The Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs have made a blockbuster trade involving cornerback Trent McDuffie. The Rams are sending the 29th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a 2026 fifth-round pick, a 2026 sixth-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick for McDuffie. This is the major move that makes Los Angeles secondary.

Below, we’ll break down the winners and losers of the McDuffie trade between the Chiefs and Rams!

Winner: Los Angeles Rams

The Rams entered the 2026 NFL offseason needing help in the secondary, particularly at cornerback. McDuffie is very good in coverage and run defense, giving Los Angeles a much-needed lockdown defender on the outside. With only one year remaining on his contract, McDuffie plans to sign a long-term extension with the Rams. Los Angeles gave up a large number of draft picks, but the All-Pro cornerback is worth the price.

Loser: Kansas City Chiefs Secondary

Kansas City’s secondary is the biggest loser in this trade. By transferring McDuffie, the Chiefs have kept Christian Fulton and Noah Williams as their starting cornerbacks, which may not be the case moving forward in the 2026-27 NFL season. The Chiefs are projected to make at least one move for a cornerback during the offseason, but it will be very difficult to replace McDuffie’s production on the field.

Winner: Kansas City Front Office

Kansas City’s front office did a great job by trading McDuffie to Los Angeles. The Chiefs secondary has lagged, but the 29th pick and three other picks in the 2026 NFL Draft are very strong. Additionally, the 25-year-old cornerback was set to become a free agent after the upcoming season. The move allows the Chiefs to recover value for McDuffie, add cap flexibility and find a higher-ranked prospect in the NFL Draft.

Loser: Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks are the Super Bowl champions, but that has a major impact on their chances of repeating. The Seahawks’ biggest needs heading into the 2026 NFL offseason are running backs and cornerbacks. With Rick Woolen and Josh Jobe becoming free agents, Seattle has a need at the cornerback position. Instead of acquiring McDuffie, the organization saw its biggest rival complete a deal.

Winner: Los Angeles defensive coordinator Chris Shula

Los Angeles defensive coordinator Chris Shula is a big winner. After a strong 2025-26 NFL season, Shula’s secondary struggled mightily. This affected the calling of the game on defense, as the secondary was unreliable. Now, Shula can be more confident with his secondary and prepare himself for a strong defense in 2026-27. If all goes well, he may soon get an NFL head coaching job.

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

Brighton midfielder Diego Gomez is making headlines in Paraguay. recently, We covered reports Claiming that one of the Premier League’s Big Six clubs are planning a move for him after the World Cup. Now, a new update suggests that the club could be Manchester City.

Paraguayan journalist irwin velazquez say City have already carried out a first exploratory investigation into the 22-year-old. He claims that scouts regularly attend Brighton matches to keep an eye on the midfielder’s performances.

According to Velazquez, Gomez’s recent form has put him firmly on the Etihad radar. The journalist says Pep Guardiola has added the player to a list of names the club is monitoring ahead of the next transfer window.

March meetings at various places

This claim also links to our previous report from Paraguay. Journalist chris perez Said meetings are expected to take place in March between Gomez’s representatives and one of the interested Premier League clubs. Velazquez’s update suggests the club could be Manchester City.

If accurate, those meetings would represent preliminary discussions rather than formal negotiations. Premier League sides often begin negotiations months before a potential move becomes realistic.

Still, the mention of a specific meeting adds a clearer timeline to the speculation.

The numbers are attracting attention

Gomez’s performance helps explain why interest is growing. The midfielder has been playing very well in recent weeks and even scored a fantastic goal last weekend.

Furthermore, a recent study by the International Center for Sports Studies (CIES) placed them at the top of the Premier League metrics. According to the research group, Gomez is currently the most dynamic player in the league.

The statistics show that the Paraguayan makes an average of more than 44 explosive sprints for possession every 30 minutes. This figure puts him ahead of high-profile midfielders such as Enzo Fernandez, Tijjani Rijnders and Declan Rice.

These numbers highlight his constant pace when Brighton has the ball, as he frequently attacks space or provides passing options at maximum pace.

Opportunity to work under Guardiola

The transfer to Manchester City would also be a unique milestone for Paraguayan football. local journalist evan alexis indicates that, if the transfer ultimately goes through, Gómez would become the first Paraguayan player to work under Pep Guardiola.

That detail has already attracted attention in Paraguay, where Guardiola’s reputation and City’s dominance in recent years make the link particularly notable.

However, for now Gomez is focused on continuing his development at Brighton and in the Premier League. Whether the reported interest develops into something concrete will depend on future talks and how much Brighton value the midfielder.

Wouter Berger was excited when TSG Hoffenheim approached him about leaving Stoke City in the summer, but had to wait for Anton Stach’s move to Leeds United before making a move.

There was no need for the Bundesliga club to sign Berger if Stache was going nowhere. of the following months rumors of interest Afterwards, Hoffenheim was looking around.

Stache sealed his transfer to Leeds United on 22 July, and Berger confirmed his exit from Stoke City on the same day.

talking to a 25 year old sportimage About his summer transfer, and explained: “Hoffenheim contacted me very early and showed me a clear plan. Then I had to wait a while for Anton Stach’s transfer. I came to Germany and looked around, and it felt perfect. I always go with my gut feeling. And it felt good. I could have stayed in England. But then I told myself that it suited me perfectly, and I decided.”

The transfer is going well… and beetroot juice

Since the transfer from Stoke City, things have been going very well for Burger. He has been almost ever-present for Hoffenheim, moving into a slightly more forward role.

It had an impact, with the Dutchman scoring five goals and adding nine assists.

His status has thus increased, there is talk of a call up to the Dutch national team. Ronald Koeman hasn’t been on the phone yet, but there’s a possibility: “I haven’t heard anything yet, but I’m just continuing and I’m ready whenever I get the call. But you can only focus on what you can influence. When I came to Hoffenheim, I didn’t think that I would become a national team player so soon and go to the World Cup. “But our season is going so well that anything is possible.”

And the secret of his success?

“I always drink half a liter of beetroot juice before a game. I just follow my routine every week and don’t change anything.”

Anton Stache has also had an impact at Leeds United and it appears to be a transfer situation that has worked out for everyone involved.

Richard Jefferson took a stance on San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet by criticizing the Atlanta Hawks’ Magic City promotional night on March 16.

Cornette wrote a letter objecting to the Hawks hosting ‘Magic City’ Night. Jefferson agrees with Cornette, but for his own personal reasons, and mostly the way he wants to raise his children, he says, he wouldn’t want them to see them at NBA games.

“I’m going to take Luke Kornet’s side. Magic City, everyone has the ability to do whatever they choose. Spend their money how they want, but the NBA, the brand, the logo. Let’s just say, I think the NBA can partner with whoever they choose, but I understand what Luke Kornet is saying. Especially in a very delicate time. You talk about women’s rights, but also women’s rights to do that. Have potential,” Jefferson said at the 23:11 mark on the road. Trippin’ Podcast.

“To look at it and say, hey we want to do it, but there will be kids at the game. These are things that I love, I’m taking my kids, my nine and eleven-year-olds, this is not what I want to present to my kids, that’s just me.”

What’s next for the Hawks amid Luke Kornet’s comments?

Richard Jefferson and Luke Cornett Hawks may have their own reservations about the Magic City celebration. It’s time to realize what Atlanta can do for this event, but the recent attention will provide plenty of scrutiny before the competition takes place.

Atlanta has a 31–31 record on the season, tied for ninth in the Eastern Conference standings. They are 0.5 games ahead of the Charlotte Hornets and four games behind the Milwaukee Bucks while trailing the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic by 1.5 games.

Coming off four consecutive wins, the Hawks will be looking forward to their next contest. They are on the road when they face the Bucks on March 4th at 9:30 PM ET.

As the San Antonio Spurs (43-17) prepare to conclude their five-game Eastern Conference road trip with a matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers (33-27) on Tuesday at 8:00 PM ET on NBC and Peacock, center Luke Cornette reiterated his criticism of the Atlanta Hawks’ association with the Magic City.

Cornette addressed the controversy while speaking with Jason Dumas of Action News on 6abc following Tuesday’s shooting. His comments come a day after he publicly objected to the Hawks’ planned “Magic City Night” promotion tied to their March 16 home game against the Orlando Magic.

“I actually saw the statement just last week, the Hawks’ announcement and as far as the point that you have the public voice, I feel like it doesn’t really represent what I know about myself and a lot of others in the NBA. [players] thought. So, I just want to make sure that that part of the discussion is expressed and that it includes criticizing people and things like that – that’s part of the process that white people may be hesitant to do but I think really trying to start a conversation and be able to do that.

He continued:

“It’s important to help make sure everyone in the league is ready to be represented and has an environment like you want.”

Cornette’s renewed comments follow backlash after he first expressed concerns about the Hawks’ partnership. On Monday, he elaborated in a post on Medium, where he directly called on the organization to cancel the event.

Luke Cornette caused some stir nationally when he urged the Atlanta Hawks to cancel “Magic City Night”, saying it was disrespectful to women.

