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The Newcomer That Allowed Itself a Transfer Deficit of 200 Million Euros

Andrew Jackson
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The Newcomer That Allowed Itself a Transfer Deficit of 200 Million Euros

Five Premier League clubs dominate the top figures of the summer transfer window—including in terms of revenue. Surprisingly, however, the biggest surplus was posted by a completely different major club.

The Premier League continues to play by its own rules in the transfer market. For the second summer in a row, it broke its own record: The 20 clubs invested nearly 3.5 billion pounds—more than four billion euros—in transfer fees for new players alone—about 500 million euros more than a year ago, even though the strategy was different this time. The other top-five leagues haven’t been able to keep up for a long time now—not even close.

It’s only logical: If you look at the clubs that took in and spent the most money this summer, posted the biggest profit, and racked up the biggest loss, the Premier League dominates across the board—with one surprising exception. Here’s an overview of the outliers:

Highest transfer spending: Manchester City—approx. 530 million euros

With the Guardiola era coming to an end, Man City is determined to finally win the league title again and went ahead and made the two most expensive signings in the club’s history: The 135 million euros spent on Elliot Anderson (Nottingham) was followed on Deadline Day by 145 million euros for Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea)—setting a new British transfer record. The fact that 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille) also cost nearly 100 million euros almost went unnoticed. The result: ManCity spent over 100 million euros more than any other club in the world.

But the fact that Premier League figures are getting crazier and crazier is even better illustrated by a personnel move that helped the club—now coached by Enzo Maresca—partially finance its spending spree: Savio, who had recently been nothing more than a bench player, transferred to Tottenham Hotspur for nearly 90 million euros.

Highest transfer revenue: Chelsea FC – approx. 450 million euros

Top spot defended! Even last summer, no club earned more than Chelsea FC, a team that is often—and not without reason—associated with exorbitant spending. And lo and behold: The Blues actually posted a profit again, this time a remarkable 40 million euros.

None of this would have happened without the sale of Fernández, and on top of that, the 55 million euro signing of Lamine Camara (Monaco)—who was actually supposed to replace the Argentine—fell through at the last minute. Nevertheless, Chelsea’s management demonstrated once again that they also have a knack for selling players. To bring in 55 million euros for former Munich player Nicolas Jackson (now with Aston Villa)—that’s something no one else has managed to do yet.

Highest transfer profit: Paris Saint-Germain—approx. 180 million euros

But other clubs—ones you wouldn’t necessarily expect—can also turn a profit. Leading the way this summer is PSG, which is defying Premier League dominance in this category. With Ibrahim Mbaye (approx. 55 million euros, Aston Villa), Goncalo Ramos (approx. 75 million euros, AC Milan), and Bradley Barcola (approx. 125 million euros, Liverpool), the Champions League winner turned three players—who weren’t even regulars—into a massive profit.

At first glance, Luis Enrique’s squad hasn’t gotten any worse, thanks to the significantly cheaper signings of Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), and Mika Godts (Ajax)—totaling around 150 million euros. PSG could be one of the biggest winners of this transfer summer.

Largest Transfer Deficit: Liverpool FC – approx. 230 million euros

A year ago, the Reds had the highest spending in the world; this time, they racked up the largest deficit, though they were still benefiting from the financially successful years prior. In addition to Barcola, the balance sheet was also “ruined” by the transfer of young center-back Jeremy Jacquet—already locked in for 2025—who came from Stade Rennes for about 63 million euros. The only notable revenue came from Curtis Jones (to Inter Milan for 30 million euros), while Cody Gakpo ended up staying.

Tottenham, which had narrowly avoided relegation twice and was already back in last place after just two matchdays, racked up—thanks to Savio—a deficit of about 200 million euros, a feat matched by a third club: Ipswich Town. The Premier League newcomer, with revenue of just 20 million euros, spent a staggering 220 million euros on 14 new players to avoid being relegated again immediately, as happened in 2024–25. The most high-profile signings: Julio Enciso (for about 30 million euros from Strasbourg) and Exequiel Palacios (for 22.5 million euros from Leverkusen).

