The Phillies’ new closer, Duran, wasted no time making an impression. Nicknamed “Spider”, a name he picked up in Minnesota, Duran wears the identity with pride. “Everywhere,” he said, referring to his spider tattoos, spikes, and digital entrance visuals showing spiders crawling through fire at Citizens Bank Park. Duran was the Phillies’ top acquisition before Thursday’s Trade Deadline, joined by outfielder Harrison Bader. Both made their debut on Friday night, helping Philadelphia edge the Tigers 5-4 comeback victory. Duran closed the game with his first save for the Phillies, who now lead the NL East by half a game over the Mets. “Here, I’ve got a chance to win the World Series,” he said. There’s no doubt about his role, he’s the closer. His arrival ends the bullpen uncertainty that’s plagued late innings. Bader, the team’s top offensive outfielder, pinch-hit in the seventh, drew a walk, and scored the tying run to the delight of a lively home crowd. Though initially expected to play frequently, Bader will platoon in center field with Brandon Marsh for now, according to manager Rob Thomson. Still, as Duran lit up the stadium with his presence, the Phillies got a glimpse of the firepower they’ve added.

French prosecutors have requested that PSG defender Achraf Hakimi face trial over an alleged rape case from 2023, which he denies. The Nanterre prosecutor’s office told AFP it had asked the investigating judge to send the case to a criminal court. “It is now up to the investigating magistrate to make a decision,” they said. Hakimi, 26, was charged in March 2023 after a 24-year-old woman accused him of rape. The incident allegedly took place at his home in Boulogne-Billancourt while his family was away. Despite the allegations, Hakimi played a key role in PSG’s Champions League triumph and Morocco’s historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals.

Barcelona‘s have revealed their striking new away kit for the 2025/26 season, which replaces the traditional Nike swoosh with Kobe Bryant’s ‘Kobe Sheath’ logo. In a groundbreaking move, the club has teamed up with the late NBA icon’s brand, with the Kobe emblem set to feature on Barça’s shirts for the next three seasons. “FC Barcelona and Nike have signed a bold and emblematic partnership,” the club stated in an official release on Tuesday. “The new shirt will incorporate the ‘Kobe Sheath,’ symbolising a shared culture of sporting excellence.” The design pays tribute to Bryant’s legacy and aims to bring the Mamba Mentality into football, further strengthening the link between Nike, Kobe Bryant‘s, and FC Barcelona. The move mirrors PSG’s collaboration with Michael Jordan’s brand and marks another ambitious step in Barça’s growing global merchandising push, which also includes new ranges featuring the club’s Cat mascot and Lamine Yamal‘s iconic No. 10 shirt.

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been cleared of spot-fixing charges by an independent commission. The Brazilian faced four charges for allegedly trying to get booked on purpose to influence betting markets. He denied all allegations, and the commission found the charges not proven after a hearing. However, two separate charges for failing to cooperate with the FA’s investigation were upheld. A separate decision on sanctions for those will be made soon. “I’ve always said I’m innocent,” Lucas Paqueta said in a statement via the club. West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady added: “We are pleased Lucas has been cleared. He has maintained his innocence from the outset, and we’ve supported him throughout.”

Sporting CP have completed the signing of Colombian striker Luis Suarez from Almeria on a contract running until 2030, the Portuguese club confirmed on Monday. The 27-year-old arrives after a standout season in Spain, where he scored 31 goals and made eight assists during the 2024–25 campaign. Spanish media reports suggest Sporting paid around €25 million for the forward, with an €80 million release clause included in the deal. “I have reached the highest point of my career. I want to show that I have what it takes to be here,” Suarez said. He began his professional journey with Itagui Leones in Colombia and has since played for clubs including Granada, Real Valladolid, Real Zaragoza, and Marseille.

Liverpool have seen their opening offer for Alexander Isak turned down by Newcastle United, despite the striker’s reported eagerness to make the move to Anfield. According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Reds launched a £120 million bid plus add-ons for the Swedish international, but the Magpies immediately rejected the offer. Isak, who netted 23 Premier League goals last season, has been training individually at Real Sociedad’s facilities amid speculation surrounding his future. Fabrizio Romano also confirmed Newcastle’s stance, stating the club will not consider any sale unless they first secure a suitable replacement. Isak’s desire to join Liverpool appears firm, but with no clear successor in sight for the Magpies, the deal remains at a standstill.