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The 2025 MLB All-Star Game came to an exhilirating end as the tie game came down to a swing-off between three hitters each from the National League and American League. Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber led the NL to the win, as he hit home runs on all three of his swings during the swing-off to earn the victory.

The ending was thrilling and a great way to cap off the game, but the primary complaint was that the swing-off did not feature all of the biggest stars of the All-Star Game. Since many of the starters of the game play a few innings and then leave the ballpark midgame to get home, the top stars were not available for the swing-off, which turned out to be an unexpected success for the game.

The participants for a potential swing-off are also submitted in the days prior to the All-Star Game, so managers Aaron Boone and Dave Roberts did not plan for players like Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani to get involved in the event of the swing-off.

MLB insider Jeff Passan called out the absence of these stars for the swing-off after the game on X.

Passan posted, "What is: Brent Rooker, Jonathan Aranda, Randy Arozarena vs. Pete Alonso, Kyle Schwarber, Kyle Stowers. What could have been: Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. vs. Shohei Ohtani, Pete Alonso, Kyle Schwarber."

Athletics All-Star Brent Rooker, who hit two home runs in the swing-off, replied to Passan on X, tweeting, "Am I not good enough for you Jeff."

Rooker soon clarified he was merely joking. He commented, "(Guys I like Jeff I’m not actually mad I would pick Aaron, Cal and Vladdy over me too)."

Passan also got in on the joke, commenting on Rooker's reply, "Own that loser."

Though the swing-off might have been more exciting had players like Judge, Ohtani, and Cal Raleigh been available to compete, the All-Star Game still featured an ending that reinvigorated excitement for the Midsummer Classic, even with Rooker leading the charge for the AL.

West Indies captain Shai Hope led a batting turnaround that helped his side win by 16 runs against Bangladesh in the first T20I in Chattogram. Hope and Rovman Powell, playing his 100th T20I, put together a late burst of sixes to help the visitors to 165 for 3. In reply, Bangladesh crashed to 42 for 4 in the powerplay, and were bowled out for 149.Jason Holder and Jayden Seales took three wickets each, while Akeal Hosein picked up two in the powerplay.It was, however, Hope and Powell’s unbroken 83-run stand for the fourth wicket that set up victory. Hope scored an unbeaten 46 off 28 balls with a four and four sixes. Powell had similar numbers, facing 28 balls, hitting four sixes and a four, and ending up unbeaten on 44.

Nasum keeps WI quiet

Bangladesh began well with the ball. They rallied around Nasum Ahmed’s four overs. He went wicketless but the left-arm spinner kept West Indies quiet, conceding just 15 runs in his quota. Openers Brandon King and Alick Athanaze only hit a six each though they stuck around for 8.2 overs. Rishad Hossain bowled Athanaze for 34, when the batter missed a reverse sweep. Taskin Ahmed then removed King, caught at deep square leg for 33.Taskin followed up with the wicket of Sherfane Rutherford, whose Bangladesh ordeal continued. This time, he fell first ball, caught behind. Although Hope struck couple of sixes at this stage, West Indies couldn’t quite push the scoring rate. Nasum finished off his spell with another stingy over, the 15th.

Hope, Powell roar in the end

Hope then went after Rishad with two sixes, but with three over remaining, the visitors looked well short of a decent total. Hope cracked a Taskin half-volley for his fourth six to start the 18th over. Powell, meanwhile, finally middled one with seven balls remaining in the innings.Rovman Powell helped revive West Indies’ innings•AFP/Getty Images

He slog-swept Mustafizur Rahman for a 102m six, before creaming Tanzim Hasan for three consecutive sixes in the last over. He hammered Tanzim’s full-toss, before going straight for the next two. West Indies picked up 51 runs in the last three overs, changing the complexion of the contest.