I asked him about it after the shooting in Philly. Says he has not spoken to the league since his statement. pic.twitter.com/eTwFuZGAGQ

-Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) 3 March 2026

“This week, the Atlanta Hawks announced a special one-night collaboration celebrating the city’s iconic cultural institution Magic City during the team’s home game against the Orlando Magic on Monday, March 16,” Cornett wrote. “In their press release, Hawks failed to acknowledge that this location is, as the business itself claims, ‘Atlanta’s premiere strip club.’ Given this fact, I would respectfully ask that the Atlanta Hawks cancel this promotional night with the Magic City.

Luke Kornet says NBA, Hawks haven’t contacted him amid Magic City controversy

Asked whether the league moved forward after his initial statement, Cornette said:

“Not really after that. I talked to a few people in the league first, just to see what the status of it was, to make sure it was up to date on the situation.”

He said the Hawks have not contacted him.

“No, I didn’t.”

The Hawks’ collaboration has attracted widespread attention, including public support from former guard Lou Williams. While Atlanta has not indicated any changes to its plans, Cornette’s comments add another layer to the broader conversation surrounding the event.

San Antonio will now turn their attention back to the court as they prepare to face Philadelphia on Tuesday night, and look to bounce back from a 114-89 loss to the New York Knicks on Sunday.

Recently, San Antonio Spurs big man Luke Cornette made headlines when he took to his blog to speak out against the Atlanta Hawks’ recently announced partnership with adult entertainment venue Magic City for an upcoming game. Now, Golden State Warriors big man and Kornet’s former Boston Celtics teammate, Al Horford, has weighed in on the conversation.

“Luke is right,” Horford, formerly of the Ax, wrote on Twitter.

“The NBA must be willing to protect and respect women, many of whom work diligently every day to make it the best basketball league in the world,” Kornett wrote in his blog post. “We must foster an environment that is protective and respectful of the daughters, wives, sisters, mothers and partners we know and love.”

Horford was a member of the Atlanta Hawks when they hosted the Tinder “Swipe Right” during the 2015 season, which marked the beginning of a brand partnership for the team that many might not have expected from an NBA organization.

So far, there is no indication that the NBA or the Hawks will come forward and follow Kornet’s advice by discontinuing the promotion, which is scheduled for a home game against the Orlando Magic later this month.

The Hawks have advertised Magic City sweatshirts as part of the celebration, and ticket sales for the game skyrocketed as a result of the announcement.

Cornette’s blog post sparked a widespread discussion on social media about the adult entertainment industry as a whole and whether or not family-friendly organizations like the NBA should be associated with it.

Meanwhile, some have called on Cornette to raise the issue but not speak out about the NBA’s partnerships with gambling companies and other equally less savory organizations.

It remains to be seen whether anything will happen as a result of Cornette’s requests.

The Atlanta Hawks caused quite a surprise when they announced plans to host a Magic City themed promotion during one of their home games. Magic City is a famous strip club located in Atlanta that regularly attracts celebrity visitors. But not everyone is in favor of the Hawks’ promotion, including San Antonio Spurs big man Luke Kornet.

Luke Cornett, who runs a public online blog while playing for the Spurs, wrote a new post this week explaining his reasoning for why he thinks the Hawks should cancel their Magic City promotion night.

“This week, the Atlanta Hawks announced a special one-night-only collaboration to celebrate the city’s iconic cultural institution Magic City during the team’s home games against the Orlando Magic on Monday, March 16,” Cornett wrote. Given this fact, I would respectfully ask that the Atlanta Hawks cancel this promotional night with the Magic City.

Cornette explained the potential dangers of working in such an industry, and suggested that the Magic City was not the type of family-friendly business the NBA should be promoting.

The Hawks’ Promotional Night is currently scheduled for March 16 during the team’s home game against the Orlando Magic. Ticket sales for the game have reportedly increased, and the team has already begun selling promotional merchandise.

While Cornette may be against the idea, there are others, like former NBA player Lou Williams, who expressed his support for the effort.

On Saturday night, the UFC returned to Mexico City with a card headlined by national darling and former flyweight king Brandon Moreno. Heading into his contest with short-notice replacement Lon’er Kavanagh, he was a big favourite. However, after five tough fights, the English prospect stunned Mexican fans with a huge upset victory over their favorite fighter.

Let’s see how Kavanaugh forced some big changes in our latest UFC flyweight rankings.

10. Loner Kavanaugh (10-1)

Despite a 3-1 record in the UFC, England’s Lon’er Kavanagh has earned a spot in our latest UFC flyweight rankings. That’s thanks to a huge upset win over division stalwart Brandon Moreno in March. The 26-year-old arrived at short notice and had to adjust to the high altitude of Mexico City, yet it didn’t matter as he secured a career-defining victory over the former champion in his hometown.

Former M1 and Brave CF star Asu Almabayev enters the UFC riding a streak of 13 consecutive wins. He extended his hot streak inside the Octagon by winning his first four fights and scoring victories over top 15 fighters Matthias Nicolau and Odd Osbourne. Unfortunately, when they took a big step forward in the competition against Manel Cape in March, they suffered their first defeat in eight years.

However, he has bounced back from the setback with two wins, including a big submission win over top-15 veteran Alex Perez in November.

8. Amir Albazi (17-3)

Amir Albazi was one of the hottest fighters in the 125-pound division heading into a November 2024 showdown with former champion Brandon Moreno. He had won six in a row, including over top-10 fighter Kai Cara-France. Unfortunately, Moreno showed that there are many levels to this game and he soundly defeated the Iraq native.

Due to injuries, “The Prince” sat on the sidelines for over a year and finally made his return in February. But he faced more difficult fate when he faced Kyoji Horaguchi and was again outmatched by a faster and more intelligent fighter. Albazi’s dreams of a title fight in early 2026 are looking bleak.

7. Brandon Royval (17-9)

Brandon Royval has quietly been one of the best 125-pound fighters in the world for quite some time. Although he has fallen short in some big fights, he has some impressive wins, including a victory over former division king Brandon Moreno.

However, fighting the best comes with constant risk. At UFC 317, he accepted the challenge of rising star Joshua Van and surprisingly lost to the 23-year-old. Then, in December, he headlined a UFC Fight Night card against dangerous striker Manel Cape and was on the wrong end of the first knockout loss of his career.

6. Brandon Moreno (22-10-2)

Few flyweights have been better than Brandon Moreno. He has been involved in some of the greatest fights in the history of the division and is a two-time champion. However, for all legends there comes a father’s time and he has been looking over the Mexican’s shoulder in recent years.

Moreno was 3-2 heading into the matchup against potential loanee Kavanaugh in his home country and needed a win to stay in title contention. Unfortunately, he was on the wrong end of a stunning upset in Mexico City. There is a real possibility that this was the last time fans saw Moreno in the Octagon.

5. Kyoji Horiguchi (36-5)

Since leaving the UFC nearly a decade ago, Kyoji Horiguchi has had a stellar run outside the company and has long been viewed as the best flyweight outside of the UFC. In November 2025, the former dual Rizin and Bellator champion made his triumphant return to the promotion with an impressive decision win over Tagir Ulanbekov.

The Japanese star returned in February and faced a tough test from Amir Albazi. However, he once again defeated one of the better flyweights in the world. After his latest win, Horiguchi could be one win away from a title shot in 2026.

4. Manel Cape (22-7)

It hasn’t always been easy for Manel Kapp in the UFC, but “Starboy” remains one of the most exciting fighters in the division. In his last eight fights he is 7-1 with five finishes. The biggest flaw in his Octagon resume was the lack of a marquee win. Well, he got it in December.

In a UFC Fight Night headlining role, he defeated top five veteran Brandon Royval and Cape scored a major first round knockout victory. He’s as close as ever to a title shot in 2026.

3. Joshua Vann (16-2) – Champion

Joshua Vann has quietly put in an impressive performance in the Octagon. At UFC 317, he got his big opportunity in a clash with top-five veteran Brandon Royval and earned a hard-fought career-defining decision victory. The win earned the Myanmar native a championship opportunity at UFC 323.

In the card’s co-main event, he became the second youngest champion, but it was bittersweet when Pantoja suffered a non-contact injury to his elbow, leading to an immediate end to the fight in Round 1. He’s the new king of the division, but he didn’t earn the top spot in that fight.

2. Tatsuro Taira (18-1) – Top Contender

It has been a very long time since Japan has had a fighter represent the country at the highest level of the sport. However, former Shooto champion Tatsuro Taira finally has a real chance to become the first UFC champion from the land of the rising sun.

After nine bouts, he is 8–1 with one very narrow loss to Brandon Royal. However, at UFC 323, he potentially pushed himself to a title opportunity in 2026 with a big TKO win over division veteran Brandon Moreno.

1. Alexandre Pantoja (30-6)

Brazil’s Alexandre Pantoja has had a long, difficult journey to become the UFC flyweight king. He worked hard inside the division for several years before finally being able to win a title fight at UFC 290. In his first opportunity to become champion, he performed well by scoring his second (third unofficial) victory over division king Brandon Moreno.

