Latest news with #GermanLeague
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Holders Bayern's German League crown up for grabs after rocky summer
Pretenders to the crown Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and cup holders Stuttgart are priming themselves for a run at Bayern Munich's Bundesliga (German League) title after a frustrating summer transfer window for the Bavarian giants. Bayern travel to Stuttgart on Saturday for the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup -- the season opener which pits the defending league champions against the reigning German Cup victors. Winners of 12 of the past 13 Bundesliga titles, Bayern occupy their usual role as favourites for the crown. This summer, however, the 34-time league champions have not had everything go their own way. Efforts to lure Florian Wirtz away from Leverkusen fell flat, with the German footballer of the year opting rather for a move to the Premier League and Liverpool. Although Bayern secured attacker Luis Diaz from the English champions, they lost Thomas Mueller, Leroy Sane and Eric Dier on free transfers. Kingsley Coman is set for a move to Saudi Arabia, Mathys Tel made his Spurs loan permanent and efforts to sign Germany striker Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart have been rebuffed. Speaking with the Bundesliga website on Thursday, Bayern captain Joshua Kimmich said the shifting sands across the league this summer made it hard to see who would be their main rivals. 'We'll see who knocks at the top. For us, it will be important to go our own way. We can't influence what the others will do,' Kimmich said. Kimmich nominated former side RB Leipzig to bounce back after a poor 2024/25 campaign, where they missed out on Europe for the first time in the top flight. The Saxon club have brought in several young talents including winger Johan Bakayoko and midfielder Arthur Vermeeren, in former Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp's first summer transfer window as Red Bull global head of football. 'Leipzig have a good team. Because Leipzig aren't in European competition, they'll be able to concentrate on the Bundesliga,' Kimmich added. New-look Leverkusen: Leverkusen, Bayern's principal rival across the past two seasons, have undergone a clear-out this summer. Most of the main contributors to their stunning unbeaten 2023/24 league and cup double have moved on. Wirtz, along with wing-back Jeremie Frimpong have signed with Liverpool. Midfield conductor Granit Xhaka has also moved to the Premier League, while Germany defender Jonathan Tah has joined title rivals Bayern. The biggest loss of all, however, is coach Xabi Alonso, with the Spaniard departing to join Real Madrid. His replacement, former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, will be looking to revive his own reputation while cobbling together a squad with several new arrivals. Impressive last season in finishing third, Eintracht Frankfurt are also rebuilding, having lost centre-forward Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool in July, just six months after winger Omar Marmoush moved to Manchester City. Quietly building under Bundesliga-winning coach Niko Kovac, Borussia Dortmund could again trouble old foes Bayern this term. Agence France-Presse
Daily Mirror
05-08-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Florian Wirtz can't hide true feelings on Liverpool transfer fee after record signing
Florian Wirtz became Liverpool's record signing when he joined the Reds from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, but he's not overawed by the money that's been shelled out for him Florian Wirtz insists his huge price tag 'doesn't matter' as he plans to take the Premier League by storm. Champions Liverpool shelled out an initial £100m to take Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, and should certain add-ons be met then that will rise to £116m. That fee would eclipse the current British transfer record of £115m that Chelsea paid to take Moises Caicedo from Brighton two years ago. Liverpool remain in the hunt for Newcastle 's Alexander Isak in a deal that could top Wirtz's club record fee, but if that transfer doesn't come off then Wirtz has no problem with being known as the most expensive new addition to the champions' squad in what has so far been a £265m summer. Pressed on the fee Liverpool have paid for him, Wirtz said: 'No, I don't think about this. 'I just want to play football and how much money the clubs pay between each other doesn't matter.' The Germany star says he can't wait for his first experience of the Premier League, with the title holders kicking off the new season at home to Bournemouth a week on Friday after they've contested Sunday's Community Shield against Crystal Palace. 'I'm really looking forward to playing in England and of course, there are some differences to the German League,' said Wirtz. 'But I think there's also some things I can learn and that can make me better. 'My team-mates say it's more intense, more physical. Every player is really strong, really fast, so that's what everyone's telling me, but I'm aware of it.' Wirtz played for 74 minutes of Liverpool's second pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao on Monday evening, in which he twice went close to scoring in the opening moments. A Cody Gakpo brace and a Mo Salah goal gave the Reds a 3-2 win over Athletic in the second match of the evening, with youngster Rio Ngumoha helping to inspire a second-string side to a 4-1 win over the same opponents earlier in the night. Darwin Nunez, Ben Doak and Harvey Elliott were also all on target in the earlier match. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Noa Essengue eyes 2025 NBA draft in Brooklyn after taking sudden exit from German League
