Harry Kane ‘all in’ for Bayern Munich as England captain shares stance on potential Premier League return
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Harry Kane has swapped his lederhosen for his England tracksuit but he expects to wear the traditional Bavarian garb again. The England captain got dressed up this weekend, as Bayern Munich’s players have to do, for Oktoberfest. It is unlikely to be his last. After this season, Kane has one year left on the deal he signed when he joined in 2023. It contains a release clause that goes down by the window, but getting Kane out of Germany is not as simple as that. Nor, indeed, is relying on signing him on a free transfer when his contract expires in 2027. While Thomas Frank had hinted at the possibility of a return to Tottenham, saying their record scorer would be “more than welcome”, Kane is increasingly open to extending his stay with Bayern. Their sporting director Max Eberl has suggested Bayern will try to tie Kane down. If it long felt probable Kane would return to England, perhaps to break Alan Shearer’s record of 260 Premier League goals, now he is less sure. “Right now, I am fully all in with Bayern,” said the 32-year-old. “I have still got this season and another season. It is not like I am in my last year, it is not like there is any panic in that sense. In terms of staying there longer I could definitely see that. I am extremely happy there, my wife and kids are happy to stay and as you get older that is a big part of any decision you make. I have not had those conversations with Bayern yet but if they were to arise I would be willing to talk. If there is going to be an extension it has to work for everyone and it has to have a clear vision on where we see the club. “In terms of the Premier League, I don’t know. If you had asked me when I first left to go to Bayern, I would have said for sure I would come back. Now I have been there a couple of years I would say probably say that has gone down a little bit; not so much, but I wouldn’t say I would never go back.” That shift in his thinking is not definitive but it is indicative. Kane is in no rush to decide but cuts a contented figure. He praises his manager, Vincent Kompany, repeatedly. Bayern have allowed him to realise an ambition as well as to end a rather simplistic criticism. “I think I was interested in how I would feel after winning a trophy,” said the Bundesliga winner. Then there are the goals: more than a century for Bayern, 18 this season already. It is his best start to a campaign. “Especially early in my career, I didn’t score in August for seven or eight years,” Kane reflected. Once again, he has remedied his record. Meanwhile, he sat out the Premier League’s great striking summer spending spree. Nick Woltemade, who Bayern seemed to see as his long-term replacement, instead joined Newcastle. They have an added reason to stick with Kane. And a model of self-improvement believes he has added more to his game with Bayern. “Am I a better player?” Kane mused. “I’d say yes. Just the feeling I have on the pitch. I feel like the team we have this season is the strongest I’ve ever had. The way I’m seeing the game is at the highest level I’ve ever had.” Kane has had his best start to a campaign this season (Getty Images) He is not slowing down, he insists. “My numbers are 11km a game, a lot of high-speed running,” he explained. Other statistics are still more impressive. He has 74 goals for England, one short of 400 in his club career. Maybe that is why, when Kane studies his performances, he arrows in on other things, on his contributions to the team. “Sometimes when I’m watching the games back, I’m more looking forward to watching tackles or one of my defensive actions than watching my goals,” he said. “That is who I am as a person. I feel like I can play anywhere through the middle of the pitch and be comfortable. I don’t know if that means I’m getting a little bit bored of my goals or like the tackling part as well but it’s something that has been enjoyable.” In one respect, of course, Kane is not bored of scoring: not when his appetite for goals is such that he already has two hat-tricks and five braces this season. Maybe it puts him in competition with Erling Haaland, another who could reach the 20-goal mark that many would consider a success for an entire season in the first half of October. “Sometimes even subconsciously, maybe you’re pushing each other to reach different levels,” he said. For a long time, Kane’s silverware came from his scoring feats, with World Cup and Premier League Golden Boots. He would like another individual accolade. “Obviously I would love to win the
Extra Supermarket Labasa FC: Lions Roaring to Defend Their Crown
