Tait ready to “continue journey” after penning St Johnstone deal
Macauley Tait has described St Johnstone as a “positive place to be” after signing a two-year deal with the Perth club following his departure from Heart of Midlothian. The 20-year-old, who spent the last two seasons on loan at Livingston, is now committed to the Saints until the summer of 2028. Tait believes this move is the ideal next step in his career, a decision solidified after consulting with former St Johnstone players Josh McPake and Adam Forrester. “I’m really excited to get started and to meet all of the boys properly. How much the club and the gaffer wanted me was a great start to all of this. “I watched the team play a lot of the Friday night games last season and know a couple of players – Josh McPake and Adam Forrester – who have been here in the past. They spoke so highly of the place. “I felt it was the right place to continue my journey. The club has momentum coming into the top-flight, and it seems a really positive place to be. The boys play good football and I’ll just be looking to come in and add to that.” Tait spent much of his early years in the Hearts academy, even featuring on the European stage for The Jambos He added: “I have been at Hearts for a while and came through the academy, playing 16 times for the first team. That was nice for myself and my family. “I took the step on loan to Livingston for the past 18 months and I can’t thank them enough for progressing my career. Now I’m looking to make a real impact at Saints. “I’ll be hard-working and run for this team as much as I can. Hopefully I can bring quality on the ball and give the attacking players the service to do their stuff. I’m happy to do the dirty work.” Tait becomes Simo Valakari’s 8th signing, and will wear number 25.
SNN SPORTS ANALYSIS | World Cup Final 2026
Spain vs Argentina: The Ultimate Tactical Breakdown & AI Prediction 19 July 2026 – MetLife Stadium, New Jersey This is more than a World Cup Final. It is football’s biggest stage, featuring two nations that have been the standout performers of the tournament. Spain arrive looking to reclaim football’s greatest prize through control, structure and defensive excellence, while Argentina aim to defend their crown behind the brilliance of Lionel Messi in what is expected to be his final World Cup appearance. The statistics paint an incredibly close contest. One side has produced the tournament’s most dominant defensive displays. The other has delivered the most explosive attack. Using every major data point from the tournament, this is SNN Sports’ complete analytical breakdown of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final. Tournament Comparison Category Spain Argentina Matches 7 7 Wins 7 7 Goals Scored 13 19 Goals Conceded 1 7 Clean Sheets 6 2 Possession 63.9% 59.4% Expected Goals (xG) 12.2 13.1 Shots 114 109 Shots on Target 44 44 On paper, this is a fascinating clash of styles. Spain have been the tournament’s most complete defensive side, while Argentina have produced the most dangerous attack. Spain: Built on Control Spain’s route to the final has been based on dominance rather than drama. Their patient possession game has suffocated opponents, limiting transitions and controlling matches through intelligent positioning and relentless ball retention. Across seven matches they have conceded just one goal while keeping six clean sheets. Their unbeaten international run now stretches to 37 matches, highlighting just how consistent Luis de la Fuente’s side have become. Rather than overwhelming opponents with goals, Spain have controlled virtually every phase of every game. Argentina: Built on Belief Argentina have taken a very different path. Where Spain have controlled matches, Argentina have found ways to win them. They have scored 19 goals, the highest total of any team remaining in the tournament. They’ve recovered from adversity, produced decisive late moments and repeatedly relied on individual brilliance when matches have become stretched. Their comeback victory over Egypt and dramatic semi-final win over England underlined exactly why they remain world champions. Tactical Battle Spain’s Possession Machine Everything starts in midfield. Rodri has completed 599 passes during the tournament, while Pedri has completed 167 passes into the final third. Spain average almost 64% possession and are happy to patiently recycle the ball until space eventually opens. Lamine Yamal provides width, Mikel Oyarzabal occupies central defenders and Spain slowly wear opponents down through relentless circulation. Argentina’s Direct Threat Argentina are considerably more vertical. They transition quicker. They attack earlier. Everything flows through Lionel Messi. Rather than dominating possession, Argentina look to create decisive moments whenever Messi finds space between midfield and defence. It has been a hugely effective formula throughout the tournament. Defensive Comparison Spain’s defensive record is remarkable. 