution architecture and next-generation organic materials. Along with delivering sharper visuals, these changes are designed to lower power consumption, making the display more energy efficient. The company says the combination of stronger structural support, improved flexibility and better display efficiency is intended to push foldable smartphones closer to the experience of a conventional flagship handset.
The new Flex Titanium technology will make its commercial debut on Samsung’s next Galaxy foldable devices, which are expected to be unveiled at the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event. The company is likely to share additional details about the display and the new foldable lineup during the launch.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Google‘s next smartwatch has stayed mostly out of the spotlight compared to the heavily leaked Pixel 11 series, but that’s starting to change. After earlier reports hinted at thePixel Watch 5’s pricing and color lineup, fresh press-style renders are now giving us our first look at the upcoming wearable ahead of its rumored August 12 unveiling.
The renders come from tipster OnLeaks, working alongside The Tide Chart, and show the Pixel Watch 5 in four different case finishes across two case sizes.
Google Pixel Watch 5 renders confirm familiar design
Based on the images, it’s safe to say Google isn’t changing the design language this generation. The Watch 5 looks similar to last year’s Pixel Watch 4, with the same curved, domed-glass display, the charging pins on the side of the case, and Google’s proprietary band-attachment system rather than standard lugs.
The watch is tipped to come in two case sizes, 41mm and 45mm, each available with either Wi-Fi-only or LTE connectivity.
Color options differ slightly between the two sizes. The smaller 41mm model is expected to come in four finishes: Dark Anthracite, Natural Silver, Pyrite, and Warm Gold. The larger 45mm version, however, reportedly skips the Warm Gold option, leaving buyers with three finishes to choose from instead.
Beyond the design, rumors suggest the Pixel Watch 5 will ship with Wear OS 7 out of the box, alongside modestly larger batteries than the previous generation for improved battery life. On the pricing side, earlier leaks suggest the new watch could cost about $50 more than the Pixel Watch 4 did at launch.
With the renders now out, we can also expect more technical details to come out soon. Stay tuned for more as the launch date approaches.
For more daily updates, please visit ourNews Section.
As we head into the second half of 2026, getting a smartwatch to last through a long weekend is no longer a challenge. The combination of high-density silicon-carbon batteries and more efficient processors means that multi-day battery life has simply become the baseline for most new devices.
For this list, we are focusing entirely on full-fledged smartwatches. While there are specialized, rugged watches built specifically for hikers and endurance runners that offer significantly longer battery life, they usually achieve that by stripping away everyday smart features and apps. If you are looking for a device that offers a complete wearable experience without needing a daily charge, here is a look at the most reliable options currently on the market.
Xiaomi Watch 5
This watch runs Wear OS 6, an operating system that typically drains batteries quickly due to its heavy app integration and background syncing. However, the Xiaomi Watch 5 manages to provide up to six days of battery life in standard smart mode, and up to 18 days if you switch to power-saving mode.
It achieves this by utilizing a 930mAh silicon-carbon battery, a newer battery technology that allows for higher energy density without increasing the physical size or weight of the watch.
Additionally, it uses a dual-chip setup, pairing a main Snapdragon processor with a low-power co-processor. The co-processor handles basic background tasks like step counting and notifications, which prevents the main chip from waking up unnecessarily and draining power.
This makes it a highly practical choice if you want access to the full suite of Google apps, such as Maps and Wallet, without having to charge your watch every night.
OnePlus Watch 4
Another strong Wear OS 6 option, the OnePlus Watch 4 offers about five days of battery life in its standard smart mode. If you use it heavily, meaning frequent GPS tracking for outdoor runs, continuous heart rate monitoring, and streaming music offline, that battery life drops to roughly three days.
However, if you need to stretch the battery further, the watch includes a dedicated power-save mode. By disabling the main processor and full Wear OS functions, it relies on a low-power co-processor to handle basic timekeeping, step tracking, and essential notifications, which can extend the battery life up to 16 days.
It is equipped with a 646mAh battery that supports fast charging, allowing you to fully recharge the device from zero to 100% in about 75 minutes.
The watch features a titanium alloy case and a bright LTPO OLED display. The LTPO technology is particularly helpful for battery conservation, as it allows the screen’s refresh rate to drop significantly when you are not actively interacting with it.
It functions well as an everyday watch that provides premium materials and can comfortably last through a long weekend trip without needing a charger.
Huawei Watch GT Runner 2
If you primarily want a smartwatch for tracking workouts and do not need access to third-party apps, the Huawei Watch GT Runner 2 (full review) is a very efficient option.
It runs proprietary HarmonyOS rather than a resource-heavy platform like Wear OS, it provides up to 14 days of battery life with light use, or about seven days under typical daily conditions.
For runners and hikers, the most relevant specification is its continuous GPS tracking capability. The watch can record up to 32 hours of continuous dual-band GPS tracking on a single charge, making it useful for marathons, ultramarathons, or multi-day hiking trips.
It also features a lightweight build at just 34.5 grams and a breathable strap, focusing entirely on comfort and detailed fitness metrics rather than smartwatch app ecosystems.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
For iPhone users wanting to stay within the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers up to 42 hours of normal use on a single charge. If you need to extend that, turning on Low Power Mode will give you up to 72 hours by limiting background heart rate measurements and delaying some notifications.
While it does not last as long as the dedicated fitness watches, the S10 chip and watchOS 26 optimizations make it efficient enough to prevent the need for daily charging, even with an always-on display and cellular connectivity active.
When the battery does run low, the fast-charging capability is quite useful, a 15-minute charge provides about 12 hours of standard use, which makes it relatively easy to keep the watch topped up while you take a shower or get ready for the day.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
The current Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra provides up to 100 hours of battery life in Power Saving mode, or 48 hours in Exercise Power Saving mode, drawing from its 590mAh battery. It runs Wear OS 6 layered with Samsung’s One UI 8 Watch interface, providing deep integration with Android smartphones.
For people already using Samsung devices, a practical detail is how the watch works alongside the Galaxy Ring. If you wear them both, they split the health-tracking workload. The ring can handle background tasks like monitoring your sleep and continuous heart rate, which lets the watch turn off those specific sensors to save battery.
This distribution of work can reduce the watch’s power consumption and extend its overall battery life by about 30%, depending on your daily usage patterns.
It is also worth noting that Samsung is expected to release the next-generation Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 later this month. According to recent hardware leaks, this upcoming model will be equipped with a larger battery capacity, which should further improve its overall longevity and reduce the frequency of required charging.
For more daily updates, please visit ourNews Section.
ZTE has added a new 5G cellular router to its hardware lineup. Following the recent release of the G5 Pro, the company has now listed the G5 Max WiFi 5G CPE on JD.com. The new model integrates Qualcomm’s latest modem technology with an outdoor-ready enclosure. It carries a standard retail price of 2,499 yuan ($369), with an introductory price of 2,419 yuan ($357).
ZTE G5 Max Specifications
The main difference between the G5 Max and a standard home internet gateway is its physical build. The router is designed for both indoor and outdoor installation. It features an IP65-rated weather-resistant enclosure that protects against dust and water, and it is rated to operate in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +55°C. Measuring 225 x 142 x 48 mm and weighing about 800 grams, the unit includes mounting hardware for walls and light poles, alongside a standard desktop stand.
To make outdoor installation practical, ZTE included a 2.5GbE network port on the bottom of the device that supports Power over Ethernet (PoE). This allows users to run a single Ethernet cable to the router to supply both data and power, eliminating the need for a dedicated outdoor electrical outlet.
Inside, the G5 Max runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 5G platform. It supports a wide range of global 5G and 4G LTE frequency bands, including the high-capacity n79 5G band. To maintain a cellular connection in areas with weak coverage, the router uses a 13dBi high-gain antenna system and supports 4×4 MIMO technology. For cellular access, it includes a standard 4FF SIM card slot as well as an embedded SIM option.
For local networking, the router supports the new Wi-Fi 7 standard (IEEE 802.11be) and is backward compatible with older Wi-Fi protocols. It provides wireless speeds up to 3600Mbps and can handle up to 64 connected devices at the same time.
Software management is handled through the ZTE Smart Life app, which allows users to monitor the network locally or remotely. The system includes standard router features like bandwidth allocation, parental controls, and VPN support for L2TP and PPTP protocols.
In related news, Lenovo has recently unveiled the Legion LM50S portable Wi-Fi hotspot with Wi-Fi 6, 4G LTE connectivity, and up to 12 hours of battery life.
For more daily updates, please visit ourNews Section.
AOC is adding a new portable monitor to its lineup, but instead of a standard LCD or OLED panel, the company is opting for electronic paper. The AOC 13T5S is a 13.3-inch color E Ink monitor that has recently launched in China for 4,599 yuan ($679).
AOC 13T5S Specifications
The display relies on E Ink’s Kaleido 3 technology. It has a native resolution of 3200 x 2400, but because of how color e-paper functions, the pixel density changes depending on what you are looking at. Black-and-white text renders at a sharp 300 pixels per inch (PPI), while color elements drop to 150 PPI.
AOC is using an Oxide (IGZO) TFT backplane that allows for a 30Hz refresh rate. While 30Hz would be unusable for gaming or watching video on a standard monitor, it is actually quite fast for an E Ink panel, making basic scrolling and cursor movements much smoother than older e-paper screens.
To make the screen look and feel more like actual paper, the fully laminated panel is covered by 0.4mm AG anti-glare glass with a matte texture. AOC also included E Ink’s ComfortGaze front lighting system, which lets users adjust the brightness and color temperature from warm to cool depending on their ambient lighting.
To handle the ghosting issues that typically plague E Ink displays, the 13T5S uses a Dual T2000 TCON controller and an AI-assisted ghosting reduction system. This setup detects residual images left behind by previous pages and performs localized screen refreshes to clear them out without forcing the entire display to flash black and white.
Physically, the monitor has an anodized aluminum alloy chassis measuring 8mm thick and weighing about 700 grams. Connectivity is straightforward: it has two full-function USB-C ports that handle power, video, and data over a single cable. It is plug-and-play for Windows PCs, though AOC says that macOS compatibility will require a future OTG software update.
The 13T5S ships with a folding cover that works as a stand, allowing for landscape and portrait orientations at 10-degree, 20-degree, and 70-degree angles.
In related news, Lenovo has recently unveiled the ThinkVision E24q-30 monitor with a 1440p display and 100Hz refresh rate.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Redmi has just unveiled the Redmi Note 17 Pro as the successor to last year’s Redmi Note 15 Pro. There is speculation that the Note 17 Pro heading to the global market in the coming months could be identical to the Chinese variant, with the battery likely being the main difference. Instead of delivering incremental improvements across every area, Redmi has shifted its priorities this generation by reallocating internal space and manufacturing costs. A closer look at the official specifications reveals exactly where the upgrades and compromises have been made, helping buyers decide whether the new model better suits their everyday needs.
Redmi Note 17 Pro vs Redmi Note 15 Pro
What’s upgraded
The biggest improvements on the Redmi Note 17 Pro revolve around battery life, durability, charging, and storage performance. Rather than chasing a slimmer profile, Redmi has focused on delivering a long-lasting device with stronger protection and faster everyday performance.
Massive Battery Upgrade: Battery capacity increases dramatically from 7000mAh to 9000mAh, promising significantly longer usage and multi-day battery life under demanding workloads.
Faster Charging: Wired charging has been upgraded from 45W to 67W, helping reduce charging times despite the much larger battery.
Improved Storage: The 256GB and 512GB variants move from UFS 2.2 to UFS 3.1 storage, delivering faster app loading, file transfers, and multitasking performance.
Stronger Display Protection: Redmi replaces its previous proprietary glass with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering better drop resistance.
Newer Software: The phone ships with Xiaomi HyperOS 3 instead of HyperOS 2, bringing the latest software optimizations.
Higher Touch Sampling: Peak touch sampling increases from 2560Hz to 3200Hz in supported scenarios, improving touch responsiveness.
What’s downgraded
Accommodating a 9000mAh battery while keeping pricing competitive has resulted in noticeable compromises, particularly in the camera system, wireless connectivity, and portability.
Simplified Camera System: The main camera changes from the larger 1/1.95-inch Sony LYT-600 sensor to a smaller 1/2.76-inch Samsung S5KJNS sensor, reducing low-light performance. The 8MP ultra-wide camera has also been removed in favor of a basic 2MP depth sensor.
Reduced Selfie and Video Capabilities: The front camera drops from 20MP to 8MP. Video recording is now limited to 1080p at 30fps, losing the previous model’s 4K recording and 60fps support.
Connectivity Downgrade: Wireless connectivity steps back from Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 to Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1.
Larger and Heavier Body: Thickness increases from 7.78mm to 8.46mm, while weight rises to 226 grams due to the much larger battery.
Lower Performance Ceiling: Redmi has swapped the older MediaTek Dimensity 7400-Ultra to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 platform. This chip runs at a lower maximum clock rate of 2.4GHz compared to the older chip’s 2.6GHz peak, while the absolute maximum RAM option is capped at 12GB instead of offering the 16GB tier available on the previous generation.
What’s unchanged
Despite the redesign, Redmi has retained several key features that define the Note Pro series, ensuring the overall user experience remains familiar.
Same Display: Both phones feature a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED flat display with a 2772 × 1280 resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 3840Hz PWM dimming.
Same Durability Ratings: The comprehensive IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K water and dust resistance certifications remain unchanged.
22.5W Reverse Charging: Both devices support 22.5W wired reverse charging, allowing them to power other compatible devices.
Core Features Retained: Stereo speakers, NFC, an infrared blaster, and an optical in-display fingerprint scanner continue to be part of the package.
Final Thoughts
The Redmi Note 17 Pro represents a different approach rather than a straightforward upgrade. Its biggest strengths are the huge 9000mAh battery, faster charging, improved storage, stronger display protection, and newer software. However, these gains come at the expense of camera quality, wireless connectivity, recording capabilities, portability, and peak hardware performance.
If your priority is exceptional battery life, durability, and reliable day-to-day endurance, the Redmi Note 17 Pro is the stronger choice. On the other hand, users who value better cameras, lighter ergonomics, faster wireless standards, and more versatile video recording may still find the Redmi Note 15 Pro to be the more balanced smartphone.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Xiaomi has announced the Redmi Note 17 Pro in China, a new midrange smartphone that focuses primarily on battery capacity and physical durability. The device includes a significantly larger 9,000mAh battery.
Redmi Note 17 Pro Specifications
To manage the 9,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, Xiaomi is using its proprietary Surge G1 management chip. The phone supports 67W wired charging and includes a 22.5W wired reverse charging feature, allowing users to supply power to other devices.
To address potential battery degradation over time, Xiaomi is offering early buyers a five-year battery service plan. Under this program, the company will replace the battery at no cost if its health falls below 80% within the first four years, with a replacement option also available in the fifth year.
Talking about durability, the Note 17 Pro is certified with IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings, indicating a high level of resistance to dust and water, including exposure to high-pressure water jets. The phone’s internal structure incorporates a metal die-cast bracket and shock-absorbing materials, while the screen is covered by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
The device features a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution (2772 x 1280) and a 120Hz maximum refresh rate. The screen can reach a peak brightness of 3,500 nits. It also includes several eye-care features, such as 3,840Hz PWM dimming and the ability to lower brightness to 1 nit for use in dark environments.
Inside, the phone runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 processor, a chip designed more for daily power efficiency than high-end gaming performance. It is paired with LPDDR4X RAM and either UFS 2.2 storage for the 128GB base model or UFS 3.1 for the higher storage configurations.
The camera setup is straightforward, featuring a 50MP main rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture, accompanied by a 2MP depth sensor. There is an 8MP camera on the front for selfies and video calls. Video recording on the device is capped at 1080p at 30 frames per second.
The phone ships with Xiaomi HyperOS 3 and includes standard features like 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, dual stereo speakers, and NFC.
Pricing and Availability
The Redmi Note 17 Pro is priced at 1,599 yuan ($236) for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant, 1,899 yuan ($280) for the 8GB RAM + 256GB model, 2,199 yuan ($324) for the 12GB RAM + 256GB version, and 2,299 yuan ($339) for the 8GB RAM + 512GB configuration.
The Redmi Note 17 Pro is available in Sky Blue, Nebula Purple, Black, and White color options and is now on sale in China.
Alongside the Pro model, the company has also launched the base Redmi Note 17 model as well.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Xiaomi has officially announced the Redmi Note 17 in China, a new budget smartphone that combines a massive display with an equally large battery.
Redmi Note 17 Specifications
The 7-inch flat OLED panel is the largest Xiaomi has ever integrated into a Redmi device, effectively blurring the line between a smartphone and a small tablet. It features a 2396 x 1080 resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 1,800 nits for outdoor visibility. Xiaomi has also included an in-display fingerprint scanner, Wet Touch 2.0 for use with damp hands, and a dedicated glove mode.
To power a screen of that size, Xiaomi equipped the Redmi Note 17 with a huge 8,000mAh battery. The company says it can deliver up to 2.33 days of battery life under typical usage. It supports 45W wired fast charging and 22.5W wired reverse charging, allowing the phone to function as a high-speed power bank for other hardware.
Internal specifications align with the phone’s budget pricing. It is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 processor, a 4nm chip designed for entry-level efficiency rather than high-end performance, paired with up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage. The camera system is straightforward, featuring a 50-megapixel primary rear sensor and an 8-megapixel front-facing camera.
On the software side, the Redmi Note 17 runs Xiaomi’s HyperOS 3 and includes a heavy emphasis on AI-driven security. The operating system features an integrated anti-fraud system trained on a large language model to identify and block script-based scam calls. It also includes a tool to detect AI face-swaps during video calls, issuing real-time warnings to users.
The device also includes an IP65 water resistance rating, an infrared blaster, multifunction NFC for transit and payments, and support for microSD card expansion up to 2TB.
Pricing and Availability
The Redmi Note 17 is available in Black, Shallow Aqua, and Meteor Purple. The base model with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage is priced at 1,299 yuan ($192), while the 8GB + 128GB variant costs 1,399 yuan ($206). The top-end model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage is priced at 1,599 yuan ($236).
The phone is now up for sale in China.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Samsung’s next Ultra flagship might not get the big design refresh that many people were hoping for. A new leak is pushing back against the widespread rumors of a completely new horizontal rear camera layout for the Galaxy S27 Ultra, suggesting Samsung is still considering smaller tweaks rather than committing to a radical change.
For the past few months, there’s been a lot of buzz about Samsung ditching its signature floating camera rings in favor of a Pixel-style horizontal camera bar. The speculation picked up steam after well-known leaker Ice Universe hinted at a redesigned rear camera module. But according to the latest report, those widely shared horizontal camera renders are “incorrect.”
While Samsung is apparently testing multiple design concepts internally, none of the current ones use that clean, minimalist horizontal layout. As you might have already expected, the company isn’t just thinking about how it looks. Instead of overhauling the camera housing just because the S27 Ultra has one fewer rear camera, Samsung is putting real emphasis on keeping manufacturing simple and costs under control. The final design will likely try to strike a good balance between looking premium and being practical to produce.
That approach fits right in with how Samsung has handled the Ultra series so far. They’ve mostly made small, incremental design tweaks over the last five years instead of dramatic overhauls. It’s helped the Galaxy S Ultra phones keep a strong, recognizable identity.
If Samsung goes with the more conservative route, the S27 Ultra could end up looking pretty similar to the S26 Ultra, with just some minor adjustments to the camera area to account for the reduced number of sensors.
Of course, it’s still really early. The Galaxy S27 Ultra isn’t expected until early 2027, so Samsung has plenty of time to refine or completely change the design. Like all pre-launch leaks, what we’re seeing now might not reflect the final product at all. For now, this latest info cools down some of the biggest expectations around the phone’s appearance.
Huawei has introduced the FreeClip 2 S, its latest open-ear wireless earbuds, during its global launch event in Malaysia. The earbuds arrive alongside the Huawei Pura 90s Series and the MatePad Air 2026.
Huawei FreeClip 2 S Specifications
The Huawei FreeClip 2 S features an open-ear C-bridge design that sits outside the ear canal for greater comfort and awareness of surroundings. It uses a liquid silicone material that is 25% softer than the previous generation and has been refined for a more secure, comfortable fit. Huawei says the design is based on data from over 10,000 ear samples, while each earbud weighs just 5.1 grams for lightweight, all-day wear.
Because of the open design, the earbuds are built to sit securely without blocking outside sounds. They also feature automatic left and right recognition, so you can wear either earbud in either ear without manually adjusting channel orientation.
Inside, the FreeClip 2 S uses a 10.8mm dual-diaphragm driver system housed in a compact acoustic unit. Huawei says the updated driver structure improves bass response and overall sound balance. It also features an integrated AI-powered NPU that handles audio and voice processing, supporting features such as call noise reduction and sound optimization.
The earbuds feature adaptive volume adjustment that automatically optimizes audio levels based on surrounding noise and content. It also includes adaptive voice enhancement for clearer speech, while a triple-microphone system with AI noise reduction improves call quality. Huawei additionally equips the earbuds with an inverse sound wave system to minimize audio leakage and enhance listening privacy.
The FreeClip 2 S supports spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, gesture-based controls, and head gesture call management. It features Bluetooth 6.0 with dual-device connectivity and works with the Huawei Audio Connect app, which allows users to customize controls, adjust a 10-band EQ, switch between devices, and monitor battery status.
In terms of battery life, the FreeClip 2 S offers up to 9 hours of playback, extending to 38 hours with the charging case. It also supports fast charging, USB-C and wireless charging, and comes with IP57-rated earbuds and an IP54-rated charging case.
Pricing and Availability
The FreeClip 2 S comes in Deepsea Blue and Space Silver. In Malaysia, it is priced at RM 899. In the UK, it is available for £169 until August 17 before returning to £199, with a £199 bundle option that includes Les Néréides clip-ons. In Europe, it retails for €229, with a promotional price of €199 available until August 21, 2026.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Huawei just officially rolled out the Pura 90s Pro and Pura 90s Pro Max to international markets, giving the Pura 90 lineup a proper global push beyond China.
The two models share a lot of the same DNA but carve out their own identities depending on what you’re after: size, charging speed, and a few camera tweaks. The Pura 90s Pro Max packs a generous 6.9-inch flat LTPO OLED display (1,308 x 2,880 pixels). The smaller Pura 90s Pro goes with a 6.6-inch LTPO panel (1,256 x 2,760) that’s easier to handle one-handed. Both screens use an anti-reflective coating that supposedly slashes reflections by up to 70%, and they’re protected by Kunlun Glass (second-gen on the Pro).
Photography is still the star of the show here. The Pro Max steals the spotlight with an industry-first 200MP RYYB telephoto sensor (1/1.28-inch, f/2.6, 4x optical zoom) that supports macro shots and even 20x telephoto video thanks to strong CIPA 7.0 stabilization. Its main camera is a 50MP 1/1.28-inch LOFIC RYYB sensor with a versatile 10-step adjustable aperture (f/1.4 to f/4.0) and OIS, backed by a 40MP ultra-wide. The Pura 90s Pro packs the same 50MP main (without LOFIC), a 12.5MP ultra-wide, and its own 50MP 4x telephoto.
Under the hood, both phones run on Huawei’s new Kirin 9030S chipset, available with 12GB of RAM and 256GB or 512GB of storage. They ship with EMUI 16 (based on AOSP 16). Connectivity looks solid: 5G, eSIM, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, and Huawei’s NearLink.
Both phones get a 6,000mAh battery (though EU models drop to 5,500mAh because of regulations). Charging is faster on the Pro Max with 100W wired and 80W wireless, while the Pro settles for 66W wired and 50W wireless.
Pricing and availability:
On the availability front, they’re launching gradually. In Malaysia, the Pro starts at MYR 3,700 for the 12/256GB version and MYR 4,000 for the 12/512GB model, with pre-orders already underway. The Pro Max is listed at MYR 4,900 for the 12/512GB.
In Europe, pricing kicks off at roughly €900 for the Pro 12/256GB, rising to €1,050 for the 12/512GB. The Pro Max starts at €1,150 for 12/256GB and goes up to €1,300 for the 12/512GB. Expect rollouts soon in Singapore and the Middle East (with a July 16 launch event) as well.
Huawei has unveiled the 2026 MatePad Air for global markets, bringing a refreshed version of its lightweight productivity-focused tablet. The new model arrives as the successor to last year’s MatePad Air.
Huawei MatePad Air 2026 Specifications
The MatePad Air sports a new 12-inch OLED PaperMatte display with a 2800 x 1840 resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and up to 1,200 nits of peak brightness. It also supports 1.07 billion colors, P3 wide color gamut coverage, a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, and Delta E < 1 color accuracy, while the PaperMatte coating helps reduce glare and reflections for a more comfortable viewing experience.
Under the hood, the tablet is powered by the Kirin T93C processor and runs HarmonyOS 4.3. It comes with 8GB or 12GB of RAM alongside 256GB of storage, and features a 3D cooling system with a custom vapor chamber and high-conductivity graphite to maintain stable performance under heavy workloads.
For imaging, the MatePad Air carries a 50MP rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture, autofocus, and an LED flash. It can capture photos at up to 8192 x 6144 pixels and record video at up to 1080p resolution.
On the front, there is a 12MP fixed-focus camera with an f/2.4 aperture. It is designed for video meetings, online classes, and selfies, with support for up to 1080p video recording.
The tablet packs a 10,100mAh typical-capacity battery and supports up to 66W fast charging. Huawei claims up to 10 hours of online HDR video playback or up to 16 hours of local video playback.
Talking about other specs, it includes six Huawei Sound speakers, dual microphones, Wi-Fi 7 capabilities, Bluetooth 5.2, NearLink, OTG support, and a USB Type-C port with USB 3.1 Gen 1 speeds.
It also supports SBC, AAC, LDAC, and L2HC Bluetooth audio codecs, alongside sensors such as a gyroscope, Hall sensor, gravity sensor, and ambient light sensor.
Pricing and Availability
The 2026 MatePad Air is available for pre-order in Europe today, with shipments starting on August 1. The non-PaperMatte model with 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and an included keyboard costs €849.
The PaperMatte Edition with the same memory configuration is priced at €899 and comes with either a keyboard or the M-Pencil Pro stylus. The top-tier 12GB RAM version costs €999 and includes the keyboard.
The tablet comes in light blue, cherry blossom pink, and pure white finishes.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Redmi has just unveiled the Redmi Note 17 series of smartphones in China. In the coming days, the Note 17 lineup is also expected to head to global markets. The overseas versions could feature slightly tweaked specifications. At the same time, there could be Poco-branded rebadged versions for global markets. A new leak, courtesy of tipster Kacper Skrzypek, reveals some new details for the overseas market.
Poco M8 Power, global Redmi Note 17 series details emerge
Redmi Note 17
Scouring through the HyperOS code, the tipster claims that a forthcoming Poco phone for the Indian market with model number 2602IPC8I will be called the Poco M8 Power. This device already appeared in the BIS certification database in May. The phone also has a Redmi variant for the Indian market with model number 26021RN18I.
The tipster claims that China’s Redmi Note 17 could be rebranded as the Poco M8 Power. It also appears that there may not be a global version of this Poco device.
The Redmi Note 17 for global markets and India is said to feature the same specifications as the Chinese Note 17. However, there will be differences in battery capacity. While the Indian edition is expected to retain the same 8,000mAh battery as the Chinese model, the global version is said to feature a smaller 7,700mAh battery.
Apart from that, the global version of the Redmi Note 17 Pro is tipped to feature an 8,340mAh battery. While the Chinese edition packs a 9,000mAh battery, the Indian variant is also expected to retain the same battery capacity, according to the tipster.
Poco M8 Power, Redmi Note 17 5G specifications (expected)
Based on recent reports, the Poco M8 Power and the Redmi Note 17 (Global/India) are expected to feature a 7-inch Samsung AMOLED display with an FHD+ resolution and up to 1,800 nits of brightness. The device is also expected to feature the Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 chipset, a 50-megapixel primary camera, 45W fast charging, and 22.5W reverse wired charging.
On the other hand, the global and Indian variants of the Redmi Note 17 Pro 5G are expected to feature a 6.83-inch OLED display with a 1.5K resolution and up to 3,500 nits of brightness. The phone is also expected to feature the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset, a 50-megapixel primary camera, 67W fast charging, and 22.5W reverse wired charging.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Nearly a month after the beta 3 release, Samsung has just dropped another beta for the Galaxy S26 series, moving a step closer to the stable release. The latest release focuses on resolving bugs and issues that were found in the previous build.
The One UI 9.0 Beta 4 update for the Galaxy S26 series initially went live in India, and then quickly expanded to more regions, including the UK, Poland, Germany, and Korea. Only the US remains to receive the beta update, and the rollout could begin at any moment.
The latest beta update can be identified by a firmware version ending with ZZG4. It has a download size of about 1.25GB. While the update primarily focuses on bug fixes, it also includes the July 2026 security patch, making the device more secure than before.
Read the complete changelog below for a detailed look at the changes.
Galaxy S26 One UI 9.0 Beta 4 changelog:
Improved an issue where the clock size appears abnormal when rotating the lock screen horizontally/vertically.
Improved an issue where it does not operate normally when turning ON/OFF via Quick Panel or Settings while the Privacy Display routine is running.
Improved an issue where the navigation bar disappears under certain conditions during games.
Improved Ul performance issues that occur when opening and closing the Quick Panel.
Fixed an issue where timer notification numbers are cut off or the Ul is unstable in Live notification.
