
Leverkusen sign Brentford goalie Flekken
Flekken, who signed a deal running to 2028, will likely take over from current Leverkusen goalie Lukas Hradecky, who captained the side to their historic unbeaten league and cup double in 2023-24.
In a statement, Flekken said he was taking "another special step in my career", adding that Leverkusen are "a top German club with high national and European goals".
Leverkusen are expected to undergo a rebuild this off-season, with former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag having already replaced the Real Madrid-bound Xabi Alonso as coach.
Centre-back Jonathan Tah signed on a free transfer with German champions Bayern Munich, while midfielder Florian Wirtz is in talks to join wing-back Jeremie Frimpong in moving to Premier League winners Liverpool.
The Dutch 'keeper has Bundesliga experience, having spent five years at Freiburg before making the switch to Brentford in 2023.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Euronews
7 hours ago
- Euronews
Amsterdam funds first US weapons package to Kyiv under new initiative
The Netherlands said on Monday that it will contribute €500 million to purchase US military equipment to be sent to Ukraine, becoming the first NATO country to forge a new protocol to provide Kyiv with American weaponry after US President Donald Trump tightened crucial military aid following his re-election. Last month, Trump announced that the US will continue to supply weapons to Ukraine, which would be paid for by Kyiv's European allies, but did not provide information on how this new system was designed to operate. Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that 'The Netherlands is the first NATO country to provide a package of €500 million in American weapon systems (including Patriot components and missiles).' The Dutch defence chief noted that these weapons are of significant importance to Ukrainian soldiers fending off Russian attacks on the frontline and are needed 'so that Ukraine can counter Russian aggression, also for the rest of Europe.' NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed the announcement on X, saying 'Great to see the Netherlands taking the lead and funding the first package of US military equipment for Ukraine under NATO's Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List initiative.' The NATO boss, former prime minister of the Netherlands, thanked allies for ensuring Ukraine remains equipped to continue to defend against the Kremlin's attacks and protect its skies and people. He also added that he hopes other NATO allies will make similar 'significant announcements' soon. The Dutch move comes a few weeks after several European countries including Germany and Norway purchased Patriot air defence systems from the US for Ukraine in a deal facilitated by NATO. On Friday, Berlin announced that it was providing a further two Patriot systems to Kyiv to further enhance its defence capabilities. US Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker also welcomed the Dutch announcement, asserting that it fulfils Trump's initiative of 'allies buying American weapons to help Ukraine defend itself, pressure Russia and boost US jobs'. Whitaker noted that he expects more NATO allies to follow suit and supply Ukraine through this new mechanism. NATO said previously that it will coordinate this new initiative, funded by European allies and Canada, and broken up in packages worth roughly €500 million. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took to X to express his gratitude for Amsterdam leading the way in this new effort. 'Ukraine, and thus the whole of Europe, will be better protected from Russian terror. I am sincerely grateful to the Netherlands for their substantial contribution to strengthening Ukraine's air shield,' wrote Zelenskyy. 'he package is worth 500 million euros and includes American weapons, including missiles for the Patriots. The first such step among NATO countries and at a time when Russia is trying to scale up its strikes. This will definitely help protect the lives of our people!' Zelenskyy said this initiative is a result of the most recent NATO summit in The Hague in June. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said the weapons package will help Ukraine not only continue to fight for its freedom, but all of Europe's.


Sustainability Times
14 hours ago
- Sustainability Times
Is Bill Gates Selling His $500 Million Superyacht? "This Is a Billionaire's Toy" With 387 Feet of Luxury and Hydrogen Power Sparks Outrage
IN A NUTSHELL 🚢 The world's first hydrogen-powered superyacht, Breakthrough , is up for sale after five years of construction. , is up for sale after five years of construction. 🌿 Breakthrough's innovative hydrogen propulsion system places it at the forefront of sustainable maritime technology . . 🏗️ Built by Feadship , the yacht features luxury amenities but remains unused by its alleged owner, Bill Gates. , the yacht features luxury amenities but remains unused by its alleged owner, Bill Gates. 💼 The yacht targets a specific elite clientele, offering a unique blend of luxury and environmental responsibility. The world's first private hydrogen-powered superyacht is now on the market. This groundbreaking vessel, constructed over five years, has never been used by its presumed owner, Bill Gates. Named Breakthrough, this feat of engineering presents a unique opportunity in the luxury yacht industry, representing a significant shift towards sustainable maritime technology. Despite its impressive features and the high-profile name associated with it, the yacht remains unused, sparking interest and conversations about its future owner and the potential impact on luxury maritime travel. The Engineering Marvel That Never Sailed Listed for sale by broker Edmiston, the superyacht Breakthrough, also known as Project 821, is a testament to pioneering engineering in luxury sailing. Built by the renowned Dutch shipyard Feadship, this yacht is the first of its kind—a fully operational hydrogen-powered vessel designed for private use. The construction process took five years, accommodating up to 30 guests in 15 cabins, served by a crew of 43. Despite its estimated value of $645 million, Bill Gates, who is speculated to have commissioned the yacht, has reportedly never set foot onboard. Jamie Edmiston, CEO of the brokerage firm, has described it as 'the most extraordinary yacht ever built,' underscoring its significance in the world of luxury yachts. Breakthrough stands out for its use of hydrogen fuel cells, setting it apart from the typical fossil fuel-reliant yachts. The decision to allocate a substantial portion of the yacht's interior to its engine room, in favor of housing the complex propulsion system, reflects a commitment to innovation over maximum comfort. Nevertheless, the yacht boasts an array of luxurious amenities, including a pool, two jacuzzis, a gym, a hammam, a cinema, a hospital, a library, an elevator, 14 retractable balconies, and an entire deck dedicated to the owner with two bedrooms, offices, and bathrooms. 