Shai Gilgeous-Alexander brought his A-game in a big matchup against the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. The Oklahoma City Thunder lost some key players, but in the end, Gilgeous-Alexander’s best performance was enough to defeat the Nuggets.

Try as Denver might, Gilgeous-Alexander was too much to handle, as he scored 35 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and dished the rock 15 times to go along with the game-winning triple and secure a 129-126 victory for OKC.

The Nuggets were a little conservative with their coverage of Gilgeous-Alexander, and the MVP made them pay as a result. In fact, Gilgeous-Alexander was so calm and so in control that he didn’t turn the ball over once all night, even though he was handling the rock on almost every possession on the floor for the Thunder.

In doing so, according to ESPN Insights on X, Gilgeous-Alexander became the second player in NBA history to record at least 35 points and 15 assists in a single game without turning the ball over. He joined LeBron James (2018) as the only players to do so during a league span that also includes postseason games.

Many will say that the 2018 version of James is his peak, and who knows, maybe when people look at the 2026 version of the Thunder star, they will also see that he was still at his best at that time.

no one can stop the thunder

The Thunder may have shown some signs of weakness early in the season, but it hardly matters now. They now know what it takes to win, and it’s always helpful to have the best player on the field playing for your team every night.

OKC remains the team to beat, and it’s thanks to Gilgeous-Alexander that the Thunder will be extremely difficult to dethrone.

Recently, both Liverpool and Arsenal have been linked with Dario Osorio as the winger continues to attract attention across Europe.

Now, fresh reporting from Chile has revealed the scale of the behind-the-scenes planning at FC Midtjylland, where the player is seen as a central part in an ambitious transfer strategy.

according to thirdThe Danish club is openly working towards making Osorio part of the most expensive transfer in the history of Danish football. Club president Klaus Steinlein has already said that he expects record sales from the Superliga in the next European summer window.

“I expect the biggest sale in the history of Danish football. They are three completely unique players,” Steinlein said, referring to Osorio, Franculino Diju and Aral Simsir.

The benchmark is currently based on the sale of Ernests Nouma to Lyon in 2023 for around €24m (£21m). Midtjylland aims to exceed that figure, with Osorio considered one of the players capable of reaching such a valuation.

Contract Strategy and Development Plan

A significant part of that strategy has already been implemented. Midtjylland recently extended Osorio’s contract until July 2030, strengthening their negotiating position ahead of any potential bid.

With more than four years left on the deal, the Danish side can dictate the terms of any future transfer. The club’s overarching model revolves around quickly identifying young talent, developing players in the Superliga, and eventually selling them to larger European leagues.

Osorio fits that blueprint perfectly. Since arriving from Universidad de Chile, the winger has established himself as a regular player in Denmark and in European competitions.

Over two seasons he has registered 93 appearances, 21 goals and 15 assists, strong numbers for a wide attacker playing in a team that regularly competes domestically and in Europe.

The Midtjylland staff also believes that the Chile international still has significant room for growth.

“Surely he will change clubs at some point,” said head coach Mike Tullberg. “He can do everything on the pitch. Maybe he needs to be a little more dangerous in attack and score more goals, but he has already shown that he can defend too. That will make him interesting for many high-level clubs.”

Premier League attention is increasing

Osorio’s profile has already attracted the attention of Premier League recruitment departments.

Recently spotted by Liverpool Scouts Midtjylland’s Europa League clash with Genk, where several players from the Danish side were under observation. Manchester United and Leeds United also came to watch. Previously, he joined West Ham and Everton another scouting mission To follow the player.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have also been linked with the winger in recent months. The club’s South American chief scout Jonathan Vidale When previously discussing Osorio’s development his profile was compared to that of Angel Di Maria.

The Argentinian talent scout also suggested the Chilean made the right decision by taking a move through Denmark before attempting a move to one of Europe’s biggest leagues.

Midtjylland are therefore openly aiming to break the Danish transfer record. Premier League clubs are already keeping a close eye on his progress. That means Osorio’s next move may become a question of timing rather than possibility.

Bournemouth’s Christos Mandas has not played a minute in the Premier League since joining from Lazio. His condition is now causing concern in Italy.

The move to the Vitality Stadium comes after the Greek international has been repeatedly linked with moves to Wolves and West Ham.

sports witness The ups and downs of the transfer drama were covered, as Bournemouth secured an option to buy for around €18m as part of an initial loan deal.

Many expected the goalkeeper to get some minutes, especially as he made the move after struggling to do so at Lazio.

His situation has not improved at all and the transfer seems a bit pointless. lazio channel Have taken a close look and raised questions as to why exactly this step was taken.

Bournemouth situation seen as farce

The outlet believes ‘it’s a joke’ that Mandas is not playing at Bournemouth at all. This is not because they want him to leave permanently, but because of the belief that he could contribute to the Lazio first-team right away.

Maurizio Sarri’s side are struggling and there are question marks over the manager’s future.

Had Mandas been playing for Cherries, the sale would have guaranteed a good financial return to the Italian side. Now, with nothing going on and the frustration evident, Lazio’s first-choice goalkeeper Ivan Provedale is also struggling.

Mandas is seen as a missed opportunity, as he was very close to the first team in the first half of the season. He was never used despite Premier League clubs courting him in the summer.

Our opinion on the situation of Mandas

The 2025/26 season has been quite a meaningless one for the 24-year-old. Despite performing well in the 2024/25 campaign under Marco Baroni, he could end it without making any league appearances. There was a time when he was Lazio’s first-choice goalkeeper.

This shows that he certainly has the ability to start for Bournemouth. It seems as if Andoni Ierola doesn’t want to experiment too much. This keeps him in constant touch with Djordje Petrovich.

The Spaniard’s decision makes sense and Mandas can now only make the most of an opportunity – if he gets one. Arguably, if he had stayed in Rome he could have played more often.

RJ Barrett joined Steve Nash and other players in NBA history after reaching the scoring milestone in the Toronto Raptors’ emphatic 122-92 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night.

Barrett is going through the seventh season of his career, his third with the Raptors. He has made strides towards becoming a solid two-way star in the league, helping Toronto make a playoff run this year.

Before Sunday’s game against Dallas, Barrett had scored 7,987 points in his career so far. He needed 13 more points to reach the 8,000-point milestone, which Nash and six other Canadian players have accomplished in their respective careers.

Barrett accomplished the feat in a masterful performance, in 34 minutes of action. He finished with a stat line of 31 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal. He made 13 of 19 shots from the field, including 3 of 7 from beyond the arc and 2 of 4 from the free-throw line. According to reporter Omar Osman, the star wing reflected on his milestone after the game on the Sportsnet broadcast.

“One, I’ve always loved the Raptors. I’ve always been a big fan. To do it at home means a lot to me,” Barrett said.

RJ Barrett becomes 8th Canadian to cross 8K mark:

“One, I’ve always loved the Raptors. I’ve always been a big fan. To do it at home means a lot to me.” ❤️❤️❤️❤️

🎥: Sportsnet 🎤: @SNMichaud https://t.co/UuSuCQxjC9 pic.twitter.com/PwXKCVMXo2

– Omer Osman (@OmerOsman200) 9 March 2026

RJ Barrett, how the Raptors played against the Mavericks

RJ Barrett got the chance to enjoy making NBA history on behalf of his home country of Canada. He also got a chance to add the cherry on top by leading the Raptors to a dominant win over the Mavericks.

