標籤: moves

Kerim Alajbegovic could star for Bosnia at the World Cup leeds united There’s a chance to sign him.

The winger scored nine times and provided three assists for Hamburg during the last campaign. This led to him becoming part of the national team, in which Alajbegovic was a key player in World Cup qualification.

He already has four assists and a goal for Bosnia since his debut.

The 18-year-old player will return to Bayer Leverkusen as part of a permanent transfer in the summer. But his future remains uncertain and Leeds United could bring him to England this summer.

Transfer efforts are ongoing

today’s gazzetta dello sport Report on efforts to bring the young man to Italy. Alajbegovic’s father has moved to Rome and AS Roma are among the contenders to sign him.

Miralem Pjanic himself has been courting the winger and has been approached by several Serie A clubs for his signature.

However, nothing concrete has come to light. Even though the teenager has put Roma at the top of his wishlist, the Giallorossi are yet to make a formal move.

Now, Premier League clubs are ‘making moves’ for the player. There are signs of interest from Leeds United, who could prove to be a real threat to Roma.

Gian Piero Gasperini is keen on this player but he also has other options in the shortlist. This includes West Ham’s Crescencio Somerville and Leipzig’s Antonio Nussa.

Game-Changer Signature

The Bosnian is one of the most exciting talents in the game at the moment. This will make the next few weeks very exciting for his career and could also play a role in a potential Leeds United transfer.

Roma’s financial capacity is limited, which could be an advantage for Daniel Farke’s team.

Despite this, the World Cup could be a negative for Leeds United. Other clubs could join the race and offer him European football, which Bayer Leverkusen can also guarantee next season.

Marco Silva’s fulham The exit appears closer than ever now that several key hurdles have now been removed, Portuguese newspapers report.

The recent report has focused on Benfica is getting closer to Marco Silva’s demandsTuesday’s coverage paints a clear picture. It makes clear what those demands actually were.

Silva wants influence on more than transfers

portuguese newspaper News bulletin Claim the biggest sticking point in negotiations has been Silva’s autonomy over his coaching staff. His influence on the squad building and the structure of his contracts is also significant.

For several weeks, most coverage focused on the large financial gap between Fulham’s renewal offer and Benfica’s offer. However, Jornal de Noticias now suggest that talks have focused on how much control Silva will have upon returning to Portugal.

Benfica and Silva have spent recent weeks discussing guarantees over the composition of their coaching staff. He has also discussed his role in building the team. Furthermore, he has also talked about the duration of his contract.

The newspaper reports that discussions are still ongoing on whether the deal will last for two years with an option for a third season or whether it will be structured as a three-year fixed contract.

Either way, the proposed timeframe roughly matches Rui Costa’s current presidential mandate.

Jornal de Noticias stated that Fulham continue to pursue a renewal of Silva and have not given up hope of keeping him despite Benfica’s progress.

Separate reports proceed

While the Jornal de Noticias describes the conversation around influence and autonomy, morning mail The claim is that Silva has effectively been promised full control over next season’s plans. They will also get complete control over recruitment related decisions.

Both newspapers broadly agree on the direction of travel but differ slightly on how much power Silva will ultimately receive.

Correio da Manhã also provides one of the most impressive claims of the day. He says that Silva has been working on Benfica squad matters for several days. This includes discussions regarding possible arrivals and departures.

If accurate, it would suggest that preparations are already underway, despite the fact that no appointment can be formalized until the Jose Mourinho situation is resolved.

The same report said that Silva wanted to make the announcement as soon as possible and start work immediately. However, Rui Costa is said to have asked for a few extra days. The reason for this is the uncertainty over a possible move for Mourinho to Real Madrid. According to Correiro da Manha, Silva accepted that request.

This presents an interesting contrast to some of the reporting of recent days, which has largely featured Silva as a pressure party. Here, the Benfica president is presented as a man who demands patience.

Fulham ready to get answers

Correiro da Manha also claims Silva is expected to return to England to inform Fulham in person of his decision.

This does not mean that the saga ends immediately. But this suggests that the process is entering its final stages.

So perhaps the most notable aspect of Tuesday’s reporting is that the conversation now appears to be about what his role will be when he arrives. Doesn’t feel like ‘if’ anymore.

Autonomy, staffing decisions, hiring influence, and long-term planning have become central themes. Fulham could be a turned page.

Manchester City Pair Bernardo Silva and Omar Marmoush have both been reported about a possible transfer to Galatasaray this summer.

Saba reports on the Manchester City pair today. The newspaper reports that while the Turkish side is raising its voice against Silva, Marmoush has also ‘received information’.

manchester city duo on the phone

They reveal the pair were on the phone with former Manchester City midfielder Elke Gundogan, who recently spoke out about the matter.

“Some of my former teammates have called me and asked questions about the club and the league, but I don’t want to reveal names.” He admitted recently.

Sabah have now reported that those two players are Omar Marmoush and Bernardo Silva. When it comes to the former, the report claims that he picked up the phone to contact Gundogan directly and get information about Galatasaray.

The 27-year-old is likely to be targeted if the Turkish side decide not to retain Mauro Icardi this summer. That decision is yet to be taken.

Bernardo Silva in demand

Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva is a long-term target. He is set to become a free agent when his contract at the Etihad expires this summer. But there is competition across Europe, with Juventus particularly keen on him.

The 31-year-old player wants to continue his career with the team present in the Champions League. Galatasaray can certainly offer that.

It has not been made clear what Marmoush wants from his next team. But it seems he is looking around and assessing his options ahead of the summer.

The Egyptian has barely made an impact at the Etihad since arriving last year after thriving in Germany and has played as a back-up behind Erling Haaland. He is now also behind several other options, such as Ryan Cherky and Antoine Semenyo.

However, he will definitely want to see what the plans are at Manchester City after Pep Guardiola. This could change his thinking significantly, even if he has talked to Gundogan about life in Turkey.