Bangladesh crash in the powerplay

Bangladesh came out all guns blazing in their pursuit of 166 runs. Tanzid Hasan was going at a shot-a-ball but he lasted just five balls, with Romario Shepherd taking a stunning catch running back from mid-on. Litton Das then played a soft shot as Akeal Hosein got the ball to stop on the Bangladesh captain. Caught in two minds, Litton popped back a return catch, with Hosein taking it blind behind the non-striker standing next to him.Hosein then had Saif Hassan caught at short fine leg in the next over, attempting a sweep. When Holder removed Shamim Hossain in the fifth over – clipping off his off-bail – West Indies had made significant progress, with Bangladesh’s last pair of specialist batters at the crease by the end of the powerplay.

Tanzim, Nasum make late effort

The hosts continued to slide when Khary Pierre bowled Nurul Hasan off the inside edge in the ninth over. Towhid Hridoy joined the procession when he fell to Seales in the 12th over. He struck just two fours in his 28 off 25 balls.Tanzim Hasan then struck a six and three fours in his 33 off 27 balls, to keep Bangladesh’s hopes alive. He added 40 runs for the seventh wicket with Nasum, before Holder had him caught at deep point in the 16th over. Nasum kept the fire burning with another boundary, but Seales made him his third wicket in the following over.Holder then snuffed out the threat of Rishad, who miscued one to long-off. The innings ended when Taskin stepped on the stumps in the final over, having sent Holder sailing out of the ground in the 18th.

The USMNT are playing some of their best soccer under Pochettino, but the focus stays on the bigger picture as Uruguay offers their toughest test yet on the road to the 2026 World Cup.

TAMPA, Fla. – Vibes are high around the U.S. Men's National Team – and rightly so. Saturday’s win over Paraguay capped a run of three wins in four, the kind of stretch that finally makes Pochettino’s months of “trust the plan” messaging feel real. For the first time in a while, the U.S. look like a team with purpose. Things are, at long last, falling into place.

But Pochettino didn’t craft this plan to peak in a November friendly. He built it for the World Cup. These results are encouraging, sure, but they only represent a small step toward where the U.S. need to be. Even as this group carries real momentum into a showdown with Uruguay, Pochettino is clear: the blueprint stays the course — praise, criticism, and everything in between.

"Now, we are adapting," Pochettino said Monday. "We need to improve a lot. It's not that we are now so good and we are now so happy. No, I think that we have settled. We are changing the mindset, and I think that is working and, for sure, we're going to have time to arrive at the World Cup in the best condition."

Pochettino, funnily enough, continued the wave metaphor on his own. 

"You keep going with the project, because it's not easy to change in the middle of it," he said. "You don't change the captain in the middle of the storm. No, you give confidence."

With that confidence, the U.S. are now preparing to face Uruguay, one of the toughest opponents on their schedule. Yes, this fall has been a gauntlet of World Cup-bound teams: South Korea, Japan, Ecuador, Australia, and most recently, Paraguay. Uruguay, though, are a different beast.

"Games are games, and we saw their game in Mexico," Pochettino said. "It was a tight game again between two very good teams. For us, it's another challenge, completely different from Paraguay. It's a good challenge…. All of these teams were playing qualification now, and it's a moment for them to try different things or give an opportunity for different players. We are not playing official games. In the last year, everyone says we've been playing friendly games, but they're not for us."

GOAL takes a look at five keys to Tuesday's match against

Getty ImagesCan Gio go again?

Following the win over Paraguay, Reyna said he was somewhere between "80-85 percent" when asked about his fitness. What does that mean, then, for this game? Is he in a position to play more minutes against Uruguay?

Realistically, it’s unlikely Reyna will play a big role. Given his workload not just over the last few months but the last few years, it would seem a bit risky to start him again, given the turnaround. Managing his workload is key, and overworking him could have major consequences. Because of that, the best move would likely be to give Reyna a cameo, if anything.

So what does that leave? In the attacking midfield spots, Pochettino could turn to Real Salt Lake's Diego Luna, who did well off the bench last game. He could stick with Brenden Aaronson, who, after going through English soccer's meatgrinder, isn't a stranger to short turnarounds. Or he could roll with two strikers, putting either Ricardo Pepi or Haji Wright into the fray. There are options there.

