Premier League clubs have unanimously approved a new long-term funding proposal to be presented to the English Football League, marking a major breakthrough in stalled financial discussions.
The top-flight division announced on Thursday that the comprehensive plan is slated to commence ahead of the 2026-27 season.
This crucial development revives the so-called ‘New Deal’ negotiations after talks over financial redistribution completely halted earlier this year.
A decade-long financial commitment
While specific details remain officially unconfirmed, previous reports indicate the structure encompasses a 10-year period featuring an increased transfer levy.
Contributions from the 20 member clubs are also expected to be calculated proportionately based on their individual commercial and broadcasting earnings.
The breakthrough follows a high-level summit held on Tuesday between senior executives from both football bodies and the Independent Football Regulator.
Moving towards a strategic partnership
An official statement confirmed that teams voted to endorse the funded structure to create a collaborative relationship with the lower divisions.
“The long-term proposal, which would start in season 2026/27, will now be formally offered to the EFL for discussion with its clubs.”
The world’s richest domestic league already maintains existing commitments to invest a record £1.6bn into the wider game and local communities every three years.
“The Premier League remains committed to finding a football-led solution and looks forward to continuing discussions with the EFL on progressing this proposal.”
The ticking clock of regulation
Regulatory chair David Kogan had previously warned administrators that time was rapidly running out to reach an amicable financial settlement.
The independent watchdog possesses statutory backstop powers to legally impose a redistribution solution if the respective leagues fail to agree on terms.
Speaking earlier this year, Kogan emphasised that unchecked financial disparity between the tiers could spell a death sentence for vulnerable professional teams.
Representatives for the 72 clubs outside the top division confirmed they are now awaiting the formal presentation of the financial offer.
“The EFL Board will then review the full detail of the proposal, including its potential benefits, implications and alignment with the long-term interests of our 72 clubs.”
Mauricio Pochettino is set to sign a four-year contract extension to remain as manager of the United States men’s national team following their World Cup exit.
The 54-year-old will commit his future to the Stars and Stripes through to the 2028 Copa America and the 2030 World Cup.
This development comes less than a month after the tournament hosts were eliminated in a bruising 4-1 Round of 16 defeat by Belgium.
World Cup highs and lows
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea boss guided the host nation to three tournament victories, setting a new national record.
His side secured back-to-back wins to open a campaign for the first time since 1930 and defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina in the newly expanded Round of 32.
However, early optimism faded rapidly following a group-stage stumble against Turkiye and the subsequent humbling knockout loss to the Belgians.
The fallout from the elimination saw captain Christian Pulisic heavily criticised by disappointed fans and media alike.
The campaign was further complicated by political intervention after Donald Trump lobbied to overturn a red card issued to striker Folarin Balogun.
Building for the future
Despite the disappointing conclusion to their home tournament, the Argentine tactician is widely viewed as having done a commendable job stateside.
The national federation reportedly offered the former Paris St-Germain manager a new deal before the World Cup even began.
This early offer demonstrated significant faith, particularly after the team missed out on the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup and struggled in the Nations League.
Telemundo broadcaster Andres Cantor provided an update on the contract negotiations earlier this week.
Talks are going well and the intention is to be able to announce it soon.
Andres Cantor
An official announcement is expected before the upcoming international friendly fixtures scheduled for September and October.
Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions has officially merged with the Professional Fighters League to create a unified combat sports company boasting a roster of more than 300 athletes.
The newly formed partnership will be spearheaded by MVP co-founders Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, alongside PFL chief executive John Martin.
As part of the sweeping corporate changes, the mixed martial arts organisation will now operate directly under the MVP brand umbrella.
Disrupting the combat sports model
Established primarily as a boxing promotional outfit in 2021, the disruptive enterprise recently ventured into MMA with staggering commercial success.
“We started MVP to disrupt a broken model.”
The YouTuber-turned-boxer explained that their primary goal has always been to guarantee fair pay and provide a modernised platform for athletes.
“We wanted to give fighters fair pay and a bigger, modernised stage to become global superstars. Joining forces with PFL accelerates that vision by a decade.”
“To all current MVP and PFL fighters, things just got bigger. To fighters fighting in other organisations, we are open for business when you are contractually free. The time for change is now.”
A proven track record of viewership
The promotion’s inaugural MMA broadcast in May set a United States viewership record for the sport.
According to Netflix, that event attracted 17 million global viewers as Ronda Rousey defeated Gina Carano.
Meanwhile, the PFL has consistently attempted to innovate the traditional fighting space since its inception in 2017.
It initially utilised a unique league-based points system offering a $1m (£750,000) grand prize, though structural changes for the 2025 season halved that playoff payout to $500,000 (£374,000).
