There have been some rumors about the possibility of a huge star joining MLS this year. It was reported that Antoine Griezmann has an offer from Orlando City that he may be considering, which prompted a response from an Atletico Madrid executive.

Friday determined the Champions League draw for the remainder of the competition, with many important people attending. One of them was Mateu Alemany, an executive from the Madrid club, who spoke about this.

Alemany said: “This is a topic that sparks much journalistic speculation. Antoine has two more years left on his contract with us; he’s focused on the things that are coming for the club. His performance has been great.”

Simeone on Griezmann’s stay with Atletico Madrid

Following the news that Tottenham are the rivals awaiting Atletico Madrid in the Champions League round of 16, Diego Simeone met with journalists to address several topics.

The continuity of Griezmann with Atletico Madrid has been the main topic in the club’s most recent press conferences. This has led the manager to show his exhaustion each time he is asked about the player.

Simeone said after avoiding the subject many times before: “I’m going to repeat it. We are talking with Antoine. We shouldn’t put pressure on or talk too much to him. He knows how important he is for us. We focus on the good things coming. There is no space.”

Griezmann’s deadline to join Orlando

The transfer window is not open in Europe for incoming players. However, the time limit depends on the league the player would join. This creates a problem for Atletico Madrid if Griezmann leaves for Orlando City.

In MLS, March 26 marks the last day teams can sign players. This is where a move looks more complicated, because it would mean leaving the club during the most important stretch of the season. Not moving now does not mean the Frenchman will not leave Spain, only that it may not happen immediately.

In just over three months, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the world’s biggest sporting event, will begin. With most national teams already qualified—and the remaining teams competing during the March FIFA break—players are focused on reaching the tournament in the best possible shape. Lionel Messi is no exception, concentrating on achieving peak fitness ahead of the challenge with Argentina.

“Messi is taking his physical preparation very seriously this year,” journalist Federico Bueno said on Disney+. “During his vacation in Argentina, he traveled with a personal trainer to work specifically on that aspect in Rosario, and he trained at a facility owned by Maxi Rodriguez.”

This shows that, despite taking a vacation of more than a month between the MLS 2025 final against Vancouver Whitecaps on December 6 and the start of preseason on January 17, Messi did not spend the time resting and relaxing. Instead, he worked hard to maintain his physical condition.

And that plan continues now, during the club season. “He constantly asks the Inter Miami staff to provide him with statistics on his physical performance in matches and training, such as distance covered,” the report added.

Messi has a clear goal this year

These efforts reveal that Lionel Messi has a clear objective: to arrive in the best possible condition for the summer and ultimately confirm his place in the 26-man roster that coach Lionel Scaloni will select to represent Argentina at the World Cup.

In recent years, the forward has been cautious about his chances of playing in the FIFA tournament, which would be the sixth of his professional career, citing his age—he will turn 39 in June—as a factor that might prevent him from being physically ready. However, time has passed, and he continues to demonstrate a level high enough to participate.

Messi’s upcoming challenges

Before making a final decision, Lionel Messi will face several key tests. At the club level, he will play multiple matches in Major League Soccer as well as the Concacaf Champions Cup, which will help him gain match rhythm and assess his physical and sporting condition.

Even more importantly, he will soon have the chance to compete at the highest level with Argentina. On March 27 in Qatar, they will face Spain in the Finalissima, the tournament that brings together the champions of South America and Europe. An official match with a trophy at stake against one of the strongest national teams in the world, just over two months before the World Cup, will be a decisive test for Messi to determine whether he is ready to continue playing internationally.

Kylian Mbappe has been battling persistent knee discomfort for months, and fresh concerns emerged ahead of a decisive European night. With a blockbuster showdown against Manchester City looming in the UEFA Champions League, anxiety has rippled through the Santiago Bernabeu. The latest update, however, offers a more positive outlook and hints at a potential return window that could reshape Madrid’s continental ambitions.

Mbappe has been managing physical setbacks since arriving in Spain in the summer of 2024. Though he quickly became Real Madrid’s star player and attacking reference, injuries have intermittently disrupted his rhythm. In his debut season, a thigh injury sidelined him briefly in September and December 2024. He also missed the opening matches of the Club World Cup in June 2025 due to gastroenteritis. But the most persistent issue has been his left knee.

During the 2025-26 campaign, the Frenchman played through discomfort before being ruled out between December 31 and January 9. He returned for the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona, demonstrating his determination to compete in high-stakes matches. Yet that calculated gamble may have aggravated the condition.

The latest setback occurred on February 24, when discomfort flared up again before the Champions League play-off second leg against Benfica. The forward was forced to withdraw, missing Madrid’s 2-1 win and subsequently sitting out the league clash with Getafe.

Coach Alvaro Arbeloa confirmed the decision to pause Mbappe’s involvement. “I spoke with the doctors and with him, and we decided that he should stop and that he should come back at 100% to face everything that’s coming. From now on, we have to wait. We’ll see if it’s a matter of days, and we hope it doesn’t drag on too long,” he explained.

Conservative treatment for now

According to French sources and Spanish reports, Mbappe is dealing with inflammation in the lateral ligament of his left knee. Journalist Juanfe Sanz stated on El Chiringuito: “He is undergoing a conservative, preventive treatment that, for the moment, isn’t having good results. The pain is being contained. They rule out that it’s a very serious injury, but it does condition him.”

The situation is delicate. The World Cup is approaching, and Mbappe is reportedly reluctant to consider surgical intervention unless absolutely necessary. “I wouldn’t rule out the option of minor surgery if the conservative treatment doesn’t achieve positive results,” Sanz warned.

More outlook emerges

While uncertainty remains, optimism has grown in recent hours. According to Cadena COPE and relayed by Fabrizio Romano, there is a clearer internal projection regarding Mbappe’s recovery timeline. Romano wrote: “Kylian Mbappe is expected to return in time to face City in the Champions League round of 16,” citing COPE.

That update provides a crucial boost. The Round of 16 fixtures are scheduled for March, with Madrid hosting the first leg at the Bernabeu before traveling to the Etihad. The draw has paired the two clubs for the fifth consecutive year in Europe’s elite competition — a rivalry that has defined recent Champions League campaigns.

Internally, Madrid reportedly expects Mbappe to be out for approximately 10 to 14 days, a timeframe designed to allow proper healing while minimizing long-term risk. The objective is measured recovery rather than rushed heroics.

The Champions League knockout stage represents Madrid’s ultimate proving ground. Facing Manchester City demands physical sharpness and tactical precision. Mbappe understands the stakes, but he also recognizes the need to protect his long-term fitness.