Speaking of strikers…

AdvertisementGettyThe No. 9 spot

Folarin Balogun has now scored in three consecutive USMNT starts – will he get a chance to make it four on Tuesday?

Balogun is one of three strikers in the USMNT camp alongside Haji Wright and Ricardo Pepi. What was once a significant weakness for this USMNT is now a significant strength as Pochettino now has three strikers at his disposal with legitimate arguments to start. All three are scoring goals in recent appearances for club and country, so choosing between them isn't particularly easy.

Pochettino has generally rotated, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see a name other than Balogun on the team sheet. Pepi, though, is still building fitness, which is something Pochettino pointed out ahead of the Paraguay game. That didn't stop him from featuring in that game, although he did end up missing a chance that, when fit, he'd bury 100 times out of 100.

As for Wright, he's been the Championship's best striker and is coming off two goals against Australia. He, too, will feel like he's made a good argument to start this game, which will be a significant test and a significant chance to prove himself.

Whoever plays will have to face off with some wily veteran defenders in the Uruguay team, with the team starting Athletico Madrid's José María Giménez and Flamengo's Guillermo Varela against Mexico on Saturday. Because of that, it's the type of match that could see one of these three really shake up the striker picture with a goal or two.

Getty Images SportRevenge game, or just a big test?

Uruguay weren't the reason that the USMNT went out at the Copa America, but they were the final nail in the coffin. That loss doomed the U.S., and the Gregg Berhalter era, last summer, effectively kickstarting the Pochettino era.

So, for those still in the squad, this might feel like something of a revenge game. At the very least, it is a chance to compete against one of the better teams out there.

In the latest FIFA rankings, Uruguay sit 15th in the world, with the USMNT just one spot behind them and in a strong run of form. For those who weren’t part of last summer’s Copa América squad, this still offers a clear measuring stick – a chance to test themselves against a top-tier opponent they could easily see again in a future tournament.

This Uruguay team, like the USMNT, will be missing some key players. Darwin Nunez, Federico Valverde, and Lucas Torreira, all mainstays, are among those out. There are, though, familiar faces, players like Manchester United's Manuel Ugarte, Tottenham's Rodrigo Bentancur,  Gimenez, and Barcelona's Ronald Araujo. This is, unquestionably, a talented team, one managed by an all-time great in Marcelo Bielsa that Pochettino knows well. Tanner Tessmann, who wasn't on last year's Copa America team, is eager to see how the U.S. line up against one of the world's best. 

"Ball's ball," said Tessmann. "Playing against everybody, at the end of the day, you have to play to a certain standard, no matter who you're playing against. I've had big wins, but I've had big losses against teams that we should have never lost to, and it's because we didn't go out and compete and play to a certain standard. 

"I think the United States can play with any national team and play against anybody, and I think a lot of players in their club teams do the same. They play against top teams and top players, so I think it's just about knowing that you have to bring a certain standard and play against whoever's in front of you."

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Getty Images SportThe Bielsa effect

Bielsa is a legendary figure in the sport – so much so that Pochettino is among the many Argentines who idolize him. The USMNT boss played under Uruguay’s current manager at Newell’s Old Boys from 1990 to 1992, and that admiration has endured ever since.

"I know what it means to play for him and I know what it means to play against him," Pochettino said. "It's going to be tough, for sure. It's going to be a game that is going to be really tough, but at the same time, I want to enjoy it because it's a possibility to see and share time. 

"When I was 30 or 35, I don't know who could have told me that I was going to face Marcelo Bielsa with the USA and Uruguay. I think it's fantastic. In some ways, we are going to suffer [in Tuesday's match], but in some ways, we are going to enjoy."

For those unfamiliar with Bielsa, it's important to note that he's nicknamed 'El Loco' for a reason. He's a meticulous planner, one who drives a culture of preparation and, ultimately, loyalty. His teams are always difficult to play against, and when you combine that with the famous Uruguayan spirit, you have a national team that will always fight for every inch.

