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Liverpool will be reminded of the Premier League's multi-ball rules after multiple breaches of the system during their late loss to Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday. The rules on how balls are given to players after going out of play changed in 2022, with ball boys and girls no longer allowed to throw them to players, as they are instead positioned on cones, with stars expected to pick them up themselves.

• Liverpool to be reminded over rules

  Per the , the Premier League are set to speak with Liverpool to remind them of the nature of the multi-ball rules in fixtures played under their banner. In 2022, rules were changed, meaning that players are now expected to pick the ball up themselves, instead of waiting for ball boys or girls to throw it to them. However, after Harry Maguire scored a late goal for United at Anfield to give Ruben Amorim's side a 2-1 lead, which they would not surrender, the ball attendants repeatedly threw them to players in a bid to restart play quickly. 

  The rule also precludes staff from picking up the ball and throwing it to a player, something that Reds manager Arne Slot was guilty of as time ticked down. Liverpool have now lost four games in a row, sparking what could be fairly termed as a crisis on Merseyside.

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  Precedent exists for punishment

  A precedent was established in August after Aston Villa were found guilty of breaking the regulations, and were fined £125,000. They accepted that last season they had ignored the rules on no fewer five occasions. As well as ball staff throwing the ball to players, they were also alleged to have thrown another ball onto the pitch while the opposition goalkeeper was in possession of the match ball on the pitch. The report makes it clear that Liverpool do not expect a fine after one example of failing to abide by the rules, but they do expect to be reminded of their responsibilities towards them. United, for their part, did not actually make a complaint, although the Red Devils were said to be surprised that it went unchecked during the game. As a result of the ban, Villa were also suspended from using the multi-ball system in three games. 

• Liverpool's dismal form

  The Reds have endured a dismal run under Arne Slot's management and have now gone four games in all competitions without a win. Not just that, they have been beaten by Crystal Palace, Chelsea, and United in the league, and by Galatasaray in the Champions League. The Reds have not endured such a run since 2014 under Brendan Rodgers, and have not lost five games in a row since September of 1953. 

  Slot bemoaned his side's bad luck after the final whistle, while taking a jab at United, telling reporters: "It's always difficult to play against a team that defends in a low block, that mainly plays a long ball but it makes it even more difficult if you go 1-0 down after one minute after a player of ours is on the floor.

  "I think if you would have told me before the game, against a low block and against a team that plays so many long balls, that we would have created as many chances as we did – I would not have expected us to lose this game.

  "I think people forget how many chances we had when we were 1-0 down in the first half because when you're 1-0 down it's quite normal that people focus on the ball you play wrong or a moment where you could have played forward and you don't."

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  What comes next for Liverpool?

  Liverpool's next fixture comes against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League as the Reds attempt to wrestle back some control over their fate. Slot will be desperate to avoid a fifth successive defeat. The Reds won their opening European encounter, beating Atletico Madrid 3-2 at Anfield, before their defeat to Galatasaray. After their continental trip, they face Brentford away from home this weekend. 

Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany heaped praise on Lennart Karl on Tuesday, explaining his diminutive stature makes it difficult for defenders to get close to him. Kompany also acknowledged Karl's "relaxed attitude" as one of the keys to his dramatic rise. The 17-year-old has made 10 appearances for the Bavarian giants this season and has scored in back-to-back games, setting up a few records.

• Karl's stocks rising after Bayern breakthrough

  Karl has made rapid strides at Bayern Munich ever since he joined the club's youth academy as a promising 14-year-old in 2022. Last season, he made 26 appearances in all for Bayern's Under-17 and U19 outfits, scoring 32 goals and delivering 10 assists. His exquisite displays earned him a place in Bayern's squad for the Club World Cup over the summer, where he made his debut against Auckland City. 

  Ahead of the 2025-26 season, he was promoted to the first team and has made 10 appearances in total already, making three starts and aggregating 291 minutes of action – evidence that Kompany counts on the youngster to become an important piece of the rotational puzzle amid a demanding schedule. He became the youngest Bayern goal scorer in Champions League history last week, backing it up with his second-ever goal in the 3-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach to become the third-youngest goal scorer in club history in the Bundesliga. 

  Although his contract was renewed until 2028 earlier this summer, Bayern are set to reward the talented teenager with an automatic extension until 2029 on his 18th birthday on February 22, 2026. Per reports, he will also start earning a higher salary.