A new report suggests that the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens may be on the verge of acquiring the two multi-time Pro Bowl receivers still available in NFL free agency.

The 2025 season brought something football fans are not used to. losing seasons to the league’s dynasty team, the Chiefs, and perennial playoff contenders, the Ravens. Both franchises were hit by serious injuries and surprisingly disappointing play. However, a pair of AFC teams feel they have made changes this offseason that will get them back to Super Bowl contention in 2026.

However, they still have one glaring position on the roster that could provide some help: the wide receiver core. There are still some interesting veteran options on the market, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler suggested the pair of AFC powerhouses are likely candidates to pick one of them.

“You have Keenan Allen, you have Stefon Diggs, you have Tyreek Hill, and you have a lot of teams that need help,” Fowler said on Saturday’s edition of ESPN. sports center. “The Kansas City Chiefs are a little thin at receiver. The Baltimore Ravens are also a little thin.”

Why are Tyreek Hill and Stefon Diggs still in free agency?

Hill is an eight-time Pro Bowler who was among the star veterans cut by the Miami Dolphins this offseason as part of their new regime’s downsizing strategy. In 2024, he had his first season with less than 1,000 yards receiving and played only four games in 2025 after tearing his ACL.

Diggs had a comeback season as the No. 1 receiver for the AFC champion New England Patriots. Posting a distance of 1,013 yards. He also had a torn ACL, but that came two years ago. However, he has built a reputation for causing drama on and off the field.

Hill has a similar reputation, which is why the 30-something duo remains in free agency. There has been much speculation throughout the offseason about a reunion with the Chiefs and Hill. In Kansas City, Hill became one of the top pass catchers in the game and earned his six Pro Bowl honors there.

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

Sheffield Wednesday supporters have had little time to celebrate in recent months.

Relegation to League One in February pushed the club into even greater uncertainty, as frustrations over ownership and the future continued to grow around Hillsborough.

That disappointing background perhaps explains why the name of Carlos Carvalhal still holds such affection in Sheffield.

portuguese newspaper game This week on Wednesday a major feature was devoted to the magic of Carvalhal, this period is now being revisited through a new book called “Carlos Had a Dream” written by journalist Dominic Howson.

The book revisits the 2015/16 season, when Wednesday reached the Championship play-off final against Hull City and came within one match of a Premier League return. The club has not played in the top flight since 1999/00.

For many supporters, that campaign still represents the emotional pinnacle of Sheffield Wednesday’s modern history.

from doubt to belief

Howson explained to the Portuguese press that Carvalhal arrived at Hillsborough surrounded by suspicion.

“With him, it was a real leap into the unknown,” He said. “He had coached big clubs but had never worked in England. Many supporters were disappointed by Stuart Gray’s dismissal as he had achieved success with a limited budget.”

The skepticism extended beyond the stands.

“Carvalhal walked into a skeptical dressing room, a skeptical fan group and a skeptical press box,” Howson recalled.

That mood didn’t last long. Before Carvalhal’s arrival Wednesday had finished 13th in the championship. Expectations were modest even after owner Dezfon Chansiri increased spending. Yet the Portuguese coach quickly changed the atmosphere around the club.

“The first season was innovative, fun, and full of potential,” Howson said. “Wednesday signed 15 players, but they almost immediately formed a cohesive and expressive team. The football was adventurous and entertaining.”

Players such as Barry Bannon, Ross Wallace, Fernando Forestieri and Gary Hooper became symbols of a side that suddenly felt alive again. Forestieri, in particular, emerged as one of the championship’s outstanding performers that season.

Wednesday lost only two home league matches during the 2015/16 campaign. Hillsborough came out strong again. The crowd kept increasing. Optimism spread throughout the city.

Howson believes that emotional impact explains why Carvalhal still holds a special place in the club’s modern story.

“He gave confidence, identity and happiness,” The author explained. “His personality resonated deeply. Supporters embraced him wholeheartedly and sang ‘Carlos Had a Dream’.”

The chant eventually became one of the defining symbols of that era.

“The atmosphere changed overnight”

The timing of the book release seems important. Wednesday are preparing for another painful rebuild after demotion, while the memories of the Carvalhal years grow stronger with time.

Particularly for younger supporters, the run to Wembley has become a reference point for them as to what the club can still be. Howson said this clearly.

“For the younger generation, the 2015/16 season defines the club,” He said. “This is no longer the era of Di Canio or Benito Carbone and the excitement of the 1990s. That trip to Wembley was monumental.”

The author returned repeatedly to the idea that Carvalhal changed not only the results, but also the feeling around Sheffield Wednesday.

“He spread joy and ended years of indifference,” Howson explained. “Supporters fill Hillsborough again to watch bold football.”

He then described how quickly the mood changed around the club.

“The atmosphere changed overnight. The excitement grew every week. There was freedom and individuality in the team, and character in the dressing room. We had a stadium that was again full of noise and hope. Confidence spread throughout the city.”

Howson also believes that Carvalhal’s personality played a major role in creating that relationship.

“He connected with people regardless of results. He had charisma and humor.” He said.

Despite the club’s difficult situation, that emotional attachment is still strong.

“Carvalhal was the club’s first foreign manager and became a unique chapter in our modern history,” Howson added. “With them, it was the last time Wednesday felt really close to the Premier League, with exciting football and a lively atmosphere.”

The author acknowledged that the current reality of Hillsborough makes those memories even heavier.

“It’s sad to see where we are,” He said. “But Carvalhal is still popular with supporters. He created memories that go far beyond disappointment.”

liverpool Juventus are interested in bringing Pierre Kalulu to the Premier League in the summer.

On 26 March, Game Witness Covered claims from Italy Liverpool and Manchester United sent scouts to keep a close eye on him.

The 25-year-old initially joined the Serie A team on loan from AC Milan in August 2024 and Juve made his stay permanent a year later for €14m.

