Piero Hincapié (Bayer Leverkusen)
Summer 2025
Real Madrid may turn to Piero Hincapié if they miss out on Saliba. The Ecuadorian has a €60m clause but could be available for around €40m.
With defensive injuries piling up, Madrid value Hincapié’s versatility. Xabi Alonso, who may take over as manager, is a known admirer.
Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur > Atletico Madrid)
Summer 2025
Atletico Madrid are set to sign Cristian Romero for €60m on a contract until 2030.
After a tough season at Spurs, the Argentina international is ready for a fresh start. The deal is near completion, marking a defensive upgrade for Atletico.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Besiktas), Manchester United
May 2025
Ex-Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says it’s painful to see his former club struggling in 15th place under Ruben Amorim, adding that watching the team “is never easy” as it still feels like “family.”
Now managing Turkish side Besiktas, Solskjaer spoke ahead of his clash with José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, reflecting on his affection for United and how Besiktas’ values reminded him of his Old Trafford days.
Chelsea vs Liverpool
May 2025
Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Liverpool showcased the long-awaited synergy of their £279m midfield trio — Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, and Romeo Lavia — who started together for only the sixth time but dominated a weakened Liverpool midfield.
Enzo opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, Lavia commanded the middle until subbed, and Caicedo’s late surge earned a penalty for Palmer’s third. With Champions League qualification and a possible Conference League final ahead, Chelsea’s midfield resurgence may yet salvage their season.
Denver Nuggets
May 2025
After firing coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth near season’s end, the Nuggets stormed back to defeat the Clippers 120-101 in Game 7, showcasing a deep team performance that echoed their 2023 championship run.
Despite Jokic’s quiet night (16 pts), Denver’s bench — led by Braun and Westbrook — overwhelmed LA, with six players scoring double digits. Westbrook hit 42% from 3, exploiting defensive gaps. The Nuggets now face the Thunder in Round 2.
Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs)
May 2025
Legendary coach Gregg Popovich has officially stepped down as head coach of the Spurs, transitioning to a full-time president of basketball operations role after health setbacks and nearly three decades on the bench.
Popovich, 76, cited the physical demands of coaching and his recent stroke as reasons for the move. Mitch Johnson, interim coach since November, will now take over permanently, continuing Popovich’s legacy with the team.
Gary Payton II (Golden State Warriors)
May 2025
Warriors guard Gary Payton II will miss the decisive Game 7 against the Houston Rockets due to severe illness, with coach Steve Kerr confirming he hasn’t eaten or joined team activities.
Payton started Game 6 and was key off the bench earlier in the series, but his absence will force Kerr to rethink lineup combinations, potentially opening minutes for multiple role players.
Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)
May 2025
Jamie Vardy momentarily halted a Premier League match by blowing the referee’s whistle himself, allowing injured debutant referee David Webb to receive treatment after pulling up just 20 minutes into the game.
With Webb unable to continue and play ongoing, Vardy took charge in a light-hearted but vital moment to stop the game, showcasing sportsmanship in what could be one of his final top-flight appearances.
William Saliba (Arsenal)
May 2025
Mikel Arteta is confident William Saliba will commit to a new contract despite Real Madrid’s reported interest, affirming the defender is happy at Arsenal and wants to stay long-term.
While talks of renewal will be handled by new sporting director Andrea Berta, Arteta has already spoken with Saliba and confirmed his desire to remain in north London, with his current deal running until 2027.
Axel Tape (Paris Saint-Germain)
Summer 2025
PSG centre-back Axel Tape is open to joining Bayer Leverkusen as a free agent, despite Premier League interest, seeing Germany as ideal for his development.
The 17-year-old was impressed by Leverkusen’s sporting director during video talks and views the club as a strong environment for long-term growth.