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  Kompany explains why Karl is so unique

  "Lennart Karl, as a young player, brought that magic with him: his relaxed attitude and his goals. That's all good for us," Kompany said at the pre-match press conference on Tuesday ahead of Bayern's second round clash against Koln in the DFB-Pokal on Wednesday.

  Asked what makes the teenager, who stands at 1.69m tall, so strong, Kompany said: "Shorter players often have a lot of power in their turns. It's tough for a defender to get close. They don't need a lot of space to cause danger. The key thing is how quickly they can get a shot away. I don't know if it's about size, but Lenni is able to get shots away quickly. Every good player in the Champions League is able to shoot half a second quicker than the others. I believe that makes the difference, not body size."

• Karl receiving praise from former Bayern legends

  Former Bayern Munich winger and club legend Arjen Robben has been tracking Karl's exploits, claiming that the young German is worthy of all the praise he is being lavished with. "Lennart Karl deserves the praise he received, he was superb," Robben told Bayern Munich's official website. "The lad should also enjoy it. The most important thing at that age is to keep focusing on the next game. You have to work on yourself every day and you can't think: 'I've played a great game now, everything's great'. You have to keep pushing yourself in training and not be satisfied with yourself. That's the difference in the really good players staying at the top for a long time. Getting to that point is one thing, but staying at the top is something else."

  Another Bayern legend monitoring Karl's progress at Sabener Street is Lothar Matthaus. In a recent column for , he wrote: "Can Karl follow the path Jamal Musiala took before him? The possibilities are always there; it's up to the player himself, and he needs a coach who trusts him. I think Kompany trusts him based on his recent performances and isn't worried about benching or substituting a seasoned player for him. And I believe Karl will get regular playing time because he's delivered when he's been on the pitch.

  "Karl will be deployed regularly. Vincent Kompany has slowly introduced Karl to the team, with brief appearances in the Bundesliga, the DFB Cup, and last week, his first full 90 minutes in the Champions League. Karl caused a sensation with his goals against Brugge and Gladbach, but he still needs to show up in training every day. He's ambitious and wants to develop – those are the basic requirements.

  "This presents a great opportunity for FC Bayern to integrate another player from the campus into the first team, after [Aleksandar] Pavlovic and [Josip] Stanisic, as Uli Hoeness has always wanted. I believe Karl can become an important player for Kompany, who just extended his contract until 2029."

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  Chelsea, Man City, and Arsenal keeping an eye on Karl

  Karl’s steady rise into the first team has not gone unnoticed, with several Premier League giants reportedly taking interest. According to , scouts from Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City have been tracking the teenage prodigy’s progress. Adding another layer of intrigue is his agent Michael Ballack’s connection to Chelsea, where he starred between 2006 and 2010.

  For the remainder of the season, the priority will be ensuring Karl’s continued development through consistent minutes off the bench and occasional starts. His versatility gives Kompany valuable rotation options, given his ability to play on both wings in the attack and also as an attacking midfielder in the No.10 role. Should his progress persist, a call-up to Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany squad for next year’s World Cup in the Americas may not be out of reach.

  “He’s a fantastic player. He’s not afraid to dribble. He just has to keep working hard, and he’ll have a great future ahead of him,” Kane told this past weekend. “Who knows? If he plays a bit more from now on and plays like he did [against Club Brugge], then he has a chance [of making it to Germany's squad for the 2026 World Cup]."

Graham Potter has been dismissed by West Ham after only nine months.

Former Chelsea boss Potter was relieved of his duties just two days out from West Ham’s match against Everton.

The Hammers faithful turned on Potter during last weekend’s defeat to Crystal Palace and the club’s owners have acted with West Ham on the hunt for a fourth manager during the last 18 months.

West Ham statement confirms five coaches to leave with Potter

A statement from the club read: “West Ham United can confirm that Head Coach Graham Potter has left the Club.

“Results and performances over the course of the second half of last season and the start of the 2025/26 season have not matched expectations, and the Board of Directors believe that a change is necessary in order to help improve the team’s position in the Premier League as soon as possible.

“The Club can confirm that Assistant Coach Bruno Saltor, First Team Coaches Billy Reid and Narcis Pelach, Lead Goalkeeper Coach Casper Ankergren, and Goalkeeper Coach Linus Kandolin have also left with immediate effect.