How will the U.S. combat that? Given their own penchant for scrapping recently, it's clear they won't back down from the challenge. It'll be a fun clash, then, between Bielsa and Pochettino, two of the finest managers Argentina has ever produced.

Starting in 2027, Major League Soccer will transition from its current calendar-year schedule to a summer-to-spring format, aligning with top international leagues. The move has caused much discussion, but United States national team boss Mauricio Pochettino has thrown his full support behind the move, saying it's a great step forward for the game in America.

• MLS making switch to align with Europe

  The new 2027-28 regular season will kick off in mid-to-late July 2027 and conclude with the MLS Cup in late May 2028, with a lengthy mid-winter break from mid-December until early February. Before the full switch, a transitional mini-season will run from February to May 2027, featuring 14 games to determine qualification for other tournaments, including the US Open Cup and Leagues Cup. This historic shift aims to improve global competitiveness, enhance transfer market opportunities, and ensure the MLS Cup Playoffs do not compete with the NFL and college football seasons. The decision was approved by the league's Board of Governors. While owners and fans anticipate the benefits, the league is also addressing potential challenges, such as winter weather, for northern teams. 

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  Pochettino expresses support

  Pochettino said: "For sure this is a great step forward for MLS to be on par with the top leagues in the world. Having managed club teams and now the US National Team, the ability to align with the international calendar will have a huge positive impact for the players, coaches and clubs. This also extends beyond the senior national teams; it will allow us to have access to the youth national team players during critical periods of international competition, further advancing their development."

  The former Spurs and Chelsea boss added: "My reaction is: well done. Congratulations, fantastic, I think great decision. What we can do from my personal view and the (US soccer) federation is to show our support. It’s a great decision. I think it’s going to be good for MLS, good for soccer in the US and I agree with the decision. I’m happy because, with me here or not, I think it’s a good decision for soccer. The feeling is going to be like were competing here in the U.S. like we are in Europe, that is always the reference. We are in a process to evolve and develop. The best way to grow in the sport is to see the principal leagues [in the world], how they act and how they are doing things."

• MLS chief explains switch

  MLS Commissioner Don Garber hailed it as a landmark moment for MLS, saying: "The calendar shift is one of the most important decisions in our history. Aligning our schedule with the world’s top leagues will strengthen our clubs’ global competitiveness, create better opportunities in the transfer market, and ensure our Audi MLS Cup Playoffs take centre stage without interruption. It marks the start of a new era for our league and for soccer in North America."

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  Potential pitfalls of switching calendar

  Switching to a summer-to-spring calendar creates significant problems for MLS, primarily in dealing with frigid weather and managing player relationships. Teams in northern markets will face lower attendance and tougher conditions for games and training during the winter months, despite the planned break. This move also risks disputes with the MLS Players Association over the length of the off-season and changes to existing player contracts. While the switch aligns with the global transfer market, it presents logistical challenges for a league covering a vast and climatically diverse area.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras praticamente terminou seu ano em outubro, e apesar dos dois títulos no início do ano, fez uma temporada muito decepcionante para as atuais pretensões do clube.

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+ Veja tabela da Libertadores-2023 clicando aqui

Com um elenco muito enfraquecido desde o início de temporada, Abel só foi perdendo jogadores, a diretoria não trouxe ninguém, e a base não foi usada como deveria.

Quando apontávamos investimentos de outros clubes que deram muito resultado neste segundo semestre, o deboche e prepotência mostravam um ar de quem acha que está certo até quando está errado.

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No banco de reservas, Abel Ferreira abraçou uma escalação que pouco deu resultado desde a lesão de Dudu, e a teimosia de não dar mais oportunidades pra garotada ficou nítida na eliminação para o Boca.

A arrogância do treinador nas últimas coletivas também demonstra que ele não sabe perder e que está muito pouco preocupado em criar um ambiente democrático e de diálogo dentro do clube.

