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  • Your weekend SportsDraft Magazine is here! πŸ”₯

Your weekend SportsDraft Magazine is here! πŸ”₯

Transfers, stories, tributes and more! πŸ“ˆ

Welcome back to SportsDraft this Friday, ! In today’s edition:

  • Weeks Headlines πŸ—žοΈ

  • January Transfers so far

  • Nostalgia files

  • Bill Belicheck tribute

  • Where to Watch

This Weeks Sport Headlines

  • πŸ‰ Owen Farrell will be available for 2025 Lions Tour - Read more here

  • 🏈 Buffalo expecting -0 temperatures as wildcard match v Steelers risks being moved - Read more here

  • ⚽ Sancho explains β€˜Hes home’ after securing loan deal to BVB - read more here

  • πŸ‰ β€˜My best is good enough to play at any level’ - Simon Zebo on potential Ireland recall - Read more here

  • 🏈 Bill Belichick leaves Patriots after 24 seasons - Read more here

January Transfers So Far! πŸ’°

Here is a list of 20 of the biggest transfers of the January window!

1. Vitor Roque

- From: Athletico Paranaense

- To: Barcelona

- Fee: Β£25.6m plus Β£26.4m in add-ons

- Age: 18

- Position: Forward

2. Radu Dragusin

- From: Genoa

- To: Tottenham Hotspur

- Fee: Β£21.5m plus Β£4.3m in add-ons

- Age: Not specified

- Position: Not specified

3. Eljif Elmas

- From: Napoli

- To: Leipzig

- Fee: Β£20.8m

- Age: Not specified

- Position: Not specified

4. Lucas Beraldo

- From: Sao Paulo

- To: Paris Saint-Germain

- Fee: Β£17.4m

- Age: Not specified

- Position: Centre-back

5. Marcos Leonardo

- From: Santos

- To: Benfica

- Fee: Β£15.4m

- Age: Not specified

- Position: Not specified

6. Artur

- From: Palmeiras

- To: Zenit St Petersburg

- Fee: Β£12.8m

- Age: Not specified

- Position: Not specified

7. Nicolas de la Cruz

- From: River Plate

- To: Flamengo

- Fee: Β£12.5m

- Age: Not specified

- Position: Midfielder

8. Mohamed-Ali Cho

- From: Real Sociedad

- To: Nice

- Fee: Β£10.3m

- Age: Not specified

- Position: Forward

9. Pedro

- From: Corinthians

- To: Zenit St Petersburg

- Fee: Β£7.7m

- Age: 18 (move ratified after 18th birthday in February)

- Position: Not specified

10. Gabriel Fernandez

- From: Pumas

- To: Cruz Azul

- Fee: Β£7.6m

- Age: 29

- Position: Not specified

11. Isak Hien

- From: Verona

- To: Atalanta

- Fee: Β£7.4m

- Age: Not specified

- Position: Defender

12. Kevin Castano

- From: Cruz Azul

- To: Krasnodar

- Fee: Β£6.3m

- Age: Not specified

- Position: Defensive Midfielder

13. Tajon Buchanan

- From: Club Brugge

- To: Inter

- Fee: Β£6m

- Age: Not specified

- Position: Not specified

14. Anibal Moreno

- From: Racing Club

- To: Palmeiras

- Fee: Β£5.5m

- Age: Not specified

- Position: Not specified

15. Esequiel Barco

- From: Atalanta United

- To: River Plate

- Fee: Β£5.4m

- Age: Not specified

- Position: Not specified

16. Federico Pereira

- From: Liverpool Montevideo

- To: Toluca

- Fee: Β£5.4m

- Age: Not specified

- Position: Not specified

17. Johnny Cardoso

- From: Internacional

- To: Real Betis

- Fee: Β£4.9m

- Age: Not specified

- Position: Midfielder

18. Joao Victor

- From: Benfica

- To: Vasco de Gama

- Fee: Β£5.2m

- Age: Not specified

- Position: Not specified

19. Juan Brunetta

- From: Santos Laguna

- To: Tigres

- Fee: Not specified

- Age: Not specified

- Position: Not specified

20. Filippo Terracciano

- From: Verona

- To: Milan

- Fee: Β£4.7m

- Age: 20

- Position: Versatile defender

Nostalgia Files βͺ

In this series we will look back at some memorable moments in sporting history!

Leicester City EPL triumph πŸ†

Leicester City's historic Premier League triumph in the 2015-2016 season is widely regarded as one of the greatest underdog stories in football history. Managed by Claudio Ranieri, the Foxes defied all expectations by clinching the league title, finishing 10 points clear of second-placed Arsenal. The season began with skepticism about Leicester's ability to maintain a top-flight status, let alone challenge for the title. However, an early indicator of their resilience came in the form of a 4-2 victory over Sunderland, signaling their intent to compete against more established clubs.