Extra Supermarket Labasa FC enters the 2025 FMF Inter-District Championship with pride, purpose, and the determination to defend their crown. One of Fiji’s most iconic football clubs, Labasa has long been a force in the country’s footballing history, combining a decorated legacy with the undying passion of its loyal supporters. This year’s IDC at the redeveloped 4R Stadium at Govind Park in Ba provides the perfect backdrop for another dramatic chapter in the Lions’ storied journey. The 2025 season has already been a remarkable one for the Babasiga Lions. They lifted the BiC Fiji FACT title early in the year, then stamped their authority on knockout football once again by winning the Extra Battle of the Giants. In the Extra Fiji Premier League, Labasa displayed impressive consistency, finishing as runners-up after a campaign marked by resilience and grit. These successes underline their strength as one of the most complete squads in Fiji, while the narrow miss in the league has left them hungrier than ever for more glory at the FMF IDC. For the Babasiga Lions, Govind Park carries added meaning. Later this season, they returned to Ba after nine years to play on the new 4R Stadium surface in a hotly contested Extra Premier League clash. The match ended in defeat to Ba, a result that stung both players and fans who had traveled in large numbers. That setback, however, has only sharpened their motivation. Now, as defending FMF IDC champions, the Lions are back at Govind Park with the chance to turn past disappointment into triumph, and to defend their crown on the same ground where they had once fallen short. The FMF IDC has always been a special tournament for the Babasiga Lions. With six titles to their name, including back-to-back championships in 2019 and 2020 and a memorable triumph in 2024, the Lions have repeatedly shown they are at their best on the big stage. Central to this success is their bond with fans, the most passionate supporters in Fijian football. Whether in Labasa or on the road, the fans transform stadiums into seas of red, their chants and drums igniting the players and creating an intimidating wall of sound for opponents. It is this unity between the team and its fans that makes the Babasiga Lions so formidable. In the 2025 FMF IDC, Labasa have been drawn into Group A, where they will face Lautoka, Suva, and Nadi. It’s a group loaded with quality and rivalries, ensuring the defending champions will need to be at their very best from the opening whistle. Matches against Lautoka and Suva in particular promise to be thrilling encounters, while Nadi remain dangerous opponents capable of springing surprises. This year’s IDC is about more than tactics and results for the Babasiga Lions—it is about pride, redemption, and legacy. They step onto the pitch as defending champions, with a squad that blends the leadership of experienced veterans with the energy of exciting young talents. The Lions have already shown in 2025 that they can rise to the occasion, and now they carry the hopes of the North as they aim to defend their crown on one of the grandest stages of all. As the tournament unfolds, one thing is certain: the Babasiga Lions will fight not only for trophies, but for the pride of Labasa and the devotion of their fans. Having already conquered two major competitions this year, the Lions now seek to roar the loudest at Govind Park, chasing back-to-back FMF IDC glory and strengthening their place among Fiji’s greatest football dynasties.
Labasa sinks Nadi in IDC – FBC News
Goals from Christopher Wasasala and Jack Junior Ani on either side of the half were enough to secure Extra Supermarket Labasa a 2-nil win over AAAK & Esy Kool Air Conditioning Nadi in their opening match of the FMF Inter District Championship at 4R Stadium, Govind Park in Ba. A lapse in Nadi’s defence allowed Wasasala to slip through and open the scoring for Labasa. Nadi pressed for an equaliser, with Rusiate Matererega creating several chances but failing to convert. Article continues after advertisement Iliesa Lino, Lekima Gonerau and Netani Suluka stood firm at the back for Labasa, keeping Nadi at bay. Substitute Junior Ani sealed the win late in the match with Labasa’s second goal. Labasa will face Lautoka at 6pm tomorrow, while Nadi takes on Suva at 2pm. Live commentaries are available on Radio Fiji Two. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Football gossip: Guehi, Wharton, Mainoo, Guler, Rodri, Postecoglou
Bayern Munich might join the race for Marc Guehi, Crystal Palace plan to offer Adam Wharton a new contract, and Napoli target loan move for Kobbie Mainoo. Bayern Munich are interested in Crystal Palace’s 25-year-old England defender Marc Guehi, who is out of contract at the end of the season and had a deadline-day move to Liverpool collapse last month. (Sky Germany – in German), external Crystal Palace plan to offer Adam Wharton a new contract to try to ward off interest from Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City in the 21-year-old England midfielder. (Mail), external Napoli are in pole position to sign Manchester United and England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, 20, on loan in January after maintaining contact with the Premier League club since the summer. (Sky Switzerland – in French), external Eintracht Frankfurt are targeting a January loan move for Newcastle and Denmark striker William Osula, 22. (Sky Sports), external Fulham manager Marco Silva is a long-term target for Nottingham Forest should they sack Ange