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O Palmeiras vive hoje trancado dentro do seu CT, afastado do seu povo, e quem toma as decisões não suporta ser questionado, seja quem escala ou quem está no cargo máximo dentro do clube.

Eu já cansei de ficar defendendo o trabalho a todo custo por conta de um passado recente de sucesso. Os oito títulos nos últimos três anos não podem fazer com que personagens fiquem maior que o clube.

+ Cinco motivos que explicam a queda do Palmeiras na Libertadores!

Dificilmente esse time terá forças para brigar pelo Brasileiro e o primeiro passo para construir um 2024 com mais humildade e pé no chão, é admitir que a briga agora é pelo G-4.

Teun Koopmeiners says he can be himself and "feels much better" at Juventus after Luciano Spalletti’s arrival, with the Dutch midfielder taking subtle aim at former coaches Thiago Motta and Igor Tudor for using him out of position. Now operating deeper and with greater freedom, Koopmeiners has rediscovered his confidence and influence as Juve look to regain momentum.

Spalletti unlocks Koopmeiners’ identity at Juventus

The Dutch international has spoken openly about the transformation he has experienced under new Juve coach Spalletti, claiming that he "now can be Koopmeiners," after months of tactical uncertainty. The Dutchman, signed from Atalanta for €51 million in the summer of 2024, struggled to find rhythm, consistency and tactical clarity during a turbulent spell under Motta and later Tudor.

Across his first 57 matches at the club, Koopmeiners was deployed in a range of roles, attacking midfielder, inverted winger, false nine, box-to-box profile, and even as a forward playing with his back to goal. None of these positions suited the deeper, rhythm-setting midfielder he was known to be both at AZ and Atalanta.

For him, everything shifted with Spalletti's recent arrival, as the veteran manager held a direct conversation with him about his preferred positioning and the attributes that allow him to dictate matches. In response, Spalletti redeployed Koopmeiners as a deeper, left-sided centre-back in a back three, a role that grants him time on the ball, space to step forward in possession, and influence in Juventus’ first phase of build-up.

The change has not only stabilised Koopmeiners’ performances but has also altered Juventus’ structure. Juve’s 1-1 Champions League draw against Sporting CP, where Koopmeiners’ incisive vertical pass triggered Dusan Vlahovic’s equaliser, highlighted the immediate benefits of the positional adjustment.

AdvertisementAFPKoopmeiners speaks out on Motta and Tudor misfits

Koopmeiners made little effort to disguise his frustration with how he had been used previously. Speaking after the draw with Sporting, their second under Spalletti, he admitted: “I feel much better in this position, because I'm not a striker who plays with my back to the goal like I did at the start of this season.”

He continued, pointing clearly toward the tactical disputes of recent months: “For example, when I played like [Francisco] Conceicao against Villarreal… well, that's not me.”

The message was unmistakable, the roles assigned under Motta and Tudor pulled him far from the areas where his strengths lie. The Dutchman further explained that he had taken initiative to make changes: “Coach Spalletti knows me because I spoke to him about when I played in Netherlands and in this role.”

Deep-lying playmaker meets defensive backbone

Under Spalletti, Koopmeiners now operates at left centre-back in a back three, where he defends proactively but also initiates Juventus’ progression. He describes it as the ideal blend of responsibility and expression. 

"Now I play in a role where I can demonstrate my qualities and help the team," he said. "It's true that in some games I thought: 'This role isn't for me.' I've always played to win, but when you don't play in your position, it's much more difficult. Now, however, I feel much better; this is a role that could truly be Koopmeiners."

The Dutchman acts as both a defensive wall and a launch point, his pass that unlocked Sporting’s back line for Vlahovic’s finish illustrated this perfectly. The shift also reflects Spalletti’s broader dressing-room influence, as Koopmeiners highlighted this positive change: “With Spalletti, there's a different way of coming onto the pitch, a new positive spirit.”

