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Here’s an idea for the HBO executives looking for a fresh spin for the long-running summer series : Film the New York Giants’ quarterbacks room as they revive their baseball dreams. 

Yes, they’re busy with training camp for the upcoming NFL season. But filming Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston at a local baseball training facility in New Jersey before and after football practice would be TV gold. Countless pep talks and strange workouts leading up to another big-league shot for 30-something quarterbacks who were once MLB draftees. Rookie Jaxson Dart and Tommy DeVito can also be a part of the reality TV show, with both Giants quarterbacks having played baseball before focusing on football.

This TV show pitch basically sells itself, but Giants owner John Mara and GM Joe Schoen probably wouldn’t sign off on it after how poorly it went for them the last time they agreed to have TV cameras at the facility. 

Oh, well. We can at least highlight the baseball background of the Giants’ quarterbacks. 

In honor of Tuesday’s MLB All-Star Game (and after I recently wrote about NFL players who could have played in the NBA), here are the five active NFL players who were drafted by MLB teams. We also have five NFL players who could have played baseball professionally in a different life. Or maybe it’s not too late. 

C’mon, TV executives, sign off on the pitch above. ….

Active NFL players drafted by MLB teams

Kyler Murray, Cardinals: Murray is the rare athlete who can say he was a first-round pick in two of the four major men’s professional sports leagues in the United States. A year before becoming the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NFL draft, Murray was selected No. 9 by the Oakland Athletics. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmFw4F0Ajf0

Murray was a standout outfielder at the University of Oklahoma, where he also won the Heisman Trophy for his football exploits. Before his college football success, Murray was set on playing for the A’s, accepting a $4.66 million signing bonus before having to give it back when entering his name in the NFL draft. The 27-year-old is still young enough to attempt the feat of being a two-way star in the NFL and MLB.

Russell Wilson, Giants: Wilson had serious aspirations of one day playing in the big leagues as a former minor league player of the Colorado Rockies, who drafted the Super Bowl–winning quarterback in the fourth round of the 2010 draft. As a second baseman, Wilson appeared in 61 games for the Rockies’ Class A affiliate in 2011, one year before the Seattle Seahawks took him in the third round. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rQi5HypHl0

Wilson made the right decision to play football over baseball, but his baseball skills have helped him on the football field throughout his 13-year career. And it all worked out because Wilson got a taste of the big leagues when he made an at-bat with the Yankees during a spring training exhibition in 2018.

Jameis Winston, Giants: Winston has had many highs and lows in his NFL career, starting 70 games for the Buccaneers, who made him the No. 1 pick in the 2015 draft, before becoming a journeyman backup. Winston also won a national title and the Heisman Trophy as the star signal-caller for Florida State. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSXXJ8X_mwM

With that kind of success, it was evident that Winston was bound for the NFL, but he was a talented two-way star coming out of high school in Alabama and was selected by the Rangers in the 15th round of the 2012 draft. The Rangers reportedly told Winston they would allow him to play college football while he developed through their minor league system as a relief pitcher and outfielder. Winston declined, but he continued playing baseball at Florida State. 

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs: Mahomes followed in his father’s footsteps, playing baseball in high school and for one year at Texas Tech. Mahomes was drafted by the Tigers in the 37th round in 2014, three years before the Chiefs altered the course of their franchise by moving up to No. 10 to draft the son of Pat Mahomes Sr., who pitched for six different MLB teams in the 1990s and early 2000s.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqG2-SweDJ4

The younger Mahomes made the right decision to go with football, winning three Super Bowls and two MVPs in the past eight years.   

Shaq Thompson, Bills: Quarterbacks aren’t the only football players who can play on the diamond. Thompson was drafted by the Red Sox in the 18th round of the 2012 draft, three years before the Panthers took the linebacker in the first round. 

Thompson had a rough stint playing for the Red Sox’s rookie-level team, striking out 37 times in 39 at-bats. However, Thompson made up for that by recording 752 career tackles in 123 games played with the Panthers over the past 10 seasons. He’s still going strong as a recent signee of the Bills. 

