February 11 US Paper Talk: COVID-19 helped FC Cincinnati’s pursuit of Brenner
General manager Gerard Nijkaamp says pandemic uncertainty was a major factor in trade coup; Houston Dynamo re-sign Maynor Figueroa.
FC Cincinnati made Brenner the third most expensive signing in MLS history when they picked him up from Sao Paulo, beating off competition from top European sides including Arsenal, Juventus and AC Milan. (The Athletic)
SOCCER: Atlanta United are set to complete the signing of 19-year-old Venezuelan winger Darwin Matheus from Venezuelan Primera Division side Zamora FC. (Dirty South Soccer)
SOCCER: Houston Dynamo have re-signed veteran former Wigan Athletic defender Maynor Figueroa. The Honduran led the club for blocks, clearances and interceptions last season. (Houston Chronicle)
SOCCER: Gareth Bale's fitness levels are so poor he would even struggle to make his mark in the MLS, according to former Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. (Optus Sport)
MOTOR RACING: Pitbull, co-owner of NASCAR Cup Series team Trackhouse Racing, has revealed he became hooked on NASCAR after watching the 1990 Tom Cruise film Days of Thunder. (Various)