Marco Verratti could be set for a stunning reunion with former Paris Saint-Germain teammates Edinson Cavani, Ander Herrera and Leandro Paredes, with Boca Juniors exploring an ambitious move for the Italian midfielder. With the 33-year-old looking to leave Al Duhail and Boca preparing for a high-profile Libertadores return in 2026, president Juan Roman Riquelme has quietly opened the door to a sensational transfer.

Boca open talks as Verratti considers next move

Boca Juniors have begun planning their 2026 Copa Libertadores return, and head honcho Riquelme is already targeting elite reinforcements. According to , one name at the top of the list is Verratti, who left PSG in 2023 for a new chapter in Qatar but is now looking for a fresh challenge after a difficult campaign marked by injury and limited minutes.

The Italian midfielder joined Al Duhail this summer after two seasons at Al Arabi, yet spent much of November recovering from a muscle injury. Despite signing a contract through June 2026, the Italian has privately explored the possibility of leaving early, speaking with clubs in Italy including Inter, AC Milan and Juventus as he weighs his next step.

Those conversations led to a new idea, sparked by discussions with former PSG teammates Cavani, Herrera and Paredes. The trio encouraged him to consider Argentina and the possibility of joining Boca, prompting Riquelme to step in. The club chief has already made direct contact with Verratti and even started wooing his wife, Jessica Aidi, by introducing opportunities in Buenos Aires – a clear signal of Boca’s intent.

AdvertisementAFPA reunion years in the making and a Libertadores vision

This potential move reflects Boca’s broader strategy ahead of the 2026 Libertadores campaign. Riquelme is determined to assemble a veteran core with international pedigree, and Verratti fits the blueprint perfectly: a Champions League-proven midfielder, a former Italy international, and a player who has spent a decade competing at the top of European football. It also underlines Boca’s ongoing effort to build a squad capable of dominating South America, much like their “Euro Boca” phase in past years. 

Cavani, signed in 2023, was the first major piece, followed by Herrera and Paredes, who helped advocate for Verratti. The possibility of a PSG-style midfield reunion in Buenos Aires signals just how far Boca are willing to go to regain continental supremacy. Meanwhile, Verratti’s desire to return to high-level competition works in Boca’s favour. After exploring Serie A interest and considering a return to Italy, a Libertadores challenge offers both prestige and a new kind of sporting motivation, one he appears increasingly open to.

Contract status, departure dynamics & a Dybala twist

Despite the excitement surrounding the move, the deal is complicated. As Verratti is still under contract with Al Duhail, Boca must either negotiate an early exit or hope the midfielder presses for a release. For now, the player’s camp has begun sounding out exit options, and the Qatari club are aware of his desire to leave.

Beyond Verratti, Boca fans have also been buzzing over a separate rumour involving Paulo Dybala. The Roma star has been loosely linked with the club due to his contract situation in Italy and past comments about Argentine football. While the Dybala talk remains speculative, his name adds even more intrigue to Boca’s 2026 project. If both moves somehow materialised, Boca would suddenly boast a squad filled with some of the biggest names to ever play in South America.

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Getty Images SportNegotiations underway as Boca push for a blockbuster signing

Verratti is Boca’s clearest target, and Riquelme has already activated the early steps of his recruitment strategy. The midfielder’s openness to leaving Qatar combined with encouragement from Cavani, Herrera and Paredes makes this more than just a dream. Progress now depends on whether Boca can strike an agreement with Al Duhail or find a creative exit route before mid-2026. With the Libertadores return looming, the Argentine giants want the deal done well before the continental campaign begins.

One thing is certain, if Verratti completes the move, Boca’s ambition for 2026 becomes unmistakable. And with Cavani, Herrera and Paredes already in the dressing room, the stage is set for one of the most surprising South American reunions in recent memory.