Postecoglou, though an approach for the Portuguese is unlikely to happen before the end of the season. (Mail), external Manchester United believe defender Lisandro Martinez, 27, might return from his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury before the end of the year. The Argentine has not played for the club in eight months. (Sun), external Barcelona might make a move next summer for Borussia Dortmund and Germany forward Karim Adeyemi, 23, with his contract at the Bundesliga ending in 2027. (Sky Switzerland – in French), external Manchester City have no intention of selling Spain midfielder Rodri, 29, to Real Madrid for any price. (Teamtalk), external Manchester United see Aston Villa manager Unai Emery as the perfect replacement for Ruben Amorim should they sack the Portuguese coach. (Fichajes – in Spanish), external Real Madrid are unlikely to sanction a January move for Turkey midfielder Arda Guler, 20, despite interest from Arsenal and Newcastle. (Football Insider), external Barcelona and Juventus have concrete plans to sign Manchester City’s Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva, 31, while Saudi Arabian clubs Al-Ahli, Al-Qadsiah and Al-Nassr are preparing substantial offers for a player whose contract ends in 2026. (Caught Offside), external
Jacksonville Jaguars rally to late comeback win against Kansas City Chiefs
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more The Jacksonville Jaguars recovered from 14-0 down to beat the Kansas City Chiefs 31-28 as quarterback Trevor Lawrence stumbled to a decisive late touchdown. Lawrence tripped twice as he received the ball after team-mate Patrick Mekari stood on his foot with less than 25 seconds remaining but somehow composed himself to recover and complete a one-yard touchdown. It was the second touchdown of the night for Lawrence, who also threw one for Parker Washington. In the game’s decisive drive, Lawrence – who had twice been intercepted on the night – found Brian Thomas Junior for a 33-yard gain then picked out Dyami Brown to make further ground. Chamarri Conner was flagged for pass interference against Thomas after making no effort to get the ball on the next play before Lawrence found his way over. Lawrence completed 18 of 25 passes on the night for 221 yards. Opposite number Patrick Mahomes scored one touchdown and threw to Travis Kelce for another, with Kareem Hunt running in two in the fourth quarter. Jaguars defensive player Devin Lloyd returned an interception 99 yards for a touchdown in the third – the longest interception return by a linebacker in NFL history.
Nadroga FC: The Stallions Ready to Gallop Again
Nadroga FC enters the 2025 FMF Inter-District Championship (IDC) determined to restore its reputation as a fearless competitor in Fijian football. Long admired for their flair and free-flowing style, Nadroga will take the field at the redeveloped 4R Stadium, Govind Park in Ba, with passion and the dream of writing a new chapter in their history. The Stallions had a difficult campaign in the Extra Fiji Premier League, finishing near the lower end of the table with five wins, four draws, and nine losses. Their attack showed glimpses of promise, producing goals in bursts, but defensive frailties and inconsistency proved costly over the course of the season. For Nadroga, the FMF IDC now represents a fresh opportunity to leave behind league frustrations and focus on the knockout stage, where surprises are always possible. Nadroga’s history in the IDC is rich with tradition. The Stallions are double champions, with famous triumphs in 1989 and 1993, titles that remain cherished by their fans. Over the decades, they have earned respect as giant-killers — a side capable of upsetting the best when underestimated. Their passionate supporters in the West, known for their loyalty, will travel in numbers to Ba, bringing colour, chants, and energy to 4R Stadium at Govind Park. The squad heading into the 2025 edition is youthful but spirited. Young players add speed and unpredictability, while veterans provide the leadership and composure needed in pressure situations. While Nadroga may lack the depth of some of the giants, their determination and fearless approach mean they cannot be overlooked. The Group B draw has placed Nadroga in one of the most competitive pools of the tournament, where they will face the reigning Extra Premier League champions and finalists in both the 2025 Fiji FACT and BOG Rewa FC, host Ba FC and Navua FC. For Nadroga, this group is the ultimate test — but also the ultimate opportunity. Every match will require discipline, spirit, and composure, and the Stallions know that even one upset could put them in contention for a semifinal spot. The 2025 FMF IDC is about pride for Nadroga, about showing Fiji that the Stallions remain a club with fight, history, and ambition. Though they will enter as underdogs, the FMF IDC has always been a tournament where dreams come alive. With 4R Stadium at Govind Park as the grand stage, Nadroga FC will gallop into Ba determined to battle giants, defy the odds, and perhaps inspire another unforgettable run for their loyal fans.
