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SPORTS

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By Timothy Akintola

New bits on Mohamed Salah, Khris Middleton, new PL rule, Tottenham and Tah.

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PSG’s President, Nasser Al-Khelaifi denies talks to sign Mohamed Salah.

Paris Saint-Germain’s president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi has dismissed rumors linking Liverpool star Mohamed Salah to the French club. Speculation surrounding Salah’s future has grown as the Egyptian forward’s contract with Liverpool remains unsigned, set to expire next summer. Speaking to Sky Sports, Al-Khelaifi praised Salah’s achievements but confirmed PSG has not pursued him. “We love Mo Salah, but he has a contract with Liverpool, so we never talked to him,” he said. Al-Khelaifi expressed pride in Salah as a representative of the MENA region and admiration for his impact in the Premier League, adding, “I have big respect for him and Liverpool.” However, the PSG president left the door open for potential January opportunities, fueling speculation. Reports continue to suggest Salah could leave Liverpool next summer, with PSG and other clubs potentially vying for his signature.

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Khris Middleton to reportedly make his season debut against the Boston Celtics.

The Milwaukee Bucks’ forward, Khris Middleton is set to make his 2024-25 season debut on Friday after missing the first 21 games recovering from offseason surgeries on both ankles. The Bucks listed the three-time All-Star as probable for their road game against the defending champion Boston Celtics. Head coach, Doc Rivers revealed Middleton participated in a full-contact practice earlier this week. “He’s frustrated, like anyone who wants to play,” Rivers said. “It’s mentally challenging watching your team, especially when struggling.” Despite preseason optimism from Rivers and GM Jon Horst about a quick return, Middleton’s absence extended, continuing his struggle with injuries. Limited to 33 games in 2022-23 and 55 last season, Middleton remains effective when healthy, averaging 15.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in 2023-24. He excelled in last year’s playoffs, averaging 24.7 points and 9.2 rebounds during Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence. His presence will further improve the Bucks who presently have 11 wins in 21 games.

Possible new PL rule could see referees award corner kicks as a penalty for time wastage.

A proposed rule change could see Premier League goalkeepers penalized with a corner kick for holding onto the ball too long, replacing the current rule that allows referees to award an indirect free-kick. While the existing law is designed to prevent time-wasting, it is rarely enforced due to the Disruption it causes and the high likelihood of conceding a goal. The new rule, trialed at the under-21 level in England and Premier League 2, aims to address time-wasting more effectively without significantly disrupting play. Similar trials have been conducted in countries like Malta, with upcoming tests planned in Italian youth football. Patrick Nelson, a board member of the International FA Board (Ifab), stated the early results have been promising, showing the rule as an effective deterrent. If successful, it could be adopted on a broader scale to enhance game flow and fairness.

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Dean Huijsen’s header gives Bournemouth a deserved win over Tottenham.

Bournemouth climbed to 9th in the Premier League table, leapfrogging Tottenham after a hard-fought 1-0 victory at the Vitality Stadium. Dean Huijsen’s early header from a corner proved decisive, with Andoni Iraola’s side deserving their win, adding to earlier home triumphs against Arsenal and Manchester City. Despite starting brightly, Spurs faltered after Huijsen’s goal. Dominic Solanke, returning to Bournemouth after a £65m summer move, was involved early but couldn’t find the breakthrough for the visitors. Bournemouth could have extended their lead through Tavernier and Evanilson, who also had a goal disallowed for offside. Tottenham pressed in the second half, bringing on Son Heung-min, which led to chances for James Maddison, Pedro Porro, and Dejan Kulusevski. However, defensive lapses limited their efforts, leaving them winless in three games. Spurs remain in 10th and face Chelsea next, while Bournemouth travel to Ipswich.

Barcelona makes initial contact with Bayer Leverkusen defender, Jonathan Tah.

Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah is poised to join Barcelona on a free transfer at the end of the season. The 28-year-old German international, nearing the final six months of his contract with the Bundesliga champions, has attracted interest from several top clubs, including Bayern Munich. According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona’s sporting director Deco recently met with Tah’s agent, Pini Zahavi, to advance negotiations. Barcelona has reportedly submitted an initial proposal, with talks progressing positively, putting them ahead of Bayern Munich in the race for the defender. Tah, a key figure in Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen squad, would bolster Barça’s defense. However, his arrival might prompt departures, as the club already boasts options like Ronald Araújo, Andreas Christensen, and Eric García. While Christensen has ruled out leaving, García’s limited minutes this season could make him a candidate for sale.

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