Manchester United have had a largely fruitful summer transfer window thus far, but could be left rueing missing the opportunity to sign one talent who is burning bright with Barcelona

Manchester United may be kicking themselves at passing up on signing Karim Adeyemi this summer, with the forward impressing with Barcelona. The Reds were linked with the 24-year-old over the course of the January transfer window, but ultimately opted not to make a move.

The German international racked up an impressive tally with Red Bull Salzburg immediately after penning professional terms with the club in 2018, managing 33 goals and 24 assists from 94 appearances before he was snapped up by Borussia Dortmund in 2022.

Adeyemi managed a further 36 goals and 25 assists in 125 appearances for Die Schwarzgelben, as a number of European giants began to pay attention. While Adeyemi was valued at around £70million in January, Barcelona ultimately managed to secure him for just £26.5m last month after playing a successful waiting game.

United, meanwhile, rushed to strengthen the heart of their midfield following the departure of Casemiro instead of reigniting an interest in Adeyemi, welcoming Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea.

However, that could come back to bite the Reds, should Adeyemi continue to impress in Catalunya. Barca enjoyed a 5-2 win over FC Basel on Sunday, as they worked to put the final touches on their pre-season preparations.

And Adeyemi managed his first goal and an assist for the Blaugrana during the contest, as football fans worldwide lick their lips at the prospect of the damage the forward can do in La Liga and the Champions League this season.

Worldwide media were quick to shower Adeyemi with praise for his individual and team performance against Basel, with SPORT labelling the talent as the ‘star’ of the fixture as Marca claimed he had ‘particularly stood out.’

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Social media was also ablaze with compliments directed toward Adeyemi. One user wrote on X: “How on earth did we convince Dortmund to let Adeyemi come for just €22M???”

Another added: “He arrived quietly but could spring a surprise. Karim Adeyemi,” while a third said: “Adeyemi is far from an average player. A player who single-handedly took a team like Dortmund to a UCL final is consider elite for me.

“And a quick reminder: he’s just 24yr. His output is pretty impressive. 30+ G/A averaging Saka’s best szn, and he never played for an elite team.”

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A fourth opined: “Man, I’ve always believed in Adeyemi, but I never knew he had this in his locker. What a player!”

A fifth also explained: “A preseason match against Basel certifies nothing, due to the level of the opposition, but one can appreciate, in Adeyemi, the spark, the will to hurt, a certain degree of skill in the dribble, the intent of the pass and the shot.”

Trainer Michael Freedman was still processing the stewards’ decision regarding Transcend’s disqualification when Polyglot notched a win for the stable in the subsequent race, the Proven Thoroughbreds Handicap (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

Freedman was briefly taken aback when the trainer of the third-placed horse, Street Artist, approached and remarked: “We might protest.”

It was revealed that the comment was made in jest by Michael’s brother, Anthony.

Polyglot’s victory offered some compensation for the disappointment Michael Freedman was still feeling following Transcend’s demotion.

“In this business, you have to abide by the judge’s decision,” Freedman offered diplomatically when asked for his thoughts on the protest ruling that saw Transcend, the initial leader, relegated to second place behind Mind Ya Buzz.

However, Polyglot ($6), ridden by Tim Clark, managed to bring a smile back to Freedman’s face as it held off a late surge from Off The Press ($7) by a neck, with Street Artist ($3.70 favourite) a nose behind in third.

“We got into a nice spot but I had to be patient as he only has as short, sharp sprint,” Clark stated. “But he was very tough today.”

Freedman praised Clark’s tactically faultless ride on Polyglot, a former Godolphin galloper that Scott Darby of Darby Racing Syndications purchased before the start of last season.

“I recommended Darby Racing buy this horse because I thought he would be the perfect type for them,” Freedman shared. “He’s a tough, sound horse, he’s genuine and rarely runs a bad race. He’s done a great job for us so far with two wins from his last three starts and he’s very consistent.”

Earlier on the Rosehill program, Concordia Wind delivered an early double for Sydney racing’s premier trainer-jockey combination of Chris Waller and James McDonald when she took out the Schweppes Handicap (1900m).

Concordia Wind ($3.80 favourite) was afforded an ideal run by McDonald and raced clear to win by one-and-a-half lengths from Flying From Above ($18), with Leovanni ($5) finishing a close third.

“This was the right race for her today,” said Waller, who also trained Steel Will to an earlier win.

“James gave her a good ride and she has run the 1900m out well, so she should get out to 2000m at least.”

When McDonald was asked about Concordia Wind’s potential distance capabilities, the jockey made a light-hearted comment that still held a ring of truth.

“Chris could train a 1200m horse to run 2400m!” McDonald declared.

Explore the latest racing betting markets for upcoming events.

In a notable turn of events at Rosehill, trainer Chris Waller and jockey James McDonald found themselves on opposing sides, a scenario Waller skillfully capitalised on.