“The Board would like to thank Graham and his coaching staff for their hard work during their time with the Hammers and wish them every success for the future.

“The process of appointing a replacement is underway. The Club will be making no further comment at this time.”

The Hammers have been linked with Nuno Espirito Santo and Slaven Bilic as possible replacements.

The search for Rangers’ next manager is heating up and, as such, a new name has reportedly emerged as the “favourite” to take the vacant role at Ibrox.

Rangers manager update

Some may still be in shock at Rangers that it’s not set to be Steven Gerrard in the dugout when domestic football returns. The Liverpool legend looked destined to return to Ibrox, before dealing the 49ers their latest blow. Forced back to the drawing board after their top candidate cited bad timing for rejecting the job, the new owners have quite the task on their hands.

Given that the Gers already sit as many as nine points behind Celtic and 11 behind unexpected leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership, to say that they can’t afford to get things wrong with their next appointment would be an understatement.

So far, similar names to the summer as well as some new faces have emerged as candidates. Danny Rohl, for example, has reportedly been discussed once again, whilst the likes of Graham Potter and Raphael Wicky have been mentioned for the first time.

It’s a case of choosing experience or youthful exuberance for those at Ibrox. Rohl would be an exciting choice, but not the safest option in current circumstances amid his inexperience. Potter, meanwhile, has the experience but would also be coming in off the back of failing at both West Ham United and Chelsea.

Other options include Hearts boss Derek McInnes. For Rangers, if they can’t match the league leaders, then hiring their manager may be their next best option. Former Ibrox star Kris Boyd believes the ship has sailed on that front, however.

It may also be none of those aforementioned options, with fresh reports now indicating that another name has emerged as the “favourite” to take the Rangers job.

Kevin Muscat now "favourite" for Rangers job

As reported by talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, Kevin Muscat is now emerging as the “favourite” for the Rangers job, overtaking Rohl in the process. The 52-year-old is currently in charge of Shanghai Port, but may yet be on his way to Scotland.

Whether the Gers wait until the Chinese Super League season concludes on November 22 or target the manager right away is the big question. After such a poor start to the campaign, the Gers could certainly do with an immediate boost, but the ball may be in Muscat’s court on that front.

It’s also not the first time that Muscat has been linked with a move to Rangers. In previous years, the likes of Philippe Clement have beaten him to the job, but this time could finally be different.

Having won the Australian league twice and the Australian cup with Melbourne Victory, the Japanese league and Japanese Super Cup with Yokohama Marinos, and the Chinese league and cup with Shanghai Port, Muscat has won everywhere he has been. Now, Rangers could be next.

Ibrox should love him: Rangers hold talks to hire "insanely talented boss"

Rangers have held talks with a manager who could get Ibrox rocking once again.

By
Dan Emery

Oct 14, 2025

The favourite for the job has also worked as Ange Postecoglou’s assistant with Australia in the past and may yet hand the Gers similar success that his compatriot gave the Bhoys.

Matthijs de Ligt scored a 96th-minute equaliser as Manchester United managed to snag a 2-2 draw from their trip to Tottenham, snapping a run of four successive losses to Spurs. Thomas Frank's side trailed for much of the game but a late turnaround saw them close in on three points, only for Ruben Amorim's men to claw back at the very last and enact at least some sort of revenge after losing last season's Europa League final.

United went in front just after the half-hour mark. Spurs failed to clear their lines when playing inside their own box, and when the ball came back in courtesy of an Amad Diallo cross, Bryan Mbeumo slipped behind Pedro Porro to head in at the far post.

Tottenham nearly pulled level on the other side of half-time when Cristian Romero flicked on a Wilson Odobert cross, only for Senne Lammens made a fine save with his feet. Moments later, the Belgian threw up a strong hand to bat away a half-volley from Joao Palhinha.

Spurs had the ball in the net through Brennan Johnson but the flag was quickly raised for an obvious offside as the hosts continued to push for an equaliser. With only six minutes to go, United finally caved in. Odobert skipped past Manuel Ugarte with ease before teeing up Destiny Udogie to put in a low cross, which was received by Mathys Tel and finished on the swivel by the Frenchman.