Since then he has been on a steady rise and has earned himself the spotlight as one of the top 125 players of all time. At UFC 317, he extended his win streak to eight consecutive with another dominant victory, this time over Kai Kara-France. Pantoja has a case for being the best flyweight ever not named Demetrious Johnson.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

After missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014, there is no denying that the Kansas City Chiefs need to make some changes. We’ve already seen them say goodbye to Matt Nagy, leading to a reunion with Eric Bieniemy. Now it’s time to change the roster.

Even after winning Super Bowls, the Chiefs weren’t afraid to make changes. Sometimes, those decisions don’t work out. Chiefs general manager Brett Veach is ready to admit he made an $80 million mistake.

According to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Chiefs will release offensive tackle Jawan Taylor. Releasing him would save the Chiefs approximately $20 million in salary cap space.

The 28-year-old started 12 games in Kansas City last season, the third season of a four-year, $80 million contract he signed through 2023. Taylor started 45 games for the Chiefs and helped them win the Super Bowl. Taylor previously spent four seasons with the Jaguars, starting all 66 of his appearances in Jacksonville.

The Jaguars made Taylor the 35th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. The Florida native has played seven seasons and reached the playoffs three times.

Pro Football Focus ranked Taylor 80th out of 89 offensive tackles in 2025, earning positive grades for his work as a pass-blocker (49th out of 89) and negative grades as a run blocker (88th out of 89). Now, as Taylor looks for his next team, expect an offense with a pass-heavy scoring attack to take a long look at him in free agency.

RELATED: 5 Best Mike Evans Free Agency Landing Spots

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

本周早些时候，亚特兰大老鹰队发布了引起全国关注的病毒式公告，并正式开始销售其受魔术之城启发的商品。

在周四公布了与 Magic City 的惊喜合作后，老鹰队在球队官网上架了“Forever 404 Magic City Peachtree Hoodie”的发售。这款连帽衫售价 125 美元，目前已开始接受预订，距离预售窗口还剩两天。该组织还规定每笔订单只能购买两件连帽衫。

该合作伙伴公告推出了“魔术之城之夜”主题促销活动，该活动与亚特兰大 3 月 16 日主场对阵奥兰多魔术队的比赛有关。这一消息在社交媒体上迅速在网上流传，导致门票需求大幅飙升，有报道称，消息传出后不久，平均票价飙升。

前老鹰队后卫卢·威廉姆斯周五在 FanDuel 的 Run It Back 节目中公开表达了他对此次合作的支持。威廉姆斯以“柠檬胡椒卢”而闻名，他称赞球队拥抱亚特兰大文化，并表示对此次合作的认可。他的评论是在周四正式宣布之后发表的，当时商品兴趣在周末预售前夕加剧。

亚特兰大老鹰队现以 125 美元的价格出售“Magic City Monday”连帽衫。

狂野的时代。 pic.twitter.com/6vs5mr8nJ2

— 军团篮球 (@LegionHoops) 2026 年 2 月 28 日

老鹰队与魔术城的合作推动商品激增

此次合作使老鹰队成为更广泛文化对话的中心，将篮球与亚特兰大最知名的夜生活机构之一融为一体。这款联名连帽衫的胸前印有 Magic City 的名字以及老鹰队的标志，与与该城市区号相关的球队“Forever 404”品牌保持一致。

在球场上，亚特兰大队（30胜31负）在东部联盟积分榜上排名第九。老鹰队周四以 126-96 击败华盛顿奇才队，取得三连胜，并将于美国东部时间周日下午 6 点主场迎战波特兰开拓者队 (29-31)。

随着商品现已可供购买和门票需求不断上升，老鹰队的合作继续在社交媒体之外产生动力。周六的预售启动标志着从周四的公告到周五的玩家支持以及周末的商品推广的推出的最新一步，亚特兰大正在为即将到来的冲刺做准备。

Real Madrid and Manchester City facing each other again in the Champions League is nothing more than the result of both sides’ good performances in Europe.

That’s according to journalist Axel Torres, who is fed up with people thinking otherwise. Cadena SER covered his comments today after an appearance on El Larguero.

Manchester City is set to face Real Madrid in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League next month. Pep Guardiola’s side travel to the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on March 11^th before hosting the Spanish giants at the Etihad on the 17th^th march.

At present, this encounter is an annual event for both sides. This meeting marks the fifth consecutive year and seventh time in seven seasons that these two sides will meet in the competition.

Real Madrid vs Manchester City again

It has been an interesting rivalry which is completely balanced at present. They have five wins each and five draws, while both have scored 29 goals.

Real Madrid have held the lead over the past two years, winning 6-3 on aggregate last season in the playoffs after a 4-3 win on penalties in the quarter-finals in 2024.

Some fans reacted negatively to the draw, dashing any hopes of something different for both clubs. However, Torres is not having it, nor is he accepting any suggestions of a UEFA fix.

“I’m surprised that we’re talking as if it’s a freak of UEFA that Real Madrid and Manchester City are against each other,” he said.

uefa question

“Both this season and last season, it is determined by their league position. If they had not finished in this position, they would not have had the chance to face each other. There is nothing more than that.

“They have faced each other a lot, yes. But we used to say this was the great Clasico of Europe, and it is getting boring.

“In reality, there could be six Barça-Atlético de Madrid matches. Two in La Liga, two in the Copa del Rey, and maybe two in the Champions League. There will be six and they are welcome because they are also good matches.”

The Atlanta Hawks experienced a sharp increase in ticket prices after announcing their upcoming “Magic City Night” promotion in collaboration with Magic City.

According to Yahoo Sports, the average list price for the Hawks’ March 16 home game increased nearly 300 percent after the team announced the partnership on social media.

Yahoo Sports shared on X, formerly known as Twitter:

“The Hawks and Magic City are teaming up for the ultimate collaboration

Average list price increased 300% after team’s social media announcement”

The promotion, called “Magic City Night”, is scheduled for the time when Atlanta hosts the Orlando Magic. The franchise also unveiled co-branded merchandise, including a hoodie with the Hawks’ logo emblazoned with the Magic City name on the chest. The collaboration quickly generated national buzz and was widely discussed on social media platforms.

The Hawks and Magic City are teaming up for the ultimate collaboration

Average list price increased 300% after team’s social media announcement pic.twitter.com/Xr6xxOdkit

– Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) 27 February 2026

Former Hawks guard Lou Williams – widely known by his nickname “Lemon Pepper Lou” – publicly expressed his support for the partnership during an appearance on FanDuel’s Run It Back. Williams, who previously played in Atlanta and has a long association with the Magic City, called the collaboration an authentic reflection of the city’s culture.

His association with the venue dates back to 2020, when his “Lemon Pepper Lou” nickname was popularized due to a visit to the Magic City during the NBA’s Orlando Bubble due to quarantine protocols and referencing the club’s signature wings. Williams later adopted this nickname as part of his personal brand.

Atlanta (30-31) is currently ninth in the Eastern Conference standings and entering the promotion with a three-game winning streak. Whether driven by curiosity, cultural significance or social media momentum, the Hawks’ announcement has translated into immediate market impact, with ticket demand soaring in the wake of the Magic City collaboration.

The Atlanta Hawks’ unexpected collaboration with the Magic City garnered national attention this week, and former NBA guard Lou Williams fully supports the partnership.

Williams spoke during Friday’s episode of Run It Back and called the partnership a real celebration of Atlanta culture.

“We’re working on some details, but I’m in full support of it. Shout out to my good people and my relationships in the Magic. I love that Atlanta is embracing some of our culture in the city. It’s a nice link… I know a lot of people won’t understand it. A lot of people don’t understand it, but I’m glad it’s going global because now you all understand me. That’s what we do in Atlanta. I know some of these. Y’all’s imaginations.” Wild, but that’s what we do in the city. So shout out to my good people at Magic. I love seeing them come together and see them on this stage.

The Hawks unveiled the collaboration on Thursday, revealing “Magic City Monday”, a themed promotion tied to their March 16 home game against the Orlando Magic. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with the broadcast set for NBCSN and Peacock. The team also revealed a co-branded hoodie featuring the Magic City name across the chest next to the Hawks’ logo.

“I’m glad it’s going global because now you all understand me. …I know you all have imaginations running wild.”

Lou Williams on the Hawks are paying homage to Atlanta’s famous strip club ‘Magic City’ when they host Orlando next month.

(via @RunItBackFDTV)pic.twitter.com/OGPxM2OHyR

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 27 February 2026

‘Lemon Pepper Lou’ legacy resurfaces as Hawks lean toward Atlanta culture

The pairing has attracted additional attention due to Williams’ own history with the club. He earned the nickname “Lemon Pepper Lou” after a widely publicized incident during the NBA’s 2020 COVID-19 bubble in Orlando, when he left the restricted environment to visit the Magic City and was photographed with rapper Jack Harlow before returning. The league imposed a quarantine on Williams, costing him his time with the Los Angeles Clippers at the time, and fans began referring to him by the nickname tied to the club’s signature Lemon Pepper Wings. Williams later adopted the phrase, even securing a trademark on “Lemon Pepper Lou” as part of his personal brand.

On the court this season, Atlanta (30-31) is ninth in the Eastern Conference standings. The Hawks picked up their third consecutive win on Thursday with a 126-96 win over the Washington Wizards and will look to continue their momentum when they host the Portland Trail Blazers (29-31) on Sunday at 6 pm ET.

