標籤: plan

Aston Villa Borussia Dortmund have ‘expressed interest’ in striker Serhou Guerrese this summer, with offers for the 30-year-old being listened to.

BILD reports that Dortmund Insisting that the striker is in his plans, Guerresi is ready to listen to offers from clubs with a ‘confirmed plan’.

Aston Villa expressed interest

According to BILD, Aston Villa have now expressed interest in signing the striker this summer. The newspaper reports that Unai Emery’s side are closely monitoring Guerrese’s situation and are considering a formal move for him.

They may be prepared to battle Fenerbahce for his signature. The Turkish side have been courting the striker for several weeks, and he has also been a prominent name in their presidential campaign. He is considered one of the top goalscorers at the club.

Publicly, Dortmund have no interest in a sale. Sporting directors Lars Ricken and Ole Buk have repeatedly stressed that Guerresi plays an important role in the plans for the upcoming season.

“We have no intention of letting him go. He has impressively demonstrated his value to Borussia Dortmund over the past two seasons,” Ricken was quoted as saying.

21 goals this season

This is because the striker was one of Dortmund’s most important players last season. He scored 17 goals in 33 games in the Bundesliga, including 21 goals in all competitions.

Those numbers are attracting interest. Aston Villa have registered their interest with Fenerbahce. Other clubs are monitoring the situation. Going to Saudi Arabia has been considered but it doesn’t seem likely at the moment.

For now, Dortmund are standing firm. But they are aware of the growing interest and it is causing concern at the club. Guirassy also only has two years left on his current deal, so this summer could be ideal to sell. TransferMarket currently rates him at €32m.

Whether Aston Villa can or want to pay that price remains to be seen. But he has registered his interest and the transfer process has started gaining momentum.

Tottenham HotspurLuka Vuckovic spent this season on loan at Hamburg SV and has already said goodbye to them.

The Croatian international was one of the standout players for the Bundesliga side and his excellent performances did not go unnoticed.

Hamburg have spoken publicly about their desire to extend the Tottenham man. Also, the 19-year-old player has attracted the attention of top European clubs such as Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

Last week, centre-back expressed his desire To remain at the German club.

He is also happy with transfer links but said he is concerned Spurs are in control of his future.

Tottenham player’s return to Hamburg rejected

The latest claims from UK state that Roberto De Zerbi’s side want to extend his contract and send him back to Hamburg SV on loan.

sky germany There has been no time in ruling out the possibility of Luka Vuckovic’s return as there have been no talks with the German club over a new loan deal.

The defender has two options; ‘A long-term contract extension with Spurs or a transfer to a top club.’ He is now preparing for the World Cup with the national team.

nova tv diary The British claim has also been broadcast in Croatia and their journalist, Stipe Antonijević, provides his own updates.

Sources, presumably from the Spurs man’s camp, have informed him that a new loan move to Hamburg has ‘not been considered at all’.

Antonijevic says ‘it is true’ that the north London club are planning to offer an improved contract without giving details. They want to reward him after impressing during his loan spell in Germany.

Awaiting Vuckovic’s decision

Tottenham Hotspur managed to avoid relegation on the last day of this season.

Earlier this month, Sport Witness broadcast news Luka Vuckovic prefers to change clubs this summer. If this is true, it will be a difficult task for Spurs to secure his renewal.

Croatia’s contract expires in 2030, and his value, accordingly transfer marketIs €60m.

wolverhampton wanderers‘ Jackson Tchoua is attracting interest from Italy for the summer.

The right-back joined Wolves in August 2025, after spending two years at Hellas Verona.

Operating primarily as a right wing-back, he played 2,185 minutes in 36 matches for Wolves.

Last December, Sports Witness broadcast news Juventus and Inter Milan are eyeing him for the winter market. The English club considered sanctioning a move in January, but interested parties did not make concrete progress.

The Premier League side fell out of the top spot after finishing bottom of the table this season.

After his exile, we Covered claims from Italy That the 24-year-old could return to Serie A in the summer. It is believed that Wolves, who requested €10 million in January, will accept a lower fee.

Torino lead race for Wolves man

Africa Foot On that note, several Italian clubs are showing keen interest in Jackson Tchoua. The report also talks about the English club’s stance on him.

Torino have received a mention and are now the front-runners to sign the Belgian-born Cameroon international.

The Serie A side have kept a close eye on the Wolves player for a long time and know both his profile and the squad well. If the fullback and Rob Edwards’ team give the go-ahead, they could bring him back to Italy.

Wolves need to reshape their squad in the upcoming window and therefore, they ‘would not oppose’ his exit if there is a concrete offer.

As things stand, Italy looks to be his next destination, with the Turin club keen. To ‘overcome the financial hurdle’, Torino plan to sign Tchatchoua on loan with an option to buy.

This allows them to sign off on their long-term goals without impacting the budget. This move also helps the player to revive his career, retain his place in the national team.

Contract, price and agent information

Jackson Tchochoua has a contract until 2030 at Molineux and is now worth €12m transfer market.

The agency deal with my agent, headed by representative William Davila, is handling The Wolves Man.

leeds united It appears that they have missed out on the signing of Kofi Amoako from Dynamo Dresden. He is joining Hamburger SV this summer, replacing Daniel Farke.

image hanover report That the 21-year-old defensive midfielder is set to remain in Germany rather than make a move to Elland Road.

leeds united’s rejection

The newspaper reports that, although no deal has been agreed yet, Kofi Amoako is likely to be a Hamburg player next season.

The German club intends to activate his release clause as soon as possible, with plans for next season’s squad already well in place.

Hamburg have an advantage after earning Bundesliga status early and will look to take advantage of it by defeating Amoako quickly. He will cost less than €2m. If Dresden is relegated to the third division, this is reduced to €500,000.

According to the newspaper, the midfielder is said to have ‘clearly expressed’ his desire to join Merlin Polzin’s side. He has rejected interest from Mainz and Leeds United to stay in Germany this summer.

bundesliga chance

Hamburg is equally keen on him. He believes he belongs in his team and has taken his career into his own hands by leaving Wolfsburg rather than waiting for his chance there.

He then had to move on loan to VfL Osnabruck in the third division and then joined Dresden in 2025 for around €200,000. Now his performances for them have attracted the attention of the Bundesliga side and he is set for a move to Hamburg.

The move would be a blow to Leeds. They will have been confident of securing the 21-year-old this summer. Actually, a recent report indicated that it was a deal that suited everyone perfectly.

Instead, it seems that Amoako has decided to remain in Germany. He wants to dominate the Bundesliga this time.

last September, crystal Palace Signed Cristante Uche from Getafe on loan with a conditional obligation to buy.

Nigeria international AD joined La Liga from Ceuta FC in 2024.

ceuta president luhay hamido confirmed Crystal Palace will have to make his stay permanent in September if he makes 10 starts.

However, Oliver Glasner has not used the striker regularly this season and has given him only 478 minutes in 22 matches in all competitions, resulting in two goals and one assist.

This included three starts, two of which were in the UEFA Conference League and the other in the FA Cup. This allows the Eagles to either buy him or send him back to his parent club.

On April 30, Khel Witness Covered claims from Spain That Crystal Palace have decided not to extend his stay.

The purchase obligation was approximately €20m and Getafe saw an exit in the form of a sale to balance their books. However, his return would pose a problem for their salary cap.

Getafe is preparing for the return of the Crystal Palace man

DAZN in Spain spoke to Getafe sporting director Tony Munoz on some topics Mark Has released his comments.

He asked the official whether Crystal Palace had informed him of anything on Kristantas Uche.

He said: “It is assumed because the player has not completed his objective [of matches] And it’s clear he’s coming back.”

Although a final decision has not been made by the Premier League side, Getafe are taking the 22-year-old’s return lightly.

What next for the striker and Crystal Palace?

Munoz and Getafe president Angel Torres will have to find a solution for the Nigerian after this season.

two months ago, Torres said In the next window there is a proposal to go to the frontman again.

“He has offers from other countries, not from the Premier League, and he has to make a decision. Either that, or he returns; he has three years left on his contract,” Torres explained.

“If we can’t sell him I’d be happy to have him come back, but if we can’t sell him, we’ll have to sell to others.”

transfer market Uche, who is under contract at Getafe until 2028, is valued at €15 million. The Spanish club would like to sell him for more than €9m to solve the salary cap problem.

Crystal Palace, for its part, is already considering options in the market. On Monday, Sports Witness broadcast news A.J. Because of his interest in Auxerre’s Lacien Sinaiko.

Bahia’s rising star Del could reach the end Manchester City In the near future.

Manchester City’s owners City Football Group are the majority shareholders of the Brazilian club.

Apart from these two clubs, CFG have several other clubs at their disposal and can use this to help the 17-year-old player continue his development.

The striker came through Bahia’s youth system and forced his way into the first team last year. he’s only made a handful [16] In his appearances so far, he has scored four goals.

Their Campeonato Baiano and league statistics this year are as follows:

• Appearances: 13
• Total minutes: 594
• Target: 4
• Help: 0

Earlier in the season, Sport Witness Covered claims from Brazil Manchester United’s interest in youth. The same source said the Red Devils had sent a scout to monitor him.

Manchester City is part of the long-term plan

As Now we have a report on what the future holds for Dell in the short and medium term.

Bahia manager Rogerio Ceni is pleased with the Brazil U17 international’s development so far.

“He’s only 17, but he’s a kid who’s working incredibly hard. That’s life; it’s all about decisions. We all have a tactical role on the field. He’s living up to expectations,” He said.

“He is demonstrating the physical intensity required to play and he is an agile player. And if another striker comes in, he will continue to play because he has earned it. I am very happy for him.”

After relaying the manager’s comments, AS focuses on CFG’s plans for the striker. Their headline says: ‘Brazilian Holland’ puts the city in doubt.’

He will turn 18 in June, making him eligible to transfer to Europe.

CFG is looking at Dell’s potential and performance to evaluate next steps for its future. Their plan is to send him to other clubs in Europe, Troyes, Verona or Lomel SK, owned by Manchester City owners.

The move to La Liga remains complicated. Troyes will be an option in the event of their promotion while Lomel will be considered for a transfer if they avoid relegation.

CFG plan to send the young striker to a club from their stable to closely monitor his development. AS say that if all goes well, their plan is to ‘eventually bring him to Manchester City.’

If the player joins one of the European clubs owned by CFG, it will be relatively easy for Pep Guardiola’s team to secure his services in the future.

Contract, price and agent information

Dell’s contract expires in December 2028 and AS says it includes a €100m release clause transfer market He is worth €4 million.

Brazilian agency Bertolucci Sports, owned by agent Giuliano Bertolucci, is representing the Bahia star.

chelsea Filipe Luis could once again be seen as a managerial option following the sacking of Liam Rosenior, with the Brazilian coach’s name having resurfaced just months after previous talks with the club.

The Blues sacked Rosenior after seven consecutive defeats in eight matches, bringing an abrupt end to a run that had lasted only three months.

That decision has reignited internal discussions about alternative profiles, and Filipe Luis is once again part of that conversation.

Previous contact and Flamengo exit

Filipe Luis built a strong reputation during his time at Flamengo, delivering five major trophies and maintaining a win rate close to 70% in 101 matches. His team scored over 180 goals in that period, showing a clear attacking identity.

However, his departure came shortly after an 8–0 defeat to Madureira in March. Although that result triggered the decision, there were already underlying issues. Reports pointed to disagreements behind the scenes and a difficult start to the new season.

The thing is that this is not a new link. Philippe Luiz had already held talks with the club’s hierarchy before Rosenière’s appointment in late December, when Chelsea were exploring various options.

Such suggestions have also come in Brazil Those conversations played a role in his eventual departure From Flamengo, interest from Europe affected both the timing and internal dynamics at the club.

a new opportunity

according to DayThe former Flamengo manager is one of the names being considered as Chelsea reassess their direction.

Obviously, the Brazilian is no stranger to Chelsea. He was part of the club’s 2014–15 title-winning team under José Mourinho, and contributed in several competitions during that campaign.

The left-back made a total of 26 appearances, appearing in Premier League, domestic cup and European matches. Although he was not always a starter due to competition with César Azpilicueta, he played a role in a season that ended with Chelsea winning both the Premier League and League Cup.

Filipe Luis is currently based in Spain and intends to wait until the European season ends before making a final decision.