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Getty Images SportJuve prepare for Turin derby and Champions League tests

Juventus’ draw with Sporting means their winless run in the Champions League continues, with three draws and one defeat leaving qualification still far from secure. However, the renewed identity under Spalletti offers cautious optimism, especially if Koopmeiners continues to influence play from his new role.

Up next is the Derby della Mole against Torino, a match that historically carries emotional significance regardless of form. Juve remain four points off the top in Serie A and must build domestic momentum to remain part of the Scudetto conversation.

In Europe, they will next face Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt, where a win is required to revive their progression hopes. If the “real Koopmeiners” has indeed finally arrived, Juventus’ season may yet take an upward turn, and Spalletti’s tactical clarity could be the key to unlocking far more than one revived midfielder.

Liverpool have been dealt a blow in their attempts to sign Marc Guehi as Crystal Palace reportedly plan to sell the defender in January, amid interest from Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. The England international was on the verge of joining the Reds in the summer, only for the Eagles to pull the plug at the last minute as they struggled to sign a replacement in time.

• Getty
  

  Palace want to build on excellent start by selling Guehi in January

  According to a new report from Palace are looking to cash in on Guehi when the transfer window reopens in less than three months’ time. The report claims that while Oliver Glasner’s side were initially happy to allow the centre-back to run down a contract which expires next summer, the club are now looking to capitalise on their excellent start to the 2025-26 season by giving their manager money to spend in January. Palace are currently sixth in the Premier League table, with their only defeat coming against Everton in a result which ended a remarkable 19-game unbeaten run in all competitions. The club lifted both the FA Cup and Community Shield in that time, while they also got their Conference League campaign under way with victory over Dynamo Kiev on October 2.

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• Heavyweights Barca, Bayern and Real all keen to sign Guehi

  The sudden change in Palace’s stance means Liverpool are reportedly no longer the frontrunners to land Guehi. La Liga giants Barcelona and Real – along with Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern – are all in touch with the former Chelsea’s man camp as they look to secure his signature. The report claims that Palace will not sanction a cut-price deal, however, despite Guehi having the option to negotiate a free transfer in January, when he will have just six months remaining on his current terms.

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  Liverpool could turn to Dortmund's Schlotterbeck as Guehi alternative

  Should Liverpool feel a move for Guehi is no longer on the cards, the report concludes by claiming the club are also interested in Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck. Arne Slot’s side reportedly view the 25-year-old as a possible long-term replacement for captain Virgin van Dijk, who turns 35 next July. Liverpool are also keen to sign a new centre-back amid uncertainty over the future of Ibrahima Konate, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season, while summer recruit Giovanni Leoni will be sidelined for a year after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL) in the Carabao Cup victory over Southampton in September.

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• Palace boss Glasner confirms Guehi will not sign a new contract

  Speaking ahead of Palace’s league clash against Bournemouth on Saturday, Palace boss Glasner confirmed Guehi will not sign a new contract with the club, saying: "I think Marc has already told us that he doesn't sign a new contract, so he will leave next year.

  “The club wanted [him to stay]. They offered Marc a new contract. But he said, 'no, I want to make something different'. And that's normal. And for us, it's how we can deal with this situation? [What] is the best way to get this next step done? And that's all about how we are talking together."

  Glasner’s comments came after Palace chairman Steve Parish opened up about the club’s decision to block Guehi's proposed move to Liverpool in the summer, telling "It's a difficult decision. It’s as simple as that these things are never black and white. I decided in the end that, based on the advice that I got and also with what I think, that we would have a better season if we kept Marc. We don't guess about these things.

  "If you look at it rationally, if you look at what is worth the place in the Premier League, the fact that we're in the Conference League for the first time in our history, this is a fairly unusual set of circumstances in which to keep a player. If we were fighting between the difference of 10th and 14th, if that was going to be the difference between keeping Marc and letting Marc go, then probably we would have said; 'Right, we should take the money’.”

Manchester United pushed the boat out during the summer transfer window and now seem to be planning on their next capture ahead of the market opening for business again in January.