What became a manic end to the game opened up for Benjamin Sesko to find a winner when slipped through by Mason Mount, but the Slovenian dawdled on the ball too long and was tackled at the last by Micky van de Ven. Sesko walked away from this challenge injured and had to hobble off, but as United had used all their substitutes, they had to finish the match with 10 players.

Entering six minutes of added time, Tottenham turned the game around completely. United couldn't clear from a Spurs corner, with the ball falling to Odobert on the edge of the box. The Frenchman curled an effort back in, which was flicked on by Richarlison and past a helpless Lammens.

Yet there was still time for one final twist. United won a corner, which sailed to the back post for De Ligt to nod over the line by a matter of inches and save a point. The result means both sides missed the chance to climb to second in the Premier League table before Manchester City's meeting with Liverpool on Sunday.

GOAL rates United's players from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Senne Lammens (7/10):

  Started off nervily by letting a pass from De Ligt roll under his foot and out for a corner but recovered well with a series of saves.

  Matthijs de Ligt (7/10):

  Had some early trouble watching Richarlison's marauding runs from the left, though the Dutchman quickly figured the Brazilian out in that regard. Saved the day with one of the most important headers of his United career.

  Harry Maguire (7/10):

  A rock at the back. Stifled Randal Kolo Muani before his half-time substitution and did the same to Richarlison afterwards. Withdrawn with a minor injury for Yoro. No surprise it all went to pot after his substitution.

  Luke Shaw (6/10):

  Protected by Dorgu so well that there was little on Shaw's plate to clean up, even despite Spurs seeing more of the ball.

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  Midfield

  Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):

  Didn't need to worry too much about Spurs' threats on his flanks given how inverted they were on that side. Substituted for Sesko.

  Casemiro (7/10):

  Didn't offer a lot in possession but swept up well when needed. Replaced by the fresh legs of Ugarte, whose introduction effectively cost United two points.

  Bruno Fernandes (7/10):

  One of few players on the entire pitch who enjoyed getting the ball on the floor and spreading play. Grabbed the assist for De Ligt's leveller, with his menacing playmaking rewarded at the very end.

  Patrick Dorgu (7/10): 

  One of his better outings since joining United in January. Nullified Spurs' threats coming down his side and stretched play when in possession. Subbed for Dalot with United protecting the lead.

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  Attack

  Amad Diallo (7/10):

  Bumped up into the frontline from the off after rescuing a point in last week's draw at Nottingham Forest. Came up with the cross for Mbeumo's goal before moving to wing-back after Sesko's introduction.

  Bryan Mbeumo (7/10):

  Began on the left to accommodate Amad on the right. Was the subject of interest from Tottenham and former boss Frank over the summer, but only wanted United and it's a decision that is already paying dividends. Peeled away from Porro to break the deadlock and extend his fine run of form.

  Matheus Cunha (6/10):

  Started as the false nine, dropping into midfield to try and link midfield and attack. Showed flashes of his brilliance though that was about it. Taken off for Mount.

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  Subs & Manager

  Benjamin Sesko (3/10):

  Still adjusting to the pace of the Premier League, which became almost too obvious when he was both thwarted and injured by Van de Ven when in on goal. Walked back down the tunnel as United ended with 10 men.

  Leny Yoro (5/10):

  Didn't provide nearly as much authority and confidence as Maguire.

  Manuel Ugarte (2/10):

  Walked past by Odobert for the equaliser, played Richarlison on for Spurs' second. A cameo to forget.

  Mason Mount (6/10):

  Played in Sesko for United's chance to win the game.

  Diogo Dalot (N/A):

  The usual United scapegoat but the collapse was hardly his fault.

  Ruben Amorim (6/10):

  A real mixed bag. The starting XI did their job, but Amorim's substitutions nearly cost United any sort of result.

The Baltimore Orioles had their season come to an abrupt end on Wednesday when they lost to the Kanas City Royals, 2-1, in Game 2 of their American League wild-card series. It's the second straight year they've been swept from the playoffs and it was their 10th consecutive postseason loss.

Not great.

The Orioles had a chance to take control of Game 2 when they loaded the bases in the fifth inning but then they self-destructed in brutal fashion. The worst moment came when Colton Cowser struck out on a pitch that hit him.