Improved an issue where the “Bluetooth audio media volume” routine action does not operate normally when connecting to vehicle Bluetooth via the Routines app.
If you have a Galaxy S26 running One UI 9.0 beta, you should be able to upgrade to the latest beta by navigating to Settings > Software updates > Download and install. Once the update package is downloaded, tap the Install now button.
Samsung would probably release a few more beta updates before the stable build starts rolling out sometime later this year. The stable One UI 9.0 is confirmed to debut later this month on the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8. A few weeks after that, older Galaxy devices will begin to receive the update.
Remember to visit our Samsung section regularly for fresh details. Or, you can join our Telegram channel to receive instant notifications when we post new stories.
The Czech Finance Ministry added Polymarket to its blacklist of unauthorized online gambling websites, requiring internet providers to block access within 15 days.
Japan has enacted sweeping amendments to its financial laws that classify cryptocurrencies as financial products, opening the door to lower crypto taxes, domestic exchange-traded funds and stricter market oversight. According to Japan’s public broadcaster NHK, the House of Councillors approved…
The United Kingdom has set an early 2027 target to issue its first digital sovereign bond on distributed-ledger infrastructure, becoming the first G7 country to launch government debt in tokenized form. According to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who announced the plan…
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Italy’s technical director Paolo Maldini is determined to involve Gianluigi Buffon in his project, offering the former goalkeeper a primary role within the Azzurri.
Newly-appointed Italy technical director Maldini wants to include Buffon in his Azzurri project, according to Gazzetta.
Buffon given a new Italy role by Maldini?
The report claims that Buffon will be offered a primary role within Club Italia, the Body that oversees the activity of the national teams, from the youth sectors to the first team.
Buffon resigned following the Azzurri’s defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final this past March, alongside Gattuso and FIGC President Gabriele Gravina.
Gazzetta claims that Buffon will soon be contacted by Maldini.
Buffon previously served as Italy’s Delegation Chief under Luciano Spalletti and Gennaro Gattuso, but the offer he will receive from FIGC concerns a different role for the legendary goalkeeper.
UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Gianluigi Buffon, Head of Delegation of Italy, looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Gazzetta also confirms that Andrea Pirlo, who won the 2006 World Cup with Italy alongside Buffon, remains Maldini’s favourite option to become the new Nazionale coach.
The FIGC confirmed Maldini’s appointment as Italy’s technical director last Saturday, with the ex-defender joined by his former Milan teammate Leonardo, serving as an advisor.
Aston Villa target Pervis Estupiñán isn’t the only player expected to leave Milan this summer, as the Rossoneri are preparing for more sales, hoping to raise €150m this summer, reports Gazzetta.
After securing the signatures of Gonçalo Ramos and Mario Gila for a combined fee of around €50m, Milan are now working on exits.
Aston Villa in advanced talks for Estupinan
The more advanced situation concerns Estupinan with the Rossoneri in advanced talks with Aston Villa.
There have been mixed reports on the Rossoneri’s asking price, with SportMediset claiming that the ex-Brighton defender can leave for €18m, while Gazzetta insists that the price is €20m.
The pink paper, however, adds that Milan might eventually be satisfied with selling the 28-year-old for €15m, the same fee they are expected to demand for Fikayo Tomori.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Pervis Estupinan of AC Milan walks off after receiving a red card during the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Other players are not part of Ruben Amorim’s plans, especially in central midfield.
Milan will listen to offers for Youssouf Fofana, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Warren Bondo, while winger Rafael Leao is on the market for €60m, but hasn’t yet received formal offers from any club, especially from Europe’s top five leagues.
According to Gazzetta, Milan aim to raise around €150m from player sales this summer in order to improve their financial situation after failing to qualify for the Champions League, but also to boost their budget for new signings.
Chelsea want Crystal Palace’s centre back and Palace may want Chelsea’s as a replacement. The solution is obvious.
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Chelsea and Crystal Palace have done a fair bit of business over the last few years, and that doesn’t look like it’s changing anytime soon.
The two clubs are both locked in talks over central defenders that could see them effectively change players. Chelsea insider Simon Phillips’ piece about the Blues’ plans for Trevoh Chalobah reveals all.
Chelsea and Palace have transfer arrangement fall into their lap
The defender was at Palace on loan two years ago and really impressed, before being recalled. Chelsea are now willing to sell permanently, while they’re keen to sign Maxence Lacroix from the Eagles.
The obvious solution is for each to sign the defender from the other. They can even mutually inflate the asking prices as a nice little PSR boost. Of course it’s not easy to pull off, and it would require both players to be keen on the move, but we can well imagine both sides are exploring that idea.
Lacroix was only eliminated at the World Cup last night, while Chalobah is still with England. That has slowed things, but the next couple of weeks will be very interesting.
In other news…
Another experienced Premier League defender could be on the move, with West Ham likely forced into a sale after their relegation.
Christos Tzolis is a major target for Arsenal, and he’s available at what sounds like a pretty reasonable price for a player with that much talent.
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West Ham will do all they can to keep hold of their fan favourite defender – but growing interest will make that very hard.
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West Ham’s relegation was always going to mean sales, and some of their best and brightest players have already gone.
There is still more damage to be done however, and a report today from Football Insider says that the next to go could be a defender who made himself into something of a cult hero over the last 12 months.
Konsantinos Mavropanos wasn’t able to stop the Hammers going down, but his efforts didn’t go unnoticed. The 28 year old earned himself a good reputation with the fans – and with other teams who are interested in buying him.
Mavropanos wanted by teams across Europe
The report claims that West Ham wikll do “everything in their power” to keep hold of him, but Premier League and Bundesliga teams want him. It’s judged to be “very difficult” to keep hold of him.
The strong, experienced defender would be key to any effort West Ham wanted to make to come straight back up – the next few weeks are likely to be crucial if they want to persuade him.
In other news…
Christos Tzolis is a major target for Arsenal, and he’s available at what sounds like a pretty reasonable price for a player with that much talent.
Everton want to re-sign Jack Grealish after his successes in the first half of last season, but are struggling to put together an offer that will convince Man City.
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Arsenal are stepping up their chase for Christos Tzolis, with the attacker looking the perfect replacement for Leandro Trossard.
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Leandro Trossard’s move from Arsenal to Besiktas has been confirmed – and now it’s the turn of the Gunners to accelerate plans for his replacement.
That’s just what they’re about to do, according to Ben Jacobs. He says that the Gunners are moving for Christos Tzolis of Club Brugge, and are being told to pay something between £30m and £35m. Jacobs says the Belgian side are “willing to sell this summer.”
The player has “informed Arsenal he wants to join.”
Tzolis has shown he’s ready for big step up
If Arsenal really can get him for £30m, that would seem like an exceptional bargain. Given how much Premier League teams are paying for totally unproven youngsters these days, that’s a very reasonable fee for someone who has proved to be incredibly productive.
Of course he will be stepping up a level, but he’s shown more than enough to indicate he’s ready for that. If Arsenal don’t take the plunge, it feels a lot like someone else will.
Their pursuit of Morgan Rogers, at a far higher price point, is unrelated, according to Jacobs.
In other news…
Everton want to re-sign Jack Grealish after his successes in the first half of last season, but are struggling to put together an offer that will convince Man City.
Manchester United are considering reigniting their interest in Carlos Baleba, who Brighton are increasingly willing to sell at the right price.
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With EA Sports’ predicted pick Spain reaching the FIFA World Cup final, fans believe history is set to repeat itself.
Since the 2010 FIFA World Cup, EA Sports have run simulations on their FIFA (now FC) game franchise to make a prediction of who would win the tournament.
In 2010, they predicted Spain to win the tournament, followed by Germany in 2014, France in 2018, and Argentina in 2022 – and they were proven right each time.
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Fans are certain Spain will win the FIFA World Cup after EA FC prediction resurfaces
After Spain confirmed their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with a 2-0 win over France, EA FC’s X account shared a post they made before the tournament where they predicted La Roja to win it all.
Given EA Sports’ history of correctly predicting the winner of the FIFA World Cup for the last four instalments, many believe this is proof that Spain are going to win the tournament.
One fan simply wrote, “EA needs to be investigated for scripting immediately.”
Another fan didn’t have a positive reaction, noting, “Y’all need to be investigated. You know a thing or two about scripting.”
“I’m putting my life savings on them winning. You better not disappoint,” Wrote a third fan who bought into EA Sports’ prediction skills.
A fourth fan called for an investigation into EA Sports, writing, “You need to be investigated for real.”
A fifth fan wondered what would happen if they were proven right, “Honestly, I wasn’t familiar with you when you predicted 4 in a row, but if this should come through?”
And lastly, one final fan wrote, “It might just come to Spain to make it 6 times in a row, it would definitely be remarkable.”
Spain aiming to add a second star to their crest with FIFA World Cup win
With a place in the final secured, Spain now await the result of tonight’s semi-final fixture between England and Argentina.
Fans could witness a star-studded clash between Barcelona’s past superstar in Lionel Messi and their current sensation, Lamine Yamal.
However, England are hoping to play spoiler and reach their first FIFA World Cup final since 1966, thus completing their 60-year quest to win the tournament.
Regardless of who wins, Spain will be confident in their chances to win, given that they just knocked off the team many considered the front-runners to win the tournament.
With the college football season only a few weeks away, single-game tickets for Georgia Tech officially go on sale Wednesday.
The Yellow Jackets will open up their 2026 slate with three home games against Colorado, Tennessee and Mercer. The rest of the home schedule includes Duke, Boston College, Louisville and Wake Forest.
Tickets for all home games will go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Georgia Tech says tickets will be as low as $30.
Fans will also have the option of purchasing $150 tickets for the new Wreck Deck premium seats. The new area is part of an ongoing renovation at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
“We believe there is strong growth potential for cruise globally,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises. “So, we will continue to invest in new ships and infrastructure to support our growth as well as sustainability initiatives.” MSC Cruises sails 23 ships today, with another ship slated for delivery at the end of the year,...
NVIDIA & SEGA are celebrating 30 years of collaboration, as SEGA's "Legendary" gaming titles are announced for RTX Spark PCs. There Would've Been No NVIDIA Without SEGA, & Both Brands Celebrate Their 30 Long Years of Collaboration, Starting With NV1 To RTX Spark PCs NVIDIA's first graphics accelerator, before the term GPU existed, was the NV1. The 3D/2D chip was released back in 1995 and enabled the porting of classic SEGA games such as Virtua Fighter over to PC. From Troubled Beginnings to a 3-Decade-Long Collab The NV1 was the first and only chip to feature quadratic texture mapping, a […]
The PlayStation 5 liquid metal cooling system has rapidly become infamous following the system's launch in 2020. Not only did the system prove to be somewhat unreliable in launch units, often leading to overheating issues, but the liquid metal itself would leak onto the system's APU and motherboard components, leading to widespread malfunctions that are still getting reported in droves. For the next-generation PlayStation 6, however, Sony Interactive Entertainment plans to handle cooling differently, judging from a new patent that recently surfaced online. As reported by Tech4Gamers, the PlayStation 6 may not use liquid metal cooling as its predecessor, but […]
It's crazy how a six-year-old CPU can sell incredibly well, given it's based on an older platform. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D Grabs Fourth Spot In Best Selling CPUs List On Amazon Despite Selling For $349 It's hardly been a month since the launch of AMD's Ryzen 7 5800X3D 10th anniversary edition, and we are already seeing the CPU in the best-selling CPUs list at major retailers. It was obvious since the Ryzen 5000 series witnessed a good demand due to a large section of PC builders transitioning to the previous-gen AM4 platform due to the current RAMpocalypse. However, we didn't […]
ASML has confirmed that Intel is leveraging its High NA EUV technology to produce its Panther Lake chips on its most advanced 18A process node. ASML's High NA EUV Enters High-Volume Logic Production With Intel's "18A" Panther Lake Chips Today, ASML announced that its first High NA EUV "EXE" equipment has been installed at Intel Foundry and is being used to make the first Panther Lake 18A products. The first of these High NA EUV lithography machines was installed at Hillsboro, Oregon, R&D site back in 2024, making Intel the first company to install and pass acceptance testing of the […]
Former world champions and have offered conflicting predictions for the long-awaited showdown between and . The two British heavyweights are set to collide later this year, just so long as they complete their respective warm-up matches against Mariusz Wach and Kristian Prenga. First to the ring will be Fury, who, despite unanimously outpointing Arslanbek Makhmudov […]
A showdown between and is one that is becoming craved amongst boxing fans, and now fan-favourite veteran has altered his prediction for their potential meeting. Itauma has quickly climbed the heavyweight rankings and he now finds himself on the verge of a world title shot, having been ordered to fight for the vacant IBF heavyweight […]
Casio has launched its G-Shock campaign on Roblox, the world's biggest gaming platform, with a skateboarding obstacle course and 12 virtual DW-5600 and GA-2100 watch items in six colorways each. The launch event runs until August 2.
Momentum has unveiled a new commuter electric bike, the Vida E+ EX, in the global market. The urban-focused e-bike features a 500 W SyncDrive Move S motor and a 700 Wh removable battery, which is said to deliver 28 mph (45 km/h) of top speed and up to 55 miles (88.5 km) of range on pedal assist mode.
Aiphor's Bluefox is following up on its tiny 4-inch NX1 with a new compact Android phone called the Aura A1, with pre-orders now listed on Aiphor. The smartphone features lower-end specifications, starting with a Mediatek G100 SoC.
Deal | The giveaway is part of Nvidia's GeForce Summer Nights promotion. Users can enter through Nvidia GeForce posts published on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitch, Reddit, and Discord.
Microsoft has patched a critical flaw in the Copilot apps for Android and iOS. A malicious website could push commands to the AI through Microsoft Edge without the user noticing. It is rated 9.6 out of 10, and Microsoft says it was never exploited.
Motorola has expanded its Edge 70 lineup in India with the launch of the Edge 70 Max. The new smartphone features a large 6.8-inch display, a 7,100mAh battery, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset.
The 6.8-inch AMOLED display offers a Quad HD+ resolution, a refresh rate of 144Hz, a claimed peak brightness of 7,000 nits, and HDR10+ support. It also comes with an in-display fingerprint scanner.
It is available with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.1 storage. The phone ships with Android 16 with Motorola promising 3 OS upgrades along with 5 years of security updates.
For...
Cathie Wood’s ARK Invest added $13.9 million worth of Circle shares on Tuesday, extending its July buying spree to 725,517 shares amid a steep stock decline.
South Korea has unveiled plans for a new law that will bring cryptocurrencies and other digital assets into the country’s state asset management framework, expanding rules that have remained largely unchanged for more than seven decades. South Korea’s Ministry of…
Polymarket has been blocked in the Czech Republic after authorities classified the prediction market platform as an unlicensed gambling service, adding another European jurisdiction to the list of countries restricting its operations. The Czech Ministry of Finance has ordered internet…
Paolo Maldini’s appointment as Italy’s technical director has generated positive reactions nationwide, with fans and Azzurri legends alike expressing confidence and excitement.
Italy’s football federation (FIGC) confirmed Maldini’s appointment on Saturday night, announcing that the ex-defender will be joined by Leonardo, who has been hired as an advisor.
Italy turned the World Cup into a TV event for the third consecutive time; meanwhile, MelBet Tanzania kept football fans entertained with a thrilling tournament, which has seen France, Spain, Argentina and England qualify for the semi-finals.
Italy were desperate to rebuild, and Maldini’s appointment marks the start of a new project that will see the Azzurri legend take on a commanding role.
Along with Leonardo, Maldini will identify the ideal candidate to coach the Italian national team. Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini are seen as the frontrunners, but other names are starting to emerge in the Italian media, even some intriguing ones like Pep Guardiola and Didier Deschamps.
While waiting for a new coach, the first big decision by the new FIGC President, Giovanni Malagò, has undoubtedly garnered significant approval.
Dino Zoff, who coached Maldini during Euro 2000, which the Azzurri lost in the Final to France, said: “Paolo has given so much for our football, to Milan in particular but also for the national team. He was also one of my players when I was in charge and I can’t forget his father Cesare either, who was Bearzot’s assistant when I won the World Cup in 1982.
“Maldini is a perfect appointment in terms of character, charisma and competence. I also understand the choice of Leonardo as an advisor. It’s right that a leader surrounds himself with people he trusts.”
A 1982 Italy World Cup winner, Zoff is confident Maldini will make a wise decision regarding the new Italy head coach: “Maldini has to be free to follow his beliefs, without external interference,” he said.
Zoff was echoed by ex-Milan star Alessandro Costacurta, who spent many years with Maldini and won numerous trophies at San Siro.
“This is great news for Italian football, because we have brought in one of the most illuminated and sincere people in the sport,” said the former defender.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 16: AC Milan Sporting Strategy & Development Director Paolo Maldini and AC Milan Club Sporting Director Leonardo De Araujo before the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia on February 16, 2019 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Malagò made the best possible choice. In fact, picking Maldini is perhaps more important than choosing the new coach.
Leonardo is more of a dreamer, a visionary, whereas Paolo is more practical, looks to his knowledge and instinct,” Costacurta concluded.
“The best thing about them is that they listen to each other, despite starting from different ideas, and always manage to find a common solution.”
Antonio Conte refuses to comment on speculation regarding his possible appointment as Italy coach, but praises two of his ex-strikers, Harry Kane and Lautaro Martinez, who will meet in the World Cup semifinal tonight.
Conte left Napoli in May after spending two seasons at the Stadio Maradona.
One of the most successful Italian coaches of the last decade, Conte has long been linked with the Italy job this summer, but, following Paolo Maldini’s appointment as technical director, Conte no longer seems one of the top options for the Azzurri.
Conte gave an interview to Gazzetta dello Sport while on holiday with his family. The pink paper said that Conte agreed to talk to their reporter as long as the conversation did not concern his future.
“Now, I’m happy like this,” he said.
Conte did talk about the World Cup, also focusing on two of his ex-strikers, Kane and Lautaro Martinez.
“Harry [Kane] is a great No.9, but he’s almost a No.10 too,” Conte said.
“He understands the movements; he knows when to drop deep and play as a playmaker. He’s a fantastic player, with great quality and technique. It was unfair that he had never won anything, and at Bayern Munich, he’s getting the satisfaction he deserves. Who knows, maybe he can do the same with the national team. Kane is a leader in his own way. Perhaps not with words, but inside the game. His teammates look for him because they trust him, and he never lets them down.”
Conte coached Kane at Tottenham and had previously won the Serie A title at Inter, coaching Lautaro Martinez.
Conte said he was impressed with the Argentine’s “continuous growth, as well as charisma and personality.”
“There’s an Inter with Lautaro and an Inter without Lautaro. His presence shifts the balance,” continued the Italian tactician.
“Lautaro’s contribution to Argentina’s third goal against Egypt went somewhat unnoticed, but it was incredible. He carried the ball up the pitch, protected it, gave Enzo Fernandez enough time to arrive and delivered a perfect cross. You don’t expect that kind of play from a No.9.
“Lautaro, like Julian Alvarez, understood that he could still be important even if only for a few minutes. They accepted the situation by putting their egos aside and prioritising the team’s needs. Credit to both of them, and to Scaloni for convincing them.
Inevitably, however, the brightest Argentine star is once again Leo Messi.
“He’s gone beyond expectations, once more,” noted Conte.
“He has arrived in incredible shape, which once again proves his incredible professionalism and desire. Leo has the brainpower to always be in the right place because he predicts what will happen.”
COMO, ITALY – MAY 02: SSC Napoli coach Antonio Conte looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
At the end of the interview, the journalist still tried to know more about Conte’s potential return as Italy coach.
“Too many things have been said. It’s time for action, not for talk and politics,” the ex-Napoli, Juventus and Inter boss replied.
“We cannot miss three World Cups in a row. A feat has been accomplished, but in reverse.”
Spain have now gone 37 consecutive games unbeaten, equalling Italy’s record under Roberto Mancini, and will overtake the Azzurri if they win the World Cup.
Spain beat France 2-0 on Tuesday to become the first finalist of the 2026 World Cup.
Italy and Spain share an unbeaten record
La Roja will meet the winner of Argentina vs England in the Final next Sunday.
AL RAYYAN, QATAR – JANUARY 25: Roberto Mancini, Head Coach of Saudi Arabia reacts during the AFC Asian Cup Group F match between Saudi Arabia and Thailand at Education City Stadium on January 25, 2024 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
As Gazzetta highlights, Spain have now been unbeaten in the last 37 matches across all competitions, matching the record set by Mancini’s Italy between 2018 and 2021.
This means that Spain will beat Italy’s record if they win the World Cup.
Luis De La Fuente has selected no Serie A players in his Spain team for the 2026 World Cup.
They have scored 13 goals at the 2026 World Cup so far, conceding just once, from Atalanta star Charles De Ketelaere in a quarter-final clash against Belgium.
Spain have already broken one of Italy’s World Cup records this summer, with goalkeeper Unai Simón going unbeaten for more than 519 minutes and surpassing Walter Zenga’s mark, which had stood for 36 years.
Arsenal’s attacking rebuild is gathering pace, with Mikel Arteta prepared to make several difficult decisions after guiding the club to the Premier League title.
Rather than allowing successful players to remain because of past contributions, the Gunners appear determined to refresh the squad and create room for younger or more reliable attacking options.
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The departure of Leandro Trossard has already changed the picture on the left wing, while another experienced forward could now follow him out of the Emirates.
Injuries and increased competition have reduced his importance, leaving Arsenal ready to listen to offers before his contract expires.
AC Milan emerge as leading contenders for Jesus
According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal are actively trying to sell Gabriel Jesus, with AC Milan currently among the strongest contenders for his signature.
The 29-year-old has entered the final year of his contract, and the Gunners are reportedly prepared to consider proposals worth around £20 million.
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Jesus made only 14 Premier League appearances last season, scoring six goals, and now finds himself behind Viktor Gyökeres and Kai Havertz in Arteta’s attacking hierarchy.
Milan have made contact, while Juventus, Atlético Madrid and clubs in Turkey are also understood to have explored the situation.
A move to Italy could appeal to the Brazilian. Football Italia recently reported that Jesus had spoken positively about Serie A, admitting that playing in Italian football had been a childhood dream.
His experience, movement and ability to cover several forward positions could make him a useful option for Milan.
Jesus could become the second experienced attacker to leave Arsenal this summer.
Leandro Trossard has left the club to join Besiktas after Arsenal agreed a transfer worth approximately £17m.
Sky Sports reported that the Belgian was given permission to travel to Istanbul and complete the move after recording 36 goals in 174 Arsenal appearances.
Liverpool face a delicate decision over one of their homegrown midfielders as Inter Milan continue testing their resolve.
The Italian champions have returned with an improved proposal, but the Reds are refusing to lower their valuation despite the player entering the final year of his contract.
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The situation is about more than a £3m difference. Liverpool must balance the risk of losing a useful squad member for nothing next summer against the value of keeping an experienced, locally developed player during Andoni Iraola’s first season in charge.
Inter, meanwhile, appear confident that their persistence could eventually force a compromise.
Liverpool hold firm despite improved offer from Inter
According to talkSPORT, Liverpool have rejected Inter’s latest offer of approximately £27m for Curtis Jones.
The proposal was closer to the Reds’ reported £30m asking price than Inter’s previous bid of around £21.6m, but it was still dismissed.
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However, Liverpool’s new head coach reportedly values his versatility and wants to assess him during pre-season before approving any departure.
This Is Anfield has reported that Iraola would like Jones to remain beyond the coming campaign, suggesting a new contract could still become possible if the midfielder earns an important role under the Spaniard.
Contract situation leaves Reds facing a major gamble
Liverpool cannot ignore the financial risk. Jones’ current agreement expires in 2027, and The Guardian previously reported that extension talks had failed to produce an agreement.
Inter may therefore believe Liverpool’s position will weaken as the transfer deadline approaches.
Liverpool are right to reject £27m because the gap to their asking price is small enough for Inter to bridge.
Jones is Premier League-proven, homegrown and capable of covering several midfield roles, so accepting a discounted offer would make little sense.
However, the Reds must quickly decide whether they genuinely intend to extend his contract. Keeping him for one season and then losing him for free would be poor business.
If Inter reach £30m and Jones makes it clear he wants the move, Liverpool should accept the deal and reinvest rather than allow the situation to drag on.
Arsenal are continuing to reshape their attack after Leandro Trossard’s departure, with another high-level wide forward now under serious consideration.
Mikel Arteta wants more pace, unpredictability and goals from the left side as the Gunners prepare to defend their Premier League title and challenge again in Europe.
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Morgan Rogers has been one of Arsenal’s leading targets throughout the window because of his versatility, physical strength and proven Premier League quality.
However, Aston Villa’s enormous valuation has forced sporting director Andrea Berta to examine other possibilities rather than allowing one negotiation to delay the club’s wider plans.
Arsenal consider French star as Rogers’ alternative
According to Daily Mail, Arsenal are turning their attention towards Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola as a possible alternative to Rogers.
The France international can play from either flank and would give Arteta a more natural wide option capable of stretching defences with his speed and direct running.
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The Frenchman has been crucial for PSG in their two Champions League wins in the last two seasons.
The main reason for Arsenal’s change of focus is the financial difficulty surrounding Rogers. Sky Sports reported that Villa would demand a British-record fee of around £130m before considering negotiations.
With the 23-year-old under a long-term contract, Villa have little reason to accept a discounted offer.
PSG stance means alternative is not straightforward
Barcola may not be easy to sign either. talkSPORT reported that PSG do not currently consider him available, although their position could change depending on further attacking arrivals.
Barcola could actually suit Arsenal’s immediate requirements better than Rogers. He is a specialist winger with explosive pace and would bring a different threat to an attack that can occasionally become too predictable.
Rogers is more Premier League-proven and can influence matches from several positions, but paying £130m would place enormous pressure on both the player and Arsenal’s remaining transfer budget.
Liverpool’s defensive recruitment could lead them towards a familiar Premier League name following his impressive role in England’s World Cup campaign.
The Reds need greater depth across the back line, particularly players capable of covering more than one position without forcing Andoni Iraola to completely change his system.
A homegrown defender with pace, international experience and the ability to operate on either flank would address several needs at once.
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His tournament performances have increased his profile, but they may also make a potential agreement with Tottenham more expensive and considerably harder to negotiate.
Liverpool continue to monitor long term target
According to Anfield Watch, Liverpool have monitored Djed Spence since his loan spell with Rennes in 2023.
Their scouts were initially watching Désiré Doué but also assessed Spence, who reportedly performed particularly well when facing the talented French winger.
Liverpool’s interest has never developed into a formal offer, although the club have continued tracking his progress and would consider acting if a realistic market opportunity appeared.
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Spence’s performances for England have strengthened his reputation.
The Times reports that he has appeared in all six of England’s matches on their way to the semi-final, starting twice and coming off the bench four times.
His speed and one-on-one defending have made him a useful tactical option for Thomas Tuchel, including during the 2-1 quarter-final victory over Norway.
Tottenham are in a strong position regarding Spence
Spence can play as a right-back, left-back or wing-back, while his homegrown status would also help Liverpool meet squad-registration requirements.
Those qualities make him an attractive option for a team needing reliable defensive cover.
However, Tottenham confirmed in August 2025 that he had signed a new long-term contract, leaving Spurs under no pressure to sell. His strong World Cup could further increase their valuation.
Spence would be a smart signing for Liverpool because he provides pace, flexibility and Premier League experience. He would strengthen the squad without needing a lengthy adaptation period.
Still, Liverpool should not overpay after a handful of impressive tournament appearances.
Families in the Hagerstown area can now register girls ages 4-9 for a free introduction to hockey when DMV Girls Hockey Weekend comes to Hagerstown Ice & Sports Complex as part of a regional event scheduled for Sept. 12-13.
Registration is open for the program, which will take place at 18 rinks across Maryland and Virginia, according to a community announcement. The event is organized through a partnership involving the Washington Capitals, Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation, the Potomac Valley Amateur Hockey Association and youth hockey organizations throughout the region.
The weekend, previously known as DMV Girls Try Hockey for Free Day, is designed to introduce girls to the sport at no cost. A $32,991 grant from the MSE Foundation supports the program, and participants can borrow hockey equipment for one- to two-hour ice sessions.
Residents can register through capsyouthhockey.com. Participating locations and equipment requirements could change, and registrants should watch for instructions from their host rink before the event, according to the announcement.
Some locations also are expected to host girls hockey games before or after the free sessions.
Hagerstown among Maryland host sites
Hagerstown Ice & Sports Complex is one of nine Maryland locations participating in the regional effort.
Other Maryland sites include Reisterstown Sportsplex in Reisterstown, Bowie Ice Arena in Bowie, Columbia Ice Rink in Columbia, Rockville Ice Arena in Rockville, Brigade Sports Center in Annapolis, Capital Clubhouse in Waldorf, The Gardens Ice House in Laurel and Tucker Road Ice Rink in Fort Washington.
Virginia locations include Ashburn Ice House, MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Iceland of Hampton Roads in Virginia Beach, Mount Vernon RECenter in Alexandria, Prince William Ice Center in Woodbridge, SkateQuest in Reston, Richmond Ice Zone in Chesterfield, Lancerlot Sports Complex in Vinton and The St. James in Springfield.
Program seeks to grow girls hockey
DMV Girls Hockey Weekend aligns with USA Hockey's Try Hockey for Free initiative. According to the announcement, the program gives local youth an opportunity to experience hockey during a free introductory session while providing youth hockey organizations a chance to connect with interested families.
