The LLM Podcast

Injury break 'good for my body': Shoriful Islam raring to go ahead of Mackay Test

Bangladesh paceman Shoriful Islam insists he was not unlucky to miss the historic Darwin Test win and says the injury-forced rest has done his body good as he eyes selection for the second Test in Mackay.

Duleep Trophy final set to move from Bengaluru CoE so spectators can attend

The Duleep Trophy final is expected to shift from the BCCI Centre of Excellence to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium or Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium, with the BCCI exploring options to allow spectators.

Fermin Lopez ready to step into false nine role for Barcelona after Lewandowski and Torres exits

Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez says he can adapt to playing as a false nine following the summer departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, while giving his take on his teammate's surprise move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Wrexham's Derby Draw Exposes the Cracks Deadline Day Must Fix

Wrexham's 1-1 FA Cup draw with Cardiff City at the Racecourse Ground exposed defensive fragility, a shortage of creativity and thin squad depth — issues Phil Parkinson must urgently address before the January transfer deadline as his side juggles a League One promotion push with a cup replay at Cardiff City Stadium.

Simeone tells Barcelona the Álvarez chase is over: 'There's no longer any room for doubt'

Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone has again dismissed Barcelona's hopes of signing Julián Álvarez, insisting the club's stance is final: 'There's no longer any room for doubt.' Barça, who have pursued the Argentine all summer as a Robert Lewandowski replacement, face a deadline of the end of this week to decide whether to make one last push or pivot to alternative targets.

Rapids' Cannon relieved after ending scoring duck ahead of LAFC test

Reggie Cannon speaks of his relief after scoring his first MLS goal of the season as Colorado Rapids chase a third straight win against LAFC, while Rafael Navarro's 10-goal milestone and the match preview take centre stage.

Rajasthan captain Mahipal Lomror joins Surrey for County Championship run-in

Rajasthan captain Mahipal Lomror has signed for Surrey for their final six County Championship matches of 2026, bolstering a batting line-up depleted by the absence of Will Jacks and England-recalled Dan Lawrence.

Forest give Awoniyi emotional guard of honour before £9m Coventry switch

Taiwo Awoniyi has completed a reported £9m move to Coventry City from Nottingham Forest, with Oliver Glasner overseeing an emotional guard of honour for the striker at the City Ground before his departure.

Chelsea slap huge asking price on Saudi-linked Pedro Neto

Chelsea have reportedly set a massive asking price for winger Pedro Neto, who has attracted interest from Saudi Pro League clubs during the summer transfer window.

Cancelo back at Barcelona for third spell after Al-Hilal pay-off

Joao Cancelo is set to return to Barcelona for a third spell after agreeing to terminate his contract at Al-Hilal, raising the question of whether Hansi Flick's backline is now complete or in need of one more addition.

Five Things Wrexham Learned From Heartbreaking Cup Draw With Cardiff

A breakdown of the key takeaways from Wrexham's agonizing draw with Cardiff, from game management and set-piece vulnerability to the resilience of the side and the drama of a South Wales derby that left supporters on the edge of their seats.

Community Shield Curse: Only One of Arsenal's Nine Shield Wins Led to a League Title

After Arsenal's latest Community Shield triumph, history makes for uncomfortable reading: only the 2003 winners, the Invincibles, converted the Wembley showpiece into a Premier League title the following May. From second-place near misses to eighth-place stumbles, here's what followed every previous Shield win.

Savannah James on a lifetime beside LeBron: 'I couldn't be more proud'

A profile of Savannah James, the woman who has stood by LeBron James through the Miami backlash, the historic 2016 Cleveland title, the move to Los Angeles and now the start of his 24th season in Philadelphia.

Sergio Busquets returns to Barcelona as assistant coach of Barça Atlètic

Club legend Sergio Busquets has officially returned to Barcelona, joining Juliano Belletti's Barça Atlètic coaching staff as assistant coach while he completes his coaching badges.

Juventus complete signing of Jhon Lucumi from Bologna in €19.5m deal

Juventus have completed the signing of Colombia international defender Jhon Lucumi from Bologna for a fee of €19.5m plus add-ons, with the centre-back putting pen to paper on a four-year deal.

Clever Muller free-kick caps Vancouver Whitecaps' 2-0 derby win over Seattle Sounders

Thomas Muller scored a clever indirect free-kick goal as the Vancouver Whitecaps beat the Seattle Sounders 2-0 at Lumen Field to return to the top of the Western Conference in MLS, extending Seattle's losing streak to seven games.

With the MLS transfer window open until Sept. 2 and the league set to align with Europe's calendar, Colorado Rapids, Chicago Fire and St. Louis City are among the teams primed to make key additions as they look to close the gap on the league's elite.

FC Cincinnati have rejected a bid in the region of $15 million plus $5 million in add-ons from Hull City for Togo forward Kevin Denkey, while Rangers have submitted a $10 million offer for Portland Timbers striker Kevin Kelsy.