Ben Whittaker: British Olympic silver medallist joins Matchroom Boxing
British Olympic silver medallist Ben Whittaker has signed a long-term deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. The 28-year-old won light-heavyweight silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics before turning professional in 2022. He has an unbeaten 9-0-1 record in his professional career, with six of those wins within the distance. “I think things happen for a reason. I’m at the right stage in my career now to pick the right platform and go for the right fights. So this move just made sense,” said Whittaker. Hearn described Whittaker as a ” generational talent” who has “the world at his feet”. “This long-term deal will propel Ben to global superstardom, solidifying his reputation as a household name and steering him towards future world titles. He will be number one,” added Hearn. Whittaker’s last match was a second-round stoppage of Liam Cameron in their light-heavyweight rematch in April. The first bout in October 2024 ended in a controversial draw, when both men fell over the ropes and Whittaker was unable to continue because of an injury.
McGirr finds it tough in first IDC – FBC News
The FMF Inter District Championship kicked off with the Senior Division at the Fiji Football Association Academy ground in Ba, with RAR Logistic Lami and Bua playing to a 3-all draw. Playing for Lami was Isaac McGirr who works with the United Nations Children’s Fund in Fiji and based in Suva. McGirr who is playing in his first IDC says it was tough under the Ba heat. Article continues after advertisement He says that he played a lot of schools football back at home in England and the Lami midfielder had some nice touches and also set up two goals. According to McGirr he’ll play again for Lami in the Futsal tournament in Suva next week. Both teams played with a lot of passion in the first half with four goals scored, both sides contributing two each. Locked 2-all at half-time, Lami came out firing and netted their third. However, the lead was cancelled when Bua equalized with a screamer five minutes later. Bua plays Taveuni tomorrow while Lami faces Dreketi. Meanwhile, in the Super Premier games, Stratum Construction Rewa pla Partlink Automotive/Star Pools/Manasa Export/Equipment Express Nadroga. AAAK & Esy Kool Air Conditioning Nadi meets Extra Labasa at 3:30pm before the official opening ceremony at 5:30pm. Power Volt Suva will then play 4R Electric Lautoka at 6pm and the final game of day one sees RC Manubhai Ba facing Vantex Solutions Navua at 8pm. You can catch all Super Premier games commentaries live on Radio Fiji 2. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Strictly star Karen Carney says football punditry criticism ‘crushed’ her
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Former England Women footballer Karen Carney has revealed the reason why she joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing this year. The Lionesses star, 38, has been paired with professional dancer Carlos Gu in the 23rd series of the hit BBC dancing programme. Since retiring from football in 2019, the former Chelsea and Arsenal player has become a regular football pundit, appearing on TNT Sports, Sky Sports and ITV Sport. But after facing backlash over her role, she said she has joined the show to “rebuild” her confidence. Carney spoke about the criticism she faced as a woman talking about men’s football and told Women’s Health’s podcast Just As Well: “I think I had it quite bad about four years ago, that was very, very challenging. open image in gallery Carney has regularly appeared as a pundit on TNT Sports, Sky Sports and ITV Sport (The FA via Getty Images) “But since then, whether you like it or not, you have to build resilience. And I think, for me, my attitude – put my athlete hat on – is to be the best version of myself, work as hard as I can, be a great team player, and actually what we learned in football was never to impress your manager, impress your teammates. “So for me, if I’m next to someone like a Roy Keane or an Ian Wright, or whoever it might be, if they’re happy with me and they know I worked hard, they know I’ve done my research, they know I’ve done my prep, then that’s all that matters to me. “The rest, I can’t control what people think about me. I genuinely can’t. I’ve had to just go with that mindset. “But Jesus Christ, it has knocked my confidence… it’s why I wanted to do Strictly as well, to rebuild my confidence again, because the negativity has crushed me.” Since the new series of Strictly started a few