Leeds simply cannot afford to go the entire campaign without a goal from the middle of the park again, with Ilia Gruev only ending that run in the second-leg of the play-off semi-final with his inspired free-kick against Norwich City…
SAINTS boss Russell Martin “enjoyed” seeing Ryan Manning play in midfield during Wednesday evening’s match. The defender played in holding midfield as Shea Charles moved […]
Nottingham Forest moved closer to their Premier League opener against Bournemouth with their latest friendly on Friday night. Nuno Espirito Santo’s team played to a […]
The Boston Celtics have successfully retained all key members of their championship-winning roster and have now officially signed both rookies selected in the 2024 NBA Draft. On Friday, Boston announced a two-way agreement with Anton Watson, the 54th overall pick from June’s draft. Watson, who spent five seasons at Gonzaga, showcased his skills with an impressive average of 14.5 points and 7.1 rebounds while shooting 57.8% from the field during the 2023-24 season. His defensive versatility stood out during Boston’s Summer League campaign, giving the 23-year-old a solid first impression of NBA basketball.
Watson participated in five games in Las Vegas, averaging 11.8 points and 5.2 rebounds. He demonstrated his engagement on both ends of the floor and displayed his athleticism. By staying active with Boston’s ball-handlers, Watson created opportunities for easy baskets and showed his capability to hit 3-point shots. Although this might not secure him a permanent roster spot with the Celtics, the G League affiliate in Maine will offer ample opportunities for Watson to hone his skills, readying him for when head coach Joe Mazzulla might need him, potentially as soon as the upcoming season.
Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens, who chose two 23-year-old prospects (including Baylor Scheierman), was not deterred by Watson’s age. Stevens emphasized that Boston would only draft players they felt confident in and comfortable with, regardless of their age.
On Friday, the Spanish LaLiga team Leganes utilized Sheffield Wednesday’s Middlewood Road training ground. This visit marks the club’s first-ever trip to the United Kingdom, culminating in a match against Sheffield Wednesday. Known as Los Pepineros, Leganes had been training in Burnley prior to this and played a friendly against the Clarets last week, which ended in a 0-0 draw. They hope for a better outcome at Hillsborough, although Danny Röhl and his team aim to spoil their visit. Despite not having much success in their preseason games, with a loss to AD Alcorcón and draws against Burnley and OGC Nice, Leganes are eager to secure a victory in South Yorkshire as they gear up for their first season back in the top flight.
Scott McKenna, currently out of contract, is actively searching for a new club and has been deemed “worthy of a Celtic shirt” by former Parkhead hero Andy Walker. The Scotland defender is on the move after his contract with Nottingham Forest ended. Over the summer, McKenna returned from Euro 2024 and is exploring his options. Last season, the 27-year-old gained valuable experience while on loan to FC Copenhagen, where he faced Manchester City in the Champions League’s last 16. Walker believes that McKenna could be an ideal partner for Cameron Carter-Vickers in the upcoming Scottish Premiership season, highlighting the need for a new centre-back as a critical part of Brendan Rodgers’ recruitment strategy.
Walker expressed his thoughts on the Go Radio Football Show, saying, “Scott McKenna is out there. He is free, he has Champions League experience and plays for Scotland. I think he is a decent player and would be worthy of a Celtic jersey and I think he would improve Celtic defensively. But I’m sure they have a lot of players on their radar.” Despite the uncertainty, McKenna remains confident about finding a new club. He shared with the Press and Journal, “It is the first time I have been in this situation. It is a bit strange. You are training yourself and trying to keep fit when other teams are back on pre-season. The season will start for different leagues in the next week or two. I just need to trust the process and I’m sure something will come up in the next few weeks.”
Yunus Akgün has returned to Galatasaray after spending last season on loan at Leicester City. According to the latest edition of Gazzetta dello Sport, Hellas Verona is now eyeing the 24-year-old as a potential addition to strengthen their squad this summer.
The Serie A club is actively seeking new attackers, with their target list including the former Leicester player and Boavista’s Róbert Boženík. Regarding Akgün, it is reported that Hellas Verona is in ongoing discussions, likely with Galatasaray, to secure his transfer. At Leicester, Akgün was versatile, playing as an attacking midfielder, winger, and even centrally, under Enzo Maresca. He recorded two goals and three assists in 29 appearances across all competitions for the Foxes.
Galatasaray’s official website revealed that Leicester paid a €500,000 loan fee with an option to buy Akgün for €9 million, which they did not exercise. The current report suggests that Hellas Verona could acquire him on loan with a €5 million purchase clause. However, Galatasaray insists that this clause be mandatory, creating a sticking point in the negotiations between the two clubs.
Essentially, Akgün is available for a €5 million permanent transfer, but the final purchase and its financial impact would be deferred for a year.
Former Rangers and Hearts captain Lee Wallace has made a surprising return to Tynecastle, accepting a new coaching role within the club’s academy set-up, 13 years after leaving as a player. Wallace, a Hearts academy graduate who made his senior debut for the club in 2004 and played 193 matches in maroon, now returns as the assistant coach for Hearts’ under-18 team. His career included significant stints at Rangers and Queens Park Rangers, with notable achievements such as captaining Rangers from 2015 to 2018. Despite a controversial end to his time at Rangers, Wallace’s passion for coaching has been evident, leading to his new role at Hearts where he aims to develop young talent and make a positive impact on the academy.
Arsenal joins Chelsea in the pursuit of an English player who recorded six goals and 10 assists last season. The 24-year-old had an impressive season […]
Southampton is preparing a bid for Norwich City winger Abu Kamara, who has also been linked to a re-signing by Portsmouth FC this summer. However, […]
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