Organizers launched the regional girls-only event in partnership with PVAHA in 2023 with 16 participating rinks and clubs. Last year, 18 locations took part and more than 630 girls ages 4-9 tried hockey for the first time.
According to the announcement, participation by girls in the Future Caps Learn to Play program increased by more than 8% less than seven days after last year's event.
USA Hockey data cited in the announcement also points to continued growth in hockey participation across the Washington region since Alex Ovechkin was drafted. The number of registered girls and women players in Washington, Maryland and Virginia has increased by 225% from the 2005-06 season through the 2025-26 season.
Additional information about Capitals youth hockey programs is available at capsyouthhockey.com.
This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at https://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.
ONE Championship has completed the bracket for its blockbuster eight-man ONE SAMURAI Featherweight Kickboxing Tournament, revealing the final two matchups that will determine who earns a shot at gold.
Three-time Glory Kickboxing World Champion Marat Grigorian will square off against Russian standout Mamuka Usubyan at The Inner Circle 25 on Friday, August 7. The bout streams live in Asia primetime via live.onefc.com from Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium.
The very next night, Japan’s Kosuke “Unstoppable Phoenix” Takagi collides with China’s Luo Chao at ONE SAMURAI 2 on Saturday, August 8, live from the iconic EBARA WAVE Arena Ota. The winner of the tournament will earn a guaranteed shot at reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon.
Grigorian Aims To Make ONE World Title Shot Undeniable
Marat Grigorian appeared to place himself at the front of the featherweight kickboxing queue with his most recent performance. The Armenian icon needed less than two minutes to knock out Kaito at ONE SAMURAI 1 on April 29, ending their heated rivalry with a decisive statement inside Tokyo’s Ariake Arena.
The victory improved his record to 70-14 and delivered the fastest knockout of his ONE Championship tenure. It also extended Grigorian’s winning streak to three.
The decorated veteran will now enter a tournament filled with the division’s finest talent and attempt to make his next title opportunity undeniable.
Grigorian has already shared the ring with Superbon three times across their careers. He famously knocked out the Thai superstar in only 29 seconds outside ONE in 2018. But their two meetings inside the promotion both ended with Superbon earning decision victories.
The ONE SAMURAI tournament now offers Grigorian a definitive path toward another chapter in that rivalry and another chance to claim the major prize still missing from his decorated resume. But his opening assignment is far from a formality.
Mamuka Usubyan has built a flawless promotional record and now receives the biggest opportunity of his ONE run. The Armenia-born Russian most recently defeated Enzo Kartoum via unanimous decision in the co-main event of ONE Friday Fights 158 on June 12.
His volume and precision earned him the victory on all three scorecards, extending his perfect ONE record to 4-0 and improving his professional slate to 24-2.
That unbeaten run has also demonstrated Usubyan’s versatility across different rule sets.
He opened his ONE tenure by edging future ONE Interim Featherweight Muay Thai World Title challenger Shadow Mavinn in a competitive three-round battle. Usubyan then stopped Khunsuek Superbon Training Camp in the second round before switching to kickboxing and earning consecutive unanimous decisions over Yassin Airad and Kartoum.
Those four victories have earned the 32-year-old a place in the prestigious tournament, but Grigorian represents a dramatic increase in danger. A victory would keep Grigorian’s march toward Superbon and ONE gold firmly on course.
For Usubyan, defeating one of the greatest kickboxers of his generation would extend his perfect promotional record, eliminate a tournament favorite, and instantly transform him into a genuine World Title threat.
The 28-year-old Kosuke Takagi arrives with a professional record of 8-2, including four knockouts. Training out of Capital Raise Fighting GlaNz, the orthodox striker built his name as a Shoot Boxing Champion before turning his attention to the global stage.
Now he steps into ONE for the first time, and there’s no bigger opportunity to announce himself than an eight-man featherweight kickboxing tournament with a title shot on the line.
A debut of this magnitude is rare — most fighters spend years working toward contention, while Takagi finds himself thrust straight into the mix against a hardened Chinese kickboxer.
He faces Luo Chao, a 25-year-old Chinese fighter from Shengli Fight Club with a 43-11 career record and 18 knockouts who has already navigated the transition from the organization’s developmental league, ONE Hero Series, to the main roster.
Luo made his main roster debut in May 2026 against Brazil’s Denis Souza Jr. and earned a hard-fought split-decision victory to open his account. Now he faces another promotional newcomer, but one whose karate pedigree and finishing instincts make him anything but a comfortable assignment.
With four intriguing matchups now locked in, the road to a title shot against Superbon promises fireworks at every turn.
NVIDIA hosts a giveaway for Gears of War fans, offering custom wrap on the GeForce RTX 5080 Founders Edition. NVIDIA to Giveaway an RTX 5080 Founders Edition Inspired by Gears of War: E-Day Instalment Another Gears of War game is about to be released in a few months, which will be based on the origin story of the franchise. While the Gears of War: E-Day is scheduled to launch on October 6, 2026, we have NVIDIA is already preparing for its launch by offering a free GPU to the lucky winner in the latest giveaway. The giveaway is a part […]
On the heels of the early success of Black Flag Resynced, which sold 2 million units on launch day and pushed the total franchise sales to over 250 million, Ubisoft is now focused on delivering the next big entry in the IP: the mysterious Assassin's Creed Hexe. First teased nearly four years ago, Hexe will be a classic Assassin's Creed-style installment that follows the RPG-style game Shadows, according to Ubisoft's formula, which alternates between the two experiences to satisfy two fairly diverse audiences. Now, Ubisoft leaker Rogue has shared a lot of details about Hexe in a lengthy X thread. […]
has been offered a beeline towards world honours, but first he must take care of business against top 10 heavyweight Filip Hrgovic. The pair will collide at London’s O2 Arena on August 29, with many expecting this to be the youngster’s toughest assignment thus far. Hrgovic is, after all, an Olympic bronze medallist and consensus […]
First real-life photos of Casio's GBX-H5600KI-5 reveal purple, not pink, accents. The Kanoa Igarashi G-Shock collab shows off its marbled case texture, retail signage, and a split fan reaction ahead of its July launch at 50,600 JPY.
Deal | Walmart has discounted the 27-inch TCL P2A Pro gaming monitor with a 320 Hz refresh rate and a QHD panel with a Mini LED backlighting system by a massive 50%. The monitor is now retailing below $250, making it a superb value offering.
Microsoft has updated the Xbox Game Pass Stream Your Own Game library with 41 new titles. The lineup includes Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number, Forager, and more.
The Mechrevo 15 Air has been launched in China, and it's a new lightweight gaming laptop powered by an Intel Panther Lake processor and the Nvidia RTX 5060. It features a 240Hz OLED display as well, and it retails for CNY 1,1999, about $1,772.
Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden argued that soaring AAA development costs have pushed studios toward sequels, remakes, and familiar themes, leaving modern games increasingly homogeneous. He contrasted this risk-averse market with the PS1 and PS2 eras, when lower budgets allowed publishers to back experimental titles such as PaRappa the Rapper and Katamari Damacy.
Last week, some Samsung Health users reported seeing a notice when opening the app, asking them to consent to the use of their health data for AI training and modeling. While users had the option to withdraw consent, the notice stated that doing so would lead to the deletion of their health data and that they would be unable to sync it with their Samsung account. Samsung received flak from users for this and has now published an in-app notice clarifying the matter.
Samsung says that the health data collected for AI training and modeling is separate from the data used to provide Samsung...
CFTC has ordered Kalshi to keep operating in Michigan despite the platform already unwinding sports event trades to comply with a state court order, deepening the dispute over who regulates prediction markets in the U.S. According to a July 14…
Ethereum-backed EthSystems has launched with support from Bitmine, SharpLink and Consensys CEO Joe Lubin, adding another independent organization to Ethereum’s institutional development network after the Foundation cut 54 roles. According to an announcement from EthSystems on Tuesday, the for-profit company…
Ark Invest has expanded its exposure to Circle and Block while cutting its Robinhood position, adding nearly $15.4 million worth of shares across the three companies. According to Ark Invest’s latest daily trading disclosure, the investment firm purchased 220,012 shares…
TeraWulf shares have dropped more than 7% after New York ordered a one-year pause on new environmental permits for large-scale data centers. According to an executive order signed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday, the state will temporarily…
Maldini and Malagò want Buffon in Club Italia. Pirlo is increasingly favourite to become the new coach
Goodbye France
Spain into the final after 16 years
Blues irrecognizable: Mbappé’s flop. Oyarzabal’s penalty and Porro’s goal decide the game. England-Argentina tonight.
Modric, here we are: one-year renewal ready
Inter all over Spence: Tottenham ask for 35m
Conte: ‘Kane-Lautaro, I’ll explain to you, my hitmen.’
Corriere dello Sport
Nothing goes anymore: France darkness, Deschamps era over, Spain into the Final
Mbappé and Dembélé out: Messi, the obstacle is Kane
Allegri: ‘I’ll compensate you.’
From the Scudetto taken from Sarri in 2018 to the new objectives: ‘I’m here to give something back. The club thinks about the transfers. A company man? That’s a compliment. I won’t reply to Cardinale. I’m sorry for how it went.’
Inter between Doué and Spence
Milan call Mazraoui
Muha makes Juve rich
Rocchi’s case is to be dismissed
Tuttosport
Spanish coup: Surprise at the World Cup, no Final for the France of phenomenons
Spalletti dreams of Balogun
Muharemovic unlocks the Juventus market: not just Kolo and Pellegrino for the attack.
The Bosnian’s sale to Leeds is about to boost the Bianconeri’s finances with €20m following the agreement with Sassuolo. Monaco ask for at least €50m for the American; the coach hopes for a coup. Emery blocks Dibu to Villa: turn to Vicario. Kessié flirts.
Absurd: Toro fans banned from friendlies
Giuntoli against Marotta: ‘Palestra, we behaved well.’
Liverpool’s search for a new elite winger appears to be gathering momentum as the club continues planning for the next phase of its attack.
Finding someone capable of eventually replacing Mohamed Salah’s goals and influence is an enormous challenge, so the Reds have been assessing several young forwards with pace, creativity and room to develop.
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Their latest move suggests one of Europe’s most exciting wide players has become a serious option rather than simply another name on the shortlist.
However, Paris Saint-Germain remain in a powerful negotiating position and would demand a huge package before allowing an important member of their squad to leave.
Liverpool reopen talks with French champions
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have made fresh contact with PSG regarding a potential summer transfer for Bradley Barcola.
The 23-year-old’s representatives are reportedly exploring possible moves, and the France international would be interested in discussing the opportunity to join Liverpool.
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The interest has grown since Liverpool encountered difficulties in their pursuit of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande.
Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh, Köln’s Said El Mala and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo are being considered as alternatives.
Barcola would offer speed, direct running and flexibility across the front line. He is most comfortable attacking from the left, but his movement and technical quality could allow him to operate in several roles under Liverpool’s new system.
PSG have little reason to accept a modest offer. Their official player profile confirms that Barcola remains under contract until June 2028 after joining from Lyon in 2023.
With Arsenal also linked, Liverpool may need to pay well above £100m to take control of the race.
Barcola would be an exciting long-term addition, but Liverpool should not allow their need for a Salah successor to push them into an excessive deal.
He has enormous potential, yet he is not currently producing the extraordinary numbers that would automatically justify a British-record fee.
The Reds should continue discussions and establish PSG’s genuine selling price. If that figure remains unreasonable, moving quickly towards a more affordable alternative would be the smarter decision.
Arsenal’s pursuit of another elite attacker has produced an unexpected development, with the club exploring whether one of their current strikers could be used to unlock a blockbuster agreement.
Mikel Arteta remains determined to improve his forward line despite winning the Premier League last season, suggesting the Gunners are unwilling to stand still while their rivals strengthen.
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The proposed structure would reduce the cash required for an extremely expensive target, but it would also mean moving on from a major signing after only one campaign.
Arsenal must therefore decide whether this is a genuine opportunity to upgrade or an unnecessarily ruthless reaction to an inconsistent debut season.
Arsenal consider player exchange offer to sign Álvarez
According to talkSPORT, Arsenal have explored offering Viktor Gyökeres as part of negotiations for Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez.
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Álvarez is considered one of Arteta’s leading attacking targets because of his Premier League experience, pressing intensity and ability to operate as a central striker or supporting forward.
However, Atlético’s valuation remains a major obstacle.
FourFourTwo reports that Atlético would want more than £100m, while Arsenal have been reluctant to exceed £90m. Including Gyökeres could narrow that financial gap, although Atlético would still need to value the Sweden international highly enough for the structure to work.
Decision could define the attacking future of Arteta’s team
Álvarez has already indicated that he is open to leaving Madrid.
Reuters reported that the Argentina international had spoken with Atlético and expressed a desire to pursue a new challenge, although he has not publicly identified Arsenal as his preferred destination.
Arsenal should seriously pursue Álvarez, but sacrificing Gyökeres after one season would be a major call.
The Argentine is more versatile and better suited to Arteta’s fluid attacking system, yet Gyökeres could still improve considerably after fully adapting to English football.
A cash-plus-player deal makes sense only if Arsenal are convinced Álvarez is the final piece of their attack.
Otherwise, trading away a proven goalscorer while also paying a substantial fee could create more risk than value.
Manchester United’s failed pursuit of a new midfielder has created an unexpected opportunity for Atalanta.
A transfer that once appeared close to completion has now broken down, leaving the Serie A club working quickly to secure the long-term future of one of their most important players.
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For United, the situation highlights the risks involved when medical concerns appear during advanced negotiations.
For Atalanta, it provides an opportunity to turn a disappointing transfer setback into a positive outcome by rewarding the Brazilian and removing uncertainty around a contract approaching its final year.
Atalanta respond after Man United deal breaks down
According to journalist Nicolo Schira, Atalanta have proposed a new four-year contract to Ederson, with the option of an additional season.
The offer arrives after his expected move to Man United fell through and could keep the midfielder in Bergamo for the prime years of his career.
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Sky Sports reported that United had agreed a package worth approximately £37.8m but decided not to proceed at that price after concerns emerged during the medical process.
The transfer was not necessarily ruled out under completely different terms, but United had already started redirecting their midfield plans towards other targets.
The setback is significant because Ederson had been identified as a potential replacement for Casemiro. His physical strength, ball-winning ability and willingness to carry possession through midfield appeared well suited to Michael Carrick’s rebuilding project.
Football Italia reported that Ederson’s current Atalanta agreement expires in 2027 and that the club now want to improve both its length and financial terms.
A successful renewal would strengthen Atalanta’s negotiating position and make any future transfer considerably more expensive.
Man United were right not to ignore concerns raised during the medical. Even a talented player can become an expensive mistake if the club commits a major fee and long contract without complete confidence in his fitness.
However, United should also avoid treating Ederson as damaged goods when Atalanta clearly believe he is healthy enough to receive a substantial new deal.
The collapse may simply reflect two clubs making different assessments of risk.
One England fan has spent the last month in the United States of America for the World Cup and has loved his experience.
The 2026 World Cup has not been without its critics, with the hydration breaks and the extended half-time show that is taking place at the final on Sunday among the decisions drawing criticism.
But the USA itself has received much praise throughout the tournament, including from England supporter Oliver Henry, who has now summed up his journey in a social media post, in which he thanked the American people.
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
England fan having the greatest experience of his life in USA during World Cup
Henry has documented his journey following England this summer and has gained a decent following on social media as a result.
His trip is now taking him to Atlanta to watch the Three Lions face off with Argentina in the semi-finals of the competition.
Amid revealing he has managed to secure a ticket for the game, Henry admitted his experience over the last month has only been possible ‘thanks to the great American people’.
Taking to his X/Twitter account, he wrote: “Today marks one entire month in the USA. I only came for 1 World Cup match, started documenting my journey and ended up:
“Going to 3 total World Cup games, including a knockout game.
“Meeting Donald Trump, the President of the United States.
“Going on live morning TV with FOX.
“Exploring 6 different states.
“I have just got a ticket to the England vs Argentina game, and it’s all possible thanks to the great American people who supported my journey and donated to my GoFundMe. I never want this trip to end, it will never ever be topped. The greatest experience of my life.”
Henry’s trip may well come to an end on Wednesday if England lose to Argentina in the semi-final.
But even if Thomas Tuchel’s side don’t win the clash, he might end up staying in America for the final to watch Spain and Argentina face off for the trophy anyway.
Photo by Dustin Satloff - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
FIFA are struggling to sell their hospitality packages ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final in New Jersey.
Spain booked their spot in the final on Tuesday after defeating France, with England and Argentina set to battle it out for their spot on Wednesday.
Ticket prices have been a huge talking point during this summer’s World Cup, as many supporters feel FIFA have priced normal soccer fans out of attending the games.
Hospitality options in sports events always come at a premium, but FIFA’s offering for the World Cup final takes things to another level.
For the price of $57,500 per person, fans can secure themselves a spot in the pitch side lounge at MetLife Stadium.
Naturally the tickets have not sold out ahead of Sunday’s game and fans have not held back with their thoughts over FIFA’s money-earning attempts.
Photo by Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images
Fans left stunned by FIFA’s World Cup final ticket prices
Although no one does hospitality like the United States, a $57,500 ticket is always going to prove difficult to sell.
Taking to X, a number of World Cup fans have shared their reactions to the news of FIFA being unable to sell these tickets.
‘I would’ve bought the remaining but unfortunately they’re only limited to 6,” one fan sarcastically replied.
‘Maybe perhaps the interest in the sport in the US has been massively overstated from the beginning?’ added another fan.
However, there was one supporter who thought Wednesday’s result may see these tickets finally bought up: ‘Perhaps when the two final teams are determined the suites will sell.’
‘What on God’s green earth is a gourmet live-action cooking station?’ replied one confused fan.
Another fan shared their own sarcastic take on the price: ‘Not too steep.’
The theme of sarcastic replies continued, with one fan saying: ‘Bargain! Can’t believe it hasn’t sold out!!’
Large parts of this summer’s tournament have proven a roaring success, but it is clear that the pricing strategy has blown a lot of people out of contention to attend some of the games.
Argentina won all three of its group stage matches to take Group J. In the knockout rounds, La Albiceleste survived scares from Cabo Verde and Egypt and defeated Switzerland in the quarterfinals.
England won two of its three group stage matches to take Group L. The Three Lions knocked out Democratic Republic of Congo and co-host Mexico before outlasting Norway in the quarterfinals.
Both teams have already won matches at Atlanta Stadium.
If Argentina advances, it will have the chance to become only the third country to win back-to-back World Cup titles. For England, making it to final would give it a shot of the World Cup “coming home” for first time since 1966.
FIFA FAN FEST ATLANTA
The FIFA Fan Fest will be open on Wednesday for the semifinal match. The gates open at 12 p.m. and the celebration will last throughout the night with a special closing ceremony.
A limited number of general admission, general admission plus and VIP passes remain here.
Decatur Watch Fest will also open for the semifinal. Fans do not need a ticket to attend. You can also find other watch parties at the Battery Atlanta in Cobb County and Mega Watchfest at Arena at Southlake in Clayton County.
ATLANTA STADIUM TICKETS AND GATES
The stadium gates will open three hours before kickoff. FIFA encourages fans to give themselves enough time to get through security and in case any ticket issues come up at the gate.
Here are the Atlanta Stadium entrances that fans can use.
Entrance A: Postell Street, closest to the Vine City Station
Entrance B: Northside Drive
Entrance C: Magnolia Street
Entrance D: Just off Andrew Young International Boulevard and Magnolia Street
Entrance E: Andrew Young International Boulevard
Entrance F: Centennial Olympic Park Drive (Not accessible)
Entrance G: On the other side of the Silver Deck and entrance F (Not accessible)
Atlanta Stadium will have rideshare areas on Broad Street between Trinity Avenue and Mitchell Street. There will also be accessible pickup and drop-off areas at GWCC Bus Lane C (Entrances B & C) and the Transportation Terminal (Entrance E).
If you’re heading to the match or Fan Fest at Centennial Olympic Park, you can also take MARTA.
There are two MARTA stations next to the stadium: SEC District (formerly known as CNN Center/GWCC station) and Vine City. Fans can also walk from Peachtree Center or Five Points stations to Fan Fest.
Kai Asakura seeks back-to-back UFC wins against Qileng Aori in
Shanghai
After a stellar run in Rizin, Kai Asakura
suffered back-to-back defeats at flyweight upon joining the UFC. He
then moved up to bantamweight and picked up his first win in the
promotion. Asakura will now look to compile a win streak when he
takes on Qileng Aori
at
UFC Shanghai on Aug. 29.
Aori enters the bout with a 4-5-1 UFC record. He has struggled for
consistency, with just two wins in his last six outings. The
33-year-old is coming off a TKO defeat to Cody Haddon
in May.
Meanwhile, Asakura will look to build momentum after recording his
maiden UFC win in May. He knocked out Cameron
Smotherman at
UFC Macau, marking his 17th finish in 22 career wins. Flyweight
is firmly in the rear-view mirror for the Japanese star after he
was submitted by former champion Alexandre
Pantoja and Tim Elliott
at 125 pounds.
This isn’t the only bantamweight bout confirmed for UFC Shanghai,
as the Fight Night headliner features Umar
Nurmagomedov against Yadong
Song. Other Chinese fighters confirmed for the card include
former title challenger Xiaonan Yan,
veteran flyweight Su Mudaerji
and UFC newcomer Ce Liu.
There's absolutely nothing boring about Pitt football in style, seasons, and wild mood swings.
That's why it's among the ACC's biggest wild cards.
Head coach Pat Narduzzi proved that Pitt can win an ACC Championship, but lately, just when it seems like something fun is about to happen ... nope.
Can the Panthers Put It All Together and Win an ACC Championship?
Nov 15, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Mason Heintschel (6) throws a shuffle pass against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
It wasn't all that long ago when the Panthers won the 2021 ACC Championship, and that's why it always seems like they're this close to pulling off something big.
Coming off a 3-9 clunker, the 2024 Pitt team started 7-0 and looked like a true championship contender - and then lost its last six games.
The Panthers started 2-2 last season with heartbreaking close losses to West Virginia and Louisville.
They found their quarterback in Mason Heintschel during a five-game winning streak, and everyone started to get on board. And then they closed losing three of their last four.
This season's team has enough talent back to be terrific at times, but it's Pitt. It's going to be an interesting ride.
Best Case / Worst Case: Win the ACC Championship/Struggle to stay in the ACC race
Key Player: Mason Heintschel, QB Soph.
2025 Record: 8-5
Biggest Question: Can Pitt do all the little things right and win all of the games they're supposed to?
Pitt Key 2025 Stats
Average Yards Per Carry: Pitt 3.5, Opponents 2.7
Sacks: Opponents 44 for 325 yards, Pitt 31 for 274 yards
1st Quarter Scoring: Pitt 100, Opponents 48
Offense
Offensive coordinator Kade Bell has found his stride.
There are plenty of things to work on, but he's got the quarterback, the style, and the pop to make Pitt a threat to crank up the production every time out.
Now the Panthers have to be more consistent, and they have to be stronger against the better teams. They have the personnel to do it.
What’s Working
Mason Heintschel. The 6-2, 215-pounder isn't all that big, and he doesn't run, but the guy can spin it.
With a big-time arm and a maturity to his game, the sophomore came up large last season with 2,354 yards and 16 touchdowns, even though he didn't fully take over the job until mid-October.
He's the franchise, and Texas State transfer Holden Geriner is coming in to be the emergency option.
The ground game will take off. Heintschel will get the spotlight and the press, but the Panther rushing attack has the potential to carry its weight after a rough season.
The 1-2 rushing punch of Ja'Kyrian Turner and Western Kentucky transfer La'Vell Wright should combine to push for 1,500 yards.
When Pitt scores, Pitt wins. It was a true feast-or-famine team, going 8-0 when scoring 30 or more, and 0-5 when scoring fewer.
Over the last four years, Pitt is 22-1 when coming up with 30 or more, and that one loss was in the six-overtime insanity against Toledo in the GameAbove Sports Bowl.
What Needs Work
Third down conversions. The Panthers were explosive, and scoring wasn't much of an issue, but they were the worst in the ACC in third down conversion, hitting them just 33% of the time.
The offensive front should be better, but it still has a long way to go. Three starters are back, with 6-7, 325-pound tackle Ryan Bare the best of the bunch, and with help coming in from the transfer portal.
However, it's still going to take some work after the Panthers were among the worst in the nation in sacks and tackles for loss allowed.
Avoid the mega-turnover games. The Panthers were tied with Syracuse with the most turnovers - 23 - giving it up five times against Louisville, and five more times in the Military Bowl against East Carolina. They lost both by one score.
Player to Watch
Ja'Kyrian Turner, RB Soph. He's only 5-9 and 180 pounds, but he's tough, lightning quick, and he'll be used even more after leading the team with 745 yards and seven touchdowns, and catching 25 passes for 150 yards.
Nov 22, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi on the sideline against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the first quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field.
It's always bringing the heat as one of the best pass rushing and attacking defenses in America, and it's always giving up a ton of passing yards, and it's always coming up with takeaways.
The aggressive style doesn't stop now, especially with a relatively loaded group of veterans who should keep the production going.
What’s Working
The pass rush. Every year under Pat Narduzzi - seriously, every year.
The Panthers find the right players for the system - the statistical stars don't really translate to the next level - and they keep coming in waves.
Be stunned if Pitt isn't first or second in the ACC in tackles for loss per game again.
The defensive front will be a plus. The production comes from all sides, with ends Isaiah Neal and Jimmy Scott combining for eight sacks and 15 tackles for loss, and the defensive tackles can move, too.
Nick James and Sean FitzSimmons are veterans who should combine for way over ten tackles for loss.
The takeaways allow for the offense to take more chances. No one likes turning it over, but Pitt is almost always able to let the offense go full throttle thanks to a defensive style that takes it away every game.
The Panthers only failed to come up with a turnover in one game last year - the 61-9 win over Duquesne from the FCS.
What Needs Work
The linebacking corps. The combination of Kyle Louis and Rasheem Biles was dominant, and now Louis is a Miami Dolphin and Biles is a Texas Longhorn.
Alex Sanford Jr. is a ready-made outside linebacker from Purdue, and the return of Braylon Lovelace in the middle - coming off an 80-tackle season with two sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss - will be a steadying force.
Giving up yards is part of the cost of doing business for the Pitt corners, and it'll be trial by fire for the new starters.
Shadarian Harrison got his feet wet on one side with 30 tackles and an interception, and in comes big transfer Raion Strader from Auburn along with Kanye Thompson from Syracuse.
The amazing run defense has to keep holding up. Thanks to all the tackles for loss, Pitt usually has a strong statistical run defense.
When opposing ground games are working, they keep handing it off. Pitt went 6-0 when teams ran it fewer than 34 times, and was 2-5 when offenses ran it more.
Player to Watch
Alex Sanford Jr., LB Sr. How ridiculous was Rasheem Biles last year in Pitt's Money position?
101 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, two interceptions - both for touchdowns - four broken up passes, and two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery for a score.
Just do that, Alex, in that same Money spot - he came up with 46 tackles last year for Purdue.
Keys to the Season
Keep quarterback Mason Heintschel from getting popped.
The offense has to keep up the pressure - the scoring has to be consistent.
Be sharper - fewer penalties, fewer turnovers, more third down conversions.
Player Who Needs To Shine
Mason Heintschel, QB Soph. Pitt usually has a few quarterback options, but with all due respect to Texas State transfer Holden Geriner, the entire season is about Heintschel.
He had problems against Notre Dame and Miami, and his production fell off late, but when he was on - he lit up NC State for 423 yards, and cranked out 300 yards in four of his first five starts - he was special.
Biggest Concern
Running through the tape - have a good November.
Over the last three years, Pitt is 3-10 in the final month of the regular season.
Pitt lost a few early games, found their groove, got to 7-2, and then it all fell apart, losing three of the final four.
To be fair, two of those losses were to Notre Dame and Miami, but the Panthers weren't even close.
The 2024 team started 7-0 and finished 7-6.
What does this November look like? Florida State, at Louisville, at Cal.
Biggest Game
at Virginia Tech, October 2 As long as Pitt doesn’t biff the home games against UCF and Syracuse, it has a serious shot at starting 6-0 if it can get by the Hokies.
With the next road game at Boston College, 7-0 isn’t a crazy dream before going to Miami.
Transfer Portal
Pitt got better this offseason.
It brought in several players who fit the style - lots of help for Mason Heintschel - and went heavy with bulk talent over star power.
There were a few massive losses - there's no replacing Francis Brewu or Rasheem Biles on the defensive side - but overall it was a good run in the portal.
Best Signing
Raion Strader, CB (Auburn) The Pittsburgh native started out his career at Miami University and was fantastic with 110 tackles and a ridiculous 31 broken up passes in two years.
He left for Auburn, but didn't do much last year. Now he's back home as a perfect fit for the Panther secondary.
Biggest Loss
Francis Brewu, DT (Notre Dame) Losing Rasheem Biles to Texas is every bit as big, but it's a bit easier to find playmaking linebackers than disruptive forces at tackle.
Brewu isn't massive, but the 6-1, 280-pounder can move, with 51 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and ten tackles for loss over the last two years. He'll be great for Notre Dame.
