‘Takes that vision to the next level’ – MLS, Apple to end Season Pass after 2025 as all matches move to Apple TV in 2026

MLS and Apple have announced a major shift to their media partnership, with the standalone MLS Season Pass ending after the 2025 season. Beginning in 2026, every MLS match will be available at no extra cost to Apple TV subscribers, giving fans worldwide a single destination to watch the league with no blackouts.

GettyApple TV+ restructuring removes paywall

Under the current model, viewers must pay $14.99 monthly or $99 annually for MLS Season Pass on top of an Apple TV subscription to access all matches. The revised agreement will integrate all MLS content directly into the standard Apple TV service, which costs $12.99 monthly or $99 annually. The shift follows Apple's decision to make the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs available to all Apple TV subscribers without a Season Pass – effectively soft-launching the new approach.

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AdvertisementGettyTiming aligns with World Cup preparations

The timing positions MLS to capitalize on the momentum building toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. By removing the additional paywall, MLS and Apple are creating an opportunity to significantly expand the league’s audience during a period when soccer interest in North America is expected to reach unprecedented levels. The change also reflects Apple’s evolving sports strategy – which now includes live MLS rights, Friday Night Baseball, and newly acquired Formula 1 rights in the U.S.

Framed as a major step in widening the league’s global reach, MLS Commissioner Don Garber emphasized that the agreement aligns with the league’s long-term vision of delivering a more accessible and unified viewing experience for supporters.

“Our partnership with Apple has always been about innovating for our fans,” Garber said in the press release. “Bringing every MLS match to Apple TV takes that vision to the next level by making it easier than ever for fans everywhere to watch, connect, and be part of the game.”

Apple’s Eddy Cue echoed that sentiment, highlighting the appeal of bringing all MLS games together on a single platform alongside the company’s growing library of original programming.

“We’re thrilled to bring MLS to more fans around the world next season on Apple TV,” Cue said. “Every match, all in one place, alongside incredible Apple Originals – it’s a win for fans everywhere.”

Getty ImagesShift in MLS's strategy

Under the new arrangement, Apple TV subscribers will gain access to every regular-season match, the annual Leagues Cup tournament, the MLS All-Star Game, the Michelob Ultra Campeones Cup, and the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs without paying the additional fee. Studio programming and on-demand content will continue to be included, with no blackouts – a key feature MLS and Apple have maintained since the partnership began.

Apple also confirmed that Apple TV subscriptions will be bundled into full-season ticket packages for the 2026 MLS season, allowing club season-ticket holders automatic access to all matches. The move consolidates MLS into a single streaming destination available on all Apple TV–supported devices in more than 100 countries and regions.

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Getty Images SportMLS making significant changes

In addition to this announcement, the league also announced on Thursday that it has changed its league calendar to better align with the schedules of top leagues around the world. There are also reports that it will consider changes to its structure as well. 

Frank's next Toney: Paratici leading Spurs move for "one of the best STs"

Tottenham Hotspur supporters have often been blessed with the likes of Harry Kane providing the goods within the final third – but the current first-team are massively lacking such a presence.

Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani have shared the responsibility at the top end of the pitch in recent weeks, but neither have scored since the middle of September.

Their joint top scorer in the Premier League this season is centre-back Micky van de Ven, which further highlights the lack of quality currently available to Thomas Frank at present.

However, with the January transfer window rapidly approaching, the Dane has the opportunity to land a new talisman to help him in his quest for success in North London.

Numerous players have emerged on their shortlist over the last couple of weeks, with returning Sporting Director Fabio Paratici likely to play a key role in any potential pursuits.

Spurs’ move for a new talisman in January

Over the last couple of days, Spurs have been strongly linked with a move to land Porto star Samu Aghehowa this winter, but such a deal would be a huge investment.

After scoring 11 times in his first 14 outings of 2025/26, it’s safe to say the Spaniard is a man in demand – but any transfer would cost a pretty penny given his current £87m release clause.

However, he’s not alone on their shortlist at present, with Paratici making the most of his Juventus links to try and strike a deal for the signature of Dušan Vlahović.