Manchester United set to offload Andre Onana on loan

The English transfer window is now closed and Ruben Amorim will need to work with the players at his disposal for the time being, though he is in the process of sanctioning a departure that could be announced imminently.

Fabrizio Romano has reported on X that Andre Onana is set to leave on loan to join Trabzonspor, in a deal that will contain no loan fee or option to buy the player once his agreement comes to an end.

Concern over Onana’s performances at Manchester United have existed for a long time and his exit will be seen as a timely one by many supporters.

High-profile errors and the weight of the number one jersey at Old Trafford have left the Cameroon international seeking a new challenge, especially after Senne Lammens’ £18.2 million arrival from Royal Antwerp.

Speaking about the realities of Onana’s situation, Roy Carroll has given his own account of the difficulties he faced when between the sticks at the Red Devils, claiming that mental toughness is key for Amorim’s chosen stopper moving forward.

He stated: “It’s not easy playing for Manchester United at the moment, but it was hard back then because everyone was expecting the new Peter Schmeichel.

“Even then, if you made a mistake, it was big news. You had to be mentally strong and that is still the case. But we are not robots; we are all human beings. It is not so much what you do on the pitch as what you do off it.”

With a change of the guard within Manchester United’s backline apparent, the next domino could be about to fall once the January window opens.

Manchester United plan to trigger Dani Vivian's release clause

Onana’s exit will leave Lammens between the sticks, and reports in Spain claim Manchester United could look to trigger Athletic Club defender Dani Vivian’s release clause in January, which stands at the £34.7 million mark.

Deemed similar to Dayot Upamecano by FBRef, Newcastle United and Aston Villa are also keen on the Spain international, who has made 152 appearances for Athletic Club, registering seven goals and two assists.

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Seen as a market opportunity due to his favourable value, Vivian has already won five tackles and made 16 recoveries in La Liga this term, per Fotmob, illustrating his capacity to sniff out dangerous opportunities.

Harry Maguire is into the final year of his Manchester United contract, prompting interest from Saudi Pro League clubs in a money-spinning move for the England international.

With the Red Devils’ veteran at risk of departing, Vivian could be a natural replacement if circumstances align at Old Trafford over the coming months.

Heading into today’s Premier League showdown with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Newcastle United found themselves winless from their opening three league fixtures.

Thankfully, that early-season curse has now been lifted as Eddie Howe’s Magpies just about got the better of the travelling Old Gold courtesy of a debut strike from £69m buy Nick Woltemade, who was thrust straight into action by the Toon boss.

Woltemade’s game-winning strike fell at the perfect time for the Tyneside hosts after Wolves had threatened with some early first-half efforts. Thankfully, while Vitor Pereira’s away side were wasteful, the home side were more clinical, with the ex-Stuttgart man heading home a teasing Jacob Murphy cross to break the deadlock.

Woltemade wasn’t the only inspired inclusion in Howe’s XI, however, as the 47-year-old reintroduced Joelinton back into the first team fold, who worked excellently alongside the duo of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali during the 1-0 victory.

Guimaraes and Tonali's relationship

Both Guimaraes and Tonali are solid first-team faces at this point, with both players in question starting every possible league game they can so far this season.

The Magpies’ number 39 wasn’t quite at his accurate best centrally with the ball at his feet, as seen in him relinquishing possession a near costly 19 times, but the forceful Newcastle captain did still make his presence known with six ground duels won during the tight win.

While Guimaraes wasn’t quite at his confident best roaming forward, his Italian counterpart was certainly lively in this capacity, with the energetic number eight even hitting the woodwork with one of his three efforts in a bid to make the victory more comprehensive.

With Joelinton also thrown back in the mix after injury, it must be rather easy for Howe to pick his midfield personnel when everyone is fit and firing, knowing he will get consistent greatness out of those at his disposal.

Other partnerships across the pitch will equally make Howe beam from ear to ear, with one duo, in particular, standing out once more against Wolves to now stake a claim at being even more important than the aforementioned duo of Guimaraes and Tonali.