Active NFL players with MLB potential 

Joe Flacco, Browns: If a middled-aged Flacco can get off his couch to guide the Browns to the postseason and capture the Comeback Player of the Year award in five games, he can surely at least be a pinch-hitter or reliever in the big leagues. Look at these hacks Flacco had a few years back during a celebrity softball game with his former Ravens teammates. 

Before winning a Super Bowl with Baltimore, Flacco was a standout baseball and football player for his high school in New Jersey.

Lamar Jackson, Ravens: Jackson doesn’t have a baseball background, but it’s almost a given that his elite athleticism would help him carve out a role on the diamond, even if he’s creating chaos on the base paths as a pinch runner. NFL defenders would love to see the two-time MVP leave the football field to become a headache for big-league pitchers.  

Jaxson Dart, Giants: Not only can Dart learn from Wilson and Winston on how to be a quarterback in the NFL, he can take baseball pointers from the former MLB draftees. Dart mentioned in this interview that he expected to play baseball in college before gaining more attention from football programs. 

CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys: The receptions machine would catch anything in the outfield, but his physical gifts wouldn’t just make him a future Gold Glover. He could also be the guy who trash-talks from the dugout and plays practical jokes on his teammates. Look how much fun Lamb and new Cowboys teammate George Pickens had together during Murray’s celebrity softball game earlier this year. Now, let’s see what the duo does on the football field this fall. 

Xavier McKinney, Packers: The All-Pro safety would thrive as an outfielder in the big leagues. He has excellent awareness on the field, and catching pop flies wouldn’t be a problem for the defensive back with eight interceptions last year.

It might not have led to a Premier League title, but Arsène Wenger still had some sensational players in his later years at Arsenal.

The likes of Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey, for example, became some of the most entertaining players in the league.

However, arguably the best of the lot was Mesut Özil, who sent the fan base into delirium when he joined the club on transfer deadline day in 2013.

The World Cup winner was an artist with the ball at his feet, capable of things most would only dream of, and now, based on reports, it looks like Arsenal could be going after someone who could become Mikel Arteta’s version of Ozil.

Arsenal target their new Ozil

Arsenal went big in the summer window, signing more players than perhaps even the most optimistic of fans would’ve expected.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

However, with a title on the line, the club appear to be in the market for more reinforcements ahead of the winter window, and have been linked to a host of players.

For example, Nottingham Forest’s Murillo has been touted for a £79m move to the Emirates, as has Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola.

However, while both players would be excellent additions to Arteta’s squad, neither could really be described as the next Ozil, unlike Arda Güler.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are one of several sides interested in signing the Turkish international.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Gunners are now stepping up their pursuit of the 20-year-old, although the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United appear to be doing the same.

In addition to the competition, a potential roadblock for this deal is that, per reports last month, it could cost as much as £88m to get the playmaker out of Real Madrid.

However, while it could be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, it’s one Arsenal should fight for, as Güler is an extraordinary talent and could be Arteta’s own Ozil.

Why Güler could be Arsenals new Ozil

Now, while it’s still early in Güler’s career, and it will take some time before he reaches the heights Ozil did, there are still apparent similarities between the pair.

Firstly, were this transfer to happen, then, like the World Cup winner over a decade ago, the young talent would be swapping the white of Real Madrid or the red and white of Arsenal.

Secondly, the 20-year-old is a sensational talent who still has so much room to grow and, like the Gunners’ former star, is someone whose future appears to be more central than out wide.

For example, while he has played on the right and several other positions, attacking midfield is where he has played most of his football and where he has been thriving this season.

Speaking of this season, the Ankara-born wonderkid is proving he is both a goalscoring threat and a creative force for his teammates.

In his 21 appearances, totalling 1365 minutes, the “generational talent”, as described by journalist Dean Jones, has scored three goals and provided seven assists, averaging a goal involvement every 2.1 games, or every 136.5 minutes.