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta, the Lilywhites are firmly in the race to land a cut-price deal for the Serbian, with his current contract set to expire in the summer of 2026.

It also confirms that Bayern Munich are in the race for the 25-year-old’s signature, but Frank’s men could hold the edge given Paratici’s links to the Old Lady.

Such a move would finally hand the Dane the talisman he’s craved, which could allow the frontman to be his next version of a player who thrived under his guidance at Brentford.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s next Toney

During Frank’s seven years at the helm with Brentford, he was able to rely on striker Ivan Toney for a four-year period, with the striker constantly producing the goods in front of goal.

The Englishman registered 72 goals in his 141 appearances for the Bees, the most of any player during the Dane’s reign across the capital – often being the player to pop up in key moments.

50% of his efforts for Brentford came in England’s top-flight, a tally that was the most in the Bees’ history, but Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo have since surpassed such a figure.

Given the lack of options currently at Frank’s disposal in North London, there’s no denying he wishes he could rely on a player of the 29-year-old’s quality.

Such a move could have come to fruition back in the summer of 2024, but the Lilywhites opted for a move for Dominic Solanke, as the former Bees star completed his own move to Saudi Arabia.

A deal for Toney’s signature may prove unlikely, but Frank could land his next version of the Englishman in the coming months, should Paratici complete a deal for Vlahovic.

Both have demonstrated unbelievable goalscoring records over recent seasons, with the Juve star finding the net 62 times in his 152 appearances for the Italian giants.

The 25-year-old’s goalscoring record is one thing, but his current contract issue in Turin could provide the Lilywhites board with a bargain option to solve their centre-forward woes.

His underlying figures from the current campaign also showcase the all-round quality he would add to the side, finally handing the manager the needed presence he’s craved since taking the reins.

Vlahovic, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers” by Luca Toni, has only started three Serie A games in 2025/26, but it hasn’t stopped him from finding the back of the net on two occasions.

Games played

14

Goals scored

6

Shots on target

1.1

Shot on target accuracy

38%

Aerials won

2.5

Goals scored per 90

0.65

Touches in opposition box

6.7

Fouls won

1.4

His tally of 1.1 shots on target per 90 also highlight his accuracy in attacking areas, with his total of 2.5 aerials won per 90 handing Frank the focal point he’s searching for.

The Serbian currently ranks in the 88th percentile of all players in Italy for goals scored per 90, potentially making him the missing piece in the Dane’s Lilywhites attacking puzzle.

It’s currently unclear how much a deal for Vlahovic would cost this summer, but it’s evident that he would be a perfect addition to the club’s impressive frontline.

Should he match the levels produced by Toney under the Dane’s guidance at Brentford, it would be a stellar move and offer the chance for the club to reach new heights in the near future.

Spurs may have Simons upgrade in the "most underrated talent" in England

Tottenham Hotspur have an exciting academy player who could be an upgrade on Xavi Simons.

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Hameed wants 'four more days of quality cricket' as Notts eye Division One title

Nottinghamshire captain wary of looking too far ahead as they aim to depose three-time defending champions Surrey

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay23-Sep-2025

Haseeb Hameed wants one last push from his team•Getty Images

The stage is set for one of the most memorable ends to a Rothesay County Championship season with the battle for the Division One title and relegation places still very much alive heading into the final round this week.Nottinghamshire put themselves in pole position to win their first title in 15 years after snatching a 20-run win over three-time reigning champions Surrey last week. It was a contest to highlight the very best of the Rothesay County Championship and leaves Notts needing a maximum of 10 points to be crowned champions when they host Warwickshire at Trent Bridge starting Wednesday.With excitement building in the east Midlands after their success at the Kia Oval, Notts captain Haseeb Hameed has warned they will still need to produce “four more days of quality cricket”.Related

