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The Baltimore Ravens' signing of cornerback Jaire Alexander has generated excitement among fans, quarterback Lamar Jackson, and his new teammates. Alexander, released by the Green Bay Packers, is highly motivated to prove his former team wrong. Following New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner's recent 4-year, $120 million contract, Alexander sees a rising market for his position. While Alexander isn't expected to command Gardner's $30 million annual salary, the Gardner deal sets a positive precedent. Entering his age-28 season with his second team, Alexander's primary challenge has been injuries. When healthy, he is considered one of the NFL's top cornerbacks, but his ability to stay on the field consistently has been hampered by a documented injury history. If Alexander can overcome his injury issues and play a full, strong season in 2025 at age 29, the article speculates he could command a contract averaging around $20 million per year, especially if it includes incentives. The Gardner deal suggests $20 million could be a realistic ceiling for Alexander under these circumstances, though achieving that level of performance and durability is acknowledged as a significant challenge. Alexander is likely viewing Gardner's contract as motivation for his own potential future deal.
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FC Barcelona's summer transfer window has focused on internal adjustments rather than major signings. The club prioritized player renewals and exits, securing extensions for Wojciech Szczesny and finalizing Lamine Yamal's renewal. Departures like Pablo Torre and Ansu Fati generated income and freed up significant funds. Amidst exit discussions, 23-year-old left-back Gerard Martin's future has been a topic. Despite Alejandro Balde being the undisputed starter, Martin expressed clear motivations in an interview. He stated his collective goal is to "win everything" and his personal aim is to "always improve on last season and keep growing." He firmly denied wanting to leave, saying, "I'm really happy here at Barça, and I don't want to leave," and emphasized his hope for the coach and club's faith in him. Martin also addressed potential squad competition calmly, stating, "No, I'm calm... competition is good—it helps everyone improve." He commented positively on new signing Joan Garcia, calling him a "great signing" who was "good and happy." Regarding the failed move for Nico Williams, Martin admitted limited knowledge, simply noting, "It seemed like he was going to come, but in the end, he didn't." Martin enters the new season as an established Barcelona player, benefiting from coach Hansi Flick already knowing him from the previous campaign.
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The Los Angeles Chargers' training camp has started with significant setbacks, undermining their offseason efforts to upgrade the offense around quarterback Justin Herbert. Three key offensive upgrades are already sidelined: running back J.K. Dobbins suffered an injury in a fireworks accident (practice status unclear), wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. begins camp on the PUP list, and rookie receiver Brenden Rice is holding out in a contract dispute, marking the NFL's first rookie holdout. These absences directly impact the Chargers' planned offensive diversification, specifically hindering improvements to the ground game, vertical passing, and play action. Furthermore, Dobbins needs to learn the new offense, Chark needs to rebuild chemistry with Herbert, and Rice requires adaptation to the NFL, quarterback, and system. Consequently, the Chargers enter camp relying heavily on rookie running back Omarion Hampton, two interior offensive linemen who struggled last season, and receivers Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston. This situation puts the team "off on the wrong foot" at the start of training camp.
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Following their Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Kansas City Chiefs have prioritized retaining core players over aggressive external acquisitions this offseason. This approach mirrors their strategy after a 2021 blowout loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which preceded two championships. The team recently secured Pro Bowl right guard Trey Smith with a $94 million contract extension. The Chiefs' next focus is extending All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie, a defensive cornerstone. ESPN's Nate Taylor reported that Kansas City will shift attention to McDuffie following Sauce Gardner's new deal with the New York Jets, suggesting McDuffie has arguably been more productive. The organization aims to finalize an agreement before training camp or the regular season begins. McDuffie's value is immense despite unflashy stats, as Kansas City increasingly relies on defense. His 2023 season featured two interceptions, 13 pass breakups, 45 solo tackles, six tackles for loss, and a forced fumble across 16 games. Pro Football Focus awarded him an 83.1 defensive grade and ranks him among the NFL's top five players under 25, highlighting his multifaceted impact—a quality GM Brett Veach recognizes. The Chiefs have a history of making calculated financial decisions, having traded key contributors like Tyreek Hill and Joe Thuney after championship runs. Management trusts its foundational building process but acknowledges McDuffie's rapid emergence as a franchise pillar. This likely necessitates a significant contract extension to secure his long-term future with the team.