It was already well known how lucrative promotion to the Premier League is, as well as the fact that newcomer Sunderland had great success last season with a complete overhaul. But the way Ipswich went about things this summer is remarkable—and remarkably risky—even by English standards. Club boss Mark Ashton had explained in mid-August that they would have to be “a little bolder” this time around.

A Tribute to Messi: Argentina Pauses Every Match in the 10th Minute

Andrew Jackson
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A Tribute to Messi: Argentina Pauses Every Match in the 10th Minute

All over the world, Lionel Messi is revered as one of the greatest soccer players in history. This admiration is, of course, strongest in his home country of Argentina, where a special tribute was organized following his retirement from the national team.

2022 World Champion, 207 appearances for the Albiceleste, and 125 goals: The superlatives for Argentina’s all-time leading player and captain, Lionel Messi, are too numerous to count. After 21 years, however, he has now announced the end of his career with the national team, prompting the Argentine Football Association (AFA) to organize a special tribute.

“It is hereby decreed that on the next match day across all divisions and all sports (soccer, futsal, and beach soccer), for both men’s and women’s teams, play will be paused 10 minutes into the first half,” reads an unambiguous official announcement from the AFA to the clubs. This will be followed by one minute of applause and other tributes—such as waving flags or singing chants—in honor of Messi’s career with the Argentine national team.

Iconic 10

The 10th minute, of course, is no coincidence: Messi wore this iconic number for most of his time with the Albiceleste. The now 39-year-old took over the number from Juan Roman Riquelme in March 2009 after Riquelme retired from the national team.

But the cheers, applause, and chants in the 10th minute—as happened for the first time in the Copa Argentina during the match between CA Vélez Sarsfield and Boca Juniors (3–4 on penalty kicks)—are not all. A video is also set to be shown in all “stadiums equipped with screens before the start of matches.” A grand tribute to a player whom the country looks up to as one of its greatest—and not just in sports.

Messi announced the end of his career in an Instagram post after “careful consideration,” having already retired once in 2016 only to make a comeback. This was followed by his greatest triumph in the national team jersey: the 2022 World Cup victory.

Most recently, he had reached the World Cup final for a third time with Argentina in July, but, as is well known, lost 0-1 to Spain in extra time. Even then, the tears after the game suggested that it would likely be “La Pulga’s” last match for the Albiceleste.

Everton’s Disastrous Deadline Day—Fans Announce Boycott

Sports Of The Day
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Everton’s Disastrous Deadline Day—Fans Announce Boycott

Sold off their best players too cheaply, snubbed by their dream striker at the last minute: Everton’s transfer window has left fans stunned—and the coach facing an unbelievable shortage.

Fans who create elaborate choreographed displays and support their team in the style of the Ultras are still the exception in the Premier League. But they do exist—at champions Arsenal, for example, and for some time now at Everton FC as well. And the club is so enthusiastic about the “1878s” that it now even donates a portion of the stadium’s beer sales to them.

But for now, the Toffees will have to do without that passionate support. On Wednesday, the “1878s” decided to suspend their activities for the time being. “Just like the rest of our fan base, we are deeply disappointed and outraged by how this transfer window has played out, especially toward the end,” the group wrote after Deadline Day, which both The Guardian and the local Liverpool Echo described as “chaotic.”

Manager David Moyes had publicly called for reinforcements, and club management had made announcements to that effect; instead, the squad—centered around former Freiburg player Merlin Röhl—found itself in a much worse position on Wednesday than it had been on Tuesday morning. Five players left, and only two arrived.

Balogun suddenly changed his mind

The signing of Folarin Balogun, who had gained worldwide fame at the World Cup “thanks” to Donald Trump, was intended to calm the already nervous fans, but fell through at the last moment. According to English media reports, a problem initially arose during the U.S. national team striker’s physical examination.

While they quickly had to scrap ad hoc alternative plans involving Joshua Zirkzee (Manchester United) and Tammy Abraham (Aston Villa), Everton officials renegotiated with Monaco and, around midnight, actually secured more performance-based transfer terms for Balogun —only to then learn that the player had changed his mind and no longer wanted to make the move.