Chelsea’s potential renewed interest introduces a different level of opportunity. However, this also comes with uncertainty given the club’s recent instability and frequent managerial changes.

Major hurdle: UEFA license and eligibility

Despite interest, there is a significant hurdle to any immediate move. As noted Lance! In Brazil, Filipe Luis does not yet have a UEFA Pro License, which is mandatory to officially manage in England or UEFA competitions.

He currently holds A and B licenses from the Brazilian FA, but has not completed the highest qualification.

There is another issue also. UEFA regulations usually require at least three years’ experience as a head coach at the top level to validate a foreign license. Filipe Luis’ time at Flamengo lasted less than two years, meaning he does not currently meet that threshold.

As a result, even if Chelsea wanted to move quickly, they would face a regulatory challenge.

There is a possible solution. The Bluco group could consider a formation similar to the one used by Cesc Fàbregas at Como. In that case, Fàbregas effectively led the team while a licensed individual was officially registered as head coach.

However, implementing that model at Chelsea would carry far greater risk. The club operates under intense scrutiny, and such an arrangement would require strong justification to supporters and the media. It will also depend on internal alignment within the club’s hierarchy.

Championship interest still active

While Chelsea are reconsidering their options, Filipe Luis continues to attract attention from the Championship.

Sports Witness Source It has previously been revealed that both Queens Park Rangers and Middlesbrough have made contact in recent weeks, with discussions having already taken place with their representatives.

Watford also admire him, although they are currently taking a more cautious approach after appointing Edward Still in February.

Middlesbrough remains the most competitive of those options. They still have a credible path to reach the Premier League via the playoffs. Meanwhile, QPR and Watford are around 10 and 11 points behind the top six respectively.

what happens next

For now, several avenues remain open. Championship clubs have already taken concrete steps, while Chelsea’s situation could evolve rapidly following Rosenior’s dismissal.

The next few weeks are likely to be decisive as Filipe Luis takes the first European step of his managerial career.

Manchester City will sign a player who has ‘carried the team on his shoulders’ in Barcelona’s Azzedine Onahi.

Sports report on 26 year old player today And how he would be ideal for Manchester City as they look for a replacement for Bernardo Silva.

Manchester City Plan implemented

A report in Spain yesterday said Manchester City are eyeing a move for Azzedine Onahi as they plan for life after Bernardo Silva.

They could use their special relationship with Verona, who are also part of the City Football Group, to land the midfielder in any competition.

The Moroccan’s deal also has a release clause of €20m, making him an affordable and relatively cheap option to strengthen Manchester City’s midfield options.

Of course, he has made several deals with Verona before. Savinho spent time at the club before moving to the Etihad. Vitor Reis and Claudio Echeverri are also on loan at the Spanish side this season.

transfer approved

Sports are confident that this will be another success story. The newspaper labels Azzedine Onahi as a player with a ‘strong work ethic, good technique and a powerful shot’.

They also see the 26-year-old as a replacement for Bernardo Silva given what he has done at Verona.

According to the newspaper he has been a ‘blessing’ to manager Mitchell. And his impact goes beyond just numbers.

The midfielder has often been the player who ‘carried the team on his back’ when things were not going well. He was also a player in the team who ‘constantly tried to hurt the opposition’. He would often deviate from the script to ‘push his team forward’.

In other words, he is a leader. And at €20m, could easily be the ‘ideal replacement’ for Bernardo Silva in Manchester City’s midfield.

At No. 3 in the NFL Draft, the assumption is that the Arizona Cardinals will take the best player available or address a major need. However, a new report suggests that bringing in a player who can increase revenues and improve brand identity may be a priority.

The Cardinals are one of the most interesting teams heading into this week’s NFL Draft. By having the third pick, they have the opportunity to bring in a player who can be a game-changer and be a core member of the roster for years to come. Players like Texas Tech’s David Bailey, Ohio State’s Arvel Reese and Notre Dame’s Jeremiah Love have been linked to the card at No. 3.

However, a case can be made that after a 3-14 season and firing their head coach, Arizona has a lot of problems and should trade up in Round 1 to acquire more picks this year and/or next year. That’s why he’s been linked to various trade rumors over the past few weeks.

Is Jeremiah Love an ideal pick for the Arizona Cardinals?

But the school of thought guiding the team’s draft plans this year may be different, especially with that option in Round 1: making more money. on Wednesday’s edition of ESPN RiseNFL insider Adam Schefter said that if they don’t trade up from No. 3 after years of going defense-first, they need to make a spectacular move that can create a spark, excitement and energy. That’s why they feel Love will be the player they choose.

Fellow NFL insider Peter Schrager then chimed in that the Cardinals were at the bottom of the league in merchandise and ticket sales. And after bringing in a new head coach in Mike LaFleur this offseason, it feels like 2026 will be a “fresh” start for the franchise.

Then, when NFL analyst Jason McCourty was asked what the best scenario would be for the Cardinals, he said, “Get your Jeremiah Love jerseys ready” because of the marketability of the talented running back.

For many NFL Draft evaluators, Love is the best player in this year’s class due to his great running skills and ability to make plays in the passing game. However, it is rare to see a running back reach such heights in the current NFL. But Love appears to be an exception because of his talent and what he could do for the Cardinals brand.

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

Ashton Jeanty’s rookie season is in the books. The numbers were good. The situation around him was not there.

This will change in 2026.

The Boise State alumnus was the sixth overall pick a year ago and was someone the Raiders latched onto early on. He racked up 266 carries for 975 yards and five touchdowns. Through the air, he caught 55 passes on 73 targets for 346 yards and five more scores.

This adds up to a total of 321 touches for 1,321 yards and 10 touchdowns.

As one of the top offensive weapons for the Silver and Black, let’s see what he could become in 2026.

Kubiak’s run-heavy blueprint

Last year in Seattle, as offensive coordinator, Kubiak had a pair of running backs in his offense. Kenneth Walker III – the Super Bowl MVP two months earlier – registered 221 carries for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns. Zach Charbonnet added 184 carries and 730 yards with two touchdowns.

Combined, he had a total of 405 carries for 1,757 yards and 17 touchdowns last season.

Two years ago, when Kubiak was in New Orleans, Alvin Kamara had 228 carries for 950 yards and six touchdowns. Kamara led the Saints with 68 receptions on 89 targets for 543 yards and two more scores. This came with then-Raiders quarterback Derek Carr leading the attack.

That heavy-handed approach will be key to what Jeanty is asked to do in Las Vegas. They will be expected to produce weekly.

Also Read: Las Vegas Raiders Tyree Wilson: Rob Leonard’s 3-4 scheme is his last chance to break out

What does history say about gentry roofing

Whether it’s a bell-cow back or a two-back system, Jeanty is expected to have at least 20 touches per game in a Raiders uniform.

But that production will take more than just Jeanty – it will take a whole crime.

“Very excited about his skill set,” Kubiak said of Jeanty during his introductory press conference in February. “Very excited about his talent. The thing I tell him and all his teammates is it’s not one guy. We’ve got to get on the same page, line up. We’ve got to get our quarterback to get the right run check. Our receivers have got to get on the block for him to keep the play action going. As soon as our players realize it’s a team thing and not an individual thing, we’re going to be successful.”

From Kirk Cousins, Aidan O’Connell or Fernando Mendoza to center Tyler Linderbaum and left tackle Colton Miller to wide receivers Jack Beech and Jalen Naylor, establishing an offensive identity with the run will be key.

The only question is how quickly everyone will be able to learn the new plan.

Also Read: 5 Las Vegas Raiders Whose April Minicamp Appearance Tells Us Everything

Learning curve for Jeanty in 2026

From the moment quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​signed with the Raiders, he said, “The best quarterback will play.”

Right now, the Raiders have Cousins ​​and Aidan O’Connell on the roster at quarterback. The Silver and Black will add another signal-caller to the projected No. 1 pick, Fernando Mendoza out of Indiana.

Over his career, Cousins ​​has had useful running backs – players like Alfred Morris and Dalvin Cook.

Cook’s four best seasons with Minnesota came from 2019 to 2022, resulting in a Pro Bowl selection. This stretch also coincides with Kubiak serving as the Vikings’ quarterbacks coach in 2019 and 2020 before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2021.

In the three seasons Cook, Cousins ​​and Kubiak were together, Cook had at least 249 carries and 1,130 rushing yards per year. He scored 35 rushing touchdowns over those three seasons, including 16 in 2020. Through the air, Cook had at least 49 targets and 34 receptions for 220 yards each year.

In 2019, Cook played in 14 games and totaled 250 carries for 1,135 yards and 13 touchdowns, adding 53 receptions on 63 targets for 519 yards.

“It’s really a privilege to work with Clint again,” Cousins ​​said during his Raiders introductory press conference. “I think a lot about him as a person. I think a lot about his system, his staff, Rick, Andrew, the way they marry and pass. It’s a system that makes a lot of sense. I’m excited to be reunited with them.”

RELATED: Las Vegas Raiders 2026 NFL Draft: 5 takeaways from Jon Spytek’s pre-draft press conference

Cousin Factor for Jeanty

One thing that will be worth watching is how quickly Cousins ​​and O’Connell adapt to the offense. For Cousins, it’s a case of relearning the scheme.

In addition to Kubiak, Cousins ​​is also reuniting with offensive coordinator Andrew Janko after his time in Minnesota. Janko was with the Vikings for seven seasons, including 2017 to 2021.

The goal this spring and summer will be to see how much offense Cousins ​​can regain.

“I wanted it to be plug-and-play but as all great offenses do, it evolves,” Cousins ​​said. “When I first came here I said to Andrew, ‘We’ve got a lot of catching up to do. It’s been four seasons of football but I’m not done with you.’ He texted me later and said, ‘I forgot it’s been four seasons. We have done a lot in four years that have made a difference.”

the ball is his

Cousins ​​and the quarterback situation will be sorted out. It will take time to establish the crime. Sufferings will increase.

But there’s no question about one thing: Jeanty is getting the ball. Very. In the offense created for what he does. Year 2 starts now.

RELATED: Michael Meyer has never had a real QB with the Las Vegas Raiders, but that will change in 2026

Braven Honda graduated from San Diego State with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism in May 2021. During his time at SDSU, … More about Braven Honda

Fabio Paratici’s tottenham The sudden exit came earlier this year and caught many by surprise. The Italian has now spoken about his time in the Premier League while also addressing other matters related to his career.

sports witness Largely covered Paratischi’s move to Fiorentina, who were struggling inside the bottom three at the time.

They are now back in form and are 15th in the table. What’s more, they are unbeaten in their last four Serie A games, which shows clear improvement under Paolo Vanoli.

The 53-year-old has now spoken out Corriere Della Sera About his career, his time at Tottenham and why he left London.

Full of praise for Paratischi Spurs

The interview begins with Paratici being asked if Fiorentina’s gleaming training ground is the reason for his arrival.

He agreed, saying: “Yes. I signed a long contract because I want to see ten boys who grew up here reach the first team, and others to become professionals.”

Paratici also revealed that Fiorentina’s league position did not change his perception of the project.

“When Ferrari and Goretti came to London, it was mid-December and Fiorentina had six points. I immediately said that the standings did not concern me.

“Not in the sense that it wasn’t bad, but because of the depth of work that we were talking about, and which the Commisso family wants to support with love and dedication to Rocco’s legacy. A lost year would have been compensable. And in any case, we would not have lost it.”

This led to him being asked about his experience at Tottenham. He appreciated that everything at the club is extensively researched before decisions are made.

Paratischi replied: “Everything else. The Premier League is as good as the NBA. I’ll just tell you that the head of human resources evaluated 50 resumes for my assistant.

“Everything is perfect there, and of a better standard. They run more, but above all they run the ball faster. For this they have to learn to pass better, and the training pitches are always grassy and wet. The technique comes naturally that way.”

Desire to copy Tottenham approach

Furthermore, the Italian stated that he wants to replicate the Spurs approach in Italy. In the process, he also highlighted how different things are in Serie A.

“Definitely. First and foremost, extensive training for the 110 staff at the training centre. This is necessary because I study every day of my life, whereas in Italy everything is empirical. I’m talking about numbers, not about algorithms, that would screw things up. The numbers give me the names of the three best players for the position I’m looking for, then the choice is mine and it also depends on gut feeling. Intuition is important.”

