Aged 18 years and 341 days, Ayyoub Bouaddi became the fourth-youngest player to start a Champions League match for City.
Question marks were raised around the size of the fee for a position on the pitch where players can be exposed, but Bouaddi seems to have settled in immediately and showcased why he will be a valuable option this season.
“He is very good,” said manager Enzo Maresca. “Against Coventry, he lost two balls and after that he was inside our box and calm. Other players may have panicked but at 18, he is a fantastic player.
“Tonight, he was very good. He speaks French, English, Spanish perfect. He is different in how mature he is. This is why the club has made the effort for him to be with us.”
BBC Sport reported City’s interest in Bouaddi in June and, contrary to reports, sources said signing him and then loaning back to Lille for a season was not on the agenda.
The performance in Portugal highlighted why those in power at City believe he has all attributes to “develop into a world class talent” and he clearly enjoys playing on the biggest stage.
Two years ago, Bouaddi earned a standing ovation from Lille supporters after helping his side to a shock group phase victory over holders Real Madrid and the travelling City fans will have been doing the same in Portugal on Tuesday evening.
Bouaddi completed 54 of his 55 passes, while he also topped the metrics across players of both sides for most dribbles (4), most times possession won (7) and contesting more duels (13).
“He did a really good game,” said Haaland. “The last couple of weeks in training, he has been amazing. I think we have got a gem there, to be honest.”
Though it was only Bouaddi’s 10th appearance in the competition, the Norwegian sent a playful yet pointed message to his team-mate about needing to be perfect all of the time.
The striker added: “I think he should’ve played me through in the second half so I was a bit angry.
“But he played a good game… except for that pass.”
NOW is the time to get booked in for your winter holiday, as Club Med has launched their mega September Winter Sale.
In the Club Med September Winter Sale, you can save up to £600 on a glamorous ski holiday.
Club Med’s massive September Winter Sale kicks off from September 1 for two weeksCredit: Club Med
Not only can you bag major savings, but you can secure yourself a getaway before all the popular Christmas, New Year and December dates get snapped up.
Even if you’ve never skied before, Club Med makes skiing getaways remarkably easy. There are ski lessons available for everyone, from kids and adult beginners all the way to seasoned pros.
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All of their ski holidays are all inclusive, packaging ski-in, ski-out access, ski passes, lessons for all levels, accommodation, dining and activities all into one price. Once you’re all booked, there’s truly nothing left for you to think about.
And when you’re not out on the slopes, there’s plenty to do at these gorgeous winter resorts – from soaking in steaming spa pools to singing your heart out at the apres-ski party events.
The flash sale is only on for two weeks, from September 1 – September 15. So if you want to bag an all inclusive bargain, make sure to do it fast!
Here’s a selection of jaw-dropping ski holidays you can save hundreds on in the Club Med September sale.
Grand Massif Samoëns Morillon
Club Med’s all inclusive ski holidays are suitable for families and those of all abilitiesCredit: Club Med
Perched at a height of 1,600 metres with 360° views over the Giffre valley, Club Med Grand Massif Samoëns Morillon is the ultimate ski-in, ski-out playground for families.
While the slopes here are epic, there’s plenty more to see and do in this glam resort.
Food here is a massive step up from your standard mountain buffet. You can tuck into dishes crafted by a Michelin-starred chef at the Skyline Gourmet Lounge, or head to the fun Bread & Co family restaurant where kids actually get to play chef and help make dinner.
You can also join guided snowshoe hikes through the mountains, take a dip in the indoor freshwater pool, and warm up in the sauna.
Book a stay at Club Med Grand Massif Samoëns Morillon
Val d’Isère
Val d’Isere is just one of Club Med’s glamorous all inclusive ski resorts in FranceCredit: Club Med
Spend your mornings at Val d’Isère cruising down beautifully wide, rolling blue runs, or if you are feeling brave, test your nerves on the steep ‘La Face’ – a black run built for the Olympic downhill.
Once you’ve taken to the slopes via ski or snowboard, you can thaw out with some swimming in the heated indoor pool or sink into the steamy outdoor hot tubs.
Or, if you want to work up more of a sweat, you can hit the fully equipped gym, join in with aqua aerobics, or stretch those aching muscles with group Pilates and yoga sessions.