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The FIFA Club World Cup held in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025, served as a stark preview of heat challenges facing soccer, with players like Al Ain’s Park Yong-woo, Palmeiras’ Vitor Roque, Auckland City’s Gerard Garriga, and Al-Hilal’s Renan Lodi visibly struggling against extreme temperatures. Scientists warn that rising global temperatures make hosting tournaments like the upcoming 2026 World Cup—co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada—increasingly hazardous for players and spectators. Experts emphasize that FIFA may need to fundamentally adjust soccer’s calendar to mitigate heat risks. Professor Piers Forster of the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures urged governing bodies to consider "more dramatic measures," such as shifting matches to winter months or cooler latitudes, cautioning that current trends heighten the threat of heat-related tragedies. This concern is amplified by data showing global June-August temperatures have risen 1.05°C (1.89°F) since 1930, with European summers warming 1.81°C—accelerating since the 1990s. Climatologist Friederike Otto stressed that high-intensity outdoor sports must adapt scheduling to safer hours, stating matches should occur "in the early morning and late evening" to avoid life-threatening heat exhaustion. The recent Club World Cup’s disruption by extreme heat and thunderstorms underscores the urgency, as FIFA begins implementing adaptive measures ahead of future tournaments.
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There appears to be a conflict between long-serving Inter Milan players Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu. Calhanoglu has been the subject of significant transfer speculation throughout the summer, particularly linked with interest from Turkish club Galatasaray. However, the reigning Super Lig champions have not yet reached an agreement with Inter on a transfer fee for the 31-year-old midfielder. Calhanoglu's reluctance to clarify his future reportedly provoked a strong reaction from Lautaro Martinez last month. Following Inter's 2-0 loss to Fluminense in the FIFA Club World Cup, captain Martinez stated in a post-match interview that "everyone who doesn’t want to stay should leave," a comment widely interpreted as being directed at Calhanoglu. With Calhanoglu now increasingly likely to remain at Inter, the club faces the challenge of repairing the relationship between the two players and easing tensions within the dressing room. According to a report by Luca Marchetti, the club believes that Martinez and Calhanoglu can reconcile and mend their relationship if Calhanoglu decides to stay, and there is confidence around San Siro that the pair can move past this rift.
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The Buffalo Bills will open their 2025 NFL regular season on Sunday Night Football against the Baltimore Ravens, a rematch of the 2024 AFC Divisional Round playoff game. In that previous meeting, the Bills narrowly won 27-25 after Ravens tight end Mark Andrews dropped a potential game-tying two-point conversion late in the fourth quarter. The Bills relied heavily on their running game (147 yards) while quarterback Josh Allen had limited passing yards (127). This matchup features two elite quarterbacks: Lamar Jackson (2024 First-Team All-Pro) and Josh Allen (2024 NFL MVP). Both teams have made roster adjustments since their January clash. The Bills added wide receivers Joshua Palmer and Elijah Moore in free agency to bolster their passing attack. The Ravens signed veteran wide receiver Deandre Hopkins. Ravens running back Justice Hill, who was effective against the Bills in the playoff game (50 yards on 6 carries, especially out of shotgun), is noted as a player to watch. Baltimore also strengthened its defense by adding cornerback Jaire Alexander and drafting safety Malaki Starks, but parted ways with kicker Justin Tucker following disturbing allegations. The Ravens, led by Jackson and boosted by the arrival of running back Derrick Henry last season (who scored an 80-yard touchdown on his first touch against Buffalo), remain a formidable regular-season team. For the Bills, the return of linebacker Matt Milano (recovering from a torn pectoral) to Pro Bowl form and the role of cornerback Tre’Davious White (returning from a stint with Baltimore) are key defensive storylines. Buffalo aims to avoid a repeat of their poor performance in their last regular-season meeting with Baltimore, which was their worst game of 2024. The Bills' offensive success hinges on new offensive coordinator Joe Brady effectively integrating the new wide receivers (Palmer, Moore) and utilizing second-year players Keon Coleman and Dalton Kincaid. Buffalo's defense must maintain better lane discipline and assignment focus to limit chunk plays, unlike the previous encounter where Derrick Henry's big run was impactful. While only Week 1, the outcome could significantly influence early MVP discussions (Allen vs. Jackson) and AFC playoff seeding.