“Whereas here, everything is considered an opinion, and as such, it’s legitimate. Instead, I say missing three World Cups is not an opinion, it’s a fact. Terrible.”

Paratischi addressed the ban

Crucially, the former Juventus sporting director also spoke about his ban, which extended to his time at Tottenham. He was suspended from operations due to financial irregularities discovered during his tenure in Turin.

“If that’s what you’re asking, I don’t feel guilty of anything. It was a very difficult experience because the criminal investigation lasted five and a half years, and it took strength to maintain it. I was convicted of a techno-financial strategy that involved several internationals, including Rovella, Orsolini and Spinazzola,” he said.

He also expressed doubts about how the entire process works.

“An unprecedented accounting principle was applied, which I am waiting to review. It is mentioned in the documents, not inflated capital gains, as is rumored. In a sports trial, you cannot defend yourself; you can do very little. I wanted to get the criminal case off the ground so I could start living again.”

Paratici impressed by Tottenham magic

The spell at Tottenham deeply impressed Paratici. Things operate very differently in Italy, where the game is still based on mutual contacts. Bureaucracy. It is massively political and less sporting, and it holds the Italian game back.

From the interview, it’s clear that Paratici wants to change Italian football by taking inspiration from how things work in England.

Furthermore, he should also be grateful to Tottenham for how they stuck with him during the ban. He was allowed back into the London team soon after his suspension ended and was given the chance to rebuild his reputation.

armory The European giants were in attendance when FC Porto drew 1-1 with Nottingham Forest on Thursday and the Gunners will have a number of names worth keeping an eye on.

Two historic clubs came together in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals, but Porto posed the greater offensive threat for long periods. This gave Arsenal’s scouts a strong look at players working under pressure and with real intensity in the game.

portuguese outlet game And to ball Both reports Arsenal were present at the Estadio do Dragão along with clubs such as Barcelona, ​​PSG, Chelsea and Newcastle. From Arsenal’s point of view, the attention naturally turns to those who lined out in Porto’s attacking structure.

Gabry Veiga sets the pace

Gabriel Veiga was arguably the most influential player on the pitch before his replacement. The 23-year-old set Porto’s attacking rhythm and repeatedly found space between Nottingham Forest’s lines.

He provided the assist for William Gomes’ goal after a quick collective move. Additionally, Veiga completed 26 of 29 passes and created two clear chances. His work with the ball was also excellent, with four recoveries and an interception.

For Arsenal, that mix of technical quality and intensity will not go unnoticed. they were already attached to themBut Veiga now looks even more comfortable operating in tight spaces and making quick decisions in the final third.

Gomes presents again – Gul offers different profile

William Gomes continued its rise With another decisive contribution. He is a direct, productive winger whose end product is always in demand at the top level.

The 20-year-old winger scored the opener for Porto and remains a constant threat, especially when coming inside from the right side.

He made three shots, two successful dribbles and won six duels. His recent form further strengthens his performance. Gomes now has four goals in his last five games, taking his tally for the season to 13, second only to Samu on Porto’s team.

Meanwhile, Deniz Gul came off the bench and offered a more physical presence up front. The 21-year-old striker showed good intent, scoring a dangerous effort and competing well before fading late on.

His profile could be particularly relevant to Arsenal’s ongoing search for a young striker option to support Victor Gyöckeres. Gul is still developing, but his energy and dynamism were evident.

Other notes from the game

Sékou Fofana impressed with his ability to carry the ball in transition Leeds reported to have targeted Zaidou Sanusi Width provided from left side. Both put in solid performances, although they are less directly linked to Arsenal’s current priorities.

For Nottingham Forest, Stefan Ortega played a key role in keeping the scores level. His defending ensured that Arsenal’s scouts saw a competitive contest despite Porto’s offensive dominance.

Additionally, Jakub Kivior was also there, but the former Arsenal defender remained on the bench.

scouting output

Gabry Veiga and William Gomes were standout attacking performers, while Deniz Gul offered glimpses of a different option. After this performance, all three will probably remain on Arsenal’s radar.

The Gunners continue to assess a number of profiles across Europe, and this trip to Porto has provided useful live insight. This is unlikely to be conclusive in itself, but it adds another layer to the ongoing recruitment work.

A new report from the Miami Dolphins may have revealed Jeff Hafley and John-Eric Sullivan’s entire strategy for the first NFL Draft as leaders of the program.

It’s been a very busy offseason for the Dolphins. After a 7–10 finish, ownership decided to clean out the team’s brain trust and gave new leadership to Sullivan as general manager and Hafley as head coach. But that was just the beginning.

Over the past few weeks, the team has adopted a strategy of additions and subtractions by trading Jaylen Waddle and Minkah Fitzpatrick and cutting Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb. This is a big change that comes with a lot of dead cap and serious limitations to fill those holes. That’s why the 2026 draft will be so important for Sullivan and Hafley in the first year.

Do the Miami Dolphins have to wait until days 2 and 3 of the draft to select a receiver?

The Green Bay Packers underdogs will have to build on their picks later this month and set the stage for an even better season to come. But how will they do this? Well, according to ESPN NFL expert Jordan Reed, it will be by following the blueprint he learned in Green Bay, but it could also include “aggressive” use of the additional draft assets they have.

“I expect the Dolphins to be very active throughout the draft after clearing their roster in the studs this offseason,” Reed wrote. “Sullivan comes from the Packers tree, and Green Bay has historically valued premium position picks in Round 1 and pass catchers in Days 2 and 3.

“I think this trend will continue, as there are chances to add linemen early. But with 11 picks, the Dolphins can be aggressive and move up the board for a prospect they really want.”

The Dolphins have seven picks in the top 100 spots of the NFL Draft. So while they took on a lot of debt to overhaul the roster, they will have plenty of opportunities to get a lot of good players in the first three rounds. Or, they can move on and find prospects they love because they have the assets to move forward.

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

Let’s make one thing clear before we proceed: Tom Brady matters to the Las Vegas Raiders.

His presence in the building is real, his involvement in football decisions is documented and his fingerprints are on everything this organization has done since becoming a minority owner in October 2024. Jon Spytek put it clearly: Brady is involved in everything football-wise and that includes the most important pick in franchise history coming up later this month.

But here’s the question no one in Raider Nation is asking out loud: When the dust settles on the Mendoza era, the Kubiak era and whatever comes after, who really owns this team?

Because that answer is being quietly written right now, and it has nothing to do with Tom Brady.

Brady’s role is real – but it has limits

I will give credit where appropriate. Brady is more than a celebrity endorsement for the Raiders. Kubiak said he has been calling Brady frequently since getting the job, relying on him as a resource with a different offensive background. Spytek has openly credited Brady in the quarterback evaluation process, which is pretty important when you’re about to spend the No. 1 overall pick on a franchise signal-caller. When Adam Schefter appeared on the Pat McAfee show and was asked how Brady has been involved in all these offseason moves, the answer was clear – Brady didn’t find out about the Kirk Cousins ​​signing from a tweet. He was involved in this.

But Brady himself was clear about where his role actually ends. He is a limited partner. Mark Davis is the boss. There is no job description that comes with a minority stake, and Brady has openly acknowledged this. He wants to win. He wants to bring a winning culture to Las Vegas. He wants to be a part of something that lasts. They are real things and I believe he means them all.

What he is not, and cannot be in any practical sense, is the long-term answer to the Raiders’ ownership question. That answer is already in danger, and his name is Egon Durban.

The Durban angle is the story no one can quite connect with

Last week at the NFL’s annual meeting in Phoenix, owners voted to approve the Raiders succession plan, formalizing what has been quietly building for more than a year. The NFL approved the sale of 3.5% of the team to Egon Durban at a valuation of $11.1 billion, with another 3.5% expected to follow – and the deal gives Durban the right of first refusal on Davis’ controlling stake if Davis decides to sell.

Mark Davis, who has no children, has said he has no intention of selling his majority stake. I believe what he says. But Davis is 70, and his mother, Carol, died last October. The NFL needs succession plans. And what was just approved doesn’t leave much to the imagination about how it will ultimately work.

Durban structured the deal with a right of first refusal that rules out every other bidder. If Davis or his successors ever sell, Durban gets the first call. A man. A phone call. An outcome is already written into the contract.

That is not a show. This is the biggest organizational story surrounding this franchise that isn’t Fernando Mendoza.

So where does Brady fit into all this?

Brady owns 5% of the team. Durban already held a 7.5% stake before this latest deal and that figure is now moving towards a position that could ultimately mean controlling ownership. The two men were photographed together during the College Football Playoff National Championship in January. After news of the succession plan broke, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer summed it up in four words: “Egon Durban is Brady’s guy.”

That framing is worth sitting with. If Durban ultimately owns this team, and Brady is his guy, then Brady’s long-term impact with the Raiders isn’t just as a football consultant, and it may be as the minority voice most associated with the next principal owner.

It’s a different kind of power than what’s discussed in offseason press conferences. It is quieter, slower moving and obviously more consequential.

What this means for the Raiders’ rebuild

In the short term, it doesn’t change anything that happens in Pittsburgh on April 23, or what Clint Kubiak is building from this week in Henderson. Football decisions are being made by Spytek, informed by Brady and approved by Davis. The question of succession is background noise right now.

But Raider Nation needs to understand what’s really being built here, because it goes beyond the roster. Mark Davis created something real by moving this franchise to Las Vegas – an $11.1 billion franchise valuation does not happen without vision and execution at the ownership level. The question of who inherits it and what they do with it is one of the most important long-term stories in the NFL right now.

Brady gets the spotlight. Durban has a choice.

In Las Vegas, that difference matters.

Scott Gulbransen, a quintessential expert in the field of sports journalism, serves as an editor, nfl , mlb , Formula 1…More about Scott Gulbransen

Leicester City’s Wout Fess says the Championship side were in good shape under Enzo Maresca.

The Italian took over from Leicester City in July 2023, after being relegated from the Premier League.

Under his command, the Foxes won 31 out of 46 league matches and collected 97 points. This gave them the chance to win the Championship and secure promotion to the Premier League.

Maresca left Leicester City for Chelsea in the summer of 2024. Earlier this year, he resigned from his role at Stamford Bridge and is now without a club.

Meanwhile, the Foxes finished 18th in the Premier League last season and are relegated to the Championship.

Since Maresca’s exit, the English club have had Steve Cooper, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Marty Cifuentes and Gary Rowett as permanent managers. The latter has been in charge since February.

These changes were caused by a series of poor results. With this, Leicester City is in 22nd place due to point deduction for violation of PSR rules. They are one point behind Portsmouth, who are in 21st.

Faces talk about the unity of Leicester city

Wout Fes struggled for a leading role at Leicester City in the first half of the season. He played 16 matches and was not used by Martí Cifuentes in December and January.

Therefore, the 27-year-old joined AS Monaco on loan in January and the move allowed him to enjoy regular minutes again.

His Ligue 1 statistics are as follows:

• Appearances: 8
• Start: 8
• Total minutes: 659
• Minutes per game: 82

Team The Foxes had a chat with the defender, who is enjoying life in Monaco. He asks whether he had felt Monaco’s ‘collective strength’ at his previous clubs.

While responding to this, he talked about how Leicester City were under Enzo Maresca.

“There was a year when I worked with Enzo Maresca at Leicester. There too, we really had a plan. We were like a family, we had one goal, and we had the same drive in every training session.” He said.

“I feel the same way here [at Monaco]. The coach is very demanding, he is very detail-oriented, he strives to keep the group on his terms – for some, this may even be a bit much. He does not allow anyone to be lax. Once, we asked for an extra day off: they refused. But we know why we are doing all this.”

What’s next for the Leicester City man?

last month, belgium said He wants to make his stay at AS Monaco permanent.

The Ligue 1 side has an option to buy as part of the loan deal. It is unclear whether this section will be active after this season.

If Monaco do not retain him, Wout Fes will have to find a new club as he is unlikely to play for Leicester City again. They will also consider selling him, as his contract expires in 2027 and his salary does not match their current reality.

Rangers and Wolverhampton Wanderers are among the clubs that have shown interest in a transfer to BK Hacken’s Silas Andersen. Danny Rohl’s side were keen to bring him to Ibrox in the winter market, but no decision could be reached.

Back in January, Sport Witness Covered claims from Denmark Rangers are ahead of Celtic in the transfer race.