Eight players, including Barrett, scored in double figures for Toronto in the win. Scotty Barnes delivered a balanced performance of 17 points, five assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. He made 6 of 12 shots overall, including 2 of 4 from downtown and 3 of 3 from the charity stripe. Jakob Poeltl came next with 16 points and 10 rebounds, Sandro Mamukelashvili had 13 points and seven rebounds, while Brandon Ingram and Ja’Cobe Walter each provided 11 points apiece.

Toronto improved to a 36–27 record on the season and finished fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. They are above the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat, while trailing the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks.

The Raptors look forward to their next matchup while on the road. They will face the Houston Rockets on March 10, tip-off at 8 PM ET.

Juventus may ultimately be forced to choose between Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali and Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva as they look to revamp their midfield this summer.

is according to transfer marketWhich covers both the players today. The Italian outlet reports that ‘an interesting duel begins’ between the Newcastle and Manchester City stars.

According to their information, Silva and Tonali are ‘two transfer dreams’ for Juventus this summer. Sport Witness has covered various reports regarding their interest in both.

Yesterday, a report from Italy said the Manchester City star would be signing Could ‘change’ Juventus next season. That report stated that he was placed on the roster for the summer due to his free agent status.

free agent silva

Calciomercato supported this, saying Silva’s path was ‘less steep’ than others. Manchester City are not negotiating a renewal with him and the Portuguese midfielder is set to become a free agent.

Securing Champions League football would be a bonus to their efforts. But that is not a prerequisite for signing the 31-year-old.

Tonali is seen as ‘too complex’ a signature to attempt. It looks like there will be plenty of competition if Newcastle launch a sale this summer.

This matches other reports covered by Sport Witness. For example, a report this week said Arsenal and Manchester United were also making moves for the 25-year-old.

€100 million for Tonali

The interesting caveat in all this is that Newcastle host Manchester City in the FA Cup today. This potentially provides Juventus with the opportunity to do some scouting.

Perhaps whoever comes out on top in the fight can help their own transfer cause. At this time, it appears that Silva is the leading contender. However, it largely has to do with money.

While he is a free agent, Tonali is likely to cost close to €100 million. Multiple reports indicate that this is the price Newcastle want for him and even Transfermarkt value him at €75m.

That is his highest value, but with Newcastle spending €60 million on him in 2023, and tying him to a deal through 2028, they will surely demand much more than that valuation.

Brighton & Hove Albion scout Bert Konterman has informed the club about FC Twente youngster Ruud Nijstad.

This is according to the man himself, Via Twenty Insights. He admitted that he has approached Brighton about the 18-year-old as he continues to impress at the Dutch club.

Nijstad is considered by many to be one of the Netherlands’ most promising young talents. Some have compared him to a modern-day Gerard Piqué, praising his composure, skill with his left foot and ability to initiate attacks from defence.

He broke into Twente’s first team this season, and established himself as a highly sought-after prospect in the process.

Big clubs are monitoring him

He has been the subject of intense speculation even before the summer transfer window. Barcelona reportedly made significant efforts to sign him in the January transfer window.

Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham are all keeping an eye on the defender as well. It is unlikely that these three will be the only ones watching his performances in the Premier League.

According to him, Brighton are definitely aware of him kontermann. He admitted that he had already told the Seagulls about Nijstad. The matter was put to him during an appearance on D’Osttribune.

“I really enjoyed the match against Feyenoord,” He said.

“I just wrote down the ages of all the FC Twente players. It’s incredible that this is a team with so much potential for the coming years.

“Ruud Nijstad was fantastic, Stav Lemkin was good, Thomas van den Belt was important, Lammers was decent, and Orjsätter is getting better and better.”

“You say: If they stay together, Tijman van Wissing replied.

“I agree with that, but the point is that if you work for Brighton & Hove Albion, you also know that they have Nijstad on their radar. You probably already do.”

brighton tipped

“Right, I was impressed. I told them about it,” The Brighton scout replied.

“Those guys are not good enough yet for the first team (at a club like Brighton). You can buy them, but then you have to make a deal to keep them at FC Twente for two to three years.”

It would not be a surprise for Brighton to approve such a transfer deal. The Seagulls have certainly not been afraid to sign young players from the Netherlands.

Matt Wiffer, Yankuba Minteh and Jan Paul van Hecke are prime examples. All three are now first team regulars for Brighton under Fabian Herzeler.

Van Hecke gives the example of how Brighton sign young players early and loan them out to develop elsewhere. The club has also signed youngsters such as Yoon Do-young, Malik Yalkouye and Ibrahim Osman, who are currently on loan.

A similar deal would make a lot of sense for Nijstad, especially as competition looks to be increasing.

Real Madrid want to move Manchester City’s Rodri away from the Premier League after identifying him as their priority target.

This is according to journalist Alberto Pereiro, who covered it on Onda Cerro’s RadioEstadio Noche, as relayed by . sports world.

On 27 February, Khel Witness Covered claims from Spain That Real Madrid wants to sign the Manchester City star.

The Spain international will turn 30 in June, while the La Liga side have only spent money on youth players in recent years.

Therefore, in order to lure the midfielder away from the Etihad in the summer, Los Blancos will have to change their tactics.

Manchester City star is top priority for Real Madrid

The 29-year-old and Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbach are Real Madrid’s ‘top priorities’ for next season.

Pereiro reports that the Spanish giants have allocated €100 million to sign the pair and the funds for further contracts will depend on the sale of the players.

“The first €100 million that Real Madrid wants to spend this summer is on Rodrigo Hernandez and Schlotterbach. Whether Madrid makes more signings depends on what they sell this summer,” He said.

The journalist did not specify how much fee Real Madrid has allocated or intends to pay Pep Guardiola’s team for Rodri.

Earlier today, Sports Witness news broadcast from germany Real Madrid are no longer prioritizing Schlotterbach in defence. Los Blancos are eyeing Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate.

The Germany international and Konate are both 26 years old. However, the Frenchman’s contract expires in June and he has reportedly made up his mind to leave Anfield.

Real Madrid can sign Konate for free while they will have to agree terms with Borussia Dortmund to sign Schlotterbach.

Analysis: Rodri’s contract and value

If the Spanish club decide to move forward with Konate, they could allocate substantial money to sign Rodri.

The former Atletico Madrid player has less than 18 months left on his contract. His father recently said He “knows nothing” about his son’s future plans.

Mundo says it is unclear whether Manchester City is willing to sell the player at the price set by Real Madrid. transfer market He is now valued at €75 million, a figure that Real Madrid may not be able to match.

The English club do not need to raise funds and have the ability to absorb the financial blow and let Rodri leave for free in 2027. However, Guardiola is unlikely to stand in the way if he requests a transfer.

Juventus are not interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario in the summer transfer window.

This is according to journalist Luca Momblano, Via Blasting News. He insists that reports linking the Tottenham number one to a move to Juventus are widespread.