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PSG is currently on a break following their recent successes in winning Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Champions League, as well as finishing runners-up in the Club World Cup after a narrow loss to Chelsea. They are preparing to resume competitive action in France and Europe. The 2025–26 Ligue 1 season begins on Friday, August 15, 2025. PSG will start their title defense with an away match against FC Nantes at La Beaujoire. Nantes, who finished 13th last season, aims for improvement, while this match marks the first step in PSG's campaign to retain their league title. Despite dominating Ligue 1 for the past four consecutive seasons, PSG faces increased competition this year. Monaco has strengthened significantly by signing stars Paul Pogba and Ansu Fati. Olympique de Marseille remains a dangerous rival, and Lille is looking to re-establish itself as a league dark horse. All three clubs are considered legitimate threats to PSG's title ambitions. Manager Luis Enrique and the PSG squad return with the clear objective of retaining both the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France, while also aspiring to achieve a historic back-to-back Champions League victory. The break was short, reflecting the clarity of their mission as the new competitive season approaches.
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Dani Ceballos, a midfielder for Real Madrid, has strongly hinted at his potential next club while confirming he is open to leaving his current team. Real Betis is highlighted as a serious contender for his transfer, positioning them prominently in the pursuit.
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FC Barcelona's sporting department is actively seeking to sign a winger to strengthen their attack for the upcoming season. Following Nico Williams' renewal with Athletic Club, their main targets are Liverpool's Luis Diaz and Manchester United's Marcus Rashford. Acquiring Diaz would require a significantly higher financial investment compared to Rashford, who could potentially join Barcelona on a loan deal. However, Barcelona face competition for Rashford. Liverpool is also considering signing the Manchester United forward as they search for a new striker. While Newcastle United's Alexander Isak is Liverpool's top priority, the club's refusal to sell has led them to explore alternatives, including Rashford, though no progress has been made on that front yet. Marcus Rashford is not part of Manchester United's plans for the future, and the club is actively looking to find a way for him to leave in the coming weeks. After spending the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, Rashford could depart Old Trafford on another loan deal for the new campaign.
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Liverpool is reportedly considering an unexpected move for a Premier League forward who has also been linked with Barcelona, indicating potential transfer competition. Concurrently, Barcelona's captain has missed group training for three consecutive days, raising questions about his status. Contract developments include Barcelona securing a new deal with an academy prodigy, while a former La Masia talent openly expressed emotional pain about leaving after securing a transfer to Serie A. Chelsea is preparing a bid exceeding €50 million for a 22-year-old Barcelona star, highlighting external interest in the squad. Barcelona's youth system remains in focus, with three La Masia youngsters poised for first-team opportunities following a midfielder's imminent exit. Eight additional La Masia talents will join Hansi Flick's pre-season call-ups, with three specifically highlighted as players to watch during the tour. Analysis pieces compare Marcus Rashford and Luis Díaz as potential targets and detail Nico Williams' rejection of Barcelona, including the club's awareness timeline. Match coverage includes Barcelona's 3-0 victory over Athletic Club, with player ratings highlighting Pedri (8.5) and Lewandowski (9). Pre-match discussions proposed a 4-2-3-1 lineup featuring Christensen and Casado, while post-match analyses examined three talking points from both this win and Barcelona's prior 2-3 loss to Villarreal. Finally, Joan García's prospective signing is analyzed through five key reasons he could be an ideal fit for Barcelona.
