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Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
David Lynch Explains Florian Wirtz's Liverpool Move
Liverpool's Elite Move for Florian Wirtz Signals a Bold New Era Florian Wirtz Deal Shows Liverpool Are Shopping Top Shelf Liverpool supporters woke up to a seismic shift on Friday the 13th. Contrary to superstition, it proved a day of jubilation as the club confirmed a deal with Bayer Leverkusen for Florian Wirtz. As revealed on Anfield Index's Media Matters podcast, journalist David Lynch was unequivocal in describing it: 'This is a huge, huge transfer.' Speaking with host Dave Davis, Lynch highlighted the rarity and scale of this kind of signing: 'To win one of those races is rare… Liverpool have seen off every competitor to sign one of the most exciting young players in world football.' That list of competitors, notably including Bayern Munich and Manchester City, makes the capture all the more impressive. Recruitment Confidence and a Club on the Rise Though Liverpool's recruitment strategy has historically leaned towards undervalued talents, Lynch was quick to stress that this isn't a shift in philosophy. 'People at Liverpool actually suggest to you this isn't actually a departure from our approach,' he said. 'Every time there's a transformational signing on the market who wants to join us… we will push the money out there.' Advertisement He added that the attacking profile naturally drives the fee up — reported in UK media as £100 million plus £16 million in potential bonuses — but reaffirmed confidence in the club's current recruitment staff. 'They've been able to convince him this is the right place in sporting merit over other places,' said Lynch. The role of key Liverpool figures also came under praise. Lynch noted, 'Well done to Richard Hughes… well done to Arne Slot.' It's understood that their meeting with Wirtz was pivotal, showcasing not just a vision of collective success but also a tailored development path. More Than Just a Fee: Wirtz's Character and Commitment What stands out is not just the financial package or the skill set Wirtz brings, but the player's decision-making. 'City would have been the easy option. Bayern Munich would have been the easy option,' Lynch emphasised. 'To come to Liverpool, to accept lesser wages because you believe in the sporting project… for me is something special.' Advertisement While Lynch acknowledged he's no expert on German football personalities, he drew a telling comparison with another transformative Liverpool signing. 'It was hugely significant that Virgil van Dijk chose Liverpool,' he explained. Wirtz's decision to join despite more lucrative options, in Lynch's eyes, hints at a character aligned with Liverpool's ethos. What Wirtz Brings to Liverpool's Attack On the pitch, the excitement is just as real. Lynch pointed to the statistical dominance of Wirtz's performances. 'The numbers are unbelievable… assists, goals, chance creation — he's good at absolutely everything in the final third.' There is still uncertainty around where Wirtz will line up under Slot. Lynch admitted, 'I haven't heard anything specifically on position yet,' though speculation around a number 10 role or even as a false nine remains strong. Advertisement What is certain is Wirtz's versatility and quality. As Lynch put it, 'He defends a little bit like an attacking midfielder rather than an out-and-out number 10.' With Liverpool having 'walked the league last season,' adding such a dynamic talent could widen the gap even further. 'If you're one of the rivals… you'd be seriously worried,' said Lynch. Final Word: A Statement of Intent 'This is not normally like Liverpool,' said Dave Davis during the discussion, and he's right. This signing is bolder, louder and utterly deliberate. It speaks of a club ready not just to maintain its position but to dominate. Liverpool have made their move. The Premier League has been warned.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
FTC could bar Omnicom, Interpublic from boycotting sites over political views as merger condition: report
The Federal Trade Commission could reportedly bar advertising giants Omnicom and Interpublic from suppressing ads to websites over their political views as a condition for approving their pending merger. The FTC, led by President Trump-nominated chairman Andrew Ferguson, is considering imposing the consent decree as it engages in a broader effort to investigate and stop collusive ad boycotts that unfairly target conservative media. New York City-based Omnicom was among the companies called out by House Judiciary Committee chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) over its involvement with the Global Alliance for Responsible Media, a left-leaning advertising cartel that allegedly sought to defund news outlets and platforms, including The Post. Jordan launched an investigation into Omnicom after the merger was first announced last December. The FTC is currently reviewing a $13.25 billion all-stock deal between the two ad giants. If approved, the combined entitles would form the largest ad agency in the world, with around $25 billion in annual revenue. The terms of the merger deal are still under review and have yet to be finalized, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing a source familiar with the matter. Representatives for the FTC, Omnicom and Interpublic did not immediately return The Post's request for comment. The FTC's move points 'to a much more highly politicized environment for agencies than we have ever seen before, at least in the United States,' analyst Brian Wieser wrote in a midyear industry update on Tuesday that was cited by the New York Times, which first reported on the proposed consent decree. Fergson has said that any boycotts organized by advertisers can be illegal because they involve coordinated refusals to do business, which may restrict competition. Earlier this week, the FTC requested documents from top ad agencies, including Omnicon, Interpublic, WPP, Dentsu, Havas and Publicis, as part of a broad review into whether the firms had violated antitrust law by participating in boycotts against certain news outlets. The FTC is also targeting so-called watchdogs like Media Matters and Ad Fontes Media in the investigation and in May requested documents about their dealings with a dozen firms, the Wall Street Journal reported. The probe is focused in part on how the firms dealt with Elon Musk's X, which suffered a mass exodus of advertisers after the mogul bought the social media company formerly known as Twitter in 2022 and loosened its content moderation practices. The agency's letter to Media Matters requested 'all documents that Media Matters either produced or received in discovery in any litigation between Media Matters and X Corp. related to advertiser boycotts since 2023.' Last year, Musk filed a sweeping antitrust lawsuit against the World Federation of Advertisers and its now-defunct GARM initiative, which shut its doors after the suit was filed. X CEO Linda Yaccarino told The Post at the time that the entire online advertising ecosystem was 'broken' as a result of the alleged boycotts. 'We were victimized by a small group of people pushing their authority or ability to monopolize what gets monetized,' Yaccarino said. With Post wires