With the Waller-trained mare Eagle Express ($4) carrying just 52kg in Saturday’s Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1200m), lightweight hoop Zac Lloyd was engaged. Lloyd shadowed McDonald, who was leading on the eventual fourth-placegetter Hawker Hall ($2.05 fav), and managed to surge through on the inside to secure the win.

“That was the plan today, to get into James’ slipstream and not expose her too early and just have a crack late,” Waller said. “She’s a talented filly turned mare now. We wanted to see her do that today to justify another year with us.”

Eagle Express, now a five-year-old, has had a relatively light racing career, with this being her fifth victory from 21 starts. She proved herself capable in black type company during the autumn, and Waller believes she can measure up to that grade again in the right circumstances.

“The race next week, the Toy Show Quality, is probably the right race for her. She won’t be running there, but that type of race. A handicap where we can hold her up,” he suggested.

Waller also expressed his strong approval of Lloyd’s ride, which marked his second win of the day, having previously secured a victory on protest aboard the Brad Widdup-trained Mind Ya Bizz.

The young jockey, who was McDonald’s closest rival for the Sydney premiership last season, is considered one of the sport’s ascending stars. Waller noted that Lloyd’s recent international riding experiences in South Africa and at Royal Ascot have been particularly beneficial.

While McDonald remains the benchmark, Waller suggested that the emergence of riders like Lloyd is a positive influence, pushing all elite jockeys to extend their capabilities.

“You don’t want the gap too big and there are a few chomping away,” Waller stated. “There’s some good, healthy competition. It’s great for James, and it’s good for jockeys when they do some international trips like Zac has done. Jason Collett is in Japan at the moment. We’re the winner, Sydney, when they come back.”

Lloyd is set to miss next Saturday’s Winx Stakes meeting due to his participation in the World All-Star Jockeys competition in Japan, continuing his recent international racing engagements.

Check out the online bookmakers for the latest racing odds on upcoming events.

The Minnesota Vikings preseason started with a 13-10 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. The preseason is less about results and more about individual players trying to impress and secure their position in the team’s plans going forward.

3 Vikings Who Impressed in the Vikings Preseason Opener

Kevin O’Connell sent his starters out to begin the game, but they quickly made way as the second- and third-string players filtered in. Three players made a statement, suggesting they can have important roles this season with their performance in the Vikings’ preseason opener.

Myles Price 

As an undrafted rookie in 2025, Myles Price carved out a role for himself in Minnesota as the team’s kick and punt returner. Price did jet on the field a handful of times with the Vikings offense but he never recorded a single target. Now trying to keep his place on the roster for a second season, Price put his name in the WR4 conversation by totally outperforming Tai Felton against the Giants. His 4 targets went for 4 catches for 51 yards and 1 touchdown.

It was a good day’s work for Price with two catches that would make any highlight reel. His superb one-handed touchdown catch took all the attention, but a contested catch along the sideline earlier in the drive was also impressive. There’s not a huge amount of room for even the Vikings WR4 to get opportunities (barring injuries) but Price is making his case to get some involvement when the regular season comes around.

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Jay Ward

Safety is a problem position in Minnesota right now and that was compounded when Jamal Adams went down injured on Saturday. On a brighter note Jay Ward was on every football platform there is after sacking Giants QB Jaxson Dart.

A safety in a Brian Flores defense needs to be able to get up at the line of scrimmage, use disguise, and be able to blitz. Ward showed his pass rushing prowess when he got to Dart and laid in a massive (and importantly, fair) hit on the Giants QB. As it stands Ward is a starter on the Vikings’ depth chart.

Max Bredeson

The retirement of CJ Ham left a big hole on the Vikings’ roster. This early in his career Max Bredeson won’t be expected to take on the leadership role Ham had but the fullback looks capable of taking on the playing role. Bredeson was a key factor in opening running lanes as Minnesota dominated on the ground to start the game and even got involved in the pass game early, bringing in the first catch of the Vikings preseason on a short pass from Kyler Murray.

Small detail, but watch @Showtyme_33 threaten going outside before cutting into the gap between Bredeson and Oliver. Forces No. 2 from the #Giants to get onto FB’s outside shoulder. Savvy, veteran running to help the young blocker. https://t.co/gzLIsGJxNd

— K. Joudry (@VikingsGazette) August 16, 2026

The nature of a fullback’s role means Bredeson’s impact won’t always show up on the stat sheet, but the man who played a ton of tight end is showing how his size and strength can be of value as both a run blocker, pass blocker, and as a receiver when required. The early signs suggest Bredeson should see plenty of the field during his rookie campaign.

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Lennox Lewis suffered defeat just twice in his legendary career, and while he may have avenged both of those losses, one of the two men to have trumped ‘The Lion’ is set to return to action next month.

Lewis first lost out to Oliver McCall on a shocking night at Wembley Stadium in 1994, surrending his WBC crown, but the London-born knockout artist got his revenge in their rematch two-and-a-half years later, halting ‘The Atomic Bull’ after five rounds of action.