This was a brutal way to go down swinging:

MLB fans crushed him for that:

Premier League cult hero Papiss Cisse endured the worst 60 seconds of his career while playing in a Sunday League clash for Wythenshawe FC Vets in the Cheshire Veterans Football League. Cisse, who formerly represented Newcastle United in the English top tier and the Senegal national team, now plies his trade for the non-league side.

• Worst 60 seconds of Cisse's career?

  During a clash between Wythenshawe and South Liverpool, Cisse was seen taking a penalty and he miserably failed in the attempt as his weak effort was comfortably saved by the opposition goalkeeper. The Senegalese striker then attempted a shot on goal from the rebound ball but it was once again cleared for a corner.

  Cisse himself ran towards the corner and took the set-piece but another terrible strike of the ball saw it go out of play even before reaching the front post. An X user watching the clip online wrote: "That is the worst corner I’ve ever seen."

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• Cisse bounced back with six goals

  Cisse made up for the 30 seconds of utter embarrassment by scoring six goals in the second half as Wythenshawe registered a 13-0 win over their opponents on Sunday, November 9. Wythenshawe also boast former Premier League stars like Stephen Ireland, Joleon Lescott and George Boyd in their ranks. 

  With the presence of several ex-stars in their roster, Wythenshawe are unsurprisingly dominating the league this season. Cisse, too, has been in outstanding form as he recently scored all of his team's goals in their 6-2 win over Collegiate Old Boys. They have also registered big wins like 5-2, 7-1, 10-1, and 9-1 in the current campaign. 

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  Cisse's journey in football

  Cisse began his career with a Senegalese club named AS Douanes before moving to France, where he played for Metz, Cherbourg and Chateauroux. He also spent two seasons in the Bundesliga at Freiburg before completing a sensational move to the Premier League to join Newcastle. He spent four seasons in the English top flight and scored 37 goals.

  He later played for Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng and Turkish clubs Alanyaspor and Fenerbahce. At the start of 2025, Cisse briefly joined Dubai-based club Palm City before returning to England and playing for Sunday league club Wythenshawe.

  Speaking to Sky Sports earlier this year, Cisse recalled his initial experience in the Premier League as he said: "When I came to the Premier League, the Bundesliga helped me a lot because it's a similar game. In two, three weeks I adapted because physically I was ready to challenge the Premier League. Scoring goals, I have that already. It was just to manage with my team-mates, to know how they are playing.

  "My first game I was on the bench. Alan Pardew, he told me: 'You're going to sit on the bench and you're going to watch what's going on in the Premier League'. And that helped me a lot, these first 45 minutes. My eyes were open. 'Be ready, be ready'.

  "I always say to people scoring a goal in football is the best thing ever. The emotion is unbelievable. I love that. Newcastle fans, they are the best. Honestly, the love from these fans is amazing. It's incredible. I never have that anywhere else, ever. Only in Newcastle."

Celtic have won the Scottish Premiership title in 13 of the last 14 seasons, but might just be facing genuine competition for this season’s trophy.

Last Sunday, Brendan Rodgers’ team were beaten domestically for the first time this season, defeated 2-0 by Dundee at Dens Park.

This, though, had been on the cards for a while.

Across the previous four Premiership outings, the Hoops had required stoppage time goals to beat both Kilmarnock and Motherwell, as well as being held to goalless draws by Rangers and Hibs, thereby failing to score on six occasions across all competitions to date.

So now, on Sunday lunchtime, they will travel to league leaders Hearts, the Jambos currently five points clear at the top, so which “animal” should Rodgers select in attack for this eagerly-anticipated clash at Tynecastle?

The latest Celtic injury news

Celtic did claim their first European victory of the season on Thursday, fighting back from a goal down to beat Sturm Graz 2-1 in the Europa League, but this win may have come at a cost, or three to be exact.

During the first half, featuring for the first time since picking up an injury against Kairat on 20 August, Alistair Johnston suffered a recurrence of this hamstring tear, which is a major blow for both the player and Rodgers.

Even before that, as early as the fourth minute, Kelechi Ịheanachọ had hobbled off too, which is not ideal considering he’s the only senior centre-forward at the club.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Then, right at the end, star centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers was stretchered off having picked up a serious Achilles tendon injury that could see the American international sidelined until March; an enormous blow.

On top of this, Daizen Maeda is also already sidelined, unlikely to feature at Tynecastle on Sunday, while also a doubt for the following Sunday’s clash with Rangers in the League Cup semi-finals at Hampden.