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“We have to go into the game with that mindset and focus because Warwickshire are a really good team,” Hameed told ecb.co.uk. “I think you can see that across the whole County Championship this season – anyone can beat anyone. It has been a really tight and tough year and that’s probably why it’s so close at the bottom as well.”There are no easy wins in this division and we go into the final round knowing we have to play four more days of quality cricket.”Surrey have been the county to catch for the past four seasons as they have set the bar high for the chasing pack. They will draw on that culture of success as they look to become the first county, since the great Surrey side of the 1950s, to win four titles in a row when they travel to Hampshire.Rory Burns’ team know that anything other than a win will probably not be enough while Hampshire, who could welcome back talisman Liam Dawson from England duty, have plenty to play for themselves as one of five counties that head into the final round looking to avoid relegation.The south-coast club are just two points above Durham, who sit inside the relegation zone on 140 points, but the northern-most county do have their fate in their own hands as make the journey down the A1 to a Yorkshire team who need 10 points to be assured of staying up.Sussex and Essex both have 150 points and know avoiding defeat in their final-round matches against already-relegated Worcestershire and third-placed Somerset respectively would be enough to retain their place in the top tier.It sets the scene for an intriguing final round at both ends of the table and Hameed admits he’d have it no other way.”At the start of the season the goal of every team would be to put themselves in the position we’re in heading into the final round,” he said. “It’s a great position to be in, but there’s work still to be done and that’s the focus. There is going to be a bit of noise around and there will be some excitement I’m sure across the four days with everything that is going on at the top of the bottom of the division.”We just have to be ready to go on Wednesday morning and focus on doing what we’ve done in the 13 matches so far.”Hameed is not letting himself think about becoming a title-winning captain, after reviving his career since moving to Notts from Lancashire ahead of the 2020 season. The 28-year-old, who has 10 Test caps, scored 1235 runs when he helped Notts win promotion from Division Two in 2022 and could surpass that mark this week as this season’s second-leading runscorer.”I just want to lead from the front and do my job. I’ve been here five or six years now and it feels like home and I’ve enjoyed my cricket,” said Hameed, who also highlighted the influence of his opening partner Ben Slater, who could pass 1000 runs for the season this week.”It’s been great establishing an opening partnership with Slats. He’s had a great season and has loads of experience which is so important. But I come back to it – the whole team knows we have to focus on our job because Warwickshire are a quality team. I’d love to see a good crowd at Trent Bridge and hopefully we can make it a week to remember.”In Division Two, Leicestershire will head into the final round knowing the title – and a return to Division One for the first time in 22 years – is already assured. The Foxes’ star allrounder Rehan Ahmed, who has struck five Championship centuries in a breakout summer with the bat, was not born when they were last in the top-flight.Leicestershire make the short trip to Northamptonshire to round out their season while Glamorgan, who under head coach Richard Dawson have secured their place in Division One for the first time since 2004, will host Lancashire at Sophia Gardens.Kent welcome Derbyshire to the Spitfire Ground in Canterbury while Middlesex host Gloucestershire at Lord’s.

Red Sox Third Baseman Alex Bregman Makes Decision on Player Option

Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman will utilize his player option and opt out of the three-year, $120 million contract he signed in spring training with Boston and will test free agency this winter, according to a report from Jon Heyman of the

The 31-year-old Bregman hit .273 with 18 home runs and 62 RBI in his lone season in Boston. The Red Sox are expected to be a major player (and potential favorite) to re-sign Bregman, but Heyman mentioned that he will have other suitors. The Blue Jays and Mariners—the two teams remaining in the ALCS—as well as the Tigers, are expected to be interested in signing the veteran.

Bregman was offered $171.5 million over six years by the Tigers last offseason, which would have reunited him with A.J. Hinch, his former manager in Houston. Instead, Bregman opted for a three-year deal with the Red Sox that included multiple opt-outs.

Álvaro Pacheco pode estrear pelo Vasco alcançando feito importante contra o Flamengo no Brasileirão

MatériaMais Notícias

Para os mais supersticiosos, o Vasco tem um trunfo histórico importante para superar o Flamengo. Em 2015, dois técnicos estrearam no comando do Cruz-Maltino e venceram o rival. No caso, Celso Roth e Jorginho. Relembre com o Lance! abaixo como foram os clássicos.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasVascoVasco enfrenta o Flamengo no retorno do Brasileirão com a estreia de Álvaro PachecoVasco02/06/2024VascoVocê sabia? Desde 2017, o Vasco só venceu o Flamengo duas vezesVasco01/06/2024VascoRelembre a última vez que o Vasco venceu o Flamengo pelo BrasileirãoVasco01/06/2024

➡️ Tudo sobre o Gigante agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Vasco

⚽ CELSO ROTH: VASCO 1 X 0 FLAMENGO – BRASILEIRÃO (9ª RODADA)
O primeiro a vencer o Flamengo em 2015 foi Celso Roth. No dia 26 de julho, o rival foi superado por 1 a 0, na Arena Pantanal, em partida válida pela 9ª rodada do Brasileirão.