Unsurprisingly, the young dynamo’s underlying numbers also help to justify such labels.

xAG: Exp. Assisted Goals

0.38

Top 1%

Progressive Passes

7.98

Top 1%

Key Passes

3.27

Top 1%

Passes into Final Third

6.49

Top 1%

Live-ball Passes

59.32

Top 1%

Touches

77.43

Top 1%

Pass Completion %

85.3%

Top 2%

Through Balls

0.95

Top 2%

Shot-Creating Actions

6.08

Top 2%

Carries

47.71

Top 3%

Assists

0.41

Top 5%

Tackles Won

1.16

Top 7%

Switches

0.54

Top 8%

Crosses

5.42

Top 9%

Goal-Creating Actions

0.70

Top 10%

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for expected assisted goals, progressive passes, key passes, touches and more, all per 90.

Finally, if you still aren’t convinced, just listen to İlkay Gündoğan, who in 2023 made a clear link between the two midfielders.

“If there is a Turkish football player who is similar to Mesut Özil, the first name is Arda Güler. I see his future bright.”

Ultimately, while there is still a long way to go for Güler to reach the level Ozil did at his peak, he is clearly on his way. He was ranked second in the 2025 Golden Boy awards, living up to writer Neal Gardner’s billing that he is “the single best midfield prospect in world football.”

Therefore, Arsenal should do all they can to sign him

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ByJack Salveson Holmes 6 days ago

Celtic are now reportedly plotting a 2026 move to sign a Manchester City ace, who Pep Guardiola called “world-class”.

Celtic targeting Premier League goalkeeper

There’s a lot of work for Wilfried Nancy to do in the transfer window and that work may well include signing a new goalkeeper next summer. As things stand, current No.1 Kasper Schmeichel is set to leave Celtic as a free agent at the end of his contract next summer, handing the Bhoys the task of finding a replacement.

The former Leicester City man has been an excellent servant since replacing Joe Hart in 2024, but looks destined to bow out of Scotland at 39 years old.

Celtic star with 'high ceiling' could be biggest winner of Nancy's arrival

This promising young Celtic talent could be the biggest winner of Wilfried Nancy’s arrival at the club.

ByDan Emery Dec 6, 2025

Celtic may also have no choice but to target attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window, amid reports that Daizen Maeda could leave the club. The Japan international has plenty of admirers in the Premier League and could yet deal the Bhoys an undeniable blow this winter.

Speaking about the January transfer window and potential additions after arriving, new manager Nancy told reporters: “Each organisation, the idea is to improve.

“I’m going to have to assess the team. I know them as a team because I’ve watched many games. Now it’s about knowing them as a person. After that we’ll see what is the best for the team. I like to take my time. I know that I don’t have a lot of time.

“It’s not a secret I want to play in a certain way. Proactivity, try to put [pressure] on the opposition, try to attack the ball as soon as possible and after that also be disgusting to play against when we defend – because we’re going to have moments when we’ve got to suffer.”

With that said, it could be a busy 2026 for those at Celtic Park and one that includes the arrival of Man City’s Stefan Ortega, according to reports.

Celtic plotting Ortega move

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Celtic are now plotting a move to sign Ortega when his current Man City contract expires next summer. The 33-year-old could come straight in for Schmeichel as the Bhoys turn to English football for yet another shot-stopper.

Whilst Ortega has dropped down the pecking order at the Etihad, Guardiola hasn’t held back from praising the experienced goalkeeper in the past – telling reporters just last year: “Ortega is a world-class goalkeeper. An exceptional, exceptional goalkeeper.”

For Celtic, the move makes perfect sense. Their move for Hart worked out for all involved, so too did their move for Schmeichel. Now, it looks like they’re ready to follow the blueprint by signing Ortega.

After reporting the news, O’Rourke told Football Insider: “Ortega would be a good fit, you would think, especially if he does become a free agent in the summer.

“He’s basically just fallen totally out of favour at Man City, with Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford ahead of him, and Marcus Bettinelli has been travelling with the squad.