Jurgen Klopp has once again found himself at the center of European soccer speculation. The former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager, now working in an executive capacity, is being linked with a dramatic return to the dugout. With Real Madrid reportedly attentive to his situation and questions surfacing about his future in his current role, the debate has intensified. Jurgen Klopp has publicly embraced life away from the touchline, yet fresh reports suggest that change may not be entirely off the table.

According to Salzburger Nachrichten, Klopp is set to leave his position as Head of Global Football at Red Bull, barely more than a year after taking up the post. The 58-year-old stepped away from frontline coaching in 2024, ending a celebrated managerial spell and opting for a structural leadership role overseeing development across the Red Bull soccer network.

His mandate has been ambitious: drive growth, unify philosophy, and elevate multiple clubs within the system into title contenders. However, Austrian reports claim progress has not met expectations. Clubs such as Salzburg and Leipzig have not made the competitive leap that was anticipated, with the latter currently battling for a Champions League place and struggling for consistent form.

The report suggests ‘tension’ within the organization and claims Klopp has “become the perfect brand ambassador for the Salzburg-based beverage company. But this cannot mask the fact that his appointment has not yet had a positive impact in his actual area of responsibility.” It further indicates that Red Bull would not block a return to coaching this summer if Klopp wished to pursue one. That is where the mystery deepened.

Real Madrid and Germany: The temptation of the dugout

For months, Real Madrid has been loosely associated with Klopp, particularly after managerial instability and the end of Xabi Alonso’s tenure. The Spanish giant has been described as one of only two roles that could tempt Klopp out of retirement, ‘under the right conditions’. The other is the German national team, should the position become available following the 2026 World Cup, depending on Julian Nagelsmann’s future.

Klopp’s pedigree makes him a natural candidate. He delivered a Premier League title in 2019-20 with Liverpool and reached three Champions League finals, winning one. Before that, he transformed Dortmund into a domestic powerhouse and a European finalist. His ability to rebuild institutions and challenge dominant rivals, including Pep Guardiola, remains highly regarded across the continent. Yet Klopp himself has consistently downplayed the idea of returning to the relentless rhythm of club management.

Speaking to Servus TV in January, he explained: “I no longer wanted to live with this very tight schedule that I’ve had for over 25 years. The coaching market is being shaken up, and it’s not so bad to experience it all from an observer’s perspective and not think about what it might mean for you personally, because you’re in the right place where you are.”

Red Bull breaks its silence

As speculation escalated internationally, Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff responded forcefully. In comments to Sky Germany and SID, he dismissed the narrative outright. “That is complete nonsense and entirely made up,” Mintzlaff said.

He continued: “On the contrary, we are extremely satisfied with the work Jurgen Klopp is doing. He invests a great deal of time and effort, is in constant communication with our coaches and sporting directors, and continues to develop our Red Bull soccer philosophy in a sustainable way. We are convinced that he is the right man for this job. That is where we are putting all our focus and energy.”

The strength of the language was unmistakable. Red Bull insists Klopp remains central to its long-term vision, with his contract running until 2029. According to BILD, there are currently no internal discussions about a separation.

Match Overview

Momentum will be front and center when El Salvador national football team meets Grenada national football team in a matchup featuring two programs on the rise. El Salvador remains focused on climbing back into the World Cup picture, leaning on a new generation of talent to fuel its long-term ambitions.

Grenada, meanwhile, continues to build on steady progress in recent years and enters the tournament determined to capture its second title, signaling that its upward trajectory is far from finished.

For months, Marcus Rashford has been the subject of speculation in Barcelona. The Spanish club has been pleased with his performances, but understands that keeping him long term will require paying Manchester United a significant fee this summer.

“The blaugrana side has virtually decided to keep the Englishman on a permanent basis,” Diario AS reports, citing Mundo Deportivo. “The €30 million purchase option would be paid in three annual installments of €10 million each” (approximately $11.8 million per installment).

This strategy would, of course, depend on Manchester United’s willingness to accept a deferred payment structure over two years for the forward. But that is not the only factor Barcelona must consider when mapping out Rashford’s future.

“The deal also depends on fitting his salary and contract length within La Liga’s financial fair play regulations,” Diario AS adds. Reports indicate that Rashford is willing to lower his current salary — estimated at around $17 million per year — a key development in negotiations.

Another issue involves La Liga’s player registration restrictions. In recent years, Barcelona’s financial struggles have created complications in this area, and making Rashford’s move permanent could force the club to offload one or more players from the roster to balance the books.

Marcus Rashford has exceeded expectations at Barcelona

When Barcelona moved to sign Marcus Rashford last summer, there were questions about how the forward would adapt to Spain. Not because his talent was in doubt, but because his most recent experiences in the Premier League, with Manchester United and Aston Villa, had fallen short of expectations.

Instead, Rashford has been a welcome surprise. Hansi Flick relies primarily on Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on the wings, while Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres compete at center forward. Even in that crowded attacking picture, the Englishman has found ways to make an impact.

Whether coming off the bench or stepping in for one of the aforementioned stars due to injury, Rashford has posted 10 goals and 13 assists in 34 appearances so far. That production makes him one of the team’s most efficient forwards and a reliable option for the coach — justification for the more than $30 million Barcelona appear ready to invest to secure him permanently.

Friday was set aside for the Champions League draw after the playoff round. The last 16 teams had to be distributed, with each of the top eight teams having two clubs as potential opponents. Real Madrid’s pairing with Manchester City prompted comments from club legend Emilio Butragueño.

Real Madrid had Manchester City and Sporting CP as their potential rivals, with a clear idea of which was the tougher opponent. As many neutral fans expected, they were paired with Pep Guardiola’s side. Butragueño represented the club at the event and delivered a pointed remark after the draw concluded.

Butragueño said he was not surprised in a particular way: “It’s curious that we have been playing against them every season. I think it has been five consecutive years with Manchester City. We know each other very well.”

Butragueño shares prediction for Real Madrid vs. Manchester City

Butragueño was not part of any European Cup winning team, as Real Madrid had struggles being the dominant club outside Spain that they are today. However, he was a cornerstone for more than a decade after coming through the club’s youth system.

The former striker understands what it means to represent Real Madrid. He offered a broad view of how the tie against Manchester City might unfold, noting that both teams usually seek to attack.

He predicted a high-scoring series, as in previous encounters: “Every time we play against them they are matches of attacking soccer, of two teams that want to dominate, normally with many goals. One of the best matches you can see around the world.”