Na época, Rodrigo, Guiñazu e Gilberto estavam no elenco. Quem balançou a rede foi Riascos de peixinho, após cruzamento do lateral-direito Madson pela direita.

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⚽ JORGINHO: FLAMENGO 0 X 1 VASCO – COPA DO BRASIL (OITAVAS DE FINAL)
Jorginho foi o segundo técnico a vencer o Flamengo na estreia no comando do Vasco. O técnico chegou para substituir justamente Celso Roth.

No dia 19 de agosto, em jogo válido pelas oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil, no segundo tempo, Riascos cruzou rasteiro, e Jorge Henrique completou para abrir o placar no Maracanã. Com a vitória, o Cruz-Maltino levou a vantagem para o segundo jogo, que culminou com a classificação depois do empate em 1 a 1.

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Agora, Álvaro Pacheco faz sua estreia no retorno do Brasileirão após a tragédia no Rio Grande do Sul. O Clássico dos Milhões será às 16h deste domingo (2). A bola rola no Maracanã.

Tudo sobre

Álvaro PachecoBrasileirãoFutebol NacionalVasco

Liverpool's "generational" Doku regen is destined to take the #11 from Salah

Abject. It is, painfully, an accurate way of summing up Liverpool’s form this season. The Premier League champions will not retain their belt, not like this, not with such deep tactical cracks and incoherent players and non-existent belief in Arne Slot’s plan.

The most concerning part of the recent 3-0 defeat in Manchester against Pep Guardiola’s resurgent outfit is that Liverpool were outplayed across the park. Be it physical, mental or tactical metrics, Manchester City shone, and the Reds were blinded by their opponent’s superiority.

Jeremy Doku stood out, darting this way and that, scoring a stunning goal in the second half after breaking away from Ibrahima Konate. The Belgian winger completed seven of eight dribble attempts and created three chances, as per Sofascore.

Liverpool have got so many problems, and the recent wins over Aston Villa and Real Madrid provided only the veneer of a revival as City hit the Merseside club with a sobering reality check.

Among Slot’s biggest concerns is the enduring slump of Mohamed Salah. For so many years, the Egyptian has been an unstoppable force for Liverpool, but, aged 33 and at the front of a sinking ship, he is struggling to recover more than a flicker of his former greatness.

Mohamed Salah is becoming a problem

Will we see the best of Salah in a Liverpool shirt again? There’s every chance that the right winger expended incredible amounts of mental and physical energy driving his club to the league title last season, and across all competitions, he scored 34 goals and supplied 23 assists.

Mohamed Salah celebrates Liverpool's Premier League triumph

Almost three months into the new campaign, Slot’s second in the dugout, Salah has recorded eight goal involvements, but his general play and the accuracy of his shooting have paled in comparison to the many years behind him. Salah is not himself.

This is a worry, to be sure. Not just because Liverpool are playing without their talisman in his groove, but because Slot has shown a hesitance toward unleashing Federico Chiesa right from the start of last season, and that doesn’t look like it’s going to change any time soon.

How much longer can it go on like this? Man City reduced Liverpool’s superstar to half-chances and a role within the defensive press. How many times has Salah picked Pep apart? How often has he been the leading light against this arch-rival of modern times?

Mohamed Salah vs Man City

Competition

Apps

Goals (assists)

Premier League

19

9 (6)

Champions League

2

2 (1)

Community Shield

2

1 (1)

FA Cup

2

0 (0)

Carabao Cup

1

1 (0)

Data via Transfermarkt

There is, of course, the caveat to all this that Salah would be far better placed in a system of greater fluency. This has been anything but the case for the Anfield side this season.