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The New York Jets may reconsider their stance on roster additions after San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings demanded either a trade or a new contract, becoming available on the open market. This development could prompt the Jets to pursue Jennings as a potential solution for their WR2 position. Jennings presents an attractive opportunity as an affordable, high-upside addition who would immediately become New York's second receiver behind Garrett Wilson. His best football years likely lie ahead, and his 2023 performance—nearly 1,000 yards and six touchdowns—demonstrated significant potential despite being an outlier compared to earlier seasons. Known for clutch plays earning him the nickname "3rd and Jauan," Jennings excels as one of the league's best blocking receivers with versatility in alignment and reliable hands for difficult catches. These traits align with coach Aaron Glenn's team philosophy, making him a natural fit for the Jets' offensive scheme. Jennings would likely surpass current receivers Josh Reynolds and Allen Lazard on the depth chart, though his acquisition could jeopardize roster spots for players like Malachi Corley. While his 2023 breakout occurred in a crowded 49ers receiver room that limited opportunities, he projects as a reliable WR2 in New York. Acquiring Jennings carries risk if he reverts to pre-2023 production levels, but his ceiling in the right offensive system makes him an enticing gamble for the Jets given the potential reward of securing a cost-effective starting receiver.
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The article describes how summer football coverage has changed, shifting from being largely football-free in the past (except during major tournaments) to a near non-stop experience with constant tournaments and transfer market activity. It announces the start date of the Premier League 2025-26 season (Friday, August 15), highlighting key opening fixtures: Liverpool vs Bournemouth, Aston Villa vs Newcastle United, Manchester United vs Arsenal, and Leeds United vs Everton. The article introduces a new weekly Premier League predictions game hosted by The Athletic. Each week, a different subscriber will predict the scorelines for all matches. These predictions will be compared against the author's picks, an algorithm-based model, and a child's predictions. The author humorously questions if the setup is designed to embarrass them. Subscribers interested in being selected as a weekly predictor must read the terms and submit their name, email address, location, and supported club via a provided Google Form or direct link. Participation requires acceptance of the Reader Submission Terms. Important data handling terms are specified: individual responses (display name and email) will be permanently deleted by May 24, 2026, with an option to request earlier deletion via email. Contact emails for questions (plpredictions@theathletic.com) and privacy requests (privacy@theathletic.com) are provided.
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Viktor Gyokeres, previously linked with Manchester United and a potential reunion with manager Ruben Amorim, is now expected to sign for Premier League rivals Arsenal this summer, leaving United to miss out on the Sporting CP striker. Manchester United, seeking a new forward under Ruben Amorim, have been linked with other striker options including Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, as Amorim was reportedly frustrated with his striking options last season. Another player linked to Manchester United is Fiorentina striker Moise Kean, who is also attracting interest from the Saudi Pro League. The 25-year-old Italian international has been in excellent form since joining Fiorentina in 2024, scoring 25 goals and providing three assists in 44 matches across all competitions. Amidst the transfer interest from United and Saudi Arabia, Moise Kean has publicly stated his commitment to Fiorentina. Speaking at a club event, Kean declared he is "very motivated to move forward" with Fiorentina, emphasizing the club's support and his desire to give his best for them, stating: "Fiorentina has given me so much and has always supported me. Now it’s important to return with renewed motivation and give my best for Fiorentina."
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Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus has officially signed a one-year contract to manage Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr. This move marks his return to Riyadh, coming two months after he left rival club Al-Hilal. Jesus replaces Stefano Pioli as Al-Nassr's coach. His previous season with Al-Hilal was highly successful, resulting in a domestic treble and a run to the AFC Champions League semi-finals, where they were defeated by Al-Ahli before his May departure. Al-Nassr announced the signing on X (formerly Twitter), stating the appointment aims to revitalize their coaching staff. The club, reigning nine-time Saudi champions, also recently extended Cristiano Ronaldo's contract.
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David Dennis Jr. analyzes how Jalen Hurts has demonstrated elite quarterback abilities in the NFL, detailing specific performances and traits that validate his status. The Kansas City Chiefs have signed guard Trey Smith to a record-breaking contract, making him the highest-paid player at his position in NFL history. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver states that expansion plans remain undecided, emphasizing that "nothing's been predetermined" regarding potential new franchises. Baseball player Cal Raleigh reveals his strategic approach for the Home Run Derby during an interview with Pat McAfee, sharing specific techniques he plans to employ. Highly sought-after high school linebacker Tyler Atkinson, rated as a 5-star recruit, announces his commitment to play college football for the University of Texas. Speculation arises about whether quarterback Justin Fields will achieve a breakthrough season with the New York Jets, examining his potential impact on the team's performance. The coach of the WNBA's Valkyries publicly appeals for more consistent officiating, expressing frustration with refereeing decisions during recent games. Debate continues over whether Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has conclusively established himself among the NFL's elite quarterbacks, contrasting viewpoints on his achievements. Eli Manning explains why he believes his nephew, quarterback Arch Manning, possesses the mental fortitude to manage expectations and pressure at the University of Texas. MMA fighter Max Holloway declares his intention to defeat Dustin Poirier in their upcoming bout, potentially marking Poirier's retirement match with a loss. In an ESPN "My Wish" segment, a child named John fulfills his dream by meeting and bonding with Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, sharing their interaction.