Consolidating a fragmented industry
“Over the past seven years, PFL has built the world’s number two global MMA company.”
PFL chief executive Martin believes the merger will create an unprecedented global platform for the rapidly growing sport.
“We’re not just combining companies, we’re bringing an entire combat sports community together and creating a more powerful platform to accelerate growth.”
“One company, one global stage, millions of fans – and we’re only just getting started.”
This major structural shift follows quickly on the heels of a separate strategic alliance announced with Matchroom Boxing.
That particular venture aims to create vast new opportunities for female competitors across both promotional rosters.
The MVP stable already features heavy investment in women’s boxing, showcasing reigning world champions such as British stars Caroline Dubois and Chantelle Cameron.
Former Green Bay Packers running back Ahman Green has revealed he was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease in January 2025.
The 49-year-old shared his medical condition publicly for the first time during an appearance on the Go Long with Tyler Dunne podcast this week.
Prior to the interview, the franchise’s all-time leading rusher had only disclosed the news to close friends and family members.
Early symptoms and diagnosis
The former NFL star explained that he noticed physical changes, such as foot tremors during his sleep, long before seeking official medical advice.
“I mean, I knew something was going on long before that,” he said.
He added that his short-term memory has significantly deteriorated, describing his recall abilities as “trash”.
“When I meet somebody for the first time, it’s like a name, I hear that name, then I repeat it. I try to repeat it or write it down,” the retired back explained.
A storied career in Wisconsin
During a dominant spell in the early 2000s, the powerful runner set multiple enduring records for the historic NFC North franchise.
He amassed 8,322 rushing yards across two stints in Green Bay, eventually surpassing Jim Taylor’s long-standing career benchmark during the 2009 season.
His impressive 2003 campaign remains a franchise high point, yielding 1,883 yards on the ground and a single-game record of 218 yards against the Denver Broncos.
Having originally arrived via a trade from the Seattle Seahawks, he also spent time with the Houston Texans before returning to Wisconsin to finish his career.
Tackling the disease head-on
Tragically, he is the second prominent player from that specific era of Packers football to confirm such a diagnosis.
Legendary quarterback Brett Favre announced his own battle with Parkinson’s in 2024, prompting calls for greater transparency regarding neurological issues among former athletes.
“It needs to be upfront. It needs to be a topic that’s always hit,” he stated regarding discussions amongst former players.
Despite the daunting road ahead, he maintains a positive outlook and intends to combat the illness through strict dietary protocols alongside prescribed medication.
“I’m in control. I’m not going to let this control me.”
Medical professionals have reportedly been highly encouraged by his current physical condition, noting that his baseline health remains excellent for someone displaying early gait and posture symptoms.
The Detroit Tigers are preparing to trade two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal ahead of the 3 August MLB trade deadline following a slump that has derailed their play-off hopes.
The reigning American League pitching champion is expected to be moved rather than departing for a minimal compensatory draft pick in free agency.
Detroit currently sit four and a half games adrift of the final wild-card spot after a devastating 12-inning collapse against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday.
Dodgers and Brewers lead the chase
Several heavyweight franchises are closely monitoring the situation as the trade window draws to a close.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays are viewed as the primary contenders to secure the sought-after left-hander.
These three organisations boast baseball’s strongest farm systems, providing the prospect capital required to facilitate a blockbuster deal.
Adding the dominant starter would cement the Rays as American League favourites or potentially grant the back-to-back champion Dodgers the sport’s premier arm.
Prospect capital driving up the price
Atlanta and the Chicago Cubs are also remaining in the mix for a transformative rotation upgrade.
However, the immense minor-league depth of the frontrunners threatens to price other interested parties out of the market.
The Brewers possess top-tier talent like highly rated shortstop Jesus Made, while the Dodgers can offer elite outfielders including Josue De Paula.
With starting pitching historically commanding a massive premium in the summer, Detroit’s front office is positioned to demand a franchise-altering return for their departing ace.
Liverpool have joined a host of top European clubs in the race to sign Bournemouth winger Rayan as they search for a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah.
The 19-year-old Brazilian has attracted interest from Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Paris St-Germain and Real Madrid following an outstanding breakthrough campaign on the south coast.
Discussions regarding a £60m move to Merseyside are reportedly under way, though Bournemouth’s owners could hold out for a fee closer to £85m.
Reuniting with Iraola
A switch to Anfield would reunite the highly-rated teenager with newly appointed Reds manager Andoni Iraola.
The Basque coach recently took charge of Liverpool ahead of the 2026-27 season, replacing Arne Slot following a disappointing league campaign.