The result: Moyes heads into the first half of the season with just one natural striker—Frenchman Thierno Barry, who scored eight goals in 38 appearances last season. Just earlier that evening, the club had sold forward Beto to Fiorentina. A few hours earlier, Iliman Ndiaye, Moyes’ best offensive player, had moved to Manchester City for around 75 million euros—a deal the title contender, which had just signed two players for more than 130 million euros and cashed in on substitute Savio for nearly 90 million euros, could confidently consider a bargain.

“Self-destructive transfer” narrowly averted

Everton nearly sold off its biggest gem, fan favorite Harrison Armstrong, to Nottingham this summer as well. Following an outcry from the fan base, the club’s leadership narrowly averted this “self-destructive transfer” (Guardian), though the mere idea cast a shadow over the atmosphere. “We thought the potential sale of our greatest young talent was bad enough, but the last 24 hours have topped that,” wrote the “1878s,” who also remained unimpressed by Jack Grealish’s last-minute return.

As of Tuesday, Everton has only 18 professionals on its roster, even though Moyes had said as recently as Saturday that the club “couldn’t afford to lose players.” Yet fans have wanted to compete in Europe long before the move to the modern Hill Dickinson Stadium. Instead, last season’s 13th-place finisher—which got off to a strong start with four points—now faces the prospect of slipping down the table.

Their next Premier League opponents: Manchester United, which spent around 170, Tottenham, which spent around 370, and promoted Ipswich, which invested around 220 million euros. Fans have been waiting in vain for such sums ever since the controversial U.S.-based Friedkin Group took over the club in December 2024.

“The ambitions of the fans and the club are currently out of sync,” the “1878s” noted on behalf of the fanbase. Perhaps the pent-up frustration is at least driving up their donations.

In Tears: Pablo Garcia’s Transfer Sparks Major Controversy

Jeffrey Gooding
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In Tears: Pablo Garcia’s Transfer Sparks Major Controversy

Pablo Garcia made history on Deadline Day in Spain. The 20-year-old left Real Betis’ training facility Monday night alongside his mother—both in tears.

Yan Diomande to Real Madrid, Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi to FC Barcelona—this summer has seen several high-profile transfers in La Liga. But on Deadline Day, one transfer took place that had all of Spain talking the very next day. And at first glance, it seems rather unspectacular to outsiders: Real Betis sold 20-year-old Pablo Garcia to La Liga newcomer Racing Santander for a reported 5.5 million euros.

The sale, however, sparked major controversy in the heart of Andalusia. This is because the homegrown player apparently had no intention of leaving the storied club this summer. The player’s reaction, which caused the story to go viral, is therefore understandable. Videos surfaced that night showing Pablo Garcia in a car with his mother: As they left the club’s grounds—with many fans cheering him on and some media representatives waiting for a statement—both were highly emotional and in tears.

Telling reactions under the Ceballos post

Not the typical reaction when a young player leaves the club on Deadline Day. According to Spanish media reports, however, space had to be made in the roster—for returnee Dani Ceballos. Under his social media announcement, fans are criticizing the club’s management just as harshly as they did under Pablo Garcia’s farewell statement. Betis will “always be a part of me,” the youngster makes clear in the post.

Betis remains convinced of this exceptional talent’s potential and is said to have secured 50 percent of the transfer rights as part of the deal. Pablo Garcia had made a big impression on German fans in June 2025 when he excelled in a memorable U-19 European Championship semifinal against the DFB Juniors: In the 6–5 victory in extra time, the standout player scored four goals on his own.

Hopes were high this summer for a major breakthrough in Seville: Pablo Garcia came off the bench in all three La Liga matches—and even led his team to victory in Valencia as a game-changing substitute.

“It’s a very difficult time for everyone, but we have to keep our heads up and look ahead,” Pablo Garcia was quoted as saying at the airport before departure: “I hope to return; that’s what we all want. There were many things I couldn’t control. I wish everything had gone the way we’d hoped.”