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Despite leading the Philadelphia Eagles to two Super Bowls, including a win in 2022, quarterback Jalen Hurts was ranked only ninth among NFL quarterbacks in a poll of league executives, coaches, and scouts. Sports commentator Colin Cowherd expressed intrigue by this ranking and defended it on his show "The Herd." Cowherd argued that statistics suggest Hurts isn't as impressive upon closer examination as he might appear at first glance. He believes Hurts is a good quarterback but attributes the Eagles' success more to the team's coaching philosophy than Hurts' individual passing skills. Cowherd specifically stated that Hurts is not an elite pocket passer, quoting, "The Eagles basically had one of those philosophical resets and what they decided was, 'This offense is great as long as we pass the ball fewer times.'" While acknowledging Hurts might not be an elite passer like Patrick Mahomes or Joe Burrow, the summary notes he has consistently succeeded in getting the Eagles to the playoffs. In four seasons as a full-time starter, Hurts has led the Eagles to the playoffs each time, reached the Super Bowl twice, and won the NFC East division title in both Super Bowl seasons. His career statistics include a 65.4% completion rate and a 45-17 record as a starter. However, the summary points out limitations in Hurts' passing production: he has never thrown for 4,000 yards or 25 touchdowns in a single season. His mobility compensates for this, but it also leads to criticism that he is a less polished passer. Furthermore, it suggests the Eagles' success in 2024 might be more attributable to star running back Saquon Barkley than any significant improvement in Hurts' passing abilities.
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The Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes are preparing for the upcoming training camp, aiming to move past their Super Bowl loss as the 2025 NFL season approaches. Considered top contenders again, the team bolstered its roster during the offseason and successfully retained key talent. A major recent move was securing offensive lineman Trey Smith. As reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Chiefs signed Smith to a four-year, $94 million contract extension, following their earlier decision to franchise tag him. Retaining Smith was a clear priority for Kansas City due to his role as one of Mahomes' primary protectors on the offensive line. Mahomes publicly reacted to the contract news on social media by posting a smiling emoji (😁), clearly indicating his approval. Smith is viewed as crucial for the team's offensive success in the 2025 season. Originally a sixth-round pick (No. 226 overall) by the Chiefs in the 2021 NFL Draft, Smith has developed into an elite lineman under the team's guidance. At 26 years old, he is now a cornerstone player locked in long-term. Meanwhile, Mahomes, the 29-year-old quarterback, is driven to win another championship. He enters the season coming off a 2024 performance where he played 16 games, completing 67.5% of his passes for 3,928 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
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Two key players from the Los Angeles Chargers, Justin Herbert and Rashawn Slater, were recently recognized in ESPN analyst Jeremy Fowler's annual top 10 rankings for their positions. Quarterback Justin Herbert was ranked No. 7 on the list. He holds the NFL record for most career passing yards through five seasons with 21,093 yards. In the 2023 season, his attempts per game decreased from 35 to 29.6 due to offensive coordinator Greg Roman's run-heavy strategy, but he achieved a remarkably low interception rate of 0.6% on 504 attempts, the best since Tom Brady in 2016. Herbert threw for 3,870 yards with 23 touchdowns and three interceptions, posting a career-high passer rating of 101.7, and added 306 rushing yards with two touchdowns. An AFC executive praised him as underrated, stating Herbert is consistently a top 5-8 quarterback due to his accuracy, athleticism, and decision-making, and would be a high draft pick if the league restarted. Offensive tackle Rashawn Slater secured the No. 6 spot on his position list. Voters highlighted his athleticism as an ideal fit for Roman's system, noting he had the fewest run-block losses (68) among qualifying players who appeared in at least 12 games. Slater committed only two penalties across 904 snaps and earned Pro Bowl honors. An NFC executive emphasized that Slater excels against pressure and in schemes prioritizing movement over physicality. Additionally, rookie Joe Alt received honorable mention consideration after his first NFL season, with an AFC executive providing comments, though the specifics were not detailed in the report.