weeks ago, Carney said she was “absolutely loving it” and is most looking forward to the Couple’s Choice week. She said: “Honestly, I’ve just got a massive smile on my face. It’s such an honour and privilege to be on the show. “I’ve watched it for so long and follow it every week. You fall in love with it and, yeah, I can’t believe I’m actually on it, it’s bizarre. “Hopefully my fitness comes through. I’m not gonna put myself under too much pressure. Like, genuinely, I love the show and I’m just so happy to be part of it. And no matter how short or long it is, I just wanna really enjoy it. “I went to a live show last year, followed it for years and years, and it’s just an honour.” open image in gallery Carney has been paired with professional dancer Carlos Gu for this series (BBC) Carney recently became the first footballer to top the Strictly leaderboard in 18 years after the pair’s jive to Blondie’s One Way Or Another received a score of 31 during the first live show. She also emphasised the importance of having appropriate facilities for women footballers. Carney said: “I was speaking to some of the dance pros the other day – imagine if they didn’t have the right dance floor, the right dance shoes, the right nutrition, the right training environment, the right S&C (strength and conditioning) – would they be the best dance pros? No they wouldn’t. “So for us (footballers) that’s really, really important… and then kick on from there. And look what’s happened now with the women’s football… double European champions and the league’s going from strength to strength. So it really isn’t rocket science.” The full Women’s Health Just As Well episode is available on major podcast platforms.
Navua FC: The Underdogs with a Point to Prove
Valtex Solutions Navua FC arrive at the 2025 FMF Inter-District Championship with confidence, resilience, and the belief that they can trouble the biggest names in Fijian football. Long considered one of the tournament’s dark horses, Navua have shown in recent seasons that they are capable of springing surprises, and this year they step onto the 4R Stadium, Govind Park in Ba determined to make their mark. The highlight of their 2025 campaign came earlier in the year when they stunned many by reaching the BiC Fiji FACT final, where they battled bravely before falling short against Extra Supermarket Labasa FC. That remarkable run reminded everyone that Navua, though often overlooked, has the talent and spirit to compete with the country’s elite. In the Extra Battle of the Giants (BOG), they were unable to replicate that success, exiting at the group stage, but the experience added further steel to a squad eager to bounce back. In the Extra Premier League, Navua fought hard across the season, showing grit and determination even when results didn’t always fall their way. They finished in the lower half of the table but proved difficult opponents for some of the competition’s heavyweights, frustrating stronger teams with disciplined defending and quick counterattacks. While consistency remains their biggest challenge, their ability to rise on big occasions makes them a dangerous opponent in knockout football. Navua’s IDC history tells the story of a club that has experienced its share of highs and lows. Their greatest triumph came in 2009, when they stunned the footballing nation by lifting their first and only IDC title thrillingly. That victory remains one of the most cherished memories for their fans, a reminder that with courage and unity, Navua can achieve the extraordinary. Sixteen years on, they continue to chase another chapter of glory, and the 2025 edition offers them a new stage to dream big. In the 2025 FMF IDC, Navua have been drawn into Group B, where they will face Rewa, Ba, and Nadroga. It is a daunting group, with two of Fiji’s most decorated clubs and a traditional powerhouse standing in their way, but it also offers Navua the perfect chance to prove they belong among the best. For Navua, the 2025 IDC is not just about survival — it is about belief. They know they carry the underdog tag, but that has never deterred them before. Backed by their loyal supporters and inspired by the memory of their 2009 heroics, Navua will step onto Govind Park determined to fight for every ball, every point, and every opportunity. The odds may be stacked against them, but one thing is certain: Navua FC will not be in Ba just to make up the numbers. They will come to challenge, to inspire, and to prove once again that on their day, the Southside Reds can roar as loud as any of Fiji’s footballing giants.