On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
Austin FC announced the transfer of defender Leo Vaisanen to Swedish side BK Hacken on Monday.
The 27-year-old Finland international had a goal and an assist in 34 matches (29 starts) with Austin from 2023-24.
"We wish Leo all the best on his return to the Swedish league and we thank him for his service to the Club since he joined in 2023," Austin FC sporting director Rodolfo Borrell said.
Vaisanen's departure leaves Austin with three open senior roster slots, including two international slots.
More must-reads:
- Los Angeles FC's shrewd transfer moves could make it a contender for MLS trophies
- Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba suspended for skipping MLS All-Star Game
- The 'MLB mascot names' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
TODAY'S BEST
Report: Clubs scrambling for Tottenham sensation who has wowed Thomas Frank during pre-season
Alexander Isak Rejects One Transfer Option – One Club Remains
Eddie Howe guided Newcastle United to a fifth-place finish in their 2024/25 Premier League campaign and won the EFL Cup, defeating Liverpool 2-1 in the final. He will be eager to strengthen his squad ahead of the club’s return to Champions League football, but the Magpies are struggling to keep hold of Alexander Isak, who looks destined to leave the club this summer. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Swede has rejected a move to Saudi Arabia, with Liverpool now the only club in concrete talks. Newcastle Face Tough Battle to Keep Star Striker Alexander Isak Rejects Saudi Riches as Liverpool Remain Newcastle have endured a quiet summer thus far, with only Antonio Cordero and Anthony Elanga joining. Howe will be eager to strengthen the squad ahead of the 2025/26 season. According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Isak informed Newcastle of his desire to leave the club, with reports they are working on numerous deals, including Yoane Wissa from Brentford. Despite the latest developments, it appears Newcastle are hopeful they can persuade their star striker to stay, with manager Eddie Howe addressing the rumours: “There are no contract talks taking place with Alexander Isak. That will be for a later date, potentially,” said the Newcastle manager. “There are things going on behind the scenes. Whatever happens has to be for the best of the club.” “Of course, I hope Isak stays,” added Howe. Alexander Isak Replacement Options It appears likely that Isak will start the season at Anfield, which will be a blow to Newcastle United. Eddie Howe must sign the right replacement, and the club seem to be looking at various options, including Benjamin Sesko, Wissa and Lois Openda. The Magpies were reportedly interested in Joao Pedro, having a £50 million bid rejected before the Brazilian decided to join Chelsea, where he impressed immediately at the Club World Cup. Among the strikers linked, Sesko and Openda appear the most sensible options due to the attributes they share with Isak. However, don’t discount Wissa, who offers Premier League experience and a proven eye for goal.
Important trade stalls as Maple Leafs dangle bottom-six forward
The Toronto Maple Leafs are still looking for a solution to their bottom-six surplus, and veteran forward Calle Jarnkrok remains at the center of trade discussions. However, according to The Fourth Period, trade talks surrounding the 33-year-old winger have failed to gain momentum. They write: “He has a $2.1M cap hit and owns a 10-team no-trade list. The market hasn’t been vibrant, to this point, but the Leafs will continue to dangle him.” Why can’t the Maple Leafs find a taker for Jarnkrok? Jarnkrok has quietly been on the trade block for much of the offseason, but general manager Brad Treliving has yet to find a taker. After adding several depth forwards this summer, the Leafs now face a crowded bottom six — and Jarnkrok’s age, injury history and $2.1M cap hit through 2025–26 aren’t helping his value. Since joining Toronto, Jarnkrok has appeared in only 71 games over two seasons, scoring a modest 28 points. While his defensive versatility and penalty-killing ability are assets, his declining offensive production and durability concerns have made teams wary. With training camp approaching, the Maple Leafs may be forced to keep Jarnkrok on the roster — or retain salary in a deal — if they want to create space and flexibility. Dropping his cap hit down to just over $1M would open up the market a little. Until then, the Swedish forward remains a trade candidate in limbo. This isn’t great news as moving Jarnkrok from the roster is an important item on the team’s to-do list. Treliving would like more cap space, and with Jarnkrok and David Kampf both still on the roster, it hampers the GM’s ability to do other things.
New suitor emerges for Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez
The Arizona Diamondbacks have plenty of suitors for third baseman Eugenio Suarez. A new team has reportedly entered the market for his services. Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the Phillies have reached out regarding Suarez. While Lauber did not provide any indication as to whether or not those talks have gained traction, the Phillies are an intriguing suitor for the Diamondbacks' third baseman. The Phillies' interest may be a recent development. Jon Heyman of the New York Post speculated on Friday that the Phillies could emerge as a suitor in the wake of third baseman Alec Bohm landing on the injured list with a fractured left rib. Suarez is in the midst of what is arguably his best season thus far. He has produced a .249/.321/.587 batting line in 421 plate appearances entering Saturday with 36 homers and a major league-leading 87 RBI. Suarez would be more than just another powerful bat in the lineup. Designated hitter Kyle Schwarber and first baseman Bryce Harper are both left-handed hitters — adding Suarez would provide more balance in the batting order. He would also provide a counter against opposing managers bringing in a lefty reliever to face Schwarber and Harper. The biggest question would be how the Phillies would handle an eventual logjam on the roster. Bohm is expected to return from the IL in mid-August and would not have a clear path to regular at-bats if Suarez were acquired. Schwarber could theoretically return to left field to open up playing time at the DH spot, but his outfield defense is mediocre at best. However, as the Phillies are also looking to upgrade the outfield, where Max Kepler and Brandon Marsh have been disappointments, adding Suarez could solve several problems in one fell swoop.
'In what world does this make sense?’: Oilers and $63M forward
According to some, throw out the idea that the Edmonton Oilers should pursue Max Pacioretty. A veteran forward who has earned over $63 million over the course of his NHL career has yet to sign an NHL contract and was recently mentioned in a post by David Staples as a possible fit. In a recent post, the Journal noted, “All of the top NHL unrestricted free agents have already signed contracts, but there’s one big name player still available that makes good sense for the Edmonton Oilers to pursue.” Responses have been varied, with a few quite vocal about the Oilers not following Staples’ advice. “In what world does this make sense?????” writes a commenter on a recent post for The Hockey Writers. Another commenter wrote, “Pacioretty is a good journeyman player but he is injury prone now, late in his career. Oilers might be lucky to get 40 games out of him. They should look elsewhere instead of taking a chance on Patches.” Tyler Yaremchuk of Oilers Nation chimed in and said, “He scored five goals in 37 games last year with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Can’t stay healthy, very old, very slow.” Yaremchuk then went on a rant, listing several Oilers forwards who would be better than Pacioretty. What About Pacioretty on a PTO? Is there any reason that a team that is looking to get younger and faster, and move out depth pieces that were older and less productive than expected, would revert back to last summer’s strategy? It seems like an odd choice on the surface. Something would have to happen that would make giving Pacioretty a look risk-free. That means only a PTO. Even at that point, should he agree, it would require him to be willing to sign a two-way contract for the league minimum.
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