Other Names to Know
Alex Sanford Jr., LB (Purdue)
Jeremiah Warren, DT (Illinois)
DeMarco Ward, LB (Memphis)
CFN Season Prediction
It's interesting with Pitt, because in some ways, it's among the most predictable of ACC teams.
You know what it's going to do on both sides of the ball. It's just a question of execution.
But on the flip side, it's nasty to figure out this bunch over the last few years, because it will lose to mediocre teams like 2025 West Virginia and 2024 Virginia, and Cincinnati and Wake Forest in 2023 (all of them finished with losing seasons).
CFN Prediction: 7-5
Here's the massive plus - and remember that Duke and Virginia played in the ACC Championship last year. Who do the Panthers miss?
Clemson, Duke, NC State, SMU, Virginia, and a great-looking Wake Forest team. (And Stanford, too, by the way.)
And the biggest miss this year is Notre Dame, who was on last year's schedule.
The problem is the ACC road slate - at Virginia Tech, Boston College (both should be far, far better), Miami, Louisville, and Cal.
That doesn't even include home dates against UCF, Syracuse, North Carolina, Georgia Tech, and Florida State.
So like the last two years when Pitt hovered around the seven-to-eight win mark, expect that again.
Pau Cubarsi has been one of the best young players at the tournament, and has just surpassed the legendary Paolo Maldini in a huge statistic.
Cubarsi put in yet another stellar performance to help Spain advance to the FIFA World Cup final, managing to shut down a lethal France attack.
The FC Barcelona starlet has been fantastic this tournament, conceding just one goal. And with his latest shutout, Cubarsi has now beaten a record last set by Paolo Maldini.
Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
Pau Cubarsi becomes fastest player to earn six clean sheets in FIFA World Cup
With their 2-0 win against France, Spain managed to keep their sixth clean sheet of the tournament. Pau Cubarsi has started every game for Spain, playing a huge role in their defensive dominance.
With his sixth clean sheet in seven World Cup games, Cubarsi has become the fastest player to reach six clean sheets in FIFA World Cup games.
The previous record was held by the legendary Italian defender Paolo Maldini, who managed to earn five clean sheets in his first seven FIFA World Cup games.
He did this in the 1990 FIFA World Cup, where he and Italy reached the semi-final of the tournament, only to lose to Diego Maradona and Argentina.
At the time, Maldini and Italy set a record for five consecutive clean sheets. In this tournament, Spain matched this record, only to have their chance to set a new record with six clean sheets spoiled by Belgium.
So far, Belgium are the only team to have broken this Spanish defence, with Charles De Ketelaere bagging the equaliser in their quarter-final tie.
Pau Cubarsi cementing himself as one of the world’s best defenders
For fans who don’t regularly keep up with FC Barcelona’s exploits in the Spanish league, Cubarsi is showing them just how talented he is.
The La Masia graduate broke into the team during the 2023-24 season under the stewardship of manager Xavi Hernandez.
Since then, Cubarsi has become a central figure in current Barcelona manager Hansi Flick’s defence. However, Flick’s signature high line leaves the young Spaniard exposed to counter-attacks, which explains why he and Barcelona often look defensively vulnerable.
Under the more conservative and composed system of Luis de la Fuente, Cubarsi has shown why he isn’t just one of the best young defenders in the world, but one of the outright best in the world.
Aug 16, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; The Thomas & Mack Center is pictured before the start of an NBA Summer League game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Phoenix Suns.
LAS VEGAS – A battle of Los Angeles served as the nightcap of Tuesday’s NBA Summer League slate at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center.
In the main event — with plenty of star power courtside — the Lakers remained perfect in Sin City (3-0) with a dominant 99-85 victory over the Clippers.
Paced by their 24th overall pick of this year’s Draft, the Purple-and-Gold danced to the tune of 23 points from rookie guard Cameron Carr. The Lakers boasted five players in double figures. Chris Manon added 17 points and 11 rebounds. Adou Thiero chipped in with 13 points — on 5-6 FG — and AK Okereke posted 11, including three triples.
The Clippers, now 1-2, tried to fight back after falling behind early, but had not much success. They trailed the Lakers by 16 at the half and by 23 going into the fourth quarter.
In the end, the first quarter proved to be decisive. The Lakers found their groove early, going 6-for-11 from beyond the arc in the frame — including two apiece from Manon and Arthur Kaluma. The latter finished with 15 points and shot 3-6 from range.
The Clippers made just one of seven three-point attempts and shot 29 percent from the field in the opening period.
Kobe Sanders provided an offensive spark with 18 points to go along with six rebounds. No. 5 pick of this year’s Draft, Keaton Wagler, posted 16 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Nick Martinelli added a double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds).
Wagler had a game of two halves. He had two points on 1-for-7 from the field at the interval. He went 5-for-8 and poured in 14 points after the break.
Cam Carr Special
The Lakers’ first-rounder out of Baylor stole the show in the win — with his solo 8-0 run in the third quarter, flashing his brilliant offensive potential.
The dynamic 21-year-old kicked things off with a strong and-one finish at the rim. His burst of speed allowed him to leave his defender in the rearview. Carr followed that up with a pretty mid-range jumper from just beyond the free-throw line. It was butter. Nothing but string music as his long 6-foot-5 frame rose over an onlooking Clipper.
The encore was a 28-foot three-pointer — a heat check that confirmed Carr had it going, forcing those watching to rise out of their seats.
It was a small sample of Carr’s talents. A teaser. But over the course of the summer thus far, he has shown Laker faithful enough poise to believe that he will be an immediate contributor on JJ Redick’s roster. Star guard Austin Reaves and new center Walker Kessler were amongst the witnesses on Tuesday.
Around the league
There were highlights aplenty between T&M and the Cox Pavilion on Day 6 of Vegas Summer League.
In the 3 p.m. tip-off, the Brooklyn Nets swept aside the Sacramento Kings 115-83 behind several standout performances from their first- and second-year players.
2025 No. 8 Draft selection Egor Demin led the way with 22 points, four rebounds, eight assists, and four steals. Last year’s No. 22 pick, Drake Powell, added 18 points (4-7 3PT). This year’s No. 6 pick, Mikel Brown Jr., posted 16 points and five dimes.
On the Kings’ side, No. 7 pick out of Arkansas, Darius Acuff Jr., shot 9-for-18 en route to a game-high 26 points. He added five assists. No. 45 pick Emanuel Sharp erupted for six triples (6-11 3PT) as he scored 23 points.
At Cox, Javon Small’s 26 points (5-8 3PT), seven assists, and four rebounds helped the Memphis Grizzlies to a 106-85 win over the Golden State Warriors. Small was the No. 48 pick last year.
2026 No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer posted 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals. For the Warriors, No. 11 pick Yaxel Lendeborg was one rebound shy of a double-double (15 points, 9 boards).
With No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa shut down for the remainder of Summer League, the Washington Wizards fell to the Chicago Bulls 99-87. Undrafted rookie Jaylin Sellers (24) and this year’s No. 4 overall pick, Caleb Wilson (19), combined for 43 points for the Bulls. Wilson added eight rebounds.
In the day’s biggest nailbiter, No. 35 pick Trevon Brazile led the Denver Nuggets to a 106-103 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Brazile erupted for 32 points and six rebounds on 11-for-19 shooting (6-12 3PT).
Samsung plans to build a new DRAM factory on the Giheung campus in Yongin, which could output around 100,000 wafers per month.
According to KEDGlobal, Samsung is scrapping its R&D ambitions and betting on brute production instead. The company’s new DRAM factory, set to rise on the Giheung campus in Yongin, will crank out 100,000 wafers per month when it’s running.
Korean businessman Lee Byung-chull built it in 1987 and told his people to embrace “infinite exploration.” Samsung demolished it late last year; the plan was to replace it with two R&D buildings but that plan is now dead.
HBM demand has grown so quickly that DRAM makers can’t keep pace, and the shortage is bleeding into commodity chips used in phones and laptops.
Counterpoint Research reports that the global DRAM market revenue is projected to surge from $150 billion (223 trillion won) this year to $210 billion (312 trillion won) due to skyrocketing product prices.
Samsung’s internal team is already formed and eyeing a Q3 groundbreak. The company is even considering tearing down existing Giheung buildings to make room for auxiliary production infrastructure.
The company’s new DRAM factory joins a broader capacity push at Pyeongtaek, where Line 4 is getting a 100,000-wafer-per-month HBM4-capable production line.
Samsung unveils Flex Titanium, a new foldable display structure built to tackle the category's most persistent complaint: the crease. The tech is expected to debut on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series this month.
We're just a weekend away from Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event, where the company is expected to unveil its latest Galaxy Z foldables and Galaxy Watches. Ahead of it, another batch of official-looking renders showcasing the entire lineup has surfaced.
The leak also reveals two online-exclusive color options for the wide Galaxy Z Fold8 and the Galaxy Z Flip8.
One of the official-looking renders shows the Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Flip8 side by side.
Another image, meanwhile, pairs the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra with the Galaxy Watch9 and...
Tottenham Hotspur have joined the growing battle for one of the Premier League’s most dependable and versatile defenders.
Spurs are looking to strengthen their options across the back line, and targeting a player capable of operating on either flank would give them valuable protection during a demanding domestic and European campaign.
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The move would also represent a relatively low-risk piece of recruitment.
Rather than signing someone who needs time to adjust to English football, Tottenham would be bringing in an established international who has already demonstrated his durability, energy and tactical flexibility at Premier League level.
Tottenham enter crowded race for Forest defender
According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham have entered the race to sign Nottingham Forest full-back Neco Williams.
Williams enjoyed an excellent 2025/26 campaign and was voted Forest’s Player of the Season by the club’s supporters.
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Nottingham Forest’s official website praised his consistency after he established himself as one of their most reliable performers.
His ability to play at right-back, left-back or wing-back is a major part of the attraction. Tottenham would be gaining someone who can provide competition on both sides while also allowing the manager to switch formations without making major personnel changes.
Long contract gives Forest control of negotiations
Completing the transfer will not be straightforward because Forest are under no immediate pressure to sell.
The club confirmed in July 2025 that Williams had signed a new contract lasting until the summer of 2029.
That agreement, combined with interest from three major Premier League clubs, means Forest can demand a strong fee or simply refuse to negotiate.
Williams would be a sensible addition for Tottenham. He may not be a glamorous signing, but his availability, intensity and positional flexibility could make him extremely useful over a long season.
However, Spurs should avoid getting dragged into an expensive bidding war. Williams would improve the squad, but he may not arrive as a guaranteed starter.
Tottenham should test Forest’s position with a realistic proposal and move quickly if the price is reasonable.
Arsenal’s plans to refresh their forward line are gathering momentum, with the club now considering a significant move for one of the standout young attackers from the 2026 World Cup.
Mikel Arteta wants greater pace and unpredictability from the left flank as the Gunners prepare to defend their Premier League title and compete for the Champions League.
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Leandro Trossard’s departure has created an immediate opening, while uncertainty surrounding Gabriel Martinelli’s future means Arsenal may need more than one wide attacking option.
The latest target would offer explosive dribbling, positional flexibility and considerable resale potential, although RB Leipzig’s valuation could create a difficult negotiation.
Arsenal ready to test Leipzig with an opening offer
Sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffsidethat Arsenal are preparing an offer worth around €40m for Antonio Nusa this month.
The Norway international’s performances at the World Cup strengthened the club’s interest, with the 21-year-old viewed as a possible long-term solution on the left.
That opening figure is unlikely to satisfy Leipzig. Get German Football News reports that the Bundesliga side want at least €60m, with Newcastle, Juventus and several other European clubs also monitoring his situation.
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Leipzig would prefer to retain Nusa, but their stance could change if a major offer arrives.
Nusa helped Norway reach the World Cup quarter-finals and produced one of the tournament’s memorable individual moments with a brilliant goal against Ivory Coast.
His ability to beat defenders and carry the ball through pressure would give Arsenal a different threat from their more possession-focused attackers.
Trossard exit adds urgency to Mikel Arteta’s plans
Arsenal have already confirmed an agreement for Trossard to join Besiktas in a deal worth approximately £17m.
Sky Sports reported that the Belgian was permitted to travel to Istanbul for his medical after contributing 36 goals across 174 Arsenal appearances.
Nusa would be an exciting replacement because he offers youth, directness and genuine one-against-one quality. His relationship with Norway captain Martin Ødegaard could also help him settle quickly in north London.
However, Arsenal should not jump from €40m to €60m without careful negotiation.
Nusa remains a developing player rather than a guaranteed starter, and intense competition could inflate the fee beyond his current level.
Arsenal should test Leipzig’s resolve, but remain disciplined. At the right price, this could be an excellent long-term signing, at €60m or more, it becomes a much riskier gamble.
Manchester United’s defensive planning has come under fresh scrutiny after reports in Spain linked one of Michael Carrick’s most trusted centre-backs with Atlético Madrid.
The Argentine remains highly regarded at Old Trafford, but his injury record and contract situation mean the club may eventually face a difficult decision.
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A departure would still be surprising. His aggression, leadership and ability to play progressive passes from defence give United qualities that are not easily replaced.
However, with only one guaranteed year remaining on his deal, the club cannot completely ignore outside interest or allow uncertainty to continue deep into the new season.
Atletico link raises questions over Man United future
According to El Chiringuito TV, Lisandro Martínez has been offered to Atlético Madrid while representing Argentina at the World Cup.
The report does not clarify whether United initiated the approach, whether intermediaries are testing the market or whether Atlético intend to submit a formal proposal.
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Martínez’s original transfer announcement on Man United’s official website confirmed that he signed until June 2027, with the club holding an option to extend his contract for another season.
That clause means United are not under immediate pressure to sell, although discussions about his longer-term future should become a priority.
The biggest concern remains his availability. Martínez has endured several significant injury setbacks since arriving from Ajax, preventing him from building consistent momentum despite his importance when fit.
Carrick has continued to support him publicly. Sky Sports showed the United manager strongly defending Martínez following a controversial red card in April, underlining the trust that appears to exist between the pair.
United should reject any approach unless Atlético submit a major offer and Martínez makes it clear that he wants to leave.
When fully fit, he remains one of the club’s best defenders and provides personality that would be difficult to replace.
The smartest move would be to retain control through the extension clause and begin renewal talks. Selling an influential defender without a clear replacement would create another problem in a squad Carrick is still rebuilding.
Arsenal are moving closer to strengthening the left side of their attack, with club-to-club discussions expected to gather pace over a deal worth up to £35 million.
The Gunners want greater depth and directness in wide areas as Mikel Arteta prepares his squad for another demanding Premier League and Champions League campaign.
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The proposed transfer appears to be progressing independently of Arsenal’s pursuit of a more established attacking star.
That suggests the club view the winger as a squad-strengthening addition rather than the single headline signing expected to transform Arteta’s forward line.
Arsenal receive major boost to sign the winger
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Christos Tzolis has informed Arsenal that he wants to join the club.
Negotiations with Club Brugge are now expected to accelerate, with the final transfer fee likely to fall between £30m and £35m depending on the payment structure.
Club Brugge are reportedly prepared to sell despite the Greece international being tied to a long-term contract.
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The Belgian club confirmed last year that Tzolis had extended his agreement until 2029 after registering 21 goals and 16 assists across his first 56 appearances.
That contract gives Brugge a strong negotiating position, but the player’s desire to move should help Arsenal’s efforts.
The 24-year-old has rebuilt his reputation impressively after struggling during his previous spell in English football with Norwich City. His improved end product, confidence and European experience now make him a far more complete player.
Tzolis’ potential arrival will not affect Arsenal’s interest in Morgan Rogers.
talkSPORT has also reported that the two deals are considered separate, with the Club Brugge winger viewed as an affordable wide option while Rogers remains among Arsenal’s more ambitious attacking targets.
Dana White’s Contender Series will return for its 10th season
on Aug. 11, with all episodes set to stream exclusively on
Paramount+.
The long-running talent showcase will once again give aspiring
mixed martial artists the opportunity to earn an
Ultimate Fighting Championship contract by impressing the UFC
President and CEO, as well as the promotion's matchmakers.
Dana White's Contender Series returns for Season 10
Season 10 will consist of 10 Tuesday night episodes beginning on
Aug. 11 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Each episode will feature five
bouts, with every episode streaming exclusively on Paramount+.
Since its debut in 2017, DWCS has become one of the UFC's primary
talent pipelines. Across its first nine seasons, along with Dana
White's Contender Series: Brazil, the series has awarded more than
300 UFC contracts.
He insisted he was only joking with Redknapp and that he always thought England had the players and manager to reach the final four.
“No, I’m not surprised,” Mac Allister said this week. “I understand what you’re saying because it was an interview with Jamie at Liverpool, and it was a bit of a joke.
“At the same time that I said they were not going to be in this situation, I said they have amazing players and a really good coach.”
Even if he was joking, Mac Allister may have given the English players even more motivation to beat Argentina.
Photo by Jean-Yves Ruszniewski/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images
England vs Argentina at the World Cup is a fixture any football fan should be excited for.
Meetings between the two footballing giants tend to be anything but boring, and Wednesday’s semi-final promises to be the latest instalment in one of international football’s fiercest rivalries.
There is also the added bonus that it will be Lionel Messi’s first time facing England — he will be raring to go.
But before that box-office clash, let’s look back on why the rivalry with Argentina is so heated. It all starts back in 1966. It was England’s year.
1966: “Animals”, Rattin and shade to the queen
During England’s 1-0 World Cup quarter-final win over Argentina at Wembley, captain Antonio Rattín was sent off for dissent by German referee Rudolf Kreitlein, despite claiming he couldn’t understand why.
Refusing to leave, Rattín had to be escorted off by police before sitting defiantly on the red carpet reserved for Queen Elizabeth II.
After the match, England manager Alf Ramsey famously branded Argentina’s players “animals” and stopped his team exchanging shirts.
1986: The Hand of God
Twenty years later came the rivalry’s most infamous chapter. Just four years after the Falklands War, Diego Maradona admitted emotions ran high.
And it materialized on the pitch. Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal — punched past Peter Shilton but missed by officials — gave Argentina the lead before he produced the “Goal of the Century”, weaving past five England players and the keeper.
Photo by Allsport/Getty Images
Argentina won 2-1, he later described the opener as “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God.” It remains one of the tournament’s most controversial moments ever.
1998: Beckham’s red mist
England’s World Cup meeting with Argentina in Saint-Étienne produced another tense encounter. Shortly after half-time, David Beckham reacted to a foul by Diego Simeone with a petulant kick from the ground.
The minimal contact was enough for Simeone to ensure referee Kim Milton Nielsen noticed, and Beckham was sent off.
England held on for penalties before losing the shootout, while Beckham became a national villain overnight, enduring months of abuse that defined the early part of his career.
Photo credit should read Odd Andersen/AFP via Getty Images
2002: Beckham’s redemption
Four years later Beckham got his chance to rewrite the story. When England were awarded a penalty against Argentina in the World Cup group stage, there was little doubt who would take it.
Beckham calmly converted the decisive spot-kick in a 1-0 victory, later saying he knew “that was my moment to step up.”
His emotional celebration reflected more than just three points — it marked redemption after the trauma of 1998, with Beckham admitting it felt like the moment England fans had finally forgiven him.
2026: Messi’s first England meeting
Remarkably, despite a career spanning two decades, Lionel Messi has never faced England at senior international level.
Wednesday’s semi-final will see the 39-year-old look to continue a frankly incredible World Cup campaign. With Kylian Mbappe out of the picture, a goal should be enough to secure him a first-ever Golden Boot.
From a footballing perspective, this promises to be a gripping tie. But the wider context of these two nations’ bitter rivalry makes this one all the more enticing. What will the next chapter read like?
The current
Professional Fighters League champion claims Rousey had every
opportunity to accept a super-fight during her prime but chose not
to.
The history behind the UFC superfight fans wanted between Cris
Cyborg and Ronda Rousey
Cyborg reflected on her rivalry with Rousey in a new interview with
Sherdog’s Marcelo Alonso ahead of her retirement bout against
Ketlen
Vieira at
PFL Tampa. The Brazilian legend also noted that if "Rowdy"
wouldn’t fight her when they were both active and winning, she
definitely wouldn’t accept a fight now.
“That was something the fans put together. Ronda had the
opportunity to fight me when she was at her peak, and she didn't
want to,” Cyborg explained of a fan-made poster that was rumored to
be genuine. “If she didn't want it in her prime, imagine now.”
She also emphasized that their rivalry was based on Rousey’s fear
instead of mutual animosity.
“I think fear eventually turned into rivalry,” she added. “I never
did anything to her. In fact, Dana himself used to say that once
Ronda beat Holly, her next fight would be against Cyborg. But then
she lost, got really upset, decided to retire, and now she's back
alongside Gina.”
Rousey put together a stellar 12-0 record and compiled seven title
defenses in the UFC before getting finished in back-to-back bouts
against Holly Holm
and Amanda
Nunes, which marked the beginning of a 10-year hiatus from MMA.
The former UFC champion returned to winning ways against Gina Carano
earlier this year under the
Most Valuable Promotions banner.
Reany N1 GT unveiled as a sleek and stylish e-bike with an integrated luggage rack and a low-maintenance design. Its subtle look keeps it from immediately appearing electric, and it is now available across multiple European countries
Qualcomm does what Qualcomm does best: The Yoga Slim 7 14Q8Y11 is easily the longest-lasting 14-inch Yoga model in recent memory all thanks to its Snapdragon CPU.
Earlier today, Redmi unveiled the Note 17 and Note 17 Pro in China. The former has the model number 26021RN18C. Meanwhile, in the latest HyperOS firmware build, references to a Poco M8 Power have been found, and this one has the model number 26021PC18I.
Let's unpack that. "RN" stands for Redmi, "PC" stands for Poco. The last character in the model number denotes the region it's intended for - "C" is for China, "I" is for India. So, with all of that in mind, it certainly looks like the Poco M8 Power is headed to India at least - of course it could also be offered in other markets, but it's...
“US Treasury is committed to disrupting and degrading Iran’s illicit financial activities, including its abuse of digital assets,” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Tuesday.
CLARITY Act vote nears as Democrats demand Trump ethics rulesThree Democratic senators oppose the CLARITY Act without ethics safeguards as John Thune plans Senate vote before the August recess begins.
The New York Yankees were front and center during the MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday.
Despite entering the Midsummer Classic as slight road underdogs, the American League pulled off the upset with a 4-0 victory at Citizens Bank Park.
Three of those runs came in the top of the first inning off Philadelphia Phillies ace Cristopher Sanchez. With the bases loaded and two outs, Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger ripped a two-run single up the middle, giving the AL a 2-0 lead.
Cody Bellinger comes through and drives in two runs to give the American League the lead in the 1st! pic.twitter.com/gZVlMkEcGa
Bellinger's teammate, Ben Rice, immediately followed with another single to nearly the exact same spot, driving in the AL's third run. It was the first time since 1962 that multiple Yankees players had an RBI in the All-Star Game.
That proved to be more than enough run support for the AL pitching staff, which twirled the first All-Star Game shutout since 2013. The AL tacked on an insurance run in the eighth inning for good measure on Miguel Vargas' solo homer.
While Bellinger was retired in his next two at-bats and finished 1-for-3, he was named All-Star Game MVP, becoming just the fourth Yankee to win the award along with Giancarlo Stanton, Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter.
This was the third All-Star Game for Bellinger and his first since 2019. While he already has an NL MVP trophy and an NLCS MVP award, now he has some more MVP hardware to add to his collection.
Topuria put his lightweight title on the line against interim
champion Gaethje at
UFC Freedom 250. While "El Matador" was a massive favorite
going into the bout and nearly finished it in the second round,
Gaethje piled on the damage in the subsequent frames, leading to a
corner stoppage before the final round. It marked the first defeat
of Topuria’s professional career.
Some of Topuria’s pre-fight antics and the eventual result of the
recent UFC lightweight championship fight have resonated with
Joshua.
Anthony Joshua explains how Ilia Topuria’s loss to Justin
Gaethje changed his approach to boxing
Joshua notes that Topuria had celebrated the night before the fight
and had done so before previous bouts. While "AJ" doesn’t want to
criticize the former two-division champion, the Brit had a massive
realization. Joshua has cut all unnecessary contact with people,
making himself inaccessible, since Topuria’s first professional
loss. The Englishman notes that the fight business isn’t all fun
and games.
“I think you've got to be in the fight game to truly know; it’s not
lit,” Joshua told Combat Evolved. “It’s not what people think it
is. It’s not all fun and games. It's a serious, serious job. Stay
away from people who just want to get lit and get upset when you
don’t return calls and stuff. It’s not personal. When I watched the
Ilia Topuria fight, I stopped replying to people after that.
Because I said, ‘Yo, it’s not a joke.’”
Dissecting Topuria’s loss to Gaethje, Joshua further claimed that
nothing can be taken for granted in combat sports.
“I saw someone in Ilia who was destined to win,” he added. “The
stars were aligned for him to be victorious. I think Ilia had
beaten people that Justin had lost against; the odds were in his
favor. Not a bad thing, but I saw him celebrating before. He’s
entitled to do what he wants, but I just took something from it and
I said, ‘Get back to being uncontactable, less accessible, because
the fight game is so serious.’ You saw his face, what he went
through. It’s not a joke.”
Joshua (29-4) is set to return to action against Kristian Prenga
(20-1) on July 25 at Jeddah Superdome in Saudi Arabia.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver answered questions Tuesday regarding expansion and other topics at his Las Vegas news conference following the league's Board of Governors meeting.
LAS VEGAS — Like the process itself, news on the NBA's updated plans for expansion doesn't come rushing out like water from a fire hose. More like measured amounts from a faucet, somewhat slow and steady, making sure it doesn't overflow the glass.
Commissioner Adam Silver did address expansion during his meeting with reporters Tuesday evening at the Thomas & Mack Center following the Board of Governors meeting in Las Vegas. And while Silver acknowledged the process remains ongoing, he gave no timetable or real update on those who are bidding for both the Las Vegas and Seattle expansion franchises, where things stand at the moment or a specific timetable as to when an announcement can be expected.
In other words, let the guessing game continue.
What Silver did say was he was optimistic the process could reach its conclusion sometime in December and that there is a deadline approaching for those interested to submit their bids with their financials to the league where its bankers will go over the individual bids before reporting back to the owners.
“I’m still hopeful this process will be wrapped up by year’s end,” Silver said, though he didn’t say when the deadline specifically was for submitting bids.
There are at least six known groups interested in obtaining the expansion rights for the Las Vegas franchise and there could be more by the time the deadline for bidding passes. Among them are some familiar names — Jerry Colangelo, Bill Foley, Magic Johnson, Bob Iger, Marc Lasry — that intend to vie for the rights to bring the NBA here. All claim they have the funding to meet the NBA’s price tag, which at minimum is expected to be $8 billion. All except Foley have plans to construct an arena to house the Las Vegas team while Foley is prepared to invest $300 million in upgrades to T-Mobile Arena, home to his NHL Vegas Golden Knights and a facility he owns 15 percent of.
In Seattle, the lone bidder to go public so far is Samantha Holloway, chairperson of the ownership group of the Seattle Kraken and has Bill Gates’ former wife Melinda as an investor. The Kraken ownership group also owns the majority interest in Climate Pledge Arena, where the basketball team would likely play. Silver did caution that there is additional interest in both Seattle and Las Vegas from parties which have not yet made their intentions public.
But it’s here in Las Vegas where the intrigue is. The NBA owners are well versed in knowing Colangelo from his days with the Phoenix Suns, Lasry from his time owning the Milwaukee Bucks, Magic Johnson from his prior connection to the Lakers (he also is part of the current ownership of the WNBA’s L.A. Sparks) and some of the owners know Foley through the NHL. So there are few surprises when it comes to vetting these potential ownership groups.
“It gives me a lot of confidence to see first-hand the amount of interest in the game in Las Vegas,” Silver said. “In terms of the process for potential expansion here, multiple groups are in the process of presenting plans to our bankers and those plans not only include who the owners would be but what their vision for basketball in Las Vegas would look like, where they would play, what it would look like and it’s music to my ears.”
Still, expect the process to be laborious. There shouldn’t be a rush for a decision this monumental. In fact, if it doesn’t get announced until next year, it wouldn’t be a surprise despite Silver’s hope to have an announcement by the end of the year.
In addition to the financing questions, the owners are going to want to know about a potential arena. Where will it be built? How long will it take to construct? Will the Las Vegas team own all the basketball related revenue streams (naming rights, suites, club seats, tickets, parking, concessions, regional TV) and how big a building will it be?
The Clippers are the best example of why this is important. They went from paying rent to AEG, which owns the Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center) as the third tenant behind the NHL Kings and NBA’s Lakers, to owning 100 percent of the BRR at the $2 billion Intuit Dome. They reportedly showed a profit of $569 million last year according to statistia.com.
And if any of the prospective ownership groups need to know anything about such a venture, they should pick up the phone and call Steve Ballmer, the Clippers’ owner. He can clue them in on the process.
So as the process continues, Silver, like everyone, remains in a wait-and-see mode. But the fact there is competition among those bidding to get the NBA expansion team in Las Vegas and likely Seattle as well, it confirms Silver’s and the league’s decision to not rush into it and now that it’s underway, see where it ultimately winds up.
“No votes have been taken so far,” he said. “We have a ways to go still as far as discussions with the interested parties but I’m optimistic about the future here (in Las Vegas).”
Photo by Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Lamine Yamal has already become a phenom for Spain at just 19 years old.