It is unclear whether Rohl’s side are still keen to acquire the player’s services in the summer. If the Ibrox club is in the mix, they will face competition from Wolves and others.

On March 21, Khel Sakshi Covered claims from Sweden Premier League team wants to bring him with them Molineux after this season.

The midfielder joined the Swedish club from FC Utrecht in January 2025 and made 46 appearances, scoring six goals and three assists.

His league statistics last year are as follows:

• Appearances: 26
• Start: 24
• Total minutes: 2,183
• Minutes per game: 84
• Duels won per game: 7.4
• Balls recovered per game: 7.0
• Tackles per game: 3.2
• Clearance: 3.3

Last month, the 21-year-old signed a new contract, which runs until December 2029.

Rangers and Wolves transfer interest

bold Now report Danny Roehl’s Rangers, Wolverhampton Wanderers and FC Köln are set to sign Silas Andersson in January. BK Hacken also rejected the DKK 30m [€4m] Offer from German club.

The Denmark U21 international, for his part, signed an extension.

He represented his country in the last international break, giving Bould a chance to chat with him. They point to Rangers, Wolves and FC Köln links, and ask him what inspired him to sign an extension.

“Hacken thought I did well and showed a lot. He thought I deserved a little more pocket money, if you can call it that way. We had a little chat about a possible extension and it soon fell into place.” He said.

“I was very happy with what they presented me. I think it was about rewarding me for what I’ve done at the club – they wanted to give a bit back.”

“I’m really happy playing here. This is where I found success and that’s still continuing. When I came here we made a plan, which was that I would play a lot of games and develop myself.”

According to Bould, the plan is to change clubs in the next window and this will not change with the new contract.

This gives Rangers and Wolves a fresh opportunity to sign him and recent claims from Sweden state side Rob Edwards have him in the mix for the summer.

Contract, price and agent information

transfer market Silas Andersen was valued at €2m, and in January, BK Hacken became sporting director. Martin Ericsson emphasized His side are not ruling out selling him for SEC 100m [€9.2m].

Danish agency Pro 11 Management is looking after the interests and future of the players.

🇭🇳Derek Moncada | Wolves official pictured with rising star’s family on scouting triphttps://t.co/2K6pYHG08Z #wwfc #wolvesfc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) April 1, 2026

Chelsea’s long-term plans for Giovani Quenda are now entering a decisive phase, with the winger back in Lisbon and immediately pushing for minutes with Sporting ahead of their Champions League clash against Arsenal.

The 18-year-old has not played since the beginning of December, when a fractured fifth metatarsal Decreased his speed during strong form.

At the time, Kwenda had already scored 5 goals and provided 8 assists in 22 matches, underscoring why Chelsea moved quickly to secure him in a deal worth £43.5m (€50.7m).

Since then, Chelsea have taken full control of his recovery. Surgery, rehabilitation and even physical development were carried out at Cobham, with the club extending his stay to build muscle and prepare him for the demands of the Premier League.

That work now seems to be bearing fruit.

immediate return to planned work

As we covered last weekendGiovanni Quenda returned to Lisbon on Saturday. But according to Portuguese outlets ball And recordThe young player is already training normally with Sporting.

There are no physical restrictions, and that’s the main detail.

after completing my recovery program in londonThe winger is expected to integrate straight into Rui Borges’ squad, including recent on-pitch work. Reports indicate that he could also be included in the squad to face Santa Clara this week.

However, the larger focus is clear. Kwenda is expected to feature against Arsenal in the Champions League on 7 April, in what could be his first appearance in almost four months.

Chelsea’s role is important in that. The final weeks of his recovery were deliberately extended to ensure that he returned not only fit, but physically strong and ready for high-intensity matches.

Chelsea’s plans are already shaping up to be the Kwenda effect

Giovani Quenda returns to Sporting in a very different position to the player who left in December.

Medical tests performed at the end of his program confirmed full recovery of mobility even under maximum load. This removes the last doubt on their readiness.

Chelsea also used the final phase of her rehabilitation to increase her muscle mass and improve her physical profile. This is in line with their long-term vision preparing him for english football.

This explains why his return was delayed earlier this month.

Rather than recall him, Chelsea decided to have the procedure completed in London. The priority was clear – avoid setbacks and prepare a player for immediate performance.

supported chelsea’s success

Giovani Quenda’s path to Stamford Bridge is also being supported by someone who knows his development closely.

Talking to Portuguese outlet Renaissance RadioCongolese coach Busoula Lemba – who worked with Kwenda during his youth academy days – expressed confidence in the winger’s prospects in England.

“It would be good. He is a young player with a lot of ambition. He wants to finish this last part of the season on a high level so he can be well prepared to join Chelsea. And he will have the chance to do that.” He said.

Basoula also believes the youngster still has a chance to reach the 2026 World Cup with Portugal.

“That would be the perfect scenario. He has already shown that he can get there. It’s not too late. He may be a little late compared to others because of his recent injury. But one never knows, football can change very quickly.”

That outside support reinforces Chelsea’s internal confidence. The club have already invested heavily in Kwenda, and everything in recent months suggests that they are moving towards a player who is ready to make an impact soon.

Next steps for Giovanni Quenda

Giovani Quenda now faces a short but intense final phase with Sporting. He will try to regain his place on the right wing, where Jenny Catamo had stepped in during his absence. The competition is real, but Kwenda’s performances early this season suggest he will be expected to play.

There is also internal motivation to finish strong. He is aiming for double figures for both goals and assists, while also aiming to leave Sporting with silverware.

From Chelsea’s perspective, the next few weeks are all about rhythm and match fitness.

If Kwenda can integrate quickly and contribute in key fixtures – particularly against Arsenal – then he will arrive in London this summer not as a project, but as a player ready to compete.

🇸🇪Lucas Bergvall | Sweden’s big claim

📰 Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported today that Aston Villa and Chelsea were willing to pay £40million in January.
➡️Tottenham are likely to be contacted again…especially if relegatedhttps://t.co/afpNRuChnV #avfc #cfc #thfc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) April 1, 2026

A new report suggests that many around the NBA are hoping to use the rumored option to end tanking, with the players union favoring instituting new ideas.

Tanking is nothing new in the NBA. However, with the 2026 NBA Draft projected to be one of the best prospect classes in many years, nearly a dozen teams have fully embraced the strategy in the final two minutes of the season. It’s gotten to the point where teams like the Utah Jazz have even inserted healthy impact players in the fourth quarter to ensure a loss.

This has disappointed NBA fans and infuriated Commissioner Adam Silver. Now, preventing the 2026 battle for the bottom tier from happening in future seasons is a top priority. This week, ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed three ideas to be presented at the next Board of Governors meeting in an effort to end the practice.

On Saturday, Jake Fisher provided new insight on what opinion is around the league on those three ideas. According to an NBA insider, two popular ideas are expected to be introduced, with the 10 teams left out of the play-ins all having an 8% chance at the No. 1 pick. “This perception was strong among many general managers and owners even before the Board of Governors convened,” Fisher wrote.

Many also liked the idea of ​​expanding the lottery to 18 teams to include play-in participants. Fisher also said that “the league has expectations.” [having 18 clubs] “Teams will be encouraged to remain competitive through the end of the regular season.”

NBAPA wants to use EPL model to encourage winning

The insider reports that the three ideas are just concepts, and the one the league decides to go with could be a blend of parts of the three pitches.

Fisher also said that if the 18-team idea is used, players would like to see “the 10-worst teams share a 7% chance at No. 1, rather than 8%. The top selection is shared with the other eight teams in the lottery at a 3.75% chance.”

Additionally, players would like to see the NBA copy the English Premier League model to encourage winning. In that setup, franchises “could get an additional $10 million slice of the league’s national television revenue depending on where teams finish from 1 to 30 in the standings.”

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

Tiger Woods finally returns to professional golf for the first time since 2024. On Tuesday night, Woods’ team, Jupiter Links Golf Club, lost to Los Angeles Golf Club in the 2026 TGL Championship. It was the 50-year-old’s first professional appearance since the 2024 Open Championship.

Over the past two years, Woods has battled an Achilles tendon rupture and is scheduled to undergo lumbar disc replacement surgery in October 2025. However, does this mean Woods could return to the Masters for the first time since 2024? This is not a guarantee.

“This body … it doesn’t heal like it did at 24, 25 years old,” Woods said after the TGL Championship. “That doesn’t mean I’m not trying. I’ve had some bad injuries here over the years that I’ve had to fight through and it’s taken some time. But I keep trying… I want to play [in the Masters]. I like tournaments. I’m going to be attending The Loop as well as the Champions Dinner happening there anyway. … We’ll see how it goes. “I’m going to practice this week, play at home and keep trying to progress.”

Woods did not give a timeline for when a decision would be made. The five-time Masters winner will soon have to decide whether he will participate in the tournament or not. The Masters is scheduled to start in about two weeks on April 9, so Woods will have to see how his body responds now.

In 2024, Woods made the weekend at Augusta National setting a new tournament record with 24 consecutive cuts. The 50-year-old is a golf legend, but it will be important to get back to playing at the Masters after all his injuries.

READ MORE: Tiger Woods shares powerful message for Rory McIlroy after winning Grand Slam Masters

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

Leeds United intend to bring in Larghi Ramazani from Daniel Farke next season.

The Belgian joined the Premier League side from UD Almería in August 2024 for around €8m.

At the time, Leeds United were in the Championship and the player scored seven goals and two assists in 31 matches in his first season.

The Whites achieved promotion to the top flight but Ramazani did not stay at Elland Road. Instead, the English club let him join Valencia on a season-long loan deal in August 2025.

He struggled initially and suffered an injury in October that kept him out of action until December. Following this, the attacker waited until February to make his first La Liga start for Los Chayes.

This came after scoring a late winner against Espanyol in January. Since his debut, Carlos Corberán has regularly used the Leeds United-owned player.

He has five goals and two assists in 22 matches for the Spanish club and his statistics per game in La Liga are as follows.

• Expected target: 4.83
• Expected Support: 1.52
• Big chances made: 2
• Main pass: 0.7
• Shots on target: 0.7
• Goal conversion: 17%

Earlier this month, Sport Witness broadcast news Ramazani is an attractive option for Valencia next season. On March 12, He refused To discuss his future plans beyond this season.

leeds united in control

Mark There is a report on Valencia and the English club’s plans for Larji Ramadani’s future.

His performances so far have convinced Los Chase to keep him, but it won’t be easy as there is no purchase option.

The lack of a purchase clause puts the La Liga side’s chances of retaining the player in ‘jeopardy’.

Leeds United had previously bypassed him and approved a loan move, but have now been impressed by his performances for Valencia.

Therefore, his ‘primary objective’ is to become a key player for them in the Premier League next season. They are 15th in the table, four points above the relegation zone.

At the same time, summer sales are not ruled out. Marca say that Leeds United would consider selling him if a good offer was received.

Valencia unlikely to retain Ramazani

There is no mention of what the Elland Road club considers a good proposal. However, it is likely that Valencia will not be able to match it. The Spanish club’s financial issues over the past decade have dragged them below the level they should be at.

The other option is that Leeds United would have to approve another loan move to Valencia in the summer. This would be perfect for a loss chase but seems unlikely at this stage.

Larji Ramazani’s contract with the Whites runs until 2028, and transfer market He is worth €8 million. That estimated value has increased by €2 million since his loan move to Mestalla.

At the age of 25, Ramazani still has plenty of time to break into the Premier League with Leeds United.

🇸🇮 Jaka Bijol | Captain of Slovenia!

⭐️ Defender got big honor
➡️ Explains his continued battle at Leeds United
📈 Once again looks like he has a great attitudehttps://t.co/CtCOCacZ6J #lufc #against

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 24 March 2026

Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Veen is on Barcelona’s target list for the summer window.

The centre-back has been a regular member of the Premier League team since joining from VfL Wolfsburg in August 2023.

He has played 89 matches for Tottenham, 38 of which have come this season. During that period he provided 10 goals and three assists.

The Netherlands international’s role has not changed under Thomas Frank or his successor Igor Tudor, and this has allowed him to retain his place in the national team.

Below are his statistics per game in the Premier League this season.