But Father Time is not on the Premier League legend’s side, and, having penned a new two-year extension worth £400k per week in April, Salah has around 18 months to show that FSG have received more than bang for their buck one final time.

But there’s a very real possibility that Salah is past his prime, and that Liverpool need to find a successor.

An onerous task if ever there was one. However, Liverpool actually have a Kirkby prospect who has what it takes to swipe the icon’s shirt.

The Liverpool teen who can take Salah's #11

Slot needs to find a solution to Liverpool’s current woes, but let’s all take a breather, just for a moment. Liverpool have so much talent. Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz will come good. But, more excitingly, there’s a wealth of teenage talent soon to be at Slot’s disposal, with one prospect a cut above the rest.

Rio Ngumoha knew he was headed to the upper crust of the Premier League, and a youth system that has shown itself since Jurgen Klopp came along to be a hothouse for those immensely gifted young stars.

Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha

Chelsea’s loss was Liverpool’s gain. Ngumoha was poached from Cobham in 2024 and made his professional debut against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup midway through his maiden year on Merseyside.

A left-sided winger with incredible speed and dribbling, the 17-year-old Ngumoha has the potential to become a superstar at Liverpool, with his physical, athletic and fierce playing style offering shades of that man Doku, Anfield villain last weekend.

You could say Ngumoha is preternaturally talented. After all, journalist Kieran Gill is among those to have singled him out as a “generational talent”, and he certainly illustrated his potential with an incredible strike on his Premier League debut, netting the winner against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park in August.

Since then, he has featured sporadically for the Redmen, playing seven games in all competitions but only starting in the Carabao Cup, among that youthful group who were brushed aside by Crystal Palace last month.

Ngumoha’s time will come. He is so fast, so sure of himself when on the ball. He is among the youngest goalscorers in Premier League history, and that goal is sure to be the first of many.

Youngest Scorers in Premier League History

#

Player

Age

1

James Vaughan

16 yrs, 8 months, 27 days

2

James Milner

16 yrs, 11 months, 22 days

3

Wayne Rooney

16 yrs, 11 months, 25 days

4

Rio Ngumoha

16 yrs, 11 months, 26 days

5

Cesc Fabregas

17 yrs, 3 months, 21 days

Time must be afforded to one so young. Take Doku. Criticised often at Man City for being endowed with such ferocity and fleet-footedness, but lacking end product and elite decision-making.

Doku is only 23, and his performance against Slot’s beleaguered lot last weekend was the display of a winger reaching new levels of maturity and technical understanding.

Ngumoha will only get better and better as the years go on, and while he can contribute this season, these foundational years could see him bloom at the end of next term, when Salah supposedly leaves, and he could take his shirt, stepping up as Liverpool’s new wide talisman.

Can Nghumoha reach those heights, take that #11 from Salah himself? You’ll have to stay tuned. But Ngumoha will make it easy to do that. Watching him play football is a treat, and he has the capacity to not just emulate a stylistic peer like Doku but become one of the very best in world football.

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Knight set for World Cup return

England opt for four spinners, meaning seamer Kate Cross misses out on World Cup squad