His preferred role is as a centre-back and Luciano Spalletti mainly used him in this position and as a right-back.

The France international has made a significant move to the Turin club, attracting interest from Liverpool and other clubs.

Liverpool wants to snatch player from Juve

all juve Report on the Merseyside club’s interest and Juventus’ stance on him.

Arne Slott’s side are said to have made Pierre Kalulu their top priority to improve the defence. They have been following him for a long time and see him as the best prospect among the options available in the market.

Therefore, Liverpool appear ‘ready to take concrete steps’ to snatch him from the Turin club.

The 25-year-old is an important part of Luciano Spalletti’s squad and an important part of Juve’s playing plans. However, his sale could see the club significantly improve its finances, which is necessary to further strengthen the squad in the next window.

In short, the Kalulu case at Juventus is ‘delicate’. The Old Lady must decide whether to sell or resist a potential attack from the Premier League as other English clubs are also pursuing the Frenchman.

The Reds want to snatch him from Juventus and could do so by taking advantage of his delicate situation at their club.

Contract, price and agent information

Two months ago, we broadcast news Juventus plan to offer Pierre Kalulu a new contract worth €3.5m per year until 2030. However, no concrete progress has been made since then.

He has a contract until 2029 and the defender’s value, according to transfer marketIs €32m.

British agency CAA is representing the stellar former AC Milan man.

The Florida Panthers enter the 2026 offseason with real pressure to remain in contention while managing a tight salary cap and an aging population. After missing the Stanley Cup playoffs, the front office faces difficult decisions that could define the next era of the franchise.

From potential roster shakeups to smart, cost-cutting moves and strategic retools, several bold options are already on the table. Here are five moves that could reshape the Panthers next season.

Mackie Samoskevich signs long-term contract with Florida

Mackie Samoskevich is about to become a restricted free agent after signing a one-year, one-way contract worth $775,000 last offseason. Rather than a short-term deal, the Panthers should sign Samoskevich to a long-term contract to keep him with the organization. The 23-year-old forward is good for the bottom six, and the contract will allow him to progress into that role after a good end to the season.

AJ Greer comes back for another run with the Panthers

AJ Greer was not moved at the NHL trade deadline as a pending free agent, and Florida should bring him back. The Panthers should give Greer a three-year contract after his breakout season. The 29-year-old forward scored 17 goals and 32 total points, bringing much-needed physicality. If Florida returns next season, Greer would be a wonderful depth piece.

Florida Panthers re-sign goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky

Sergei Bobrovsky is set to enter NHL free agency, but the Panthers shouldn’t let that happen this summer. Florida should re-sign Bobrovsky to a short-term contract and make him the starting goaltender for another Stanley Cup playoff push. The 37-year-old struggled to produce during the 2025-26 NHL season, but he should be better next year.

Panthers get a new backup goalie for Bobrovsky

If the Panthers bring back Bobrovsky, he will be the only main goaltender on the roster at this time. Daniil Tarasov is scheduled to become a free agent; However, the team would not bring him back in this scenario. Instead, the Panthers will be looking for a new backup goaltender, with Connor Ingram, Cameron Talbot, Stuart Skinner and Frederik Andersen representing good experienced options in NHL free agency.

Ottawa Senators trade Brady Tkachuk to Panthers

The Panthers have the ammunition to make a big trade, and Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk would be the best option. Tkachuk has been linked to Florida for years because of his brother, Matthew Tkachuk, and he could request a trade this offseason. If the Panthers want to reshape the roster for another Stanley Cup Finals appearance, trading for Tkachuk would be the biggest answer.

READ MORE: Brady Tkachuk trade rumors – 5 possible landing spots, including Florida Panthers

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work can also…more about Austin Konensky

Manchester United Now edging closer to a clear decision on Manuel Ugarte, the latest developments suggest his exit is not only likely, but is being actively worked on behind the scenes.

The 24-year-old has struggled to establish himself since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain for around €50m (£43m) in 2024. Despite his reputation as one of South America’s most reliable defensive midfielders, his role at Old Trafford has steadily diminished.

This season, he has made 22 appearances in all competitions, but only eight of those have come as a starter. He also did not leave the bench in United’s last two matches under Michael Carrick.

Lack of participation has shaped both his own stance And the club’s thinking is moving towards the summer. As we have already reported, a decision has been made. Now, reports from Uruguay say it’s just a matter of time.

Manchester United is now pushing for a sale

Earlier reports There has been speculation about the terms of reaching a deal, but the latest information suggests the process is already underway.

According to a Uruguayan journalist rhodri vazquezUgarte’s time at the club is effectively coming to an end, with talks set to accelerate his departure in the coming days. “His days at Manchester United are numbered”He writes.

His representative, George Chizen, is expected to meet with Jorge Mendes to work out next steps.

Importantly, Manchester United are targeting a permanent sale rather than another loan. The expected fee is around €28 million (£24 million), a significant drop from the amount paid two years ago. This figure reflects both his limited role and the club’s desire to progress quickly.

From a squad perspective, this aligns with a broader reset. Ugarte has not become a vital part of Carrick’s plans and retaining him would only reduce flexibility in the market.

An environment of competition is being created across Europe

According to the report, there remains interest from across Europe in the Manuel Ugarte position and the list of suitors is evolving.

Napoli are now strongly involved, following previous reports from Uruguay that they were preparing a move. However, they are not alone. Also, Atletico Madrid has now emerged as another major contender, giving a different dimension to the race.

This follows the earlier interest juventusWho was already monitoring the midfielder and was planning to track him down during his international duty. The presence of multiple clubs increases Manchester United’s chances of securing a quick deal.

There is also an important player-driven factor. Ugarte has already done rejected viewpoint From less competitive leagues, priority is being given to making the step up to Europe’s top competitions. Italy and Spain both fit that profile.

what happens next

Manuel Ugarte wants clarity before the World Cup and that deadline is now shaping talks.