Whether celebrated or criticized, the Hawks’ partnership with the Magic City has thrust a local cultural touchstone into the national spotlight, with Williams emphasizing that the move reflects something authentic about Atlanta.

Real Madrid legend Emilio Butragueno has insisted he is really excited to face Manchester City once again in the Champions League.

Marca covered the Real Madrid icon’s comments today. It seems he is not tired of facing Manchester City yet.

The draw pits the two sides against each other in the last 16 of the Champions League. Manchester City head to the Santiago Bernabeu for the first leg and host the Spanish giants at the Etihad a week later.

This is the fourth consecutive season they will face each other. This is the seventh time in seven years that the two giants have met in the knockout stage of the competition.

Real Madrid vs Manchester City again

However, as far as butragueño is concerned, there is nothing stale about it. Instead, he emphasizes that general excitement remains before the confrontation.

“We’re really excited about it,” he said.

“This competition means a lot to us, and we have full confidence in the ability of our players and that they will rise to the challenge.”

The rivalry is extremely balanced at the moment. In their 15 meetings so far in the Champions League, both sides have recorded five wins and five draws each.

Real Madrid knocked out Manchester City last season With a 6–3 win in the knockout stage. Last year, the Spanish team advanced on penalties after a 4-4 draw in the quarter-finals.

equal record

However, Manchester City defeated Real Madrid 4–0 at the Etihad in 2023, after a 1–1 draw in the first leg. That win came in the semi-finals and Pep Guardiola’s side secured their first title. Butragueño is expecting another top game.

“We know each other very well,” he said.

“They have a great team, not just a great team. They have a great team and that gives Guardiola a lot of options.”

“Whenever we play them, it’s always an attacking game, with two teams looking to dominate, which usually results in a lot of goals. (It’s) one of the best matches you can see in the world.”

At the end of the January transfer window, Inter Milan attempted to sign Liverpool’s Curtis Jones. sports witness The short-lived saga was covered up again and again, and the deal was never completed.

The main reason for this was that the Reds initially wanted to extend the midfielder’s existing contract on Merseyside. The player’s hesitations ensured he stayed, even though he was seen as a replacement for Davide Fratesi. As a result, the Italian’s transfer to Nottingham Forest also failed.

Since then, Jones has started only once in the Premier League for Liverpool. This may not be a worrying sign, but there is still a possibility of a summer outing.

This has now been confidently claimed in Italy.

Inter still in pursuit of Liverpool player

today’s corriere dello sport Inter manager Christian Chivu reportedly fell in love with Jones when the two teams met in the Champions League.

The 25-year-old played the full 90 minutes as Liverpool won 1–0. Perhaps it was Chivu’s liking for him that made the Nerazzurri make the first move in January.

The Romanian is still keen and would like Inter to make another attempt in the summer. Meanwhile, the Serie A leaders have strengthened their relationship with Jones’ squad.

The Liverpool player has the same agent as Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji, who is expected to join Inter permanently in the summer. This common connection can help with a deal, especially if Fratesi leaves at the end of the campaign.

Jones could be a low-priced deal

The England international’s current contract at Liverpool expires in the summer of 2027.

This could make a relatively cheap deal for Inter in 2026. This could be quite an exciting move, mainly because Jones is still at the right age. He is at the peak of his powers and offers greater technical ability than Fratesi, who is more of an outlet in the final third.

A lot could depend on Liverpool’s demands. The Reds are not known for leaving their players cheaply.

Leicester City are set to sign Arsene Kouassi from FC Lorient.

is according to Africa FootWho reports that Leicester City are battling Lyon and Eintracht Frankfurt for the signature of the 21-year-old.

Kouassi graduated from lower division French club AC Ajaccio and spent two years with their first team before joining FC Lorient in July 2025.

The left-back has cemented his place in the Ligue 1 team as he has played 1,903 minutes in 23 matches. He has operated primarily as a left wing-back and has provided two goals and five assists so far.

His performances are already attracting interest from Leicester City, Lyon and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Following AFC Bournemouth, the Foxes are the latest English club to be seen on the Burkina Faso international stage. Two months ago, Sports Witness broadcast news The Cherries have him on their target list, mainly for next season.

Leicester City is battling 2 teams

His rapid rise, profile and potential at FC Lorient would have caught the attention of scouts from many teams. Africa Foot has made no mention of Andoni Ierola’s team and are focusing on Leicester City, Lyon and the Bundesliga side.

A source close to the matter has informed the outlet that the Championship side, Ligue 1 club and Eintracht Frankfurt have all made ‘concrete enquiries’.

The approach was made to ascertain Kouassi’s contract situation and the conditions required to move him away from FC Lorient.

There is no mention of these conditions in the report. However, they state Gary Rowett’s side and two other clubs have held informal talks with his agent.

Foxes face tough competition

Leicester City plan to bring players with ‘high release potential’ to the King Power Stadium, claims Africa Foot, and that’s why the Foxes are keeping an eye on Kouassi.

Rowett’s side now sit 22nd in the championship, with Lyon and Eintracht Frankfurt at the top.

This would give the latter two players an edge over Leicester City in the race for fullback. Therefore, the Foxes will have to find a way to lure Kouassi and convince FC Lorient to secure his services.

Real Madrid are considering signing Manchester City star Rodri in the summer.

At least that’s what Spanish journalist Ramón Álvarez de Mon is reporting. he took xFormerly known as Twitter, to cover Real Madrid’s interest in the Manchester City player.

Rodri suffered a serious injury in September 2024, a month before winning the Ballon d’Or. He had beaten Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior to the prestigious individual award two years ago.

On 11 February, Game Witness disseminated spanish claims “Something broke” between Real Madrid and Rodri after winning the Ballon d’Or. Therefore, the La Liga giants did not pursue him.

A day later, Rodri’s father said He had “no idea” when asked about his son’s future at Manchester City. The defensive midfielder has less than 18 months left on his contract at the Etihad.

Last week, former Spain international Gaizka Mendieta insisted He does not expect players to leave because of their attachment to Pep Guardiola’s team.

U-turn on Manchester City star

While earlier claims ruled out a move for the 29-year-old, Alvarez de Mon has now said that Real Madrid are still keen.

According to the journalist, ‘Rodri is the midfielder Real Madrid want’ Next season.

The former Atletico Madrid player has struggled with injuries in the first half of this season as he recovers from a serious concussion he suffered in 2024. However, he has been fit this calendar year and has played 14 times so far.

Alvarez de Mon reports that the Spanish capital club will continue to monitor his fitness until the World Cup.

This would mean that Real Madrid could make a final decision on the purchase after the World Cup. He further added that the Manchester City man would cost around €50m.

strategy needs to change

Over the past few years, Real Madrid have decided not to invest in players who are either 30 or nearing 30. Los Blancos are spending big on young players.

The last time the La Liga giants made a big investment on Eden Hazard was in 2019. The Belgian was 28 years old at the time, and the transfer was a disaster.

Rodri will turn 30 next June and Real Madrid will have to abandon their plans to sign him.

The Atlanta Hawks got an injection of energy earlier this week when Jonathan Kuminga made his debut for the team and scored 27 points in a blowout win over the Washington Wizards. This was an interesting development for a Hawks team that is looking for anything to get excited about during a disappointing season.

Perhaps in an effort to increase the intrigue, on Thursday, the Hawks, in partnership with the famous local strip club, Magic City, announced a “Magic City Monday” night for the upcoming home game against the Orlando Magic.

As part of the promotion, the Hawks marketed a sweatshirt with the Magic City name on the front.

Magic on Monday? 👀 @Magic City pic.twitter.com/xwWrGyVE20

– Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) 26 February 2026

Needless to say, fans were losing it in the comments section on X, which was formerly Twitter.

“Our pockets are empty and I love it,” one fan wrote with a laughing emoji.

“An NBA team collaborating with a strip club. I’ve seen it all,” added another.

“James Harden has requested another trade,” another joked, noting the Cleveland Cavaliers guard’s well-documented affinity for nightly entertainment.

The Hawks have never been shy about securing partnerships with companies whose fans don’t necessarily associate with NBA teams, including hosting a Tinder “Swipe Right” night several years ago, allowing fans to matchmake in real time at games, along with other promotions.

At some point, Atlanta will have to hope that the product on the court will be enough to generate interest in the team. Currently, Atlanta sits two games under the .500 mark, on pace to finish in the play-in tournament for an astonishing fifth straight season.

However, the addition of Kuminga could give the Hawks another potential building block moving forward, and the emergence of Jalen Johnson this season is worth watching.

In any case, the Hawks will take the field next Thursday at 7:30 pm ET for a home game against the Washington Wizards.

Nolito has admitted that he did not fully enjoy his time at Manchester City due to “a lot of egos” in the dressing room.

RMC Sport covered the former striker’s comments todayL made in an interview with the After Day Post United Podcast.

Nolito was one of the first players targeted by Pep Guardiola upon arriving at the Etihad in 2016. However, he would only spend that season at the club.

Scores of six goals and five assists were not enough to keep him at Manchester City for long, and the following summer he joined Sevilla. He spent three years at Celta Vigo and UD Fiji before retiring in 2023.