Pablo Garcia’s father later spoke to the radio station Cope, referring to a “tough time”: “If the Betis fans are already feeling this way, imagine how we must feel. It’s been 15 years—an eternity.”

The present is Santander. And the newly promoted team, with which Pablo Garcia signed a contract through June 30, 2030, hasn’t gotten off to a bad start at all: With one win, one draw, and one loss, the team currently sits ninth in the standings, just two points and two spots behind Betis.

Following NBA Ruling: Kawhi Trade to Toronto Nearing Completion

admin3r
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Following NBA Ruling: Kawhi Trade to Toronto Nearing Completion

The L.A. Clippers were severely punished by the NBA, and Kawhi Leonard didn’t get off scot-free either. Nevertheless, the superstar’s trade to the Toronto Raptors is expected to be finalized in the coming days.

The NBA’s statement regarding the drastic penalties for the L.A. Clippers came as a bombshell; at the same time, the trade of Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors—which was leaked back in early July—is still not official.

The Raptors initially wanted to wait for the NBA’s ruling on what potential penalties Leonard himself might face. However, the forward got off fairly lightly; he only has to pay a $700,000 fine to the NBA. According to Shams Charania (ESPN), nothing now stands in the way of the trade.

“That was the last piece of information the Raptors needed,” the journalist said on SportsCenter. “The Raptors and Kawhi Leonard now expect the trade to be finalized in the coming days.” Leonard himself also issued a statement and has already spoken about his future in Toronto.

Clippers Get New Draft Picks

In early July, the two teams had agreed that Leonard would join the Raptors. In return, former All-Star Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick are set to join the Clippers, and the Clippers will receive two first-round picks (2031, 2033), two second-round picks (2030, 2033), and a pick swap for 2027.

For the Clippers, this is no small matter, as the NBA will take away five of their first-round picks. It’s a starting point for rebuilding the team. At the same time, these picks will be the only first-round picks available to the California-based team between 2030 and 2033.

That’s Why Kimi Antonelli Was Allowed to Keep His China Race Trophy

Sotd Editor
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That’s Why Kimi Antonelli Was Allowed to Keep His China Race Trophy

Teams usually keep Formula 1 race trophies for themselves, but Mercedes made an exception for Kimi Antonelli in China

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli revealed that the team allowed him to keep the original trophy from his first Formula 1 victory. In an interview with GQ magazine as part of the series “10 Things F1 Driver Kimi Antonelli Can’t Live Without,” the Italian showed off the trophy he received on the podium after his maiden victory at the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix.

In Formula 1, it is standard practice for teams to retain the original trophies won by their drivers and display them at the factory, while the drivers receive high-quality replicas. Antonelli explained, however, that the Brackley-based team made an exception to honor his first career victory.

“This is the trophy from my first victory in China, and it’s a moment I’ll never forget,” Antonelli explains. “The first victory is always something incredible. It has enormous significance and also marks my first triumph in the premier class. This trophy is the original—the very one I held aloft on the podium.”

“Normally, the originals go to the team, while we keep the replicas. But since it was my first victory, the team let me keep it—especially because you only experience that first moment once. The trophy has, of course, found its place in my display case,” says the Italian.

“Starting from pole position, I knew I had a good chance at a strong result. Of course, I realized it would be extremely difficult, but with about fifteen laps to go, I knew I was close to the finish and could pull it off,” he recalls of the race in Shanghai.

“It took me quite a while to realize what had actually happened in that moment. But it was a truly indescribable moment,” he smiles.

Antonelli went on to secure five more Grand Prix victories in the first half of the 2026 Formula 1 season. He currently leads the Drivers’ World Championship with a 59-point lead over George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, who are tied for second place.

Jenson Button: Fernando Alonso Was “Very Similar” to Michael Schumacher

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Jenson Button: Fernando Alonso Was “Very Similar” to Michael Schumacher

Jenson Button has compared racing against Fernando Alonso to competing against Michael Schumacher—he hopes the Spaniard will continue in Formula 1

Jenson Button has equated racing against Fernando Alonso with racing against Michael Schumacher. In his “Jenson’s Journal” for Aston Martin ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, he reflects on Alonso’s career, while the paddock waits to see whether the Spaniard will decide to compete in another Formula 1 season.

