WEST HAM EXTEND THE KINGDOM BANK PARTNERSHIP INTERNATIONALLY
West Ham United have expanded their partnership with The Kingdom Bank, elevating the Dominica-based institution from a regional to their Official Global Banking Partner in a new multi-year deal.
The Kingdom Bank strengthens partnership with West Ham United - COURTESY/PHOTO
The Kingdom Bank, located in Dominica, has been promoted from Regional Partner for the Eastern Caribbean to the club's Official Global Banking Partner as a result of West Ham United's expansion of its partnership.
The new multi-year agreement is another development in West Ham's expanding business network and builds on the success of the original collaboration, which was inked in 2024.
The Kingdom Bank, which has doubled its monthly transactions in the last 18 months, will now leverage Premier League football as a platform to expand its global reach.
The Kingdom Bank will continue to fund West Ham United Women as part of the enlarged relationship, which reflects both organisations' shared emphasis on equality and the expansion of the women's game worldwide.
After the deal is finalised, the alliance will promote the bank's logo on the London Stadium's digital screens, pitch-side LED boards, and club social media accounts.
The two companies have also promised to work together on several fan activations and digital campaigns to involve West Ham's growing worldwide fan base through technology-driven projects and financial education.
As more and more financial technology companies use elite football as a means of gaining legitimacy and scale in emerging markets, this move is the next stage in a larger industry trend.
"The Kingdom Bank and West Ham United's continuing expansion has been a testament to our successful collaboration; therefore, it was natural to see them enhance their partnership to address a broader worldwide audience," said Nathan Thompson, executive director of West Ham United, in reference to the agreement.
"We can not wait to introduce The Kingdom Bank to new audiences in the coming years and let our fans take advantage of their professional worldwide digital banking services."
"What started as a regional relationship has evolved into a global collaboration that embodies our shared values - excellence, innovation, and connecting with communities throughout the world," stated Nebil Serkan Zubari, founder of The Kingdom Bank.
Through this relationship, we can reach a larger audience with our digital-first, secure banking solutions, empowering businesses and West Ham United supporters globally. We are excited to continue supporting the West Ham United men's and women's teams, celebrate more victories together, and create enduring relationships with supporters.
TIM KLEINDIENST SIGNS FRESH GLADBACH CONTRACT, EXTENDING STAY UNTIL 2029
Borussia Mönchengladbach have secured the future of their key man, extending striker Tim Kleindienst's contract until 2029. The club captain and top scorer is also nearing a return from a meniscus injury.
Tim Kleindienst Agrees to Long-Term Contract Extension - COURTESY/PHOTO
Tim Kleindienst, a striker, has had his contract with Borussia Mönchengladbach extended.
After Kleindienst moved from Heidenheim in 2024 for €7 million, his first contract was scheduled to expire in 2028. The 30-year-old's new deal will remain in effect until 2029 after the one-year extension.
Regarding his contract extension, Kleindienst stated:
"I feel really at ease at Borussia. It is just a fantastic club. Additionally, this team has convinced me. I want to be a part of taking the team back to the top.
Rouven Schröder, the sporting director, added:
In his first year with us, Tim rose to prominence as a leader and member of the national team, and this season he was named team captain. His growth and performances have greatly delighted us. He sets a good example on the field, and we hope that he will be able to rejoin the squad following his injury.
One of Gladbach's most vital players, the striker has been difficult for die Fohlen to replace since suffering a meniscus injury in May. Shuto Machino is still settling in, but Haris Tabakovic has started to take over in recent weeks.
With 16 goals and nine assists in 31 Bundesliga games last season, Kleindienst led Gladbach in scoring; his contributions accounted for 45% of the Fohlen's Bundesliga goals.
Gladbach's talisman makes a comeback from injury: Kleindienst returned to the field this week and performed individual ball workouts after completing his rehabilitation from a knee injury.
The 30-year-old might make a comeback before the month is out.
INTER LIKELY TO COME UP SHORT IN NICO PAZ RACE
Inter Milan's rumoured €58M move for Como's Nico Paz is false, reports Fabrizio Romano. Inter missed their chance in 2024; Real Madrid holds a €10M buy-back clause and a strong relationship with Como.
Inter May Fail in Nico Paz Pursuit - Photo Credit: Getty Images
According to rumours, Inter has revived its long-lost interest in Nico Paz and is even getting ready to make a huge €58 million offer to persuade Como and Real Madrid to release him. Fabrizio Romano, however, tells SOSFanta that although the Nerazzurri have had their sights set on him for a while, that is not the truth.
Before the starlet's permanent bloom, Giuseppe Marotta and company had their best chance to negotiate a settlement in November or December of 2024. They did not want to lose him during the subsequent January window, though, as he had only been with Lariani for a few months at that point.
At the time, Inter might have paid €30–35 million for Nico Paz, but their offer was turned down, and he continued to shine after that, making him unreachable. Last summer, Como turned down Tottenham's offers of €50M plus €22M; therefore, he was no longer an option.
He was given another year to mature by the lake when Real Madrid decided not to bring him back. Although they have a €10 million clause to do so in June of next year, the two teams will probably meet and come to an alternative agreement to give the Lariani more money. Additionally, Los Merengues are entitled to match all offers made for the Argentine player.
The relationship between the two parties is excellent. Using the same technique, Los Galacticos also sent teenage defender Jacob Ramon to the Biancoblù.