The Barcelona superstar recently celebrated his 19th birthday, and he got the perfect present during Spain vs. France 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal clash.
The star winger helped his nation reach the finals of the World Cup for just the second time after registering a 2-0 win over Kylian Mbappe’s France.
Photo by Pablo Morano/BSR Agency/Getty Images
Lamine Yamal keeps a phenomenal personal record intact
So far, Yamal has been kept rather quiet by opponents at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as he has just one goal and no assists in the tournament.
Despite that, Yamal’s one stat, pointed out by OptaJoe on X, shows how important he is to the current Spanish team.
“Lamine Yamal has started 12 games at the FIFA World Cup and UEFA EUROs combined ending on the winning side in all 12 – the best 100%-win rate of any European player across the two competitions when starting,” OptaJoe revealed.
Considering Yamal is still nowhere near the prime of his career, and still has such an impact on Spain’s winning percentage, shows that he’s a special player.
He has already won the Euros in 2024, but can he lead Spain to lifting the World Cup trophy? Only time will tell.
For now, Spanish fans will hope Yamal can end his goal drought ahead of the most important game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Lamine Yamal and Spain are through to the finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a highly anticipated semifinal matchup between Spain and France, it was Lamine Yamal’s side who ended up victorious.
Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro netted two goals to give the Spaniards a memorable 2-0 win over the World Cup favorites as the French were unable to find a way to beat Spain’s defense.
Photo by Maddie Meyer – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Spain equal Italy’s unbelievable unbeaten record
The 2-0 win over France marked Spain’s 37th consecutive game where the team either won or drew the game in all competitions.
According to OptaJoe on X, this win has helped the 2010 World Cup champs equal Italy’s unbeaten record from 2018 to 2021.
“Spain have now gone 37 games without defeat in all competitions (W28 D9) equalling the longest ever unbeaten streak by a European nation in history (Italy also 37 matches between October 2018 and September 2021),” OptaJoe revealed on X.
While Italy’s unbeaten streak ended in 2021, Spain have a shot to further increase it to 38 games at the biggest stage in the world: the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.
Spain have confirmed their berth in the finals as they now wait for the result of the Argentina vs. England semifinal clash to find out their opponent.
National League manager Dave Roberts removes the pitcher San Diego Padres pitcher Mason Miller (19) during the eighth inning at Citizens Bank Park.
After answering a host of questions on media day, many of them asking his thoughts about a possible trade, San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller and representative at the 2026 All-Star Game went out and did what he has done all season for the Brown and Gold.
The National League’s saves leader was called upon to face just one batter to start the ninth inning and got a strikeout, as the America League All-Stars rode a three-run first inning to a 4-0 win over the National League All-Stars on Tuesday night at Citizens Bank Park.
Pitching was the standout for the evening, as the National League was limited to just three hits — one more than the fewest in All-Star Game history set by the NL in 1990. The AL set a new All-Star Game record with 15 strikeouts, and the sides broke the combined strikeouts record with 27 punch-outs.
The lone batter Miller faced was Chicago White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami, whom he pumped four consecutive fastballs against — all of them over 100 MPH. All three swings failed to make contact, as Miller overpowered the Majors’ second-highest first-year home run hitter. It was the first time he and Murakami faced off.
Miller extended his career All-Star numbers to 1 1/3 innings with three strikeouts and 11 of his 16 offerings going for strikes after having earned the win as a member of the Athletics in 2024. His appearance was the shortest appearance by a Padres representative since Kirby Yates did not appear despite being selected in 2019.
The only other run for the American League came in the eighth inning when Chicago White Sox third baseman hit a second deck solo home run off LA Dodger pitcher Justin Wrobleski.
American League starter Dylan Cease, coming off his first return series to San Diego as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays, struck out Kyle Schwarber and Juan Soto before Freddie Freeman drew a nine-pitch walk in the bottom of the first. Cease closed it out with a third K, getting CJ Abrams to whiff on a low slider.
The two selections for the Padres opponents in their first series out of the break, Kansas City, played important roles in the with for the AL.
Starting shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. got the second plate appearance with a runner in scoring position in the opening inning against NL starter Cristopher Sánchez. After falling behind in the count 1-2, he was able to work a walk to load the bases.
Witt tops the AL in stolen bases (30). For the Royals, he’s team-high in hits (103, fourth in the AL), doubles (22 tied for third in AL), walks (39), runs (51) and batting average (.286, ninth in the AL), while slotting second on KC with in RBI (39) and tied for second-most in home runs (13).
Back-to-back hits by representatives from the Yankees opened the scoring, as first Cody Bellinger hit a two-RBI single back up the middle and then Ben Rice followed with another knock up the middle. Rice’s stroke plated Witt, as the AL scored three runs and sent eight to the plate to open the game. Bellinger was awarded the Ted Williams MVP award.
Michael Wacha, the righty pitcher and second representative for the Royals, was called upon in the third inning. He struck out Andy Pages, getting a whiff on an inside changeup, and then Drake Baldwin with a fastball painting the black on the outside. Wacha completed his one-two-three effort by getting Schwarber to ground out.
Witt joined the FOX broadcast on field, praising Wacha’s changeup and his fastball with good verticality, as well as a cutter and slider to mix everything up, praising the veteran as a teammate.
The last start by Wacha (5-7, 3.77 ERA) was on July 9, giving up six runs on six hits with five strikeouts and three walks in 4 2/3 innings in a loss at the New York Mets. He projects to be the starter for the third game of the Padres’ series at the Royals according to FanGraphs.
San Diego comes out of the break with a three-series and 10-day road trip. After opening with three against the Royals it’ll be a four-game set in Atlanta before closing the trip out with three games in Miami.
In a move that is likely aimed at curbing the rampant abuse of what was until now a fairly generous policy, Apple will no longer sell you unlocked iPhones that have been financed either by T-Mobile or Verizon. Apple has just updated its FAQ related to carrier-financed iPhone 17 Pro purchase, disclosing that your "iPhone will be locked to the carrier until paid in full" As first spotted by a Reddit user and delineated in a dedicated post, Apple has just updated its FAQ for buying a carrier-financed iPhone 17 Pro, disclosing the following policy change: "If you choose to […]
Samsung Flex Titanium is the company’s new foldable-display architecture, pairing a titanium-alloy film with a titanium support plate to cut crease visibility while adding durability. Unveiled today, the technology is officially confirmed to debut in the Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra at July 22 Unpacked.
Flex Titanium replaces the polymer film traditionally used inside foldable screens with two titanium-based parts working together:
1. Titanium-alloy Film:
Sits beneath the OLED panel and measures roughly a third the thickness of a human hair, yet delivers 20 times the mechanical stiffness of the polymer film it replaces.
2. Titanium plate:
Supports the display module from below. Micro-patterned holes let it flex at the fold while bonding tightly to the module, closing the air gaps that used to sit between the plate and its adhesive.
By swapping in a stiffer, more tightly bonded titanium structure, Samsung says the panel holds a flatter shape across the hinge, so the fold line is far less noticeable in daily use without giving up the flexibility needed for repeated folding.
Samsung hasn’t confirmed a device name or date in this announcement, only that Flex Titanium arrives with its next-generation Galaxy foldables, with specifics saved for Unpacked.
At Unpacked, Samsung will be launching the Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra foldable phones. Apple will also drop its first foldable iPhone later this year, which might utilize a similar technology.
That’s the part a quick AI summary won’t tell you. A few things worth weighing before you pre-order:
Weight and feel: Titanium is stiffer than the polymer it replaces. That helps flatness but can shift in-hand balance; check hands-on impressions, not just spec sheets.
Manufacturing cost: Precision-rolled titanium is expensive at consumer scale, which may be one reason foldables have stayed premium-priced rather than trending mainstream.
Repair costs: A titanium-reinforced stack is likely harder, and pricier, to service outside Samsung’s own network.
Deal | The LG 34GX900A is a 34-inch curved ultrawide OLED gaming monitor that wraps around gamers. At 1440p resolution, a 240 Hz refresh rate enables fast, fluid gameplay. This Amazon deal makes stellar black levels affordable, but the display doesn’t produce text as sharp as some 4K competitors.
Following the launch of the standard Honor Pad 20 in China, the company may be preparing a new tablet. The Honor Pad 20 Pro has appeared on Malaysia's SIRIM and TÜV SÜD certification databases, revealing its model number and more details.
Lenovo has released a new 16-inch ThinkPad with Intel Wildcat Lake processors. Available internationally, the cheaper ThinkPad E16 Gen 4 can also be configured with up to 32 GB of RAM, a 120 Hz display and a higher-capacity battery than standard.
iQOO will launch the Z11 Lite on July 24. The brand previously confirmed that the Z11 Lite will support 44W charging, and it has now revealed that the smartphone will pack a 6,500 mAh battery.
Additionally, iQOO said that the Z11 Lite will support reverse charging and bypass charging, with the battery retaining 80% of its health even after five years. Besides, with the Super Battery Saver Mode, the iQOO Z11 Lite will enable 30 minutes of 4G calls, 6 minutes of Google Maps use, 12 minutes of Instagram browsing, or 8 minutes of WhatsApp use with just 1% battery left.
iQOO Z11 Lite...
Aug 22, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Quentin Skinner (39) warms up before the preseason against the Philadelphia Eagles game at MetLife Stadium. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The Buffalo Bills claimed a player previously on a division rival, and though a roster longshot, he has some traits worth betting on.
Buffalo Bills rookies report to training camp July 21, with veterans following one week later. So it isn’t a surprise the front office is making moves in the final stretch of the offseason’s dead period.
On Tuesday, the Bills claimed a player from the division rival New York Jets to add depth on offense.
Bills claim former Jets player
Per Tuesday’s NFL wire, the Bills claimed wide receiver Quentin Skinner, who was recently waived by the Jets. The Bills terminated Deven Thompkins to make room for Skinner.
Skinner is an intriguing addition to a Bills wide receiver group dealing with its usual uncertainty. Though Skinner is unlikely to play a big role on offense, a strong training camp could make Buffalo consider using a 53-man roster spot on him. It will be an uphill battle, but he has some noteworthy traits. That starts with his size.
Skinner, 24 years old, is 6-foot-5. He could provide the Bills with some size in the red zone. However, his experience is very limited. As an undrafted rookie, he recorded one catch while playing for the Jets. Ironically, that ten-yard catch happened against the Bills in Week 18 (perhaps it’s an explanation of the Bills’ interest).
Before that, he led the Jets with 114 receiving yards in three preseason games.
At Kansas, Skinner recorded 80 catches for 1,584 yards and 11 touchdowns throughout three seasons. In 2024, his senior year, he even led the Big 12 in yards per reception at 22.3. That and his size will earn him a chance to prove himself with the Bills.
Bills WR room as of today
Following Tuesday’s moves, here’s an updated look at the Bills’ WR room:
Submission grappling’s pound-for-pound queen Helena Crevar dazzled the world in her global stage debut, and she is already plotting an even more commanding encore.
The 19-year-old phenom squares off against American debutant Paige Ivette Clymer in a 10-minute openweight submission grappling contest at The Inner Circle 22, streaming exclusively for members on live.onefc.com from Bangkok’s historic Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, July 17.
Crevar’s inaugural ONE appearance left absolutely no room for debate. The Las Vegas native needed just 100 seconds to dismantle Teshya Noelani Alo with a slick Estima lock at ONE Fight Night 39 last January, setting an impossibly high bar for her sophomore outing.
However, her upcoming adversary brings serious credentials and an imposing physical presence. A 2026 ADCC West Coast Trials winner and black belt under Keenan Cornelius at Legion American Jiu-Jitsu, Clymer is an all-action force with a game built specifically to break people.
Crevar has never shied away from a physical challenge, and Clymer’s stature adds an entirely new dimension to what is already a fascinating stylistic matchup.
She said:
“She’s a super accomplished athlete. I believe she medaled at No-Gi Worlds, and she also won the recent ADCC trials. So I know that she’s a super tough athlete. Her game might be a little similar to Teshya’s, playing top and everything.
“Last time, I was the heavier athlete. This time, she will probably be heavier. But I’ll still focus on playing my game and looking for the submission wherever I can get it, because my game is very submission-oriented.”
Despite Clymer’s physical attributes, Crevar greets the challenge without a trace of concern. Under the tutelage of legendary coach John Danaher, the Texas-based athlete has built the technical foundation and unshakeable confidence to handle whatever is thrown at her.
Surrounded daily by some of the finest grapplers on the planet at Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu, including submission grappling icon Gordon Ryan, Crevar has continued adding dangerous new layers to an already formidable game.
Crevar said:
“The preparation hasn’t been much different. I’ve competed against bigger people in the past. It’s really just about trying to improve my techniques and using them to work with bigger and stronger people.
“I’m lucky that I have a lot of bigger training partners at the gym, so I’ve been going with as many bigger people as I can. People that can challenge me with both the strength and the technical aspects.”
Grinding out points has never been Crevar’s style, making ONE’s submission-focused format a natural fit.
Now, the grappling world watches intently to see if she can raise that bar once more against a considerably stiffer test.
She declared:
“It’s always a submission from me. In any position we end up in, I’ll try to get the submission and win that way. I’m going to keep looking to get my second submission at ONE.”
Crevar Eyes ONE World Title Shot, Embraces Pound-For-Pound Crown
At an age when most competitors are still finding their footing, Helena Crevar already occupies a position in the sport that veterans spend entire careers chasing.
As the youngest podium placer in ADCC history, a 2025 IBJJF No-Gi World Champion, and the owner of an astonishing 355-7 career record, her accolades read like a lifetime retrospective.
What makes the generational talent truly remarkable is how effortlessly she carries those expectations without ever flinching under the weight.
She shared:
“To be the youngest #1 pound-for-pound female grappler right now is really big for me. I want to maintain that spot, and ONE Championship motivates me to get my name out there and prove that even at such a young age, I can be the best female grappler there is.
“For me, it’s not pressure. It’s motivation. I’m so young, so I have a lot of time to accomplish so many things, but if I can do it earlier, it’s better.”
The ONE Women’s Submission Grappling World Title sits firmly at the top of Crevar’s ambitions. A second dominant finish against Paige IvetteClymer on July 17 would make her case for 26 pounds of gold absolutely impossible to ignore.
Yet the teenage sensation approaches the climb to the summit with a patience and maturity that completely belies her age.
Crevar concluded:
“I still definitely want that opportunity for a title. We’ll see after this match and talk about whether I’ll have an opportunity to go for the ONE [World] Title, or maybe do one more match and then a title after that. But that is definitely the goal: to get the title at ONE.
“I don’t feel the pressure. I just feel motivated to keep going and keep getting as many wins as possible.”
Boston’s City Hall Plaza is back open to World Cup watch parties.
Hundreds packed the plaza to watch Spain beat France in the semi-final on Tuesday.
“I just love this big area, great game, so I’m just happy that Boston’s just letting up like a city should be you know, I’m having a great time,” said Sam Neal.
Many were disappointed when the city shut down the FIFA fan festival after only 16 days of the World Cup, but the mayor says it was because of funding constraints.
“There was a lot more food and stuff but honestly I’m here for the game, so I enjoy myself so honestly this was just great,” said Neal.
Some argue this more casual watch party may be better since you don’t need to register to get in or walk through any lines for security.
“It was very restrictive the whole system was like very over capacity, just being able to get in sounds like an impossible task for any of the games, so just them having this feels very unrestrictive with a lot of freedom,” said Manny Debettencourt.
This week, Mayor Michelle Wu announced the city will host these new watch parties for the last few matches of the World Cup with a big screen and some food trucks set up on City Hall Plaza.
There are also many other watch parties across the city.
“This whole World Cup has been really exciting,” said Debettencourt. “I can’t believe it’s just gone so fast.”
Fans say it’s nice to have a place to come together with other fans to celebrate these big moments.
Many of them plan to come back for the next match on Wednesday.
“Get my work done a little early just to come see the energy out here it’s going to be fantastic tomorrow,” said Debettencourt.
City leaders say this new watch party set up is sponsored by State Street.
It’s free and open to the public.
The next match to watch will be when Argentina takes on England at 3PM Wednesday.
In 2025, there was plenty of buzz out there about former Boston Red Sox star Rafael Devers and all of the drama that happened between him and the club's front office.
Eventually, he was traded to the San Francisco Giants, despite the fact that he was expected to be the face of the franchise. Now, he's no longer in the organization and he's gotten a lot of heat over the last year. While this is the case, Red Sox All-Star outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela was asked who his favorite former teammate and he made it clear that it's Devers.
For as much heat as Devers has gotten over the last year, it's a bit surprising to see a member of the organization to speak of him highly. It just goes to show that the media's perception of Devers doesn't necessarily match who he is in the clubhouse. There may have been issues with the front office, but that doesn't mean that Devers had issues with his teammates, to say the least.
If you're a fan of the Tampa Bay Rays, there's some real fear right now.
On Tuesday night, Rays superstar slugger Junior Caminero was forced to leave the All-Star Game early after being hit on the hand by a 98 miles per hour fastball in the third inning by St. Louis Cardinals closer Riley O'Brien.
Junior Caminero exits the MLB All-Star Game after taking a 98 fastball from Riley O'Brien on the hand.
"Everybody's worst nightmare in an exhibition is that anything like this happens." - Joe Davis on the Fox broadcast pic.twitter.com/6rCPVZaAYJ
Caminero came out of the contest and Matt Gelb of The Athleticreported that the slugger went get X-Rays at Citizens Bank Park with a Philadelphia Phillies doctor.
"Junior Caminero is headed to get X-rays at Citizens Bank Park with a Phillies doctor," Gelb wrote.
Junior Caminero is headed to get X-rays at Citizens Bank Park with a Phillies doctor.
At this moment, we know that Caminero was forced to exit and that X-Rays were unsurprisingly necessary. Fortunately, Fox's Tom Verducci said on the broadcast that the X-Rays came back negative.
With just around a week left till Samsung formally unveils its latest lineup of foldables, the South Korean tech giant has now removed the wraps from one of the biggest mysteries of the upcoming launch galore: how the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra will keep the dreaded display crease at bay. Samsung's Titanium Flex involves an extremely thin titanium-alloy film that sits just beneath the OLED panel, and bolstered by an underlying titanium plate Samsung's Titanium Flex is an inventive solution to the display crease problem that has plagued nearly every foldable till now, and involves 2 […]
Garmin has brought over a dozen improvements to a few of its popular smartwatches. Rolling out globally on its Beta Program, v18.14 focuses on addressing outstanding bugs present in older software to improve the overall user experience in multiple areas.
Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden argued that soaring AAA development costs have pushed studios toward sequels, remakes, and familiar themes, leaving modern games increasingly homogeneous. He contrasted this risk-averse market with the PS1 and PS2 eras, when lower budgets allowed publishers to back experimental titles such as PaRappa the Rapper and Katamari Damacy.
Lenovo has refreshed the ThinkCentre Neo 50a all-in-one PC with Intel Lunar Lake. Starting at $1,058 in the US with a Core Ultra 7 256V and 16GB of RAM, the new Gen 6 model undercuts Apple's iMac, though its display leaves plenty to be desired.
HP has added to its EliteBook range with a new release. Equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 processors, the EliteBook 6 G2q also comes with up to 32 GB of RAM and 5G cellular connectivity.
Lenovo has now released a new 14-inch ThinkPad internationally. Billed as cheaper alternatives to recent Intel Panther Lake models, the ThinkPad E14 Gen 8 with Intel Wildcat Lake processors is surprisingly close in price to those sold with AMD Zen 5 processors.
John Mueller responded to a plan to hide homepage links from Google in hopes only one internal anchor text would count, known as "first-link priority."
Ethereum staking generated 98% of Bitmine’s revenue last quarter as the company’s pivot from Bitcoin mining gained momentum following its March validator launch.
LeBron James has yet to decide where he will play next season following his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers.
James reportedly has three Eastern Conference teams on his shortlist: the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Meanwhile, the 41-year-old is also considering the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference.
The Cavaliers, where he has already spent 11 years across two spells, are the favourites to sign him in free agency.
However, several NBA executives expect him to stay in the West with a controversial move to Golden State.
Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images
Why NBA executives believe LeBron James will sign for Golden State Warriors
Despite his rivalry with the Warriors during his second stint with the Cavaliers, James is reportedly open to joining Golden State.
He would enjoy playing alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, and he has a good relationship with head coach Steve Kerr.
With Jimmy Butler (once he returns from injury), Brandin Podziemski, and Kristaps Porzingis also on the roster, the Warriors would be contenders with James.
Regardless of the team’s success, Golden State would be an entertaining final chapter of James’s legendary NBA career.
The move suddenly appears more realistic, as several NBA executives are “skeptical” of reports that James is returning to Cleveland.
“Multiple Western Conference executives told Front Office Sports they expect James to sign with the Warriors over the Cavaliers.”
This suggests that Draymond Green’s rejection of his $27.7 million player option was part of the bigger picture.
Perhaps James really is going to spend the final season or two with the team that he had his greatest battle against.
University of Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel, left, and basketball coach Rick Barnes, right, speak during the Big Orange Caravan event at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK
Tennessee’s highest earners do not appear to be coming from the football program.
The NIL landscape has completely reshaped college athletics over the last six years, but it’s done so in a bit of a wild west, behind the scenes way. Thousands of players each year flock to the transfer portal and come out on the other side in new uniforms, and with new NIL deals.
What are the dollars signs associated with these new NIL deals? That’s remained a mystery for a long time because they’ve not been made public nor have they been required to be.
🚨 MASSIVE CHANGE 🚨 Launched NIL Valuation in 2021 when the market was figuring itself out. Today, we are proud to announce that we have moved to a "market and deal-based model."
All NIL Valuations with a green check are confirmed deals, and no check means market value and… https://t.co/d5XMv0cAnM
And so, who are Tennessee’s top NIL earning athletes, per On3? As it turns out, the biggest money for individual athletes is not on the football side, but on the basketball team.
On3 Sports lists 3 of top 4 Tennessee NIL earnings among Vols basketball program, not football
On3 lists men’s basketball transfer addition Juke Harris as the university’s top earner with a listed NIL valuation of $4 million. Two more new basketball transfer portal additions are tied for second: former Notre Dame F Jalen Haralson and former Cal G Dai Dai Ames. Both men have a listed valuation of $3 million each.
Tennessee football’s top two players are Chaz Coleman and David Sanders, Jr.. But with Tennessee already having parted ways with Coleman, that puts Sanders as the top NIL earner on the football team, according to On3. George MacIntyre’s name is next on the list at $1.6 million, but it should be noted that On3 hasn’t confirmed that total.
That certainly puts into perspective to a degree the claims by those who argue Tennessee is money whipping players above and beyond others to get players to come to Knoxville, as has been the case in the competing fans’ social media squabbles surrounding the recruitment of David Gabriel Georges. Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss both have valuations of $5 million each.
It’s the age we live in nowadays, and the skyrocketing money doesn’t show any sign of changing direction any time soon.
“Still to this day, he swears it just got away from him,” Duncan said after Bonds reflected on the incident, which was the only time he charged the mound in his MLB career.
“No it didn’t, it did not get away,” Bonds insisted. “He’s a good pitcher and he’s a good man. In that situation, it was part of the game of baseball during that time, and I accepted it.”
There was maybe one day where Bottalico swore it got away from him. But in just about every other day since, Bottalico has been open about the fact that he plunked Bonds on purpose.
“Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong,” Bottalico responded to Elle Duncan and Netflix during his Tuesday afternoon show with co-host Bill Colarulo on 97.5 The Fanatic. “That is a bald-faced lie.
“I’ve told the story on this show, I’ve told the story on NBC Sports Philadelphia, I have told the story. I was told to go in and hit Barry Bonds. It’s that simple. When it happens, in the newspapers in the next day and all that back then, I had to say I didn’t do it on purpose or else I’m suspended for a month. It’s that simple. Yes, we had to lie back then!”
Bottalico explained that Bonds attempted to steal a base while the San Francisco Giants were already up by around seven runs on the Phillies. Shortly after that happened, manager Terry Francona phoned the bullpen and summoned an unnamed reliever to throw a pitch at Bonds. When that reliever allegedly declined, Bottalico was next man up, and he obliged with one pitch that garnered the only mound charge of Bonds’ career. Nearly three decades later, the story appeared to be news to Netflix.
May 28, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) looks on during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Las Vegas Raiders have always been a part of some sort of drama, but there aren’t many crazier moments than when they got Antonio Brown.
The Las Vegas Raiders are not immune to drama. In fact, you can argue they often have more drama than any other team. That has been a huge part of what the Raiders have been known for the last few years. Once upon a time, they were even part of one of the wilder sagas in the NFL.
When Jon Gruden was head coach, he brought on Antonio Brown, who’s one of the best wide receivers of all time. It was worth a shot, but there were some wild moments. It lasted only a short time before Brown went on to play for the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and then retired from the NFL. But now we know some of the wilder stories from training camp with the Raiders, as Maxx Crosby did a tell-all on a recent stream.
Maxx Crosby tells a few Antonio Brown stories in little detail
“He was my teammate for about four months. He came to training camp in a hot air balloon. He burned his feet in a cryotherapy chamber. He just had so much going on. But he was so cold. He did whatever the f**k he wanted,” Crosby said on popular stream Neon’s stream.
Maxx Crosby told N3on his WILDEST NFL stories came from when he was teammates with Antonio Brown for four months..😲🏈
• Flew into training camp in a hot air balloon • Burned his feet in a cryotherapy chamber • Played with his kids in the middle of practice
As we stated earlier, Brown is still one of the greatest wide receivers to play the game. He finished his NFL career with 12,291 receiving yards, 928 catches, and 83 touchdowns. He’s top-30 all-time in the three major receiving categories. So, he deserves his flowers for sure.
The Raiders have been a part of some pretty notable drama-filled moments since, like the whole Davante Adams situation. Now, that one wasn’t nearly as wild, but the trade demand was kind of weird. Then there was even the Maxx Crosby situation this offseason that was a bit weird. This is just something the Raiders have been a part of.
CompassPoint Consulting has formalised a strategic partnership with CGI, the Dubai-based compliance and governance consultancy, to support growing businesses across the UAE and GCC with integrated financial, compliance and governance advisory.
The partnership brings together two complementary areas of expertise that are increasingly critical for companies operating in fast-moving regional markets.
CGI provides senior-led compliance, governance, AML, KYC and regulatory advisory services, helping businesses strengthen their frameworks, manage complexity and make clearer decisions in regulated and non-regulated environments.
Together, the two firms will support clients across both their financial and regulatory needs, helping founders, leadership teams, family offices and growth-stage companies access senior expertise without the cost or complexity of building every capability in-house.
For many businesses across the UAE and GCC, financial discipline and regulatory readiness are often treated as separate workstreams. Forecasting, cash flow visibility, profitability, governance, AML, KYC and regulatory preparedness may be handled by different advisers, at different times, with limited coordination between them. The new CompassPoint and CGI partnership has been designed to close that gap.
Through the partnership, clients will be able to access CompassPoint’s CFO-level finance insight alongside CGI’s execution-focused compliance and governance support, creating a more joined-up approach to business decision-making, risk management and sustainable growth.
Zaid Aboobaker, Founder and CEO of CompassPoint Consulting, said: “Growing businesses in the UAE and GCC are operating in markets with enormous opportunity, but opportunity also brings complexity. Founders and leadership teams need clarity on their numbers, their cash position, their forecasts and their growth plans. At the same time, they need to understand their governance responsibilities, regulatory obligations and compliance risks.
“Our partnership with CGI reflects the way we believe advisory support should work. Businesses do not need disconnected advice. They need senior people who understand their objectives, can work together, and can help them make practical decisions with confidence. By combining CompassPoint’s fractional CFO and strategic finance capability with CGI’s compliance, AML, KYC and governance expertise, we can support clients across a much broader part of their journey.”
CGI is a boutique consultancy built around client-led decision-making, discretion and senior accountability. With a focus on the UAE market and international capabilities, CGI supports businesses, individuals and family offices in complex situations where structure, pace and execution are essential.
Jamie Killilea, Partner and Head of Global Compliance at CGI, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with CompassPoint Consulting. Our two firms bring highly complementary skillsets, but we also share a similar view of what clients need from advisers: clarity, accountability, practical judgement and work that can be executed.”
Mike Foster-Dalporto, Partner and COO at CGI, added: “Compliance, governance, AML and KYC are no longer issues that businesses can treat as administrative or reactive. They are central to how companies protect value, maintain trust and create the conditions for sustainable growth. By working with CompassPoint, we can help clients connect the financial and regulatory sides of their business more effectively.”
The partnership forms part of CompassPoint Consulting’s wider strategy to partner with companies whose services complement its own. The firm is actively building a network of specialist advisory partners to give clients access to a broader range of high-quality support across finance, operations, governance and business growth.
Zaid added: “Our clients are building, scaling and navigating complexity in one of the world’s most dynamic business regions. They need trusted relationships around them, but they also need those relationships to be coordinated. This partnership is about giving clients access to the right expertise, at the right time, through a practical and joined-up advisory model.”
More than 100 young people from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have spent the last few weeks reimagining some of PepsiCo’s favorite brands for their local communities.
The second edition of Youth Impact Studio (YIS), PepsiCo’s program for nurturing a new generation of innovators in the Middle East, saw young changemakers invited to step into the role of brand strategists for Aquafina, Pepsi Zero, and Sting to run brand audits, dig into consumer insights, and build integrated brands campaigns designed to resonate with their generation.