Vicario appears to be determined to leave Tottenham this summer and return to his homeland in some capacity. Sport Witness has covered various reports from Italy regarding his desire to switch.

Inter Milan long-time admirers have come up with a plan as they eye a replacement for Yann Sommer this season. Reports late last month brought Juventus into the mix.

Dual sources refute Tottenham’s claims

They’re also eyeing a new number for the summer. As a result, they have Reports have already been made about a move. The Tottenham goalkeeper is reportedly on their list alongside players like Alisson Becker.

This potentially gives Tottenham another option to move back to Italy this summer. However, Momblano insists there is no such interest from Juventus. He says that this has also been confirmed by the player’s agents.

“I was very surprised by the article published in a famous newspaper today,” he said on his Twitch showing Juventus.

“Because from what I can read, it puts Vicario as the first-choice goalkeeper for Juventus, almost in pole position for next summer.

“I have a completely opposite reaction. As far as I understand, and I have contacted not only Juventus but also the people who manage the goalkeeper’s profile, Juventus have never approached the current Tottenham goalkeeper.

“Plus, Vicario himself has never heard anything about possible interest from the old lady. For all these reasons, I was surprised by what I read today. Not only do I not have Vicario in the top five goalkeepers for June, but I don’t even have him in the top seven.”

This may be the case where it becomes immediately apparent that the transfer was very difficult and that everyone involved is in denial that anything of the sort happened.

Anthony Edwards has become one of the NBA’s 10 best players, and that’s quite an accomplishment for someone who faced so much doubt as a prospect coming out of Georgia. Many thought he would be too distracted and not deeply in love with the game of basketball, but he proved that wrong almost immediately, and developed into a true superstar for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

On Tuesday night, Edwards did superstar things for the Timberwolves; He scored 13 points in the fourth quarter, including 10 straight at one point, to lead Minnesota to a 117–110 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. He finished the night with 41 points on 15-29 shooting, including 7-13 from beyond the arc, as he left the Grizzlies defense helpless.

In doing so, Edwards now there is more A 40-point game for a shooting guard before the age of 25 compared to Kobe Bryant, as noted by Real Apps on X. The Timberwolves star now has the second-most such games, and he is now behind Michael Jordan in that department.

This shows how explosive a scorer Edwards is and how he is the closest thing to Bryant or Jordan in today’s NBA. And the next task for him is to lead the Timberwolves to the promised land, just as Bryant and Jordan did for the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls, respectively.

Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves are figuring it out

The Timberwolves know their intention this season is not to make it to the Western Conference Finals for the third consecutive year. They want to get over the hump, and if Edwards keeps up this level of play they have a good chance to do so.

Currently, the Timberwolves are in fourth place in the Western Conference standings, although they are within striking distance of third place. This may be more favorable to them, considering how they took care of business against the Lakers in last year’s playoffs (LA is currently in sixth place).

Sunderland may face renewed attention around Omar Alderete after the Paraguayan’s latest claims suggest a big club is monitoring the defender ahead of a potential move after the World Cup.

Paraguayan outlet versus cited journalist chris perez When reporting that the rescuer is being monitored “Another club of greater fame”. The report does not name the parties involved. However, it added that the operation will be carried out after the World Cup.

At this stage, there is no mention of formal talks or any concrete proposal. Still, the timing is remarkable. Alderete has already drawn a strong reaction in Paraguay after recent performances against Manchester City and Liverpool.

His performance against City was praised domestically The way they handled Erling HaalandParaguayan journalists claimed that he “put it in his pocket”.

Meanwhile, his performance at Anfield generated even more colorful reactions. a commentator compared him to hugo sanchezIconic Mexican striker, renowned for his offensive threat and audacious efforts on goal.

Now the story has changed a bit. Instead of general praise for the Sunderland star, there is talk of solid monitoring. The Paraguayan press is suggesting it is time for their “big jump”. The suggestion is that, if Alderete performs well at the World Cup, interest could increase rapidly.

Contract situation and Sunderland situation

Alderete, 28, has become a key figure in Sunderland’s defensive structure. His performances against elite opponents strengthened his position both in England and at home. That visibility naturally increases transfer speculation.

However, the report from Paraguay gives no indication that Sunderland is open to a sale. Nor are there any figures associated with the claim. Without a named club or evaluation, the story remains in the monitoring stage.

what happens next

A lot may depend on the World Cup. The Paraguayan media apparently believe that the tournament could act as a trigger point. Strong performances on that stage would likely inspire any interested clubs to formalize contact.

For now, Sunderland maintain control of the situation. Yet Paraguay’s tone suggests they have hope for a movement once they are thrust into the international spotlight.

LeBron James continues to rewrite the record books, and his latest milestone puts him in rarest company in Los Angeles Lakers history. During Saturday night’s 129-101 win over the Golden State Warriors, “The King” officially joined Kobe Bryant as the only players to record 1,000 three-pointers in a Lakers uniform.

James needed only one triple to enter the contest, and he didn’t keep the fans at Chase Center waiting long. They started the game strong and reached 1,000 points after trailing by three in the first quarter. By the time the final buzzer sounded, James sat at 1,002 career triples for the franchise, trailing only Bryant’s famous mark of 1,827.

The 41-year-old superstar finished the night with an impressive 22 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. He hit 7 of 13 shots from the field, including 4 of 6 from downtown. While Luka Doncic handled most of the scoring with 26 points, James provided a steadying veteran presence that allowed Los Angeles to surge ahead in the second half.

The win was a collective effort for the Lakers, who improved to 35–24 on the season. DeAndre Ayton dominated the paint with four points and 10 rebounds, while the team’s perimeter defense limited the Warriors to just 27% shooting from deep.

Reaching this milestone further cements James’ legacy in the Purple and Gold. While he is already the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, achieving this specific feat with the Lakers highlights his continued excellence and adaptation since arriving in 2018.

As the Lakers push to clinch a higher seed in the Western Conference, they will need this version of James, who can still dominate play from beyond the arc, to make a deep playoff run.

In the last few weeks, sports witness Inter Milan have closely monitored Arsenal’s interest in Francesco Pio Esposito.

It’s no surprise, the Italian has reached new heights this season. He was one of the best players in Serie B during his loan stint at Spezia in the 2024/25 season, before returning to the Nerazzurri.

He has two Champions League goals in the current campaign. He has contributed to 13 goals in all competitions, which is the biggest indicator of how far he has come.

The striker is arguably one of the best players in the world. More has now emerged regarding Inter’s stance on Arsenal’s interest.

Gunner tops for Esposito

interest The report on the young player, makes it clear that he is seen as the future of Inter.

The Nerazzurri’s Champions League exit has left him confident about building a young backbone. This makes them keen to build a squad around Esposito and they would not even accept €100m to carry out his sale.

‘Most notably Arsenal’ There is interest, but there is also intrigue from other Premier League clubs. However, Inter have no intention of accepting any offer, and are confident of having the player in their possession for the long term.

His signing is part of a new youth policy at the club, which has seen them target Ismael Kone, Pietro Comuzzo and Aleksandar Stankovic.

Arsenal can be used

Given how often Arsenal have been talked about, this feels like an attempt to showcase Esposito’s stature and how he has grown.