The Japanese striker scored 33 goals last season, per Transfermarkt, four of which came in the Champions League, with former Celtic striker Chris Sutton thereby asserting that he ranks among the club’s best-ever bargain buys, alongside Henrik Larsson and Ľubomír Moravčík.

Now, though, with neither Maeda nor Ịheanachọ, Rodgers has to trust the Celts’ rarely-seen “animal” to lead the attack.

Celtic's new Daizen Maeda

When Ịheanachọ hobbled off very early against Sturm Graz, it was Johnny Kenny who was introduced, so it stands to reason that he will be the number nine for the foreseeable.

The young Irishman joined Celtic back in January 2022 from Sligo Rovers, before being immediately loaned out to Queen’s Park, subsequently making a name for himself in a different shade of green and white hoops.

His form at Shamrock Rovers certainly caught the attention of those across the Irish Sea, with the table below documenting his eye-catching form in Dublin.

As the table above notes, Kenny scored 13 goals in the League of Ireland last year; only two players bagged more, but it was his European form that caught the eye.

The youngster scored five goals in six Conference League appearances, helping Rovers reach the knockout phase, on target against Larne, APOEL Nicosia and Rapid Wien, before bagging a brace when Borac Banja Luka were battered 3-0 at Tallaght.

Speaking on Premier Sports, following Shamrock Rovers’ credible 1-1 draw in Vienna last November, former teammate Ronan Finn asserted that Kenny has become a “different animal” in recent years, adding that “physically he’s got stronger” and that his ceiling is sky-high.

Stylistically, Kenny proved to be not only a clinical finisher in the box, but also an energetic nuisance to defenders, constantly closing them down and running all day, characteristics he certainly shares with Maeda.

Since returning to Celtic in January, he has seen limited game time, just 438 minutes to be precise, heading home his first goal for the club at Pittodrie back in May, before also netting during the drubbing of Livingston in August.

So now, set to enjoy a run in the team, can he replicate the success enjoyed by Maeda?

When the Japanese forward first arrived in January 2022 from Yokohama F. Marinos, he was very raw, often erratically missing chances, but has now become a well-rounded attacker who is a pivotal figure in this side.

Well, as already alluded to, Kenny possesses similar traits, simply needing an opportunity to showcase what he is capable of, so could he come to the fore and be the hero at Tynecastle on Sunday as Celtic’s new Maeda?

Rodgers must finally ditch Yang & unleash Celtic's "terrific talent"

With Celtic under pressure to beat Sturm Graz in the Europa League, Brendan Rodgers must bench Yang Hyun-Jun and start his “terrific talent” instead.

By
Ben Gray

Oct 23, 2025

Upon signing a massive contract with the Boston Red Sox, it was reported soon after that a significant portion of Alex Bregman's money would be deferred. The deal, before deferrals, is for three years, $120 million, with opt outs.

Now, we know the amount: of Bregman's annual salary will be deferred, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. So he'll earn $20 million, with another $20 million deferred each year.

A few days ago, ESPN's Buster Olney reported that the present value was to be valued at around $90 million over the three years. Using the current MLB luxury tax discount rate of 4.43%, that likely means the deferrals will be paid out over the three years following the end of the contract ($120 million over six years, compounded annually at 4.43%, resulting in a present value of $92.5 million).

So, while the Red Sox are thought to have offered $10 million more per year than any other remaining team, in present value their offer was about $30 million per year.

Deferrals are not new in baseball, but the scale at which teams are utilizing them is growing. Shohei Ohtani's huge contract is famously deferred, which brings it from $700 million to a present value of more like $540 million. Bregman's contract is 50% deferred, Ohtani's is a whopping 97% deferred.

Deferrals allow teams to reduce their luxury tax bill, giving them greater flexibility to build competitive rosters around expensive players. For a team like the Red Sox, it helped them land a huge star, making them more competitive without having to handcuff their desire to keep adding more.

For players, it gives them security of earnings, potentially even securing cash flow beyond their playing years. For title-hungry stars, it also lets them play for teams that can compete from a place of financial leverage without having to give up as much of their own earnings.

Tigers president Scott Harris said the team made a, "competitive offer," to Bregman but did not indicate if it included deferrals or not.