During their time together at the Vitality Stadium, the former Cherries boss heavily praised the South American’s willingness to embrace defensive responsibilities.
“Watching Rayan one against one against Jeremy Doku, accepting, celebrating defensive plays, I was almost crying, because it’s what they need,” Iraola told the Daily Echo in May.
“It’s like he has talent, it’s a natural thing, but they have to make a bigger step in to being more complete, especially without the ball.”
Life after Salah
The Anfield hierarchy faces the monumental task of replacing their Egyptian talisman, who departed Merseyside this summer.
Ending a spectacular nine-year stint, the prolific forward delivered a staggering 380 goal contributions in 442 appearances for the club.
Rayan only arrived in English football from Vasco da Gama in January for an initial £24.7m fee.
However, the dynamic right-winger quickly justified that investment with five goals and two assists in just 15 matches.
Those vital contributions helped secure European qualification for Bournemouth for the first time in their history.
Manchester City have agreed terms to sign 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi following his standout performances for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup.
The Premier League champions are currently in advanced talks with the French club to finalise the transfer structure for the highly-rated teenager.
Despite the breakthrough in negotiations, an immediate move to Etihad Stadium remains uncertain for Enzo Maresca’s side.
Lille are reportedly willing to offer a discounted transfer fee if the English outfit allow the player to remain in Ligue 1 on loan or under a pre-contract agreement until 2027.
World Cup heroics spark global interest
The teenage prodigy attracted widespread attention this summer after anchoring the midfield for his country across North America.
He started all but one of his national team’s fixtures during the tournament, capping off a grueling 2025-26 domestic campaign where he missed just six league matches.
National team coach Mohamed Ouahbi praised the youngster’s exceptional maturity following a high-profile World Cup clash against Brazil.
“I can understand why Bouaddi has been a revelation to some people, but not to us,” Ouahbi stated.
“Naturally, playing that way against Brazil at such a young age, in an environment like this, will attract attention. But he is very mature for his age and he’ll remain grounded.”
Comparisons to Europe’s elite
The central midfielder had already established himself as one of Europe’s brightest prospects long before his international breakout.
French football expert Julien Laurens described the Moroccan international as being “not far from a genius” after a historic Champions League display.
The tireless midfielder dominated against Real Madrid on his 17th birthday, securing a memorable 1-0 group stage victory for the French outfit.
“Lille quickly realised that they had an absolute gem on their hands,” Laurens noted.
“He was the best player on the pitch on the day of his 17th birthday, which gave me a similar vibe to when Eduardo Camavinga bossed a game against Paris St-Germain at 16.”
Securing the signature of such a coveted talent would represent a significant coup for City as they look to future-proof their midfield.
Roberto Mancini has returned as manager of the Italian national team on a four-year contract, pleading for forgiveness from supporters following his controversial departure to Saudi Arabia in 2023.
The 61-year-old takes charge of the Azzurri for a second time, having previously led them to the Euro 2020 title during a highly successful five-year tenure.
That initial spell ended abruptly when he resigned to take over the Saudi Arabian national side, a decision that drew intense criticism in his homeland.
Now back at the helm, the former Manchester City boss has vowed to rebuild trust and restore the nation’s footballing prestige.
“I will try to make sure the team is so beautiful and plays so well that the fans fall in love with it, and perhaps forgive me for what happened,” Mancini said.
World Cup ambitions and youth focus
Italy’s recent international record has been historically poor, with the four-time world champions famously failing to qualify for the last three World Cups.
Addressing this steep decline, the returning coach emphasised the desperate need for domestic clubs to integrate younger talent into their starting lineups.
“There are two things I want the most. First, getting Italian fans to fall in love with the national team again. Second, making sure that children like my 12-year-old grandson, who have never seen Italy play at a World Cup, get the chance to do so.”
Ranieri joins amid boardroom chaos
The managerial appointment follows a period of significant turmoil within the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
Initial plans to install Andrea Pirlo collapsed because of his reported connections to a Russian betting company, prompting the swift resignations of backers Paolo Maldini and Leonardo.
In a move designed to stabilise the hierarchy, FIGC president Giovanni Malago has also appointed 74-year-old Claudio Ranieri as the new technical director.
The veteran tactician will now oversee elite football development across all national team age groups.
Nations League tests await
The newly assembled coaching team faces an immediate and challenging baptism in the Uefa Nations League later this month.
The Azzurri will host Belgium in Rome on 25 September, before heading to Bologna to face Turkey on 5 October.
“We’ll immediately get a real measure of our strength and identify the areas where we need to improve,” the manager concluded.