'They're Literally Making Gold from Thin Air': Critics Slam Fusion Firm's Wild Claim of Creating Millions While Powering the Grid Hydrogen Propulsion: A New Era in Yachting The Breakthrough's allure lies more in its propulsion technology than its opulence. 'It's a true breakthrough, a milestone in innovation,' states Heigo Paartalu, CEO of YachtWay. The yacht's reliance on hydrogen, still a rarity in maritime transport, distinguishes it within its category. The technical challenges of employing hydrogen as a fuel are considerable, with the risk of gas leaks posing significant dangers. Only a handful of shipyards globally possess the expertise to undertake such projects, with Feadship being among the select few capable of executing this vision. This technological choice aligns with a broader environmental commitment. Bill Gates is also behind Breakthrough Energy, a fund aimed at supporting emerging decarbonization technologies. The yacht, Breakthrough, thus represents a nautical extension of this environmental commitment. On the market, the vessel targets a very specific clientele. Given that production schedules for major shipyards are booked for years, such a vessel garners immediate interest despite its high price. 'Time is invaluable at this level,' Paartalu notes, emphasizing the unique opportunity this yacht presents. As he further elaborates, purchasing this vessel is about acquiring future technology and a benchmark in innovation, coupled with a pedigree that few can match. 'Germany Is Betting Everything on This' as $3.2 Billion Offshore Wind Farm Promises Power for 1.6 Million Homes but Sparks Fierce Backlash Over Costs and Impact A Market for the Elite The superyacht Breakthrough is not just a luxury item; it is a symbol of technological advancement and environmental progress. Its place in the market is secured by its rarity and the notoriety of its presumed commissioner, Bill Gates. The yacht's sale represents a rare opportunity for the elite, not just to own a luxury vessel, but to invest in a piece of technology that signifies a move towards more sustainable practices in yachting. Potential buyers are not merely acquiring a yacht; they are buying into a vision of the future, one that aligns luxury with environmental responsibility. The demand for such innovative yachts is high, especially as production lines at renowned shipyards are booked for years. Owning a yacht like Breakthrough offers more than the prestige of sailing in a unique vessel; it provides a statement about the owner's commitment to cutting-edge technology and sustainability. As the industry moves towards greener alternatives, yachts like Breakthrough are at the forefront of this transition, setting new standards for luxury and environmental consciousness. 'Unthinkable Delays' as Fukushima's 880 Ton Nuclear Debris Cleanup Is Pushed Back Another 15 Years in Blow to Global Safety Efforts The Future of Sustainable Luxury Travel Breakthrough represents a significant shift in the luxury yacht industry, merging opulence with sustainability. As environmental concerns continue to rise, the demand for solutions that reduce carbon footprints grows stronger. The superyacht's hydrogen propulsion system is a step forward in addressing these concerns, offering a glimpse into a future where luxury does not come at the expense of the planet. This yacht challenges the traditional norms of luxury travel, presenting a new paradigm where wealth and responsibility coexist. As this pioneering vessel awaits its new owner, it raises a pertinent question: Will the superyacht industry embrace this shift towards sustainability, or will Breakthrough remain an isolated example of what is possible when innovation meets luxury? The answer to this question could very well shape the future of maritime travel. This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (20)


France 24
18 hours ago
- France 24
Trump says to name new labor statistics chief this week
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump reiterated -- without providing evidence -- that Friday's employment report "was rigged." He alleged that commissioner of labor statistics Erika McEntarfer had manipulated data to diminish his administration's accomplishments, drawing sharp criticism from economists and a professional association. "We'll be announcing a new (labor) statistician some time over the next three-four days," Trump told reporters Sunday. He added Monday: "I will pick an exceptional replacement." US job growth missed expectations in July, figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed, and sharp revisions to hiring figures in recent months brought them to the weakest levels since the Covid-19 pandemic. Trump ordered the removal of McEntarfer hours after the figures were published. "We had no confidence. I mean the numbers were ridiculous," Trump told reporters Sunday. He charged that McEntarfer came up with "phenomenal" numbers on his predecessor Joe Biden's economy before the 2024 election. Hiring slowdown Even as he called for more reliable data Monday, White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett conceded that the jobs market was indeed cooling. But Hassett maintained in a CNBC interview that this softening did not reflect the incoming effects of Trump's flagship tax and spending legislation -- signed into law early last month. US employment data point to challenges as companies took a cautious approach in hiring and investment while grappling with Trump's sweeping -- and rapidly changing -- tariffs this year. The United States added 73,000 jobs in July, while the unemployment rate rose to 4.2 percent, the Department of Labor reported. Hiring numbers for May were revised down from 144,000 to 19,000. The figure for June was shifted from 147,000 to 14,000. These were notably lower than job creation levels in recent years. During the pandemic, the economy lost jobs. Over the weekend, Hassett defended McEntarfer's firing in an NBC News interview: "The president wants his own people there so that when we see the numbers they are more transparent and more reliable." But Trump's decision has come under fire. William Beach, who previously held McEntarfer's post, said the move set a "dangerous precedent." The National Association for Business Economics condemned her dismissal, saying large revisions in jobs numbers "reflect not manipulation, but rather the dwindling resources afforded to statistical agencies." German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil on Monday emphasized the importance of supporting "independent, neutral and proven institutions." He said: "It is right that independent institutions remain independent and that politics do not interfere with them."