Why wasn’t he completely happy?

His time at Manchester City can be described as one of two halves. He enjoyed a brilliant start to life at the club, but thereafter declined rapidly into obscurity. The latter was partly due to personal struggles adjusting to life in England.

He has since opened up about his time at North West and admitted it was a year to forget. And it seems opinions haven’t changed. However, now his focus is on the dressing room in which he has played.

“Some players had huge egos,” He said.

“We’d all shower and then everyone would leave right away. It wasn’t a very closed locker room.

“But anyway, I was always with the Spanish guys, with Silva or Navas, and we shared a lot in the locker room.

“There were so many good players there that I noticed they had a lot of ego. I noticed a lot of things, but I prefer not to say anything. I think ego is a social problem today.”

Stiff competition probably played a role

The high-level competition meant that playing time was difficult to come by. Nolito did not start a single Premier League game after December 2026.

The January arrival of Gabriel Jesus played a major role in this. And he believes that the lack of rhythm hindered him from keeping himself consistent.

“In the beginning, I played a lot, then less,” He added.

“After all, these are top-level teams and the competition was tough. I didn’t adapt well, because if I didn’t play… the time…”

John Solis’ season at Birmingham City has started so strongly that it is now attracting major attention at home too. In Colombia, the tone has changed from curiosity to full admiration.

AS Colombia ran a feature projecting the 21-year-old as a central figure in Chris Davis’s side. The report said “It took less than 40 days for the 21-year-old Colombian to become the standard-bearer of Birmingham’s midfield”.

This line clearly shows how his influence is being interpreted in his home country.

key to the chris davis system

Inside the piece, there are claims that “Solis has turned downtown Birmingham into a powerhouse”. The Colombian outlet insists that he is “Already considered essential to the balance of the team”.

This highlights that he has played seven matches in less than 40 days, starting in five of them, and was rated above average in four of them.

The statistical case underpins the appreciation. since arriving in EnglandSolís leads Birmingham City’s midfielders in recoveries with 36. He also tops the tackle count with 16. Furthermore, he has the second best duel success rate in his position with 55%.

AS Colombia also noted that he is the club’s third best rated midfielder. Joining in a deal worth €4-5 million. Among the entire team, he is ranked eighth overall. Notably, he sits above Tomoki Iwata in the same role.

Analysis adds another layer: “The Colombian has found the consistency he was lacking at Verona, and Chris Davies’ style of play suits him well, making him a regular in a defensive midfield role.”

In other words, it is being framed not as a brief burst of form, but as having structural significance within the system.

Promotional talks and international time

With ten matches remaining, Birmingham City are two points off the play-off places. Wrexham are currently in sixth place with 51 points. According to the report, “With him, Birmingham are excited about the prospect of promotion”.

That phrase is telling. His presence is being directly linked to confidence around the club’s trajectory.

Additionally, a strong performance in England will naturally draw attention from observers of the Colombia national team. With the World Cup around the corner, Solis’ form at the Championship is coming at the right time.

If he maintains this level, the conversation could soon move beyond Birmingham City play-off hopes. However, for now, the Colombian press is already clear that Solís has already become a point of reference of the midfield and a symbol of renewed ambition.

sports witness I’ve regularly covered how Manchester City loanee Manuel Akanji is performing at Inter Milan.

The Swiss defender has largely been one of the team’s better players, establishing himself as a regular under Cristian Chivu.

This has convinced the Italian media that Inter will hire him permanently. Even if they do not automatically trigger the clause, the Nerazzurri will attempt to keep him beyond this season.

However, things took a turn for the worse for the Manchester City player on Tuesday.

He was responsible for Bodø/Glimt’s first goal in the Champions League play-off second leg. This gave the Norwegian team a huge advantage, playing a role in their 5–2 victory on aggregate.

Despite how impressive he has generally been, Akanji has now attracted criticism.

What is the reaction to Akanji?

Inter Milan’s shock exit from the UEFA competition is being discussed throughout the Italian media. Often in these situations, pointing the finger at someone helps.

Right now, he is Manuel Akanji.

corriere dello sport Just give it a rating of 4/10. He has been described as the ‘worst’ player during the match, despite this mistake coming after he suffered a head injury.

gazzetta dello sport Do the same, give it a 4.5/10 rating.

It’s all a bit unfortunate because the Manchester City player was largely reliable beyond error. He made many improvements and if anything, the entire Inter team struggled to deal with the opposition’s counter-attacks.

mistake proves costly

tutomercatoweb Looking at this incident in detail, it all appears ironic.

This is because Akanji initially joined Inter because he would play Champions League football. He went to the extent of dismissing rivals AC Milan but it was his mistake which led to Inter being eliminated from the Champions League.

He also agrees with Pep Guardiola’s decision to sideline the defender. The Spaniard is admired for his vision, even if the Swiss has largely been influential.

The outlet is certain that his purchase from Manchester City is not in doubt. His mistake was certainly avoidable and would have given Bodo/Glimt a historic win, but he will be signed permanently.

The Manchester City manager was at the match, and it was said that Akanji made a fool of himself ‘right in front of Guardiola’.

Manchester City may not have him at the Etihad, but one of their group’s prospects is starting to make noise in Portugal.

20-year-old Spanish winger Alvaro Santos is currently impressing at FC Penafiel in the country’s second division – Liga Portugal 2. According to Portuguese newspaper to ballHe has become one of the faces of the club’s recent improvement.

Santos completed his development at Celta Vigo before moving to Belgium. There, he spent two seasons with Lommel SK – a club owned by City Football Group.

That detail matters. His move was not random scouting. This was part of the wider Manchester City Network strategy. The English champion group recognized him early and brought him into their structure.

At Lommel, he made 43 appearances, scoring three goals and adding one assist. The numbers were modest. However, reports about their potential were so strong that they remained within the CFG pathway.

This season, Penafiel secured him on loan to the Belgian side. This arrangement allows Manchester City to closely monitor his development while still giving the group regular senior football.

Performances are getting better

So far in 2025–26, Alvaro Santos has played 19 league matches, starting 18 of them. He has scored three goals and added two assists while playing over 1,500 minutes in Liga Portugal 2.

Primarily a natural winger, he is comfortable on both flanks. Still, observers say he looks most dangerous when starting on the left. From there, he attacks defenders directly, combining close control with pace.

The important thing is that he does not hesitate to take on his opponents. He can cut inside to shoot or drive to the byline to create. Additionally, he has shown the ability to operate as a second striker or in the pocket behind the centre-forward.

There are areas to refine. His off-the-ball intensity and defensive contributions could improve. Yet at just 20 years old, there is clearly room for growth.

What this means for Manchester City’s group

For Manchester City and City Football Group, this is exactly how the model is meant to work.

Young talents are identified early, placed in a development environment like Lommel, and then strategically moved up the league where they can gain minutes and responsibility.

If Santos continues this upward trend in Portugal, the next step could be another loan at a higher level – or even an integration into the more competitive CFG environment.

As of now, reports from Portugal remain positive. And in the Manchester City offices, Alvaro Santos’ files are likely to become increasingly detailed.

Barcelona are considering the addition of Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush as they look to sign a summer striker.

according to gameThe Catalan club has already defined its priority positions for next season. A new number 9 sits at the top of that list. However, the market is weak and prices are rising rapidly.

Julian Alvarez His dream goal remains. Yet Atletico Madrid will demand around €150m (£130m), with Barcelona unable to reach that figure. As a result, alternatives are under discussion, and Marmoush is one of the names that is praised internally.

Why does the situation at Manchester City encourage transfers?

Marmoush joined Manchester City from Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2025 for €75m (£65m). Pep Guardiola approved the deal after taking a close look at his Bundesliga form.

In Frankfurt, the Egyptian established himself as one of the league’s most productive attackers. Barcelona’s recruitment team also followed him during that time. Given his dynamism and ability to link up play, they believe he fits into Hansi Flick’s attacking model.

However, his role at City has been limited. Erling Haaland remains untouched as a central striker. As a result, Marmoush struggled to gain regular starts, and was sometimes forced to play wide out.

He has performed well when coming off the bench, but opportunities have been limited this season. Additionally, he missed a month due to the Africa Cup of Nations. As a result, their total numbers appear modest.

There were already rumors of an exit in January. Sport reports that he would prefer a project offering more visibility and consistent minutes.

Importantly, Barcelona are not the only club keeping an eye on his situation. In recent weeks, Marmoush has also been linked to tottenham hotspur, aston villa And GalatasarayDue to which further uncertainty has increased in his future.

The end of his spell at City?

Barcelona are described as “ready” if Marmoush asks to leave this summer. The important thing is that he is not their first choice target. Still, if Alvarez’s move fails, the focus could quickly shift.

From the city’s perspective, the key question is valuation. Marmoush was valued at €75m (£65m) a year ago. However, Sport claim he could be available for less than that fee if Guardiola approves the sale.

That scenario will raise eyebrows. Selling him at such a discount so early would suggest City view him as surplus to requirements behind Haaland.

At present, there is no formal approach. Barcelona is monitoring the situation closely. A lot will depend on whether Marmoush pursues an exit after the season ends.