The 20-year-old player’s current contract expires in 2030. There have been suggestions about a new deal which could make the Gunners’ task even more difficult.

Furthermore, the London club spent heavily on Victor Gyöckeres. They would be unlikely to spend much on another striker.

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.

Paolo Banchero had a 36-point performance Tuesday night to lead the Orlando Magic to a 110-109 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, capping a four-game Western Conference road trip and cementing his name among the franchise’s greats.

Banchero finished with a game-high 36 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in 38 minutes. He shot 12 of 22 from the field, 2 of 6 from 3-point range and 10 of 11 from the free-throw line, as the Magic improved to 31–26.

According to the team’s PR account on X, formerly known as Twitter, Banchero recorded the 14th game of his career with at least 35 points. This total ranks third in Orlando Magic history behind Tracy McGrady (75) and Shaquille O’Neal (54), and ahead of Anfernee Hardaway (13) and Dwight Howard (13).

This performance marked the third time in Banchero’s career that he posted at least 35 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a game. This total ties him with O’Neal for the second-most such games in franchise history. McGrady holds the record with 16.

Jamahl Mosley praises Paolo Banchero’s aggressiveness, downhill attack against Lakers

Head coach Jamahl Mosley credited Banchero’s pressure and tenacity as the driving force behind the victory.

“Yeah, I think his aggression level, quick decisions, getting downhill, finding matchups he likes, attacking the basket, putting pressure on defense. I mean, more than anything, when you look at it, he got to the free throw line 11 times. That’s aggression. That’s determination. That’s focus, getting downhill. And then he’s knocking them down.”

Jamahl Mosley on Paolo Banchero’s 36 in win over Lakers:

“His aggressiveness – going down 11 times and getting to the line. That’s the focus. That’s the determination.

“He creates mismatches. Drive and kick to Desmond for a three – big-time play. pic.twitter.com/wgAXpc0Bxw

– Julian Ojeda (@jowepafm) 25 February 2026

Mosley emphasized Banchero’s ability to create mismatches and make timely decisions, including a late drive-and-kick that led to a key 3-pointer from Desmond Bain.

“So just staying aggressive. As soon as he steps on the floor, he creates mismatches. He has eyes on him. These guys are full of him. So his quick decision-making ability, getting downhill, that last play where he attacks the downhill and passes it to Desmond for a knock down three, those are big-time plays. And that’s what we’re going to continue to need from him.”

Magic gains momentum after statement win in Los Angeles

Banchero took the same approach when asked about his performance.

“Yeah, just being aggressive, you know, being aggressive downhill, making plays for others. I think that always opens up the game for me. If I’m able to keep the defense honest with my passing. Yeah, being aggressive when the ball is in my hands, you know, making the defense respect me and always hunting my shots and looking for the pass as well.”

The 23-year-old has averaged 21.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.3 assists over his last 10 games, while shooting 42.4% from the field and 37.5% from 3-point range in 36.4 minutes per contest. On the season, he averaged 21.5 points, a career-high 8.4 rebounds and five assists in 46 games while shooting 45% from the field.

Paolo Banchero on his offensive mindset against the Lakers

“Just being aggressive down the slope and making plays for others. It opens up the game for me. When I have the ball in my hands, it’s about hunting my shots and keeping the defense honest with my passing.” pic.twitter.com/VD3wfzJKyg

– Julian Ojeda (@jowepafm) 25 February 2026

This victory also has historical significance. As noted by Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel on X, Orlando’s wins over the Clippers (111–109) and Lakers (110–109) marked the franchise’s first season since 2012–13 in which it defeated both Los Angeles teams.

The Magic return home to open a four-game homestand against the Houston Rockets (35-21) on Thursday at 7:30 PM ET on Prime Video, looking to extend their two-game winning streak behind continued growth in the distinguished company of Banchero.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly stalling the process that requires an urgent solution to lift the transfer ban imposed on Brazilian side Santos FC last week.

according to espn brazilSantos is awaiting a formal document from Tottenham to finalize the payment structure relating to Souza’s move to north London. Without that paperwork, the Brazilian side cannot settle its outstanding loan with Portuguese side FC Arauca – the same issue that led to the FIFA transfer ban.

The sanction was imposed due to an unpaid fee linked to the arrival of defender João Basso from Arauca. Santos is owed €2.7m (£2.3m) including interest. Until that amount is paid, they cannot enter new signatures.

Interestingly, earlier this month brazilian report detailed how Santos had already advanced his share of the Souza transfer fee through an international banking operation, precisely because Tottenham were considered financially reliable.

The club gained advance access to approximately £13.7m (€16.2m) of the deal, with less risk associated with Tottenham’s payment. That context makes the current delay somewhat curious.

Delay in documentation complicates the situation

Santos’ plan is simple. they want to use some of it €15m (£12.8m) fee agreed with Tottenham To fully repay the Portuguese loan to Souza. However, the transfer ban cannot be lifted until Arauca receives payment – ​​and this depends on the amount of money being released.

Brazilian reports state that Arauca are waiting for formal confirmation from Tottenham so that the transaction can go ahead. Until he arrives, Santos will be unable to function.

The issue is already affecting squad planning. The newly signed midfielder has not been registered due to a ban, despite taking part in training. As a result, Santos’s options are limited while waiting for the administrative green light.

Wider context around Spurs

From Tottenham’s point of view, this may be a routine documentation process. Nevertheless, the delay is effectively preventing Santos from resolving the ban imposed by FIFA.

Although there is no suggestion that Spurs are refusing to pay, the timing of the paperwork is significant. Santos is pushing to settle the case before the end of the week. Any delay risks extending the ban and increasing pressure on the Brazilian club hierarchy.

Recently, UK media have reported that Spurs are going through a delicate financial situation, which is linked to the team’s poor results and the risk of a possible relegation battle. That background naturally increases scrutiny on outgoing payments and cash flow management.

It is unclear whether this will have any impact on delays, and it is likely that it will not. However, from Santos’s perspective, the North London document is the final piece needed to lift the ban. Until that arrives, the Brazilian club will remain in limbo.

Glenn Helder has admitted he is desperate for Arsenal to win the Premier League this season.

Soccer News covered the former Gunner’s comments today. He has admitted that he is desperate for Arsenal not to hinder their pursuit of the Premier League title.

For those who don’t know, Helder became the last signing of George Graham’s time at Arsenal in 1995.

He made only 49 appearances before he was eventually replaced by Marc Overmars, but has remained a Gunner since.

How Arsenal’s title challenge is testing nerves

As a result, he has kept a close eye on their title challenge this season. Mikel Arteta’s side are currently at the top of the table and five points ahead of second-placed Manchester City. They restored their five-point lead with a 4-1 win over rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

That win was a clear one for the Gunners as disappointing form put their title hopes in jeopardy.

Draws against Brentford and Wolves had allowed Manchester City to close the gap and put pressure on the Emirates.

Some sections of the Arsenal fan base have certainly become concerned about a repeat of their previous ‘bottling’ of the Premier League.

Why do past seasons encourage lingering doubt?

Arsenal previously lost control of the title race in the final stages of the 2023/24 season, having led the side for most of the campaign.

