Elanga & Aina-2

Nottingham Forest were one of the standout sides of the Premier League last season. The East Midlands club, under the tutelage of Nuno Espirito Santo, qualified for the UEFA Conference League after they finished seventh in the top flight. For much of the campaign, they were in the race for a Champions League spot.

 

Unsurprisingly, with all that success, there has been plenty of interest in some of their key players. Anthony Elanga is one man who has been linked with a move away, with reports suggesting a £50m bid from Newcastle United would be enough for the deal to go through.

 

Anthony-Elanga-Nottingham-Forest

If that move does happen, Forest will need a replacement and have been linked with a player who is, in many ways, a hybrid between Elanga and right-back Ola Aina.

 

Nottingham Forest’s latest transfer target

It would certainly be a huge blow if Elanga was to depart the City Ground. The relationship he has formed with Aina down that right-hand side has been formidable. The East Midlands side must get his potential replacement right.

 

Well, perhaps the man they could bring into the club is AC Milan winger Alexis Saelemaekers. According to a report from TEAMtalk, the club ‘have held talks’ with the Serie A giants over a potential move for the Belgian this summer.

 

alexis-saelemaekers-roma

This is a longstanding interest; Forest have reportedly been ‘in contact with the Belgian international’s entourage for over a year’. The two teams are apart in valuation at the moment, with Milan demanding £21m, just over £4m more than what Forest want to pay.

 

However, the fact that they’ve been interested in the winger for so long might suggest a deal can be completed.

 

Why Saelemaekers would be a good signing

The versatile Belgian star spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Milan’s Serie A rivals Roma. Whilst he struggled with an ankle injury at the beginning of the season, he enjoyed a strong second half to his spell in the Italian capital.

 

alexis-saelemaekers-as-roma

Saelemaekers played 31 games for Roma last season, grabbing an impressive 13 goals and assists in that time. Of those goal involvements, seven goals and three assists came in just 22 Serie A appearances.

 

One of the standout features about Saelemaekers’ game last season was, without doubt, his versatility. The 25-year-old played on both flanks and as a number 10, seeing success in all of those positions.

 

 

This is where the Elanga and Aina hybrid idea comes in. Not only is Saelemaekers able to play as a right-winger, thus replacing Elanga directly, but he can also slot in as a right-back.

 

As per Transfermarkt, he has played that role 14 times in his career, as well as featuring at right wing-back.

 

Replacing Elanga next season, if he leaves, will not be easy. The Sweden international was a standout player in Garibaldi Red last term, with six goals and 11 assists in 38 Premier League games, mainly operating on the right-hand side. However, Saelemaekers certainly has the ability to do so.

 

Most assists 2024-25 Premier League (timeless)

The similarities between the duo are clear to see. Both are right-footed wingers operating on the right and had a hand in a healthy number of goals.

 

In fact, both of them averaged 0.61 goal involvements per 90 minutes, as per FBref, with Saelemaekers playing more progressive passes than Elanga each game, with 3.48 to 2.27.

 

Saelemaekers and Elanga key stats compared

 

Stat (per 90)

 

Saelemaekers

 

Elanga

 

Goals and assists

 

0.61

 

0.61

 

Key passes

 

1.59

 

1.8

 

Progressive passes

 

3.48

 

2.27

 

Shot-creating actions

 

3.9

 

3.67

 

Ball recoveries

 

4.82

 

3.2

 

Stats from FBref

 

Saelemaekers can certainly be an apt Elanga replacement, and will be hoping he can form a deadly partnership with Aina, just as the Swede has done. They have played 57 times together, even combining for a goal away to West Ham United in 2022/23, in what ended as a 3-2 loss.

 

He could also provide cover, or even competition as a flying full-back, for a player Jamie Carragher said “could play for a team who expects to be in the Champions League every season”.

 

Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina celebrates after the match

There is no doubt that Saelemaekers could be a fantastic member of the squad at the City Ground. He is a player with reams of “quality” as football talent scout Jacek Kulig said, and with the abilities he possesses, can surely be considered a hybrid of Elanga and Aina, two of Forest’s most important players.

