Sports

Gary Lineker: A sorry end to a BBC career

Published

4 days ago

May 19, 2025

This is a sorry end to a long BBC career. Gary Lineker was among the corporation’s highest-paid presenters for a reason – he is popular with audiences, knowledgeable and brilliant at his job.

But it’s an understatement to suggest he has also caused problems for his BBC bosses over the years, as their high-profile football host began to morph into a presenter with opinions that he voiced on social media.

In the end, those two things were increasingly in conflict.

This has always been about reputation management for the BBC. Lineker had already, in the eyes of BBC bosses, caused the corporation damage with previous social media posts. Mistakenly sharing a video about Zionism, which included a rat emoj,i was the final straw.

It was difficult to see how he could continue presenting for the corporation, particularly at a time when the BBC is enmeshed in another controversy surrounding a documentary about Gaza, which it pulled after discovering the child narrator was the son of a Hamas official.

I think what’s different is that on this occasion, Lineker regrets his actions. He has appeared bullish about previous posts, saying that while he regretted damaging the BBC, he didn’t believe, for example, that comparing the language of a Conservative asylum policy to that of 1930s Germany was wrong.

Lineker is genuinely upset by what happened. He is mortified that he reposted the video. His relationship with the BBC is coming to an end in circumstances nobody would have wanted, but some might have predicted.

He seemed unable or unwilling to accept that his high profile might prevent him from voicing strongly-held views that many believed had an impact on the BBC’s need for impartiality.

We live increasingly in an age when people want to express their opinions, and often do. Social media has given everyone a platform, and high-profile media figures have huge followings.

He could not keep quiet. In the end, it brought him down.

But he is a successful podcast entrepreneur, owning a third of the shares in Goalhanger, the company behind hit shows including The Rest is History and The Rest is Politics.

I would also not be surprised if he does appear in the future on TV, perhaps even as a presenter of the World Cup for another outlet.

He has shown contrition, but it has been a damaging few days.

myjoyonline.com

Football

Ansu Fati Set for Monaco Switch as Deal Nears Completion

Published

2 minutes ago

May 24, 2025

AladdynKing

AS Monaco are on the verge of completing a deal to sign Ansu Fati from FC Barcelona, with negotiations now in the final stages.

Sources close to the discussions reveal that the agreement would see Fati join Monaco on an initial loan, with a buy option clause included in the deal. A sell-on clause favoring Barcelona is also expected to be part of the terms, ensuring the Catalan club benefits from any future transfer.

The 21-year-old winger, once hailed as Lionel Messi’s heir at Camp Nou, is reportedly keen on the move, eager to reignite his career with regular first-team football in Ligue 1.

While talks are still ongoing between the two clubs, confidence is high that the transfer will be finalized soon. If completed, it could mark a fresh start for Fati and a major coup for Monaco heading into the 2025/26 season.

Football

From Rejection to Revelation: Scott McTominay Crowned Serie A’s Most Valuable Player

Published

6 hours ago

May 24, 2025

AladdynKing

In one of the most remarkable football transformations in recent memory, Scott McTominay, once considered surplus to requirements at Manchester United, has been named Serie A’s Most Valuable Player for the 2024/25 season.

The Scottish midfielder has stunned critics and fans alike with his outstanding performances in Italy, proving that all he needed was the right stage to shine.

A Bold Move That Paid Off

McTominay made the move to Serie A under modest expectations, joining a club looking for steel and leadership in midfield. What followed was nothing short of a revelation. With his tireless work ethic, defensive grit, and surprising goal-scoring contributions, the 27-year-old quickly became a fan favorite and a key figure in his team’s title charge.

Across the 2024/25 campaign, McTominay registered 9 goals and 6 assists, consistently dominating the midfield and putting in man-of-the-match performances against Italy’s biggest clubs.

From Old Trafford to Italian Glory

At Manchester United, McTominay often found himself in and out of the squad, battling for minutes and struggling to establish a consistent role. Critics viewed him as a squad player at best. But in Italy, he’s proven that given the trust and responsibility, he can thrive at the highest level.

This MVP award is a testament to his resilience, professionalism, and growth—and a powerful reminder that football careers can be reborn in the most unexpected places.

A Message to the Doubters

McTominay’s success story sends a strong message to doubters and young players everywhere: career setbacks don’t define your future. In fact, they can be the very fuel for a spectacular comeback.

As the football world celebrates his rise, McTominay now stands tall not as a rejected Red Devil but as the most valuable player in one of Europe’s toughest leagues.

Sports

Arsenal Push Forward in Pursuit of Benjamin Sesko in €80M Summer Swoop

Published

11 hours ago

May 23, 2025

AladdynKing

Arsenal are stepping up their pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, with sources confirming that concrete negotiations are now underway between the two clubs.

According to reports from Philipp Hinze of Sky Sport Germany, key Arsenal figures including Marcel Schäfer and Andrea Berta are in direct contact with the German club as the Gunners look to make a decisive move ahead of a competitive summer transfer window.

Arteta Keen to Add Firepower

Manager Mikel Arteta is believed to be a major driving force behind the deal, viewing the 21-year-old Slovenian international as a perfect fit for Arsenal’s attacking style.

With a blend of pace, power, and finishing prowess, Sesko has enjoyed a breakthrough season with Leipzig, prompting interest from several top clubs across Europe.

While Arsenal are also monitoring alternative targets such as Viktor Gyökeres of Sporting CP, it’s understood that Sesko remains the club’s priority at this stage.

The Financial Details

Sesko’s current contract includes a release clause of €80 million, which becomes active this summer. Though Leipzig are reluctant to lose one of their brightest talents, they are resigned to letting him go if the clause is met.

Arsenal’s willingness to meet the valuation will be key to accelerating the deal. With Champions League football on the horizon and ambitions to challenge Manchester City domestically, the Gunners are expected to be aggressive in the transfer market.

What Sesko Brings to the Emirates

At just 21, Sesko already possesses a skill set that has drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland. Standing at 6’5” (1.95m), he combines physical dominance with intelligent movement, making him a formidable presence in the final third.

Adding a striker of Sesko’s caliber would not only address Arsenal’s need for a more clinical No. 9, but also signal their intent to push harder for silverware next season.

Deal Heating Up

With club-to-club talks now active and personal admiration from Arteta confirmed, Arsenal’s pursuit of Sesko is very much alive. Whether the deal can be finalized swiftly will depend on how negotiations progress in the coming weeks—but the north London side appear determined to get it over the line.

Stay tuned for further updates as the transfer window approaches.