• Intercept: 0.8
• Tackle: 1.1
• Clearance: 3.9
• Dribbled past: 0.3
• Ball Recovery: 3.4
• Doubles won: 3.4

Van de Ven has not been performing well in recent weeks as Spurs continue to struggle in the Premier League. Spurs are now 17th in the table, one point ahead of 18th-placed West Ham United.

Barcelona’s interest in Tottenham player

The Dutchman has managed to attract the attention of Barcelona. They are looking to improve their defense this postseason and have already identified a few targets.

Back in January, Sport Witness Covered claims from Spain That Micky Van de Veen is the ‘dark horse’ on the target list.

Fast forward to March and Wednesday’s edition game There is a report covering Barca’s plans for the 24-year-old.

Hansi Flick’s team is giving priority to Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni. Also, some options have been prepared if the Italian does not end up at the Camp Nou.

This is where Van de Ven comes into the picture, and he ‘Wants to leave’ Tottenham after this season.

Barca’s sporting leaders like him despite his inconsistency ‘Lack of concentration’. Therefore, they made an approach to ascertain his willingness to transfer, while making it clear that he was not a priority target.

the title of the game says ‘Van de Ven is waiting’This indicates that he is expected to join the Catalan club.

Dutchman’s contract, price and agent information

Mickey Van de Ven will have three years remaining on his contract after this season.

According to its value transfer market€65m, the highest so far in his career. A fee higher than that may be required to lure him away from Tottenham.

The agency team, led by agent Vincenzo Raiola, looks after Raiola, his interests and his future.

🇵🇹 Exclusive: Maxi Araújo

⏩Tottenham and Chelsea are in contact
➡️ Source gave information @UllalIBT
➡️There is also further Premier League interesthttps://t.co/K17lRpjlUG #THFC #cfc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 22 March 2026

Branyan Gruda’s loan move from Brighton & Hove Albion to RB Leipzig in the January transfer window was made with the World Cup in mind.

The 21-year-old also admitted, stating back in february The summer tournament was firmly in his thinking.

That plan now sounds like a masterstroke. In seven games so far for Leipzig, Gruda has scored three goals and two assists.

Gruda produced his best performance for Leipzig on Friday night, scoring twice and providing an assist in a 5–0 demolition of Hoffenheim. And this was enough to convince Didi Hamann that Gruda should be in Julian Nagelsmann’s plans.

“Gruda is definitely someone you should think about. I believe he will win the World Cup.” he told Sky Germany.

“He’s technically talented, two-footed and he has pace. I think Gruda is a player we don’t have. I’m a big fan of his.”

leipzig responsibility

The former Bayern Munich and Liverpool midfielder believes the move to Leipzig is largely responsible for Bjarna Gruda’s improved performances.

He had struggled to settle at Brighton, particularly under Fabian Herzeler. For example, this season, he made 18 appearances in the Premier League but only 896 minutes.

That is not the case under Ole Werner at Leipzig. Instead he immediately installed Gruda as the results starter and was rewarded for his faith. Hamann also believes that the atmosphere at his loan club is good for him.

“When I heard he was leaving Brighton my first thought was that he might still be able to make the World Cup squad,” He added.

“It seems that the atmosphere in Leipzig is being good for him.”

nagelsman unaffiliated

However, Julian Nagelsmann is not convinced. He has recently criticized the 21-year-old’s development and wants to see more from him.

“Ultimately, it’s about him scoring more goals and providing more assists. For his quality, it’s still not enough,” He said. The Germany coach was not impressed with the Brighton man in his last call-up before Euro 2024.

At that moment he realized “He didn’t fully realize he had a chance to be a part of the domestic European Championships.”.

Therefore, Gruda remains in the U21 national team. But after his performance against Hoffenheim, he is confident about his chances. “With good performance, all doors are open,” He said.

There will be more demonstrations like that and perhaps he and Haman will be proven right.

🇧🇷 Special: Alvaro Montoro ‼️

➡️Brighton interest texter meets financial crisis
➡️ #BHAFC The official saw them against Gremio
➡️ Traveled to Porto Alegre especially for Montoro
➡️ Pedro Reinert explains the situation in Brazil…https://t.co/jLvcE1ZoHR

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 19 March 2026

Chelsea’s growing influence in South America could take another step forward, with fresh details emerging about a potential partnership with River Plate.

The idea of ​​two clubs forming a relationship focused on young talent spread quickly across Europe this week. Now, outlets in Argentina are providing a clearer picture of what that might actually look like in practice.

The reports from the Argentine press all point in the same direction – a strategic agreement that would reshape the way Chelsea operate in the South American market, while giving River Plate new access to elite-level prospects.

How the conversation started – Kendry Pays as the trigger

The current negotiations stemmed from discussions candy page.

Chelsea’s decision to send the Ecuadorian youngster on loan to River Plate has opened the door to something big. According to Infobae, negotiations around that deal quickly moved beyond a simple loan to a broader collaboration.

TYC Sports Reinforce that perspective. They described Paez’s move as a “first step” towards a wider agreement between the two clubs focusing on youth development and player pathways.

Chelsea have already created a multi-club structure through Bluco, with Strasbourg serving as a major European hub. Expanding that network into South America, even informally, will give them earlier access to talent and greater control over development pathways.

Priority section and transfer control

The most important detail in the proposed agreement is the level of control that Chelsea can gain.

infobae Report that River Plate will receive priority access to any Chelsea player made available for loan. This would give the Argentine club a clear advantage over its competitors by being strengthened with young prospects.

Also, Chelsea will get a big advantage of their own. The Premier League side will have the right to match any offer received by River for one of their players.

That system is already familiar to other areas of River’s business. However, applying it to player transfers would give Chelsea first refusal on some of South America’s most valuable emerging talent.

TyC Sports adds another layer. He claims the agreement could streamline deals for Rivers academy players moving to Chelsea, making negotiations faster and more predictable.

In practice, this creates a two-way pipeline. River gains access to Chelsea’s surplus talent, while Chelsea put themselves first in line for the next big sale of River.

Bluco strategy and South America expansion

It fits well into Chelsea’s broader strategy under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.

The club already uses Strasbourg to manage player development in Europe. A similar relationship with Rivers would extend that model to a market that consistently produces high-value talent.

The Millionaire Page Highlight that River has explored similar partnerships before, including talks with Real Madrid. However, nothing came of it at that time.

This time it feels different. And the presence of Enzo Fernandez as ‘group leader’ at Chelsea strengthens the connection, while Páez’s move shows there is already operational alignment there.

what happens next

Despite extensive reporting, the agreement has not yet been finalized.

Infobae stressed that talks would continue, with no official confirmation from either club. La Página Millonaria also notes that key elements still need to be formalized, including the precise structure of the transfer and priority rights.

Still the direction is clear. Chelsea are looking to strengthen their presence in South America. River Plate is open to a model that gives them a competitive advantage without large upfront expenses.

If completed, it would not be a standard partnership. This will be a strategic alignment that will reshape the way both clubs operate in the transfer market.

For Chelsea, it provides earlier access to specific prospects and tighter control over player routes. For Rivers, it provides a steady flow of talent and a strong position in the conversation.

And for the broader market, it could set a precedent that others would quickly want to follow.

🇵🇹 Maxi Araújo | tottenham and chelsea keen

✈️ Both clubs sent officials this week
⚽️Saw Uruguay score important goals
🔁The 26-year-old versatile fullback
📊 €80m clause to be negotiatedhttps://t.co/noKuKvwg6h #thfc #cfc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 21 March 2026

The South American recruitment model at Chelsea could soon bring another in-form defender into the Bluco system, with Union’s Mateo Del Blanco emerging as a name to watch ahead of the summer window.

The 22-year-old left-back has been building serious momentum over the past year. He is no longer just a regular starter at Union – he has become one of their most decisive players.

In the current season, Del Blanco has already contributed two goals and one assist in 860 minutes, while averaging a 7.63 rating. His recent performance underlines that growth. He scored against Instituto, then provided a goal and assist in a chaotic 4–4 draw with Independiente. Shortly after, he delivered an 8.4-rated performance against Boca Juniors.

Those numbers matter because they reflect a broader trend. Del Blanco is not a traditional defensive full-back. He plays at a high level, often operating as a wide outlet, and regularly impresses in the final third.

This is also reflected in the flexibility of his position. He can operate as a forward on the left, which helps explain his output and growing reputation. All this has caught the attention of Chelsea.

Increasing attention in Argentina

That form has not gone unnoticed domestically. Reports from Argentina indicated that both River Plate and Boca Juniors showed interest in January. That level of attention usually signals that a player is ready for a big move, even before European clubs are fully involved.

Mateo del Blanco also provides continuity and availability. He extended his contract with the union until 2028 in December last year and has already made more than 90 senior appearances.

His current market valuation is around £3.4 million (€4 million), which puts him firmly in the profile that Chelsea are looking for – affordable, developing and with progress.

“Mateo del Blanco, Union player, to be bought by Chelsea and loaned to Racing de Strasbourg”

💣Bomb @RenzoMPantich In #NoPodemosPerderAZZ pic.twitter.com/tSU9OoY7WW

– AZZ (@azzenstream) 19 March 2026

Chelsea plan revealed

A new claim has emerged in this context. Journalist Renzo Pantich Chelsea are reportedly set to buy Mateo Del Blanco and send him on loan to Strasbourg in June.

Pantich tells the player “Will be bought by Chelsea in the coming months” Before joining the French side on loan.

Pantich goes further in his explanation, framing the deal as already negotiated within the group structure.

He indicated that Chelsea’s idea is not to just sign the player, but to integrate him into their multi-club route immediately, insisting that the plan is for Del Blanco “Arrive and then be sent to Strasbourg” As part of that process.

The clear tone of certainty in his reporting is telling. Pantich presents the move as an expectation of something happening rather than a loose possibility, and describes the operation as one that is already being prepared for the next window.

This passage closely matches how Chelsea have used Strasbourg since the acquisition of Bleu. Ligue 1 teams have become a major development platform for players coming from outside Europe. This provides minutes, adaptation time and a low-pressure environment before any potential move towards Stamford Bridge.

Indeed, Valentin Barco has excelled this season, leading to Chelsea are considering a return to the Premier League for him.

One option is for Barco to move to London and Del Branco to replace him in France.

what happens next

For Chelsea, this would be a calculated move rather than an immediate first-team solution. Mateo del Blanco’s current level looks promising, but there is still a gap between Argentinian domestic football and the Premier League.

However, structures are already in place to manage that risk. Strasbourg provides the bridge, and Del Blanco’s trajectory suggests he is ready for the next step.

At present, this step is at the claim stage. Nevertheless, the profile, timing and route all fit Chelsea’s model closely.

🇩🇪 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

A new rumor suggests that the Baltimore Ravens’ decision to back out of trading for Maxx Crosby has scuppered plans to create the scariest pass rush combo in the NFL.

On Tuesday night, NFL fans were stunned when the Las Vegas Raiders revealed that the Ravens have backed out of a planned trade that would have sent the five-time Pro Bowler to Baltimore. Following the news, reports emerged that the results of Tuesday’s physical exam left the medical team uneasy about Crosby’s long-term outlook.

Yet, despite adding one of the best pass rushers in the game, the Ravens made a surprising pivot on Wednesday. ESPN’s Adam Schefter was first to report that the franchise and top free agent Trey Hendrickson had agreed to a four-year deal worth $112 million.

Ravens plan to pair Crosby and Hendrickson in 2026

Everyone’s assumption is that the Ravens moved to sign the Cincinnati Bengals star after they backed out of a deal to acquire Crosby. However, adding Hendrickson was just another part of a grand plan to add a pair of elite pass rushers.

“He actually had a conversation with Trey Hendrickson about teaming up with Max Crosby,” Schefter revealed during an appearance Wednesday morning. Rise. “And when the conversation first started, Trey Hendrickson had in mind that he would be in Baltimore with Max Crosby. But alas, that did not happen.”

The combination of Crosby and Hendrickson would have immediately put the Ravens at the forefront of the best pass rush in the entire NFL the following season. Division rivals the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns now know that they were very lucky when the Crosby deal fell through. Because their QB was close to being in serious trouble in his two games against Baltimore the following season.

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

A new rumor provides the New England Patriots with a great secondary option if they are unable to complete a trade for AJ Brown in the coming days.