Quick Matthew Forde provided a spark in his return from injury before West Indies overcame a late whirlwind from skipper Mitchell Santner to defeat New Zealand in the T20I series-opener. West Indies did eventually clinch the lowest total successfully defended at Eden Park in a T20I, but they were made to work hard after Santner clubbed 55 not out from 28 balls to almost power New Zealand to an incredible victory.Romario Shepherd, however, held his nerve with the ball in the final over to ensure West Indies drew first blood in the five-match series. Roston Chase produced a fine display of spin bowling on a small ground, picking up 3 for 26 to go with the hand he played in West Indies’ two biggest partnerships earlier in the day. He was named Player of the Match.Having been restricted in good batting conditions less than a week after clean-sweeping a T20I series in Bangladesh, West Indies appeared set for a tough start to a tour that comprises all three formats. But Forde was menacing in his return from a shoulder injury as West Indies tore through a meek New Zealand batting effort. It was a disappointing start for New Zealand in their first match since the retirement of Kane Williamson from T20I cricket.It was a major turnaround after West Indies’ batting order had earlier struggled on a surface with much more bounce than in Bangladesh. Captain Shai Hope overcame a slow start in the powerplay to top score with 53 off 39 balls to lead West Indies’ recovery from 43 for 3.This series is seen as important preparation for the short-handed teams as they build towards a T20 World Cup that is just three months away. Meanwhile, there was an old-school feel to the game with DRS not in place due to technical issues.Matthew Forde got 1 for 9 off his first three overs•Getty Images

Forde sparks WI in comeback game

Forde hadn’t played any competitive cricket since July, but showed no signs of rust in a brilliant opening burst. He bowled beautifully with the new ball, especially from around the wicket to trouble Devon Conway with deadly swing.Forde was finally rewarded when he clean-bowled Conway with an inswinger that hit top of off stump. He continued to be all over New Zealand’s top order, finishing with 1 for 9 off his first three overs – marked by 14 dot balls – in the powerplay. But his performance was soured slightly after conceding 23 runs to a rampaging Santner in the 18th over.

Santner’s near miraculous heist

After a horrific collapse of 7 for 37 from 70 for 2 in the tenth over, New Zealand appeared set for a crushing defeat at 107 for 9 in the 17th. But Santner turned the chase on its head by smashing seven boundaries and a six in a nine-ball flurry as the sparse crowd started to find its voice.With New Zealand needing 20 runs off the final over, Santner could not score off the first two deliveries bowled by Shepherd – although the second ball should have been called a wide due to height – before clubbing a six to give New Zealand hope. But it ultimately proved too tough a task despite a record tenth-wicket partnership for New Zealand in T20Is.Shai Hope rebuilt with a half-century after three early wickets•AFP/Getty Images

Hope fires after slow start

Having come off tours of Bangladesh and India, West Indies had the tough task of quickly acclimatising to the different conditions in New Zealand. Their top order made a rough start, struggling to handle the extra bounce as Brandon King, Alick Athanaze and Ackeem Auguste holed out after miscues.Hope had to steady the innings, and he entered the match after solid performances across formats in south Asia. But he was sluggish to begin with, unable to find timing much to his frustration on a true surface. Hope scored only 11 off 17 balls in the powerplay, with West Indies making just 32 runs off the first six overs. He finally decided to go for broke against Jimmy Neesham in the seventh over as the run rate finally lifted over six an over.It got him going, with Hope starting to clatter the smaller boundaries and bringing up his half-century in style by clubbing Zakary Foulkes for six over long-off. But Hope was clean bowled on the next delivery, undone by Foulkes’ variation as he missed an attempted swipe over the leg side.West Indies’ innings never truly got rolling, but it did receive a lift from Rovman Powell, who smashed a couple of huge sixes after being dropped twice in the outfield by Michael Bracewell.Jacob Duffy struck in the first over•AFP/Getty Images

Duffy shines in NZ’s disciplined attack

New Zealand are assembling a deep and talented pace pack, with competition for spots hotting up as the T20 World Cup looms. With Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke and Lockie Ferguson on the sidelines, New Zealand didn’t miss a beat, with Jacob Duffy the standout of an attack that kept a powerful West Indies batting order in check.Duffy was outstanding in the powerplay, removing King in the first over to start an opening burst that yielded figures of 1 for 10 off three overs. He later bowled Chase with a superb yorker after coming back at the death.Duffy showcased his variety, bowling a mixture of length and full deliveries to concede just one boundary in four overs. Kyle Jamieson bowled well in his return from a side strain, while Foulkes had a mixed bag but did claim two wickets.