When it’s time to seriously switch off, the Club Med Spa by Cinq Mondes is waiting. Outside of the tranquil treatment rooms, there’s a hammam, a polysensorial bath (which uses colours and smells to promote relaxation) and even a hair salon to keep you looking great for the nightly apres-ski DJ sets.
Book a stay at Club Med Val d’Isère
Arcs Panorama
There are 425km of ski runs on your doorstep at Club Med Les Arcs PanoramaCredit: Club Med
Club Med Les Arcs Panorama puts a massive 264 miles of runs perfect for all abilities on your doorstep.
When you’re ready to hang up your ski boots, you can enjoy a massage at the on-site spa, or simply curl up with a book in the relaxing ‘la Cachette’ lounge.
Those chasing more thrills can strap on snowshoes and explore the peaceful, pine-filled trails winding through the surrounding alpine forest.
Come evening, you can sip some well-deserved drinks on the sun-drenched panoramic terrace overlooking the Tarentaise valley, before getting stuck into the nightly entertainment with live bands and shows.
Book a stay at Club Med Arcs Panorama
Tignes
You can go paragliding or ice diving at Club Med TignesCredit: Club Med
Club Med Tignes brings a serious dose of modern luxury to the mountains.
While the ski-in, ski-out access to the 186-mile Tignes-Val d’Isere domain is epic, the off-slope scene here is just as impressive.
Here you can take a dip in the heated indoor pool – the largest of its kind in the Alps – complete with jaw-dropping mountain views and a dedicated children’s pool.
If you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for more activities, you can even book extras like paragliding over the peaks or ice diving beneath the frozen Lake Tignes.
When it comes to chill time, you can grab a chilled beer or cocktail on one of the four sunny, south-facing terraces, or head to the massive ‘Energy’ outdoor bar for lively BBQs and DJ sets.
Fitness fans are totally covered too, with a top-tier gym, spin classes, and yoga sessions to stretch out tired ski legs.
Book a stay at Club Med Tignes
Val Thorens
Club Med Val Thorens is a huge resort with impressive and luxurious interiorsCredit: Club Med
If you’re looking for high-altitude thrills mixed with a serious party atmosphere, Club Med Val Thorens is your best bet.
Sitting at a dizzying 2,300 metres with direct access to the colossal Three Valleys domain, this resort ditches traditional wood cabins for sleek, modern glass architecture.
Right in the middle of the massive four-storey atrium, you’ll find a 10-metre indoor climbing wall to tackle.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can head to the Epicurious Gourmet Lounge for daily wine tastings and a menu designed by a Michelin-starred chef.
The apres-ski scene here is legendary – you can grab a cocktail at the glowing pink Oxygen bar, soak up the sun on the huge panoramic terrace, or party late into the night.
Plus, if you want a different kind of outdoor adrenaline rush, you are perfectly placed to try out the Cosmojet, France‘s longest toboggan run.
The Pro Bowl is no more, the NFL announced Wednesday, ending an exhibition of the league’s top players that was held in some form almost every year since 1951.
The game wasn’t played in 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but that was the only pause in the postseason event.
The league said 88 players will still be named as Pro Bowl players and honored in Los Angeles after this season. Several flag football events also will take place at that time.
“The Pro Bowl has always been about recognizing the players who distinguish themselves as the very best in the NFL,” league executive vice president Peter O’Reilly said in a statement. “A Pro Bowl selection will return to its original purpose, honoring the best of the best. We want that distinction to carry even greater meaning for the players, their families, their clubs and our fans.”
The Pro Bowl has waned in popularity in recent years. Once a staple in Honolulu, the NFL has moved the event to various cities and even switched from tackle to flag football in 2023.
Manchester City‘s position has shifted following Wednesday’s signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi. They have generated 278.5m euros from sales so far, with the departures of players including Savio, Tijjani Reijnders, Rodri, James Trafford, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake.
Bouaddi’s arrival takes City’s spending to 273.7m euros, leaving them with a positive transfer balance of 4.8m euros.
Further departures could quickly change the picture again. Tottenham have agreed a loan deal to sign Omar Marmoush, with an obligation to make the move permanent for £60m (58m euros) next summer. That fee would therefore count towards City’s 2027-28 transfer income rather than this season’s figures.
Nico Gonzalez is also expected to leave, while Jack Grealish could yet be another departure before the deadline. Grealish spent last season on loan at Everton, who remain interested, although the winger has viewed Enzo Maresca replacing Pep Guardiola as manager as a fresh start at City. His contract runs until June 2027.