“The biggest compliment I can pay Fernando is that racing against him was very similar to racing against Michael Schumacher,” writes Button. “In my experience, it was tough but fair. It went right to the limit every time, and I loved that. That was part of the challenge.”

“When I won my first Grand Prix in Hungary [in 2006], I was battling against them, and that’s exactly what you want as a driver. You want to battle against the best, against the greats, to see how you measure up,” said the 2009 world champion.

“Throughout my career, I’ve had the chance to race against drivers like Fernando and Michael, but also against Mika Häkkinen, Kimi Räikkönen, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen. I was really lucky to be able to race against some of the true legends of this sport.”

Button also praised Alonso’s ability to adapt to any car and any setup. “Fernando drives like no one else. He’s aggressive, he adapts brilliantly, and he’s been that way throughout his entire career,” said Button, who was Alonso’s teammate at McLaren in 2015 and 2016.

At 45, there is currently speculation about Alonso’s future in the championship. While rumors of retirement and a possible move to Alpine are circulating, the Aston Martin driver has not yet confirmed what his future holds after the 2026 season.

“Obviously, this year has been tough, but it’s still an exciting time to be at Aston Martin and to work with people like Adrian Newey. Every Formula 1 driver would love to drive a car he designed and experience firsthand how he’s helping to move this team forward,” said the Aston Martin ambassador.

“I know how difficult it is to decide on one’s future, and he’s been in this situation before. He left the sport and came back, so he obviously left too soon. Now he’ll make sure he’s 100 percent certain he no longer wants to be in the sport before he leaves.”

“Fernando still has so much more to give in Formula 1. I’d love to see him in an Aston Martin competing for wins. That’s where he belongs, and that’s exactly where this team is headed,” said Button.

Sébastien Ogier Apologizes to the Presidents of the FIA and Paraguay

Lesley Summerville
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Sébastien Ogier Apologizes to the Presidents of the FIA and Paraguay

World Rally Champion and Toyota factory driver Sébastien Ogier apologizes on social media to Mohammed Bin Sulayem and Santiago Peña

Sébastien Ogier has publicly apologized to FIA President Mohammed Bin Sulayem and Paraguayan President Santiago Peña for an “inappropriate incident.” The nine-time and reigning World Rally Champion posted a statement on social media apologizing for the concerns he had expressed during the Rally Paraguay.

FIA President Bin Sulayem was present at the Rally Paraguay, as was President Pena, to introduce the new holders of the WRC’s commercial rights at a press conference on Saturday. It is unclear exactly what Ogier said in his conversation with the two. The fact is: The nine-time world champion was particularly frustrated with and complained about WRC tire supplier Hankook over the weekend.

On Friday’s stage, Ogier suffered two tire blowouts before being recorded as a retiree after the third special stage (SS 3) due to a defective front suspension on his Toyota GR Yaris Rally1. Ogier described the tires as “not up to World Championship standards,” saying it was “simply a lottery” and “anything but acceptable.”

On Sunday, a few hours after the rally ended, Ogier released the statement mentioned at the beginning. In it, he reveals that he personally apologized to Bin Sulayem and Pena on Saturday evening. Below is the full text of Ogier’s statement.

“Following an eventful and very well-organized Rally Paraguay, I would like to take this opportunity to publicly apologize for the inappropriate incident that occurred yesterday afternoon involving FIA President Mohammed Bin Sulayem and Santiago Pena, the President of Paraguay.”

“It was neither the right time nor the right tone in which I expressed my concerns regarding the World Championship. I already had the opportunity last night to apologize to both presidents in person, after which a very constructive conversation followed.”

“It was actually a great moment to speak with FIA President Bin Sulayem and address some areas that we all know require attention and improvement in our sport. Together, we set some clear goals, and I look forward to seeing them implemented for a better future of rally racing,” said Ogier.