Teams from each market were briefed to create campaigns with a big social impact. The briefs included “Moments of Clarity” and “Drops of Change” for Aquafina, inviting young people in Jordan and Lebanon to capture stillness and small acts of positive change. In Saudi Arabia, teams created campaigns around the “The 12th Player”, celebrating the energy of football fans and the nation’s momentum under Saudi Vision 2030, while the UAE teams’ “Full Throttle” campaigns channeled the spirit of ambition and creative drive. In Iraq, Sting inspired campaigns built around the spirit of local energy.
The program, delivered in partnership with parachute16 and supported by PepsiCo’s local bottlers, culminated last weekend in a regional summit in Amman with five participants attending from each country. At the summit’s conclusion, five individuals – one from each country – were selected to visit PepsiCo’s R&D hub in Dublin.
“As a company deeply rooted in the Middle East, we believe in the power of young people to shape the region’s future,” said Wael Ismail, VP of Corporate Affairs for MENAPAK. “This year’s participants challenged assumptions, debated ideas, and co-created solutions from their communities and cultures. They gave us valuable insight into how youth see our brands and reminded us that the best ideas for positive change often come from young people themselves. Our role is to listen and give those ideas a platform.”
While participants used AI to support the creative process, the competition heavily emphasized human creativity with young people developing skills in public speaking and pitching, design thinking, teamwork, leadership, and problem solving.
YIS 2026 expanded beyond the first edition’s focus on sustainability to include broader themes like social impact, storytelling, and community engagement. More than a one-off competition, YIS is a growing community where young people across the region come together to learn, share perspectives, collaborate, and innovate. It forms part of PepsiCo’s ongoing commitment to investing in the region’s youth and providing a platform to amplify young people’s voices and ideas.
Emirates NBD and Techstars announced a strategic partnership to shift from traditional startup mentorship towards a commercially driven “Acceleration-to-Enterprise” model, designed to integrate high-growth AI and Fintech innovations directly into Emirates NBD’s banking ecosystem encompassing multiple markets. This partnership follows Emirates NBD’s recent #1 ranking in the inaugural Evident AI Index for Banks – Middle East and Africa, where it was the only bank to achieve top three performance across Talent, Innovation and Leadership, underscoring the bank’s position as one of the region’s most advanced financial institutions in artificial intelligence maturity.
The partnership unites Techstars with Emirates NBD’s established innovation ecosystem, including its Fintech engagement initiatives, AI-driven transformation programmes, and strategic partnerships with global technology leaders. By combining Techstars’ global pipeline of over 11,000 founders with the bank’s advanced analytics infrastructure, which currently manages over 50 active AI use cases, the alliance will deliver scalable, commercial pathways for agentic Fintech startups, with a focus on compliance, wealth management, SME banking, and capital markets.
This initiative is a core component of Emirates NBD’s commitment to the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to rank Dubai as one of the top four global financial centres by 2033.
Miguel Rio Tinto, Group Chief Digital and Information Officer at Emirates NBD, commented: “With Dubai now home to nearly 60% of GCC FinTech companies, we are pleased to partner with Techstars to tap into and capture Fintech’s new wave of innovation in agentic finance. Leveraging Emirates NBD’s regional footprint and digital capabilities, we are providing selected AI and Fintech startups with a direct pathway into enterprise banking, supporting solutions that can transform how we serve our nine million active customers.”
Neeraj Makin, Group Head of Strategy, Analytics and Venture Capital at Emirates NBD, said: “The partnership with Techstars reflects Emirates NBD’s continued focus on strengthening its innovation ecosystem and deepening engagement with global technology and startup networks. By combining access to emerging founders, market intelligence and new technology trends, we aim to accelerate innovation opportunities that support the Group’s long-term strategic, digital and AI ambitions across the region.”
Unlike standard accelerator programmes, this partnership emphasises enhancing the customer experience through highly personalised, secure, and resilient AI-driven banking services. Startups that solve real use cases and deliver bottom-line impact will gain access to Emirates NBD’s cloud-native infrastructure to pilot solutions that address fast-growing opportunities in the MENAT region and the surging demand for transparent, AI-powered investor intelligence.
David Cohen, CEO of Techstars, stated: “Techstars has always been about helping founders go faster. By partnering with a proactive, AI-first institution like Emirates NBD, we are giving our Fintech and AI founders a front-row seat to one of the most dynamic financial markets in the world. The UAE’s commitment to becoming a global hub for intelligent, data-driven innovation makes it the perfect launchpad for enterprise-grade solutions that will redefine the future of finance.”
In 2025, Emirates NBD advanced its AI-enabled capabilities, strengthened customer journeys, and built a more modern, cloud-native, and modular technology foundation with next-generation capabilities across the Group. The bank’s year-on-year growth is a direct result of its strategic investment in GenAI and digital initiatives, which are now being opened to the Techstars ecosystem to drive the next wave of financial inclusion and growth in the digital economy.
The initiative complements Emirates NBD’s broader innovation agenda, including programmes such as the National Digital Talent Incubator (NDTI), which focuses on developing the next generation of regional FinTech entrepreneurs.
SupperClub Global today announces the launch of its new mobile app, now available to download on iOS and Android, marking a significant milestone in the premium dining and lifestyle platform’s continued growth and evolution. The app brings SupperClub’s global network of hospitality venues and exclusive offers directly into its members’ hands, with access across more than 21 countries.
The new SupperClub Global mobile app serves as a key consumer-facing touchpoint within the broader tech ecosystem, connecting members, partners and platforms in a more immediate way. The launch further proves SupperClub Global’s momentum as a female-owned UAE business that has scaled rapidly both regionally and internationally. The last year was the most successful yet for the brand, achieving 2,000% membership growth, 30% year-on-year increase in platform partners, double-digit growth in reservations with over 100,000 bookings facilitated, and more than 400 new restaurant partners added.
While SupperClub Global has previously operated via its web platform alongside a dedicated WhatsApp concierge, the introduction of the mobile app represents a natural next step, simplifying how members discover, book and access elite benefits. The design remains aligned with SupperClub Global’s core philosophy of discreet, experience-led offers, and works seamlessly alongside the other booking options.
SupperClub Global continues to evolve beyond a membership platform into a scalable, API-driven ecosystem. In addition to the new app, the business has built a modular infrastructure that enables integration with banks, payment networks and enterprise systems, allowing curated experiences to function as a programmable benefit layer embedded within external partner platforms. For example, SupperClub Global operates “Premium Dining Edition” for Visa Infinite cardholders, accessed directly through the Visa Airport Companion App. SupperClub Global can support capabilities such as card-linked offers, real-time eligibility validation, and partner-specific rule engines, enabling the frictionless deployment of fully configurable, high-value privileges, engineered for strategic collaborations.
“At the heart of this launch is our commitment to creating seamless, elevated access to the best of hospitality,” said Mehreen Omar, CEO and Co-Founder of SupperClub Global. “The new mobile app puts SupperClub Global in the palms of our members’ hands, with even more convenient ways to browse and book offers, ensuring an effortless brand experience wherever they are. At the same time, we are building the infrastructure to deliver these benefits more intelligently across partners and external platforms. As we continue to grow, our focus is to further elevate membership access with an expanded curated network around the world, while strengthening support for both our venue partners and enterprise partners.”
The SupperClub Global mobile app is available to download now on iOS and Android. For more information, visit https://supperclubme.com/memberships.
UAE-based startup Taggy, a fashion resale platform, today announced it is entering its next phase of growth with a clear goal: to make buying and selling pre-loved fashion more effortless, intelligent, and accessible in the Middle East.
As the UAE continues to embrace more conscious ways of shopping, Taggy is positioned at the intersection of fashion, technology and sustainability. The platform encourages users to extend the life cycle of clothing, unlock the value of pieces they no longer wear and access quality fashion at more affordable price points.
While interest in resale continues to grow globally, selling fashion online can be time-consuming. Sellers often need to photograph items, write descriptions, set prices, respond to enquiries, manage packaging, and coordinate delivery. Buyers, meanwhile, can face inconsistent listings, limited search tools, slow delivery and uncertainty around product quality.
The need for more circular fashion solutions is increasingly urgent. The fashion industry is a major contributor to global emissions: the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change estimates that fashion contributes around 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions due to long supply chains and energy-intensive production. In the UAE, the shift towards more responsible consumption aligns with the country’s wider sustainability agenda, including its Net Zero 2050 Strategy and Circular Economy Policy 2021–2031, which promote resource efficiency, waste reduction and more sustainable consumption models. By helping users extend the life of clothing already in circulation, Taggy supports a more conscious way of shopping that reduces waste, encourages reuse and makes sustainable fashion choices more accessible.
Through AI-assisted listing tools, personalised shopping recommendations, secure payments, buyer protection and fulfilment-led services, the platform makes resale as easy and reliable as shopping new. For sellers, Taggy simplifies the process of turning unworn pieces into earnings. The platform’s listing technology can help generate product titles, descriptions, categories, style tags and pricing recommendations, reducing the effort required to list items. Sellers can choose to self-list through the app, while Taggy’s longer-term service model includes additional support such as virtual listing, in-person listing, and professional photography.
For buyers, Taggy offers a curated shopping journey. The platform learns from each user’s favourite brands, sizes, style preferences, wishlists and shopping behaviour to create a personalised discovery experience.
“Taggy was created to make resale feel effortless,” says Mark Leeming, Co-Founder of Taggy. “Our goal is to build the region’s most intelligent fashion marketplace, one that uses technology to remove the friction from selling, buying and discovering pre-loved fashion. By making resale easier, more trusted and more accessible, we can help build a future where sustainable shopping becomes the first choice, not the alternative.”
Taggy is now inviting UAE residents to explore the platform, list their pre-loved pieces and discover a smarter way to shop second-hand.
Pulisic's future appears to depend on one key factor, making the coming weeks crucial for both player and club.
Christian Pulisic faces one of the most important moments of his AC Milan career after a difficult year on and off the pitch, while Ruben Amorim prepares to reshape the Rossoneri with a new vision. The United States international has battled injuries, struggled for consistency, and is now weighing a long-term commitment as Milan begins a new era under its recently appointed head coach. His future, however, appears to depend on one key factor, making the coming weeks crucial for both player and club.
The American star entered 2026 with high expectations but endured a frustrating campaign for both club and country. After failing to score during the World Cup and suffering another injury before the tournament concluded, Pulisic now faces an extended recovery period while also deciding whether Milan remains the right place for the next chapter of his career.
Pulisic’s World Cup ended in disappointment after he suffered a bone bruise and a microfracture involving his lower leg during the United States’ Round of 16 defeat to Belgium. Medical examinations reportedly confirmed the injury, with expectations that he will spend between four and six weeks on the sidelines before returning to training.
The setback capped an exhausting tournament in which the Rossoneri winger was already managing fitness concerns. Earlier in the competition, calf problems limited his playing time, forcing the United States to carefully manage his workload before he eventually returned for the knockout rounds.
It’s been reported that the injury occurred after a collision during an attacking move against Belgium. Although the 27-year-old initially attempted to continue, he was eventually substituted as the Americans crashed out of the tournament.
Milan still planning for Pulisic’s return
Despite the disappointing World Cup, Milan remains committed to the American international. Club medical staff are reportedly working alongside U.S. Soccer to oversee his rehabilitation, with the target of having him available for preseason training in August.
If everything proceeds according to schedule, Pulisic could still be fit for Milan’s Serie A opener later in the summer. That timeline has eased fears of a long-term absence, allowing the Rossoneri to focus on integrating him into Amorim’s tactical plans.
Even so, the injury arrived after an already disappointing campaign. Pulisic finished the 2025-26 Serie A season with eight goals and four assists, but his form dipped dramatically over the final months, failing to score across his final 19 league appearances.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates after scoring a goal.
The key factor behind Pulisic’s contract decision
Before committing his future to Milan, Pulisic reportedly wants to fully evaluate Ruben Amorim’s sporting project at the club, as perThe Athletic.The American’s current contract runs until 2027, while the Italian side also holds an option to extend the agreement by another season. Club executives, however, reportedly hope to secure him on a much longer deal running through either 2030 or 2031.
With his 28th birthday approaching in September, Pulisic understands that his next contract could be the last major agreement of his career. Reports suggest he prefers to take his time before making such an important decision rather than rushing into an extension.
The situation has also changed dramatically since he departed for the World Cup. Milan now has new leadership, a new coaching staff, and an entirely different sporting direction under Amorim, making the coming months an important evaluation period for the American.
While uncertainty surrounds Pulisic’s contract, Amorim has already publicly declared the American indispensable.“Pulisic is a really talented player; of course, he had an injury again in the World Cup that we need to assess,” Amorim said during his presentation.
The Portuguese coach also explained why he believes Pulisic fits perfectly into his tactical philosophy. “He is perfect for the way I think about football, especially here in Italy, where sometimes the teams defend so well there is less space between the lines; he is a player who can make the difference in that kind of space.”
Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly remains Jorge Jesus' trusted man ahead of Portugal's UEFA Nations League campaign for one crucial reason.
The 2026 World Cup may be in the rearview mirror, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s international journey is far from over. As Portugal kicks off a brand-new era under head coach Jorge Jesus, the legendary captain remains firmly at the heart of the squad. With the UEFA Nations League campaign fast approaching, Jesus is leaning heavily on his superstar forward to lead the line.
The appointment of Jesus marks the beginning of a fresh chapter for Portugal after Roberto Martinez stepped down following the team’s Round of 16 exit at the World Cup. While Ronaldo has yet to officially announce when he will retire from international soccer, the early signs suggest he will continue leading the Selecao das Quinas into another major competition.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) confirmed Jorge Jesus as the new national team manager, handing the experienced coach a contract that runs through the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host. After decades of success at club level across Portugal, Brazil, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia, Jesus now takes charge of his country for the first time.
His résumé includes league titles with Benfica, historic success with Flamengo, domestic trophies with Fenerbahce, and championship-winning campaigns in Saudi Arabia. Most recently, he guided Al-Nassr to its first Saudi Pro League title in seven years, working closely with Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix throughout the season.
Questions about Ronaldo’s international future intensified after Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup Round of 16, a match that ended with the captain leaving the field in tears. Although he acknowledged it was his final World Cup appearance, Ronaldo refused to rush into a decision regarding retirement.
“I’m sad to be leaving the World Cup like this. I gave it my all. I did my best. It was my last World Cup, yes, but I’ll now have time to reflect and be with my family. I won’t be making any rash decisions. I don’t decide anything in the heat of the moment.”Source: Ronaldo’s post-match comments.
Jesus quickly made his own position clear after accepting the Portugal job. “As long as he’s playing and is in a condition to be selected, I will pick him, within certain limits and under the conditions that I consider best for the national team,” the new Portugal coach said.
“I haven’t spoken with him yet. He is never going to be a problem for the national team. Not for the national team, nor for me. I had great pleasure working with him this past year. It’s easy to work with him.”
Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal applauds fans
The key reason behind Jesus’ confidence
As preparations begin for the next UEFA Nations League campaign, reports suggest Jesus has a very specific reason for continuing to trust Ronaldo.
According to ESPN journalist Bruno Andrade, speaking to Mais Futebol, Jesus wants to make the most of the extensive tactical, technical, and physical understanding of Cristiano Ronaldo acquired during their successful time together at Al-Nassr. That familiarity is expected to help the coach carefully manage Ronaldo’s workload throughout the UEFA Nations League, whose knockout phase will only take place in 2027.
The report also states that both the coach and the player are fully committed to the upcoming competition. Ronaldo has already confirmed he does not intend to play at the 2030 World Cup, but he has not established a timeline for ending his international career.
Cristiano Ronaldo and team mates of Portugal pose for a photo with the UEFA Nations League trophy
Ronaldo’s personal objective remains alive
Bruno Andrade also revealed another factor motivating the Portugal captain: “Cristiano Ronaldo needs just 24 more goals to reach 1000 in his career. And his biggest wish is to score that 1000th goal with the Portuguese national team, not with Al-Nassr.”
The journalist added that one point already appears settled inside the national team. “The one thing that’s certain so far is that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to play in the UEFA Nations League. Jorge Jesus also wants Cristiano Ronaldo in the squad for the tournament.”
believes could force to adapt his style, mainly by setting a pace that his more technically-gifted opponent finds uncomfortable. The two Americans have repeatedly been going back and forth over social media, outlining their demands for a potential clash at 144lbs. For context, Haney has verbally agreed to travel 3lbs below his preferred fighting weight, […]
Deal | 8BitDo is running a limited-time sale on several products in celebration of its 13th anniversary. Buyers will be able to purchase their favorite controller, keyboard, or mod kits for up to 50% off for the duration of the sales.
Honor previewed the Robot Phone earlier this year with a gimbal-stabilized main camera mounted on a robotic arm. A leak has now revealed several details about the upcoming device, including its display, chipset, and camera setup.
The Galaxy Z Fold7 featured a third generation of Armor FlexHinge, which was 27% thinner and 43% lighter than the hinge inside the Z Fold6. Now the company is introducing the next innovation that will make foldable displays even tougher and slimmer while minimizing the crease – Flex Titanium.
This is just a preview of what is to come on Wednesday next week. The Flex Titanium technology promises a more refined viewing experience for the new Z Folds, while making the display more resistant to external shocks and the wear and tear of being folded and unfolded hundreds of thousands of...
Liverpool-linked winger Michael Olise has received criticism for a particularly poor game for France against Spain in Tuesday night’s World Cup semi-final.
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The Bayern Munich star was not his usual self at all, and it proved hugely detrimental to France as they lost 2-0 to Spain and exited the competition.
Given the presence of world class attacking players like Olise, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola, and Rayan Cherki, this France side were seen as one of the big favourites for this year’s World Cup.
However, Olise really let them down tonight, with Get French Football News giving him just a 2/10 rating and slamming him for making some sloppy mistakes in possession.
Of course, France still have the third place play-off this weekend to think about, but their tournament is still essentially over, which might mean players switch their focus to potential transfers.
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Olise could be one to watch as TEAMtalk have linked him with Liverpool, while our colleague Christian Falk has written in his CF Bayern Insider column about the 24-year-old being unlikely to sign a new Bayern contract.
This could perhaps open the door for Liverpool, but it’s unlikely to be a deal that would come cheap.
Bayern are a huge club, so won’t want to sell a world class talent like Olise, even if he just had a pretty poor game for France.
An in-form Olise is one of the deadliest attacking players on the planet, and his playing style also makes him an ideal long-term Mohamed Salah replacement at Anfield.
In the first big soccer broadcasting move coming off the North American World Cup, Versant has reportedly acquired rights to air Bundesliga games in the U.S.
The top German soccer league, home to European powers Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund and several USMNT stars, will receive $100 million across five years on the new deal, according to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand. Games will be split between USA Network and Fandango, the online platform most known for publishing movie information and selling movie theater tickets.
For the past six years, Bundesliga matches have aired primarily on ESPN+ in the U.S., with a limited number set aside for ESPN linear networks. That deal earned the German league $30 million per year, according to reports from when the deal was signed.
Despite the slight downtick in revenue in moving from ESPN platforms to Versant’s, Bundesliga figures to reach a greater audience with Versant, with USA Network airing at least 30 matches and the rest airing free on Fandango, according to The Athletic and Sports Business Journal.
“The key headline for us is that we are expanding our accessibility in the U.S. while simultaneously delivering strong financial results,” Robin Austermann, an executive at Bundesliga Americas, told SBJ.
For Versant, the deal expands USA Network’s growing live sports portfolio, which includes the WNBA, college sports, and golf, in addition to international soccer with the English Premier League.
The most fascinating element of the partnership, though, is the introduction of Fandango’s advertising-based video on-demand service as a player in live sports programming. The 250-plus Bundesliga matches that USA Network does not air will go to Fandango, moving out from behind the ESPN+ paywall. Media companies and sports leagues are increasingly looking to digital platforms like Fandango as potential live sports broadcasters. Versant told SBJ it has aimed to put live sports onto Fandango since Comcast spun off Versant earlier this year. Comcast originally purchased Fandango in 2007 for $200 million, with plans to turn it into an on-demand video service.
Still, Bundesliga ultimately took about a 33 percent hit on this deal, signaling a challenging market for overseas soccer leagues even amid a record summer for World Cup viewership.
Soon, Premier League rights will hit the market, as NBC Universal’s $450 million-per-year contract for the popular English league expires after the 2027-28 season.
The Atlanta Dream announced a multi-year partnership with Emory Healthcare, naming it the Official Team Healthcare Provider and Official Sports Medicine Provider.
The partnership includes a vision to establish Atlanta as the nation’s leading Center of Excellence for Women’s Sports.
This center will integrate various medical fields, featuring a year-round “Built for Her” athlete performance model designed specifically around female physiology.
Emory Healthcare will provide a network of physicians, orthopedic specialists, athletic trainers, rehabilitation experts and performance professionals, collaborating with the Dream’s Sports Medicine team.
“We are proud to team up with the Atlanta Dream to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care that directly supports female athletes, while helping to translate that expertise into meaningful health education for women throughout metro Atlanta,” Joon S. Lee, MD, executive vice president for Woodruff Health Sciences at Emory University and CEO of Emory Healthcare said.
As part of the partnership, the Atlanta Dream and Emory Healthcare will launch “The Science Behind Her,” a new social content series to explore research and insights surrounding women’s health and athletic performance, featuring Emory physicians and experts.
Topics for will include performance, recovery, nutrition, hormonal health, mental wellness, injury prevention and emerging sports medicine research.
“As an organization built around empowering women, we believe caring for our athletes extends far beyond game day,” said Morgan Shaw Parker, president and COO of the Atlanta Dream. ”This partnership with Emory Health care ensures our players receive world-class care every day while allowing us to make meaningful investments in the health and well-being of women and girls throughout our community."
The two organizations are also planning a series of community health initiatives like wellness clinics, mobile health screenings, educational programming and community resources.
Wellness Night presented by Emory Health care is scheduled for August 16 at State Farm Arena. The Unstoppable Her Wellness Clinic presented by Emory Healthcare is scheduled for September 2026.
The FIFA World Cup semi-final clash between England and Argentina has been classed as the “highest risk” match of the tournament after the FBI and local police held a meeting this week.
The FBI, FIFA officials and the Atlanta Police Department held a meeting on Monday to discuss concerns over potential issues between the rival supporters who have a long-standing rivalry that transcends soccer.
England vs Argentina is one of soccer’s fiercest rivalries and has provided some of the World Cup’s most iconic ties over the years and it seems officials fear this rivalry could spill into the stands.
There will be separate gates of entry for each set of supporters. While efforts have been made to keep fans apart, once supporters are in the ground, fans will likely mix thanks to FIFA’s ticket resale system.
Atlanta PD issues statement ahead of England vs Argentina
In preparation for the game, Atlanta PD said: “As Atlanta prepares to host an upcoming FIFA World Cup semi-final match and welcomes increased numbers of residents and visitors, the Atlanta Police Department has enhanced its citywide public safety and security posture.
“Additional personnel and resources are already deployed and will continue to be strategically assigned in and around the event venues, entertainment districts, and other high-traffic areas to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
“These proactive measures are designed to protect the public, deter criminal activity, and ensure residents and visitors can safely enjoy this historic event.”
Photo by FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
In 1982, British forces and Argentina fought for control of the Falklands. Just this week, Argentina’s foreign minister stated their claim over the territory, which was swiftly rejected by British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
As the semi-final clash reignites this rivalry, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has stressed that this is just a soccer match and nothing more.
He said: “The message to the Argentine people is that this is a soccer match. We’re going to face a great team with a great coach, but it is just a soccer match, nothing more than that.”
Each team hotel has seen a heavy police presence with increased security around the Mercedes-Benz Stadium where the match will be played.
England‘s World Cup semi-final against Argentina is scheduled to kick off at 3pm local time.
Unfortunately for Dodgers fans who want to cheer on the next generation of Kemps, though, the younger player — also an outfielder — was taken by the San Francisco Giants in the 12th round.
Josiah Kemp was drafted out of Choctaw High School in Oklahoma, and Matt Kemp highlighted the accomplishment on social media with a pair of celebratory emojis.
What has Josiah Kemp’s baseball career been like?
Josiah Kemp had previously signaled that he’d play college baseball at the University of Oklahoma, though a recent check of his social media showed the Giants’ handle in his bio.
Choctaw’s Josiah Kemp runs home to score during a baseball game between Piedmont and Choctaw at Piedmont, Okla., Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Credit: BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
“Simple, contact-oriented swing, athletic CF with good defensive instincts,” Badler wrote.
Matt Kemp waits for his nephew, Choctaw’s Josiah Kemp, to sign with the University of Oklahoma baseball during signing day at Choctaw High School in Choctaw, Okla., Wednesday Nov. 12, 2025. Credit: SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The three-time MLB All-Star had clearly been following his nephew’s burgeoning baseball career, as he was pictured alongside the youngster at a signing ceremony for the Sooners.
What was Matt Kemp like as a Dodger?
Kemp played 15 years in the big leagues, including those three All-Star campaigns in 2011, 2012 and 2018, all with the Dodgers.
In his first All-Star year in 2011, he came in second in MVP voting and had an 8.0 bWAR, which led the National League.
VERO BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 27: Outfielder Matt Kemp #27 of the Los Angeles Dodgers poses during Photo Day on February 27, 2007 at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida. (Photo by: Doug Benc/Getty Images)
He also was named a Silver Slugger twice and won the Golden Glove twice, each time with the Boys in Blue.
In his career, he also played for the San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds and Colorado Rockies.
For his career, he slashed .284/.337/.484/.821 and recorded 1,808 hits, 287 home runs and 1,031 RBIs.
Following Brazil's disappointing elimination, Neymar Jr.'s future with the national team has come under serious doubt, as he was deeply affected by the result. In response, Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazário decided to support the veteran forward by offering him a clear piece of advice.
Brazil arrived at the 2026 World Cup as a favorite, as Carlo Ancelotti had been implementing a great style of play. However, they were eliminated by Norway in the Round of 16. After this, Neymar Jr.’s future with the national team is full of doubts, as he was deeply affected. In the midst of this, Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazário decided to support the veteran player, giving him advice about his international future.
“Don’t put any pressure on yourself and don’t decide anything right now. There’s no need. No one needs to decide anything out right now… We cannot forget that he is coming off two years of serious injury, He arrived as a sacrifice for this World Cup. He will catch the rhythm again. He will play 10, 15 games in a row. He will get back to scoring goals, he will regain his confidence,” said Ronaldo Nazario, via TNT Sports Brazil.
Neymar Jr. played a completely marginal role for Brazil in the 2026 World Cup. He only played in two matches, coming off the bench in both, and scored just one goal, which came from the penalty spot. Far from his limited involvement being due to physical reasons, he revealed that he was in full physical condition, meaning it was purely a tactical decision by Ancelotti.
Despite the fact that Neymar was clearly affected, he has reportedly not made a decision yet regarding his international retirement. Instead, he has decided to take a break, spending time at poker tournaments and purchasing a yacht. The 34-year-old star still has plenty of time to decide his international future, as he first needs to return to Santos and secure a new contract extension with solid performances.
Neymar Jr #10 of Brazil is consoled by Raphinha #11.
Neymar Jr. faces an uncertain future in Brazil under Ancelotti
Throughout Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure, Neymar Jr. has not even been a secondary player, but rather a marginal one. While he was called up for the 2026 World Cup, Lucas Paquetá and Matheus Cunha established as the preferred options in the attacking midfield. With Ancelotti under contract until 2030, it appears that the 34-year-old star will not change his status within the national team.
If Neymar Jr. decides to continue with Brazil, he would have the same role: The third option in the rotation. As the national team’s all-time leading scorer, he could decide not to force his return unless he is able to compete on equal terms for a starting spot. To achieve that, the 34-year-old star needs to shine again at Santos, while regaining physical consistency and rediscovering his goalscoring form.
At 34 years old, Neymar may no longer be aiming for the 2030 World Cup, but rather for the 2028 Copa América. Therefore, he still has several months to regain his motivation and earn a starting spot through his performances. To do so, he needs to arrive at the next call-up free of physical problems, something he was unable to achieve at the current World Cup. Even so, the task of convincing Ancelotti appears to be a difficult one.
Brazilian legend Ronaldo and Neymar Jr #10 of Brazil.
Apple's damning lawsuit against OpenAI appears to have had a profound impact on the latter's product launch cadence, with the latest report indicating that the maker of ChatGPT is now prioritizing a screen-free, mobile smart speaker, which is something that Apple currently does not have. OpenAI's planned smart speaker will have "mechanical elements" to help it move, and it will be able to connect with users on a human-like level As we detailed recently, Apple filed a damning lawsuit against OpenAI last week, accusing it of stealing its proprietary technology, circuit designs, and component architecture for a slew of upcoming consumer-geared AI […]
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Spain have knocked favourites France out of the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory, as Milan’s Mike Maignan, Adrien Rabiot and Roma midfielder Manu Koné miss out on the Final.
The Spaniards go on to face either England or Argentina in the Final on July 19 in New Jersey, while France will fight for the bronze medal on July 18.
Les Bleus had won every game so far in the tournament, but made two changes from the side that beat Morocco in the quarter-final, as Bradley Barcola was preferred to Désiré Doué, but above all Roma’s Manu Koné dropped to the bench as Aurelien Tchaoumeni recovered from a muscular injury.
