Fenerbahce head coach Domenico Tedesco has been hospitalised due to a severe infection, ruling him out of Wednesday's crucial cup tie. The 40-year-old tactician, who succeeded Jose Mourinho last September, is currently recovering from pneumonia at his home in Istanbul. Assistant coach Zeki Murat Gole will temporarily take charge during this critical phase of the season.
Bayern Munich are reportedly stepping up their interest in Victor Osimhen as they begin planning for life after Harry Kane. With the England captain now 32 and speculation raging over his contract situation, Vincent Kompany is keen to secure Nigerian superstar Osimhen, currently flourishing at Galatasaray, as the long-term successor to lead the frontline at the Allianz Arena.
The prospect of Victor Osimhen wearing the famous black and white stripes of Juventus has recently become a tantalising "what if" for the Bianconeri faithful. However, any hopes of a sensational return to Serie A for the Nigerian powerhouse have been met with a cold, hard financial reality. It has emerged that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis orchestrated a brilliant piece of contractual engineering when sanctioned the striker's move to Galatasaray, effectively locking the door on a domestic rivals' swoop through a secret "anti-Italy" penalty clause.
Galatasaray are no longer content with being the dominant force in Turkish football; they have set their sights on the European elite. Following a stunning 5-2 victory over Juventus in the Champions League, vice-president Abdullah Kavukcu has outlined a blueprint to transform the Istanbul giants into a global powerhouse within five years. Central to this revolution is the successful integration of marquee signings from Serie A, a market the club has raided with increasing frequency and financial might.
Victor Osimhen claims that Napoli “treated me like a dog” prior to severing ties with the Serie A champions in 2024. Despite being a prolific presence for the Italian outfit, helping them to a domestic title in 2023, the Nigeria international striker was brutally mocked by his own club in a racist social media video that ultimately paved the way for him heading out of Naples.
Still just 22 years old, Jhon Duran has joined the sixth club of his increasingly nomadic career and his third in the space of just 12 months, making the controversial decision to head to Russia and sign for Zenit St Petersburg. It is a little over a year since the former Aston Villa hitman was being linked with European giants Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Chelsea, but after spells in Saudi Arabia and Turkey, the striker is already drifting further into obscurity.
Columbus Crew, Cruz Azul, Leon, and Inter Miami are the most successful sides in the Leagues Cup, having won one title each.
How many teams are in the Leagues Cup?
As of 2024, there are 45 teams in the Leagues Cup, from both the MLS and the Liga MX. They are divided into 15 groups of three teams each. The inaugural edition in 2019, in contrast, featured just 16 teams.
Who has made the most Leagues Cup appearances ever?
Andre Blake, Jack Elliott, Jacob Glesnes, Kai Wagner, and Mikael Uhre – all of them players of Philadelphia Union – share the record for most appearances in Leagues Cup, making 14 appearances each.
Who is the all-time top scorer of the Leagues Cup?
Gabonese forward Denis Bouanga is the all-time topscorer in Leagues Cup history, scoring 12 goals in 10 games for Los Angeles FC. Lionel Messi is close in second place with 10 goals.
Who is the oldest player ever in the Leagues Cup and how old was he?
Tijuana goalkeeper Jesus Corona is the oldest player to ever feature in a Leagues Cup game. Corona was 43 years and 191 days old when he played against Vancouver Whitecaps in August 2024.
Who is the youngest player ever in the Leagues Cup and how old was he?
Axel Kei is the youngest player to feature in Leagues Cup. Kei was just 14 years and 267 days when he achieved the feat during Real Salt Lake City's 2-1 loss against Atlas Guadalajara in 2022.
Which famous players have played in the Leagues Cup?
Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Andre-Pierre Gignac, and Hector Herrera are among the most famous players to have featured in the Leagues Cup.
Which famous managers have managed in the Leagues Cup?
Caleb Porter, Tata Martino, Phil Neville, Martin Demichelis, and Fernando Gago are among the most famous managers in Leagues Cup history.