Valkerie Baynes21-Aug-2025Heather Knight is expected to be fit for the World Cup after being named in England’s squad for the tournament, but her side will be without veteran seamer Kate Cross, who has been overlooked for selection.Knight, the former England captain, hasn’t played since injuring her hamstring during England’s home series with West Indies in May but it’s understood that her recovery is sufficiently on track to warrant her selection on Thursday.Danni Wyatt-Hodge also returns to strengthen the batting after being omitted in the 50-over format throughout the English summer, having made her last ODI appearance during the ill-fated Ashes tour of Australia in January.That means batter Maia Bouchier and allrounder Alice Davidson-Richards miss out, as does Cross, with England opting for four spinners to play in India and Sri Lanka during the tournament which starts next month.Sophie Ecclestone leads the spin contingent, which also includes fellow left-armer Linsey Smith and offspinner Charlie Dean, as well as legspinner Sarah Glenn, making her return after featuring in the West Indies series but missing out on the subsequent visit by India through June and July.England’s seam attack consists of Lauren Bell, Lauren Filer and Em Arlott, who made her international debut in May. Nat Sciver-Brunt is hopeful of returning to bowling in her allrounder role after a long-standing Achillies problem.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Head Coach Charlotte Edwards said the tournament posed a “huge challenge” but she believed her side was capable of competing “with anyone”.”Being selected to play for your country in a World Cup is one of the biggest honours in sport and I’m delighted for all the players named in the squad,” Edwards said.”Conditions mean we have gone for the extra spinner and we’re lucky to be able to have such depth in this department, it’s fantastic to welcome Sarah Glenn back. That does mean there’s no room for Kate Cross, Maia Bouchier or Alice Davidson-Richards, which will be disappointing for them.”It’s also great to have Danni back in the squad, she’s been in good form in domestic cricket and she’ll bring dynamism and depth to our batting, alongside Heather, who we are absolutely delighted to be able to select. She’ll be a huge asset for us.”Commentating on the women’s Hundred match between Oval Invincibles and Trent Rockets a few hours after the announcement, Cross expressed her disappointment.”A lot for me to process,” Cross said on Sky Sports. “It’s probably been a disappointing summer in terms of England cricket. I feel like I’ve done quite well in this tournament. I performed for Lancashire.”But it’s difficult when you go into a subcontinent World Cup and you can tell that the head coach wants a little bit more spin in her armoury, then it makes sense in my head. So there’s a lot of logic that’s mixed with a lot of emotion at the minute.”Cross revealed she had only learned of her omission at 9am on Thursday, two hours before the squad was announced.She will next play for Northern Superchargers against Invincibles on Saturday as her side, currently placed second on the table, look to keep themselves in finals contention.Missing out on the 50-over World Cup places Cross at an interesting juncture in her career. She turns 34 in October and, while a home T20 World Cup beckons next year, she has fallen out of England favour in the shorter format.She played her last T20I during the tour of Ireland in September 2024 while the first-choice squad were in the UAE preparing for the T20 World Cup, where England eventually crashed out in the group stages.She has also forged a successful side-hustle in commentating, although she acknowledged the difficulties of her on- and off-field careers colliding on a day like this.”I probably wouldn’t have talked about this openly live on the television if I wasn’t doing commentary,” she said. “But I’ve got 24 hours to turn it around to play a game for the Northern Supercharges on Saturday.”It’s been a bit of a whirlwind but this is professional sport, we sign up to it, it doesn’t always go your way, and I’ve held back the tears so there we go, we can finish talking about it.”The World Cup runs from September 30 to November 2 and will be the first ICC tournament in charge for Edwards and captain Sciver-Brunt.England Women’s squad: Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Nat Sciver-Brunt (capt), Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

West Ham have another Paqueta in 19-year-old with "similarities to Kudus"

It feels like things are going from bad to worse for West Ham United this season.

For example, Nuno Espírito Santo appears unable to buy a win in the Premier League, and now there is talk of Lucas Paqueta leaving.

Losing the Brazilian in the winter window would be terrible for morale, even if he’s not exactly been lighting it up over the last year or so.

However, if he is to leave, there might be an internal solution Nuno can turn to.

Paqueta's record with and without David Moyes

Now, there is no denying the fact that Paqueta is an extraordinarily talented footballer who, on his day, can almost singlehandedly win games.

However, what is equally true is that over the last year or so, he’s not been anywhere near his best.

In fact, from looking at the statistics, it would be fair to say he’s not looked anywhere near his mercurial best since David Moyes left the club.

The Scotsman signed the 28-year-old from Lyon in the summer of 2022.

In that first season under the Scotsman, Paqueta was able to rack up a brilliant tally of 12 goal involvements in 41 games, and even provided the assist for Jarrod Bowen’s Conference League-winning goal.

The following year saw the dynamic game-changer reach his zenith in Calret and Blue, producing 15 goal involvements in just 43 appearances.

However, that summer saw Moyes depart the London Stadium, and since then, the output from his record signing at the club has not been good enough.