Manchester United is ready to do business, the players are ready to go, and the agents are starting to make moves. Those three elements rarely align so clearly unless a transfer is imminent.

The fee may still change depending on interest, especially if more clubs formally enter the race. Still, the direction is now clear.

For Manchester United, it looks like a case of quickly cutting losses and reallocating resources. For Ugarte, this is an opportunity to reset his trajectory at a club where he can play regularly again.

The long-awaited Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight is closer than ever after years of failed attempts. Negotiations have now reached the final stages, according to promoter Eddie Hearn, who confirmed on IFL TV that both sides are working out the final details of a two-fight agreement.

The deal will see Anthony Joshua return to the ring in July and face Tyson Fury later in the year. This update marks a major change after more than a decade of missed opportunities. The contracts have not yet been signed, but the structure of the deal is now clear. For fans, a Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight is no longer a distant dream. Now it’s close to being official.

Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight plans take shape

The Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight plan involves two fights under one agreement. Hearn confirmed that Joshua will take part in a warm-up fight in July before facing Fury, with November expected to be the target date for the main event.

“We will have a contract, and we haven’t signed a contract yet, but we are negotiating the final points in an agreement to get back in the ring in July and [then] “Fight Tyson Fury.”

The timeline follows the recent activity of both fighters. Fury returned on 11 April after a 16-month absence, defeating Arslanbek Makhmudov in Manchester. After the win, Fury called out Joshua.

Joshua has been active. He stopped Jake Paul shortly before a personal tragedy in Nigeria in December. Despite that condition, he quickly returned to training and has been preparing for his next fight ever since.

Hearn also talked about the risks surrounding the July fight. “The good news is: If we take a [warm-up] Fight like this, we’ve signed on to fight Tyson Fury, and all you have to do is bite your nails for 36 minutes or less in July, and you’ll get the fight, if not the fight of the century – of all time.

Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight backed by Saudi deal

The Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight is expected to be funded by Saudi boxing consultant Turki Alalshikh. Once the agreement is signed, control of the event will pass to Saudi organisers.

“Once we sign up for that deal, it is handed over to Saudi consultant Turki Alalshaikh for staging. We will promote for July; I think the November fight or whatever, will be promoted by the Saudi company Cela.”

“AJ and I, Tyson Fury, we will have a contract [Alalshikh] Basically financing the fight. It depends on where he is.”

There is still hope that the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight could take place in the United Kingdom. Hearn said the goal was to present a major event to the fans and suggested the venue would match the scale of the fight.

Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight affected by Usyk talks

The Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight has also been shaped with input from Oleksandr Usyk. Hearn confirmed that Usyk was involved in discussions regarding Joshua’s next steps.

“I’m sure he won’t mind me saying that, [a lot of this has come from Oleksandr Usyk]. He was part of these conversations, and the conversations were exactly like this: ‘He’s fighting back.'”

Usyk’s role helped define the plan for Joshua to take the fight in July before facing Fury. The timing also falls in line with Fury’s recent return and the current activity in the division.

Fury has not fought regularly in recent years and has talked about retirement. Meanwhile, Joshua continues to train and prepare for a comeback that could lead directly to the biggest fight of his career.

The Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight is unsigned, but negotiations are now in the final stages. If the contracts have been completed, the schedule is already in place. July will see Joshua’s return and November could finally deliver the heavyweight bout that has been talked about for years.

Dogley Wilberforce is a boxing writer for SportsNaught, covering fight news, fighter reactions and major bouts in the sport… More about Dogley Wilberforce

chelsea Don’t know yet if Alejandro Garnacho will be part of their plans next season.

It is this uncertainty that makes Argentina’s latest claim noteworthy – even if it currently looks a long-term approach rather than a serious transfer scenario.

Recent reports around Stamford Bridge have revealed that the Blues are open to offers for the winger this summer, after a first season that hasn’t really yielded anything concrete.

Garnacho has made 37 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions this season, scoring eight goals and adding four assists.

In the Premier League alone, FBref He is listed with 20 appearances, one goal and four assists, underscoring a campaign with flashes of brilliance rather than sustained impact.

add something to it attitude problem. For a player who arrived for a big fee and with a lot of fanfare, there is plenty of room for questions about what Chelsea will do next.

Argentina’s noise around Garnacho future

It’s in the midst of that uncertainty that TYC sports journalists Gonzalo Carroll A new line has been thrown from Argentina.

Speaking on live TV, he suggested that River Plate manager Eduardo Coudet had contacted Alejandro Garnacho. He also claimed that Chelsea would look favorably on the Argentine on a one-year loan.

TYC Sports is clearly not a random source, so the claim cannot be easily refuted. Still, at this stage it feels closer to market chatter than something with any real basis.

A return to Argentina would also be a misleading way to frame this. Sure, Garnacho is Argentinian, but he’s never actually played senior football there.

He came through the youth system in Spain (Getafe and Atletico Madrid) before joining Manchester United’s academy, so the River move wouldn’t be a homecoming in any practical football sense – it would be a completely new environment.

Why does this Chelsea transfer seem difficult?

Alejandro Garnacho has previously said that his family has always supported boca juniors.

He said that in May 2024, which adds an extra layer of weirdness to any river idea. This won’t kill a deal in itself, but it will hardly help sell the romance of this move.

More importantly, the football argument is weak. Salary will be a big issue. Customization would be second. And the approach of the World Cup doesn’t really defend this idea either.

The South American loan might have been more meaningful in the first place, if regular minutes could still influence the thinking of Argentine manager Lionel Scaloni.

Instead, Garnacho’s progress this cycle has already been disappointing, and any move during or after the World Cup window will do little to change that picture in time.

So this is a case to be filed under strong source speculation rather than solid development. Chelsea could sell Garnacho, and his future is clearly open.

But at the moment the River Plate loan seems much easier to talk about than actually implement.

The Los Angeles Rams have been busy since the NFL offseason began last month, and executives from rival teams have been fans of how they’ve adapted to their latest creation for a Super Bowl run.

After falling a bit short of reaching the Big Game earlier this year, the LA Rams brain trust is motivated to finish the story in 2026. And why not? They will bring back most of last year’s roster, including reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford.

However, they must improve if they want to overcome division rivals and defending league champions, the Seattle Seahawks. They did so immediately when they made a blockbuster trade for Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro Trent McDuffie. He also added teammate Jaylen Watson in free agency. His aggressiveness has earned the praise of a rival executive.

“It doesn’t make any difference to me,” the executive said. “If you still think you’re in the window and you have Matt Stafford coming back, you’ve got to do everything you can to try to win it one more time. They still have a first-round pick.”

Exec praises visionary thinking of Los Angeles Rams contract for Trent McDuffie

Additionally, pairing McDuffie with Watson in L.A. especially after working well together in Kansas City drew praise from another NFL decision-maker.

“Corner is a position where even the top guys are hard to be consistent year after year, but I like how aggressive they were,” the executive said. “Their biggest need by far was to have more size in the secondary, to be more competitive. You’re pairing McDuffie with Watson so they can come together, communicate well together, build rapport.”

While some NFL evaluators questioned the LA Rams’ decision to make McDuffie the highest-paid corner in the league ($31 million annual average), another executive felt the price tag was a smart piece of forward thinking and not a bad overpay.

“I know they gave McDuffie a lot of money. But teams that accept where the cap is going and can adjust the percentages rather than have sticker shock are ahead of the game,” that executive said. “They realize that $30 million is going to be (more palatable) because other people will get paid.”

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

Chelsea are now moving from interest to action in the pursuit of Valentin Barco, and Argentine sources indicate that the deal is practically done.

For months, Liam Rosenior’s desire to reunite with the Argentine has shaped the club’s thinking. The Blues attempted to sign him in January But fell short. However, he never moved away from the idea.

This season, Barco has made 35 appearances in all competitions. He has recorded one goal and ten assists, establishing himself as one of Strasbourg’s main creative outlets.

He is one of the team’s top chance creators and is averaging close to two key passes per game. Furthermore, he contributes heavily in the build-up phases, with a strong volume of progressive passes.

that’s the profile Convinced Chelsea to take decisive action. And now, the situation seems to be accelerating.

The deal is moving forward – but not quite complete yet

Argentinian journalist Augustus Caesar There are now reports that Barco “will be a Chelsea player” with an agreement to move in June.

According to him, talks gained momentum after the international break. It is said that everything has been agreed for the midfielder to join in the summer, despite interest from Bayern Munich.

However, there is still some caution from other sources.

Journalist German Garcia Growa Chelsea are reported to be moving forward in negotiations, but a final agreement has not yet been reached. Sources close to the situation in London say there is still work to be done before everything can be signed.

The difference is significant, but the deal appears to be on the right track.

🇦🇷 Mateo Del Blanco | The player “will be bought by Chelsea”

➡️Confidence of soon transfer to Argentina
🇫🇷 will then be sent to Strasbourg
🔁There could be a case for Valentin Barco to move to Chelsea and Del Blanco to replace him in Francehttps://t.co/aduwJ75hUj #cfc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 20 March 2026

bluco structure key for transfer

Chelsea’s ownership model is playing a decisive role. Both Chelsea and Strasbourg are part of the Bluco group. This makes conversation much simpler than a normal transfer. There have already been several moves between clubs in the recent window.

Barco fits perfectly into that path. And Rosenier knows exactly how to use it. Meanwhile, the player has already adapted to European football and is now performing consistently at Ligue 1 level.

Hopes now focus on the summer window. Chelsea’s pressing has intensified and the club appear to be in control of the situation. The remaining step is to convert the advanced talks into a formal agreement.

If that happens, it will be the result of a clear plan: identify a player, develop him within the same ownership structure, and then bring him into the first team at the right time.

🇧🇷 Exclusive: Arsenal tracking Lucca Marques

⭐️ 18-year-old’s rapid growth draws attention
⚽️ Youngest player to score in Copa Libertadores in Sao Paulo history
🇩🇪 Borussia Dortmund also interested
➡️The Gunners can make a formal offer in the summerhttps://t.co/u7LuPMgUyJ #afc #bvb

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 3 April 2026

Manchester United have joined Arsenal and other clubs in the pursuit of Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka.

The 31-year-old’s contract expires in June and he has confirmed his decision to leave Bayern Munich after this season.

His contract status and experience make him an attractive option for Manchester United, Arsenal and other clubs in the market.

Despite his decision to leave, Vincent Kompany continues to trust the midfielder, who has made 37 appearances so far this season.

His Bundesliga statistics per game are as follows:

• Intercept: 0.9
• Tackle: 0.8
• Possession won (final third): 0.3
• Recovered balls: 3.1
• Clearance: 1.3
• Duel won: 2.6

Last month, Sports Witness broadcast news That the Gunners and their north London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, are pursuing him.

Manchester United will face Arsenal

gazzetta dello sport Now cover the latest on Manchester United, Arsenal and Serie A’s interest in Leon Goretzka.

Italian clubs have a greater tendency to focus on free agents and this is also the case with the Bayern Munich star.

AC Milan, Juventus and Inter Milan are all keen on the Germany international. Last week, Sports Witness Covered claims from Italy That he would favor going to the Emirates.

Despite this and despite Inter Milan negotiating with his agent, Milan sporting director Igli Tare refused to give up.

Gazzetta have now taken notice of him and reported Manchester United have entered the pursuit of the player.

Both the Red Devils and Arsenal have ‘already made moves for the free agent’ and will battle for his signature in the summer. Juve, Milan and Inter Milan are also keen.

Goretzka earns €9m per year and requires at least €7m annually from his next club. All Italian clubs are willing to offer him a three-year deal, but wage demands have put him out of reach.

This would benefit Manchester United and Arsenal, who could fight for his signature after this season.

Manchester United should prioritize midfield signings

Michael Carrick has Casemiro, Coby Manu, Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount as midfielders. The manager has shifted Bruno Fernandes into his preferred role as an attacking midfielder.

Casemiro has announced his decision to leave Old Trafford after this season. Ugarte, who has struggled for regular minutes, could also be gone. Even if he has to stay, Manchester United will need to bring in a new midfielder in the summer.

Leon Goretzka could replace Casemiro, while the Red Devils could make a big investment in another young midfielder.

🇩🇪 Exclusive: Castello Lukeba ‼️

➡️The formula confirms this @Kaus_Pandey17 There is interest from Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United
➕ Defender tempted to move to Premier League
➡️ Summer decision will depend on the proposed projecthttps://t.co/2VZ2ljcDv7 #afc #lfc #afc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 25 March 2026

It took very little time for Jared McCann to carve out a role with the Oklahoma City Thunder after being shipped off to the Philadelphia 76ers at the trade deadline.

McCann helped the Thunder destroy the Brooklyn Nets 121-92 on Wednesday, scoring a game-high 26 points on 9-16 shooting, including five three-pointers. He also had three rebounds and two assists.

With another strong performance from McCann, fans couldn’t help but roast 76ers general manager Daryl Morey for letting the high-scoring guard go.

As a reminder, Morey had said that he was “completely confident” that they were making a “high sell” with the decision to move McCain.

@grandepadre94 said, “Daryl Morey might be the best GM the Thunder have ever had.”

@LobTies said, “We all know Daryl Morey doesn’t like watching Jared McCain play well.”

“Daryl Morey is hellbent on making OKC even better, brother,” Posted @dh__32.

Daryl Morey is going to hell to make OKC even better bro https://t.co/A7s4JTSnXV

— Dar Dar Binks (@dh__32) 19 March 2026

“It’s unbelievable that Daryl Morey still has a job,” @winningdream said.

@JerrySisco8 commented, “Daryl Morey has always been an idiot.”

@BKB639 predicted, “Jared McCann will have a big game in a meaningful playoff series, and we’re all going to talk about how much of an idiot Daryl Morey is.”

When the 76ers sent the 22-year-old playmaker away after particularly impressing in his rookie stint, many were surprised, including McCann himself. In exchange, Philadelphia received four draft picks from Oklahoma City.

McCain missed the first month of his sophomore year due to a right side injury and initially struggled to regain his form, while also seeing a reduced role following the arrival of VJ Edgecombe. Nevertheless, many considered McCain an important asset. But apparently, Morey didn’t see it that way.

This season, the former Duke standout already has four 20-point games with the Thunder, while only one game with the Sixers.

Tottenham Hotspur could get a big boost in the summer as Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu moves closer to his long-desired Premier League move.

The 23-year-old has made no secret of his ambition, openly admitting he is ‘in love’ with the idea of ​​a move to England.

According to BILDAtubolu is seriously considering leaving Freiburg at the end of the season. Sources close to the club are suggesting he is ready to take the next big step in his career.

Tottenham’s summer goalkeeper opportunity emerges

With his contract running until 2027 and his market value already rising by more than €20 million, this summer could be Freiburg’s best chance to cash in.

Atubolu has developed rapidly. He has established himself as Freiburg’s No. 1, earning his first Germany call-up under Julian Nagelsmann in October, and is now seen as a realistic contender for the 2026 World Cup.

Moving to the Premier League has been his ambition for a long time. Atubolu openly admitted this last summer.

“I’ve been a big fan of the Premier League since childhood. It’s the best league in the world. I watched a lot of Chelsea games growing up,” He said.

Spurs are in a good position in the transfer race

That praise, which had been going on for a long time, had not gone unnoticed. Tottenham and West Ham have tracked him in recent windows. AC Milan, Inter and Napoli have also registered their interest.

A report at the end of February Explained that Tottenham had attracted a lot of attention to him.

The fact that Atubolu’s preferred destination is England gives him an edge over the competition.

Adding fuel to the fire was the fact that Atubolu changed agents in January and joined epic games. They are the agency that orchestrated Kevin Shade’s €25m move from Freiburg to Brentford.

Thus, the opportunity for Tottenham is clear. A young, Bundesliga-proven, Germany international who actively wants a move to the Premier League.

One thing is clear: the summer is going to be a hot one for Freiburg and their goalkeeper and Tottenham are fully prepared to take advantage.

🇩🇪 Fisnik Aslani | Tottenham and Chelsea call Kosovo a ‘shooting star’

📈 23 year old on the rise
🧠Have shown mental flexibility
🇽🇰Choose Kosovo instead of Germany https://t.co/gzoRT3yDup #thfc #Happiness #cfc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 18 March 2026

Although it’s still relatively early in the 2026 NFL offseason, most of the biggest activities surrounding the National Football League that we’ll see this year have already happened. The 2026 NFL Draft will certainly offer some surprises of its own, but right now we’re looking back at some of the biggest shocking moves made so far.

Let’s take a look at our list of the worst NFL offseason moves so far in 2026.

indianapolis colts extension daniel jones

Placing the transition tag ($37.833 million) on quarterback Daniel Jones instead of the franchise tag ($43.895 million) was a smart move by the Indianapolis Colts. Jones is just a few months removed from surgery to repair a torn Achilles, and in a market where Kyler Murray (on a veteran’s minimum deal) and Malik Willis were available, quarterback-needy teams were basically going to overlook Jones on the open market. Indianapolis took a position of leverage and caved in, signing Jones to a two-year contract worth $88 million, which includes $50 million guaranteed at signing. This is a dual-threat quarterback whose game depends largely on his athleticism – which may never be the same after this injury. Let’s also keep in mind that he had a 6-5 TD-INT ratio, 84.2 passer rating and 1-4 record in his final five games of the 2025 season. Instead, a general manager in the hot seat was allowed to put even more money and proverbial chips on bad bets.

RELATED: NFL teams look ready to tank in 2026

The Cleveland Browns wildly overpaid Zion Johnson

This happens when you need to bring in a whole new offensive line in an offseason and you spend as much time as possible. The Cleveland Browns gave the largest annual average value ($16.5 million) to a guard in NFL free agency, signing Zion Johnson to a three-year deal with $32.39 million guaranteed upon signing. Except Johnson wasn’t the best defender on the open market. David Edwards, Elijah Vera-Tucker and Isaac Seumalo are all much-improved players and were the last two players signed after Cleveland reached a deal with Johnson. What is Cleveland getting in return for its $49.5 million investment? One of the worst starters on the Los Angeles Chargers offensive line over the past two seasons, a guard who is well below average in pass protection. What’s strange is that this deal is the second-worst contract given to an offensive lineman this offseason, which is the deal the Browns signed Elgton Jenkins to.

RELATED: Early winners, losers from the first week of NFL free agency

Las Vegas Raiders sign Kwati Pay

First of all, we can no longer ignore the added context of Max Crosby returning to the Las Vegas Raiders after the Baltimore Ravens backed out of the trade. Las Vegas is now paying two edge rushers averaging $51 million per season: one who may have some long-term concerns about his surgically repaired knee, and the other who is coming off an age-27 season where he tallied just 4 sacks in 721 defensive snaps. Crosby is still an All-Pro when healthy, but Drinks is actually more of a run defender who moves past the tackles a bit when attempting to rush the passer. The contract he got, $48 million over three years, looks even worse now that Crosby’s contract is back on the books.

READ MORE: Fantasy football winners, losers from NFL free agency

Dallas Cowboys give up fourth down for Rashaan Gary

Did the entire Dallas Cowboys front office go on a company retreat without access to the outside world a week ago? Rashaan Gary made it clear with his farewell post on social media that he will be released by the Green Bay Packers; Everyone around the league knew it was coming. Instead of waiting, Jerry Jones traded a fourth-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft to the Packers to get Gary off the team’s hands. As AcmePackingCompany.com’s Justice Mosqueda detailed in late December, Gary was the least productive starting edge rusher in the NFL last season. He was a non-factor following Micah Parsons’ injury, and had minimal appearances in the weeks before Parsons suffered an ACL tear. Dallas burned a fourth-round pick on an overrated pass rusher it could have signed.

Read more: The worst contracts from the first day of NFL free agency

Los Angeles Rams proved too aggressive on Trent McDuffie

We understand the Los Angeles Rams are doing everything they can, which means Les Snead is doing everything he can to try to win a second Super Bowl with Matthew Stafford next season. It also became clear the moment Los Angeles traded the 29th overall pick and a third-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft that a contract extension was coming for Trent McDuffie. Problem? This gave McDuffie’s camp all the leverage in negotiations and was used to execute a deal that makes him the highest-paid corner in NFL history ($31 million AAV). Except, McDuffie isn’t in that upper echelon of corners. He has historically struggled against big-bodied wide receivers and is coming off a career-worst season, allowing a 95.5 passer rating in coverage. That’s why the Kansas City Chiefs were willing to move on from him. Over time, we believe the Rams will realize they were too aggressive with this move.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

The legal tampering period is in the rearview mirror and the first days of NFL free agency have passed, with several deals now official. With all the important physical details out of the way, with pen and declarations put to paper, we can now consider some action.

Let’s dive into our analysis of the biggest winners and losers from the early days of NFL free agency.

Winner: Tennessee Titans

Robert Saleh and the Tennessee Titans certainly opened the checkbook in NFL free agency and guaranteed more than $160 million in total contracts. Tennessee helped quarterback Cam Ward and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, adding slot receiver Van’Dale Robinson and center Austin Schlottman. Naturally, an even bigger investment was made on the defensive side of the ball. Saleh now gets a chance to defend himself with John Franklin-Myers and Jeffery Simmons wreaking havoc on the interior, while Tennessee upgrades at cornerback with Alonte Taylor and Kor’Dale Floot. The beauty of all these moves is that the club didn’t really have to break the bank on any of them, and it doesn’t feel like they overspent. After a poor roster in 2025, the Titans now have a strong unit that can at least be competitive next season.

RELATED: NFL free agency predictions for top free agents on offense

Loser: Dallas Cowboys

When the Cleveland Browns realized that the Green Bay Packers were going to release Elgton Jenkins, they waited for him to be cut rather than trade for him. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys saw Rashaan Gary’s farewell post last weekend and decided they would trade their 2027 fourth-round pick to Green Bay. Dallas also signed Gary’s contract extension, which reduces his cap hit for 2026 but adds six void years to the deal. Let’s remind everyone how Gary did in 2025. He didn’t record a sack after Micah Parsons’ season-ending injury, and he was one of the least effective pass rushers in the NFL last year. We like the acquisitions of PJ Locke and Kobe Durant, but there haven’t been the defensive improvements expected from Dallas this offseason and the Gary trade is one of the most shocking moves in the NFL this offseason.

Winner:Baltimore Ravens

What did the Baltimore Ravens lose by keeping two first-round picks and adding All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson? Just money and a lot of respect in the league. From a pure rules perspective, Baltimore had the right to back out of the Max Crosby trade, and retaining both first-round picks while adding Hendrickson is a smart football move. That’s what we’re focused on here: The Ravens added what this defense desperately needed for first-year head coach Jesse Minter, and they still have the 14th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to use. Did they go about it the right way? certainly not. That said, you don’t have to look hard to find examples of teams doing questionable things throughout the NFL, as long as it makes them a little better on the field. Baltimore did just that.

READ MORE: Fantasy football winners, losers from NFL free agency

Loser: Indianapolis Colts

This is what happens when you let a general manager, who knows he’s on the hot seat, stay for another year and make all the decisions in NFL free agency. Rather than lose Alec Pierce to the open market, Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard gave him the largest contract ever for a free-agent receiver. The deal itself felt like an overpayment. However, we can justify the decision to use the transition tag on Daniel Jones. What makes less sense is to give a 50 million guarantee to a dual-threat quarterback who is dependent on his athleticism, coming off a torn Achilles, when he already has a history of durability issues. Ask the New York Giants how it went when they paid Jones for a small sample size of success. With all the money spent on Jones and Pierce, Indianapolis had nothing left to make meaningful growth anywhere else.

Read more: The worst contracts from the first day of NFL free agency

Winner: San Francisco 49ers

We understand that Mike Evans and Dre Greenlaw are no longer the premium impact starters they were in their prime. It also doesn’t help that he has a history of durability issues and will now be playing for the constantly snakebitten San Francisco 49ers. That said, Evans is a complete upgrade over Jaun Jennings as a red-zone threat, vertical option and third-down target for Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Health is not a given, but Evans could provide production that puts him on pace for 1,000-yard and double-digit-touchdown runs. As for Greenlaw, he is still a very effective starter and is at his best when paired with Fred Warner. San Francisco addressed two positions of need and didn’t spend much money, plus it handed Jake Tonga and Eddie Piñeiro new deals.

Loser: Denver Broncos

In a season where everything was going right for the Denver Broncos until Bo Nix’s injury, the inactivity this offseason has been strange. Russell Wilson’s contract is off the books, but Denver lost John Franklin-Myers on the open market, traded away Dre Greenlaw and did nothing to improve the receiving corps. We like the re-signing of JK Dobbins, as he has been extremely effective in Sean Payton’s offense when healthy. However, the Broncos’ roster looks significantly worse on paper than it did at the end of the regular season, and that could prove costly with so many AFC contenders strengthening this offseason.

Winner: Carolina Panthers

Did the Carolina Panthers overspend Jaylen Phillips with his $30 million per season contract? Absolutely. However, the move also addressed their most glaring defensive need with the best player that fits their long-term timeline. Carolina helped defensive coordinator Ejiro Avro even more by signing Devin Lloyd to a contract ($45 million over three seasons) that should prove to be quite a bargain. It added two high-end defensive starters, acquisitions that give the Panthers a lot of flexibility heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. Also, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers not performing well, Carolina may have to lose the division.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

There is no doubt that Bam Adebayo’s 83-point performance for the Miami Heat on March 10 was one of the best individual performances in NBA history. His scoring explosion resulted in him ranking second all-time in single-game scoring, behind only Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game in 1962. While monster scoring games have become more common in recent years, it was rare to see players exceed the 60-point threshold after Chamberlain’s playing days ended. After all, the greatest center of all-time scored 60 or more points 32 times out of 92 ever.

Sure, Kobe Bryant scored 81 points in 2006, but it wasn’t until Devin Booker’s 70-point performance on March 24, 2017, that extremely high-scoring affairs really started happening with more regularity. As impressive as Adebayo, Booker and other 70-plus point games in recent history were, it’s also clear that many of these scoring outputs were a bit inflated. Late-game machinations resulted in a monster scoring performance that turned out to be something else entirely. Adebayo and Booker similarly went from playing basketball at the highest level for most of the game, then taking part in what some saw as not actually playing actual basketball, in pursuit of the record books.

Both players turned in their iconic performances, as well as their respective teams, to score 70 points (Booker) and surpass Bryant’s scoring mark (Adebayo) late in the game. So, were these late pranks worth it?

A look at the career nights of Devin Booker and Bam Adebayo

As mentioned above, in 2017, such high-scoring games weren’t really as important as they are now. Booker was the leader in that regard as he scored 70 points. Therefore, it was necessary to take a page out of Chamberlain’s book and draw the number 70 on a piece of paper. Booker scored 70 in his second season in the league at just 20 years old, making him not only the youngest 70-point scorer, but also the youngest player to cross the 60-point mark.

His Phoenix Suns were not very good at that time, so Booker had to carry a heavy burden for the team. He wasn’t actually to blame for Phoenix losing that match, as the shooting guard really did everything in his power to try to lead his team to victory. Still, knowing that it ended in a relatively decisive defeat takes away a bit of the charm from Booker’s performance.

While Booker was playing a huge game regardless, a lot of his points didn’t come until the last few minutes of the game when it was already getting out of hand. He had 19 points at halftime and 42 points by the end of the third quarter. He then broke the franchise scoring record with 61 points at the 1:49 mark. From there, Booker scored 70 points, hitting one shot after another with less than two minutes remaining. No one on his team was attempting to score, even if it meant giving his team a better chance of realistically coming back.

The same thing was happening in Adebayo’s iconic game. His Heat teammates were even intentionally missing free throws to give Adebayo a potential chance to get more possessions and shots. Adebayo was also clearly foul-baiting in order to get to the free throw line at the end of the game. Some would argue that it destroys the prestige and honor of the glorious game of basketball.

Adebayo scored his 79th point with 2:05 left in the game, surpassing Chamberlain for third most points ever. He tied Bryant with 81 points at the 1:37 mark, and the 82nd and 83rd points took him into sole possession of the second-highest scoring game of all time at the 1:16 mark.

While Adebayo was clearly unconscious from everywhere on the floor all night, all six of those record-breaking late-game points came from the charity stripe. The Heat also won in blowout fashion, 150-129. While Adebayo was often singled out because of that wasted time, it should be appreciated that his scoring directly led to a huge win.

Regardless, what Adebayo and Booker did was impressive, no matter how you try to spin it. No one else has ever scored 83 points for some reason. Despite what some would consider borderline unethical play late, both players were clearly playing incredible games. Whatever happens, they deserved to have their names entered in the record books.

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).

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

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.