However, a 12-point lead in their last nine games ultimately saw them finish behind Manchester City.

Helder is certainly one of those who has become concerned. He is praying that past mistakes are not repeated.

“This is my club and always will be,” He said.

“Unfortunately, they have not managed to make a successful final effort in recent years. I would wish all the heart for Arteta. He has done really well after Arsene Wenger.

“The league title would complete it. It would be exciting, but it could also happen in the final moments of the season.

“Look at City with Sergio Aguero in 2012. Hopefully Arsenal don’t make it as exciting, because then some people will give up in the stands.”

🇮🇹Aleksandar Stankovic Arsenal are looking serious

🕵️ Gunners official on Atletico vs Club Brugge tonight
💸 Inter Milan could use buyback to sell againhttps://t.co/villC7QAQL #afc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 24 February 2026

Napoli are ‘finally making moves’ to improve their midfield this summer and Wolverhampton Wanderers star Joao Gomes is their ‘main target’.

is according to Niccolo Ceccarini, journalist for Tuttomercatoweb. He revealed that the Wolves man has been placed at the top of Napoli’s midfield wish list.

After a disastrous defense of their title, the reigning Italian champions will be busy reshaping their squad this summer. They are currently 11 points behind Inter Milan and are in third place in Serie A.

Injuries have caused major problems for them, and the club will probably need to refresh the squad to keep Antonio Conte on board.

The Italian club wants reinforcements in midfield, and Ceccarini reports that Gomes is at the top of the list.

Wolves star wanted

According to their information, Napoli are making moves to strengthen their midfield this summer. And, the Wolves midfielder is the ‘main target’ in that regard. There is no further information available about the 25-year-old.

But Sport Witness has reported on Napoli’s interest in the midfielder for months. In fact, there have been several reports since the January transfer window alone.

For example, on 11 January, Sport Witness covered a report suggesting the Wolves midfielder was awaiting a transfer. At the time, the club valued him at €40m.

Efforts from January transfer window

A report three days later theorized that Wolves’ potential demotion this summer would make a transfer easier. Two days ago it was confirmed that the Wolves midfielder remains a target for Napoli this summer.

Now Ceccherini has added to this that he is a main target for Conte. Given that they’ve also said they’re finally making the move, it suggests something is going on behind the scenes.

In fact, it would not be surprising if sooner or later there were reports about contacts with Gomes’ agents. Even if that isn’t happening right now, Gomes’ future appears to lie away from Molineux.

Earlier this month, Sheffield Wednesday allowed Yann Valery to join Young Boys on loan until the end of the season.

The Tunisia international made his debut for Young Boys when he came off the bench in a defeat to FC St. Gallen on 11 February.

Last weekend, the Sheffield Wednesday player played the full 90 minutes and provided two assists in a 6–1 win over FC Winterthur.

Friday edition of blick Looks at how the right-back can help the Swiss club and discusses his future beyond this season.

Why did the Owls approve the loan move?

Valeri played regularly under Henrik Pedersen and has made 23 Championship appearances for the Owls this season.

The English club is struggling financially and is in the process of finding a new owner.

Blick claims that Valeri is one of Sheffield Wednesday’s top earners and his exit will at least allow them to shed part of his wages.

The newspaper believes that this move will also benefit them from the sporting point of view and will improve their chances of making it to the World Cup. Whether this is the case or not remains to be seen.

Good start for Sheffield Wednesday loanee

He provided two assists in their previous win, and credited his new teammates for helping him settle in.

“The team gave me a great welcome. It made my first game a lot easier. The two assists were just a bonus,” He said.

Before joining Sheffield Wednesday, the fullback worked in England with Southampton. During his time at St Mary’s, the Saints sent him on loan to Birmingham City. It is believed that his previous difficult experience in England will help the Young Boys now.

“I learned this in England. But I have known it since I was a child. Later, I also experienced the battle of exile on the island,” Valerie explained.

As things stand, the Tunisian is set to return to Sheffield Wednesday at the end of his loan spell. The Owls are bottom of the table, and are unlikely to play in League One next season.

This will give Young Boys a chance to retain him beyond this season. However, Blick has warned that if he continues to shine, there could be more clubs queuing up to sign him.

The newspaper suggests the price could rise if ‘powerful Championship clubs make serious offers’.

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.

Earlier this week, sports witness Juventus’ interest in Tottenham defender Destiny Udogi has been covered.

Calciomercato IT were convinced that the left-back is being eyed as a replacement for Andrea Cambiaso, who has struggled this season.

It was believed that the Juve player had lovers hiding around him. His exit will create space for the Tottenham player, who has developed since arriving from Udinese in 2022.

There was uncertainty about Spurs’ stance and ability to match Juve’s asking price. Now more information is coming to light.

Juventus can spend big on Tottenham player

alljuve Now report on the Italy international, who is currently injured but has played 13 times in the Premier League this season.

The outlet says the Tottenham player is being considered as a target in Turin according to information from club sources. Udogi could become a key option for the Bianconeri in the summer.

The deal is likely to be complicated due to the player’s contract at the London club. His deal expires in 2030 and despite this, Juve are preparing a significant financial investment to bring Udogi back to Italy. They are not intimidated about the price tag by Tottenham, with Cambiasso’s exit likely to finance the transfer.

It is believed that the 23-year-old will be a ‘hot’ name in Turin for the next few weeks. He is seen as the ideal solution to the left’s problems.

Injuries are derailing Tottenham’s progress

Due to muscle and knee injuries, Udogi has seen his playing time decline this season. Even last season under Anze Postecoglou, he suffered a hamstring injury which kept him out for a few months.

Although he has improved as a player, it remains to be seen if he can take the next step at Tottenham. The instability at the London club isn’t helping, as they now have their third manager in 12 months in Igor Tudor.

Earlier this week, sports witness A look at Inter Milan’s stance on Arsenal’s interest in Francesco Pio Esposito.

L’Interista was confident that the Italian giants were not upset by this, with Inter being confident that the player would not leave.

There was a suggestion that there was an unbreakable bond between the two sides, with Pio Esposito grateful to the Nerazzurri for his development. It seems he is keen to give all that back to his club.

More details are now emerging regarding Arsenal’s interest in the striker. It seems that the gunners are quite serious and had even conducted reconnaissance a few days ago.

Arsenal scouts watched Esposito on Saturday

Tuttosport – relayed by tuttomerkatowebIt is reported that a Gunners official was present at San Siro on Saturday. Inter beat Juventus 3–2 in a controversial match, but Pio Esposito scored with a brilliant header in the second half.

The goal helped the striker take his tally in all competitions to six, and he also assisted twice.

The newspaper believes that Pio Esposito has passed Arsenal’s test with flying colors. The London club has also been generally impressed, with Andrea Berta following the talent for years.

As a result, Arsenal’s interest is said to be increasing. Their task is unlikely to be easy, as Inter are preparing their own offensive.

Inter is preparing for a new contract

TuttoSport further reports on the Nerazzurri’s approach towards Pio Esposito’s renewal.

Club CEO Beppe Marotta and sporting director Piero Auslio are already laying the groundwork. The Italian currently earns just €1.1m and he could earn around €3m per season in his new deal.