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O Palmeiras pode garantir nesta quarta-feira (15) a primeira colocação do F da Copa Libertadores. A equipe comandada por Abel Ferreira necessita de apenas um empate contra o Independiente del Valle, do Equador, para garantir a liderança de sua chave e, consequentemente, a classificação às oitavas de final da competição continental.

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➡️ Avanti! Aposte R$100 e leve R$317 no Lance! Betting para ambos marcam e vitória do Palmeiras sobre o Del Valle

➡️ Siga o Lance! Palmeiras no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Verdão

Suspenso na derrota para o Athletico pelo Brasileirão, Murilo volta a estar à disposição da comissão técnica e deve formar a dupla de zaga ao lado de Gustavo Gómez.

O trio de ataque do Verdão será formado por Endrick e Estevão, crias das categorias de base de clube, e Lázaro, que ganhou espaço na equipe de Abel Ferreira após um início instável e participou – como reserva ou titular – das últimas nove partidas do time na temporada.

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A escalação do Palmeiras apresenta apenas duas dúvidas. Com um trauma no olho direito, Aníbal Moreno está fora do jogo desta noite. Richard Ríos aparece como o favorito para assumir a vaga no meio-campo. Gabriel Menino, titular na última partida do Verdão, também é opção. Na lateral-direita, Mayke deve iniciar o duelo, mas tem a sombra de Marcos Rocha, que completou recentemente 300 jogos pelo clube.

Portanto, a provável escalação do Palmeiras tem: Weverton, Mayke (Marcos Rocha), Gustavo Gómez, Murilo e Piquerez; Zé Rafael, Richard Ríos (Gabriel Menino) e Raphael Veiga; Lázaro, Estêvão e Endrick.

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O Palmeiras encara o Independiente del Valle nesta quarta-feira (15), às 21h30 (de Brasília), no Allianz Parque, pela quinta rodada da Copa Libertadores. Além da vaga antecipada à próxima fase, o Verdão também luta pela melhor classificação geral na fase de grupos.

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Antony has revealed the anguish he is suffering in the wake of being sent off at the weekend is causing him sleepless nights. The ex-Manchester United winger was given his marching orders after an acrobatic overhead kick attempt saw his boot accidentally connect with the face of a Girona player and, after a VAR review, he was shown a straight red. The sending off means he'll miss a derby date with Sevilla next time out for Betis.

• Antony handed red card after VAR check

  The incident occurred in stoppage time when the Brazilian attempted an overhead kick and his boot accidentally caught Girona's Joel Roca in the face. The referee initially did not stop play, but a VAR review prompted a pitchside review, after which the red card was issued for dangerous play. Antony made apologetic gestures to the home fans as he left the pitch and the club is appealing. As it stands the red card means he is suspended for Betis' upcoming derby match against Sevilla.

  Speaking on social media following the game, Antony apologised to Betis fans, saying: "Very sad about the red card. All I wanted was to help my team win. A completely unintentional move … sorry to all the fans that have always supported me."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Antony: 'I stayed at home thinking all night'

  Speaking a couple of days after the event, Antony was spoken of how he's still upset about the incident: "I had no intention. That's why we’re going to try to appeal. I won the ball. When I did the (overhead) there, I didn't see it, I was looking at the ball. It was the VAR decision, the referee knows that I had no intention. It was very hard to sleep. I stayed at home thinking all night, I slept very little."

  Antony is still hopeful of winning the appeal and being able to face Sevilla, he added: "Yes, of course. We have to try. I know how important this game is and I want to play it.”