 

 

 

 

 

The women’s 1500m final at the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship lived up to its billing, delivering a thrilling race that highlighted the grit, strategy, and sheer talent of collegiate middle-distance runners. Held at the iconic Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, the event drew thousands of fans who packed the stands to witness one of the most anticipated races of the championship weekend.

 

From the gun, it was clear the race would be tactical. The field featured a mix of seasoned upperclassmen and rising stars, all with legitimate podium aspirations. Defending champion Aaliyah Brooks of Oregon came in as the favorite, having clocked a personal best of 4:06.38 earlier in the season. But she faced stiff competition from Sienna Lopez of Texas A&M, Natalie Zhang of Stanford, and Imani Okafor of Florida State, all of whom had run under 4:10 this season and looked sharp in the prelims.

 

The first 400 meters was conservative, clocked at just over 68 seconds, with no one willing to take on the early pacing responsibilities. Lopez sat on the shoulder of Brooks, who was tucked in behind the pacemaker. Zhang hung back in fifth, clearly saving her kick. By the 800-meter mark, crossed in 2:17, the tempo had picked up slightly, but the pack remained tightly bunched—seven runners still in contention.

 

With 500 meters to go, the race came alive. Okafor surged to the front, making a decisive move that strung out the field. Brooks responded immediately, shadowing her down the backstretch. Lopez and Zhang clung on, while others began to fall off the pace. The bell rang with Okafor leading in 3:17, and the final lap was an all-out sprint.

 

Brooks made her move on the curve, overtaking Okafor with 200 meters left. But it wasn’t over. Zhang, known for her devastating final 100 meters, kicked into gear and began closing the gap with every stride. With the crowd on their feet, the three leaders powered down the home stretch in a dramatic finish. Brooks held her form, but Zhang edged past Okafor and nearly reeled in the leader.

 

In the end, Aaliyah Brooks defended her title in 4:07.02, just holding off Natalie Zhang, who finished in 4:07.19. Imani Okafor claimed third in 4:08.01, earning Florida State valuable points in the team standings. The top five finishers all ran personal bests, a testament to the competitive depth of the race.

 

Brooks, now a two-time NCAA champion, credited her composure and experience for the win. “I knew it was going to be tactical,” she said post-race. “I had to trust my training, stay patient, and strike at the right moment. I’m proud of how I executed.”

 

The women’s 1500m final not only showcased elite athleticism but also underscored the growing competitiveness of collegiate middle-distance running. With several underclassmen in the top ranks, the future of the event looks bright. As fans filed out of Hayward Field, there was no doubt: this was a race to remember.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Anthony Elanga scores vs Spurs

With Newcastle United still chasing a deal to sign Anthony Elanga, Nottingham Forest have reportedly set their sights on signing a young Premier League gem who could replace the Swede.

 

Nottingham Forest battling to keep Elanga

Those in the Midlands managed to keep hold of Elanga last summer and that victory quickly paid dividends in an excellent season at the City Ground. The interest in the winger hasn’t gone away, however, and this time Newcastle have money to spend. The Magpies have already reportedly made an enquiry about signing the former Manchester United man and Forest face another fight to keep hold of one of their star players.

 

Elanga, himself, chose to remain coy when asked about his Nottingham Forest future whilst on international duty with Sweden recently, telling reporters: “There’s a lot of talk. I’m focusing on what I can do and my focus today was on the game. In football there are always rumors. The most important thing is that I focus on what I can control.”

 

After missing out on the Champions League even after a fantastic campaign, there may be some concern around the City Ground that Nuno Espirito Santo could lose his top players this summer.

 

Borja Sainz and Marcelino Nunez

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As ever, Evangelos Marinakis has already set his sights on incomings of his own, though.

The Greek owner and Nottingham Forest have recently been linked with moves for the likes of Igor Jesus and Real Valladolid star Raul Moro. What’s more, the Tricky Trees are also reportedly interested in signing an impressive Premier League gem if Elanga chooses to leave the club in favour of Newcastle this summer.

 

Nottingham Forest assessing Oscar Bobb move

According to Football Insider’s Mick Brown, Marinakis is now assessing a Nottingham Forest move to sign Oscar Bobb from Manchester City this summer. The young winger returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines towards the end of last season and will be desperate to get up to speed with some much-needed game time.