Noa Essengue via Getty Images French basketball star Noa Essengue's recent move with respect to the German League has diverted the attention of the NBA world. The 18-year-old Ratiopharm Ulm athlete left the German Finals in order to witness one of the biggest moments of his basketball career. According to the recent buzz in the NBA world, Noa Essengue would be joining the 2025 draft session based in Brooklyn. Reportedly, he has been projected as a lottery pick for the upcoming NBA season. Noa Essengue exits from the German League Finals and takes a step towards his NBA dream According to the reputed media outlet BasketNews, French basketball star Noa Essengue's recent move has created waves on the internet. As Essengue left one of the most important face-offs of his career only to give life to his much-awaited NBA dream. The young and athletic forward from Ratiopharm Ulm, is expected to travel to New York on June 25th for the upcoming NBA draft. According to the rumors all the way from NBA world, he was invited to the Green Room and was also reserved for almost 19 reputed prospects. However, due to a prolonged German League season, Noa Essengue could not become a part of the private workout sessions of the NBA clubs. It has been predicted that Noa Essengue is a star lottery pick. His agility, defensive prowess and versatility on the basketball court made Noa Essengue one of the best picks for the upcoming NBA drafts. Earlier in the playoffs, he delivered a breakout stretch, putting up 13.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game in the quarterfinal sweep over ALBA Berlin. That run included a standout performance where he scored 21 points and sank all 13 of his free throws. He carried that momentum into the semifinals against Würzburg, starting the series with 22 points and 14 rebounds. Over the course of the matchup, he averaged 13.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. Also Read: LeBron James' wife Savannah James celebrates Juneteenth Day with a special reference of Muhammad Ali, Tupac and Beyonce For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
USA Today
31-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Frenchman Noa Essengue listed as a top-10 pick in one mock draft
Frenchman Noa Essengue listed as a top-10 pick in one mock draft Noa Essengue is considered one of the top international prospects in the 2025 NBA draft, and the Frenchman was recently listed as a top-10 pick in one mock draft. Essengue is averaging 10.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists on 51.6% shooting from the field in 52 games with ratiopharm Ulm in the German League. He has scored at least 20 points six times, including a 21-point performance on May 17. The 6-foot-10 forward is considered a potential lottery pick, with his size, rebounding and defensive versatility. He has looked increasingly comfortable on offense, prompting Jonathan Wasserman to list him eighth in the latest mock draft on Bleacher Report. Big scoring outputs are becoming more common for Noa Essengue in the German BBL. The easy baskets off rim runs, cuts and offensive rebounds have been consistent all season. But he's looking more comfortable converting off self-created drives and knocking down rhythm threes. Essengue also boasts a strong interior game and dazzled in the open court in fastbreak situations after creating turnovers with his length and instincts on defense. He has played a key role, helping his team advance to the semifinals of the German League playoffs. The 18-year-old is among several international prospects considered possible first-round picks, along with the likes of Joan Beringer, Hugo González, Ben Saraf and Nolan Traoré, among others. He likely won't have the chance to work out for teams, with his team on a deep playoff run. Essengue projects to be able to fit in with several teams drafting in the lottery. He can do several things on the court and should only continue to improve at the next level. The draft will take place on June 25-26 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Newsweek
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Lakers to be Down One Player for Game 2
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to come back after a devastating 117-95 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. In order to do so, they will need every member of their roster operating at the top of their abilities. More NBA: NBA Reacts to Warriors HC Steve Kerr's Historical Milestone Unfortunately, it appears they will be down one person. EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: (L-R) Markieff Morris, Luka Doncic and Maxi Kleber of the Los Angeles Lakers hold their new jerseys during a press conference at UCLA Health Training Center on February 04,... EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: (L-R) Markieff Morris, Luka Doncic and Maxi Kleber of the Los Angeles Lakers hold their new jerseys during a press conference at UCLA Health Training Center on February 04, 2025 in El Segundo, California. MoreAccording to the official NBA injury report, the Lakers will be missing power forward Maxi Kleber for Game 2 against the Timberwolves. Kleber is still recovering from right foot surgery after sustaining a fracture against the Boston Celtics on Jan. 25, 2025. There has been no update regarding when he will be returning. Lakers' injury report for Game 2 vs. MIN: — Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) April 21, 2025 Kleber joined Los Angeles alongside power forward Markieff Morris and point guard Luka Doncic in the blockbuster trade that sent power forward Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks. Kleber has yet to lace up for the Lakers. More NBA: Mavericks GM Nico Harrision Has Asinine Quote Regarding Luka Doncic's Impact in Dallas Kleber had a long career in Europe, playing for the Würzburg Baskets in Germany's Basketball Bundesliga league (2011-2014), Obradoiro CAB in Spain (2014-2015), and Bayern Munich (2015-2017). In 2017, Kleber was named to the All-EuroCup Second Team. He is also a two-time German League All-Star (2015, 2017), and was named All-German League Second Team and German League Most Effective Player in 2017. After going unselected in the 2014 NBA Draft, Kleber signed with the Mavericks on July 13, 2017. He made his NBA debut on Oct. 21, 2017, against the Houston Rockets. For nearly eight years, Kleber operated as a key rotation piece for Dallas off the bench, averaging 22.3 minutes played, 6.4 points, 4.4 total rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.9 blocks, and 0.4 steals per game across 440 games, 151 of which he started. Kleber was a candidate for NBA Sixth Man of the Year for the 2021-22 NBA Regular Season. More NBA: 2025 Top Selling NBA Jerseys: Luka Dončić First International Player to Lead Jersey Sales The Timberwolves will also be down a player for Game 2. Guard Rob Dillingham will be missing due to a right ankle sprain. In his rookie season with Minnesota, Dillingham has averaged 10.5 minutes played, 4.5 points, two assists, one total rebound, and 0.4 steals per game across 49 games. More NBA: Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Shockingly Downgraded for Game 2 Matchup vs Magic Pacers vs Bucks Game 1: Indiana Dominates Milwaukee to Open Playoffs NBA Fans React to Wild Clippers vs Nuggets First Half of Game 1 For more Los Angeles Lakers and NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