Shubman Gill turns Superman in Galle with stunning one-handed catch as India dominate Sri Lanka

India captain Shubman Gill produced a spectacular one-handed catch at short extra cover to remove Kamindu Mendis on Day 3 of the Galle Test, earning high praise from Ian Bishop. India's spinners reduced Sri Lanka to 99/5 as the hosts pressed for a series-opening win.

Flick refuses to wait on the market: Barcelona boss leans on La Masia while striker search drags on

With reinforcements still up in the air and Lewandowski and Ferran Torres gone, Hansi Flick is turning to his academy kids and tactical experiments during pre-season rather than waiting on the sporting director to land a new striker.

Barcelona 'Agree' Rodri Transfer With Manchester City—Report

A report claims Barcelona have reached an agreement with Manchester City over the transfer of midfielder Rodri, though no confirmation has come from either club.

Osimhen keen on Manchester United switch as striker hunt intensifies

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is reportedly open to a move to Manchester United as the club step up their search for a new centre-forward, according to fresh transfer speculation.

Flemming's late double rescues Burnley on Championship return in 2-2 draw with West Ham

Zian Flemming scored twice in the space of nine minutes as Burnley clawed back from a goal down to draw 2-2 with West Ham in their return to the Championship, denying debutant Manor Solomon a winning start for Nuno Espirito Santo's side.

USMNT Identify One Key Mistake on Road to 2026 World Cup—And Vow Not to Repeat It

As the United States gears up to co-host the 2026 World Cup, a fresh analysis highlights the one thing the national team got wrong in its preparations—and argues the side simply cannot afford to make the same error a second time.

Michael Sam's historic coming out: How the NFL's first openly gay draft pick overcame a troubled childhood

A deep dive into the life of Michael Sam, the first openly gay player drafted by an NFL team, tracing his path from a childhood marked by tragedy and hardship in Hitchcock, Texas, through his SEC Defensive Player of the Year season at Missouri, his coming out to teammates and the public, and his brief NFL career with the Rams and Cowboys before continuing in the CFL, Europe, and coaching.

Arsenal beat Manchester City in the Community Shield, winning on penalties after a tight match, and laying down a marker for the new season. Player ratings highlight standout performers as the Gunners claimed their first Community Shield since 2020.

Man City Close In on Ayyoub Bouaddi After Lille's 'Of Course' Admission

Manchester City are closing in on Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi after the French club made a major admission over the teenager's future, with a 'Of course' response seen as a green light for the highly-rated 18-year-old's departure.

Mohamed Salah Makes Trabzonspor Debut in 'Enthusiastic' Showing

Mohamed Salah made his Trabzonspor debut and was described as 'enthusiastic' in a first outing that showcased the intensity and work rate that have defined his career, raising expectations for his new Super Lig chapter.

Barcelona confirm Pedri's solo training is a plan, not an injury scare

Barcelona confirm Pedri is training separately as part of a specific physical preparation plan after his World Cup triumph, with the midfielder expected to rejoin the group ahead of the La Liga opener at Elche.

Barcelona train one last time before travelling to Switzerland, where Hansi Flick has named a 24-man squad to face FC Basel at St. Jakob-Park in a friendly laden with memories of past European glory.

Jadeja's candid confession: 'Team didn't have confidence in me' after being buried in batting order

Ravindra Jadeja candidly reveals that being pushed down to No. 8 or 9 early in his India career 'literally disturbed' his confidence and made him feel the team didn't believe in his batting, even as India seized control with Devdutt Padikkal's maiden Test century on Day 1 against Sri Lanka.

Barcelona have confirmed Pedri is training alone as part of a specific physical preparation plan, not due to injury, after a summer in which he won the World Cup with Spain. The club faces FC Basel and Elche (league opener) in the coming days.

Barcelona insist Pedri's lone workouts are precautionary and part of a tailored fitness plan after his World Cup-winning summer with Spain, with the midfielder expected back in full group training soon.

Former Bangladesh pace bowling coach Shaun Tait says fast bowling has become Bangladesh's greatest strength, praising the depth of the pace unit, Hasan Mahmud's calm consistency and the team's shift to fuller lengths during their Test tour of Australia.

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has explained why he continued playing for the Netherlands at World Cup 2026 despite knee discomfort, saying medical staff assured him the injury could not get worse. A follow-up scan later showed the damage was more serious than initially diagnosed, and De Jong will now miss the start of the season, though he insists he and the club agree on the recovery plan.

Rashford Handed New Shirt Number for Milan Clash—With a Catch

Marcus Rashford has been handed a new shirt number for Manchester United's match against AC Milan, but the change reportedly comes with a catch, adding intrigue to the high-profile fixture.

Arsenal Discuss Shock Move for Long-Term Striker Target

Arsenal have reportedly held internal discussions over a shock move for a long-term striker target as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his attack, though competition and the financial package could determine whether any deal materialises.

