Celtics’ star, Al Horford denies recent rumours of a potential retirement.
Rumors have been circulating about Al Horford’s potential Retirement after the Celtics’ recent championship run. However, as the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, Horford has confirmed he is not retiring. Speculation began after a misleading post on X (formerly Twitter) falsely claimed the Celtics announced his retirement, but no official statement from the team or credible sources backed this up. Horford, a five-time All-Star and former All-NBA player, has expressed his desire to continue playing into an 18th NBA season, though he noted the importance of carefully managing his workload. His decision to return underscores his commitment to helping the Celtics succeed. Horford’s leadership played a crucial role in Boston’s impressive postseason, where they lost only three games en route to the title. His presence will be vital for another deep playoff run next season.
Al Horford announces retirement after 17 NBA seasons
“I’ve worked 17 years for this, and I can now proudly say I’m a champion. My basketball mission is complete,” per @celtics pic.twitter.com/fEVQKOmaFP— Legon Hoops (@LegonHoop) September 9, 2024
Dejan Lovren set to move to Greek side, POAK from Olympique Lyon.
Former Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren is nearing a move from Lyon to Greek champions PAOK, having reportedly agreed to terms. Lovren, who faced mixed reviews during his six years at Liverpool, became a cult hero at Anfield, notably scoring a stoppage-time winner in the Europa League quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund. Despite moments of criticism, like being subbed off early against Tottenham in 2017, Lovren formed a strong bond with teammate Mo Salah and even joined fans outside Anfield to celebrate Liverpool’s 2020 Premier League win. After leaving Liverpool for Zenit St. Petersburg, Lovren returned to Lyon in early 2023. If his transfer to PAOK is completed, it would mark the seventh club of his career. Lovren could also return to England soon, as PAOK is set to face Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Europa League on November 7.
🚨⚪️⚫️ EXCLUSIVE: Greek side PAOK are closing in on deal to sign Dejan Lovren from Olympique Lyon!
Final details to be clarified while Lovren has already accepted PAOK move.
Clubs started exchanging documents tonight. pic.twitter.com/JRAch5XhAn
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 11, 2024
A’ja Wilson breaks WNBA scoring record, edges closer to 1k points.
Two-time MVP, A’ja Wilson broke the WNBA single-season scoring record during the Las Vegas Aces’ game against the Indiana Fever on Wednesday night. Wilson’s jumper with 26.4 seconds left in the second quarter brought her total to 941 points, surpassing Jewell Loyd’s 2023 record of 939. Entering the game, the two-time league MVP was averaging 27.3 points and 11.9 rebounds. She finished with 27 points and 12 rebounds, leading the Aces to an 86-75 win. Wilson credited her teammates, saying, “I don’t get any points without them passing me the basketball.” She broke the record in just 35 games, compared to Loyd’s 38 games. Wilson, whose previous best was 912 points last season, now has 956 points and is on track to possibly be the first WNBA player to reach 1,000 points in a season.
God is so good! 🤍😩 Top Tier !! 🪜 pic.twitter.com/B9jcQ1p6Me
— A'ja Wilson (@_ajawilson22) September 12, 2024
Barcelona confirmed to have completed the bonus payment for Dembele’s transfer.
Journalist, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that all remaining bonus payments for Ousmane Dembele’s transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona have been fully paid. The total amount paid to Dortmund has now reached €148 million. Barcelona initially signed the then 20-year-old French winger in the summer of 2017 for €105 million, with an additional €40 million in potential add-ons. This deal was mainly financed by the €222 million Barcelona received from Paris Saint-Germain after Neymar’s buyout clause was activated. Over the years, Dembele’s transfer was criticized as one of Barcelona’s worst investments, primarily due to his frequent injury issues and inconsistent performances on the pitch. However, the financial obligations to Dortmund related to his transfer are now completely settled.
🟡⚫️💸 According to BILD, all the bonus payments from the Ousmane Dembélé transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona have been paid.
“The total sum amounts to €148m”, BILD reports. pic.twitter.com/7M3HgIdjEO
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 12, 2024
Mikel Arteta is set to sign a new contract with Arsenal until 2027.
Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta has agreed to a new three-year contract to stay as Arsenal manager, as confirmed by David Ornstein. Talks reached their final stages in May, but the agreement was finalized after the summer transfer window. Arsenal were always confident of securing Arteta’s future, and the news boosts their efforts to challenge Manchester City for their first Premier League title since 2004. The Spaniard’s new deal includes a significant raise from his current £9 million-a-year ($11.7m) salary. Arteta played a crucial role in recruiting summer signings like Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino, and Raheem Sterling (on Loan from Chelsea), emphasizing his importance to the club’s ambitions. Arsenal face Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday, dealing with key absences: Merino (fractured shoulder), Declan Rice (suspended), and Martin Ødegaard (injured).
🔴⚪️ Mikel Arteta, set to sign new deal at Arsenal valid until June 2027.
Agreement completed between the club and Mikel’s camp, as @David_Ornstein reports.
Negotiations at final stages since May, waiting to sign after summer transfer window and now all set. pic.twitter.com/G1QS95cDOS
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 12, 2024