Paqueta’s West Ham Career

Season

Games

G+As

25/26

10

3

24/25

36

5

23/24

43

15

22/23

41

12

All Stats via Transfermarkt

For example, across 36 appearances in 24/25, the Paquetá-born ace produced just five goal involvements, and so far this season, he’s produced just three in ten appearances.

In short, Paqueta has been nowhere near as effective since Moyes left the club, so there is certainly an argument to be made that selling him might not be a total disaster, especially when there is a youngster in the squad who might be a perfect replacement.

Nuno's internal Paqueta replacement

Now, there is certainly an argument to be made that the best way to replace Paqueta, should he leave, is by signing someone.

Chalkboard

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

While that might end up being what West Ham does, there is another option: to start giving Luis Guilherme more minutes in the ten position.

Yes, the young Brazilian might be seen as more of a winger, and a raw one at that, but he’s no stranger to playing as an attacking midfielder, and is looked at as one of the more exciting youngsters in the league at the moment.

For example, respected analyst Ben Mattinson has described the teenager as a prospect who “still has the world at his feet” and a player who has “similarities to Kudus” in his style of play, specifically the positive ones.

According to Mattinson, the dynamic Brazilian is “a complete profile” blessed with “electric pace” and an “explosive first step” which enables him to “beat a player in a split second.”

He’s not just someone who relies on his physical traits, though, as the former Palmeiras gem has “a killer final ball” and “an awareness of space which helps him to break down teams by identifying and exploiting space in defences.”

It’s not just Mattinson who has high hopes, though.

For example, U23 scout Antonio Mango has stated that starting him in attacking midfield would “suit his profile brilliantly” and that he “just needs confidence and consistent game-time” to show the Irons faithful how good he could be.

Ultimately, Guilherme is still developing and will take some time to reach his peak, but if Paqueta is to leave this season, then the young Brazilian could be the perfect in-house replacement.

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Quinton de Kock's comeback century helps South Africa level series

He made his first ton since returning to the national side, as they breezed to the target after Burger’s four-for set them up

Firdose Moonda06-Nov-2025Quinton de Kock scored the first hundred since his international comeback, and 22nd overall, as South Africa drew level in the ODI series against Pakistan. Tony de Zorzi and de Kock shared a 153-run second-wicket stand, which followed de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ 81-run opening partnership. They only lost two wickets, as de Kock completed the chase of 270 with 59 balls to spare, in Matthew Breetzke’s company.South Africa batted with fluency and flair, both of which were absent from the Pakistan line-up after they chose to bat first. Though half-centuries from Saim Ayub and Salman Agha set Pakistan up well, their strike rates of 80.30 and 65.09 meant the going was slow throughout their innings. Mohammad Nawaz’s career-best run-a-ball 59 eventually took them over 250 – to 269.Nawaz’s individual achievement was one of three in the first half of the match. South Africa’s left-arm seamer Nandre Burger and legspinner Nqabayomzi Peter, who both sat out the first game, bagged career-best figures of 4 for 46 and 3 for 55 respectively. They were well supported by disciplined efforts from Corbin Bosch, Donovan Ferreira and Bjorn Fortuin, who all conceded at under six runs an over.While Pakistan made batting look tough, South Africa found the flow with their left-handed opening pair of Pretorius and de Kock. Pretorius enjoyed the bulk of the strike in the first four overs and hit three fours off Naseem Shah in the second, before de Kock hit his first shot of intent. He punched a short, wide Afridi ball through the covers for four. Pretorius should have been out in the next over, but Naseen spilled a return chance and Pretorius made Pakistan pay.Tony de Zorzi ensured South Africa’s smooth passage in the chase•Getty Images