 

Manchester City’s Oscar Bobb

Brown, a former Premier League scout, told Football Insider: “A Premier League loan move is exactly what Bobb needs. After the injury he had, he has to prove to everybody that he is still capable at this level.

 

“It’s difficult to come back from something like that, he has some proving to do, but he has to be playing regularly to do it. If you take him out of that Man City side and put him in another Premier League team, a Crystal Palace or a Nottingham Forest, it will show where he’s at. Palace and Forest are both clubs I’ve heard are having a look at the deal.

 

The 21-year-old is a player who Pep Guardiola believes has “incredible potential”, but his short-term future could lie at the City Ground. It’s there that he could step into Elanga’s role and discover his best form following a frustrating injury setback.

 

A major commit in the Bulldogs 2026 recruiting class has shut down his commitment process.

 

Justice Fitzpatrick during a visit to the University of Georgia

Justice Fitzpatrick during a visit to the University of Georgia / University if Georgia Athletic Association

 

A major commit in the Bulldogs 2026 recruiting class has shut down his commitment process.

 

The Georgia Bulldogs received some positive news on the recruiting trail earlier this week as highly touted prospect Justice Fitzpatrick announced that he will be shutting down his recruitment after committing to the University of Georgia.

 

Fitzpatrick is rated a four-star recruit, the 47th-best player in the country, the third-best cornerback in the class, and the fifth-best player in the state of Florida. He is the younger brother of NFL safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. A notable name known as Kirby Smart recruited M. Fitzpatrick to Alabama prior to him taking the head coaching job at Georgia.

 

Along with Fitzpatrick, Bulldogs commit Brady Marchese also announced that he would be shutting down his recruitment intending to sign with Georgia. The news of Fitzpatrick and Marchese locking in their commitments is an excellent sign for Georgia which is looking to sign another top-5 class during the 2025 recruiting cycle.

 

Georgia now has 12 players committed in the upcoming class. Five-star quarterback Jared Curtis is the headliner of the group and as the list grows for the Dawgs, it looks like they are setting up to land another top-three class this year.

 

The Bulldogs will continue to host a litany of athletes on official visits over the next few weekends. In typical Georgia fashion, they have capitalized on those opportunities and picked up multiple commits.

 

 

 

Benjamin Azamati is a sprinter for Ghana

 

 

Ghanaian sprint star Benjamin Azamati has expressed pride and relief after officially qualifying for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

 

The 26-year-old hit the qualifying standard at the McNabb Sprint Series, clocking 9.98 seconds in the men’s 100m with a legal wind reading of +1.2 m/s, his season’s best performance so far.

 

The time places him joint 17th on the global qualification list and reaffirms his position as one of Ghana’s most consistent performers in recent sprinting history.

 

Reacting to the achievement in an interview with Sporty FM, Azamati shared a mix of gratitude and emotional release after what has been a testing journey.

 

“I feel grateful and proud. It’s been a long journey with ups and downs, so finally making the qualification mark takes some pressure off,” he said.

 

Azamati added that the result now allows him to focus more calmly on what lies ahead.

 

“Now I can focus on the rest of the season and prepare to be in my best shape in September,” he added.

 

The Olympic semi-finalist and national relay record holder opted out of the 2025 World Relays in Guangzhou to concentrate on qualifying individually in the 100m, a strategic decision that has clearly paid off.

 

This latest performance also marks the fourth time Azamati has broken the 10-second barrier under legal wind conditions, more than any Ghanaian athlete in history.

 

Beyond his brilliance, he remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s 4x100m relay team and famously ran the back straight in the squad that set the national record (38.07s) at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene.

 

 

 

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SEC Network analyst Cole Cubelic has ranked Alabama’s defensive line as the fifth best in the Southeastern Conference heading into the 2025 season. This assessment reflects both the potential and the challenges facing the Crimson Tide’s defensive front as they adapt to new leadership and schemes.

 

Under new head coach Kalen DeBoer and defensive coordinator Kane Wommack, Alabama is transitioning to a 4-2-5 “Swarm” defense, moving away from the traditional 3-4 base utilized during the Nick Saban era.