A permanent sale of Gonzalez, and possibly Grealish, could still significantly increase City’s 2026-27 income.
Their ability to sell at such a level is particularly significant given the scale of their midfield rebuild. City have already signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for 135m euros. They also remain interested in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
Aston Villa are working to sign Club Brugge central defender Joel Ordonez after failing to agree a deal with Southampton for Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
The Premier League side, who sold England defender Ezri Konsa to Arsenal last week, are accelerating their interest in Ordonez, with discussions ongoing and his Belgian Pro League club wanting a minimum £40m fee for the Ecuador international.
The 22-year-old centre-back, who played for his country at this summer’s World Cup, has made 124 appearances for Club Brugge since joining in 2022 from Independiente del Valle.
Villa had targeted Harwood-Bellis, but there is understood to be a significant gap in valuation between them and Southampton after an offer worth £18m was rejected.
It remains to be seen whether a transfer for the 24-year-old can still be revived but, as things stand, Unai Emery’s side have moved on to other targets.
Villa lost their opening game of the season 4-0 to Brighton on Sunday and are working to strengthen their squad before the transfer deadline on 1 September.
They have lost a host of key players this season with Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne and Konsa all departing.
The 31-year-old Durham bowler will not play against Pakistan in the upcoming second Test match.
Published On 24 Aug 202624 Aug 2026
England fast bowler Brydon Carse has been dropped from the squad for the second Test against Pakistan amid an investigation into an incident at a club in Derby, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has said.
“Following a referral from the ECB, the Cricket Regulator has confirmed that they will investigate events on Saturday night in Derby,” the board said in a statement on Monday.
“Brydon Carse will no longer be available for selection for the second men’s test while this investigation is ongoing and the full facts are obtained.”
Carse, who did not play in the opening test victory at Headingley, will be replaced by Sonny Baker.
Videos circulated on social media appearing to show the 31-year-old Durham bowler in handcuffs being spoken to by police officers outside a venue. According to reports, Carse was not arrested and no charges were brought.
It has been a busy summer for England’s Cricket Regulator, the body set up to investigate matters where there is an allegation of a breach of the ECB’s code of conduct.
In June, it concluded an investigation into former test captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson after a nightclub incident following the first test against New Zealand.
Both were left out of the second test before the regulator ruled that there was insufficient evidence to establish that any regulatory breach occurred.
The latest investigation comes five days after England’s returning test captain Joe Root spoke of the players being “really good role models and human beings” following a series of incidents and accusations of a drinking culture.
Controversy has followed England recently, with off-field issues during last winter’s tours – including Harry Brook being fined 30,000 pounds ($41,000) following an altercation in Wellington, New Zealand – as well as reports of drinking during a mid-Ashes series trip to Noosa.
Stokes retired from international cricket after returning for the third test against New Zealand and Brendon McCullum was sacked as test coach.
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Nearly every week, I pass a colleague in the office who taunts me with four words: “Count of Monte Cristo, Count of Monte Cristo,” as he shakes his head. He’s disappointed his favorite book didn’t make the cut of our 101 best book club picks list, which served as the 2026 LA Times Festival of Books curtain-raiser. I don’t mind the barb. There’s nothing more exciting than an impassioned reader — even when they’re wrong. I’m all for rallying around a book or author and debating their merits like it’s a sporting match. Our book lists, after all, aren’t meant to be final verdicts. They’re invitations to read more (and, maybe, better).
Reading List
If you buy books linked on our site, The Times may earn a commission from Bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookstores.
To compile our expansive list we surveyed more than 200 bookish luminaries — along with a few zealous book club members. Our readers had their own ideas for their top book club picks, many of which we deeply considered. Here you’ll find some of our worthy Los Angeles Times reader selections.
“A favorite book my book group read and discussed is ‘Farenheit 451.’ It was fascinating to see what the past thought the future might bring,” reader Margaret Hardy writes of the 20th century classic. “In terms of technology and control by the government we are seeing today what Bradbury was thinking about in 1953. We felt that the future was found in the past. It was a chilling read.” Equally chilling is that the book often shows up on banned books lists — not unlike in its narrative.
“You missed ‘Homegoing’ by Yaa Gyasi!” reader Melanie H. writes of the critically acclaimed Ghanian historical fiction novel. “My book club read it and I was enthralled. I can’t stop thinking about it ever since. The amount of research and empathy into every single character and era Gyasi put into this story is incredible. It altered my brain and to this day I tell everyone about this book.”