Inter aim to keep Pio Esposito until 2031. This is seen as a move by Inter to deprive Arsenal of signing talent. The player is seen as the future leaders of the Serie A league, having performed reliably when Marcus Thuram had an unsuccessful performance this season.

There are indications that Pio Esposito is also keen to stay, which could make things more difficult for the Gunners.

Spanish side Mallorca are hoping that Ciel Larkin can continue to shine at Southampton, so they can get rid of him permanently.

This is according to Ultima Hora. The Spanish outlet has today covered the striker and Mallorca’s hopes of securing a permanent move from Southampton this summer.

He points out that it is never easy to leave Mallorca on loan, as the Spanish club does not have a particularly good record on that front.

This season, four players have left on similar deals, and none have yet ‘developed or relaunched’ their careers away from the island.

southampton hopes

Larin is actually on his second loan after struggling with Feyenoord. He canceled his deal there to join Southampton.

Mallorca was happy to do so, and were focused on securing the best possible deal with the Saints, while keeping an eye on the future. This is because Larín’s presence significantly hinders the work of sporting director Pablo Ortales.

Larin is on a high salary at the Spanish club, and they also have ‘arrears arrears’ on him. Those are both issues they want to resolve in the summer transfer window.

Southampton have an option to purchase and at San Moix, they hope the Saints will exercise it for the 30-year-old. This will, in fact, be the solution to a big headache for them.

Luckily, it looks like Larin has achieved success. He has two goals in three games so far, one more than he managed in limited minutes with Feyenoord.

Saints in the playoffs?

It is a positive start that has made Mallorca hopeful of a permanent deal. They don’t want the 30-year-old back.

whether southampton The utilization of his section remains to be seen. This will depend on Larin’s performance but also on what division they are in next season.

the saints are 10^th Currently but just two points outside the top six so the race is far from over. A strong finish to the campaign could lead them to sign the Canadien permanently. That’s certainly what Mallorca wants to happen.

VfB Stuttgart are expected to receive a ‘top offer’ for their key players in the summer after a move from Nottingham Forest this year.

This is according to the sport build. The German newspaper has covered Stuttgart today and revealed how they could be busy on the summer departure front.

According to their report, Stuttgart are focusing on winning the Europa League for the money it will bring.

That extra money could help them retain their stars in the summer. A number of people have already been targeted by the Premier League. Prominent among them are Jamie Lewelling and Ramon Hendrix.

Leveling in nottingham forest

For example, leveling up was Nottingham Forest’s goal last summer. Sport Witness covered it extensively at the time.

At first it was explained that we would Really need an extraordinary offer If they were to sign the 24-year-old any time soon.

A separate report then described how Lewelling had made it clear that he did not want Nottingham Forest.

He even clearly told his agents to leave him alone. Whether this has changed now remains to be seen. But there is a feeling that Nottingham Forest could come back for him at some point.

One goal hendricks too

He’s not the only Stuttgart player in their sights either. There’s also Ramon Hendrix. Nottingham Forest, as well as Borussia Dortmund, moved for him in the January transfer window.

Sport Witness also covered it at that time. Indeed, Stuttgart’s sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth It was even confirmed that they had rejected a bid.

He then explained that the German side did this because they were continuing to support Hendrix’s development. Undoubtedly, its value may see a significant increase in the future. Whether this means a summer sale is on the table is debatable.

But the feeling is that Nottingham Forest, and others, can get back to that point. So Stuttgart is focusing on the Europa League. If they had won the entire tournament, they could have received approximately €34m in prize money from their participation.

This is a huge sum for the German team and should help ease interest in their best players this summer.

VfB Stuttgart are seeking Europa League glory in the hopes of keeping Jamie Lewelling out of Bournemouth’s hands this season.

This is according to Sportbild. The German newspaper covered the club today and revealed how they need money to help them retain their top players in the summer.

According to his information, there are many players in the current Stuttgart team who aspire to play at the international level.

This means the German club will face competition to retain him if they are not successful this season.

Champions League dream

They want to qualify for the Champions League and are in the race to do so. But with competition fierce for Bundesliga places, Stuttgart are also turning their attention to the Europa League.

Success in that tournament could help bring in around €34m of additional revenue.

This will help them a lot in the fight to retain people like Leveling. He has already been targeted by the Premier League. Nottingham Forest tried last summer, before Bournemouth put €40m on the table in the January transfer window.

Cherries reportedly view the 24-year-old as a potential replacement for Antoine Semenyo. He left to join Manchester City last month, and Bournemouth now have a significant gap to fill in their squad.

Bournemouth wants leveling

It appears Leveling is the man they feel can fill the gap and they were willing to spend big to secure his signature. Stuttgart and Lewelling ultimately thwarted his efforts.

But the former are expecting a ‘top offer’ again this summer. If they are in a position to reject them again, Champions League qualification or Europa League glory, which would also get them into the Champions League, may be necessary.

There’s certainly a hope for one or both of these guys if the season ends exceptionally well. If not, Bournemouth will once again be looking for money to spend on their star man.

Celtic’s Luis Palma joined Lech Poznan on loan with an option to buy last summer. His future may lie away from Martin O’Neill as he has already expressed his desire to join the Polish club permanently.

Earlier this week, the Honduras International He said he hopes A long stay at Lech Poznań despite a limited role in recent weeks.

“I hope to stay at Lake for a long time, but it’s just not my decision,” he told Canal+ Sport in Poland.

Speaking to Lech Poznań spokesperson Adrian Galuszka Mecziki.pl To discuss the Celtic man and some other players.

Uncertain future at Celtic

Brendan Rodgers had left the 26-year-old out of his plans, resulting in Celtic agreeing to loan him to Olympiacos until February 2025. He failed to impress in Greece and returned to Celtic Park last summer.

Rodgers did not consider the winger for this season and Celtic allowed him to join the Polish club on loan. He scored six goals and provided seven assists in 29 matches.

Earlier this season, Sport Witness Polish claims covered Lech Poznan’s intention to purchase him from O’Neill.

Palma has failed to score or provide an assist since the November international break. On 13 December, Game Witness news broadcast from poland Dissatisfaction with his performance is increasing.

When will Lech Poznan decide on Palma

Galuszka has now confirmed that a decision to buy Palma will be made in the coming months.

“We have to wait for all contract negotiations with both Antonio Milik and Radek Murawski or Ali Gholizadeh, as well as a decision regarding the purchase of Luis Palma.” He said.

“We’re waiting to see how the season plays out for us. Right now, we’re competing on three fronts, and I don’t know where we’ll be in May.”

“We will have a lot of answers in February and March. Because we are playing in the Polish Cup, there is a lot to play for in the Ekstraklasa, and we also have the Conference League.”

The purchase option for Palma is reportedly worth around €4m. The official has hinted that Lech Poznan may try to lower the price.

“Of course, the purchase amount for Luis Palma is clearly defined, but that does not mean that it cannot be renegotiated in any way. All options are absolutely open.” Galuszka explained.

The 2025-26 Los Angeles Lakers are an elite company right now, and history tells us that this elite company isn’t that great.