1 goal conceded 6 clean sheets Unai Simón has been one of the tournament’s standout goalkeepers, while Spain’s defensive structure has consistently prevented opponents from creating high-quality chances. Argentina have conceded seven goals but continue to outscore virtually every opponent they face. Attacking Comparison Argentina have produced the tournament’s most prolific attack with 19 goals. Spain have scored 13, but have often required fewer chances because of the amount of control they exert over matches. Spain’s leading scorers Mikel Oyarzabal – 5 Mikel Merino – 2 Pedro Porro – 2 Argentina’s leading scorers Lionel Messi – 8 Lautaro Martínez – 3 Enzo Fernández – 2 Lionel Messi Even at 39 years old, Messi continues to produce elite numbers. Tournament statistics: 8 goals 4 assists 21 chances created 16 shots on target Among the tournament leaders for dribbles completed Among the tournament leaders for expected goals This is not simply a sentimental farewell. Statistically, Messi has been one of the best players at the tournament. Lamine Yamal At the opposite end of his career is football’s brightest young star. Tournament statistics: 23 shots 10 shots on target 31 touches inside the opposition penalty area His ability to isolate defenders one-on-one has become one of Spain’s biggest attacking weapons. Midfield Battle If there is one area likely to decide this final, it is midfield. Spain Rodri Pedri Dani Olmo Possession. Control. Patience. Argentina Enzo Fernández Rodrigo De Paul Alexis Mac Allister Intensity. Aggression. Vertical passing. Whichever midfield imposes its rhythm could ultimately decide who lifts the trophy. Set Pieces Spain have won 45 corners throughout the tournament compared to Argentina’s 37. Spain defend dead-ball situations exceptionally well, while Argentina possess greater aerial strength through Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi and Lautaro Martínez. If the match remains level entering the final stages, set pieces could become decisive. Penalties? The statistics offer an interesting subplot. The tournament data shows Lionel Messi has missed two penalties during this World Cup. If the final reaches a shootout, those numbers will inevitably become part of the conversation, although Messi’s overall record from the spot throughout his career remains outstanding. SNN Sports Prediction Using the complete tournament dataset, including attacking and defensive output, expected goals, possession, chance creation, defensive efficiency, individual player performances and tactical match-ups, the SNN Sports analytical model rates this final as one of the closest World Cup finals in recent memory. Win Probability Spain: 52% Argentina: 48% The margins are incredibly small. Spain’s exceptional defensive consistency, ability to control matches through midfield and tournament-leading defensive record provide a narrow statistical advantage. Argentina’s attacking quality, resilience and Lionel Messi’s ability to change games in a single moment mean they remain fully capable of retaining the World Cup. This prediction is an analytical projection based on tournament data rather than a certainty. Predicted Match Statistics Possession Spain 59% Argentina 41% Shots Spain 13 Argentina 11 Shots on Target Spain 5 Argentina 4 Expected Goals Spain 1.6 Argentina 1.2 Corners Spain 6 Argentina 4 Predicted Man of the Match Rodri If Spain lift the trophy, the analytical model expects Rodri’s control of midfield to be the defining factor, dictating possession while limiting Argentina’s opportunities to transition through Messi.
Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson Opens Up on Transfer Challenges as Fans Await New Signings
Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson has admitted the club’s transfer business has become increasingly difficult, citing fierce competition from English clubs and the growing influence of player agents. The comments came during a question-and-answer session at the Association of Irish Celtic Supporters Clubs AGM in Cork on 4 July, where Nicholson appeared alongside chairman Brian Wilson and manager Martin O’Neill. Competition from England Making Deals Tough Despite lifting a domestic league and cup double last season, Celtic have made just one new signing since the summer transfer window opened, bringing in Colombian forward Camilo Duran. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has also agreed to extend his stay following his short-term deal last season. Supporters have become increasingly frustrated by the club’s slow progress in the transfer market, particularly after former manager Brendan Rodgers previously voiced concerns over the lack of reinforcements. Addressing those concerns, Nicholson explained that recruiting players is becoming increasingly challenging. He revealed Celtic are competing not only with Premier League clubs but also with teams in the English Championship, while negotiations with player agents have become another significant obstacle. He added that the club are actively exploring opportunities to sign free agents as part of their recruitment strategy. O’Neill Calls for More Signings According to minutes from the meeting, Martin O’Neill told the Celtic board that, despite last season’s domestic success, the current squad is not strong enough to compete at the highest level and is in major need of new additions. O’Neill also outlined the club’s preference for signing younger players, believing they possess greater hunger and ambition while fitting Celtic’s long-term development model. He suggested younger players are less motivated purely by financial offers and are better suited to the club’s philosophy. Long-Term Vision Remains Clear Nicholson also discussed Celtic’s recently finalised long-term strategy, which focuses on three key objectives: Becoming the best club in Scotland. Remaining financially strong and sustainable. Consistently competing in European competition. The club believe balancing financial stability with on-field success remains central to their future plans. Pre-Season Continues Celtic’s preparations for the new campaign have produced mixed results so far. A 1-1 draw with Shelbourne was followed by a heavy 4-1 defeat to Sporting CP. The Hoops will continue their pre-season schedule with fixtures against Middlesbrough and AC Milan before kicking off their Scottish Premiership title defence away to Dundee on 3 August. With supporters eager for fresh arrivals before the competitive campaign begins, attention now turns to whether Celtic can overcome the challenges Nicholson outlined and strengthen Martin O’Neill’s squad in the coming weeks.