The turning point in Leicester's title charge came with a remarkable 3-1 away win against Manchester City in February 2016. Despite City being one of the league's heavyweights, Leicester's counter-attacking style and unwavering team spirit were on full display, with Robert Huth netting a brace and Riyad Mahrez delivering a standout performance. This victory not only bolstered their confidence but also solidified their status as genuine contenders. Another crucial moment unfolded in March when Leicester secured a 1-0 win against Crystal Palace, courtesy of a Jamie Vardy goal. Vardy's goal-scoring prowess was a key factor throughout the season, and this victory propelled them closer to the title.

The defining moment arrived on May 2, 2016, when Tottenham Hotspur, the only team capable of catching Leicester, faced a crucial match against Chelsea. A 2-2 draw in that game meant Leicester City were mathematically assured of the title, sparking scenes of jubilation in Leicester and worldwide acclaim for their remarkable achievement. The Foxes' triumph not only showcased the potency of teamwork over individual star power but also stands as a testament to the unpredictability and magic of football, immortalizing Leicester City's fairy-tale season in the annals of football history.

Bill Belicheck Tribute 🐐

Bill Belichick's departure from the New England Patriots marks the end of an era in NFL history. Over his remarkable 24 seasons with the Patriots, Belichick etched his name as one of the greatest head coaches the league has ever seen. Under his leadership, the franchise secured an unprecedented six Super Bowl titles, a feat that may never be replicated.

His coaching prowess was not only evident in the number of championships but also in his ability to adapt to different circumstances, most notably when he successfully transitioned the team from the Tom Brady era to a post-Brady era. Belichick's keen strategic mind, emphasis on disciplined football, and talent for developing players turned the Patriots into a perennial force in the league, achieving consistent success over two decades.

Bill Belichick's coaching journey is a tale of resilience, mentorship, and sustained excellence. Starting as an assistant coach, he honed his skills under the guidance of Bill Parcells with the New York Giants, contributing to two Super Bowl victories. Belichick's first head coaching stint with the Cleveland Browns, while cut short, laid the foundation for his eventual legacy.

His arrival in New England in 2000 coincided with the drafting of quarterback Tom Brady, a partnership that would redefine the NFL landscape. The pinnacle of their collaboration came in the 2007 season when the Patriots achieved an undefeated regular season before falling short in the Super Bowl. Beyond the wins and losses, Belichick's influence on the coaching fraternity is undeniable, with several successful coaches tracing their roots back to his mentorship. His departure leaves an indelible mark on the sport, and his impact on the Patriots and the NFL as a whole will be remembered as a golden chapter in football history.

Friday

  • 6.10am: New Zealand v Pakistan, Cricket Twenty20 International – TNT Sports 3.

  • 7.30am: Dubai Invitational Golf – Sky Sports Golf.

  • 1pm: Masters Snooker – BBC Two…(later at 7pm).

  • 5pm: Sony Open in Hawaii, PGA Tour – Sky Sports Golf.

  • 5.30pm: European Track Championships Day 3 – Eurosport 2.

  • 7pm: Newcastle Falcons v Benetton, Challenge Cup Rugby – Premier Sports 1.

  • 7.30pm: Bayern Munich v Hoffenheim, Bundesliga – Sky Sports Mix.

  • 7.45pm: Burnley v Luton Town, Premier League – TNT Sports 1.

  • 8pm: Northampton v Bayonne, Champions Cup Rugby – TNT Sports 1.

  • 8pm: Hull City v Norwich City, Championship – Sky Sports Main Event.

Saturday

  • 12.30am: NBA – Sacramento Kings v Philadelphia 76ers – TNT Sports 2.

  • 3am: WTA Hobart International Tennis – Sky Sports Main Event.

  • 5.30am: Adelaide International Tennis – Sky Sports Main Event.

  • 8am: Dubai Invitational Golf – Sky Sports Golf.

  • 12.30pm: Chelsea v Fulham, Premier League – TNT Sports 1.

  • 12.30pm: Coventry City v Leicester City, Championship – Sky Sports Main Event.

  • 1pm: Lyon v Connacht, Champions Cup Rugby – TNT Sports 3.

  • 1pm: Exeter v Glasgow Warriors, Champions Cup Rugby – TNT Sports 2 and ITV1.

  • 1pm: Racing from Wetherby, Kempton and Warwick – Virgin Media One and ITV4.

  • 1pm: Masters Snooker – BBC One…(later BBC Two at 7pm).

  • 1pm: Clermont Auvergne v Scarlets, Challenge Cup Rugby – Premier Sports 1.

  • 3.15pm: Toulon v Munster, Champions Cup Rugby – TNT Sports 3.

  • 3.15pm: Bristol Bears v Bulls, Champions Cup Rugby – TNT Sports 2.