If he does so, Manchester City could face competition from England and Türkiye for his signature.

According to the player, Norwich City wanted to get rid of Emiliano Marcondes in the January transfer window.

The 30-year-old man is speaking to Viaplay, via campoAbout his current situation. He is still looking for a transfer away from Carrow Road.

The Danish outlet reports that Marcondes was close to a transfer from Norwich last month.

Despite making 16 previous appearances, he has not appeared for the Canaries this year.

How Norwich City explained it

Norwich City were happy with his departure in January. Marcondes had struck a deal with them to secure a place, with his contract set to expire in the summer. Norwich reportedly made it clear that they ‘wanted to invest in other players.’

Marcondes spent the entire month looking for a new club. He was ‘close to a transfer’ but ultimately, remained with the Championship club. Marcondes has now revealed what he and Norwich were talking about behind the scenes.

“The club told me they are going to put game time into some of the younger players and players who have been here a longer time.” He said.

“I completely understand it. I’ve been in the game long enough to understand it.”

“I was also close to moving to other countries, but now most transfer windows are closed, some are still open.

“But that’s my situation right now. I’m slowly getting back into the team and hopefully I can get some playing time again.”

what can happen now

Marcondes does not provide information on which clubs he is in talks with. But, according to Campão, it has been mentioned that there is a possibility of playing outside of Europe.

Several transfer windows are still open, and they offer some options.

His next step remains to be seen. Given that he will be a free agent, he will likely have options on the table. Despite his struggles breaking out in January, it opens a lot of doors for him.

It appears Manchester City are more than sad to lose Bernardo Silva at the end of the season, with Spanish reports now claiming the midfielder is ready for a new chapter.

according to game In Spain, the 31-year-old is “leaning” towards a move after nine seasons at the Etihad. His contract expires on June 30, and reports suggest Pep Guardiola’s side will not aggressively push for a renewal.

Bernardo has Has been linked to FC Barcelona for a long time. His agent, Jorge Mendes, maintains strong ties with the Catalan club. Furthermore, the player is said to be fond of the region and has previously holidayed on the Costa Brava.

However, the report argues that Barcelona’s midfield depth could complicate any move. With players like Fermín López, Dani Olmo and Gavi already present, Bernardo will need to settle into a deeper role.

Questions are raised about physical intensity and whether the current team profile suits him. As a result, an alternative in Spain is now being presented as more realistic.

Why is Atletico Madrid leading the race?

Atletico Madrid have been described as the strongest current candidates for the Manchester City player. Sporting director Matteo Alemany reportedly sees value in signing a player of Bernardo’s caliber on a free transfer.

The idea of ​​remaining at elite continental level while playing a central role appeals to the Portuguese international. Diego Simeone will gain experience and technical quality, while Atletico continue to reshape their squad.

Meanwhile, speculation has not been limited to Spain. Bernardo has also been linked this week juventus And Galatasaray. However, the Spanish outlet downplays the serious momentum behind those prospects.

Paris Saint-Germain is also mentioned, mainly due to DOF Luis Campus’s historical relationship with Bernardo of Monaco. Yet the French club is currently prioritizing a youth profile.

what happens next

From Manchester City’s perspective, the situation appears calm rather than dramatic. Guardiola has again publicly praised Bernardo this week, calling him “one of the greats”, but there is a growing feeling inside Spain that his cycle in England is reaching its natural end.

Manchester City is not applying direct pressure. Bernardo has options. Atletico Madrid is currently in the best position in Spain. Other European clubs are circling.

With several months still left in the season, the player remains in control. The hope now is that there will be clarity closer to the summer window, once the city’s campaign objectives have been resolved.

Barcelona could afford to sign Manchester City star Erling Haaland or Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez in the summer.

This is according to Joan Soler, who has been part of Joan Laporta’s board since 2021. He has stepped down along with Laporta and the rest of the board as the chairman is seeking re-election during the upcoming election.

Soler Cadena talks to Ser about the Manchester City striker and his former Etihad teammate game Has released his comments.

Erling Haaland starred for Manchester City

norway international [and Alvarez] He joined Pep Guardiola’s side in 2022 and has enjoyed good performances over the years. He has scored 153 goals and 28 assists in 184 appearances for the English club, of which 29 goals and seven assists have come this season.

Erling Haaland has been the first-choice striker at Manchester City. This convinced Álvarez to leave the Citizens for the Spanish capital club in August 2024. His name has been on the transfer agenda in recent weeks and Barca are reportedly in the mix.

In May 2025, Laporta said It is ‘not impossible’ to sign the Manchester City striker. Later that year, Sport Witness Covered claims from Spain The 25-year-old is the main target of the La Liga winners this season.

How can Barcelona afford the Manchester City striker

Hansi Flick’s side will have to spend big to sign Erling Haaland or the 26-year-old Argentina international. In recent years, the Catalan club has had to consider its finances and wage bill in order to make fewer signings.

Soler now explains how Barcelona could manage to sign one of the two strikers in the summer.

He said: “Yes, we can sign players like Julian Alvarez or Haaland. These signings pay for themselves in five years and Barça’s financial situation is ready for something like this.

“At the end of the day, Barça must be very careful about which signings it makes in terms of the wage bill. We have set a limit for ourselves and we will not cross it. We have to sign players at market prices, taking into account our wage scale.”

Barcelona have been chasing Norwich City youngster Ajay Tavares for the past few weeks.

Two months ago, Sports Witness First covered several Catalan claims Barcelona’s strong interest in the 16-year-old player.

Hansi Flick made further progress in January to lure him away from Norwich City.

On 17 February, Game Witness news broadcast from spain Barcelona wish to complete this signing as quickly as possible.

Why Barca could sign the Norwich City youngster immediately?

Tavares was born in England but also holds a Portuguese passport. It is important for the La Liga winners to sign him immediately, pending FIFA approval.

Without it, the Blaugrana will have to wait until he turns 18 in December 2027.

Last Friday, we Covering the latest from Spain That the winger has received the green light to join Barcelona. The source said he will travel to the Camp Nou on Sunday to complete all the formalities related to the transfer.

Tavares did not travel at the weekend and his transfer from Norwich City to Barcelona is no longer in danger at all.

Norwich City winger arrives in Spain

The game started on Monday xWhat was formerly known as Twitter posted a video of the Canary youth attacker arriving in Spain this morning. This is an indication that he has already received approval from FIFA.

The Catalan newspaper shared a video of the England U17 international getting out of the car. It is claimed that Tavares has arrived at Barcelona to complete medical tests and other formalities in order to complete his transfer.

The game says it will complete these formalities, including a medical, on Monday so that the player can join the new team ‘immediately’.

Last July, Tavares forced his way into the Norwich City U18 squad and has one goal in 19 appearances this season. He has yet to make his first-team debut for Philippe Clement’s side.

Most likely, the teenager will first start with Barcelona’s youth team.

🔴 special image @sport

‘Victim’ Ajay Tavares is undergoing medical examination in Barcelona!

British footballer will sign today, as he revealed @game And will join immediately.

🎥 @monfortcarlos pic.twitter.com/FEyHWhonHA

– Sport Diary (@Sport) 23 February 2026

earlier this month, sports witness Calciomercato IT covered claims about Juventus’ interest in Manchester City star Bernardo Silva.

The Italian side was in contact with the Portuguese contingent. There have been no signs of renewal, with Bernardo’s contract expiring in the summer.

This was giving Juve hope for a free transfer, as they were expecting a decision in the next few weeks. The Old Lady were also preparing a two-year deal for the versatile midfielder.

There have been developments since then but it seems certain that the player will leave Manchester City.

Manchester City players listening to the offer

La Stampa – relayed by black and whiteCitizens mention star as Juve target.

He is sure he will leave Manchester City but his next club is still in danger. Despite interest from the Italian giants, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain also see the situation as an opportunity. Saudi Arabian clubs can also make big offers.

Meanwhile, the 31-year-old is listening to approaches from his agent Jorge Mendes. Juve have put their own offer on the table in an attempt to beat off the competition quickly.

Luciano Spalletti’s team has not received any response yet but is working towards achieving the goal. The Portugal international is seen as somewhat of a dream prospect, with his free agent status appealing to him.

Bernardo will depart as a club legend

Sometimes, it’s easy to forget that the former Monaco player is still only 31 and has many years of football left in him.

Despite this, he has achieved a lot at Manchester City. He has played 442 times for Pep Guardiola in various positions. This season, he has become a fixture on the right wing in times of need, which says a lot about his availability.

Winning silverware again this season would go a long way in paying tribute to Bernardo, who deserves a lot of credit for his service.

Bernardo Silva’s contract at Manchester City expires in June and his future still needs to be clarified after this season.

Last October, Pep Guardiola said he would be “delighted and delighted” if Silva extended his stay. Additionally, the manager stressed that the 31-year-old will work with Manchester City to decide what is best for him.

The Portugal international has not yet signed a new contract at Manchester City and this creates an opportunity to market him in the summer.

Manchester City contract situation is attracting attention

Juventus is one of the clubs looking to sign the midfielder on a free transfer. Two weeks ago, Sports Witness Covered claims from Italy Serie A side’s interest in Silva. The source said the Turin club aims to give him a two-year contract.