Entering the All-Star break, despite having a 33-21 record, the Lakers trailed by one point, which is not normal at all. In fact, LA is just the third team in NBA history with a 60% or better winning percentage and a negative point differential at the All-Star break.

The Athletic’s Law Murray wrote, “The other two aren’t exactly the teams the Lakers want to emulate.” “The 2021 Portland Trail Blazers went 21-14 at the All-Star break while being outscored by 15 points and were eliminated from the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Denver Nuggets in six games. The 1997 Charlotte Hornets went with a 29-19 record (.604) while being outscored by 15 points and then lost to New York in the 1997 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. Lost to the Knicks.”

As a result of their record, the best of the three on the club, and a stellar, league-best 15–3 record in clutch time, Murray has labeled the Lakers’ season “somewhat extraordinary”.

This could bode well for LeBron James, Luka Doncic and company, although last season, the Lakers lost in the first round of the playoffs despite having a solid record in the regular season following the acquisition of Doncic. Still, the Lakers are almost certainly a better team, in general, than the 2024-25 team, which had a better injury situation and still wasn’t as stable as this year’s Lakers.

Only one LA player has played every game this year: Jake Laravia. Additionally, he is the only player on the team to have played more than 46 games. The Lakers’ star players – James, Doncic and Austin Reaves – have all missed at least a dozen games. Reeves was out more than a month until recently, James missed almost the entire first month of the season, and Doncic was sidelined for the final four games before the All-Star break with a hamstring injury.

The Lakers return to action on Friday against crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers at home before hosting the Boston Celtics on Sunday.

Atletico Madrid are trying to sign a new contract for Julian Alvarez after Arsenal made a €100m bid for Julian Alvarez last year.

Journalist Ruben Urrea has told this on his YouTube channel ‘El Club Urrea’. Estadio Deportivo released their comments.

The newspaper reports that Atlético are making moves in an attempt to sign Alvarez to a new deal. Matteo Alemany is leading the negotiations and has already made an initial offer to the player and his agent.

The newspaper suggests this is an attempt to fend off potential suitors such as Arsenal and Barcelona.

arsenal interest

This is where urea comes into the mix. He explained that Alvarez had the opportunity to leave Atletico last summer. His 29 goals in 54 games led Mikel Arteta’s side to pursue him, but Atlético refused to negotiate.

“The English club offered him a five-year contract worth €12 million net per season,” the journalist reported.

“Arsenal offered Atlético de Madrid €100 million plus €20 million in bonuses for Julián Álvarez during the Club World Cup. The club declined, saying Julián Álvarez was not for sale.”

However, that interest has not gone away. While Atletico have made it clear they do not want to sell, the Gunners still fancy the Argentine. However he keeps rejecting them too.

“Arsenal remain interested in the player and, as of February 16, Julián Álvarez does not want to move to an English team or return to the Premier League,” he said.

“As far as I know, no candidate for the presidency of Barcelona has spoken to Julian Álvarez or met him. And Paris Saint-Germain have again inquired about the striker in this winter transfer window.”

battle of arsenal and chelsea

This latest report from Uría is the latest regarding Arsenal’s interest in Alvarez in the past few weeks. Sport Witness covered their interest last summer, and it has re-emerged in recent weeks.

It was named in a report earlier this month Arsenal as main favorites For striker. This was followed by a report stating that they were prepared to break the bank with Chelsea.

It was then said that Chelsea were quietly preparing a big bid for Alvarez this summer. It looks like they could be ready to take on the Gunners.

For now, Alvarez seems happy in Spain. But Atletico are clearly nervous and want to tie down the 26-year-old at any cost.

In the January transfer window, sports witness Donyell Malen’s transfer from Aston Villa to AS Roma was closely watched.

The deal progressed quickly, as Unai Emery’s side agreed to loan the striker with an obligation to buy. Already, the Dutchman is making a big impact in Rome.

He scored two goals in Roma’s 2–2 draw against title-chasing Napoli. This helped him take his goal tally to five in all competitions with goals against Torino and Cagliari.

While Gian Piero Gasperini has risen Compare As for the attacker, Malen himself has spoken about his life away from Aston Villa.

Striker enjoying life after Aston Villa

The 26-year-old spoke to the press after his impressive performance against Napoli.

He explained that things are going very well in the Italian capital and he is feeling positive about life in the Giallorossi.

He said- relayed by romannews: : “Since I came here, I feel good. I know what my qualities are, and sometimes in football you also need a little luck. I’m very happy to be here.”

Malen also shared his thoughts about the game and expressed his disappointment that Roma could not win.

“To be honest, I’m a little disappointed. I think we deserved to win. We played well. Obviously, I’m happy for myself, but I wanted to win.”

Furthermore, the ex-Borussia Dortmund player revealed Gasperini’s role in the transfer to Roma.

“A great role. He talked to me about the position and what he wanted me to do.

“Roma is a great, ambitious club, and I know I can showcase my football here. I’m happy to sign with Roma.”

Perfect for grinding Gasparini

It is no surprise that Malen joined Roma largely because of Gasperini. The Italian has a great reputation for getting the most out of attacking players. In the past, his system has improved underperforming attackers and taken them to a different level.

Malen falls into that category, as he had little game time at Aston Villa. He made his mark in the Europa League but it never seemed enough for Unai Emery.

Now, he is Roma’s undisputed starter, with Artem Dovbyk and Ivan Ferguson failing to impress.

Gasperini has always liked strikers who offer more than just goals. Malen has reliable 1v1 ability and this has already shown at Roma.

It took a few matches and a bit of noise from the Brazilian press, but Lucas Paqueta has now scored his first goal since leaving West Ham United.

As Reported in BrazilThe midfielder scored his first goal since leaving the London Stadium, doing so in a heavyweight clash for Flamengo against Botafogo. The 2–1 victory secured a place in the semi-finals of the state championship, but the main story in Brazil focused on Paqueta finally showing what he came for.

This was his fifth match since returning from West Ham. His first few games did not go well. Local reports suggest he looked a little off the pace and was struggling to impose himself. There was obvious criticism from local pundits, especially given the scale of his withdrawal.

After all, Flamengo paid £36.1m (€42m) to re-sign himMaking it the most expensive transfer in Brazilian football history. That price tag ensured scrutiny from day one.

A local Pandit Neto called him “A third-tier player, just a TikTok sensation”. live on tvHe also took a dig at West Ham: “He has scored 137 games and 23 goals in three years for West Ham, a small, insignificant club that nobody knows. Are you crazy? Paqueta is a mediocre player and not even worth half that.”

However, the first reactions came immediately.

Having played 18 minutes in Sunday’s derby, Paqueta controlled the ball on the edge of the box, and fired a composed left-footed finish into the bottom corner. Former Bournemouth keeper Neto There was no chance. It was a neat, technical strike – exactly the type of goal that West Ham supporters remember from his Premier League spell.

Celebrations followed immediately. A kiss to the badge. Then the familiar dance in front of the away end. It was part relief, part statement.

Botafogo equalized early in the second half, but Flamengo regained control late on. Paqueta’s opener had already changed the tempo and put to rest any doubts about his intensity.