Spain conceded only one goal in six World Cup games, during the 2-1 victory over Belgium, and again picked ex-Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz rather than Pedri.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JULY 14: (EDITOR’S NOTE: Image was captured using a remote camera from behind the goal.) Mikel Oyarzabal #21 of Spain converts a penalty to score his team’s first goal past Mike Maignan #16 of France during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 14, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Spain were awarded a penalty when Lucas Digne brought down Lamine Yamal, the defender who just agreed a move to PSG making a hash of a clearance. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up to convert past Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
The situation went from bad to worse for France, as moments later William Saliba went off with a back injury, then Fabian Ruiz prodded wide after a well-worked move set up by Yamal.
Unai Simon’s first real test was sprinting off his line to clear from Kylian Mbappé at the 42nd minute, then Mbappé just failed to get on the end of a fizzing Jules Koundé cross.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JULY 14: Adrien Rabiot #14 of France argues with referee Ivan Barton during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 14, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot was already on a yellow card and risked a second, so was replaced by Roma’s Koné for the restart.
INCREDIBLE
Spain one-two their way through the France defense and Pedro Porro doubles his country’s lead… pic.twitter.com/DFGCLMzFUC
However, Spain passed their way through the French side to score the second with Pedro Porro blasting in at the near post after a give and go with Dani Olmo.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JULY 14: Manu Kone #6 of France competes for the ball against Mikel Merino #6 of Spain during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 14, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Lamine Yamal had the ball in the net again moments later, but was flagged offside, while Mbappé saw his strike deflected inches wide by Marc Cucurella.
The best chance France had was when Unai Simon came rushing out to clear, but got back in time to stop Désiré Doué firing into the empty net.
Robin Gosens has agreed a transfer to Schalke 04 after he was frozen out of the Fiorentina squad in pre-season training, claim reports in Germany.
The player was informed he was not part of the plans in Florence and not even invited to join the team at Viola Park to work with new coach Fabio Grosso.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 8: Robin Gosens of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Real Betis Balompie at Artemio Franchi on May 8, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Gosens turned 32 earlier this month and his contract with the Viola was meant to run until June 2028.
Schalke 04 next destination for Gosens
FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 10: Robin Gosens of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Genoa CFC at Artemio Franchi on May 10, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
KU Leuven, Belgium’s largest and highest-ranked research university, has discovered structural flaws linking user identity to on-chain crypto assets. Crypto Wallet Extensions Leaking Private Data According to a recent publication, the study found that 85 popular browser wallet extensions leaked unique user data to third-party trackers and RPC providers (bridges that connect wallets to decentralized …
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The former Red Devils forward shone during his time in Ligue 1 and this has seen Fenerbahce pay €39m for him in total.
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Due to a sell-on clause in his contract, this gives Man Utd a pretty decent fee, though some of that also goes to another of his former clubs Getafe, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
See below for the full details and breakdown of the money involved here…
Fenerbahce confirm Mason Greenwood has joined from Marseille on a four-year contract.
Fee is €39m paid in three equal installments over three years.
Manchester United receive €15.6m due to a sell-on clause on the full fee. Yet €3.12m goes on to Getafe. It leaves #MUFC with… pic.twitter.com/ZePxaoN0D4
Jacobs posted: “Fenerbahce confirm Mason Greenwood has joined from Marseille on a four-year contract. Fee is €39m paid in three equal installments (sic) over three years. Manchester United receive €15.6m due to a sell-on clause on the full fee. Yet €3.12m goes on to Getafe. It leaves #MUFC with €12.48m.”
Manchester United continue to benefit from Mason Greenwood sale
Greenwood looked like an outstanding young talent when he first came up from United’s academy into their first-team, but in the end the club didn’t really have any choice but to let him go.
The 24-year-old was notably arrested after very serious allegations were made against him, though these charges were later dropped. Still, this led to him being suspended by United and he never played for them again.
Manchester United have reportedly had recent contact with the agents of Roma midfielder Manu Kone as they look for a third signing in that position this summer.
The Red Devils have already officially confirmed the arrivals of both Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos in midfield, but it seems they’re surprisingly still looking for more in that area of their squad.
A replacement for the departing Casemiro was undoubtedly needed, while Manuel Ugarte is also injured after generally struggling for form, so two new signings looked sensible.
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A third perhaps looks like a bit too much, however, when other positions also surely need strengthening.
Fabrizio Romano on Manchester United’s Manu Kone pursuit
Speaking in his latest post on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “Manchester United are still looking at midfielders. (There are) many names among the defensive midfielders.
“Many of you asking me, can you give us some names? It’s still early to indicate who is going to be the wanted player for Manchester United. I will tell you in the next days was going to develop there.
FS1 has seen one of its most successful months in recent memory on the back of World Cup viewership. The week of June 15 was the cable network’s most-watched in its history by total-day audience, averaging 885,000 viewers across its dayparts. But it appears as if that success did not rub off on the network’s new morning show, Wake Up Barstool.
According to a report by Austin Karp in Sports Business Journal, Wake Up Barstool averaged just 19,000 viewers on FS1 in the month of June, keeping in line with the show’s soft television ratings that began last September when it debuted. Get Up, the show that airs in the same hours on ESPN, averaged 426,000 viewers, a staggering 2,142% better than Wake Up Barstool, per SBJ.
The underwhelming viewership is particularly notable given FS1’s success throughout the rest of the month. Historically, major live sporting events, like World Cup matches, can have a halo effect on a network’s other programming, even lasting through the overnight hours and into the next day. No such momentum appeared to hold for the 8 a.m. ET episodes of Wake Up Barstool.
The show has failed to capture any sort of loyal audience on linear television since its debut at the beginning of last football season. In its first week on the air, Wake Up Barstoolaveraged 16,500 viewers on FS1. Of course, Wake Up Barstool is unique in the sense that it is also available in full on YouTube, where episodes generally earn between 5,000 and 20,000 additional views.
To be abundantly fair to the show, it did technically earn 2,500 more viewers on average in the month of June than it did in its inaugural week last September. But it’d be quite the stretch to call that improvement a success, especially considering the potential viewership windfall live World Cup matches could’ve provided.
WORCESTER – With some of the world's greatest soccer players playing above them on the big screen, the next generation took the field at Worcester Common during the city's World Cup watch party Tuesday afternoon, July 14.
Well, it wasn't exactly a field as much as a makeshift training ground, complete with drill areas, practice stations and a tiny pitch, as Worcester Common was transformed into the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Festival. The festival has been traveling to watch parties across the state to offer free games and instruction to youth players as a way to tie into the excitement of the World Cup with development of the world's most popular sport in Massachusetts.
"We want to bring awareness to youth soccer across the state," Tamie Endow, a Worcester resident and director of community engagement for Massachusetts Youth Soccer that produced the festival, said. "This summer we are getting out and doing a lot of traveling across the state."
The festival was in Pittsfield June 12 and will be in Leominster July 15 and July 19. Tuesday, July 14, local children were encouraged to participate in games set up by the organization including a small pitch that had been set up on the common.
"Showing up and getting kids together to have fun is the best way. We are so lucky to have such a great community that supports the youth in a way," Natalie Dellecese, a Holden mother who had two children playing on the pitch on Tuesday afternoon, July 14, said. "Soccer is probably the most accessible sport in terms of what you actually need. My boys play in the backyard barefoot with just a ball and making goals out of frisbees."
Jorge Landeo, a Worcester native who lives in Rutland, brought his son and nephews to the festivities Tuesday, July 14.
"We went to the watch part at Rockefeller Center in New York and that was really cool, but this is more of our hometown event. My son and my nephews love soccer. I've kind of brainwashed them," Landeo said. "When they get to be this age, they need to be moving. Sitting for even an hour is difficult, so something like this is perfect where they can watch the game but also move around."
The watch party took place during the semi-final game of the World Cup between Spain and France. The streets around Worcester Common were closed off, with police monitoring the perimeter and Department of Public Works vehicles used to block access on Front Street.
Alongside Massachusetts Youth Soccer, several local sports groups were also part of the event including Worcester Youth Soccer, Worcester Fuel Football Club, that sold refreshments, the Worcester Railers and the Worcester Revolution.
The crowd that gathered saw Spain defeat France to advance to the World Cup final, 2-0. The crowd cheered for both sides as star players, such as France's Kylian Mbappe, raced around the field. Spain's Lamine Yamal, a day after his 19th birthday and thus not much older than the kids on the mini-pitch, drew a critical penalty kick in the first half to lead to Spain's first goal.
Endow said that while Massachusetts Youth Soccer offers numerous organized programs, such as the GOALS program which promotes organized youth soccer in urban communities like Worcester, being able to promote free, accessible soccer like the games on the mini-pitch on Worcester Common were her favorite way to bring the game of soccer to people in Massachusetts.
"The best part is seeing families and kids get involved, getting them on the pitch and start playing. That is the way soccer is like around the world. Here in the United States, soccer is very organized and what we are trying to promote is pick-up soccer. Kids just going out and having fun," Endow said.
The Jacksonville Jaguars announced the team will open 10 training camp sessions to fans in 2026, beginning with a practice at the Miller Electric Center on July 29.
Because of limited seating, the team requires fans to log into jaguars.com beginning July 15 to secure free tickets and parking passes. Season ticket members can secure tickets beginning at noon and others at 1 p.m. New this year, fans also can sign up on the site for priority access, receive a notification, and get tickets beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Other available dates that are open to the public are Thursday, July 30; Friday, July 31; Sunday, August 2; Monday, August 3; a Teal & White Game on Friday, August 7; Sunday, August 9; a joint practice with the Carolina on Wednesday, August 19; Sunday, August 23; and a joint practice with Tampa Bay on Tuesday, August 25.
Each open camp day will feature giveaways, offers, or programming. The center’s pro shop and concessions will be open.
For the first seven dates and on Aug. 9, parking lots open at 7 a.m., gates open at 7:45 a.m., and these regular practice sessions start at about 8:30 a.m.
For a Teal and White game on August 7, parking and gates open 15 minutes earlier. Warmups begin at 8:30 a.m., and the game gets underway at 10:30 a.m.
For joint practices on August 19 and 25, parking lots open at 8 a.m., gates open at 8:8:45 a.m., and the joint practices begin at 9:30 a.m.
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After their elimination from the 2026 World Cup, Croatia decided to part ways with Zlatko Dalić, a move that appeared to bring Luka Modrić closer to retiring from international soccer. However, he is reportedly considering continuing to play for the national team with Slaven Bilić's arrival.
Croatia entered the 2026 World Cup as one of the strongest national teams. After reaching the final in 2018 and finishing third in 2022, they appeared destined to shine. However, they were eliminated in the Round of 32, leading to Zlatko Dalić’s dismissal. As a result, Luka Modrić seemed destined to retire from international soccer, but Slaven Bilić’s return has reportedly brought the veteran star closer to continuing his career with the national team.
According to José Félix Díaz, via Diario AS, Luka Modrić closely followed Slaven Bilić’s negotiations with Croatia. During those talks, the veteran midfielder told the new head coach that he was considering continuing to play for the national team under his management. With Bilić’s appointment now confirmed, Modrić has the door open to further extend his international legacy.
Croatia’s new head coach, Slaven Bilić, has already worked with Luka Modrić during his professional career. From 2006 to 2012, he managed the national team in 65 matches, with the midfielder featuring in 50 of them, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists. In addition, José Félix Díaz revealed that the coach and Modrić would often meet in Madrid, highlighting the excellent relationship they share.
Luka Modrić already became the oldest player to represent Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, at 40 years and 296 days old. Far from being satisfied with his already remarkable legacy, he is aiming to continue adding to his achievements, having been the country’s most influential player of the modern era by a considerable margin. With UEFA Euro 2028 on the horizon, he could leave the door open to continuing his international career.
Luka Modric #10 of Croatia looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Ruben Amorim also opens the door to AC Milan for Modric
Throughout the 2025–26 season, Luka Modrić remained one of AC Milan‘s best players. Despite being the oldest player in the squad, he finished among the team’s most-used players in terms of minutes played. However, the veteran midfielder has yet to renew his contract with the club. As a result, head coach Ruben Amorim has publicly opened the door for him to continue with the team.
“Modrić is a player we absolutely want to keep because of his experience. I have spoken with him twice and, if necessary, I will do so again. He is a key figure, especially in the early stages, to help us keep more possession of the ball. He may not play every match, but we really want to have him with us next season,” revealed Ruben Amorim in early July, as per Diario AS.
Amid the Rossoneri project renewal, Modrić could once again be decisive. Not only would he be key in helping the young players, but also in the Europa League. In addition, Luka would maintain his great importance in the rotation, something that would be key to motivating him. If he does not opt for professional retirement, he could be open to continuing with the team for at least one more season.
Luka Modric #10 of Croatia celebrates after earning his 200th cap.
In a first-of-its-kind move, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state-level moratorium on data center construction. Hochul's decision follows growing concerns about the resource-intensive computing centers that are necessary to power what is being dubbed the next industrial revolution. Most AI data centers are powered by NVIDIA Corporation's GPUs, with the average data center requiring millions of gallons of water daily to perform efficiently. New York State Data Center Construction To Be Paused In Moratorium Being Signed Tomorrow In her statement, Governor Hochul outlined that the resource-intensive nature of data centers was at the center of her […]
OpenAI rolled out an update for its ChatGPT app for Apple’s macOS, and while one user claims that the previous chat layout and project history were “completely messed up,” the update introduced what appears to be a terrifying shift in the AI agent’s behavior that could discourage other users who value their privacy. Apparently, when asked where the missing projects were, ChatGPT showed an exact local directory path, which, according to the user, shouldn’t be possible without proper authorization. Based on this incident, it appears that the app is accessing and indexing local files on its own, which is a […]
A multinational cybersecurity advisory warns that Russian hackers are exploiting poorly secured and outdated routers to infiltrate critical infrastructure networks worldwide. Agencies urge organizations to update or replace vulnerable devices and strengthen authentication, among other things.
DuRoBo’s new Moodi Bluetooth 5.4 page turner adds customizable emoji button caps and multi‑mode controls for hands‑free operation of its Krono e‑ink reader. The compact accessory offers weeks‑long battery life and a $35.99 price point.
Deal | The Nintendo Switch 2 Choose Your Game bundle normally sells for $499. However, for a limited time, you can save $49 and score it for just $450.
Global smartphone shipments have just recorded their weakest second-quarter showing since 2013, as memory shortages drive up prices and weaken demand for budget devices. Analysts expect component constraints and higher retail prices to weigh on the market through the rest of the year.
Numerous well-equipped Garmin smartwatches are receiving a new software update. While it promises meaningful improvements to the user experience, it also introduces a notable drawback: several Fenix models are losing two features.
Huawei just announced its new Pura 90s phones - the Pura 90s Pro and the Pura 90s Pro Max. Two very similar phones but for slightly different crowds. Of course, the Pro Max gives you all the top-end features while the 90s Pro comes in a more compact footprint with minimal trade-offs. We already did a detailed hands-on of the Pura 90s Pro Max showing what the camera system is capable of.
Huawei Pura 90s Pro
The most notable difference between the two devices is the display size. The Pura 90s Pro gets a 6.6-inch screen, but doesn't skimp on the features. Just like the Pura 90s...
Omdia released its global smartphone market share report for the second quarter of this year (April-June) yesterday, and today it's following up with the picture for the Mainland China market.
Overall shipments have declined by 2% compared to Q2 2025. Despite that, both Huawei and Apple have managed to grow their shipments and market shares.
As you can see below, Huawei shipped a record 15.2 million devices for a 23% market share, up from 12.2 million and 18%, respectively, in the year-ago quarter. Apple, on the other hand, shipped 12.4 million iPhones for a 19% market share, up...
Backed by Dragonfly, FirstMark and Coinbase Ventures, the startup is expanding software that helps businesses integrate stablecoins into treasury and payment workflows.
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OpenAI’s ad revenue forecast is on pace to miss its 2030 target by 90%, according to Emarketer.
OpenAI projected $2.5 billion in ad revenue this year and $100 billion by 2030. Emarketer estimates the entire U.S. market for standalone chatbot ads will generate less than $1 billion this year and $5.41 billion by 2030.
OpenAI’s target. OpenAI began testing ChatGPT ads in February. By April, the company projected that ad revenue would grow to $100 billion within five years. But that forecast is larger than Emarketer’s 2030 estimate for the full U.S. chatbot ad market.
What Emarketer measured. Emarketer’s estimate covers standalone chatbots in the U.S., including ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google AI Mode and Amazon Alexa for Shopping, formerly Rufus. The research firm’s forecast puts the 2030 market ceiling at $5.41 billion, far below OpenAI’s target for its ad business alone.
Why we care. Chatbot ads are still a small market, despite growing interest in AI search and shopping. The gap between OpenAI’s target and Emarketer’s forecast shows ChatGPT Ads have a long way to go.
Assumptions vs. reality? OpenAI’s forecast assumes the company will capture search ad budgets at scale, dominate a mature chatbot ad market, and outperform every ad format in history, Adweek reported. Emarketer’s data points to a much smaller market.
Mason Greenwood has officially joined Fenerbahce from Olympique Marseille for €39m plus add-ons, ending one of the transfer sagas of the summer, as Roma were frozen out.
The Giallorossi did not disguise that he was the first choice to strengthen their attack after qualifying for the Champions League.
However, while they were prepared to perhaps pay even more than Fenerbahce ultimately did, they could not compete with the reported wages of €10m per season in Turkiye.
Greenwood also seemed to favour a move to Fenerbahce, holding negotiations with two different Presidential candidates, as Roma were unable to convince him.
MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 16: Mason Greenwood of Olymquique de Marseille gestures during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Olympique de Marseille at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Fenerbahce released a formal statement confirming that the fee is worth €39m and will be paid to Olympique Marseille over three instalments in three years.
They will also pay the solidarity contribution to Getafe, while Marseille must give 40 per cent of the profit to his former club Manchester United.
There were other issues for Roma too, as fans set up a petition urging them not to buy a player with a history of domestic violence allegations.
FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 26: Luis Balbo of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and US Sassuolo Calcio at Artemio Franchi on April 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Coming up through the youth academies of FC Porto and Famalicao, he joined Fiorentina in January 2024 and was promoted to the senior squad in January 2026.
Now that Juventus are pocketing €20m from the €40m sale of Tarik Muharemovic to Leeds United, they will reportedly use it to get Jhon Lucumi from Bologna.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Francisco Conceicao of Juventus and Tarik Muharemovic of US Sassuolo Calcio battle for possession during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Sassuolo Calcio at Allianz Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
As part of the original €2m move to the Neroverdi, Juve are owed 50 per cent of the future sale fee, so are going to bring in €20m this summer.
Juventus reinvest Muharemovic cash in Lucumi
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – JUNE 17: Jhon Lucumi #3 of Colombia looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match between Uzbekistan and Colombia at Mexico City Stadium on June 17, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
His release clause was set at €28m, but that expires tomorrow, so Juve are going to ask for a small discount in negotiations.
Juve had the opportunity to bring Muharemovic back to Turin at half-price, at a cost of just €18m, but had instead preferred someone with Lucumi’s experience and characteristics.
The Colombia international turned 28 last month and is down to the final few months of his contract at the Stadio Dall’Ara, set to expire in June 2027.
Bologna had paid €8m to buy him from KRC Genk in the summer of 2022.
Tottenham Hotspur are demanding €50m to sell defender Cristian Romero, claim Sportitalia, so Inter are very unlikely to beat Barcelona to his signature.
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – JULY 10: Cristian Romero #13 of Argentina attends a training session one day ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match at Sporting Kansas City Training Centre on July 10, 2026 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images)
Notably, this was an idea put forward by Tottenham directors and not a request for information by Inter.
Cuti Romero asking price set for Inter
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur applauds the fans following the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
That is just under what the Premier League side paid to buy him from Atalanta in 2022, the fee then €53.8m after an initial loan spell in 2021-22.
Although he only recently signed a new contract in August 2025, the rapport between the defender and Tottenham has plummeted in recent months.
Both club and player believe their time together is over, but with a contract until 2029, they need to reach an agreement.
Inter had already baulked at paying €50m for Marco Palestra, a young player with future sale value, so are unlikely to shell out a similar sum for a centre-back, not to mention his wage demands.
The 28-year-old already knows Serie A well, having played for Genoa, Juventus and Atalanta.
Inter and Barcelona are interested in signing Cristian Romero, claims Fabrizio Romano, as the Argentina international could leave Tottenham Hotspur.
The 28-year-old’s future has been up in the air for a while, as his current contract runs to June 2029, but he is frustrated at their difficulties after risking relegation.
Sportitalia had already reported that he was pushing for an exit this summer.
Romero proposed to Inter
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 07: Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur controls the ball during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 07, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
He claims that it was Tottenham who suggested Inter look into the possibility of buying Romero.
The Nerazzurri are seeking an experienced centre-back and Cuti would fit the bill, especially as there is already a strong Argentine flavour at the club with Lautaro Martinez and vice president Javier Zanetti.
More importantly, Romero already knows Serie A well, having come to Italy for Genoa in 2018, then playing for Juventus and Atalanta, where he made the €53.8m move to Tottenham in the summer of 2021.
It seems everyone involved in the Christos Tzolis to Arsenal transfer deal expects this to happen soon, according to the reliable Hand of Arsenal account.
Tzolis, currently of Club Brugge, has shone during his time in Belgium, as well as with his performances for the Greek national team, and it could be that he’s about to earn himself a big move this summer.
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The 24-year-old scored 22 goals in total in the season just gone, so looks very much like the kind of prolific goal-scoring winger Arsenal will need to replace the departing Leandro Trossard.
See below for HoA’s latest update on all the major Arsenal transfer news, which features a line on Tzolis looking like happening soon…
Julian Alvarez
– From my last update, every single point still remains true – Arteta sees Julian as a major marquee transformational signing – There are direct fresh contacts between the ownership at Arsenal and Atleti regarding a possible transfer. There is still a gap in the…
“People around the Tzolis deal on both sides expect it to progress soon,” HoA said.
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Christos Tzolis looks like a smart signing for Arsenal
While there may be bigger names being linked with Arsenal at the moment, such as Julian Alvarez, Morgan Rogers, and Bruno Guimaraes, all mentioned in the post above, it looks like Tzolis could be a smart purchase.
The Greece international probably won’t be very expensive, and he arrives in fine form after performing so well with Brugge.
Given that he’d probably mostly be coming in to be a squad player, Tzolis looks pretty much the ideal profile, and there’s always the chance that he’ll improve further as he gains more experience.
In many ways, Tzolis looks like someone who could develop into the kind of player Trossard was for Arsenal, and that can only be a good thing.
Gooners will be keen to see more established world class stars arriving, but they’ll also know the value or having reliable squad players who know where the back of the net is.
Arsenal centre-back William Saliba has gone off injured in the first half of tonight’s World Cup semi-final clash between France and Spain.
The Frenchman was unable to continue as he seemed to have a sudden problem with his back, and he’s been replaced by Maxence Lacroix.
It is not yet clear how serious this injury for Saliba will prove to be, but it’s perhaps not a great sign that he was taken off immediately despite suffering this problem when there wasn’t anyone around him.
Watch below for the moment Saliba simply had to stop playing as he fell to the ground…
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Saliba was a star performer for Arsenal as they won the Premier League title in 2025/26, and he’s been key for France at this World Cup as well.
It remains to be seen if this will now be his final moment at this tournament, with France 1-0 down to Spain at the time of writing, while one imagines there could be doubts over his fitness for the start of the new club season as well.
William Saliba’s injury concerns going into this World Cup
This is not the first time we’ve heard about Saliba having a back problem, as it was reported as being an issue for him ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
The 25-year-old was reported as looking likely to miss the World Cup, as per ESPN, though in the end he was able to take part, at least until this evening’s flare-up.
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Meanwhile, L’Equipe also reported that Saliba may require surgery after the tournament, which could mean a delay to the start of the 2026/27 campaign with Arsenal.
After playing so much football for Arsenal as they won the title and reached two cup finals in the season just gone, it’s not too surprising that it’s all caught up with Saliba a little bit.
AFC supporters will just be hoping this doesn’t mean he’ll be out for a really lengthy period, or they’re surely going to find it very hard to replace him.
Arsenal have reportedly had fresh contacts over a potential transfer deal for Julian Alvarez, though there remains an issue with Atletico Madrid’s valuation.
The Gunners have been linked several times with the Argentina international, and it seems this story is not going away.
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There are direct fresh contacts between the ownership at Arsenal and Atleti regarding a possible transfer. There is still a gap in the valuation of the Argentine. W/@HandofArsenal#AFC
“There are direct fresh contacts between the ownership at Arsenal and Atleti regarding a possible transfer. There is still a gap in the valuation of the Argentine,” Bendoni posted on X.
This information was shared with the reliable Hand of Arsenal account, and there’s further information on Alvarez and other Arsenal targets there.
More on Julian Alvarez and other Arsenal transfer targets
– From my last update, every single point still remains true – Arteta sees Julian as a major marquee transformational signing – There are direct fresh contacts between the ownership at Arsenal and Atleti regarding a possible transfer. There is still a gap in the…
It seems Atletico are also really not keen to sell Alvarez to rivals Barca, so that could end up benefiting Arsenal, as long as they’re prepared to pay up.
Alvarez scored 20 goals in 49 games in all competitions last season, which was actually less than Viktor Gyokeres scored for Arsenal.
Still, most fans would surely agree that Alvarez’s all-round qualities would likely make him a significant upgrade on Gyokeres and also on the likes of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
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Alvarez is also Premier League-proven from his time at Manchester City, so this wouldn’t be too big a culture shock for him.
Whether or not that makes him worth paying such huge money for remains to be seen, especially when Arsenal also seem to have other big targets.
As HoA notes, the Premier League champions also want Morgan Rogers and Bruno Guimaraes, so unless they make several big sales this is all going to be very tricky to do in line with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
“EXCLUSIVE: Cuti Romero to leave Tottenham this summer, Inter held talks with Spurs over recent days. Romero has been offered as option during talks for Djed Spence. Inter keen but costs very high. Barça also like Cuti Romero,” Romano posted.
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What next for Cristian Romero?
Romero could be a decent signing for someone like Barcelona, while Inter also makes sense for him, even if that currently looks complicated due to how expensive the deal would be.
For now, it seems there isn’t much possibility of Romero staying in the Premier League, and that makes sense given that he hasn’t always appeared that settled here.
Despite some moments of quality, Romero hasn’t always looked that well suited to the physical demands of English football.
Still, it’s easy to imagine the 28-year-old still having the quality to perform at a high level in a different league, and perhaps in a more settled environment than he’s had at Tottenham.
Spurs have been poor in the last two seasons, finishing 17th in 2024/25 and 2025/26, so even if Romero could have done better at various points, he’s far from the only one under-performing, and the frequent managerial changes and poor decisions in the transfer market won’t have helped.
The National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2026, honoring three legendary players and three iconic coaches whose collegiate careers represent the highest levels of achievement in the history of the game.
The inductees include coaches Jay Wright, Orlando “Tubby” Smith and Ted Owens, alongside players Danny Ainge, Glen Rice and the late Walt Hazzard.
“The Class of 2026 represents the very best of college basketball—individuals whose performance, leadership and impact helped shape the game at the highest level,” NACB Hall of Fame CEO Kevin Henderson said. “Their legacies will forever be preserved as part of the sport’s rich history.”
Over his more than 30-year career, Smith led seven Division I programs, including Tulsa, the University of Georgia, Kentucky, Minnesota, Texas Tech, Memphis and High Point. Smith’s career included leading Kentucky to the 1998 national championship during his first season with the Wildcats.
Across decades of coaching, Smith also guided five different programs to the NCAA Tournament, including the Georgia Bulldogs, earning himself national and conference coaching honors and nearly 650 victories.
Smith finished his 31-year career as a collegiate head coach with a final win-loss record of 642-370.
While coaching at UGA, the bulldogs climbed as high as No. 14 in the AP poll after racing to a 10-1 start, only losing at North Carolina.
Georgia earned the No. 8 seed in the West Regional of the 1996 NCAA Tournament, with Smith at the helm.
During his tenure, the Bulldogs defeated Clemson 81-74 and upset top-seeded Purdue 76-69 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Georgia then dropped an 83-81 overtime decision to Syracuse, the eventual NCAA runner-up, in the “Sweet 16” in Denver.
In an announcement praising Smith’s career and the honor he is set to receive, UGA said Smith is one of just four coaches who have led five teams to the NCAA.
The Class of 2026 will be formally enshrined on Oct. 22 during the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Celebration at the College Basketball Experience in Kansas City, Mo.
FS1 earned a rare month-long victory over ESPN in primetime viewership during the month of June thanks to the strength of this year’s World Cup audience.
Fox Sports 1 averaged 1.31 million viewers in primetime throughout the month of June, good for the second most-watched cable network of the month behind only sister channel Fox News which averaged 2.26 million viewers in primetime. ESPN finished in third place, averaging 1.08 million viewers for the month in primetime.
Top Cable Channels for the month of June. Live+SD, Primetime. Viewers P2+.
1. FOX News Channel: 2.26M
2. Fox Sports 1: 1.31M
3. ESPN: 1.078M
4. MSNOW: 1.015M
5. Home and Garden TV: 703K
6. CNN: 610K
7. TBS: 537K
8. Hallmark Channel: 516K
9. USA Network: 500K
10. History: 491K
In total, FS1 aired 32 World Cup matches in the month of June, though not all of those matches aired in primetime. Of those 32 matches, just 15 overlapped with the primetime hours, generally measured as between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET. Several also aired simultaneously to matches on Fox during the final day of group play, with FS1 typically getting the less desirable matchup.