Then, in 2001, Lewis got stopped once again, as Hasim Rahman pulled off the upset in South Africa, but in their second encounter, just seven months later, Lewis scored one of the most iconic knockouts in heavyweight history to reclaim his WBC, IBF and lineal heavyweight titles and tee up a major showdown against Mike Tyson.

Now, a quarter of a century on from his first reign as heavyweight world champion, a 53-year-old Hasim Rahman is set to end a 12-year run of inactivity, but his comeback will not take place as originally planned after his fight with Robert Simms, scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, was cancelled.

Instead, ‘The Rock’ will make his ring return against 40-year-old Phillip Triantafillo in a six-round bout for the USA Indiana State Heavyweight Title on Thursday, September 24, that will take place at the Hammond Sportsplex. 

Meanwhile, Rahman’s son Sharif Rahman is also continuing the family legacy, having recently signed with BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing, switching to the ungloved scene despite boasting an undefeated nine-fight record in the professional ranks.

Nigeria international Taiwo Awoniyi says he is excited to begin a new chapter at Coventry City after completing his move from Nottingham Forest.

The newly promoted Premier League club signed the 29-year-old striker permanently from Forest in a deal reportedly worth around £9 million.

Speaking after completing the transfer, Awoniyi said he was happy to join Coventry and could not wait to get started.

“I’m very happy to complete my move to Coventry City,” Awoniyi said.

“I am very excited about this season, and I can’t wait to get started.”

The Super Eagles forward also praised Coventry’s achievement in securing promotion to the Premier League last season.

“I’m really looking forward to working with my new teammates,” he added.

“I have seen how amazing they have been last season, coming up from the Championship. They were incredible, and now I am just excited to join them and get started for the new season.”

Awoniyi will link up with fellow Nigerian international Frank Onyeka, who also joined Coventry permanently this summer.

The striker spent four seasons at Nottingham Forest, scoring 23 goals in 103 appearances across all competitions before making the move to Coventry.

Alexandra Eala of the Philippines returns a shot to Elena-Gabriela Ruse of Romania during day 5 of the Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 15, 2026 in Mason, Ohio. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by MATTHEW STOCKMAN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

It should be no surprise that Alex Eala understands how Manny Pacquiao’s impact on Filipinos goes beyond the oft-spectacular results of his high-profile bouts.

It is pretty much the same with her own.

“When he would have fights, everyone was so excited, and it was just a chance for people to come together,” Eala told a press conference after her 6-0, 3-0 (ret.) victory over Romanian Elena-Gabriela Ruse at the Cincinnati Open last Saturday (Manila time).

Like Pacquiao before, Eala has Filipino sports fans everywhere in the world spellbound and her impact goes beyond match-deep.

In fact, regardless of how her third-round duel against world No. 10 Amanda Anisimova in the third round on Monday turns out, her positive effect on tennis isn’t going to change much.

The 21-year-old ace has been the WTA’s “Big Ticket” over the last two years, drawing crowds to women’s tour events when she competes, largely due to diaspora-strengthened Filipino communities coming together to support her.

In fact, it was this sense of community that Eala mentioned—among others—when she was asked to sum up Filipino culture.

“Filipino culture and just every culture in general is very layered. It’s ever-evolving,” she said. “When I think of Filipino culture, what comes to mind is community, family, hospitality, love (and) kindness.”

“That being said, keep in mind that no culture can be summed up in just a couple of words.”

Pacquiao, the boxing icon whose exploits in the mid-2000s to 2010s turned him into an international headliner, is widely regarded as the greatest Filipino athlete of all time. Eala is still at the beginning of her career, but what a start it has been. And there is certainly no cap to her potential.

And even as she is well aware of her current place in the Filipino pantheon of sports heroes, she understands that her journey is as unique as the legend she is now being compared to.

“I think I’m still very, very far from the levels of Pacquiao,” the world No. 20 said. “He’s done a lot for us athletes, I think, to pave the way. I mean, it never really crossed my mind when I was watching his fights back home that one day I would be compared to him now.”

“I guess my journey has similar things or can give similar things like [what Pacquiao gave],” Eala added. “I mean, it’s very flattering to be compared to him. But at the same time, I think [we have] two unique journeys. I don’t think one takes away from the other. I think they’re beautiful [journeys] … they both have their own beautiful set of characteristics.”

There are similarities, too. Pacquiao’s fights often emptied streets as people remained glued to their televisions to watch him. Eala’s matches have kept a nation sleepless because of the time zones she competes in.

And both have followers who turn to their exploits for motivation.

“A couple of sentences from them is enough to see a glimpse into their stories or, you know, how tennis has impacted their lives or how being Filipino and their pride has affected them personally,” Eala said. “So I think it’s crazy how inspiration can affect other people to what depths.”

Perhaps because of this, Eala isn’t pinning her success on tournament results—for now.

“I think it’s just the level that I play [that matters],” she said. “Did I bring the level that I wanted to bring? So if I lose first round, but it’s a really good match, I wouldn’t say that it was a successful week, but it wasn’t a bad one.”

“And if I reached the final, then I’ll take that too.” INQ