For West Ham, watching from afar, it was a reminder of the quality they once relied on in big moments. In the derby atmosphere, under pressure, Paqueta again performed.

Anthony Edwards’ career is on a rapid upward trend, and he is establishing himself as a surefire Hall of Famer, even though he is only six seasons into his NBA career. The Minnesota Timberwolves star has been racking up a ton of accomplishments so early in his career, the latest of which is him taking home All-Star Game MVP honors on Sunday night after scoring a total of 32 points while his team, the Team USA Stars, accomplished the feat.

Edwards scored 32 points in three games and was the Stars’ most consistent player in their NBA All-Star Game-winning performance, earning himself the MVP award in the process. And in doing so, he became the only player in NBA history other than LeBron James to score 10,000 points or more, win an Olympic gold medal, become All-Star Game MVP and be touted as the number one overall pick before the age of 25, as reported by OptaStats on X (formerly Twitter).

Of course, the Timberwolves star is missing a key element of the LeBron experience; He has yet to lead his team to the NBA Finals and has yet to win overall MVP honors, both of which James accomplished at the age of 24. But Edwards still has time to figure it out.

Anthony Edwards’ next goal is to lead the Timberwolves to victory

As confident as Edwards is, he knows legacies are cemented when one’s team is in last place in June. The Timberwolves have never done this yet in their history; They have yet to advance beyond the conference finals.

That’s now Edwards’ next goal – helping the Timberwolves overcome Western Conference challenge. And if he somehow brings a championship to Minnesota, he should earn induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for it.

Turkish club Besiktas has not cut off contact with Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayandir. They will try to sign him in the summer transfer window.

This is according to Photomack. The Turkish outlet reports that Besiktas management will attempt to finalize a deal for the summer after failing in January.

Beyinder looks set to leave Manchester United in the near future after slipping down the pecking order at the Old Trafford. He found himself as the number one last season while Andre Onana was struggling.

But Sené Lammens’ impressive performances since his summer arrival have changed that. He is now second best under Michael Carrick.

january transfer window interest

This led to interest in him during the January transfer window. Sport Witness covered two separate reports regarding his future.

The first one actually came out back in November. It added that Besiktas were interested. If they find a way, the goalkeeper can return to his homeland.

Then, at the end of the transfer window, Sport Witness again covered a report In which it was said that Manchester United had blocked the exit at the last minute. It appears that they are leaving any business until the summer.

Now Fotomac reports that Besiktas intend to return for the Manchester United goalkeeper in the summer.

They have not broken contact with him but have maintained it. Instead, their plan is to finalize a deal in the summer by ‘pushing the boundaries’ during the summer window. It seems his plan is to get the best deal possible from Manchester United.

it makes sense to get out

Maybe Beindir will help on that front. His time at Old Trafford was not an enjoyable one, with only 17 appearances to his name in all competitions. They have conceded 31 of these goals and kept only three clean sheets.

Having been dominant since day one, he is now firmly behind Senne Lammens and is unlikely to replace him if he remains fit. A return to Türkiye would make sense, and it looks like Besiktas wants to do that.

West Ham United are among the ‘most interested’ in Juventus defender Federico Gatti, whose future is ‘incredibly open’.

This is according to Calciomercato. The Italian website reports that Gatti has fans across Europe and West Ham is one of them.

Sport Witness reported as much while covering a report from Italy. This shows that West Ham have prepared themselves for the 27-year-old. It was believed that the Hammers would need a significant bid to acquire him in the summer transfer window.

West Ham ‘most interested’

Calciomercato Add your opinion to the mix now. They report that Getty’s future is incredibly open because of his fans.

Milan have received solid inquiries for the defender in recent months. West Ham are one of the ‘most interested clubs’ in the defender.

Juventus is also up for sale. They do not consider the player ‘unsellable’. If they receive a significant offer in the summer transfer window, they will sell.

However, their openness to a sale will depend on the defensive balance and the potential arrival of new signings.

Those new signings will have to be secured before his departure is given the green light. But the possibility of exit is on the table and West Ham are in the mix.

West Ham’s defensive problems

Their defense has been a problem area for some time now, despite efforts to improve in various transfer windows over the years.

The current options of Jean-Clair Todibo, Max Kilman, Axel Disassi, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Arra Meyers are certainly not seen as the long-term answer. It wouldn’t be surprising if many of them left in the summer.

But for now the focus will be on avoiding demotion. Given that they are not protected by any means, the transfer business is probably on the backfoot.

It is certain that if the Hammers are relegated to the Championship they will definitely not sign Gattis from Juventus. For now, he’s just a name to keep an eye on.

West Ham United are among the ‘most interested’ in Juventus defender Federico Gatti, whose future is ‘incredibly open’.

This is according to Calciomercato. The Italian website reports that Gatti has fans across Europe and West Ham is one of them.

Sport Witness reported as much while covering a report from Italy. This shows that West Ham have prepared themselves for the 27-year-old. It was believed that the Hammers would need a significant bid to acquire him in the summer transfer window.

West Ham ‘most interested’

Calciomercato Add your opinion to the mix now. They report that Getty’s future is incredibly open because of his fans.

Milan have received solid inquiries for the defender in recent months. West Ham are one of the ‘most interested clubs’ in the defender.

Juventus is also up for sale. They do not consider the player ‘unsellable’. If they receive a significant offer in the summer transfer window, they will sell.

However, their openness to a sale will depend on the defensive balance and the potential arrival of new signings.

Those new signings will have to be secured before his departure is given the green light. But the possibility of exit is on the table and West Ham are in the mix.

West Ham’s defensive problems

Their defense has been a problem area for some time now, despite efforts to improve in various transfer windows over the years.

The current options of Jean-Clair Todibo, Max Kilman, Axel Disassi, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Arra Meyers are certainly not seen as the long-term answer. It wouldn’t be surprising if many of them left in the summer.

But for now the focus will be on avoiding demotion. Given that they are not protected by any means, the transfer business is probably on the backfoot.

It is certain that if the Hammers are relegated to the Championship they will definitely not sign Gattis from Juventus. For now, he’s just a name to keep an eye on.

Rangers have reportedly made enquiries to Sunderland for duo Dan Neil and Romaine Mundle.

Despite playing a key role in the Black Cats’ promotion to the Premier League last season, the pair have seen their playing time limited this term.

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Academy graduate Neil captained his hometown club in their Play-Off Final win over Sheffield United at Wembley in May.

However, he has only featured three times in the top-flight in the 2025/26 campaign, having been replaced by Granit Xhaka in the Sunderland midfield.

Meanwhile, after a breakthrough year in the Championship last season, winger Mundle is yet to start in the top-flight this term.

Sky Sports report that the 22-year-old is keen for more regular game time, with Sunderland open to allowing him to leave on loan this month.

As for Neil, he is said to be on the radar of some Championship clubs, and is out of contract in the summer.

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris appeared to suggest both players could be allowed to leave in January.

When asked about the prospect of Mundle leaving, he said: “If a player won’t play too much in the second part of the season, there is the possibility for him to find another club to get minutes.”

Rangers alert to Sunderland duo

It appears Rangers are alert to Neil and Mundle’s situations, with head coach Danny Rohl prioritising recruitment in January.