Nevertheless, all FS1’s World Cup programming seemed to lift most of the network’s other programming. Per Sports Business Journal, the week of June 15 was the most-watched week in FS1 history by total-day audience. The network averaged 885,000 viewers for the week, 90% better than ESPN’s total-day audience in the same week. As a company, Fox swept the three major ratings categories — broadcast, cable, and news — for both the week of June 15 and June 22.
A World Cup is one of the rare sporting events that commands both a high level of interest and has the volume of inventory to genuinely lift a cable network like FS1 despite the secular decline of the medium over many years. While streamers and tech companies seem to be the favorites to land the tournament come 2030, there’s still clear value to be derived from legacy broadcasters airing the World Cup. Whether that value can justify the expected doubling or tripling of media rights fees for the next tournament, however, remains to be seen.
Port Canaveral has unveiled additional details on two substantial capital improvement projects: a reimagined expansion of Cruise Terminal 5 that will double the facility’s size to 170,000 square feet, and the construction of a new 13-story parking garage adjacent to Cruise Terminal 6, which will add 3,700 parking spaces to the port’s existing capacity. “Every...
As the very foundation of the club trembles, desperate supporters are left to wonder if their star-studded armada can weather this monumental turmoil and conquer the battlefield.
While icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, and Sadio Mane stand ready to fight for Al-Nassr once more, a dark storm of financial turmoil is brewing off the pitch. The Saudi titan has been plunged into a sudden and devastating crisis, casting a heavy shadow over their upcoming campaign. As the very foundation of the club trembles, desperate supporters are left to wonder if their star-studded armada can weather this monumental turmoil and conquer the battlefield.
The Saudi Pro League champion has ambitions of challenging for major honors under new manager Ange Postecoglou, but recent developments have cast doubt over those plans. Reports indicate that financial issues have disrupted transfer activity and even affected player payments, creating fresh challenges before the new campaign begins.
According to Al-Riyadiyah,Al-Nassr has yet to submit the financial documentation required to prove its ability to register new contracts. Club officials reportedly remain responsible for completing those procedures, while mounting financial obligations have placed the organization under significant pressure.
The report claims that the club’s debts have now exceeded its revenues, leaving Al-Nassr unable to meet several financial commitments from its existing budget. As a result, new signings have effectively been placed on hold until the situation improves.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr lifts the Saudi Pro League Trophy
What’s more, it’s said that several first-team players have only received part of their June salaries, while the club is also struggling to bring in a foreign replacement following Marcelo Brozovic’s departure. Those restrictions have slowed the club’s transfer plans during one of the busiest periods of the summer.
Why the crisis has emerged
Despite speculation, an informed source told Al-Riyadiyah that the Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Pro League have already fulfilled every financial obligation owed to Al-Nassr. The club has reportedly received all payments linked to government support programs as well as the recruitment initiative for the current season.
The source explained: “It is up to Al-Nassr’s management to decide whether those funds should be used to settle part of the club’s existing financial obligations.”
According to the same source, the club’s problems stem from financial decisions and contractual commitments accumulated over recent years, rather than missing payments from Saudi soccer authorities. Until those obligations are addressed, the Knight of Najd cannot take on additional contractual commitments or complete transfer registrations.
Salary concerns and transfer restrictions
The financial issues appear to extend beyond transfer activity. Reports claim some players are still waiting to receive their full salaries, while bonuses linked to previous league achievements also remain outstanding. Al-Nassr has reportedly been unable to renew contracts for several young players, adding another layer of uncertainty as preparations continue for the new season.
Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after defeat in the AFC Champions League 2 Final between Al Nassr and Gamba Osaka.
Those setbacks have fueled concern among supporters about how quickly the club can stabilize its finances. Earlier reports also suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo briefly stopped playing earlier this year because of delayed wage payments and concerns over support for the squad, before returning after outstanding salaries were settled and management issues were addressed.
Not everyone believes the situation will last. The club’s former legal department director, Saad Al-Subaie, insists the difficulties are only temporary because several sponsorship agreements have already been secured.
He wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Four companies have already transferred funds to Al-Nassr. The remaining companies are expected to transfer their funds within the next two weeks. The current financial crisis is only temporary, and work is underway to resolve it. Al-Nassr are expected to make signings this summer.”
Which players are staying and who could leave?
While departures continue to be assessed, Jhon Duran has already been confirmed to leave the club. Meanwhile, Saad Al-Subaie has indicated several players remain under evaluation regarding possible exits, including Bento Krepski, Wesley Texeira, Haydeer Abdulkareem, Haroune Camara, Mohammed Maran, and Sami Al-Najei.
Player
Nationality
Status
Bento Krepski
Brazil
Under evaluation
Wesley Teixeira
Brazil
80% chance of departure
Haydeer Abdulkareem
Saudi Arabia
70% chance of departure
Haroune Camara
Saudi Arabia
Under evaluation
Mohammed Maran
Saudi Arabia
Under evaluation
Sami Al-Najei
Saudi Arabia
Under evaluation
Jhon Duran
Colombia
Confirmed departure
At the same time, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Simakan, Inigo Martinez, Joao Felix, Kingsley Coman, Sadio Mane, and Angelo Gabriel have all been identified as players expected to remain at Al-Nassr. Their presence gives Postecoglou an impressive core, provided the club resolves its financial issues in time.
Player
Nationality
Status
Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal
Confirmed to stay
Mohamed Simakan
France
Confirmed to stay
Inigo Martinez
Spain
Confirmed to stay
Joao Felix
Portugal
Confirmed to stay
Kingsley Coman
France
Confirmed to stay
Sadio Mane
Senegal
Confirmed to staya
Angelo Gabriel
Brazil
Confirmed to stay
Joao Felix (left), Cristiano Ronaldo (center), and Sadio Mane (right)
In what is likely to be the first of many such lawsuits that target Silicon Valley bigwigs, a number of Meta employees who were recently laid off are now accusing an AI-powered algorithm of disproportionately targeting workers with pre-existing medical conditions. Around 26 Meta employees are now alleging that the tech giant relied on factors such as productivity and AI use in deciding which workers get axed, disadvantaging those who missed work due to medical complications As many as 26 Meta employees have now anonymously filed a lawsuit in a federal court in Oakland, California, accusing the company of disproportionately […]
Amid all the problems that besiege Microsoft's Xbox division, the studio divestitures, the layoffs, the declining business, and even the loss of a few million Game Pass subscribers, lies one lingering question: what actually is Xbox? A platform or the biggest third-party publisher? Microsoft certainly tried its damnedest to confuse consumers with its constantly shifting strategy regarding first-party content, as well as the delirious "This Is an Xbox" campaign. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma quickly tossed it in the trash after taking over from Phil Spencer, seeking a return to the brand's core values. But even she admitted that there's a fundamental […]
Intel has reportedly secured some big wins with its 18A, 14A, and EMIB process / advanced packaging technologies, signaling massive interest in its Foundry business. Tech Heavyweights Are Lining Up To See What Intel Foundry Has To Offer As 18A, 14A & EMIB Technologies See Heightened Interest TSMC has so far been the only semiconductor manufacturer to offer bleeding-edge processes and packaging technology, but Intel has quickly emerged as a fierce competitor. Intel has only launched its 18A node, which is already achieving volume ramp, and is working towards its more advanced 18A-P (In Risk Production) and 14A nodes (Risk […]
TikTok will test detection for accounts posting AI-generated spam in politics, financial advice, and medical content, and has joined C2PA's steering committee.
Shakur Stevenson is targeting four Americans, including and , after inking a multi-year deal with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing. The 29-year-old had been heavily linked to White’s promotional outfit for quite some time, with an announcement finally arriving via social media last week. This follows Stevenson’s dominant performance against Teofimo Lopez, who he dethroned with […]
Acer has released a new gaming laptop globally. Equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor and an RTX 5090 GPU, the new Predator Helios 18 AI also boasts up to 96 GB of RAM from the factory and a 4K Mini LED display.
Lenovo has released a new desktop internationally. Equipped with modern Intel Panther Lake processors, the Yoga AIO 27IPH11 also adopts a 120 Hz display, up to 32 GB of RAM and can be configured with a discrete Nvidia RTX 50 series laptop GPU.
Techland has canceled the PS4 and Xbox One versions of Dying Light: The Beast, citing hardware limitations that would require major compromises to the game’s open world, visuals, combat, and parkour. Affected players will be eligible for refunds.
The T1 home robot is the first transformable personal helper, as it can walk upright or carry things on all fours, depending on the terrain and the task at hand. The first transformable household helper can execute smart following and has a long-term memory.
With Sony under fire for killing physical discs and console sales expected to be lower than ever in the next couple years, the PS6 needs to bring something significant to the table. It’s improved cooling system could be a start.
Deal | A budget-friendly drone is currently available at a further discounted price. It includes a controller with an integrated display and supports in-air flips and rotations. The F417 Pro is aimed primarily at beginners and weighs under 250 grams.
A leak has revealed the specs of the successor to HMD's XploraOne phone for kids. The upcoming device is reported to launch as the XploraOne Neo, and will have a larger display and a slightly larger battery capacity.
Back in April a rumor from Korea claimed that Samsung was redesigning the rears of the entire Galaxy S27 family, with the camera island being moved around in order for the company to be able to finally fit magnets for wireless charging to its flagship phones.
A few days later the speculative render seen below emerged, purportedly showing the design of the Galaxy S27 Ultra (which is also expected to come with only three cameras). However, today a new rumor from Korea claims that Samsung hasn't decided anything yet.
This source says all of the rumored designs (including the one...
Unlike the Pixel 11 lineup, the Pixel Watch 5 hasn't been the subject of many leaks. However, details about its pricing and color options leaked recently, and now the smartwatch has surfaced in official-looking press renders ahead of its expected debut on August 12.
The Tide Chart, in collaboration with OnLeaks, has shared official-looking renders of the Pixel Watch 5, showcasing the smartwatch in four case finishes and two size options.
Pixel Watch 5 45mm in Dark Anthracite and Pyrite
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Senator Thom Tillis has proposed new CLARITY Act language that would allow federal banking regulators to intervene if stablecoin yields trigger systemwide deposit flight from US banks. According to a report from Punchbowl, the North Carolina Republican has suggested adding…
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Multiple sources in Italy confirm Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic is ready to join Leeds United after the clubs agreed a €40m fee, with half going to Juventus.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Tarik Muharemovic of US Sassuolo celebrates after scoring the 1-1 goal during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and US Sassuolo Calcio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The centre-back had participated in the 2026 World Cup with Bosnia and Herzegovina this summer, and was widely expected to move on after two years at Sassuolo.
He made his way up from the Juventus youth academy and was sold to Sassuolo for just €2m in 2025 following the initial loan spell, but with the Bianconeri promised 50 per cent of the future sale fee.
It had been reported Juve considered bringing him back to base, as it would only cost them €18m instead of the €40m fee, but they preferred to just cash in on the sale.
The central defender is expected in England over the next 48 hours to undergo a medical and sign the contract, once the final details have been ironed out.
Nicolò Zaniolo is refusing to train with Udinese after failing to agree a new contract, so there are reports he was offered to Milan over the last 24 hours.
The Italy international is in a rather odd situation, as he joined Udinese last summer on loan for €2.5m with option to buy for a further €5m, plus Galatasaray getting a 50 per cent cut of the future sale fee.
UDINE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 01: Nicolò Zaniolo of Udinese celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Atalanta BC at Stadio Friuli on November 01, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
However, as it was a rushed job, it was done with the promise to re-evaluate his salary once the campaign was over.
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 14: Nicolò Zaniolo of Udinese makes a run past Lloyd Kelly of Juventus during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Friuli on March 14, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
It remains to be seen if they are interested in a player who did have a good season, but also has a terrible injury record and hasn’t been able to find any consistency in recent years.
Since forcing the exit from Roma in February 2023, he has played for Galatasaray, Aston Villa, Atalanta, Fiorentina and Udinese.
The contract with Udinese technically runs to June 2029, so this could get ugly if a solution is not found soon for the 27-year-old.
He has also been linked with a return to the Stadio Olimpico, this time for Lazio.
Check out today’s Serie A transfer updates with Roma directors reportedly meeting the agents of Crysencio Summerville and Aston Villa’s warning to Juventus that Emiliano Martinez won’t leave.
It’s been another rather busy day for Serie A clubs, which are working to strengthen their teams for the 2026-27 campaign.
Juventus were previously linked with Roma’s Mile Svilar, although the Bianconeri’s main target in goal has always been Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – MAY 20: Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez reacts during the UEFA Europa League Final 2026 match between SC Freiburg and Aston Villa FC at Besiktas Park on May 20, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
The Premier League club, however, have clearly stated today by their director, Damian Vidagany, that the Argentine is not for sale.
According to Gazzetta, the Bianconeri are preparing an offer to sign Franck Kessié as a free agent and have identified Folarin Balogun as a potential reinforcement in attack as they are struggling to reach an agreement with PSG for Randal Kolo Muani.
Multiple sources claim that Noussair Mazraoui is Milan’s main target to replace Pervis Estupinan, who has received an offer from Aston Villa. According to SportMediaset, Milan have demanded €18m for the Ecuador international.
According to Gazzetta, Milan remain interested in Antonio Silva, who has rejected a contract extension offer from Benfica. The Portuguese centre-back has attracted interest from Bournemouth as well.
Inter are still chasing a replacement for Denzel Dumfries, with Djed Spence and Nahuel Molina among their targets. Guela Doué is another right-back on their shortlist, but his club, Strasbourg, has requested over €35m.
Ederson, Napoli chasing Fiorentina defender and more news
Atalanta director Cristiano Giuntoli spoke for the first time about the collapsed Manchester United transfer for Ederson: “We were stunned,” he admitted. “He is happy to remain, and we are working on a new contract.”
According to Gazzetta, Sassuolo are interested in Daniel Maldini, who has returned to Atalanta after a six-month loan spell at Lazio.
Hamed Traoré has undergone his medical tests with Genoa today.
Ex-Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer has joined Club Brugge on a free transfer, signing a three-year deal.
Fiorentina have a verbal agreement to sign Real Madrid defender Víctor Valdepeñas, according to multiple sources, including Sky.
Napoli are interested in Fiorentina full-back Niccolò Fortini, according to Gazzetta.
Domenico Tedesco, Bologna’s coach, has said the club is “confident” that Riccardo Orsolini will sign a contract extension.
New Como signing Luis Milla: “Fabregas was very important in the choice to go to Como. I was glad he called me because of what he conveyed and his ambition to grow. I have high expectations. I could have arrived in January, but Getafe were not doing well, and it wasn’t the right time.”
Frosinone are close to signing Sebastiano Desplanches on loan from Palermo.
Serie A – Official done deals on July 14, 2026
Danilho Doekhi joins Lazio as a free agent
Danilho Doekhi joins Lazio as a free agent
Felipe Jack from Como to Cremonese (Serie B) on loan
Lorenzo Gori from Frosinone to Grosseto (Serie C) on loan.
Matteo Agrimi from Lecce to Flaminia (Serie D) on a free transfer
Giuseppe Battimelli from Bologna to Lecco (Serie C) as a free agent
Maat Daniel Caprini from Fiorentina to Cesena (Serie B) on loan)
The bad news has already started for Roma before the season even kicks off, as Robinio Vaz has been ruled out for several weeks by a knee ligament injury.
The pre-season training only began this week at Trigoria under the guidance of coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
Last term was ruined by a series of injuries, almost all of them to the attacking players, and 2026-27 is starting on the same foot.
Robinio Vaz already injured for Roma
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 22: Robinio Vaz of AS Roma runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Tiago Gabriel and Oumar Ngom of US Lecce during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Lecce at Stadio Olimpico on March 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images)
Multiple reports including Sky Sport Italia state that Robinio Vaz sustained a right knee injury during training today and has been diagnosed with a lesion to the collateral ligament.
It is not a very serious issue, but still enough to keep the Brazilian out of action for several weeks while Roma staff evaluate the development of his recovery.
Milan stars Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot start for France in the World Cup semi-final against Spain, but Roma midfielder Manu Koné drops back to the bench.
The winners will play either England or Argentina in the World Cup Final on July 19.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 04: Adrien Rabiot #14 of France arrives at the stadium before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Paraguay and France at Philadelphia Stadium on July 04, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
France have emerged as the undoubted favourites to win the trophy after a series of dominant performances in USA, Canada and Mexico, winning all six matches with 16 goals scored and just three conceded.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 22: Manu Kone #6 of France arrives at the stadium before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between France and Iraq at Philadelphia Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Kylian Mbappé leads the way with support from Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé, but Bradley Barcola is preferred to Désiré Doué.
There are no Serie A players in the Spain squad, but after a dismal start with the shock 0-0 against Cape Verde, they’ve gone from strength to strength in this World Cup.
Unai Simon set a new record for most minutes without conceding at the World Cup, ended by Charles De Ketelaere in a 2-1 quarter-final win over Belgium.
They start the same line-up as that game, meaning late goal hero Mikel Merino is again going to come off the bench as a super-sub after scoring in the Round of 16 and the quarter-final.
Mikel Oyarzabal is top scorer with four goals, supported by Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Alex Baena.
Former Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz again pushes Pedri onto the bench.
Luka Modric is increasingly likely to commit to a new one-year contract with Milan, claim reports, and could join their pre-season tour of Australia.
The midfielder turns 41 in September, and his contract with the Rossoneri expired on June 30.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Luka Modric of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
He was focused on Croatia’s performance at the 2026 World Cup and is only now getting over the disappointment of their early exit.
Milan have won Modric over
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Luka Modric of AC Milan celebrates the victory at the end of the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
If confirmed, Modric will join up with the squad during their pre-season tour of Australia, which begins on July 26.
Despite his age, the Ballon d’Or winner played 37 games for Milan last season, scoring two goals and providing three assists in 2,864 minutes of football.
It would’ve been more, but he was ruled out for two matches by a fractured cheekbone in April.
Manchester United have officially announced the arrival of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, with club chief Jason Wilcox explaining why they signed him.
The Belgium international shone for Aston Villa, and was previously also a star performer at Leicester City, with Man Utd director Wilcox praising him.
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Wilcox is clearly delighted to bring Tielemans in, explaining three qualities he feels the 29-year-old will add to this United squad – composure, creativity, and leadership.
Jason Wilcox on Youri Tielemans transfer
“Youri has consistently been one of the most outstanding midfielders in the Premier League throughout the past seven years. He has all of the technical qualities, as well as the ambition and mentality, to thrive at Manchester United,” Wilcox said in a club statement.
“Youri’s consistency is exceptional, and he will add further composure, creativity and leadership to our squad. We are delighted to welcome a player of his influence and experience, both on the pitch and within the dressing room, as we continue to build a team ready to challenge for the biggest honours.
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Man United have added a top passer to their squad
Tielemans is not the youngest, and perhaps not always the most consistent performer, but there’s no doubt about the quality he brings when he’s really on form.
This is highlighted in United’s statement, which explains that the former Monaco youngster really excelled when it comes to line-breaking passes last season.
United stated: “Amongst attackers and midfielders, Tielemans broke the most defensive lines per 100 passes in the Premier League as well as making the second most line-breaking passes under pressure.”
While that might not sound like the most eye-catching kind of detail, it’s a stat that managers love, and it will surely help the rest of this United team to shine even brighter next season.
This is the kind of quality on the ball that MUFC arguably didn’t have last season, and it should help Michael Carrick improve this team after he already did such a good job as interim manager.
Atalanta director Cristiano Giuntoli has admitted to being left “stunned” by Manchester United’s decision to pull the plug on the Ederson transfer.
The Red Devils had everything more or less done to sign Ederson from the Serie A club, before pulling out of the deal late on.
BBC Sport were among the outlets to report that this was due to an injury concern that came up during Ederson’s medical, though Atalanta have denied that there’s any problem with the player’s fitness.
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The Brazilian midfielder has been a star player for Atalanta, so they’ll surely be glad to keep him, with Giuntoli adding that they’re now working on tying him down to a new contract.
Romano posted: “Atalanta director Cristiano Giuntoli: “We were stunned [by Man United calling Ederson deall off]”. “Now we are working on a new contract for him”.”
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Will Manchester United live to regret Ederson transfer decision?
United clearly decided that signing Ederson wasn’t quite worth the gamble for one reason or another, and of course it would have been a big waste of money if they’d brought him in only to find that he wasn’t up to scratch fitness-wise, or ended up missing a lot of games through injury.
Still, Ederson looks like a top player and this surely won’t be the end of this summer’s saga, with other top clubs surely likely to also take a look at the 27-year-old.
MUFC, meanwhile, have turned to other options, so they’ll hope that new signing Andrey Santos can prove a success, while Youri Tielemans looks like being next, according to the Athletic and others.
Santos and Tielemans are both Premier League-proven, which is a nice bonus to have when signing a player, but Ederson would have arrived more at ‘peak age’ than either of those two, and might arguably have acted as more of a level-raiser for this team.
College Park, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Sparks guard Erica Wheeler (17) drives on Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada (3) in the third quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park
The final result wasn't what the Sparks wanted, but Erica Wheeler gave Los Angeles every opportunity to come away with a win.
The veteran guard finished with a team-high 20 points to go along with three rebounds and four assists in Monday's 101-92 loss to the Atlanta Dream. It marked another strong performance for Wheeler, who has embraced a larger offensive role as the Sparks continue to navigate injuries and search for consistency heading into the second half of the season.
From the opening tip, Wheeler played with confidence. She attacked the basket, knocked down threes, and consistently pushed the pace of the offense, helping the Sparks briefly regain control in the second half.
Head coach Lynne Roberts has encouraged Wheeler to be aggressive, not only as a facilitator but as a scorer.
"I think she understands that we need her to not just facilitate, but also look for those shots," Roberts said. "She's doing a good job of that. She led us tonight in scoring."
Wheeler also took on one of the game's toughest defensive assignments, matching up for much of the afternoon against Atlanta point guard Jordin Canada.
"Canada's fast and has the ability to really generate speed for their team," Roberts said. "It's a tough matchup. I thought Edub played her guts out and hit some big shots. I thought those two battled really well."
Despite Wheeler's efforts, Atlanta closed the game on a late run that was triggered by Angel Reese’s big three. Nneka Ogwumike also reflected on the game.
"It was basically what coach was saying," Ogwumike said. "We were trying to make something happen, but we had some key turnovers, including myself. We were playing hard, but I think we could have dialed up the execution a little bit more. That's something that's been a point of emphasis for us."
While Monday's loss was another frustrating finish for Los Angeles, Rae Burrell made it clear the team isn't dwelling on missed opportunities.
"We've just got to stay together," she said. "That's the thing about this league. You play every other night, so we don't really have time to focus on what's already happened. We have to focus on what we can do better."
The Sparks remain just one game out of a playoff spot, and as injuries continue to reshape the rotation, Wheeler's steady veteran presence has become even more valuable. Whether she's setting up teammates or leading the offense herself, she's continued to provide exactly what Los Angeles has needed during one of the most challenging stretches of its season.
The work stoppage looming over the baseball world doesn’t seem to be dissipating anytime soon.
Speaking before Tuesday’s All-Star Game, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred was asked about the MLB Players Association’s explicit refusal to accept a salary cap.
Oct 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred before game three of the 2025 MLB World Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Despite that staunch opposition, Manfred said team owners are undeterred.
“I have an ownership group that is more united than any group in my entire time in baseball,” he said, as reported by Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times.
Manfred supports salary cap despite union opposition
As detailed by Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Manfred made the case that the union has previously opposed changes that many believe drastically improved the sport, including the pitch clock and ABS.
“We got that momentum by listening to our fans and making changes that you know candidly, the MLBPA was not interested in,’’ Manfred said. “Those changes have paid off in terms of creating that momentum, and the best way to lose momentum is to stand still. We’re doing exactly the same thing that we did with the rule changes, we’re listening to our fans.”
MLBPA interim executive director Bruce Meyer, however, believes owners want a salary cap not for competitive reasons, but instead to increase their profits and limit their costs.
“The owners, many of them, want a system that not only guarantees their profits, not only increases their franchise values,’’ Meyer said, “but essentially is a former of subsidized mediocrity, owner protection, protection from competition.
“Salary cap is the ultimate excuse not to compete. It’s the ultimate excuse for an owner to say, “Gee, I would like to make the team better, but you know I can’t.’
“Salary caps are bad for fans. Salary caps present teams from doing the things that they believe are in their interest to make the team better.’’
Is there a chance to avoid a work stoppage?
The union and the league continue making their cases, but neither seems willing to budge on the salary cap, meaning a potential lockout ahead of the 2027 season is more and more likely.
Can a deal be reached? Of course, anything is possible, but it seems this will be the defining battle of the offseason.
If neither side wants to compromise, enjoy the rest of this season, because it could be a while before MLB returns.
Holland America Line announced in a press release that the Zuiderdam will be the second of six ships to undergo its Evolution program, following the Oosterdam. The ship will feature refreshed accommodations enhancements, adding a reimagined Pinnacle Suite, two new Bridgeview Suites, 14 Vista Suites and 32 Solo Verandah staterooms. This forms part of the...
NVIDIA's H200 AI GPUs are finally shipping to China, as reported by U.S. officials, marking the return of the banned chip. China Softens Its Position on NVIDIA GPUs As First H200 Shipments Now Headed To Chinese AI Firms The NVIDIA Hopper story in China has been a roller coaster ride so far. When Hopper was launched, US export restrictions for the Chinese market were in full swing. These pushed NVIDIA to release an export-compliant variant called the H20 for China, which ended up being severely cut down, but still a viable option against what China's domestic chipmakers had to offer. […]
Top Rank founder Bob Arum has weighed in with his view on how the proposed Floyd Mayweather vs. rematch may play out. Arum knows both fighters extremely well, having promoted each of them throughout various stages of their respective illustrious careers. He worked with Mayweather from the start of his professional career in 1996 until […]
Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward once had high praise for a welterweight star that he spent a number of years working with. The 147lb division has produced a number of elite fighters throughout history, including the likes of Sugar Ray Robinson, Henry Armstrong, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao and Sugar Ray Leonard. It is a […]
Retro internet simulator Hypnospace Outlaw is coming to iOS and Android on July 23, 2026, featuring redesigned touch controls and a free-to-start pricing model.
A new leak suggests Samsung is considering several rear camera designs for the Galaxy S27 Ultra, none of which currently include the previously rumored horizontal camera bar. With the device still in development, its final appearance remains uncertain.
A new leak has suggested that the successor to the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike is only a couple of months away. The Superstrike 2 will come with a few upgrades but exact details are unclear at this point.
The OneXPlayer X2 Mini and X2 have been showcased at another event in China, and this time, the company has revealed some specs of the gaming handhelds. However, there's still no word on when these Arc G3 Extreme systems will launch.
Garmin is rolling out a new software update for several smartwatches, aiming to improve overall usability and performance. The update introduces a range of enhancements designed to deliver a smoother and more refined user experience, for example on the Garmin Venu X1.
Verizon has announced the new kid-focused smartwatch, the Gizmo Watch 4. The company’s new smartwatch features a plastic case with a silicon band, wireless charging, a Gizmo AI voice assistant, 2 GB of RAM, 32 GB of storage, and up to 36 hours of battery life.
Despite historic interest, Rockstar’s new title is being sold for €60 at some French retailers. Competition among storefronts for pre-orders has led to a slashed GTA 6 price. Game sales could be rare if digital marketplaces like the Xbox and PlayStation Store become more dominant.
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 entering its last leg, Casio and the Japanese fashion label F.C. Real Bristol have released a new limited edition G-Shock celebrating the world's largest football festival.
As analyzed by a forum user, leaked Pixel 11 Pro renders show a telephoto cutout that no longer matches the familiar square periscope shape seen on older Pixels, which could mean several things.
Spotify is rolling out a new feature starting today. Basically, it's a built-in AI chatbot that lets you talk to Spotify both in the Home view and in Now Playing. This will only be available on mobile.
You aren't limited to talking, however - you can also type your requests or questions. You can have a back-and-forth conversation with Spotify, just like you can with any other AI chatbot.
You can learn more about the music you love, revisit your listening history, go deeper on podcasts and audiobooks - or just ask to hear some artists you have never heard before. Once...
Despite showcasing its Robot Phone at CES and MWC earlier this year, Honor has yet to reveal its hardware details. A new leak, however, has now revealed the upcoming phone’s key specifications.
Tipster Digital Chat Station has shared the alleged specs of the Honor Robot Phone on Weibo ahead of its rumored debut next month.
According to the tipster, the phone will sport a flat display with a 1.5K resolution measuring between 6.3 and 6.4 inches. It is said to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset.
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Apple went through several iOS 27 betas, but those were only for developers. Now, the company has released the first public beta of iOS 27 – as well as public betas for the related iPadOS 27, watchOS 27, macOS 27 and tvOS 27. The stable release is coming this fall.
But if you want to get an early start, you can sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program and install version 27 on your device today. Which phones are supported? Apple didn’t drop compatibility, so if your phone runs version 26, it can run version 27 too. This means iPhone 11 or newer (including iPhone SE (2020) or...
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Philadelphia Flyers Face Playoff Doubts After Leo Carlsson GambleThe Philadelphia Flyers swung and missed on Leo Carlsson with their offer sheet. They have limited desirable options to upgrade their No. 1 center now. Will they make the playoffs now?
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