  • 5pm: All-Ireland junior club hurl('') v Tullogher Rosbercon (Kilkennny) – TG4.

  • 5.30pm: Leinster v Stade Francais, Champions Cup – RTΓ‰ 2 and TNT Sports 3.

  • 5.30pm: Stormers v Sale Sharks, Champions Cup Rugby – TNT Sports 2.

  • 5.30pm: Edinburgh v Gloucester, Challenge Cup Rugby – Premier Sports 1.

  • 5.30pm: European Track Championships Day 4 – Eurosport 2.

  • 5.30pm: Newcastle United v Manchester City, Premier League – TNT Sports 1.

  • 5.30pm: Darmstadt v Borussia Dortmund, Bundesliga – Sky Sports Arena.

  • 5.30pm: Ipswich Town v Sunderland, Championship – Sky Sports Main Event.

  • 7pm: All-Ireland intermediate club hurl('') v Thomastown (Kilkenny) – TG4.

  • 7.30pm: Sony Open in Hawaii, PGA Tour – Sky Sports Main Event.

  • 7.45pm: Monza v Inter Milan, Serie A – TNT Sports 5.

  • 8pm: Ivory Coast v Guinea-Bissau, Africa Cup of Nations – Sky Sports Football.

  • 8pm: Ulster v Toulouse, Champions Cup Rugby – TNT Sports 3.

  • 8pm: Cardiff v Harlequins, Champions Cup Rugby – TNT Sports 2.

  • 8pm: Montpellier v Lions, Challenge Cup Rugby – Premier Sports 1.

  • 9.35pm: NFL Playoffs – Houston Texans v Cleveland Browns – Sky Sports Main Event.

  • 10pm: UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev v Walker 2 – TNT Sports 1.

Sunday

  • 12am: Australian Open Men’s & Women’s Singles – Eurosport 1…(later at 6am).

  • 1am: Boxing – Arthur Beterbiev v Callum Smith – Sky Sports Main Event.

  • 1am: NFL Playoffs – Kansas City Chiefs v Miami Dolphins – Sky Sports NFL.

  • 1am: NBA – Golden State Warriors v Milwaukee Bucks – TNT Sports 2.

  • 6.10am: New Zealand v Pakistan, Cricket Twenty20 International – TNT Sports 2.

  • 7.30am: Dubai Invitational Golf – Sky Sports Golf.

  • 11.30am: Lazio v Lecce, Serie A – TNT Sports 2.

  • 12pm: QPR v Watford, Championship – Sky Sports Main Event.

  • 1pm: Bath v Racing 92, Champions Cup Rugby – TNT Sports 1.

  • 1pm: Almeria v Girona, La Liga – Premier Sports 1.

  • 1.30pm: All-Ireland junior club football final, Arva (Cavan) v Listowel Emmets (Kerry) – TG4.

  • 1.30pm: Masters Snooker Final – BBC Two…(later at 7pm).

  • 2pm: Everton v Aston Villa, Premier League – Sky Sports Main Event.

  • 2pm: Nigeria v Equatorial Guinea, Africa Cup of Nations – Sky Sports Mix.

  • 2pm: Napoli v Salernitana, Serie A – TNT Sports 2.

  • 3.15pm: La Rochelle v Leicester Tigers, Champions Cup Rugby – TNT Sports 1.

  • 3.30pm: All-Ireland intermediate club football final, Cill na Martra (Cork) v Cullyhanna (Armagh) – TG4.

  • 4.30pm: Manchester United v Tottenham, Premier League – Sky Sports Main Event.

  • 5pm: Egypt v Mozambique, Africa Cup of Nations – Sky Sports Football.

  • 5.30pm: Bordeaux Begles v Saracens, Champions Cup Rugby – TNT Sports 1.

  • 6pm: Sony Open in Hawaii, PGA Tour – Sky Sports Golf.

  • 6pm: NFL Playoffs – Buffalo Bills v Pittsburgh Steelers – Sky Sports NFL.

  • 7.45pm: RC Lens v Paris Saint-Germain, Ligue 1 – TNT Sports 3.

  • 7.45pm: AC Milan v Roma, Serie A – TNT Sports 6.

  • 8.30pm: NBA – Indiana Pacers v Denver Nuggets – TNT Sports 3.

  • 9.30pm: NFL Playoffs – Dallas Cowboys v Green Bay Packers – Sky Sports Main Event.

  • 12am: (Monday) Australian Open Men’s & Women’s Singles – Eurosport 1…(later at 6am).

  • 12am: (Monday) NBA – Sacramento Kings v Milwaukee Bucks – TNT Sports 1.

  • 1am: (Monday) NFL Playoffs – Detroit Lions v Los Angeles Rams – Sky Sports Main Event.

That’s all for today. Thanks for reading!

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