Despite being soundly defeated by the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl last month, the Patriots’ 2025 campaign far exceeded expectations and was truly a magical run. However, they won’t surprise opponents this year, and they need to improve at some key spots on the roster if they hope to be a Super Bowl contender again in 2026.

A situation report shows the top priority for the Patriots is wide receiver. After releasing Stefon Diggs last week after a productive season, the team needs to find a new top target in the passing game for MVP candidate Drake Mays. This is why the franchise has been linked to AJ Brown in recent weeks.

The Philadelphia Eagles star made no secret of his frustrations with the offense last season. It was so bad that the three-time Pro Bowler being transferred in the next few weeks is a very real possibility. Unfortunately, it looks like the current asking price is too high for the Browns.

According to a report last week, the Patriots reached out to the Eagles and offered first- and third-round picks for the 28-year-old. Unfortunately for the Pats, there are rumors around the NFL that Philly is looking at at least a first and second rounder for Brown.

Should the Patriots target a Brian Thomas trade?

This is a price the Patriots may not be willing to pay. However, an interesting backup option at a lower price has just emerged. SNY NFL insider Connor Hughes reports that the Jacksonville Jaguars are taking offers on talented wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.

The 23rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft had a big rookie season. Earning Pro Bowl honors by posting 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns on 87 catches. However, in 2025, he was not as effective in the new offense under head coach Liam Coen and offensive coordinator Grant Udinsky. Tallied only 48 catches, 707 yards and two TDs in 14 starts.

Thomas won’t come cheap, and the price will probably start with the first-rounder the Patriots offered the Browns. While it will be a bit risky, it’s worth it for a 23-year-old who has already shown he can be a WR1 in the NFL. Plus, he’s locked in for two more seasons at a bargain rate, and New England will also have the option to extend him for another season in 2028.

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

Tottenham Hotspur are banking on Luka Vuckovic amid Barcelona’s plans to bring him to La Liga.

is according to gameWhich covers when Barça will consider signing a Tottenham player in the summer.

The 19-year-old has been on loan at Hamburg SV since last summer and has impressed for the Bundesliga team.

His performances have been impressing the German club, and their fans dream of keeping him beyond this season.

The Tottenham-owned player also wants to continue playing alongside his brother Mario. He is in Hamburg and serving a doping ban until November.

Earlier today, Sports Witness news broadcast from germany Hansi Flick wants a new centre-back in the summer. Vuckovic is a substitute and Barcelona have had their first talks with his agent.

Barcelona’s plans for the Tottenham man

Sport relays this and provides its information on the possibility of the defender joining the Catalan club.

Pau Cubarci and Eric Garcia are both currently untouchables for Flick and Barça. The futures of Gerard Martin and Ronald Araújo need to be clarified, and if one of them is to leave, a new centre-back needs to come in.

In that case the Croatia international could be an option. The newspaper says the Spanish giants have lined themselves up with his agent Pini Zahavi.

It is worth noting that the representative has a ‘very close’ relationship with Barca president Joan Laporta and has a good relationship with the club. He also represents Fick and Robert Lewandowski.

Despite the close relationship with the agent, Sport say it is ‘not easy’ for the Blaugrana to move Vuckovic away from Tottenham. This is because the north London club are planning to rely on the central defender for the future.

However, Spurs’ ‘project is not progressing well, and the player also has doubts about joining a team’ which immediately sent him out on loan. Tottenham are now 16th in the table, one point above 18th-placed West Ham United.

Vuckovic’s contract and value

The Croatian has a contract with the Premier League team until 2030. The report suggests that Spurs paid €11m and he is now valued at €40m.

Sport may have taken this figure transfer marketThis has increased by €22m since Hamburg joined.

If Tottenham do sell Vuckovic, the fee they would ask would almost certainly be much more than €40m. Spurs are unlikely to sell a young talent with huge potential at a reasonable price.

Liverpool and Newcastle United continue to monitor Palmeiras midfielder Allan, but the Brazilian’s latest comments reinforce how difficult a deal currently looks.

speaking live at espn brazilJournalist André Hernán provided new context around the situation. While European interest remains strong, the situation inside Palmeiras has not changed.

union don’t want to sell Now 21 years old. In fact, this decision goes beyond the usual club stance. Hernán reported that president Leila Pereira personally does not want Allan to be sold, as Palmeiras prioritizes competing for major titles this season.

This approach is in line with previous reports indicating that Palmeiras have rejected significant European approaches for the attacking midfielder.

President’s stance shaping Allen transfer strategy

Hernán explained that Palmeiras see Allan as a major sporting asset rather than a player, which they should immediately take advantage of.

According to the journalist, the internal thinking of the club is simple. He wants the midfielder to perform on the pitch as Palmeiras attempts to reclaim major trophies. Allen is already a regular starter and an important part of the team.

As a result, the Board sees no reason to rush into negotiations.

This stance also explains why a previous offer from Napoli was around €35m (£30m) Was rejected earlier this year. This figure was already significant for a player of Allan’s age, yet it did not persuade Palmeiras to change his position.

Liverpool and Newcastle United exploring alternative routes

With Palmeiras closing the door to immediate talks, European clubs are trying a different strategy.

Hernán revealed that several parties have contacted the player’s representatives to understand the terms of a potential future deal. newcastle And liverpoolAs we know, there are.

The idea would be to first align with the player’s camp. From there, the club could Attempt to work out an agreement Allen has now been allowed to remain in Brazil until a later date.

This approach has become increasingly common in South American transfers. A similar framework was used when players such as Andrique and Estévão agreed moves before ultimately leaving Brazil.

Market value debate around Allen

After the Palmeiras match last night, the local Journalist Marcelo Bechler Offered a slightly different perspective on Allen’s current moment.

He argued that a midfielder’s market value is largely linked to his ability rather than his immediate performance. In Bechtler’s view, Palmeiras could still achieve major sales in the future, but the player has not been performing at his highest level recently.

Bechler said: “Soon you may be able to make a big sale based on this player. If he is very valuable, it is because he has a lot of potential. But at the moment he is performing poorly compared to his competitors. Mauricio [another Palmeiras midfielder] “Played better than Allen the last few weeks.”

He continued: “Alan performed very well last year. He looks a player with a really good future. But I don’t think he should play, no matter what. The idea can’t be that he should play just because one day the club can sell him for €40m or €50m.”

Bechler also suggested that playing time should be based on performance rather than market considerations.

he adds: “I think it would be false logic if the manager sees it that way. In recent weeks he has not been at his level and not at the level of some of his teammates.”

price may keep rising

The main takeaway from Hernán’s update is that the challenge for European clubs is not recognizing Allan’s potential. The challenge is to persuade Palmeiras to start negotiations.

If €35 million (£30 million) wasn’t enough, even a €40 million package may struggle to turn the Brazilian club’s stance depending on the timing. transfer market Keep the price at €15m.

For Liverpool and Newcastle, that probably means patience. Palmeiras have the leverage, and appear willing to wait before considering any sale.

Newcastle United will face Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday.

Barcelona finished fifth in the preliminary group stage and did not go through the qualifying round. Meanwhile, Eddie Howe’s side finished 12th, although they had a lucky play-off draw and a comfortable win against Qarabag.

Hansi Flick is top of La Liga, but faced disappointment on Tuesday evening. Despite a 3–0 win against Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey, Barcelona were eliminated after a 4–0 defeat in the first leg.

This will be the focus of attention ahead of the first leg against Newcastle United. The Catalans know they cannot come away from St James’ Park on a bad note and hope that can be sorted out later.

Why does Barcelona have special plans for Newcastle United?

Barcelona will face Athletic Club on Saturday. Usually he would return home and then fly to England on Monday.

Instead, Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco have come up with a new plan. The idea is to ensure that Barcelona’s players are fully rested before the Newcastle United match.

so. They will fly to England on Sunday, giving them two nights’ rest before the Magpies match. This means that they will fly to Bilbao on Saturday morning instead of staying the night before.

Athletic Club match planning has taken second place in the Champions League.

Catalan newspaper sports world Explain that this is to give ‘priority to the health’ of the players.

what happens then

There is a possibility of a recovery session in Newcastle on Sunday, although it is unclear where exactly they will take place. Given that Barcelona will be in the city for two nights, they will obviously need somewhere suitable to train.

Barcelona almost managed to pull off an unexpected comeback against Atletico Madrid last night. Two goals from Marc Benal and a Raphinha penalty set up a tense end to the cup game.

After the Blaugrana were unable to make it 4–4, they won 3–0 on the night and Diego Simeone’s side reached the final.

chicago bulls The monkey was finally taken off their back after defeating the milwaukee bucks Spending February without winning a single game. On Tuesday, the Bulls faced the defending champion OKC Thunder.

Still, Chicago was without Jaden Ivey, Anfernee Simmons, Patrick Williams and Jalen Smith due to injury. Ivey suffers from left patellofemoral pain syndrome. Meanwhile, Simmons is dealing with a left ulnar styloid fracture. Additionally, Smith is nursing a right calf strain and Williams is out with a right calf strain.

Before the game, head coach Billy Donovan officially outlined Here’s what each of these players will do over the next five games, according to Chicago Sports Network’s Casey Johnson. Donovan said Ivey would stay behind, but Simmons would travel. However, it is not guaranteed that Simmons will play. Williams and Smith, meanwhile, will travel with hopes of playing.

Additionally, Donovan predicted what he thinks will happen to these players upon their return.

“I think ultimately that’s what’s going to happen is that whenever these guys can come back and be somewhat healthy and complete, regardless of the number of games left, we’re going to have to evaluate it,” Donovan said.

The Bulls are 25-36 and have lost 9 of their last 10 games. Their next five games are on the road, starting Thursday against the Phoenix Suns. After this they will play against Sacramento Kings on Sunday. Next Chicago will be in California to play the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, the LA Lakers on Thursday and the LA Clippers on Friday.

The Edmonton Oilers are one of the bigger teams to keep an eye on at the NHL trade deadline. As of Tuesday, March 3, Edmonton holds the final wild card spot. However, the lack of production from its goalkeepers is a major problem. So, what’s the latest on the Oilers’ trade plans for the goalie over the next few days?

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes Edmonton has accomplished its goal, as explained on the 32 Thoughts Podcast. One of the Oilers’ main goaltenders, Connor Ingram, has a .894 save percentage and recently allowed five goals against the San Jose Sharks. Meanwhile, Tristan Jarry has a .863 save percentage since arriving in Edmonton.

Jerry spent his entire career with the Pittsburgh Penguins before being traded for goaltender Stuart Skinner. Over the past four games, the Edmonton goalkeeper has had 18 goals and not conceded two of them. Needless to say, this has been a major weakness for the Oilers during the 2025-26 NHL season.

There are several goaltenders available, such as the Florida Panthers’ Sergei Bobrovsky, but Edmonton seems content with filling other needs such as defence. On Monday, the Oilers acquired defenseman Connor Murphy from the Chicago Blackhawks for a 2028 second-round pick. Better defense can help score better goals.

While acquiring a better goaltender should be Edmonton’s top priority, that doesn’t seem to be the case heading into Friday’s trade deadline. The Oilers are likely working with Ingram and Jarry, while Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are expected to provide more help moving forward.

Read more: Florida Panthers could trade Sergei Bobrovsky, 5 best landing spots

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

Washington, DC – The Washington Wizards began the last full calendar month of their season with a 123-118 home loss to the Houston Rockets on Monday night, and they are close to retaining their top-eight protected draft pick this summer. Furthermore, their young core has taken a step forward.

For example, rookie forward Will Riley talked about partner Rookie Trey Johnson’s rise after Saturday night’s 134-125 loss to the Toronto Raptors.

Will Riley on Trey Johnson’s development this season:

“Obviously he’s an amazing player. He’s also a really good teammate, he wants to see guys succeed. He’ll always encourage guys, and he’ll also tell you what you’re doing wrong, which I appreciate as a teammate. He’s a… pic.twitter.com/YKxiFLD2Yc

-Joshua Valdez (@joshvaldez100) 1 March 2026

“Obviously he’s an amazing player. He’s also a really good teammate, he wants to see guys succeed,” the 20-year-old said. “He’ll always encourage guys, and he’ll also tell you what you’re doing wrong, which I appreciate as a teammate. He’s a great kid, has amazing work ethic. He’s always in the gym, always one of the last guys in there with me. Always competing…”

Riley may not have intended to compliment himself when he complimented Johnson, but he did when he noted that his partner was “one of the last guys.” [the gym] With me.” The “with me” part is the highlight of the statement, as it indicates equality between the two novices.