Reader Roxanne Yahner writes, “It is beautifully written, elegant and eloquent, and there is no preparing anyone for the sheer inexorable force of Baldwin’s language. This novel expresses the personal — and historical — grief of two gay, perhaps bisexual, men as they explore their sexuality at a time and place where such behavior was dangerous. The reader aches for these men and feels their grief. Some in our book club were disturbed by this novel, but all agreed they were deeply moved by it.”
Several readers wrote to us recommending Rushdie’s magical realist epic. “It’s such a complex, yet entertaining novel. We learned a lot about the tenets of Islam as woven into the story,” Ellyn Moscowitz shares about their book club pick. “It provoked great discussions about death, afterlife, religion in general and great character studies.”
Reader Francesca Smithwick-Driver chose this as a book club pick in the ‘90s for her group and the 1989 National Book Award fiction finalist remains a favorite.
“[It’s] about a family who runs a carnival of ‘freaks.’ The story is told by an albino dwarf. There are strong themes about what it is to be normal, falling in and out of love with yourself — your family — and the world around you. Wonderfully written scenes about horrible things and beautiful things. I still remember the discussion of my book club — from ‘why in the world did you recommend this disgusting book’ to ‘what a book’ … I couldn’t wait to get back to it each time I put it down.”
Reader Kate Karp, who has a cat who resembles a key character in this Russian classic, writes: “[It] turned out, no surprise, to have been the inspiration for the Stones’ ‘Sympathy for the Devil.’” She notes it also requires multiple readings to grasp all the subplots — but it’s worth it.
“I am terrible at book clubs because I have found that I am a very picky reader who simply will not read a book that I do not enjoy,” reader Mike Gascoigne writes. “That said, in a book club I did very much enjoy Kazuo Ishiguro’s ‘Klara and the Sun’ and Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah’s ‘Chain Gang All-Stars.’ There was a lot to discuss about both titles including AI/robots, intellectual enhancements, climate change, reality television, prison reform/abolition and human nature.”
“‘All the King’s Men’ is a powerful summer read — a Pulitzer-winning novel that feels strikingly current,” reader Ken Muche writes. “Set in the 1930s South, Willie Stark’s political rise echoes modern demagogues, reminding us how easily power can blur truth. Even more important, the novel invites reflection on our own bad life choices — showing that taking accountability for one’s actions is the first step toward forgiveness, peace, and ultimately, a more grounded kind of happiness.”
Reader Seth Kivnick’s pick is this work of fiction that co-won the Booker Prize in 2019, he notes that the compelling book describes the Black women in the British Isles who came from all walks of life and different countries. “[It] appealed to male and female club members.”
“It’s good-humored without being comedy or satire but opens serious friendly discussions about contemporary problems,” reader Christine Almeida writes of the novel that won the 2021 National Book Award for fiction. “Our library-based book club talked about it for a solid 90 minutes without straying from what the book itself had to offer its readers.”
Newcastle United have signed defender Amar Dedic from Benfica for about £30m.
Dedic has joined the club on a five-year deal after having a medical on Tyneside on Monday.
He has reunited with manager Matthias Jaissle, with whom he previously won the Austrian title at Red Bull Salzburg in 2023.
“It’s a special feeling and a really big honour for me to join Newcastle United,” he said after the move was announced on Tuesday, his 24th birthday.
“I’m really happy to be here and can’t wait to start playing for the club and the amazing fans.
“Working with Matthias again was a big factor for me. We know each other well. He knows what I can bring on the pitch and I’m really happy to be playing for him again.
“Playing Premier League football at St James’ Park is going to be really special. Every game feels like a big occasion, with an amazing atmosphere. I’m really excited to get started.”
Newcastle had been in the market for a new right-back following the departure of veteran Kieran Trippier, who joined Wolves on a free transfer when his contract expired earlier this summer.
Dedic could quickly be called upon to feature in Newcastle‘s season opener at home to Liverpool on Sunday as Tino Livramento is still recovering from a calf injury he sustained on international duty with England in June.
Jaissle said he was “really looking forward” to working with the defender again.
“He’s a player who I know really well, having worked with him from a young age in Austria and followed his career since,” he said.
“He will bring both defensive and attacking qualities to our squad, which suits the style of football that we want to play.
“He’s athletic, aggressive and technically very good, but also has a lot of potential to develop further.”