This shift introduces the “Bandit” position—a hybrid role requiring players to excel both as edge rushers and in coverage. The success of this scheme heavily relies on the defensive line’s ability to generate pressure and adapt to versatile roles.

 

Key returning players like Tim Keenan III and Tim Smith bring experience and leadership to the interior line. Keenan, who started at nose tackle in 2023, recorded 38 tackles and his first career sack, showcasing his development and commitment to the program.

Smith, entering his graduate year, has consistently contributed over his four seasons, providing stability and depth. Additionally, Texas A&M transfer LT Overton is expected to make a significant impact. In the previous season, Overton led the team with 38 pressures, demonstrating his disruptive capabilities on the edge .

 

Despite these strengths, the defensive line faces challenges that justify Cubelic’s ranking. The departure of standout players like Justin Eboigbe, who had a seven-sack, All-SEC season in 2023, leaves a void in pass-rushing prowess. Moreover, the adaptation to a new defensive

scheme requires time and cohesion, factors that can affect early-season performance. The depth chart also includes players like James Smith, Jordan Renaud, Keon Keeley, Edric Hill, and Jeremiah Beaman, who, while talented, have limited in-game experience and will need to step up to maintain the unit’s effectiveness .

 

Cubelic’s ranking also reflects the broader competitive landscape of the SEC. Teams like Georgia and LSU have consistently fielded dominant defensive lines, setting a high benchmark for others in the conference. Alabama’s position at fifth suggests that while the Crimson Tide possess the talent and potential to excel, they must prove their capabilities on the field, especially against top-tier opponents.

 

In conclusion, Alabama’s defensive line enters the 2025 season with a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, all under a new defensive philosophy.

While challenges exist, particularly in adapting to the “Swarm” defense and filling the gaps left by departing players, the unit has the potential to rise in the rankings. Their performance will be crucial in determining Alabama’s defensive success and overall competitiveness in the SEC this season.

 

 

 

Noah Lyles and his fiancee Junelle Bromfield ©Junelle Bromfield Instagram

Noah Lyles has hinted at the possibility of running the 400m but is keeping his plans open, especially with his fiancée in the picture.

Reigning Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles has opened up about the chances of competing in the 400m this season, joining his fiancée, Junelle Bromfield, a two-time Olympian.

 

Noah Lyles has been vocal about trying new things in his career, with the 400m being among his career goals.

 

The triple world champion competed in his first 400m as a professional at the Tom Jones Memorial, crossing the finish line in 45.87 seconds. The race was also his first 400m race in nearly 9 years.

 

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Will Noah Lyles join Junelle Bromfield in competing in the 400m?

 

Junelle Bromfield and Noah Lyles Image source: Imago

Noah Lyles revealed that he is getting closer to adding the 400m to his list of events, but this season, he will not be running it frequently.

 

The three-time world 200m champion pointed out that he will compete in a few 400m races to build on his endurance.

 

He added that since it is a long season, he will also do the 400m races for fun, but most importantly, just to keep fit ahead of the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, in September.

 

 

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Noah Lyles further noted that they had plans to compete in the 4x400m relay or mixed relay at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, but things did not go as planned.

 

“You know what’s crazy is every year you ask, I get closer and closer to running it. I don’t think it’s going to happen as much this year, but I will say that Ryan and I were practising today, and we thought of the idea of putting together an All-Star 4×4 relay for the New Balance Grand Prix, which would be pretty cool,” Noah Lyles revealed in an interview with Run Blog Run.

 

“You know, just for fun, I mean it’s indoor, right, we got a long season, we don’t have to do anything crazy, we’re all building up our endurance or maybe putting together a mixed relay, I think that would be cool.”

 

 

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At the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, Noah Lyles only managed to compete in the 60m, which he won, making it his last indoor race of the season.

 

Noah Lyles started his season with a win in the 60m at the RADD Sports College Invitational and Multi-Event.

 

Junelle Bromfield competing in the 400m

 

Junelle Bromfield, Noah Lyles’ fiancée, is a professional 400m runner but has yet to open her 2025 season, with many speculating that she might have retired.

 

Junelle Bromfield was part of the Jamaican 4x400m relay team that won a bronze medal at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She also finished eighth in the semi-final of the women’s 400m at the Paris Olympic Games among other notable achievements.