“If Celtic are looking a new goalkeeper come the summer when Schmeichel’s contract is up, Ortega could be a really good pick up on a free transfer.

Liverpool agree terms to sign "aggressive" Celtic teenager in first Nancy exit

The Pittsburgh Pirates submitted a wild entry to the 2025 MLB season blooper reel Wednesday during their 2–1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals in extra innings.

With two outs and two on in the top of the eighth inning in a scoreless ballgame, Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras hit a pop up for what should have been an easy third out. However, Pirates catcher Joey Bart struggled locate the ball in the air, and first baseman Endy Rodriguez came flying in to make the catch.

Rodriguez, however, didn't see Bart, and he tackled him like a linebacker demolishing a quarterback on a blitz.

As the ball dropped to the ground in fair territory, Cardinals infielder Tyler Saggese tried to tiptoe his way around Bart and Rodriguez in the baseline and touch home plate for a 1–0 lead. But Ke'Bryan Hayes scooped up the baseball and tagged Saggese out.

What just happened?

Recovering from the eighth-inning collision, Bart proved to be the hero Wednesday by hitting a walk-off single in the bottom of the 13th. The Pirates escaped with a 2–1 victory to improve to 5-8 on the season.

Tottenham have been a mixed bag under new manager Thomas Frank recently, but Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has been left impressed by what he’s spotted Kevin Danso doing on the pitch.

Spurs were eliminated from the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening, suffering a 2-0 defeat away to Newcastle at St James’ Park.

Fielding a weakened side that reflected the pressures of a congested fixture list, Spurs looked second best throughout the contest as Newcastle capitalized on their opportunities and advanced to the next round at Tottenham’s expense.

Frank made several changes from his regular Premier League lineup, resting key players and giving fringe squad members a chance to impress.

Tottenham struggled to assert themselves, with Newcastle dominating midfield exchanges and denying Spurs any consistent possession. The visitors’ inability to get their attacking players involved was evident, as they created few genuine chances.

Dejan Kulusevski

Knee

22/11/2025

James Maddison

ACL

01/06/2026

Radu Dragusin

Knee

22/11/2025

Ben Davies

Thigh

23/11/2025

Kota Takai

Ankle/Foot

08/11/2025

Yves Bissouma

Ankle/Foot

08/11/2025

Wilson Odobert

Abdominal

01/11/2025

Cristian Romero

Groin

01/11/2025

Destiny Udogie

Knee

08/11/2025

Dominic Solanke

Ankle

08/11/2025

Archie Gray

Calf/Shin/Heel

06/11/2025

via Premier Injuries

Stand-in keeper Antonin Kinsky was also blasted for his error which led to Nick Woltemade’s first and Newcastle’s second goal of the game, with defender Fabian Schar previously opening the scoring in what was a routine win for the Magpies.

Guglielmo Vicario was absent for Spurs’ trip to the North East with a minor injury, it has been suggested at least, though Frank has confirmed that the keeper will be ready for their looming London derby clash against Chelsea this weekend.

It is currently unclear whether Cristian Romero will return from his groin injury in time to feature at home to Chelsea on Saturday, meaning Danso is more than likely set to partner Micky van de Ven once again.

Jamie Redknapp shares what he's spotted Kevin Danso doing at Tottenham

The pair were excellent at Everton last weekend, particularly van de Ven, who scored two goals from set plays as Tottenham became the first ever away side to win at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Minutes

90

90

Tackles won

1/1

0/0

Clearances

18

7

Blocked shots

2

0

Ball recoveries

3

2

Ground duels won

2/2

1/2

Aerial duels won

4/4

1/4

However, Frank was quick to note Danso’s contribution too, with the Austrian “not as highlighted” but equally deserving of praise.

Just before Tottenham’s loss to Newcastle, when on punditry duty for Sky Sports, Redknapp also had good things to say about the January signing who made his move permanent for £21 million in the summer.