When the Oakland Athletics released Max Muncy before the 2017 season, the then-26-year-old didn’t know if a baseball career was for him anymore, let alone a future at third base.
“Man, there’s a lot with that,” Muncy told The Times. “It’s just a lot.”
Then, the Dodgers came calling, signing Muncy to a minor-league contract in late April 2017.
And now — nine seasons, three All-Star nods and three World Series championships later — Muncy just eclipsed 10 years of service time on Sunday against the Brewers, eight days before his 36th birthday.
“It’s special. It’s a rare accomplishment in baseball,” Muncy said of the feat that fewer than 10% of all MLB players reach. “It’s something that I’m extremely proud of. There’s not many things that I take personal pride in when it comes to, you know, personal accomplishments. For me, it’s always about winning rings and doing things as a team.
“But this is one of the few that I’m really, really proud of, and I’ll definitely cherish.”
No one could’ve foreseen the unobtrusively great career that Muncy has carved out for himself, specifically over the last nine seasons in Los Angeles since getting called up in 2018.
Entering this week’s three-game series in Colorado against the Rockies, Muncy is the Dodgers’ all-time playoff home run leader with 16 and is fifth on the franchise’s all-time home runs list with 233. He has slashed .234/.357/.486 over 1,039 regular-season games with the club, anchoring lineups alongside countless big-name teammates while evolving into a trustworthy defender.
Even someone who’s seen Muncy’s journey up close like Dodgers reliever Brock Stewart, who was also vying for a big-league opportunity in Triple-A Oklahoma City during that forever-ago 2017 season, is still moved by his ascent.
“He’s always been a good teammate [and] always been a good human,” Stewart said. “I don’t know if he always believed in himself, and I can relate to that, because I didn’t believe in myself all the time … But to see him and how he persevered through that feeling [or] that self-doubt and became what he is now [is] super special.
“And, man, to know that he’s now the Dodger [Stadium] all-time home run leader? Whatever it is … after being an older guy in Triple-A with me and then getting called up … special.”
In retrospect, though, this was always Muncy’s destiny.
He’s long been a manager’s dream, a status that is timeless and priceless.
“I remember a guy that just got DFA’d that was sort of kicked to the curb by an organization that didn’t believe in him,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Muncy. “He was close to being out of baseball … He’s one of the leaders on our ballclub, the longest-tenured Dodger currently. So I just have nothing but praise.
“The ability to kind of adapt, start, come off the bench and still [do] whatever it takes to help the team win — he’s all in. … He does everything you want as a manager — everything. He’s cut from the same Freddie Freeman cloth.”
Muncy is as team-first as it gets.
Although some stats might occasionally catch his eye, Muncy doesn’t put much thought into individual accomplishments. Recently passing Eric Karros, for example, for first in career homers at Dodger Stadium — Muncy currently has 132 to Karros’ 130 — doesn’t light up Muncy as one might think.
“There’s not much when it comes to me, personally, that I care about,” Muncy said. “But three rings is definitely what I [cherish] most.”
That selfless approach is what MLB’s premier organization and latest dynasty loves most about Muncy.
“He’s a guy that is always going to show up for the team and do whatever it takes to put the team in a good position,” said Miguel Rojas, Dodgers infielder and veteran leader. “That’s what I believe is a sign of a leader without talking much. … Every time he goes out there and he breaks a record, you feel good for the guy because he’s been working really hard toward the things he has right now in his power.
“I’m so happy and proud that I can say I was a teammate with him because he was one of the first guys that kind of opened his arms to me when I got back here in 2023. … He’s a guy you always can root for, especially in this organization full of stars. He always gets [overlooked] a little bit, but I feel like he’s one of the leaders of this club, and he will be until he retires.”
L.A. has borne witness to nothing but stars over the years.
Since Muncy has called L.A. home, he’s suited up alongside several future Hall of Famers, from Clayton Kershaw to Shohei Ohtani, mainly at the hot corner, where the bar is high after the trails blazed by Justin Turner, Ron Cey and others.
But if Muncy’s 10 years of service represent anything, it’s that he has become a Dodgers great, too — even if he hasn’t fully embraced the label yet.
“Surreal. It’s crazy. I definitely don’t see myself as that,” Muncy said of his growing place in Dodgers history. “But maybe one day, when I’m done, I’ll be able to sit back and kind of reflect on that. But for me, it’s just all surreal.”