Real Madrid’s injuries

Butragueño trusts his club to overcome the English side in this round. The styles promise a great spectacle, but he believes player form and availability could be decisive. He commented on Real Madrid’s absences for the tie.

The Spanish icon said: “We have injured players that are very important for us. We trust they can be ready for the series because we are going to need everybody considering the exigence of the rivals. We live it with hope.”

Parma’s run of consecutive victories was brought to an end this evening by a brave Cagliari side who gave Carlos Cuesta’s side a taste of their own medicine – although, the hosts did manage to salvage a point with seven minutes to play when Gaetano Oristanio scored to equalise after Michael Folorunsho’s opener.

It was a frustrating night for Parma, who had arrived at this fixture on the back of their stunning win against Milan at San Siro and will have harboured genuine ambitions of extending their winning streak. Cagliari, though, had other ideas, and produced a disciplined and determined display that deserved at least a share of the spoils.

The opening half was an evenly contested affair, with both sides creating half-chances without either goalkeeper being truly tested. Mateo Pellegrino was lively throughout for Parma, forcing Elia Caprile into a fine save in the 39th minute with a sharp effort from inside the box, while Cagliari’s Marco Palestra and Sebastiano Esposito both threatened on the counter without making the breakthrough.

Parma 1-1 Cagliari – Second half flurry sees Folorunsho & Oristanio get on the scoresheet

Cuesta rang the changes at half-time, introducing Gaetano Oristanio and Hans Nicolussi Caviglia in an attempt to shift the momentum, but it was Cagliari who struck first.

In the 63rd minute, substitute Michael Folorunsho, who had only entered the field two minutes earlier, produced a moment of genuine quality, receiving the ball outside the box and unleashing a thunderous strike into the top left corner that gave Edoardo Corvi absolutely no chance. It was a goal worthy of winning any game.

Parma pushed for an equaliser and were rewarded in the 83rd minute when Oristanio pounced on a loose ball inside the box to fire low into the bottom left corner, sparking jubilant scenes from the home fans.

Both sides pressed for a winner in the closing stages, with further injuries to Esposito and Emanuele Valeri adding to the disruption, but neither could find the decisive moment.

A point apiece, then, and while Parma will reflect on a missed opportunity, Cagliari will take enormous encouragement from a performance that showed real character away from home.

27-02-2026 19:45

MatchDay 27

Parma Store (Stadio Ennio Tardini)

Parma

Cagliari

1 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

		21'		Juan Rodríguez
		40'		Alberto Dossena

2nd half

Mateo Pellegrino		56'
Lautaro Valenti		63'
		63'		Michael Folorunsho (Assist: Sebastiano Esposito)
		65'		Ibrahim Sulemana
Gaetano Oristanio		83'
		90+4'		Adam Obert

Parma

Cagliari

Starting lineups

40

Edoardo Corvi

Goalkeeper

14

Emanuele Valeri

Defender

90'

15

Enrico Delprato

Defender

46'

5

Lautaro Valenti

Defender

37

Mariano Troilo

Defender

27

Sascha Britschgi

Defender

10

Adrián Bernabé

Midfielder

89'

24

Christian Ordoñez

Midfielder

46'

16

Mandela Keita

Midfielder

75'

7

Gabriel Strefezza

Attacker

9

Mateo Pellegrino

Attacker

1

Elia Caprile

Goalkeeper

33

Adam Obert

Defender

22

Alberto Dossena

Defender

15

Juan Rodríguez

Defender

2

Marco Palestra

Defender

32

Zé Pedro

Defender

27

Joseph Liteta

Midfielder

8

Michel Adopo

Midfielder

25

Ibrahim Sulemana

Midfielder

87'

94

Sebastiano Esposito

Attacker

87'

9

Semih Kılıçsoy

Attacker

61'

Substitutes

66

Filippo Rinaldi

Goalkeeper

39

Alessandro Circati

Defender

22

Oliver Sörensen

Midfielder

17

Jacob Ondrejka

Attacker

31

Zion Suzuki

Goalkeeper

23

Nesta Elphege

Attacker

63

Marlon Mena Martinez

Defender

41

Hans Nicolussi Caviglia

Midfielder

46'

21

Gaetano Oristanio

Midfielder

46'

8

Nahuel Estévez

Midfielder

75'

25

Benja Cremaschi

Midfielder

89'

29

Franco Carboni

Defender

90'

28

Gabriele Zappa

Defender

24

Giuseppe Ciocci

Goalkeeper

12

Alen Sherri

Goalkeeper

38

Ivan Sulev

Midfielder

37

Yael Trepy

Attacker

20

Agustín Albarracín

Midfielder

18

Othniel Raterink

Midfielder

31

Paul Mendy

Attacker

40

Roberto Malfitano

Midfielder

90

Michael Folorunsho

Midfielder

61'

30

Leonardo Pavoletti

Attacker

87'

3

Riyad Idrissi

Defender

87'

Enzo Le Fée has opened up on his disappointing spell at Roma, admitting he was unhappy during his time in the Italian capital and that a lack of enjoyment on the pitch was the driving force behind his decision to leave.

The French midfielder joined Roma in the summer of 2024 from Rennes with considerable promise, but struggled to make any meaningful impact at the Stadio Olimpico, managing just ten appearances before departing on loan to Sunderland in January 2025.

The English club subsequently made the move permanent last summer upon their return to the Premier League.

Le Fee: ‘I left Roma to rediscover my confidence’

Speaking to The Analyst, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the Frenchman was candid about why the move to Serie A never worked out.

“At Roma I was a little sad because I wasn’t enjoying playing football,” he said.

“When I’m not enjoying myself on the pitch, I’m really sad. I wanted to rediscover my confidence, that’s why I came to Sunderland, because I knew that Regis Le Bris could give me everything I need to perform at my best.”

The mention of Sunderland head coach Le Bris is telling.

The Frenchman has built a reputation for developing technically gifted midfielders and creating an environment in which players can express themselves freely, precisely the kind of setting Le Fée felt he was missing in Rome.

It is a frank and somewhat sobering admission from a player who arrived in Serie A as one of the more exciting French midfield prospects of his generation.

Whether he can rediscover that form consistently in England remains to be seen, but on the evidence of his own words, the move to Wearside has already gone some way to restoring his love of the game.

Niko Kovac has been linked with a move away from Borussia Dortmund, and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in him.

According to a report from BILD, there is strong interest from the English club, and they could look to appoint him as their next manager. Tottenham have brought in Igor Tudor as the interim manager, and he is likely to be replaced in the summer.

Tottenham are also keen on Cesc Fabregas.

