This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.
Luke Littler overcame the challenge of Gian van Veen to defend his title and win the PDC World Darts Championship final.
The two finalists, who met during the World Youth Championship final back in 2023, started in fine fashion as Van Veen drew first blood in set one. But Littler quickly found his rhythm to take control of the tie.
Although the Dutchman attempted to rally, he simply did not have an answer for Littler’s superb scoring. The 18-year-old remained composed throughout, breaking Van Veen on multiple occasions to leave him dispirited.
What was meant to be a competitive final quickly became a procession, as Littler won six consecutive sets to put himself on the brink. And there was to be no change in the final set of the game, as ‘The Nuke’ claimed a second World Championship of his career.
This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.
Roberto De Zerbi is being given the chance to overhaul his squad, but it will come with the price of being expected to challenge for Europe, even after back-to-back bottom half finishes from Spurs.
But as Tottenham continue to be one of the most active clubs in Europe in this transfer window, it’s not all glitz, glamour and headline-making deals.
Spurs now chasing Wolves talent
General view of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
Spurs are always working behind the scenes to try to recruit talented players at a young age, and they have a rich history of spotting top talent. The latest star in the making, they hope, will be Wolves starlet Kwasi Senyah, who is a 16-year-old midfielder.
According to Paul O’Keefe, Spurs are closing in on a deal. He posted on X: “Spurs advancing on a deal for Kwasi Senyah. Highly rated defensive midfielder currently playing for the Wolverhampton Wanderers youth.”
Senyah is an England under-16s international, and he has been impressing for club and country in the youth age groups, having joined Wolves from Coventry City back in 2024.
The youngster has played ahead of his age group in the Premier League under-18s, making 19 appearances, and he has also been in Premier League 2 squads, although he is yet to feature in the competition, which is largely for under-21s players.
Senyah is reportedly being promised a professional deal with Spurs, and a deal appears to be progressing.
Senyah, who is also eligible to represent Ghana, largely operates in the holding midfield role, but he can also play in a more advanced role.
The importance of recruiting youth has increased
Top clubs have always done a job of recruiting the country’s best talent, and in truth, the rules encourage it. Category 1 clubs can poach players from category 2 and below academies on the cheap, with big clubs favoured.
Nevertheless, the importance of recruiting young is now that much more important due to the Financial Fair Play rules that make it difficult for clubs to spend big money over consecutive years. That puts pressure on players to get at least some of their talent from their academy, and beyond saving money, it helps keep clubs in the green with those Profit and Sustainability rules. In fact, even developing talent from a young age and selling those players does the trick, given the pure profit contributes the most to the profit column.
Roger Federer has earned the right to do anything he pleases in the tennis arena, and the Swiss legend has gone viral for sitting by himself at Wimbledon.
Federer, who won the competition a record eight times during his illustrious career, was spotted all alone in Centre Court’s Royal Box during Alexander Zverev and Jiri Lehecka’s match.
When Nadal & Federer battled it out on a 50-50 court to crown the true tennis GOAT
Federer was one of many special guests in the Royal Box on July 6, along with the likes of Kimi Antonelli and ex-England striker Alessia Russo. But fans were left shocked to see the 44-year-old sitting on his own, surrounded by empty seats.
Why Federer Was Sitting Alone in the Royal Box
The image of Federer surrounded by empty seats quickly went viral on social media. But some wondered why he was the only one present in the first place. Where had the other stars and celebrities gone?
Chris Bradnam on commentary said: “The legend that is Roger Federer. An eight-time champion, and the king of Centre Court. It’s great that he is here, he’s been there all day, and he’s here for ball No. 1.
“Always said he played tennis because he just loved it, and he loves watching it as well.”
That love for the sport he dominated for two decades and the late start time (8:30pm in the UK) are believed to be the main reasons behind his loneliness. Federer respects those on the court, and showed it with his presence.
It also didn’t appear to bother him in the slightest. In fact, he often had a smile across his face. Tennis fans have only grown more admiration for the man after seeing this.
His actions have received strong praise from fans of the sport. One posted on social media: “Clearly the only one who’s there to watch the tennis. True to himself, a legend,” pointing out the others who had departed.
Another was critical of ‘the sheep’ who weren’t as interested in the action on the court. “It’s 8:50 p.m. at Wimbledon. All the sheep, stuffed with champagne, have deserted the Royal Box. Only one remains. Federer. Out of respect for the players, and especially for the last Roland-Garros champion. The ultimate elegance.”
Federer is perhaps the most respected tennis player of all time, and that was summed up by one spectator: “Class personified. I don’t even have the words to say how much I admire him. And tennis isn’t even my favourite sport.”
One superstar from the top of the game has reportedly issued a come-get-me plea amid links with Tottenham. Spurs have already spent big this summer, putting together a record spend of more than £230million, snapping up Jan Paul van Hecke, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes among others.
Spurs are determined to avoid another bottom half finish, and they are asking Roberto De Zerbi to take them back into European qualification contention next season. A big spend is obviously going to be required to make that happen after back-to-back bottom-half finishes, but the North London club are living up to their promises on that front.
The midfield and defence has been heavily bolstered already this summer, and attention will now turn to the attacking positions.
Tottenham now assessing attacking options
Spurs have now ticked off their defensive and midfield recruitment, and they now need to consider their attacking options, with a lack of depth up top and out wide. Tottenham have not signed loan striker Randal Kolo Muani, meaning they are down to two strikers, while Spurs lacked options out wide last season amid Dejan Kulusevski’s injury troubles.
Mohammed Kudus also had his injury troubles, while Xavi Simons, who can also play out wide, is going to be out with injury until the winter.
Whether Spurs can sign a winger and a striker this summer remains to be seen, but given the big spend, it could be that De Zerbi looks to sign a winger who can also play up top.
Leao gives go-ahead amid Spurs links
Spurs have been heavily linked with AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, whose World Cup is now over following Portugal’s defeat to Spain on Monday evening. Leao has already asked to leave AC Milan, both publicly and privately, and he is expected to be available for around £61million this summer.
Tottenham are said to be interested, and according to journalist Daniele Longo, the player is fully willing to make the move to North London. He said on his YouTube channel: “Leao’s desire is to reach the Premier League, and he is also willing to wait for Tottenham.
“Tottenham is a welcome destination. If the rumours in the last few weeks turn into concrete offers of €60million, Leao is ready to say yes to Tottenham, even if he will not make it to the Champions League.”
Leao is a superstar attacker, and the likes of which Spurs need, and he has also regularly played in the number nine role for Milan. That is not Leao’s strength by any means, but he can play there, and he can certainly play wide. He is a powerful and dynamic winger who has a strong presence. He was described as a ‘genius’ by former boss Massimiliano Allegri, and most feel it was a huge mistake for Portugal boss Roberto Martinez not to start him against Spain for their Round of 16 defeat.