Galatasaray are also in the mix and photomac Now cover the latest information about their plans to secure their services.

The Istanbul club have identified two midfield targets. They are Silva and Inter Milan star Hakan Alhanoglu, who is also under contract at San Siro until 2027.

Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk said, “We are waiting for the Türkiye international with open arms”. Photomack then focuses on Bernardo Silva.

Galatasaray’s efforts to sign a Manchester City player

It has been claimed that the Super Lig winners have ‘serious interest’ in signing Silva on a free after this season.

Last summer, former Manchester City forward Leroy Sane joined Gala on a free transfer, after ending his five-year stint at Bayern Munich. In the same window, Guardiola’s side allowed Elke Gundogan to join the Turkish club.

Galatasaray intend to reunite Silva with the two former Etihad stars in Istanbul and aim to finalize the operation as soon as possible.

To achieve its objective, Fotomac reports ‘will organize a meeting’ with Gundogan Silva. This is likely to convince him to join Galatasaray, but it may not be easy as other clubs are keen on the Portuguese.

Bernardo Silva has scored two goals and five assists in 35 appearances for Guardiola this season.

Barcelona have been given the ‘green light’ to sign Norwich City youngster Ajay Tavares. He is scheduled to fly to Barcelona on Sunday.

This is according to the sport. The Spanish newspaper reports that the deal is now ‘close’ for the youngster to join Barcelona.

According to their information, Norwich City have given the 16-year-old permission to travel to Barcelona. ‘Several weeks of processes’ are followed to resolve the transfer. ‘Bureaucratic problems’ had halted Barcelona’s deal for the highly rated young player.

However, they are now history and Tavares will fly to Barcelona on Sunday before undergoing a medical on Monday. He plans to join his training at the Camp Nou mid-next week.

norwich city green light

Tavares’ move to Barcelona has been ‘practically finalized’ for some time. Actually, Sport Witness covered a report In December it was said that the deal had been done.

It was said in a report in January Barcelona was on the verge of completing it.

This was raised again in another report this week, which suggested that it was Determined to complete the deal. The same has happened now.

According to Sport, officials have now completed the remaining ‘administrative details’, which will allow the deal to proceed without any hindrances. As a result, Tavares is set to fly to Barcelona on Sunday ahead of a medical on Monday.

FIFA allows

Under FIFA rules, Tavares must wait until he turns 18, but his Portuguese passport allows him to transfer from Norwich now. They still needed FIFA approval, which they have now received, giving them the green light to travel to Barcelona immediately.

He is one of a number of talents targeted by Barcelona as they look to strengthen their academy prospects. Hamza Abdelkarim and Joaquin Delgado also joined in the January transfer window.

They are keen to support the youth in the future and Tavares is the latest signing on that mission. Now, with no problems in the way, he can take the final steps on Monday before starting his integration with the Blaugrana.

Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool are among the clubs chasing Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown. image.

The Bundesliga side acquired the left-back from 1. FC Nürnberg in January 2024 and sent him back on loan. He arrived at Eintracht Frankfurt at the end of that year and has been a regular ever since.

Brown has played in 63 matches and has scored six goals and 13 assists, three of which are from this season. Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool have taken notice of him.

Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool in the mix

The 22-year-old has already attracted the attention of some top clubs. In October, Sports Witness German media covered the claims Regarding interest from Pep Guardiola’s side and the Gunners.

Bild now works on that and covers the latest on Manchester City, Mikel Arteta’s side and the Reds.

It has been claimed that scouts and other officials from top European clubs follow German live action almost every week.

Both Manchester City and Barcelona are keeping a close eye and regularly gathering information about the fullback. There is a belief that he could fit in well at both the Etihad and Camp Nou.

Apart from these clubs, Arsenal, Liverpool and Real Madrid are also interested in signing the fullback.

Bild added ‘top clubs have made contact’ and ‘the race is wide open’ to secure his services. It is not specified whether Manchester City, Arsenal or Liverpool have made any approaches so far.

Brown’s future away from Eintracht Frankfurt

Brown’s exit in the summer is ‘highly likely’, mainly because the German club would be unable to keep him due to interest from top clubs.

In addition, Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director Markus Kroesch will have to raise funds. Brown is seen as one of the candidates and Bild claim he is worth around €65m.

Manchester City and Liverpool invested in Ryan Ait-Nouri and Milos Kerkez respectively last summer. It is unclear whether these two clubs and Arsenal are willing to invest €65m on Brown after this season.

Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool are among the clubs chasing Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown. image.

The Bundesliga side acquired the left-back from 1. FC Nürnberg in January 2024 and sent him back on loan. He arrived at Eintracht Frankfurt at the end of that year and has been a regular ever since.

Brown has played in 63 matches and has scored six goals and 13 assists, three of which are from this season. Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool have taken notice of him.

Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool in the mix

The 22-year-old has already attracted the attention of some top clubs. In October, Sports Witness German media covered the claims Regarding interest from Pep Guardiola’s side and the Gunners.

Bild now works on that and covers the latest on Manchester City, Mikel Arteta’s side and the Reds.

It has been claimed that scouts and other officials from top European clubs follow German live action almost every week.

Both Manchester City and Barcelona are keeping a close eye and regularly gathering information about the fullback. There is a belief that he could fit in well at both the Etihad and Camp Nou.

Apart from these clubs, Arsenal, Liverpool and Real Madrid are also interested in signing the fullback.

Bild added ‘top clubs have made contact’ and ‘the race is wide open’ to secure his services. It is not specified whether Manchester City, Arsenal or Liverpool have made any approaches so far.

Brown’s future away from Eintracht Frankfurt

Brown’s exit in the summer is ‘highly likely’, mainly because the German club would be unable to keep him due to interest from top clubs.

In addition, Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director Markus Kroesch will have to raise funds. Brown is seen as one of the candidates and Bild claim he is worth around €65m.

Manchester City and Liverpool invested in Ryan Ait-Nouri and Milos Kerkez respectively last summer. It is unclear whether these two clubs and Arsenal are willing to invest €65m on Brown after this season.

Chelsea and Manchester City are already calling up Genk youngster Constantino Caretas as a race for his signature develops in Europe.

That’s according to 24 sata And Importance of Limburg. Both newspapers cover the age of 18 years. According to him, Chelsea and Manchester City are making great efforts to sign Karatsas.

The youngster is the undisputed star of Genk at the moment. He has three goals and 15 assists in 35 games this season.

His record for the club is six goals and 20 assists in 78 games. He also has six goals and five assists in 20 games for the youth team.

Chelsea and Manchester City are calling

He is an undisputed rising star and big-time sides are courting him. According to 24Sata, Chelsea and Manchester City have already put themselves into the mix.

Same is the situation with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. The race is on for the Genk star. This may be because some people are saying that only Kevin De Bruyne has played better for Genk.

This is high praise indeed and given the situation in Belgium it will certainly have ears perking up at the Etihad.

Meanwhile, HBVL has put a price tag on the midfielder’s head. According to their information, the ‘Genk wonder boy’ is worth around €28m. This is hardly an insurmountable figure for Chelsea or Manchester City.

Manchester City has already rejected

The Premier League pair have also been interested for some time. In fact, Karetsas revealed 2024 that he had previously rejected Pep Guardiola’s favour.

However, they are not worried. Sport Witness covered a report About to see their interest resume in November. Meanwhile, Chelsea joins the hunt In December 2024 and it appears that Caretas hasn’t stopped following him since then.

Calls are now being made, although there is no mention of how they are being received. Given his previous dislike of City’s proposal when he was younger, Karatsas may need some convincing.

last month, sports witness Norwich City’s interest in Bodø/Glimt striker Casper Hogg was widely covered.

The Championship side made a formal offer to sign the player in January, as he was seen as a replacement for Josh Sergeant.

This forced Norwegian club manager Kjetil Knutsen to close the door upon his exit. They were sure that Hog was growing well and had no reason to leave.

This led Norwich City manager Philip Clement to suggest that Bodo/Glimt’s unexpected Champions League progress was the reason behind the failed transfer.

Belgium said: “Everyone at the club agreed and we were really close to signing a striker who wanted to come, but the situation changed when his team won a game no one expected them to win.

With Bodø/Glimt facing Inter Milan in the first leg of the Champions League playoffs, Hogg’s situation in Norway is being further explored.

No clarity on failed Norwich City deal

Today, Dagbladet Adding to Clement’s comments for context, check out Norwich City’s pursuit of the 25-year-old.

He speaks to Bodø/Glimt sporting director Howard Sakariasen about whether his European progress was the reason for Hogg’s stay.

He told the outlet: “We’re not talking about player logistics [transfers] In Bodo/Glimt on general basis.”

Sakariasen was also asked whether playing in the Champions League helps Bodø/Glimt retain their best players.

he replied: “We’re trying to pick up the pace and work better every day, then we’ll see where it takes us.

The director also expressed confidence that the current squad is ready for the game against Inter.

“I would like to believe that the players who are here preparing for the match against Inter feel that they are in good shape at the moment.”

Hog should have no regrets

Hogg has scored four Champions League goals so far this season and provided two assists in the competition.

The two games against Inter allow him to further showcase his quality and potentially attract bigger clubs. If Bodo/Glimt pulls off an upset win, their stock could rise further.

That’s why the Norwegian should have no regrets about not joining Norwich City. That ship has sailed and focusing on the present could help him get more opportunities – possibly in the Premier League.

last month, sports witness Majelby’s unsuccessful move for Abdoulie Manneh was closely followed by Birmingham City.

The player was desperate for a transfer away from the Swedish side. After a deal with St Andrews failed to materialise, he stayed in England in the hope of breaking into another Championship team.

This did not happen, and the attackers returned to Sweden at the end of the winter window.

Now some developments are emerging and it seems as if Manneh is recovering from the Birmingham City failure.

The player is back training with Mjällby

Mjällby has released a official statement The 21-year-old confirmed on their website that Manneh is back in training.

They also detail why the Birmingham City transfer did not go through. There are indications that the Swedish club was not happy with the terms of the offer.

Manager Jakob Lennartsson said: “As we previously confirmed, Manneh is in talks with the club to explore the possibility of a transfer during the winter window. However, we have not found a solution where all parties are satisfied, which means Manneh will remain an MJLB AIF player.”

Lennartsson expressed his belief that keeping Manneh is the best option for Mjälby.

“The situation is not favorable for the player or the club, but we believe we have made the best decision based on the current circumstances.

“Communication has been good throughout the process and Abduli is now fully focused on contributing to a strong performance for Majalbi AIF.”

The statement also included comments from the player who is happy to return to Sweden. That said, he could hardly share his sadness over the failed move to Birmingham City.

“The last few days have been stressful for me mentally and athletically. At the same time, I’m happy to be back at MJLB again.

“I’m looking forward to meeting my teammates, working hard every day and playing competitive matches in front of our supporters as soon as possible.”

The discussion about the attacker does not end here BLT Look at Manneh’s condition also. He is confident that Mjelby will hand the player a new deal.

His current contract expires on December 31, 2027 and there is a verbal agreement that it will be extended. The outlet is confident this should put an end to the speculation.

Charlie Gray has been around in the Manchester City first team so far this season.

He has been on the bench several times in the Champions League and Premier League. Additionally, he made his first team debut in the Carabao Cup against Brentford in the quarter-finals.

Gray is now 19 years old and has also captained Manchester City U19 in the UEFA Youth League. He has been a regular in the competition, starting the last three matches and scoring against Real Madrid and HJK Helsinki.

Now there is a possibility of citizens losing talent in the next few months.

Bologna wants a young player from Manchester City

TuttoBolognaWeb Report regarding the player’s situation, making it clear that he intends to leave Manchester City. His contract at the Etihad expires in the summer and as things stand, there is no sign of it being renewed.

Bologna are keeping an eye on Gray and are interested in bringing him to Italy. The club’s management team highly values ​​the young player and wants to beat Lazio to his signature.

The deal is being hailed as a ‘big hit’ by directors Marco De Vaio and Giovanni Sartori. They are trying to lay the foundations for a move, with Premier League clubs also interested in the midfielder.

move can help gray

Bologna could prove to be a very good move for Gray. This is largely due to the club’s reputation for shrewd recruitment and developing young players.

He famously did this for Riccardo Calafiori and Joshua Zirkzee before they made the big step up to the Premier League. Recent Juventus signing Emil Holm has also developed well at Bologna after joining from Spezia. Santiago Castro is also a prime example with Premier League clubs To keep an eye On Argentina.

Sartori remains one of Italy’s most capable directors at the moment. He was crucial behind the rise of Atalanta and is also playing a role behind Bologna’s rise in stature.

Anyone who watched the Wout face at Leicester City will have been surprised to see him in this week’s Champions League clash with Monaco. Keyes Quackman certainly shared that reaction.

He is talking about the former Leicester City defender today, Via Fein Online. And he couldn’t hide his surprise at seeing the 27-year-old star in Europe’s biggest club competition.

Faze has endured a disastrous spell at Leicester after arriving for a £15million deal in 2022 to replace Wesley Fofana.

positive start

Signed from Reims on deadline day that summer, he made his debut in a 6–2 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur and despite that result initially looked like a smart signing.

He soon established himself as a key defensive figure, with Leicester keeping five clean sheets in their next seven matches.

He stuck with Fox through demotions and promotions, but he failed to win over fans.

Fans developed a love-hate relationship with the Belgian, whose Premier League spells featured a number of high-profile errors.

The biggest of them was two suicide goals in the defeat to Liverpool in 2022. Fan sentiment became increasingly unfavorable after the defensive performances by 2024 and 2025 were labeled ridiculous.

hostile in leicester

Things eventually turned hostile, with Face being booed from the stands after scoring the winner against Sheffield Wednesday and Face responding by covering his ears to the Leicester fans.

He moved in the January transfer window, Joining Ligue 1 side Monaco. This means he is now in the Champions League, something that surprised Quackman this week.

“I see Voute face getting back in the lineup. He should have a really good agent,” he said on ESPN’s Voetbalprat.

“He was a hit every week at Leicester last year. Playing at that level doesn’t mean you can’t play football. But I find it remarkable that he’s playing for such clubs.”

Last year, he was disgracefully sacked with Leicester for diving under a ball every week, and now he is back at a good club.

Manchester City loanee Vitor Reus was brilliant on Monday night as Verona beat Barcelona 2-1 in La Liga. The 19-year-old centre-back played a decisive role in the upset. As a result, the Spanish and Brazilian media have begun to push the idea that Pep Guardiola should look into this ahead of next season.

Victory in the 24th round of La Liga. However, most of the post-match attention was focused on Vitor Reis. The defender finished the match with 14 defensive contributions and did not face a single successful dribble against him. Additionally, he leads all Brazilian players in LaLiga in minutes played this season.

Praise for the Spaniards after their heroic victory

Catalan outlet Mundo Deportivo did not hold back in its assessment. “Imperial! A machine for winning duels inside the box!” the newspaper wrote after the final whistle. The article headline after his match called him “Boss of the new Verona”.

spanish journalist Victor Laboria Escutia He went even further in his analysis. “I see Vitor Reus as one of the most promising centre-backs this season. He is a leader and has great qualities. He should be an option for all the big clubs.” He said.

Such praise comes after a strong month for the Manchester City defender. In January, LaLiga named him the best under-23 player in the competition. This recognition came after continuous performance and increasing authority behind.

Verona brought him on loan to guarantee minutes and continuity. So far, that strategy has worked. The Brazilian has secured a starting role and rarely leaves the field. so, development plan The agreement with Manchester City appears to be yielding clear results.

Brazil calls on Guardiola to take action

The Brazilian media have now begun to link his rise directly to Manchester City’s plans. Trivella argued that his performance against Barcelona, ​​along with their campaign overall, “Proves that he can already be considered a member of Manchester City.”

Meanwhile, journalist Fernando Campos offered a more forceful opinion. “Vítor Reus is a monster of the new generation of centre-backs. Absolutely extraordinary at Verona. Guardiola needs to use him next season,” He said.

Those comments increase the spotlight surrounding the teen. Manchester City signed him for £34m (€40m) with a long-term plan in mind. At the time, the club prioritized growth over immediate impact.

However, the story is now changing. There is external pressure building, with Verona competing strongly and Vitor Reis lining up against Barcelona.

what happens next Much will depend on Guardiola’s team’s plans this summer, but the noise around the Brazilian is growing.

Claudio Echeverri arrived at the Etihad in January 2025, a year after Manchester City agreed a deal with River Plate.

The attacking midfielder has struggled for regular minutes under Pep Guardiola, being limited to 64 minutes in three matches for the Citizens.

Last summer, Manchester City let him join Bayer Leverkusen on a season-long loan deal, with the aim of helping the Argentine settle in Europe.

Two months ago, Sports Witness Covered claims from Spain Guardiola wanted him to join Verona the previous summer. However, the 20-year-old chose the Bundesliga team, and it clearly didn’t work out for him.

Echeverri is making progress in Verona

Echeverri played 270 minutes in 11 matches for Bayer Leverkusen and was unhappy with his situation in Germany. Manchester City cut his loan stay short and then sent him on loan to Verona in January.

The Argentina U23 international has featured in four matches for the La Liga team, including a 2-1 win over Barcelona on Monday. He came off the bench for the last 17 minutes against Hansi Flick’s team.

After yesterday’s win, the Manchester City man spoke to DAZN in Spain Sports stadium Has released his comments.

The Manchester City man has clear goals

The South American is happy to leave the difficult German spell behind and knows what he wants from a loan transfer to Verona.

“I was really looking forward to it [playing in matches like this]. It was a difficult few months in Germany, a very difficult time for me.” He said.

“I’m happy to be here today, trying to get back to the form that led to my transfer to City.”

Verona’s win over Barcelona moved them up to 12th, five points clear of the relegation zone. The Manchester City-owned player says Barcelona suffered defeat to secure a big win over “the best team in the world”.

“We had to suffer some points, but the team played very well, ran a lot and that’s why we won.” Echeverri explained.