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Journalist: Liverpool's ‘Third and Final' Bid for Florian Wirtz ‘to be Accepted'
Liverpool Close in on Florian Wirtz as Transfer Talks Reach Final Phase Liverpool appear to be on the brink of landing one of Europe's most exciting young talents. Florian Wirtz, the creative force behind Bayer Leverkusen's Bundesliga-winning season, is edging closer to Anfield after what appears to be an intense period of negotiations. David Lynch, speaking to Dave Davis on Anfield Index's Media Matters podcast, offered a confident and detailed insight into where the deal currently stands. Advertisement The Reds have reportedly submitted a third bid in the region of £113 million, a figure which Lynch claims could potentially become an English transfer record. Despite earlier bids being rejected, the mood remains overwhelmingly positive within the club's hierarchy. 'I'd be amazed if Florian Wirtz doesn't become a Liverpool player,' Lynch stated. 'And it could even be an English transfer record.' Confidence Grows as Final Details Take Shape Much has been made in the media about the urgency or perceived delays surrounding the Wirtz transfer, but Lynch was quick to allay any fears that the deal is stalling. Advertisement 'I can't get my head around the panic over this deal,' he said. 'It's progressing at decent speed for a deal at this price.' He clarified that the hold-up is down to minor details being ironed out, something not unusual at this level of investment. With the window about to open and personal terms expected to be a formality, Liverpool's meticulous approach should soon be rewarded. 'There's huge confidence on both sides that this will be done and the next bid will be accepted.' The feeling from Lynch is that Liverpool know precisely what figure will seal the deal, and the final offer is expected to meet that threshold. Advertisement 'I would be shocked if this third and final bid isn't accepted because Liverpool know exactly where they need to place it for it to be accepted.' Timing is Key as Medical Plans Set Despite external noise about deadlines and registration, Lynch played down any suggestion that Liverpool are working under pressure. In fact, he hinted that the club have a clearly defined schedule that includes a planned medical later this week. 'We've spoke about that first deadline being tomorrow but that doesn't matter to Liverpool,' he said. 'They don't need to get it done before that.' 'They can have him complete his medical on Wednesday and then as soon as the window opens again, he will sign for Liverpool.' Advertisement The timing of the announcement could be carefully staged to maximise visibility, particularly following Liverpool's title-winning campaign under Arne Slot. The club is in a strong position, and the capture of Wirtz would be a statement of intent that the new era at Anfield is not just about transition, but domination. Slot's System Could Be Perfect for Wirtz From a tactical perspective, Wirtz fits the mould of a modern Liverpool signing. His ability to play between the lines, create, press, and contribute goals makes him an ideal candidate to operate in Arne Slot's aggressive and fluid system. Having already lifted the Premier League trophy in his debut season, Slot appears to be building on success with the sort of elite talent that can extend Liverpool's dominance. Wirtz's potential arrival shows that the club are not resting on their laurels, and are willing to invest heavily in youth with world-class potential. If the deal is finalised in the coming days, as expected, Liverpool fans can look forward to a frontline enriched by one of Europe's brightest attacking midfielders.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Exclusive: Lewis Steele Reveals Whether Liverpool are Selling Luis Diaz or Not
Liverpool's Position on Luis Diaz Future Clarified Amid Transfer Speculation Insight from Media Matters on Anfield Index In a recent Media Matters episode for Anfield Index, host Dave Davis was joined by Lewis Steele of the Daily Mail to offer a grounded, journalist-led insight into current Liverpool transfer news. Broadcasting live from the Allianz Arena, Steele provided updates on several players, including a pointed discussion about Luis Diaz, whose name continues to circulate in the transfer columns across Europe. Advertisement Addressing mounting speculation about Diaz's future, particularly in relation to Barcelona and interest from Saudi Arabia, Davis observed, 'It seems quite clear though Liverpool are not going to offer him a new deal.' Steele agreed and went further in assessing the situation from both the club and player perspectives. No New Contract Expected 'Talk of his new contract is a bit premature,' said Steele, highlighting that while Diaz's representatives may be interested in a renegotiation, there is little movement from Liverpool's end: 'He definitely wants a new contract in his camp, but I don't think Liverpool are going to offer him anytime soon or talks aren't going to open anytime soon.' Advertisement This standstill has prompted external whispers and media suggestions of a possible move. However, Steele was quick to temper those notions. 'I think the state of play is that Liverpool don't want to sell him,' he stated plainly. 'He's always linked away, isn't he? That's been the case since last summer with those links as well.' Assessment of Diaz's Season In discussing Diaz's 2024/25 performance, Steele added a measured view of the Colombian's contribution: 'I think he's had a decent season this season. Obviously, there's still room for improvement, but decent.' The implication was clear – not outstanding, but consistent and valuable. Photo: IMAGO Crucially, Steele touched on the financial aspect, dismissing the likelihood of a high-profile switch: 'I can't see Barca paying enough money to get him, and Al-Nassr… I don't think that he'd want to go there.' From both sporting and economic angles, a move does not appear to be on the cards. Liverpool's Transfer Window Focus Although Diaz has been a talking point, Liverpool's current transfer focus is directed elsewhere. 'Liverpool don't start training again till the second week of July,' said Steele. Timing, not urgency, seems to define their window. 'They're certainly not going to rush a deal and do a deal for five million more just to get it done.' As speculation inevitably grows during the off-season, the takeaway from this discussion was cautious optimism around Luis Diaz's continued presence at Anfield. Steele concluded, 'I'll be surprised. I think I wrote in the Q&A I'm leaning towards Diaz staying at Liverpool now… that's probably got even more strong as the days have gone on.'