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Niko Kovac is in demand

The 54-year-old German manager is being looked at as a long-term option for the North London club. Tottenham have already made contact regarding a potential move. However, Manchester United have also shown interest in the German manager. It will be interesting to see if Spurs can get the deal done.

They need someone who can help them compete at the highest level, and Kovac could be an interesting acquisition. He has shown his quality in Germany, and the opportunity to manage the Premier League could be exciting for him.

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund have no plans to let him leave, and they are hoping to keep him at the club for now. His contract with the German club expires in 2027, and it will be interesting to see if they are prepared to offer him an extension.

More Stories / Latest News

Tottenham edge ahead in chase for Man United-linked manager with 51% win rate

Feb 27 2026, 21:00

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Feb 27 2026, 20:00

‘Gentlemen’s agreement’ could help Liverpool and Man United seal £60-65m summer move

Feb 27 2026, 19:00

Kovac could fancy a move

The 54-year-old manager has proven himself in Germany, and this could be the right time for him to take on a new challenge. The move to the Premier League will be tempting for him. It would be a step up in his career, and he would get to manage an ambitious club with more resources.

Tottenham have a quality team, and they could challenge for trophies with a few intelligent additions in the summer. It remains to be seen whether they can get a deal for Kovac across the line.

Meanwhile, Manchester United are also looking for a long-term alternative to Michael Carrick. It will be interesting to see if they decide to move for the German. Kovac has a 51% win rate in his career, and it remains to be seen whether he can make his mark in English football.

The post Tottenham edge ahead in chase for Man United-linked manager with 51% win rate appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool do not plan to sell Alisson in the summer transfer window, according to Football Insider. Juventus want to sign the Brazil international goalkeeper, but the defending Premier League champions want to keep him. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said: “Yeah, obviously no surprise that someone like Juventus are looking at Alisson. He had a very good […]

The post Liverpool want to keep Alisson appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Liverpool want to keep Alisson appeared first on Soccer News.

Al-Hilal striker Darwin Nunez wants to leave in the summer transfer window, according to Football Insider. Newcastle United have been linked with the 26-year-old Uruguay international striker, but a move to Newcastle United is unlikely to happen. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said: “I think it would be a surprise move for me. “Darwin Nunez has been […]

The post Darwin Nunez wants to leave Al-Hilal appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Darwin Nunez wants to leave Al-Hilal appeared first on Soccer News.

Liverpool are interested in signing Andrea Cambiaso from Juventus in the summer transfer window, according to TuttoJuve. The Juventus-centric Italian news outlet has added that Manchester City are also keen on a deal for the left-back. Both Liverpool and Man City are said to be ready to pay between €30 and €40 million for Cambiaso, […]

The post Liverpool plan €40m bid for Andrea Cambiaso appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Liverpool plan €40m bid for Andrea Cambiaso appeared first on Soccer News.

Liverpool do not plan to sell Alisson in the summer transfer window, according to Football Insider. Juventus want to sign the Brazil international goalkeeper, but the defending Premier League champions want to keep him. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said: “Yeah, obviously no surprise that someone like Juventus are looking at Alisson. He had a very good […]

The post Liverpool want to keep Alisson appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Liverpool want to keep Alisson appeared first on Soccer News.

Celtic could fail to sign Kasper Hogh from Bodo/Glimt in the summer transfer window, according to Football Insider. The Scottish Premiership giants wanted to sign the striker in January and remain keen. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said: “I think obviously (his form) might bring bigger clubs with bigger budgets into the race for Kasper Hogh. Again, […]

The post Celtic could miss out on Kasper Hogh appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Celtic could miss out on Kasper Hogh appeared first on Soccer News.

Liverpool do not plan to sell Alisson in the summer transfer window, according to Football Insider. Juventus want to sign the Brazil international goalkeeper, but the defending Premier League champions want to keep him. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said: “Yeah, obviously no surprise that someone like Juventus are looking at Alisson. He had a very good […]

The post Liverpool want to keep Alisson appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Liverpool want to keep Alisson appeared first on Soccer News.

Al-Hilal striker Darwin Nunez wants to leave in the summer transfer window, according to Football Insider. Newcastle United have been linked with the 26-year-old Uruguay international striker, but a move to Newcastle United is unlikely to happen. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said: “I think it would be a surprise move for me. “Darwin Nunez has been […]

The post Darwin Nunez wants to leave Al-Hilal appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Darwin Nunez wants to leave Al-Hilal appeared first on Soccer News.

Liverpool are interested in signing Andrea Cambiaso from Juventus in the summer transfer window, according to TuttoJuve. The Juventus-centric Italian news outlet has added that Manchester City are also keen on a deal for the left-back. Both Liverpool and Man City are said to be ready to pay between €30 and €40 million for Cambiaso, […]

The post Liverpool plan €40m bid for Andrea Cambiaso appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Liverpool plan €40m bid for Andrea Cambiaso appeared first on Soccer News.

Few cases in recent years compare to that of Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian midfielder was a superstar at Liverpool when Barcelona paid a massive fee to sign him in 2018. From that point on, however, things gradually went downhill, to the extent that he lost his place with the Brazil national team. In that context, Major League Soccer has emerged as a possible destination amid rumors linking him to LA Galaxy.

In recent days, details surfaced about the MLS team’s reported interest in signing Coutinho, whom they view as a potential replacement for Riqui Puig. With the Spanish midfielder ruled out for the entire 2026 season after undergoing a second knee operation related to his 2024 injury, Philippe could represent a valuable addition.

However, there is another option under consideration. “The midfielder’s future prospects are either to go to an MLS team in the United States, or even announce his retirement,” ESPN recently reported.

At just 33 years old, the end of Coutinho’s career might seem surprising, but his recent decisions and comments offer insight into his current mindset. “The truth is that I’m very mentally exhausted. I’ve always been very reserved, so saying this here isn’t easy, but I need to be honest,” the midfielder wrote on social media earlier this year after deciding to leave Vasco da Gama.

“With a heavy heart, I understand that now is the time to take a step back and end this cycle at Vasco,” he added in the same post. “My relationship with Vasco is one of love. And it will continue to be forever.”

Coutinho has another offer, though less appealing

Coutinho’s sudden departure from Vasco da Gama drew interest from several clubs intrigued by the talent of the 33-year-old. LA Galaxy appear to be an attractive option as they look to rebound from a disappointing 2025 MLS season, but there are other alternatives.