Redknapp, speaking to the Sky studio, said that Danso has been “very impressive” in Romero’s absence, with the pundit claiming he’s spotted him becoming more of a “vocal” presence on the field.

As well as this, Redknapp was quick to point out that he could be emerging as a “leader” at Spurs in light of this.

The 27-year-old was believed to be on the verge of a move to Wolves last January before Tottenham hijacked the deal in last-minute fashion.

Now, with Spurs competing in the Champions League after ending their 17-year wait for silverware, and Wolves rooted to the foot of the table, Danso will be delighted as he also impresses whenever called upon.

It was an astute signing by ex-chairman Daniel Levy, and one which provides new boss Frank with vital, capable cover at centre-back.

South Africa batters made easy work of the 145 chase after Burger and Bosch stifled Zimbabwe with the new ball

Sreshth Shah20-Jul-2025

Rassie van der Dussen and Rubin Hermann added 106 together•Zimbabwe Cricket

Corbin Bosch and Nandre Burger stifled Zimbabwe with the ball, and rookie Rubin Hermann struck his maiden T20I fifty to secure South Africa’s place in the T20I tri-series final – while knocking the hosts out – in a seven-wicket win in Harare.Zimbabwe’s total of 144 for 6 was too little to trouble South Africa. Their third loss in as many outings also makes the last two league games dead rubbers. South Africa and New Zealand, both on four points, have their spots in the final assured with Zimbabwe still on zero points with one more fixture remaining for them.It was another insipid batting display from Zimbabwe after Rassie van der Dussen opted to bowl first. They posted the lowest powerplay score of the tri-series and managed just 55 for 3 in the first ten overs. Only Brian Bennett’s counterattacking 61 gave the innings a degree of respectability.South Africa then overcame an early stutter in the chase courtesy Hermann’s 63 and van der Dussen’s 52 not out. They won with 16 balls to spare.Brian Bennett celebrates fifty during his 78-run stand with Ryan Burl•Zimbabwe Cricket

Bennett turns it aroundBennett faced only 10 balls in the powerplay and was starved of strike as Zimbabwe crawled to 29 for 2 in six overs. His first boundary came in the eighth over, a back-foot cut off George Linde, and he finally blossomed during a 78-run fourth-wicket stand with Ryan Burl that gave the innings some direction.Legspinner Nqaba Peter bore the brunt of Bennett’s charge, hit over his head and past deep square leg for fours, then over wide long-on for a six that landed on the roof of the Sports Club. Linde, brought on to stem the flow, couldn’t halt the assault either: Bennett cut him behind square for four and launched a six onto the midwicket grass banks in the 13th over, then repeated the four-six combo in the 15th. The second six, that just cleared long-off, brought up Bennett’s half-century off 38 balls.He then got away with a thick edge for four off Ngidi and followed it with a Douglas Marillier-style ramp past short fine leg. But Ngidi had the final word, bowling him with a slower yorker off the last ball of the 16th. Bennett’s 61 off 43 helped Zimbabwe add 60 runs between overs 11 and 16.Bosch earns the rewardsBosch capitalised on early pressure from Ngidi and Nandre Burger, with Zimbabwe crawling to 17 in the first three overs.Brought in for the fourth over, Bosch struck with his third ball – a full delivery on middle stump – dismissing Wessly Madhevere caught at mid-off. In the next over, he bowled short and angled into Clive Madande, who spooned a catch back to the bowler.Corbin Bosch was tough to put away•Zimbabwe Cricket