Bregman is set to hold an introductory press conference with the Red Sox Sunday morning.

Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have been put on high alert after 16-year-old Hertha Berlin sensation Kennet Eichhorn's release clause was revealed. Eichhorn has created history in Germany after establishing himself in the first team and is expected to be on the radar of Europe's elite next summer.

• Eichhorn has already created history in Germany

  After an impressive pre-season, Eichhorn has made rapid strides at Hertha. Having signed his first professional contract just weeks before turning 16, he made his professional debut on the second matchday of the 2. Bundesliga, Germany's second division, coming on as a substitute against Karlsruhe. In the process, he became the youngest player ever in the history of the league, aged just 16 years and 14 days. Just over a month later, he created further history, becoming the youngest player to ever start a game in 2. Bundesliga after being named in the XI for the match against Hannover. Having been with Hertha's youth academy since his Under-9 days, Eichhorn is also the youngest professional in the club's entire history. 

  While Eichhorn’s talent is undeniable, head coach Stefan Leitl was forced to turn to the teenage prodigy after his squad – particularly the midfield – had been ravaged by injuries for months. However, as things stand, Eichhorn is the only midfielder with a guaranteed role in the starting XI, with the rest of the squad fighting for their spots. "We're happy that everyone is available again. We'll decide tomorrow after the final training session. Let's put it this way: who will play alongside Kennet Eichhorn in midfield?" said Leitl last month. The Bernau bei Berlin-born midfielder has already started in eight of the 10 games he has featured in this season. 

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  Eichhorn on the radar of Europe's elite as release clause is revealed

  His performances have not gone unnoticed, despite spending just over three months with Hertha's senior squad. Numerous reports have already mentioned about the interest from some of Bundesliga's biggest clubs such as Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen. Not too long ago, representatives from Bayern, Dortmund and Leipzig – including sporting director Marcel Schafer and sporting co-ordinator Daniel Baier – were in attendance for one of Hertha's games. All three clubs are eager to sign him as early as next summer, with Leipzig showing the strongest interest.

  "It's an unprecedented market," an insider revealed to , with Premier League giants Manchester United and Arsenal, La Liga rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona, as well as Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain keeping a keen eye on Eichhorn's development. 

  According to , Eichhorn's contract – which runs until 2029 – has a release clause which will undoubtedly tempt Europe's biggest clubs. Per the report, said release clause will come into effect next summer, with the exact amount dependent on several factors. The upper range is believed to be around €10–12 million (£9-11m/$12-$14m) – a figure applicable, for instance, to clubs competing in the Champions League. The final valuation will vary based on whether Hertha earn a promotion to the Bundesliga, the destination country, and the level of competition the buying club participates in.

  For now, Eichhorn’s camp remains relaxed about his future. Their priority is ensuring the youngster continues to receive regular playing time to aid his development. No negotiations are currently underway with any club, though discussions are expected to take place next summer.

• Felix Kroos urges Eichhorn to stay at Hertha BSC

  Eichhorn's performances and his style of play have drawn early comparisons to Germany and Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos, whom he idolises. Standing at 1.86m, he operates deeper in the midfield with an exceptional passing range and an ability to orchestrate the tempo. His physique also allows him to be a physically imposing midfielder capable of breaking plays. 

  Toni Kroos' brother Felix, who has played in the Bundesliga, recently urged Eichhorn to not rush into any decisions regarding his future. “The way Eichhorn plays is remarkable. He radiates calm, gains valuable experience, and is allowed to make mistakes," he said. "He has the quality, yet he will sometimes sit out. You have to give such a young player a break because it’s a lot for the mind.

  “That’s the beauty of football: there isn’t one right path, no magic formula. Still, Eichhorn, at 16, is a special case and should remain in his familiar environment. That’s what brought him to where he is now. A move to Bayern or Dortmund in the next two to four years would be too early. I hope he develops at Hertha for a few more years. Ultimately, you can’t plan anything in football.

  “If it goes well and Eichhorn stays another two or three years, those €6 million could become €60 million. That would be even better for the books in Berlin. And with the sums circulating today, six million is too little anyway.”

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  What next for Eichhorn?

  After accumulating five yellow cards, Eichhorn will sit out of Hertha's next game against Eintracht Braunschweig on November 21 due to suspension. Die Alte Dame are currently in eighth position with 20 points from 12 games.