Arsenal vs Man City: Inside the last five meetings that defined Premier League's fiercest rivalry

A recap of the last five meetings between Arsenal and Manchester City in the Premier League, showing City's edge with three wins while Arsenal's recent 1-0 victory signals a shifting balance of power in their rivalry.

Clancy trial reveals 'chilling' search history as digital forensics takes center stage

Massachusetts State Police forensic examiner Sgt. Timothy Chiappini testifies in Lindsay Clancy's murder trial about 'chilling' search history recovered from her devices, including queries about psychosis, suicide methods and sociopathy, as prosecution and defense spar over the meaning of the digital evidence.

Messi Headlines Top Five MLS Golden Boot Contenders for 2026 Campaign

A look at the top five contenders for the 2026 MLS Golden Boot, including defending champion Lionel Messi, Denis Bouanga, Cucho Hernández, Hany Mukhtar, and Chicho Arango.

Man Utd vs AC Milan: European Giants Set for Preseason Friendly Clash

Manchester United and AC Milan meet in an International Champions Cup preseason friendly, giving both teams a chance to build fitness and test tactics ahead of the new campaign.

Man United and Arsenal Set for Summer Battle Over Victor Osimhen; Liverpool Hit by Barcola Blow

Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly set to battle for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, while Liverpool face a setback in their pursuit of Lyon winger Bradley Barcola.

Grimaldo tells Atletico: No more excuses as LaLiga opener looms

Alejandro Grimaldo insists Atletico Madrid cannot use late returns from the World Cup as an excuse as they prepare for their LaLiga opener against Malaga, after a 2-1 pre-season friendly win over Marseille.

Shoaib Akhtar: 'What if' I had played under Imran Khan could have taken 400 Test wickets

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar says he could have reached 400 Test wickets had he played earlier in his career under Imran Khan's leadership, and opens up on his physical struggles to stay fit.

Independence Day: 10 rare photographs that bring India's freedom struggle vividly to life

A curated look at ten rare photographs that capture the human faces behind India's freedom struggle — from the Dandi March and the Simon Commission protests to the Quit India movement, the Poona Pact, the Constituent Assembly and the joy of August 15, 1947.

Sri Lankan cricket coach Sumith Fernando dies after altercation with teenager over drinking water

Veteran Sri Lankan cricket coach Sumith Fernando, 62, has died in hospital from injuries sustained during a physical altercation with a 17-year-old school cricketer at a Colombo sports facility. The dispute reportedly began over a lack of drinking water at the venue. The minor has been arrested and placed under child probation custody.

Barcelona Identify Jonathan David as Julian Alvarez Alternative

Barcelona have reportedly identified LOSC Lille striker Jonathan David as a more affordable alternative to Manchester City's Julian Alvarez, as the Catalan club looks to strengthen their attack within tight financial constraints.

De Jong Fires Back at 'False' Claims as Barcelona Tensions Boil Over Again

Frenkie de Jong has hit back at 'false' media reports amid renewed tensions with Barcelona over his World Cup knee injury, his treatment plan, and the club's pursuit of Rodri.

Manchester United Unveil Stunning 2026/27 Third Kit That Has Fans in Awe

Manchester United have unveiled their 2026/27 third kit, earning widespread acclaim for its bold design and fresh aesthetic. The release is part of a broader trend of clubs generating early commercial buzz ahead of a new season.

Jimenez brace proves Red Bulls' academy pathway works, says Bradley

New York Red Bulls head coach Michael Bradley praises 19-year-old Mijahir Jimenez after his brace earned a 3-2 win over Orlando City, highlighting the club's commitment to its academy-to-first-team pathway ahead of a clash with Atlanta United.

Circuit of The Americas chairman Bobby Epstein says the Austin track is on pace for a record-breaking United States Grand Prix weekend in October, as road improvements could open the door to an extra 15,000 to 30,000 fans per day.

Five lessons Formula 1 should steal from the World Cup — starting with the burnout problem

After four weeks covering the expanded 48-team World Cup, The Athletic's F1 newsletter editor Patrick Iversen lists five things football's showpiece can teach Formula 1: player burnout, post-whistle officiating chaos, the underdog factor, hydration breaks and the financial bubble that eventually bursts.

'You're not in Bangladesh now': Starc and Mehidy clash as Australia dominate Darwin Test

Mitchell Starc and Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz clashed during a tense second day of the first Test in Darwin, after the batter ran through the protected area of the pitch. Bangladesh nevertheless ended the day in control at 6-351, a lead of 153, with Tanzid Hasan scoring a brilliant century.

Why Cadillac's debut F1 season is anything but point-less

As Cadillac prepares to join the Formula 1 grid for the 2026 season, this feature examines why the American outfit's inaugural campaign carries genuine purpose and ambition rather than serving as a mere placeholder on the grid.