FIFA World Cup 2026™ shines spotlight on FIFA Clearing House and training rewards as USD 1 billion milestone approaches
FIFA World Cup 2026™ shines spotlight on FIFA Clearing House and training rewards as USD 1 billion milestone approaches Since launch of FIFA Clearing House in November 2022, clubs worldwide have been allocated close to USD 1 billion in training rewards Transfers involving 530 players called up for FIFA World Cup 2026™ have triggered USD 221 million in training compensation and solidarity contribution, benefiting clubs that helped develop members of 46 of 48 participating squads Further USD 768 million in training rewards has been generated through transfers involving players not participating in this year’s FIFA World Cup™ Since getting up and running in November 2022, the FIFA Clearing House has transformed the calculation and distribution of training rewards across world football, with almost USD 1 billion in training rewards generated in that period for clubs that invest in player development. Of that total, more than USD 639 million has already been successfully distributed through the Paris-based FIFA Clearing House entity, thanks to which training rewards reach clubs around the world more efficiently, transparently and securely than ever before. “These figures attest to the FIFA Clearing House’s role in strengthening football’s development ecosystem by ensuring that clubs receive the financial recompense they deserve for nurturing future generations of players,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “As transfer activity continues to grow worldwide, the FIFA Clearing House remains a cornerstone of FIFA’s commitment to improving financial transparency, increasing trust in the international transfer system and rewarding investment in youth development throughout the global game.” The ongoing FIFA World Cup™ has provided another compelling demonstration of that impact. Some USD 221 million in training rewards has been generated by transfers involving 530 squad members from the tournament over the course of their careers, benefiting clubs connected to players representing 46 of the competition’s 48 teams. Several participating nations stand out for the scale of the benefits yielded. FIFA World Cup finalists Spain and Argentina feature a total of 20 players whose transfers have generated training rewards via the FIFA Clearing House, By way of further example, 20 of the 26 members of Croatia’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ squad have given rise to training rewards, reflecting the country’s long-established reputation for producing elite talent. Colombia and Ecuador follow close behind with 19 and 18 of their players generating training rewards, respectively. Côte d’Ivoire (17) and Japan, Switzerland and the Netherlands (each 16) complete the top five. Meanwhile, transfers involving Dutch players called up for the tournament have resulted in USD 16.5 million in training rewards over the years – a testament to the enduring strength of the Netherlands’ football development pathways. The top ten teams in terms of total training rewards generated include five more from UEFA (Portugal, France, Belgium, Croatia and Germany), three from CONMEBOL (Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil) and one from CAF (Senegal). On average, 63% of the training rewards generated by players participating in the World Cup are benefiting clubs from the players’ respective home countries. However, this ratio varies widely between associations. Clubs from Czechia received 92.4% of the training rewards generated by the Czech national team, followed by Argentina with 89.8% and Germany with 88.6% whereas training rewards for players from teams like Senegal (15.3%), Algeria (14.0%) and the United States (11.5%) have mostly benefited clubs in other associations. The top ten players alone generated a total of USD 34.3 million of training rewards for their training clubs. The fact that these ten players represent ten different national teams once again underlines the global scope of the system: Neymar (Brazil), João Félix (Portugal), Manuel Ugarte (Uruguay), Enzo Fernández (Argentina), Kai Havertz (Germany), Moisés Caicedo (Ecuador), Michael Olise (France), Min-jae Kim (Korea Republic), Malik Tillman (USA) and Viktor Gyökeres (Sweden). FIFA World Cup 2026 participants are only part of the story, however, as transfers of 10,422 players not involved in the event have triggered a further USD 768 million in training rewards since November 2022. This serves to illustrate the magnitude of the global transfer market and the broad reach of FIFA’s training-reward system across professional football. These figures demonstrate how investments made by training clubs years earlier continue to deliver financial returns as players progress to the highest levels of the game and compete on football’s biggest stage. Likewise, they underscore the important role that solidarity mechanisms play in rewarding clubs – regardless of their size or location – for developing the next generation of football talent.