“Coutinho has received an inquiry from Russian club CSKA Moscow,” ESPN reported. However, the chances of that move materializing appear slim. “A source close to the player, however, told ESPN Brasil they would be surprised if Coutinho accepted an offer from Russian football,” the report added.

The decline of Coutinho’s career

The nearly $180 million Barcelona paid Liverpool for Coutinho in 2018 now feels like a distant memory. Over the years, the midfielder’s performances steadily declined, and his career has been marked by frequent club changes.

In 2019, Coutinho was loaned to Bayern Munich before returning to Barcelona a year later. Aston Villa became his next destination, where he spent just over a year and a half with limited success. He then moved to Al Duhail in Qatar before completing a long-anticipated return to Vasco da Gama in 2024.

Despite the excitement surrounding that move, things did not go as planned. In January of this year, the midfielder negotiated an early termination of his contract to become a free agent and determine the next step in his professional career.

Christian Pulisic will soon discover whether one of his most influential teammates remains by his side beyond the 2026 World Cup, as Milan has reportedly made a defining call on Luka Modric’s future. The Rossoneri campaign has been shaped by experience and leadership, and few figures embody that more than Modric. As speculation swirls, both Christian Pulisic and Luka Modric find themselves at the heart of a pivotal moment for the club, with the veteran midfielder’s next step poised to shape the Rossoneri’s trajectory.

At 40, Luka Modric has already surpassed 2,000 minutes in Serie A this season, becoming the only outfield player in the squad to reach that milestone. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Croatian maestro crossed the 2,000-minute mark on February 18 against Como, underlining just how central he remains to the club’s structure.

The numbers tell a compelling story. Modric has played 23 of 25 league matches, started 92 percent of them, and delivered decisive contributions in key moments. He has registered two match-winning goals and three assists, while maintaining over 90 percent passing accuracy. In one recent outing, he completed 93 passes and was named MVP, reinforcing his status as the metronome of the side.

Head coach Massimiliano Allegri has been vocal in his admiration. He described training alongside the Croatian veteran as “an enormous fortune for all players,” praising not only his technical brilliance but also his relentless professionalism. Within the dressing room, teammates affectionately call him “the Maestro.”

Three roads ahead

Despite his remarkable output, Modric’s future remains under review. The veteran joined Milan on a one-year contract after leaving Real Madrid, with an option for a further year that can only be activated with his consent.

There are three possible paths before him:

• Extend his stay at Milan, continuing to guide the midfield in a slightly reduced but still vital role.
• Return to Dinamo Zagreb, the club where his professional journey began, in what many describe as a romantic homecoming.
• Retire after the 2026 World Cup, stepping away while still performing at an elite level.

Modric will also captain Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, marking his sixth appearance at the tournament; an extraordinary achievement that already includes a 2018 final and a 2022 bronze medal.

The decision revealed

While the introduction to this saga has been filled with uncertainty, the internal mood at Milan is increasingly optimistic. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, everyone at the club is pushing for Modric’s renewal, and a one-year extension is becoming more likely.

The Rossoneri’s hierarchy, Allegri, the technical staff, and even senior advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic have reportedly urged the midfielder to clarify his intentions soon. Ibrahimovic, as reported, held direct talks and requested a timely decision to allow proper planning for next season.

Importantly, the extension clause already exists, but Milan has made it clear that it will only be activated if Modric personally wishes to continue. The respect shown toward him reflects his stature not just as a player, but as a symbol.

On the pitch, Milan is fighting for Champions League qualification — a competition Modric knows intimately, having won it six times during his glittering career in Spain. Securing a return to Europe’s top table could serve as a powerful incentive in his final deliberations.

The playoff with Benfica, which finished with a pair of victories, took Real Madrid to the round of 16 in the Champions League. They were able to defeat the Portuguese club even though they couldn’t have Kylian Mbappé in Álvaro Arbeloa’s lineup.

Real Madrid have not shown their best level this season but have remained competitive. However, Mbappé’s numbers make him the team’s standout player. With 38 goals in 33 matches, he is clearly their most dangerous attacking threat.

That is why his injury status raises concern after he missed Wednesday’s match with a knee issue. Arbeloa admitted he could be sidelined for some time: “I spoke with him, and we consulted with the medical team. We believed it was best for him to stop and recover 100%, so he can return in top form and confidence without discomfort for what’s ahead.”

Arbeloa also provided a cautious update on Mbappé’s return: “When discomfort prevents you from playing, if we want to call it an injury we can call it an injury, but it seems to be, and I hope it is, not a serious injury, a minor issue, and he can return in a few days or weeks. We have a diagnosis, but I’m not the one to disclose such data about the players’ health.”

Real Madrid with many players in doubt

Mbappé was clearly the most important absence from Friday’s training session. Another notable name was Jude Bellingham, who is still recovering from a muscle injury that should keep him out for a few more weeks.

Raúl Asensio was also not with the group after a collision during the second leg against Benfica that led the manager to substitute him immediately as a precaution.

Three more players were not part of regular training. Dani Ceballos, Dean Huijsen and Militao trained indoors with limited activity as they continue working their way back from injuries.

Real Madrid’s main challenge

Up next, Real Madrid face Getafe on Monday as they continue chasing Barcelona in La Liga. Sitting one point behind leaves little margin for rotation. The main concern now is in defense, where only Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba are fully available.

With Celta coming after Getafe, the manager may adjust his approach in Vigo, especially with a demanding Champions League tie against Manchester City scheduled for March 11 in the first leg.

Alessandro Renica has sparked debate by laying the blame for Napoli’s lengthy injury list squarely at the door of Antonio Conte, arguing that the head coach’s demanding training methods have taken a significant physical toll on the squad.

The former Napoli defender, who spent six years at the club between 1985 and 1991 winning two Serie A titles, a Coppa Italia and the UEFA Cup, made his comments on Stile TV, and they are unlikely to go down well in certain quarters.

Napoli have been badly hampered by injuries this season, with Kevin De Bruyne, Zambo Anguissa, Billy Gilmour and Amir Rrahmani among the high-profile absentees at various points.

Renica: ‘Conte’s methods to blame for Napoli injuries’

Renica believes the volume and nature of Conte’s training sessions at Castel Volturno is a root cause.

“I believe all these injuries are linked to Conte’s training methods,” he said, with quotes via CalcioMercato.

“I have never attended his sessions, but you only need to listen to what the players say. De Bruyne, for example, said that in ten years at Manchester City he never ran as much as he did in three months at Napoli. Excessive dry work tends to stress the muscles, and that is when injuries occur. I have my coaching badge and have tried both methodologies, but when I worked with heavy dry training I had a lot of muscular problems.”