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FC Barcelona has officially confirmed that goalkeeper Aron Yaakobishvili has left the club on loan to join FC Andorra in La Liga 2. The agreement, reached between Barcelona and Andorra, sees Yaakobishvili loaned until June 30, 2026. Yaakobishvili, a product of Barcelona's La Masia academy, becomes the second goalkeeper from the academy to depart on loan recently, following Ander Astralaga. He joined Barcelona in 2018 from Atletic Sant Just's youth ranks. The 19-year-old was a key player in Barça Juvenil A's treble-winning season last year under Juliano Belletti, securing the Division de Honor, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Youth League titles. He made his debut for Barcelona's reserve team, Barça Atletic, in September last year and played three times for them. While he could have competed for the starting goalkeeper position at Barça Atletic in the Spanish fourth tier next season, he will instead play for Andorra (owned by Gerard Piqué) in the second division.
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Barcelona will start the 2025/26 La Liga season with three consecutive away games due to ongoing delays in the renovation of Camp Nou. La Liga confirmed the stadium will be unavailable until the fourth week of the season, with Barcelona's first home game scheduled against Valencia on September 13/14 after the international break. Additionally, La Liga has adjusted kickoff times for the season opener and subsequent matches to avoid extreme heat across Spain. Most opening weekend games will be held in the evening, with Barcelona's first match at Mallorca on August 16 set for 6:30pm local time (5:30pm UK). Further schedule changes due to heat concerns include Barcelona's away match at Levante on August 23 moved to 9:30pm local time (8:30pm UK), and their game at Rayo Vallecano on August 31 also rescheduled to 9:30pm local time. These adjustments aim to protect player and fan welfare and prevent matches extending past midnight, potentially requiring cooling breaks. Following these three away fixtures, Barcelona's squad will depart for international duty ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
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The Las Vegas Raiders selected tight end Brock Bowers with the 13th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, a decision that proved highly successful despite the team's potential need for a quarterback. Bowers delivered a historic rookie season, earning Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro honors with 112 receptions for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns, establishing himself as the league's top tight end. Beyond football, Bowers recently showcased unexpected talent in a charity softball game against the NHL's Las Vegas Golden Knights. The annual "Battle for Vegas" event raises funds for local causes, and the Raiders secured their first victory in three years with Bowers as a key contributor. Despite downplaying his softball skills beforehand, he hit multiple home runs—including one that struck the Golden Knights' practice facility—and delivered a walk-off grand slam to seal the Raiders' 29-26 win. Bowers also hit back-to-back-to-back home runs with teammates Jack Bech and Aidan O'Connell during the game. This offensive display is viewed as a positive omen for the Raiders ahead of the 2025 NFL season, especially since Bowers is expected to benefit from quarterback Geno Smith's arrival and a stronger supporting cast, reducing defensive focus on him. While the charity game primarily supports community causes and excites fans, the Raiders' victory aligns with the competitive legacy of former owner Al Davis, who valued winning in any context.
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Charlton Athletic announced that 21-year-old midfielder Melissa Ross has signed a new one-year contract with the club, including an option for a further year. The deal was confirmed through the club's official website. Ross originally joined Charlton from Liverpool in summer 2021 and rapidly became a key first-team player. She has made 71 appearances while scoring four goals, contributing significantly to the team's transition to full-time professionalism and their pursuit of promotion to the Barclays Women's Super League. Expressing enthusiasm about her contract extension, Ross stated: "I am buzzing to be back... It's been really nice to be back involved with the girls." She becomes the latest in a series of players to renew with Charlton this summer, following recent new deals for Jodie Hutton, Gloria Siber, Karin Muya, Elisha N'Dow, Kiera Skeels, and Charlotte Newsham.