• New life in Spain after Manchester nightmare

  Antony's career has been revitalised after a challenging spell at Man Utd. He initially joined on loan in January this year and the winger quickly rediscovered his form, becoming a key player and fan favourite. During his initial six-month loan, Antony bagged an impressive nine goals and five assists in 26 appearances, helping the team secure qualification for the Europa League and reach their first-ever European final. 

  He attributed his success to finding happiness and confidence in Seville, a stark contrast to his "very difficult" time in Manchester. Real Betis made the transfer permanent in September 2025 for a reported fee of £20 million ($29.1m). Since the permanent switch, he has continued his strong performance, with four goals in his first nine league games  this term and has expressed immense satisfaction with his move, stating he "wakes up every day with a smile". 

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  High praise from boss Pellegrini

  Aside from the fantastic match stats and statements backing his love for life in Spain with Betis, Antony has also drawn praise from his manager, former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini. Speaking earlier in the season, Pellegrini said: "He's matured significantly, he's working really hard in games, with and without the ball, with 40-metre runs, changes up front, getting into the box, working on recovering. And that's what has helped him to make up for some of that lack of precision. 

  He added: "I spoke with him before he came to Betis. He told me that he was not playing because he was not happy, but he had a lot of complaints about what he has done also. He wanted revenge, and here in Betis, I think he had it, and he did it in the way we know he can do, because it's not easy for you to play as a 100 million player. And Antony is a very good player. I am absolutely sure that this is a huge time for him here in Betis to help improve his career."

On Friday, Walker Buehler put in his most disastrous start since joining the Boston Red Sox this past offseason. Facing the New York Yankees, Buehler allowed seven hits, seven runs (five earned), and two walks while striking out two over just two innings. The Yankees quickly took a 7-0 lead, which proved too much for the Red Sox to overcome as they lost 9-6.

It was the second straight start in which Buehler allowed five earned runs. He is now 4-4 with a 5.18 ERA and 44 strikeouts over 10 starts on the season.

After the game, Buehler did not mince words expressing how disappointed he was in his performance. “This organization put a lot of faith in me this offseason and I’ve been f—ing embarrassing for us," Buehler said, via Christopher Smith of MassLive.

“It’s tough,” Buehler added. “It’s obviously a big game and a big rivalry that I was excited to be a part of. And for it to go the way that it did is super disappointing, especially after the past two, three weeks of kind of prep and throwing and all that kinda [expletive] and how I’m feeling. Physically I feel great and for it to happen that way, it sucks.”

Before Buehler briefly went on the injured list in May, he had strung together four good starts in a row, including three consecutive wins at the end of April. Since returning, though, Buehler has lost three of his four starts and his ERA has risen nearly a point.

“I feel like I’ve said this for two years straight now but I feel like I’m getting closer as weird as that sounds,” Buehler said, via Smith. “But for me to have kind of the four- or five-start stretch that I had right before I went on the IL of being largely successful and then to have these couple in a row is [expletive] super disappointing.”

Though Buehler put together several quality starts before his shoulder injury and was previously a hero for the Los Angeles Dodgers by clinching their World Series win last fall, he hasn't been consistent since returning from his second Tommy John surgery, which caused him to miss nearly two years of baseball until his return in 2024. Buehler does say he's "getting closer," but he still is nowhere near his All-Star form back in 2021.

The Washington Nationals beat the Seattle Mariners 9-3 on Thursday. It was an especially rough outing for Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford who went 0-for-3 before he got ejected for arguing balls and strikes in the sixth inning.

Actually, that's a bit of an undersell. Crawford had one of the more animated meltdowns you'll ever see after he was called out on a pitch way outside the strike zone and according to home plate umpire Andy Fletcher.

Crawford was in an 0-2 hole when Nationals pitcher Mackenzie Gore threw what should have been ball one way off the plate. Instead, Fletcher punched him out.

And then Crawford got thrown out and went on an absolute tirade.

Here's how MLB.com visualizes where strike three was: