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Formula 1 ‘Set to Cancel’ Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix Due to Middle East Conflict

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Formula One bosses are expected to reach a decision on the future of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix within the next 48 hours as the conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate. Bombings across the region following the USA and Israel’s operation against Iran have shown little sign of easing since the war began two weeks ago.

The cars and other vital freight destined for the Gulf must begin their journey in the middle of next week, despite the races not taking place until April, leaving organisers with a tight window to act. F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali and Mohammed Ben Sulayem are expected to weigh the situation carefully, with the safety of the sport’s 3,000-strong travelling contingent a key factor.

They remain in close dialogue with both venue organisers, with whom long-standing relationships exist, as they attempt to navigate a sensitive situation where not only millions of pounds are at stake but potentially lives too. Bahrain Grand Prix – one of the pioneers of F1 in the region – pays up to £40 million to host its event, while the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix contributes even more, at around £60 million a year, making it one of the most lucrative stops on the current 24-race calendar alongside Qatar Grand Prix.

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F1 Bosses Expected to Make Decision Over GPs in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia

F1 Final Pre-Season Testing: Every Driver's Fastest Lap Time in Bahrain

According to the Daily Mail, the two in-doubt races are expected to be cancelled and will unlikely be replaced – that is in contrast to the scramble during the Covid lockdown in 2020 when F1’s top dogs successfully sought to piece together a reworked schedule to meet the obligations of their TV rights’ deals and to keep the sport afloat.

Domenicali and Ben Sulayem are also drawing up contingencies for Qatar and Abu Dhabi, which are the concluding two rounds at the end of November and start of December and may be critical to the championship’s outcome. “Those races are a long way off,” said one source within F1 Management. “We have options but it is far too early to contemplate those events being pulled.”

Explosions rocked a Bahrain oil facility as Iranian missiles targeted energy infrastructure last week. The Saudis also contribute their state-owned Aramco oil sponsorship, a partnership worth approximately £40m per season. That arrangement, it seems, will be unaffected by the almost-certain cancellations.

The Latest on Middle East Conflict

Iran flag

As of Friday afternoon, the Middle East is facing a major escalation, with a full-scale conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran now entering its third week. The fighting intensified in late February after strikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, prompting widespread retaliation across the region.

Iran has since launched repeated missile and drone barrages at Israel – sometimes coordinated with Hezbollah – hitting northern and central areas and forcing millions of civilians into shelters. Israel has responded with heavy airstrikes targeting sites in Tehran and Beirut, as well as Hezbollah positions across Lebanon, where renewed ground operations have also been reported.

The conflict has widened further as Iran has targeted Gulf states including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait, as well as Saudi oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. Attacks on oil tankers and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have sent global oil prices soaring and disrupted international shipping routes. Meanwhile, US military bases across the region have also come under attack.

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Alasdair Gold says Bournemouth are blocking Junior Kroupi sale to Spurs

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Tottenham are now said to be going after attackers as they look to continue their huge spending this summer. Spurs have already racked up a huge spending total this season, and a record total at that. Roberto De zerbi has been handed more than £230million to improve his squad, and there will be more money spent before the summer is out.

There will be some sales along the way, and Luka Vuskovic was the first to go, while Cristian Romero is likely to follow at some point this summer. But Tottenham’s spending will far outweigh their incomings, and especially after they add to their business with attacking recruits, which is the next step after the signings of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.

Tottenham handed Kroupi blow

AFC Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi celebrates
AFC Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi celebrates
via Reuters

Tottenham’s next priority in the summer window is to sign a winger, with De Zerbi wanting another dangerous wideman and potentially another forward. A number of potential targets have been linked, including Manchester City’s winger Savinho and AFC Bournemouth’s forward Junior Kroupi.

Kroupi has scored 13 goals in 33 league appearances for Bournemouth, and he is now attracting attention from a number of clubs.

Spurs are said to be one of those interested, but according to journalist Alasdair Gold, Bournemouth are not likely to play ball.

“Junior Kroupi we know is a player of huge interest to a lot of clubs, not just Tottenham,” Gold said on his YouTube show. “He is a terrific talent but the feeling coming out of Bournemouth is that he is not for a sale and they’ve been making similar noises about Alex Scott. Spurs are admirers of him. I would love them to go for Alex Scott and he may pick them being a Tottenham fan.”

Kroupi a ‘generational talent’

eli kroupi

AFC Bournemouth defender Marcus Tavernier described Kroupi as a ‘generational talent’ earlier this year. He said: “I’ve said before, Junior is a generational talent.

“The club has done an amazing job to pick Kroupi up. That boy has an unbelievable future ahead of him and today he showed why he’s such a good talent in the world of football.”

Kroupi has also been linked with a move to PSG, and there have been reports that he prefers a move back to his home country, France, but much will come down to who can convince Bournemouth to sell. An £80million price has been floated, but if the Cherries do not want to sell, it’s likely any interested club will have to pay over the odds.

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Man Utd Told They Can Sign Aurelien Tchouameni if They Can Agree Contract

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Manchester United have been given fresh hope of landing one of their dream transfer targets this summer, The Red Devils have a few needs this summer as they look to build on the momentum from last season, with Michael Carrick having led them to a top three finish.

But there is no need more glaring than the one at the heart of United’s midfield, with Casemiro’s departure leaving a big hole. Ederson is to be brought in from Atalanta, at least if he passes a new medical, and Carrick wants another midfielder.

Real Madrid superstar Aurelien Tchouameni is said to be the dream target, and there is a fresh claim on that front.

Tchouameni could now leave Real Madrid

Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde

Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde

via Reuters

According to a report from Spanish outlet Bernabeu Digital, Real Madrid are willing to sell Tchouameni this summer if the money is right and the player wants to leave. Real Madrid have been heavily linked with Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez this summer, but they now say they will not pursue him. Instead, their attention is said to be on Manchester City and Spain star Rodri, who is again having a fine World Cup campaign. The 30-year-old is in the final year of his contract at City, and the Citizens have just signed Elliot Anderson for £116million, meaning they have cover in that holding midfield spot.

The report claims Real Madrid will leave it down to Tchouameni to decide whether he wants to leave or not, but they will pursue a top new holding midfielder regardless, with José Mourinho wanting to strengthen the position.

Several reports suggest United see Tchouameni as their ideal target, and that they are ready to push for a move if they get a green light from Los Blancos.

Ferdinand backs Tchouameni switch

Rio Ferdinand during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw

United legend Rio Ferdinand has been praising Tchouameni for years, saying back in 2022: “Listen, Tchouameni is a young kid, he’s going to make mistakes but he’s a superb talent, he produces moments out of nowhere, incredible player. Replacing Pogba in a France XI is not an easy task, but so far, Tchouaméni has been superb. Tchouameni showed why he plays for Real Madrid. He has the patience, talent, control, he has everything you need.”

Backing the midfielder to join United this summer, Ferdinand added: “Do you know what? I know I’ve been sitting here saying that Jose is going to be the man to reintegrate Tchouameni and Valverde together and keep them at Real Madrid.

“But I’ve got to say, if Tchouameni has a half a sniff of getting out of that club, Man Utd have to be the first team at the door knocking and make sure he can’t even talk to anybody else. Get him signed, sealed, delivered.”

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Tottenham Star Cristian Romero Considers La Liga Move Amid Transfer Speculation

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With Tottenham strengthening significantly in the summer transfer window, we could see a number of players head through the exit door.

The Spurs will be without European football heading into next season after they finished 17th in the Premier League table.

As a result, some of Tottenham’s key players will be looking for new challenges as they aim to play in the Champions League.

Thankfully for Spurs, they’ve already recruited significantly in the summer transfer window, confirming six new additions.

A big rebuild in the summer is likely for Tottenham, and it could be something that is hugely beneficial for them after such a difficult few years.

Roberto De Zerbi has shown signs of turning things around for Spurs, and the club are clearly looking to back him in the transfer market.

Tottenham star has strong chance of leaving

Roebrto De Zerbi celebrates Spurs' win over Everton via Reuters

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Cristian Romero has a serious possibility of leaving the club in the summer transfer window.

The reliable journalist confirms that Romero wants to be playing European football next season, while he would also like to experience playing in La Liga.

“Cristian ‘Cuti’ Romero, at the moment, from Tottenham Hotspur, the view is clear, they have Van de Ven, Van Hecke, Senesi, they have plenty of centre-backs. Also, not playing European football this season, the idea of parting ways with Cuti Romero is still a serious possibility. So, there is still a strong chances for Romero to leave Tottenham this summer. Despite rumours from Italy that keep arriving with Romero, my understanding is that Romero would really like to have a new experience in LaLiga. So, Cuti Romero would like to have a new experience in LaLiga if the right opportunity arrives for him and for Tottenham.”

Romero adds that could mean playing for Barcelona or Atletico Madrid, but it is currently unclear where he will end up.

“That could be an option for Barcelona, it could be an option for Atletico Madrid, we will see, but Romero would like to go to LaLiga and try an experience in Spain. We will see what arrives for Romero because he signed a contract only a year ago, the season was not easy, but at the same time, there could be movement also because Tottenham already signed several centre-backs, and they feel well-covered in that situation, so it’s going to be a situation to watch.”

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Tottenham can afford to lose Romero

Tottenham Hotspur Cristian Romero warms up

Romero, who has been described as ‘world-class’ by Spurs team-mate Micky van de Ven, has been a key player for Tottenham over the years, but considering their recent struggles, they shouldn’t be overly against selling anyone this summer.

A rebuild is exactly what they need to start heading back in the right direction. With Jan-Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi already arriving through the door, there’s no reason why Romero should be untouchable.

If Tottenham can receive a huge fee from a club in La Liga, it makes sense for them to cash in, especially as they are spending significantly in the summer transfer window.

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