Trippier & Murphy are looking like Howe's "best" pairing

Woltemade will hope, in time, that he can form a partnership that is held in high regard at St James’ Park, with Alexander Isak once bouncing off the likes of Anthony Gordon for fun, before he exited the building for Liverpool.

Newcastle’s right-hand side clearly boasts a healthy working relationship based on the 1-0 win, as both Kieran Trippier and Murphy worked together in harmony throughout to guide Howe’s men to a much-needed three points.

Trippier + Murphy Stats

Stat

Trippier

Murphy

Minutes played

90

89

Goals scored

0

0

Assists

0

1

Touches

96

51

Shots

0

4

Accurate passes

53/68 (78%)

17/26 (65%)

Key passes

5

1

Successful dribbles

0/0

2/3

Total duels won

4/6

3/5

Stats by Sofascore

Between them down the right-hand side, both Trippier and Murphy would amass a whopping six key passes from their combined 147 touches of the ball, with the right winger ultimately picking up the assist that saw Woltemade break his Magpies duck to hand Howe’s men a win.

But, away from their constant creativity, both the hard-working number two and the number 23 also won their fair share of duels to keep Wolves at bay, with a combined duels won count of seven come the full-time whistle.

This split-second ability to create, but also fight for their team’s cause, certainly puts them on the same pedestal as Guimaraes and Tonali, with journalist Craig Hope stating during the match that they make a “big difference” when together on the pitch, as the pair have the “best” understanding as a partnership.

This is high praise, indeed, with Murphy hopeful he can remain a part of Howe’s first team plans, even with Anthony Elanga breathing down his neck as a new £55m recruit.

Trippier, despite being 34 years of age, will also hope he has plenty more first-team minutes heading his direction, as Newcastle tries to build on these three points against Pereira’s visitors, with a Champions League humdinger against Barcelona next on the menu.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Sep 13, 2025

A “fantastic” Liverpool player appears to be edging closer to sealing a move away from the club before the summer transfer window slams shut.

Isak and Guehi getting closer to Liverpool

The Reds’ summer got off to such an exciting start, not least because Florian Wirtz joined in a record-breaking move from Bayer Leverkusen, but there has been a feeling that the Premier League champions need to sign both Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi to make it a truly memorable window.

While there is work to do in that respect, it increasingly looks as though the Premier League pair could both be heading to Anfield, with positive progress made.

Firstly, Newcastle United are signing VfB Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade, as well as retaining an interest in Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, meaning a second offer for Isak from Liverpool is more likely to be accepted.

Meanwhile, the Reds have reportedly submitted a £40m offer for Guehi, following his appearance for Crystal Palace in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday evening, with the England international considered an ideal centre-back addition.

"Fantastic" Liverpool ace close to leaving

Now, according to various reports, Kostas Tsimikas is now close to sealing a loan move from Liverpool to Roma, with the transfer seemingly in its final stages and “one step away”. This comes after Gazzetta dello Sport [via Sport Witness] reported that the Greek was pushing for a move away from Anfield this summer.

This feels like a good outcome for all parties for now, prior to a likely permanent exit next summer, with Tsimikas unlikely to play much for Liverpool this season.

Kostas Tsimikas’ trophy wins at Liverpool

2025

Premier League

2025

FA Cup

2022

EFL Cup

2024

EFL Cup

2022

Community Shield

2022

Milos Kerkez’s arrival has pushed him further down the left-back pecking order, so barring injury woes in that position, opportunities will be limited.

Tsimikas has been a good servant for Liverpool, making himself a hero by scoring the winning penalty in the 2022 FA Cup final shootout victory over Chelsea, and being called “fantastic” by journalist Ian Doyle, but he has never quite felt like a genuinely excellent option.

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Posts ByCallum Kemp Aug 28, 2025

That’s not to say he hasn’t performed well at times, keeping the pressure on Andy Robertson, but his time at Anfield should be reaching its natural conclusion.