While the cliché about professional athletes working around the clock to get better is as old as time, the work ethic is yielding results for both players. Johnson ranks third among 2025 draftees with a 37.4 percent 3-point clip (minimum of five attempts per game), and Riley averaged 14.6 points on 47 percent shooting (37.5 percent 3-point) with 4.3 rebounds in 27.1 minutes in February, the first month in which he averaged more than 20 minutes.

Washington is on a losing streak this season, but these statistical achievements are long-term wins. They represent growth, as Riley shot 38.2 percent (31.8 percent 3-pointers) in January, and Johnson his playmaking improved From the beginning of the campaign.

Trey Johnson playmaking. pic.twitter.com/dO3qrXzjNM

– Tyler Rucker (@tyler_rucker) 13 January 2026

Johnson was the Wizards’ reward for tanking last season, when they were led by veteran guard Jordan Poole and a rookie Alex Sarr. They received the No. 6 overall selection in the draft lottery, the lowest selection they would receive after finishing with the NBA’s second-worst record (18–64). They missed out on star prospects Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper, but Johnson’s deadeye shooting and promising playmaking could make him a potential upper-tier player in his own right once he reaches his peak.

Meanwhile, acquiring Riley was the result of last season’s Marcus Smart trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. Memphis traded a 2025 lottery-protected first-round pick to Washington to absorb the unwanted salary of Smart, who moved up to the No. 18 overall selection after clinching a playoff berth by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 120–106 in their second play-in tournament game. The Wizards then moved up to No. 21 on draft night and selected Riley.

To increase their floor in the lottery and take advantage of cap space in trades, Washington added two building blocks to a young core that includes Sarr, second-year wing Keyshawn George, second-year guard Bub Carrington and third-year guard Bilal Coulibaly. In addition to developing those players this season, it acquired stars Trae Young and Anthony Davis. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Young will make his Wizards debut on Thursday at home against the Utah Jazz.

Additionally, Washington is on track to retain their 2026 lottery pick as they have the NBA’s fourth-worst record (16-44) with 22 games remaining. It would have to finish with a bottom-four record to guarantee a selection in a class featuring superstar prospects like BYU’s AJ DiBuntsa, Duke’s Cameron Boozer and Kansas’ Darin Peterson.

It’s been a tough road for long-suffering Wizards fans. The team has not had a winning season since 2017–18, and has finished bottom every year since general manager Will Dawkins and president Michael Winger took over in the 2023 offseason. But Washington will finally be ready to win next season, and it’s partly due to the development of Johnson and Riley.

Danny Wolf makes hilarious confession to Will Riley

Riley had a career day in Washington’s 127–113 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on February 7, scoring 27 points (10-19 FG, 4-6 3-point) with three rebounds, three steals and two assists in 45 minutes. The Wizards used an eight-man rotation full of backups, as it was in their best interests to lose against fellow bottom-feeders like the Nets, but the native Canadian’s performance was another step forward.

Brooklyn rookie Danny Wolf talked to ClutchPoints about the relay postgame.

I asked Nets rookie Danny Wolf for his thoughts on fellow rookie Will Riley, who scored a career-high 27 points for the Wizards today (thread):

“Obviously he’s a talented player. To his credit, he played 45 minutes tonight, which is not easy to do in the NBA…He has a lot of things to offer…” pic.twitter.com/f9kVJ2jwgB

-Joshua Valdez (@joshvaldez100) 7 February 2026

“Obviously he’s a talented player,” the former Michigan Wolverine said. “To his credit, he played 45 minutes tonight, which is not easy to do in the NBA… He has a lot of tools. He frustrated us when he was at Illinois. He’s a good player.”

Wolf was not lying, as Riley and the Fighting Illini defeated the Wolverines 93–73 on March 2, 2025. The latter averaged 13 points (6-12 FG, 0-4 3-point) with four rebounds and five assists and later won Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year honors.

Riley has shown his proficiency as a jumbo shot creator this season, and his improvement as a spot-up from long range bodes well for his future. The 6-foot-9, 180-pounder could stand to add some muscle, which would help him dominate inside defenders. But the Nets game and his general ascent in February showed what he can already do with extended playing time.

The Wizards have a road date with the Orlando Magic next Tuesday.

Southampton’s one-time record signing Sofiane Boufal has accused the club of not having a plan when they signed him, which has led to his disappointing performances at the club.

Boufal talks to L’Equipe today about his career. This also includes discussion at Southampton, should things not go according to plan.

The 32-year-old is currently playing his football in Le Havre, France after joining on a free transfer in January. He was at Royal Union Saint-Gillois, but his contract there was terminated by mutual consent.

The French side are the latest club to join him in a varied career since leaving Southampton in 2020.

Post-Southampton conflict

In the six years since leaving Southampton he has played for Angers SCO, Al-Rayyan, Union SG and Le Havre.

The winger spent four years at Southampton after the club signed him for a then club-record £16m in 2016, but he was never able to reach that status during his time there.

Although he showed glimpses of world-class individual talent, a consistent lack of final product and occasional clashes with management diminished his influence.

Fans remember him best for two iconic solo goals: a long-range curler against Sunderland and a spectacular 85th-minute solo effort against West Brom the following year. That strike was voted the Premier League’s goal of the season in 2018.

But overall, he managed only five goals and five assists in 84 appearances, far below expectations for a record signing.

Why did the saint mantra not work?

However, he does not take the blame for Southampton’s failure. Instead, he accused Southampton of not having any plans for him when he signed him.

“Of course I can say that I missed something. If we are only talking about pure football, I had the qualities to have a very successful career.” He said.

“But I could have done worse. I got hurt. And you get what you deserve. I was too impulsive for my own liking. Back then, I was all alone in that crazy, shark-like world. But I don’t live with regrets.

“It didn’t work at some clubs because I didn’t feel valued. At Southampton, I was the biggest signing in the club’s history, but there was no plan behind it.”

The math says Zion Williamson’s injured New Orleans Pelicans have almost no chance of reaching the NBA Play-In Tournament. Dejounte Murray says otherwise. After spending 13 months recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon, Murray made his season debut on Tuesday and immediately took to social media with some bold announcements.

There will be no holidays in New Orleans. A handful of people in the organization, including Murray and broadcaster Antonio Daniels, suggest the Pelicans will make a push for the final NBA Play-in Tournament spot.

Murray posted on “Can we treat every game like a championship game and win, win, win? Yes. Can we get the last spot in them in the play-ins??? Duhhhh.”

The All-Star point guard’s postseason aspirations are, generously speaking, optimistic. The excitement after the start of the season is understandable; The reality is serious. New Orleans won two of their first three games after the NBA All-Star break and will soon have a fully healthy roster. According to Borrego, Murray’s return actually added some ‘balance’ to the process.

However, the basement-dwelling Pelicans have less than two dozen games left to overcome their 11-game deficit. The schedule is manageable, but the bigger picture of what the LA Clippers are trying to pursue is undeniable.

Murray’s henchmen are about to embark on a six-game road trip, although five of the next seven games are against lottery-bound squads looking to lose to improve their odds. Unfortunately, the Clippers have the third-easiest schedule to end the regular season. Still, the core of this team could build some momentum and chemistry that should be valuable next season, when the team hopes to compete for a top-six seed.

Pelicans moving towards stability

James Borrego’s improved starting five features two All-Star-caliber veterans instead of two rookies. At least one current starter will be replaced when Trey Murphy III and Yves Missy become available, which should be soon.

“It’s very complicated right now,” Borrego confessed. “It’s going to be more complicated over the next game or two. It’s a good problem; we’ve been waiting for it. We’ve got healthy bodies back, we’re playing good basketball, and guys are confident right now. It’s complicated, a puzzle I have to figure out night after night. I can’t make 15 guys happy, but I know 15 guys are ready to go. And I have confidence in all 15. At any given moment, it’s their night, your moment, “Maybe your quarter.”

The main points are becoming clear. Murray will run point for the next six weeks. Given the continued communication with Joe Dumars and the urgency to return to action, fans can expect the former All-Star to be in Metairie for training camp next September. Zion Williamson’s value ahead of the NBA trade deadline was a wake-up call to the sagging face of the franchise. However, the front office has found a way to get Williamson on the court and smiling, so hopefully the experiment will be extended.

Fans can expect Williamson and Murray to take turns handling the ball and setting the table to create chances for everyone else. Herb Jones is beloved by fans, admired by teammates and feared by enemies around the world. Not on Herb for not starting the game on the bench. Trey Murphy III is arguably the best player in the Big Easy, and possibly the best shooter on the planet. His length and versatility fit him well on the wing opposite Jones.

Depending on the matchup, Yves Missy, Derrick Queen and Saddiq Bey will likely alternate as the fifth starter. Bey is a tactical play as a sixth man option to boost scoring off the bench. For example, it gives Jeremiah Fear a new outlet. However, the Pelicans have played from behind too often this season. Building momentum and allowing young players to thrive against other units is the only way to keep the play-in tournament dreams alive until March Madness begins.

The guard should be the first to keep fear off the bench. Murray is on a minutes restriction right now, and the recent first-round investment means the rookie will get significant development time on the court next season. Jordan Poole is clearly out of Borrego’s metaphorical doghouse, but his potential with the team this postseason is limited. Expect Poole to punch out an average of about 20 minutes per night, depending on whether his shot is falling and passing is on point.

The queen and bay together should log about 50 minutes per night. The potential of that pair should be given time to develop. If the pool is playing a lot, Micah Peavy and Bruce McGowens are ready for a bigger role in getting the data. The Pelicans are getting serious about setting a new standard in every way. When Missy and Queen get tired or face obstacles, Karlo Matkovic substitutes the pace front court. Matkovic is still earning Borrego’s trust in small increments.

It may not be enough to clinch the final NBA Play-in Tournament spot, but this gameplan gives the Pelicans a real chance to try for an NBA playoff spot next season. Joe Dumars has arguably walked away from some sensible offseason controversy if Poole and Jordan Hawkins are among those taking a pay cut.

Murray, Williamson, Murphy III and Queen have All-Star potential. Fear is a firecracker. Not on Herb could still win Defensive Player of the Year. Bey may have been the best buy-low deal bet of the last 12 months. The outline is there. He just needs one season without injuries to light the championship fire. The next six weeks are the lowest of low-pressure situations to show fans why they should still be excited about the viability of this foundation.

The plan is complete, the wait is over. Everyone around the training facility and family room can breathe a sigh of relief. More than 13 months after rupturing his right Achilles tendon, Dejounte Murray made his long-awaited season debut for the under-the-microscope New Orleans Pelicans, scoring 13 points, dishing out three assists, and grabbing two rebounds in 25 minutes during a 113-109 win over the Golden State Warriors.

For Murray, getting back on the floor was more than just physical rehabilitation. It was about maintaining a relationship with an organization that made him a priority during the darkest days of recovery.

“Absolutely. You know, for me it was just taking care of myself mentally,” Murray began. “Mainly with my body, I wanted to be in condition to play. Tell my team that I helped in L.A. The Pelicans were doing well, connected, and coming in. They came by probably seven times to check on me and make sure everything was going well. And at the end of the day, Joe Dumars and I talk a lot. And the plan, you know, we made, we executed to perfection. You know, that’s why That Dejounte was able to play today.”

The frequent travel from New Orleans to Los Angeles represents a significant change for a franchise that Murray had publicly criticized just months earlier for failing to provide adequate support during his first injury-plagued season with the team. The relationship began to improve when Dumars took over as head of basketball operations after the previous season.

The new front office began direct conversations with Murray about his concerns and implemented changes based on the guard’s feedback.

“He did very well and it’s all down to the doctors,” Murray explained. “The staff has been great. They came in with our medical staff. On the communication parts, everything, we’ve been communicating since this morning leading up to the game. So, like I said, the win matters. Grateful for that. We got the win and we’re ready to move on from this.”

Murray’s conditioning appeared to be intact in his first game action of the season, even if his shot was not perfect. He wasn’t bothered by the box score, instead pointing to how his body was on the night as the real measure of success.

“The buckets are coming,” shrugged Murray. “I felt like I was active. I felt good doing lateral movements, running up and down. You know, my condition was good. So, it’s just a credit to my hard work and dedication.”