Mercedes Hope Kimi Antonelli: Heading into the Monza Home Race with a New Mindset

Sotd Editor
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Mercedes Hope Kimi Antonelli: Heading into the Monza Home Race with a New Mindset

Kimi Antonelli has had little success at Monza so far—but this time, the young driver is heading into the home race with a “different mindset”: Why it still won’t be easy

World Championship leader Kimi Antonelli doesn’t have fond memories of his home race in Monza, Italy: During his debut as a Friday test driver in the 2024 season, the Mercedes driver ended up in the tire barriers after just ten minutes, and his race debut in 2025 was anything but smooth.

Nevertheless, the 20-year-old Italian is traveling to Monza full of anticipation and with a “different mindset.” “I’m really looking forward to it. I think the atmosphere will be great, and it will be completely different from last year,” the current World Championship leader told F1.com.

“I’m definitely approaching this with a different mindset and a different attitude, and I feel like I’ll be able to enjoy the weekend much more,” Antonelli says with conviction. “I’m really excited to be back here.”

Last year, the Mercedes driver experienced a turbulent race: He received a five-second penalty for a collision with Williams driver Alexander Albon, and was subsequently shown the black-and-white flag for violating track limits.

Kimi Antonelli Faces Penalty at His Home Race in Italy

In the end, Antonelli still managed to finish ninth in his first home race, securing two World Championship points. However, the task won’t be any easier this year, as the Mercedes driver will be set back on the starting grid due to an engine change.

The exact penalty has not yet been determined, as the severity depends on how many new powertrain components are installed. For Antonelli, however, it will mean being moved back at least ten starting positions. “With Kimi, we’re prepared to accept the full penalty,” confirms team principal Toto Wolff.

“According to our calculations, this is the best track for it,” adds the Austrian. “Of course, algorithms don’t take nationalities into account. We’re here to fight for the championship, not to generate the most PR. So yes, that’s exactly what we’ll do.”

In the end, it’s partly up to Antonelli himself whether he’ll have a special reason to celebrate at his home race and take the next step toward his first World Championship victory—or whether, of all races, the Italian Grand Prix will mark the turning point of the season.

Reporter Row Over Sabalenka

Sports Of The Day
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Reporter Row Over Sabalenka

Belarusian defending champion Aryna Sabalenka is not at all happy with a question about her leisure activities.

Aryna Sabalenka clearly had no interest in answering this question. When a journalist tried to ask the world No. 1 about her leisure activities before the tournament after she advanced to the third round of the U.S. Open, she cut him off and lashed out. “You guys are a joke. Parties, fun? Why are you even saying things like that?” Sabalenka asked.

The journalist, who was called out at the press conference, had wanted to ask Sabalenka about her “mood.” “Now that the tournament has started. Last week, of course, there were plenty of parties and fun and so on…,” he said—but he didn’t get any further with his statement because Sabalenka cut him off. “Why do you even think that? What kind of question is that?” she shot back. “Just because I posted a few things about brand collaborations, you think I was partying instead of training?”

Sabalenka Impresses on the Court

A heated exchange ensued between the two, which did nothing to smooth things over. Sabalenka responded with a sarcastic remark and demanded the next question before adding one more point. “Think before you speak,” she snapped at the man.

This was already the second tense media moment for Sabalenka at this tournament. There had already been a verbal spat during her first press conference of the week when she was asked about her energy and approach. There, too, she reacted with noticeable sensitivity.

On the court, things are currently going well for the defending champion after her recent major struggles. She had no trouble at all against Polina Jazenko, winning 6-1, 6-1. Sabalenka left no room for doubt on the court and advanced to the third round in less than an hour. The first set was decided in 24 minutes; Jazenko could barely get a handle on the power of Sabalenka’s serve and backhand.

The 22-year-old qualifier was making her Grand Slam main-draw debut, but Sabalenka consistently pushed her out of the rallies. With this victory, the 28-year-old Belarusian extended her winning streak in New York to 16 consecutive matches and remained undefeated in sets in her second match of the tournament. In the third round, she will now face Kamilla Rakhimova.

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