Rrahmani’s situation particularly concerned Renica.

“He is on his third muscular injury and has become practically irreplaceable in this defence. Having him available only intermittently really hurts.”

Renica was careful to acknowledge Conte’s broader qualities, describing him as tactically impeccable and a proven winner. But he added a pointed caveat.

“From a physical standpoint, it is a shame he does not seek to improve. Not progressing past the Champions League group stage this season against those opponents was significant, I think it is a genuine limitation.”

On Napoli’s squad quality, Renica was effusive, rating it alongside Inter as the strongest in Serie A.

“But when eight players of that calibre are missing,” he concluded, “it becomes extremely complicated, and this season, between the Champions League exit and the distance from the top of the table, more could have been done.”

Sunday evening’s clash between Roma and Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico carries enormous weight in the race for Champions League football, and both sides have received welcome fitness news ahead of what promises to be a compelling encounter.

Juventus will be boosted by the return of Gleison Bremer, who is expected to start at the heart of defence alongside Lloyd Kelly.

The Brazilian centre-back’s presence will be a significant lift for Luciano Spalletti, whose side head to Rome looking to close the gap on the top four after a difficult run of results.

With Manuel Locatelli suspended, Teun Koopmeiners is the likeliest candidate to fill the midfield void, while Jonathan David is expected to lead the attack once again, supported by Francisco Conceição, Weston McKennie and Kenan Yildiz behind him.

Roma vs Juventus – Dybala & Bremer fit again

For Roma, the headline team news is Paulo Dybala’s return to fitness, with the latest updates courtesy of Sky Sport Italia.

The Argentine forward has trained fully with the group and is available to face his former club, a fixture that always carries personal significance for ‘La Joya’.

However, a start from the first minute looks unlikely given the time he has spent on the sidelines, with Gian Piero Gasperini expected to use him from the bench. Donyell Malen is set to lead the Roma attack, with Manu Koné and Bryan Cristante providing the midfield backbone.

There is less positive news elsewhere in the Roma camp, with both Matias Soulé and Mario Hermoso ruled out of the match, leaving Gasperini with limited options as he prepares his side for a fixture that could prove pivotal in determining who secures Champions League football next season.

Simone Inzaghi arrived in Saudi Arabia as one of the hottest coaching properties in world football, fresh two Champions League finals in three years with Inter Milan and a contract worth a reported €26 million per season, making him the second highest-paid manager on the planet behind only Diego Simeone.

Right now, however, his golden seat is beginning to feel considerably less comfortable, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

What began as a dream appointment for Al-Hilal has unravelled at an alarming pace. The Riyadh club had stormed to the top of the Saudi Pro League with a seven-point cushion over their rivals, the kind of dominant early-season form that suggested Inzaghi had taken to his new surroundings seamlessly.

Then January arrived, and with it, the signing of Karim Benzema, a move Inzaghi himself had pushed for.

The results since have been deeply concerning.

Five draws from their last seven matches have seen Al-Hilal slip to third in the table, now four points behind leaders Al-Ahli, who count Franck Kessié and Merih Demiral among their ranks, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr also above them.

Al-Hilal dissatisfied with Inzaghi performance

According to Arabic media, the club’s ownership is far from satisfied, and supporters have begun openly calling for Inzaghi’s dismissal. Sacking a manager on his salary would represent an enormous financial commitment, but the reports suggest it is far from an impossible outcome.

There is a painfully familiar precedent for Inzaghi here. In his first season at Inter, his side held a seven-point lead in Serie A only to be overhauled in the final weeks by Stefano Pioli’s Milan, a collapse that still stings. Now he finds himself needing to reverse a similar deficit, this time against Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus’ Al-Nassr.

The next two fixtures will be decisive.

Al-Hilal face Al-Shabab, currently twelfth in the table, before turning their attention to the Asian Champions League last 16 against Al-Saad, managed by Inzaghi’s former Italy teammate Roberto Mancini.

Win both and the pressure eases. Anything less and the questions surrounding his future will grow considerably louder.

Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas is open to taking the Tottenham Hotspur job.

Cesc Fabregas has been doing wonders for Como in the Italian top flight, and his work hasn’t gone unnoticed. The former Spanish midfielder finds himself on the wishlist of some of the biggest clubs in England, and Tottenham are one of them. According to a report from TEAMtalk, the former Arsenal and Chelsea star is open to taking the Tottenham job.

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Cesc Fabregas has seen a rapid rise as a manager

Fabregas has emerged as one of the most exciting young managers in world football, thanks to the work he has done at Como since taking charge as their permanent manager back in 2024. He has led them in 69 matches, and he averages 1.54 points per game.

The Italian club is playing an attacking, attractive brand of football under the 38-year-old’s guidance. Como are currently sixth in the Serie A and are serious contenders for a Champions League spot. Their performances have enhanced Fabregas’ reputation as a manager, and English clubs now want him on their bench.

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Tottenham want Fabregas

While Igor Tudor has taken charge at Tottenham on an interim basis, the North London club are looking for their next permanent manager, and Fabregas is quite high on their wishlist. Despite his strong bond with Chelsea and Arsenal from his playing days, the 38-year-old is open to a move to Spurs.

The London connection won’t be a barrier if Tottenham do actually approach the Spanish manager. Apart from Spurs, there are other top clubs that would love to have him on their bench. As a result, it will be interesting to see where he ends up if he decides to move on from Como. For now, he seems focused on getting the Italian club into the Champions League.

The post Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea icon would be open to Tottenham move appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Hoping to find a route back into the Champions League spots on Saturday afternoon, Liverpool will welcome West Ham to Anfield this weekend. While Arne Slot’s camp might have already accepted that they will relinquish their Premier League crown this season, the English heavyweights have certainly turned a recent corner over the past six weeks […]

The post Liverpool vs West Ham Bet Builder Tips – 5/1 Premier League Special, Analysis & Predictions appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Liverpool vs West Ham Bet Builder Tips – 5/1 Premier League Special, Analysis & Predictions appeared first on Soccer News.

Christian Pulisic remains one of the most discussed figures at Milan, even as 2026 has brought an unexpected dip in form. The American winger continues to command the trust of Massimiliano Allegri, and within the corridors of Milanello, there is still a firm belief that he represents both the present and the future of the club. The American is still considered essential, and Allegri is counting on one particular quality the winger offers.

For much of his time in Italy, Pulisic has been portrayed as a Renaissance story. After an uneven spell in England, he rediscovered confidence, consistency, and influence in Serie A. His first campaign at San Siro felt like a rebirth. However, recent weeks have introduced doubt.