But it was in the death overs that Bosch really showed off his skills. Mixing yorkers on the stumps with wide-line deliveries, he gave away just six runs each in the 18th and 20th overs, stifling Zimbabwe’s attempt of a late flourish. Bosch ended with 4-0-16-2 and didn’t concede a single boundary.Burger also returned a tidy performance with 1 for 20 in four overs, delivering 15 dots across spells in the powerplay and death overs. The duo combined to allow only 22 runs to be scored in the final four overs, leaving South Africa a target of 145 to chase. Zimbabwe’s second-highest run-scorer was Burl with 36 in 31 balls, who despite staying unbeaten till the end, failed to get the slog-overs connection that Zimbabwe desperately needed.Maposa delivers a scareWithout Blessing Muzarabani, who was unavailable owing to a bereavement in his family, Zimbabwe needed someone else to step up with the new ball. And it was Tinotenda Maposa who brought the fire.He tested the aggressive Lhuan-dre Pretorius with a short ball in the second over that forced the batter to miscue a shot to mid-on where Sikandar Raza took a screamer. Extra bounce was at the forefront again in the fifth over as Maposa got a short and wide ball to rise enough to induce the edge off Reeza Hendricks’ bat when he tried to play the cut.The two openers combined for only 10 runs in 20 balls.Hermann’s encore, Rassie clinicalHermann top-scored with 45 on his T20I debut in the tri-series opener against Zimbabwe, and with his 36-ball 63 on Sunday flattened them again. Combining with van der Dussen, Hermann was the majority contributor in a 106-run partnership for the third wicket that lifted South Africa from a tricky 22 for 2 to the position of ease.He was on top of Zimbabwe almost right away, driving Maposa uppishly for four off his second delivery. He then dispatched Raza’s loose deliveries in the tenth over by flat-batting a short ball to long-on for four and pulling another half-tracker over deep midwicket for six. Left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza was then slapped for six down the ground and swatted for four through the leg side, and by the 12th over, Hermann had brought up his maiden T20I fifty in only 29 balls when he hit Maposa for six down the ground.Van der Dussen’s unbeaten innings of 52, that included six fours, complemented Hermann’s beautifully. In the powerplay, he used his wrists well to dispatch Trevor Gwandu for fours to fine leg in the powerplay, took a backseat when Hermann was hitting it well, and then picked up his pace when South Africa grabbed pole position again.Hermann’s poles were eventually flattened by Richard Ngarava in the 16th over, and he walked back disappointed. After his debut, he had said he wanted to be the “guy who finishes games” for South Africa, and this was yet another opportunity squandered. But by then, the equation read 17 runs required in 27 balls and the game was wrapped up within the next 11 deliveries.

Lionel Messi has hinted that he will form part of Argentina’s squad at the 2026 World Cup, with the all-time great expecting that event to be “extraordinary”. Questions have been asked of whether Messi, who will turn 39 next summer, will grace another international tournament. He is, however, excited about what the United States, Canada and Mexico have to offer.

• Messi's international record: Caps & goals for Argentina

  Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi helped his country to global glory at Qatar 2022. He completed his medal collection there, with the most prestigious of trophies being hoisted aloft in the Middle East.

  Ever since that triumph, speculation has raged regarding how much longer the South American GOAT will make himself available to Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni. Messi has reached 195 international caps, scoring 114 goals along the way.

  He is considered to have taken in a final competitive outing on home soil, but is expected to remain in contention for selection through to next summer. That will allow him to lead the Albisceleste into a World Cup title defence as captain of his nation.

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• Getty
  

  World Cup hint? Messi excited about 2026 finals

  Messi has been playing cards close to his chest when it comes to potential involvement at that tournament, but he has now spoken of his excitement at seeing the World Cup head to America – where he is currently plying his club trade for MLS side Inter Miami.

  Speaking at the American Business Forum in Florida, Messi said: “I have very high expectations that the World Cup is going to be something extraordinary. There are going to be some great matches. Teams from all over the world are coming, and some of them are very big.”

  Having previously suggested that he would not make another appearance at FIFA’s flagship event, Messi said after bidding an emotional farewell to Argentina supporters during a qualification clash with Venezuela in September: “I said it at the time. I don't think I'll play in another World Cup. Due to my age, it's logical that I won't make it, but we're there and I'm excited. I'm taking it day by day, feeling the sensations. And what's clear is that today was the last game here.”