New Orleans came away with the win in Murray’s debut, and the 29-year-old made it clear that the result matters most as Borrego’s rebuilding Pelicans try to build momentum in the offseason. The former All-Star, who averaged 21.1 points, 9.2 assists and 8.3 rebounds during his 2022 All-Star season with the San Antonio Spurs, now has less than two dozen games to demonstrate that he can still be an elite choice to lead a new era of Bayou basketball.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to begin their season in the post-Olympic portion of the schedule. And almost every game must be won. Well, close to it. It is estimated that they will need to win about two-thirds of their remaining 25 games to make the playoffs. They are currently six points behind.

But should his postseason prospects really be considered based on what the front office does at the upcoming trade deadline? Most believe it should not matter. And from the latest reports from some notable insiders, it doesn’t look like that will be the case.

According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, GM Brad Traveling & Co. No Going “all-in” as a buyer. Nor will they be outright sellers. Extensions will not be given priority for pending UFAs. But what those potential deals could mean in the future will be.

This is less about Toronto’s playoff chances and more about the cost effectiveness of actually moving certain players like Bobby McMann and Scott Lawton. Therefore the decisions are pending.

But what I’m told is that there is a plan in place, and Brad Treliving and hockey operations for the Maple Leafs are going to follow that plan. They are not going to pursue expensive expansion.

It will be notable and interesting, given that we have some time, if Toronto closes the (playoff) gap and they have to make a call on these pending unrestricted free agents. They can’t let them roam free, so the next several days could be interesting.

As Dreger says, what if the Buds pick up right where they left off before the break, and go on a three-game winning streak? Or win most of the six remaining games before the March 6 deadline? At that time, they will have to take some big decisions.

Do the Leafs replace UFAs with assets they can flip?

Insider Elliotte Friedman, appearing on NHL Network Radio Wednesday morning, has a different take on things. This appears to suggest that there are plans to move some players in order to acquire assets for a future-focused move.

My thought about what’s going on with Toronto is I think they’re in a situation where they’re trying to accumulate assets, and then see if they can utilize some of those assets and do something where they can have more of an impact on a young player… I think that’s their thought.

Of course, the Leafs are largely deprived of the above “assets”. Due to raiding prospects and the draft picks pantry over the past few years, they do not have any first-round picks in the 2026 or 2027 NHL drafts. They also traded away a top prospect in Fraser Minton in the Brandon Carlo deal last year (and we all know how that worked out).

So it makes sense that spending more money on players like McMann and Laughton – good role players who have performed their duties well this season – probably doesn’t make sense at this point. Instead, they will try to turn guys 30 years old or closer into draft picks who can then be flipped. Bring back a young player they can build around. A guy who could potentially play a bigger role in the near future than McMann or Laughton (or anyone else traded for them).

Toronto faces a tough Florida doubleheader over the next few days – at Tampa Bay on Wednesday night, and against the Panthers on Thursday. After that, it’s matchups with the Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers that get them to the deadline.

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

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

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

Erling Haaland starred for Manchester City

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

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

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

How can Barcelona afford the Manchester City striker

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

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

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

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

Brighton & Hove Albion have emerged as a new contender to sign River Plate’s Lautaro Rivero.

is according to river newsWhich covers the latest on Brighton’s interest in the 22-year-old.

Rivero is a product of the Argentine club’s academy and spent 18 months on loan at Central Cordoba and returned to his parent club in June 2025.

Since then, the centre-back has been a regular for River Plate and his performances have attracted the attention of European clubs.

In the first half of this season, Sport Witness Covered claims from Argentina Interest from Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs reportedly took a look at him in the winter market but a move never materialised.

Two months ago, Sport Witness again News broadcast from South America Aston Villa’s replacement for Rivero.

Bryton Rivero joins Chase

Fast forward to February and Fabian Herzeler’s side were added to their list of English supporters.

Over the years, the Seagulls have regularly signed emerging talents from South America and sold some of them on at huge profits. Moises Caicedo and Alexis McAllister are two great examples.

Brighton have now set their sights on Rivero, who has already established himself as an ‘indispensable player’ at River Plate. His development and impressive performances have been noticed by several European clubs.

Seagulls add Argentina to shortlist

The report claims River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo is aware of the growing interest and is concerned about losing Rivero in the next window.

As things stand, Brighton have added the defender to their shortlist but are yet to make an approach.

It’s very possible the Seagulls make a move to try to bring him to the Amex after this season. Should he make the move, River Noticias claim the South American club ‘will not let him go that easily.’

Rivero’s contract runs until December 2028, and includes $100m [€85m] Section. If he were to leave, it would likely be for a fee much less than his buyout clause.

The Detroit Pistons have had a strong season so far, thanks to the stellar play of Cade Cunningham. But the two-time NBA All-Star guard may soon get some more help in the form of Carmelo Anthony.

During Pistons media day, Cunningham revealed that he had talked with the Hall-of-Famer about potentially working together.

“Me and Melo, we talked a few times,” Cunningham said in September 2025.

Carmelo Anthony, who has since joined NBC Sports as their analyst, recently talked about Cunningham’s rise on a call with the media for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.

“I like it,” Anthony said. “I’ve been a fan and watching Cade since high school. I’ve watched his growth, development and maturity over the last four or five years. We’ve kept in touch. He reached out to the gym and wanted to work on certain aspects of his game. I saw it as a sign of maturity, he wanted to slow the game down and pick his spots. He wants to get to his spots where he can be aggressive and efficient and take advantage of mismatches. We’re talking, watching film. And talking about the film, I am his guide and provide insight.

This isn’t the first time Carmelo Anthony has spoken highly of the Detroit Pistons star. In March 2025, the former Nuggets and Knicks star highlighted Cade Cunningham on his podcast, “7 PM in Brooklyn”.

“I think we’re seeing the development of Cade Cunningham,” Anthony said. “The grit is like going through the process. He’s starting to find his groove, find his flow, find his speed, his confidence, he’s shooting the ball. He’s like ‘I’m here’, and as a result, they’re winning.”

Cade Cunningham has had another strong season for the Pistons, averaging 25.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 9.6 assists and 1.5 steals per game, while shooting 46.2 percent from the field and 33 percent from three. In 47 appearances this season, Cunningham is averaging career highs in assists, steals, blocks and two-point field goal percentage.

Cunningham has led the Pistons to the best record in the Eastern Conference and second-best record in the NBA at 40–13.

The Pistons began their post-All-Star break schedule with a two-game road trip against the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls. Given that Carmelo Anthony lives in New York and has previously scheduled a workout with Cunningham in the Big Apple, it will be interesting to see if the two get a chance to get together before Thursday night’s game.

There is a possibility that Madison Square Garden Sports CEO James Dolan is taking steps to split the New York Knicks and Rangers, the city’s NBA and NHL teams, into two separate publicly traded companies.

Reports have emerged that MSG’s board of directors has approved a plan to “rediscover its hockey and basketball clubs” (via The New York Times).

If this occurs, the Knicks and their G League team, the Westchester Knicks, will become a separate company from the Rangers and their minor league team, the Hartford Wolf Pack, will similarly be spun off into a separate company.

Still, nothing is “guaranteed to happen” and “there is no timeline in mind to complete this move.” Therefore, fans will have to keep an eye on the situation.

“We are exploring the opportunity to create value for our shareholders by separating our two professional sports franchises into separate companies,” Dolan said in a statement, via The New York Times. “Both the Knicks and Rangers are dominant teams in their respective leagues, with storied histories and large and passionate fan bases.

He further added, “We believe this proposed transaction will provide each company with greater strategic flexibility, its own defined business focus and clearer attributes for investors.”

Will James Dolan and Madison Square Garden split the Knicks and Rangers?

While Madison Square Garden’s board approved the plan, there were other factors involved. Both the NBA and NHL would have to approve the move. The New York Times also notes that “There are other views.”

Regarding the reason for this, some are speculating that such a move would make it “easier” for Dolan to sell one of the franchises. In 1994 the Dolan family became minority owners of the franchise. Shortly thereafter, he became the majority owner.

Dolan is adamant that he has no interest in selling teams. However, he and MSG executives have stated their interest in selling a minority stake.

Another possible reason for the move, as The New York Times notes, is that it could serve as a “precursor” to making the Knicks and Rangers privately traded teams. They are both currently publicly traded.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Luka Vuckovic is on loan at Hamburg SV until the end of August 2025.

The 18-year-old has been a regular player for the Bundesliga team, playing 21 matches and even scoring four goals. His brother, Mario, is also in Hamburg, serving a doping ban until November.

Luca has expressed his desire Extended his stay at the German club on several occasions, in order to fulfill his dream of playing with Mario. Last month, the player, who is owned by Tottenham, said he would make a decision on his future after this season.

Tottenham loanee is attracting interest

The Croatia international’s performances for Hamburg have drawn attention from top European clubs.

Last month, Sports Witness Claims broadcast from Germany That the Spurs man was offered to Bayern Munich. There have also been other reports pushing him towards the Allianz Arena.

Earlier this month, his compatriots, Ivan Rakitic has urged him to dump Tottenham to the Bavarian club in the summer. The current Hajduk Split sporting director also advised the German giants on his move.

game1 Bayern Munich director Max Eberl has been interviewed to discuss a range of topics.

Last week, Dayot Upamecano signed a new contract until 2030. Eberle now insists his plans for a centre-back are now complete with the Frenchman’s renewal.

Eberl Vuckovic responds to the link

As well as the Tottenham player, Inter Milan’s Yan Aurel Bisek and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbach are also reportedly on Bayern Munich’s list.

Sport1 specifically named these three players and asked Eberle if Bayern Munich needed to make space to sign one of them.

“We have reached the point where we are no longer under pressure regarding squad planning. We can calmly decide what happens next. Of course, we are still keeping an eye on the market. We will certainly not rule out any option that would benefit Bayern.” He said.

The director said the renewal of Upamecano gives Bayern Munich an edge if they decide to sign another centre-back.

Eberle explained: “I’m someone who finalizes my team’s plan early on. I managed to do the same at Mönchengladbach, at Leipzig and, coincidentally, here at Bayern. Everything was done by mid-July, before preseason training started.

“When Kingsley Coman asked for his release, which we eventually gave, we had to fight for Nicholas Jackson until the last day. It wasn’t ideal, but these things can happen. With the contract extension with Upa, we can now go into the summer transfer window with a clear plan.”

The Milwaukee Bucks have a 6-foot-11, 243-pound tackle in Giannis Antetokounmpo that they desperately need to address over the next few months.

In the annals of basketball history, “The Greek Freak” will undoubtedly go down as one of the best players to ever do so, but he has become increasingly dissatisfied with the team built around him, to the extent that many feel a trade this summer is inevitable after being held up at the trade deadline.

And yet, in the opinion of Danny Green on ESPN’s NBA Today, the Bucks may be able to keep their former MVP happily employed for years to come if they are willing to add major talent around him, with the situation in Los Angeles presenting a golden opportunity to add another future Hall of Famer to the Eastern Conference.

“What he’s saying is very thoughtful. He knows what he’s saying, but it’s just like Bobby said, Mr. Marks, it’s a day-to-day, week-to-week, month-to-month deal with him in Milwaukee, and they don’t want to do business with him,” Green explained. “I wouldn’t want to trade him either, so if you want to keep him, you’re going to have to go out on the market and find someone who can keep him there. If I’m the Milwaukee Bucks, I’m monitoring what the Clippers are doing with the Kawhi situation. If you can get a player like Kawhi or something like him, he can keep Giannis in the house, and then also build around that group to make it a contender in the East.”

After turning an early season disaster into one of the better midseason comeback stories in recent memory, the Clippers suddenly changed course and sold at the trade deadline, moving on from players like Ivica Zubac and James Harden for younger players with less certain futures. If Leonard becomes available in some package or another this summer, who knows? Perhaps bringing him to Milwaukee could be enough to convince Antetokounmpo that he can still win with the team that drafted him rather than looking for greener pastures elsewhere.

“[Giannis] He’s very calculating in what he’s saying. …If you can get a player like Kawhi or a player like him, he can keep Giannis at home.”

—@DGreen_14 How can the Bucks keep Giannis Antetokounmpo 👀 pic.twitter.com/qTTMZkN66q

– NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) 16 February 2026