Since the summer, the American star has battled ankle pain, a hamstring injury, and bursitis. Though he has scored eight league goals, rhythm and synergy with his attacking partner, Rafal Leao, have not fully materialized.

The 27-year-old winger carried much of the attacking burden in the first half of the campaign. However, he has not scored in 2026, and missed opportunities, notably against Parma and Fiorentina, have amplified scrutiny.

Allegri relies on key Pulisic quality

Despite the dip in form, Pulisic remains a vital asset, particularly beyond San Siro. As reported by Opta in its preview of Sunday’s match between Cremonese and Milan, Christian Pulisic is second in Serie A for away goals this season, with six, level with Bologna’s Santiago Castro. The Rossoneri’s forward has never scored more away from home in a single Italian campaign. He also reached six in 2024-25.

Across Europe’s top five leagues, he has surpassed that tally only once: during the 2019-20 season with Chelsea, when he netted seven away goals, as relayed by Milannews.it. Even more striking is the correlation between his goals and results. Whenever Pulisic scores away from home this season, his side wins. The pattern is emphatic:

• Lecce 0-2 Milan
• Udinese 0-3 Milan, with Pulisic scoring twice.
• Inter 0-1 Milan
• Torino 2-3 Milan, another brace from the American

These are not marginal fixtures. They include derbies and pressure-laden encounters. In hostile environments, Pulisic has repeatedly delivered. For Allegri, this is not a trivial statistic — it is a strategic weapon. Away form often defines title challenges and European qualification battles. The American’s ability to strike decisively on the road provides Milan with a competitive edge few in the squad replicate.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just over three months away, players are now at a point where even a moderate injury can leave them out of the tournament. That is exactly what happened to an Argentina teammate of Lionel Messi after a serious knee problem.

“Valentin Carboni suffered a tear of the ligaments in his right knee, which will require a recovery period of at least eight months,” La Nacion reported Friday regarding the young winger who plays for Racing Club on loan from Inter Milan.

“In Friday’s training session, Carboni went down after a teammate fell on him and alarmed everyone present,” the report adds. “After the medical staff performed tests on the pitch, he was moved to a nearby center for imaging that confirmed the worst: he had torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.”

This is the second similar injury Carboni has suffered in about a year and a half. The previous one occurred in October 2024, during a training session with the Argentina national team ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia.

At that time, the winger was on loan at Olympique de Marseille from Inter Milan, where his performances had made him a regular option for Lionel Scaloni at the international level. However, that injury kept him out for about eight months, and he only returned to action with Inter in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Carboni is ruled out for the World Cup

With no place at Inter and a less successful loan spell at Genoa in the first half of the 2025–26 season, Valentin Carboni chose Racing Club to play this year in hopes of regaining his 2024 form and getting back into Lionel Scaloni’s consideration.

He had already been part of the squad at the 2024 Copa America, where he played one match on Argentina’s way to the title. However, things have been very different this time: the winger lost his place in the Racing starting lineup after several disappointing performances and now suffered this serious injury that definitively rules him out of both the Finalissima and the World Cup.

Second confirmed Argentina absence for the World Cup

The serious injury to Valentin Carboni is the second of this magnitude Argentina have suffered ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Just a month ago, Juan Foyth was also ruled out due to a rupture of his Achilles tendon while playing for Villarreal against Real Madrid in La Liga.

While neither Carboni nor Foyth was guaranteed a spot in Lionel Scaloni’s 26‑man World Cup roster, both had been included in recent call-ups and were considered viable options for the squad, having also been part of teams that won major tournaments.

Exactly one month remains until the Finalissima. Argentina and Spain will face each other on March 27 at Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar, aiming to claim a new trophy and gain a crucial boost ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In that context, a Paris Saint-Germain player could be sidelined due to physical problems.

“Following his latest medical check-up, Fabian Ruiz will follow a tailor-made work schedule over the next few weeks in order to relieve his knee pain,” PSG reported Friday in a statement on their official website.

The Spanish midfielder has been out of action for more than a month due to a knee injury that has taken longer than expected to heal. His last official match was on January 20, in the 2-1 loss to Sporting CP during the UEFA Champions League league phase.

Since then, Ruiz has missed eight matches across the European competition and Ligue 1, and that number is expected to grow in the near future. According to PSG’s statement, at least a couple more weeks will be needed before the 29-year-old Spanish player can return.

This would rule him out of Ligue 1 matches against Le Havre and AS Monaco, as well as the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Chelsea, scheduled for Tuesday, March 10.

The Finalissima in doubt for Ruiz

Even in the most optimistic scenario, Fabian Ruiz will need a couple of weeks to fully overcome the knee pain and return to regular training. After that, he will likely need additional time to regain match fitness.

These timelines put the midfielder in serious doubt for the Finalissima. With exactly four weeks remaining until March 27, it will be a tight window for Ruiz to recover, play a few matches with PSG, and convince Luis De La Fuente that he is ready for a demanding clash against Argentina.

Spain facing multiple challenges ahead of the Finalissima

Ruiz’s potential absence is not Spain’s only concern ahead of the Finalissima. In recent weeks, several national team players have suffered injuries that not only sidelined them at the club level but also put their availability against Argentina in question.

Marc Cucurella is one of the latest, after suffering a hamstring injury with Chelsea. Earlier, Nico Williams raised concerns due to a pubalgia, a condition with unpredictable recovery timelines. Additionally, two players have already been ruled out due to more serious injuries: Mikel Merino and Samu.

Parma welcome Cagliari to the Stadio Ennio Tardini tonight, as Carlos Cuesta’s side look to make it four consecutive victories against a fellow mid-table team.

The Gialloblu have picked up back-to-back-to-back wins against Bologna, then Verona, then Milan at San Siro.

Carlos Cuesta has significantly improved the club’s fortune and his pragmatic approach to tactics and team selection see them sit in 12th place, on 32 points. This gives them an eight point gap on the relegation zone and safety should be on the cards this campaign.

Cagliari, meanwhile, sit a place below Parma in 13th. The Sardinians are three points behind tonight’s opposition and they can go level on points, therefore, with a victory.

Parma vs Cagliari – Official Lineups

Parma: Corvi, Del Prato, Troilo, Valenti, Britscghi, Bernabe, Keita, Ordonez, Valeri, Strefezza, Pellegrino.

Cagliari: Caprile, Ze Pedro, Dossena, Rodriguez, Obert, Adopo, Liteta, Sulemana, Palestra, Esposito, Kilicsoy.