• Last dance: Messi urged to join Ronaldo at World Cup

  Messi has been urged to take in a last dance with eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2026 finals, with both men entering the latter stages of their record-shattering careers. Cope journalist Tomas Guasch has said: “We were all very calm until Leo Messi appeared, questioning his presence at next year's World Cup. He says it's normal for him not to be there. But if that World Cup had any appeal, it was the final dance between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, in what would be one of the most tremendous and grandiose epics in the history of football and world sport. But Leo casts doubt on that.

  “I hope he plays in the World Cup even if he's embalmed. Because there are 48 teams playing, hundreds of players, and only Messi is missing? I think it would be a joke for football, and someone should intervene. You can't leave us alone.”

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• Getty
  

  Inter Miami contract: Messi committed through 2028

  While international retirement appears to be imminent, Messi has extended his contract at Inter Miami through 2028. He is looking forward to helping the Herons move into a new stadium next year, with Sir David Beckham and Co drawing up ambitious plans for the future.

  Messi said of penning a new deal: “The fact of renewing goes hand in hand with how well we are doing, how well the family is doing and being able to continue helping in the growth of the club.”

  Messi and his wife Antonela have felt settled in South Florida since moving to the United States in 2023. Inter Miami have savoured Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield triumphs since then, with a crucial playoff decider with Nashville set to be taken in on Saturday as the Herons look to chase down ultimate MLS Cup glory in 2025.

حدد نادي ليفربول الإنجليزي، أحد اللاعبين ليكون أولوية له خلال سوق الانتقالات الصيفية المقبلة، للتعاقد معه كبديل للنجم المصري محمد صلاح على المدى البعيد.

ويبلغ محمد صلاح 33 عاماً حالياً، وأمامه موسم شاق على مستوى النادي والمنتخب، حيث سيشارك في بطولتين دوليتين مع منتخب مصر ويواجه ضغطًا كبيرًا على الصعيد المحلي والأوروبي.

ويمتلك محمد صلاح عقداً مع ليفربول حتى عام 2027، وقد يكون مستقبله مفتوحاً في الصيف المقبل وستكون أكبر الأندية السعودية مهتمة باللاعب وسيقدمون إغراءات للحصول على خدماته.

وبحسب “ANFIELD WATCH” فإنه في حالة رحيل محمد صلاح عن ليفربول، فإن بطل الدوري الانجليزي قد يسعى للتعاقد مع أنطوان سيمينو لاعب بورنموث أو مايكل أوليس لاعب بايرن ميونخ أو أي لاعب آخر في مركزه.

اقرأ أيضاً.. مازلت عالقاً في ذاكرته.. كورتوا يكشف السر وراء لقطته المضحكة مع محمد صلاح

وقد انضم جارود بوين نجم وست هام كأحد الأسماء التي برزت مؤخراً ليكون خليفة للنجم المصري محمد صلاح ويعد محل اهتمام ليفربول على مدار السنوات القليلة الماضية، ولكنه يمتلك عقداً حتى عام 2030.

ويبلغ لاعب وسط وست هام 28 عاماً حالياً وسيتطلب انتقاله دفع تكلفة باهظة بجانب راتبه، ومع ذلك فإن بوين يبقى لاعباً مهماً على مستوى التسجيل وصناعة التمريرات الحاسمة.

وقد يجد وست هام صعوبة كبيرة في الاحتفاظ بنجمه بوين خلال سوق الانتقالات الصيفية 2026، ويعد توتنهام أكثر الأندية إلى جانب الريدز، إعجاباً بقدرات لاعب الهامرز، بالإضافة إلى مانشستر يونايتد ونيوكاسل وأتلتيكو مدريد الذي راقبه في وقت سابق.

Chelsea now hold concrete interest in signing a “powerful” striker, having already submitted an offer for his services, it has been revealed.

Blues keen on centre-forward despite Pedro's strong start

After sanctioning the departures of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson in the summer transfer window, the Blues brought in Liam Delap from Ipswich Town and Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion, with the latter making a flying start to life in west London.