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The New York Jets' offseason improvements haven't sufficiently addressed the offensive skill positions, leading to an unfavorable ranking of those groups by ESPN. Analyst Ben Barnwell cited two primary concerns. Firstly, running back Breece Hall struggled last season, lacking explosiveness and big-play ability compared to his 2023 performance. His production dropped to 876 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdowns, 483 receiving yards, and 3 receiving touchdowns, down from 1,585 total yards and 9 touchdowns the previous year. Hall is entering a critical season after being involved in trade talks; the Jets opted to give him another chance. His speed is best utilized on outside runs, making securing prime rushing opportunities and maintaining his health crucial, though challenging. The team should avoid using him in short-yardage situations, utilizing Braelon Allen instead, and must develop a success plan starting with health. Secondly, while Garrett Wilson is a proven top receiver consistently surpassing 1,000 yards, ESPN argues there's insufficient talent behind him. The supporting receiving corps includes Allen Lazard, Malachi Corley (who may not make the roster), and Josh Reynolds. Reynolds previously had his best season (608 yards, 5 touchdowns in 2023) with current Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand in Detroit. Lazard and Reynolds could have solid seasons. Overall, the Jets could improve their ranking if a receiver beyond Wilson steps up significantly.
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Cole Palmer concluded the season as one of football's elite players, though talkSPORT host Darren Bent questioned his inclusion in the global top ten. Palmer's decisive performances in the Conference League and Club World Cup finals—particularly his two-goal display in Chelsea's 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain—propelled him to third in 2025 Ballon d'Or odds, trailing Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal. Bent criticized the Ballon d'Or ranking as "reactionary," arguing Palmer's overall season fell short of his prior campaign. While acknowledging Palmer's "decent" 16 goals and 12 assists, Bent contrasted it with his "scary" previous tally of 25 goals and 15 assists, noting a dip in form with just one goal in 14 games before the Club World Cup final. Despite his critique, Bent conceded Palmer borders on his personal top ten, praising his "top top quality." He highlighted Palmer's composure in chaos, creative passing, clinical finishing, and status as Chelsea's key big-game player—essential for any future trophies. However, Bent firmly concluded: "He's not in my top ten."
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Juventus goalkeeper Mattia Perin is expected to leave the club this summer in search of a more prominent playing role. Perin, relegated to the backup position again last season behind new first-choice Michele Di Gregorio despite solid performances in limited appearances, is reportedly attracting interest from clubs like Fenerbahce, Milan, and Bologna. With Perin's anticipated departure, Juventus is actively seeking a new second-choice goalkeeper. According to reports, the club is considering re-signing Emil Audero, a product of their own youth academy. Audero, now 28, was previously a third-choice keeper at Juventus before leaving in 2017. Audero established himself at Sampdoria and was on loan at Inter last season as backup to Yann Sommer. He joined newly promoted Como last summer but was loaned to Palermo in January after failing to secure a place. He has now returned to Como, where his contract runs until 2028, but is unlikely to stay beyond this summer. Audero has represented Italy at youth levels but recently made his senior debut for Indonesia after acquiring a passport.
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A young Real Madrid player has expressed a desire to leave the club, citing an inability to wait much longer for first-team opportunities. Super-agent Jorge Mendes has offered a Manchester City star to Real Madrid, but the Spanish club is reportedly unconvinced by the proposal. Separately, Real Betis have clarified their position regarding the potential signing of a Real Madrid midfielder. Off-field, a documentary about Vinicius Junior has reportedly triggered legal action from Valencia CF. Real Madrid has outlined their plans for midfielder Jude Bellingham following his surgery. Player ratings from the FIFA Club World Cup were provided, notably Gonzalo rated 9 and Asensio rated 3. Analyses of Real Madrid's FIFA Club World Cup performances included three takeaways from their 0-4 loss to PSG and three talking points ahead of that match, as well as three takeaways from their 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund and three talking points preceding that Dortmund clash. Looking ahead under new manager Xabi Alonso, he is identified as needing to fix one of Real Madrid's significant tactical problems. Speculation suggests three Real Madrid players could depart following the Club World Cup. Alonso's best possible starting lineup for the tournament was outlined, along with three things fans can look forward to under his management. An opinion piece argues it is time for manager Carlo Ancelotti to end his "obsession" with Aurelien Tchouameni and instead turn to Raul Asencio.
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