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Media Groups Probed by FTC Over Allegedly Coordinating Boycotts
(Bloomberg) -- The US Federal Trade Commission is investigating whether more than a dozen media and advertising groups have illegally colluded to boycott online content alleged to be hateful, false or misleading, according to people familiar with the matter and a document seen by Bloomberg News. Where the Wild Children's Museums Are Billionaire Steve Cohen Wants NY to Expand Taxpayer-Backed Ferry The Economic Benefits of Paying Workers to Move At London's New Design Museum, Visitors Get Hands-On Access LA City Council Passes Budget That Trims Police, Fire Spending The investigation partially relates to litigation between Elon Musk's X and the liberal watchdog group Media Matters For America, but extends far beyond that dispute to include other trade groups, including Interactive Advertising Bureau, World Federation of Advertisers and the news rating company Ad Fontes Media Inc., according to the people, who asked not to be identified because they weren't authorized to speak publicly. 'No matter what the possible claim the FTC is investigating, we are confident that Ad Fontes Media's business activities are not only proper and lawful, but constitutionally protected,' Vanessa Otero, Ad Fontes chief executive officer, said in a statement. 'So we are dismayed to even receive such a broad and intrusive demand letter in the first place.' A spokesperson for the FTC did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Spokespeople for X, IAB and WFA and Musk did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The New York Times first reported details of the investigation. The investigation stems in part from a drop in advertising at X, formerly known as Twitter, after Musk bought the company in late 2022, according to the people. X's advertising business suffered following Musk's $44 billion takeover and his decision to eliminate some rules and policies governing content on the service in the name of promoting free speech. Many advertisers paused or pulled back on spending, and X sued the World Federation of Advertisers in August over the mass exodus. It later added several individual companies as defendants. In May, those companies including Nestle SA, Shell PLC and Abbott Laboratories filed a request to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that they each reacted independently to changes on X without coordinating. Musk and Media Matters are also entangled in similar litigation. Media Matters last week won a ruling by a federal appeals court in Washington rejecting a demand from the state of Texas for its internal records as part of an investigation by the state's attorney general. 'The Trump administration has been defined by naming right-wing media figures to key posts and abusing the power of the federal government to bully perceived opponents and silence critics,' Media Matters President Angelo Carusone said in a statement. 'It's clear that's exactly what's happening here.' As part of its investigation, the FTC is asking for communications between the dozen-plus ad and news industry groups that monitor news sources, websites and other outlets for misinformation, hate speech, false or deceptive content and other similar topics, according to the document viewed by Bloomberg. The FTC is asking whether any content ratings may be 'politically biased,' what methodologies underpin the ratings and for any allegations that they are unreliable, subjective or unscientific, according to the document. FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson has long suggested that he would open such a probe dating back to the end of the Biden Administration, when he was still a minority commissioner. In a December opinion supporting a settlement over an online sneaker seller's misleading terms of service, he called for an investigation into tech platforms 'for banning users and censoring content.' In that opinion he specifically mentioned the alleged advertiser boycott of X and expressed support for Musk's ownership of the social media platform, saying 'its current turn toward free expression is due only to its new owner's unusually firm commitment to free and open debate.' He added that if an 'investigation reveals anti-competitive cartels that facilitate or promote censorship, we ought to bust them up.' YouTube Is Swallowing TV Whole, and It's Coming for the Sitcom Millions of Americans Are Obsessed With This Japanese Barbecue Sauce Mark Zuckerberg Loves MAGA Now. Will MAGA Ever Love Him Back? Trump Considers Deporting Migrants to Rwanda After the UK Decides Not To Will Small Business Owners Knock Down Trump's Mighty Tariffs? ©2025 Bloomberg L.P. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