The Brazilian has amassed five goal contributions in his opening six Premier League games, although he hasn’t been his best as of late, recording an xG of 0 in the disappointing 3-1 defeat at home against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

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With Delap still relatively inexperienced and set to be sidelined until around December due to a hamstring issue, Enzo Maresca is currently short on options in attack, and another centre-forward has been identified as a target ahead of the January transfer window.

According to a report from Spain, Chelsea have now shown concrete interest in signing Levante striker Karl Etta Eyong, who is also being targeted by Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, after making an impressive start to the campaign in La Liga.

The Blues have already made a formal approach for Etta Eyong, submitting a bid off the back of a solid 2024-25 season, and they are now set to battle it out for his signature.

Back in the summer, it was widely reported that Levante paid just €3m (£2.6m) for the 21-year-old, but former employers Villarreal have the right of first refusal, which could complicate a potential approach from Chelsea.

"Powerful" Etta Eyong impressing in first campaign at senior level

The youngster was unable to make the grade at Villarreal, playing reserve football throughout the 2024-25 campaign, but he has since made the step-up to senior level, amassing seven goals and assists in La Liga so far this season.

Lauded as a “powerful” striker by journalist Kai Watson, the Cameroonian has also showcased his ability to perform against some top clubs, scoring Levante’s only goal in the 4-1 defeat against Real Madrid, while also finding the back of the net against Arsenal back in pre-season.

Not only is the starlet impressive going forward, but he has also displayed his ability to pitch in defensively, placing in the top 2% for tackles per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.76 (97th percentile)

Assists

0.46 (99th percentile)

Tackles

1.52 (98th percentile)

Blocks

0.91 (90th percentile)

Clearances

1.22 (82nd percentile)

That said, having already signed Delap in the summer, there are doubts over whether Chelsea need to bring in another young striker anytime soon, and Etta Eyong is yet to prove himself over a sustained period of time, so it will not be the end of the world if they miss out.

A worrying update has dropped regarding the future of a “fantastic” Liverpool player, with a huge club confident that they will sign him next year.

Liverpool linked with potential Salah successors

Mohamed Salah continues to be one of the best players in the Premier League, despite the fact that his form has been well short of its best so far this season.

At 33 years of age, however, Liverpool do need to be aware that the Egyptian legend isn’t getting any younger, and that an elite replacement will eventually need to be found, in order to make the transition as seamless as possible when it happens.

Lyon winger Malick Fofana has been linked with a move to Anfield, being touted as a Salah successor, with the Belgian a hugely talented young player who can excel on either flank. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich star Michael Olise is also reportedly considered a leading option to come in and be Liverpool’s next star winger, with the Frenchman already scoring three goals in two Bundesliga appearances this season.

Away from the Salah situation, there is a Reds player whose future needs to be resolved as soon as possible, with a new update dropping.

Club think they will sign Liverpool regular

Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic, journalist Mario Cortegana claimed that Real Madrid feel Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate wants to move to the Bernabeu.

This comes just days after it was reported that Konate is in “very advanced” talks over a move to Madrid, with the rumours refusing to go away.

He doesn’t appear to be any closer to extending his stay, with the European giants considering him a key target alongside Arsenal’s William Saliba.

At this point, it does certainly feel more than possible that Konate could join Madrid next year, with his current Liverpool deal expiring in 2026 and no sign of an extension being agreed currently.

The £70,000-a-week Frenchman is an important player who the Reds should be looking to tie down, though, with Virgil van Dijk one admirer, heaping praise on him early last season.

“I think we need everyone to be at their best. He is a fantastic player who still can be better. As you saw, he is important with the goal, he is defensively solid, a bit unlucky with the goal we conceded, but obviously the qualities he has are outstanding in my opinion.”

Konate has received criticism for some poor form this season, but that shouldn’t cloud the fact that he is Liverpool’s second-most important defender and he has been a regular under Slot.

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While losing him to Madrid wouldn’t necessarily feel like the end of the world, some supporters may only fully appreciate the job he does when he leaves, and how hard it may be to replace him.