Pretorious went after Shaheen Shah Afridi, and then Mohammed Wasim, and appeared unstoppable before he flayed at a wide Wasim delivery and nicked off. De Kock was on 32 off 31 balls himself when he lost his opening partner, and rebuilt quietly with de Zorzi.The pair scored 35 runs off the next seven overs and de Kock got his fifty with a six off Ashraf, before de Zorzi was finally ready to take on Afridi. He sent a short ball through midwicket and a full one through deep backward square, but his full range on the legside was on display when he took on Mohammad Nawaz. He reverse-swept, slogged over mid-wicket and then reached for a wide one to send it over long-off. In total, de Zorzi took 27 runs off 13 balls he faced from Nawaz, and also reached fifty off him.De Kock helped himself to runs off Afridi, then entered the 80s with a six over cover off Agha. He was on 98 when Afridi reviewed an lbw shout off Wasim. However, the delivery pitched outside leg and de Kock reached his century two balls later. The ball after that, Afridi reviewed again; once more, it had pitched outside leg.Pakistan used eight bowling options as they tried to break through, and Faheem eventually did. De Zorzi was caught off a leading edge by Ayub at point. De Kock – who finished unbeaten on 123* – and stand-in captain Matthew Breetzke ensured it was too late for Pakistan to defend their score, which could have been much less after they were reduced to 22 for 3 in the fifth over.Nandre Burger’s four tied down Pakistan’s batters•AFP via Getty Images

Earlier in the day, Burger struck with this third ball when Fakhar Zaman gloved an attempted pull to de Kock. Bosch had Babar Azam given out lbw off with his second delivery, but Babar reviewed. Ball-tracking showed the ball was bouncing over the stumps. All the same, South Africa did not have to wait too long to dismiss Pakistan’s talisman. In this third over, Burger squared up Babar, and he edged to Ferreira at first slip. Four balls later, Mohammed Rizwan fetched a Burger ball from fifth stump and chopped it onto his leg stump. At the other end, Bosch’s opening spell read: 4-0-8-0.The change bowlers Fortuin and Ferreira kept things quiet and limited the boundaries. By the 20th over, Pakistan had collectively hit just six fours before Ayub scored the innings’ first six, off Fortuin. Ayub also got to his second ODI 50 off Fortuin.Breetzke then made an inspired bowling change, which ended Ayub’s innings: he brought Bosch back as the halfway stage approached halfway stage, Ayub drove the ball back at Bosch with some force, and Bosch took a good low catch in his follow-through to pick up his first.At the time, Agha was on 34 off 62 balls, and showed no signs of speeding up. So, it fell to his partners to up the ante. Hussain Talat attempted to flick Peter over the legside, but the ball only found a leading edge, giving Peter a return catch and leaving Pakistan at 131 for 5 after 30 overs.Mohammad Nawaz added plenty of runs at the death•Getty Images

Agha made his way to fifty off 83 balls, and then began showing signs of urgency. He also slog-swept Fortuin for four, but it was Mohammad Nawaz who danced down the track to hit the left-arm spinner for six, and then repeated the feat against Bosch. Agha tried to join in, but Bosch had the final say when he bowled him with an inswinging yorker.Faheem Ashraf took 12 of the 13 runs off Bosch’s penultimate over, but was caught at deep mid-wicket when he tried to slog a Burger slower-ball bouncer. Peter got another return catch when Afridi top-edged him while trying to go big.After that, it was all Nawaz. He reached his fifty with six off the first ball of the final over, hit another 10 runs, and then gave Peter his third caught and bowled. This final dismissal was the best of the lot, as he had to judge a high chance. Though Naseem finished the innings with a six, Pakistan did not have nearly enough.Saturday’s third ODI, also in Faisalabad, will decide the series and end South Africa’s all-format tour of Pakistan.

Marlins Man Imposter Distracts Viewers During Dodgers-Phillies Game

The Marlins did not make the playoffs but were still represented in the postseason once again thanks to Marlins Man, the fan who wears a bright orange Miami jersey and matching visor and sits in very good seats behind the plate.

You may have seen him in the background during the Yankees-Blue Jays series where he took a picture with Bad Bunny.

One game Marlins Man did not attend was Game 4 between the Dodgers and Phillies on Thursday night in Los Angeles. And yet some people thought they saw him.

That's right. There is another fan cosplaying as Marlins Man. Many fans were quick to note that the Marlins Man at the Dodgers-Phillies game was not the real Marlins Man, but an imposter. A fraud. A Temu version, if you will.

At least one person did not appreciate the homage.

It is certainly a choice. Since it is October, the outfit's color is definitely in-season. Plus, this could be a very early Halloween costume debut. And there's the possibility that this has to do with fantasy football punishment. The important thing is that everyone noticed.

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