27-02-2026 19:45

MatchDay 27

Parma Store (Stadio Ennio Tardini)

Parma

Cagliari

1 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

		21'		Juan Rodríguez
		40'		Alberto Dossena

2nd half

Mateo Pellegrino		56'
Lautaro Valenti		63'
		63'		Michael Folorunsho (Assist: Sebastiano Esposito)
		65'		Ibrahim Sulemana
Gaetano Oristanio		83'
		90+4'		Adam Obert

Parma

Cagliari

Starting lineups

40

Edoardo Corvi

Goalkeeper

14

Emanuele Valeri

Defender

90'

15

Enrico Delprato

Defender

46'

5

Lautaro Valenti

Defender

37

Mariano Troilo

Defender

27

Sascha Britschgi

Defender

10

Adrián Bernabé

Midfielder

89'

24

Christian Ordoñez

Midfielder

46'

16

Mandela Keita

Midfielder

75'

7

Gabriel Strefezza

Attacker

9

Mateo Pellegrino

Attacker

1

Elia Caprile

Goalkeeper

33

Adam Obert

Defender

22

Alberto Dossena

Defender

15

Juan Rodríguez

Defender

2

Marco Palestra

Defender

32

Zé Pedro

Defender

27

Joseph Liteta

Midfielder

8

Michel Adopo

Midfielder

25

Ibrahim Sulemana

Midfielder

87'

94

Sebastiano Esposito

Attacker

87'

9

Semih Kılıçsoy

Attacker

61'

Substitutes

66

Filippo Rinaldi

Goalkeeper

39

Alessandro Circati

Defender

22

Oliver Sörensen

Midfielder

17

Jacob Ondrejka

Attacker

31

Zion Suzuki

Goalkeeper

23

Nesta Elphege

Attacker

63

Marlon Mena Martinez

Defender

41

Hans Nicolussi Caviglia

Midfielder

46'

21

Gaetano Oristanio

Midfielder

46'

8

Nahuel Estévez

Midfielder

75'

25

Benja Cremaschi

Midfielder

89'

29

Franco Carboni

Defender

90'

28

Gabriele Zappa

Defender

24

Giuseppe Ciocci

Goalkeeper

12

Alen Sherri

Goalkeeper

38

Ivan Sulev

Midfielder

37

Yael Trepy

Attacker

20

Agustín Albarracín

Midfielder

18

Othniel Raterink

Midfielder

31

Paul Mendy

Attacker

40

Roberto Malfitano

Midfielder

90

Michael Folorunsho

Midfielder

61'

30

Leonardo Pavoletti

Attacker

87'

3

Riyad Idrissi

Defender

87'

Lorenzo Lucca’s difficult season shows no sign of turning around at Nottingham Forest, raising serious questions about whether the English club will take up their option to sign him permanently this summer, and leaving Napoli facing a potentially costly headache.

The Italian striker joined Forest on loan in January, with the Premier League side holding an option to purchase him outright for €35 million.

On current evidence, that clause looks unlikely to be exercised, according to the latest reports from CalcioMercato.

Lucca has managed just 120 minutes of Premier League football since arriving in England, starting only once, against Wolverhampton, and has done little to impress in two Europa League appearances against Fenerbahce, being substituted at half-time in the second leg to widespread criticism from supporters online.

Napoli could pocket €35m from Lucca sale but Forest buyout unlikely

It represents a continuation of the miserable form that defined his six months under Antonio Conte at Napoli, where the chemistry between player and manager never materialised. Despite costing the club close to €40 million following his impressive 12-goal campaign at Udinese, Lucca started just four Serie A matches for Napoli and is perhaps best remembered for his red card during the 2-6 humiliation in Eindhoven.

Conte raised no objection to his January departure, and Forest’s managerial instability, four different managers already this season, has done Lucca no favours either.

Should Forest decline to trigger the purchase option, Napoli will find themselves with a striker who still has a contract until 2030 but whose market value has fallen considerably.

Recouping anything close to their original investment looks increasingly improbable, leaving the club with a significant financial problem to solve in the summer window.

A simmering dispute between Atalanta and Borussia Dortmund has spilled into the open, with the Italian club having filed a formal complaint to FIFA over the departure of teenage forward Samuele Inacio.

The 17-year-old, son of former Atalanta and Napoli striker Pià, left Bergamo for Dortmund in 2024 without any transfer fee or compensation changing hands, with reports via CalcioMercato.

Under FIFA’s regulations governing the movement of minor players, clubs are not entitled to a fee when a player under the age of 18 moves abroad, and Dortmund used that framework to acquire the youngster without entering into any financial agreement with Atalanta.

Atalanta upset with Dortmund over nature of Inacio deal

It is a move that has left a bitter taste in Bergamo. Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi has made his feelings abundantly clear, pointedly snubbing the UEFA lunch at both the home and away legs of the clubs’ recent European encounter in what amounted to a public statement of displeasure. His words on the matter were measured but damning.

“For me it is a very serious matter that Dortmund never made themselves available to sit down with us to clarify and resolve this issue, which we have consequently taken to FIFA,” Percassi said.

“From a legal standpoint, we are convinced we are in the right. From a moral standpoint, I will let everyone judge for themselves.”

Atalanta’s grievance centres not on the legality of the move, which technically complied with FIFA’s minor player regulations, but on what they see as a failure of professional courtesy and good faith from the German club.

The fact that Dortmund never sought to negotiate any form of agreement, however informal, is what appears to have caused the most damage to the relationship between the two clubs.

Inacio himself is considered one of the more exciting young Italian talents of his generation, making the manner of his departure all the more frustrating for Atalanta, who had invested significantly in his development.

With the FIFA complaint now formally lodged, the dispute looks set to run considerably longer before any resolution is reached.

Reports in Italy claim that two sides in Serie A are interested in a potential deal for Manchester United and former Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro once his Old Trafford tenure comes to an end. 

Reports Casemiro of interest to two top Serie A clubs

Casemiro, who turned 34 earlier this week, is into the final few months of his contract with Manchester United and the club have already confirmed that the five-time Champions League winner will depart at the end of the 2025-26 campaign. 

The 82-time Brazil international is expected to have plenty of offers come the end of the season, and according to Friday’s reports, he could have offers from Serie A on his desk as well. 

According to reports from Calciomercato.com, both Milan and Juventus could be poised to make an offer for Casemiro in the summer. 

Friday’s report claims that Milan will be interested with or without Luka Modric, who has an option to extend his one-year contract in San Siro by a further 12 months. Modric and Casemiro lined up together 259 times for Real Madrid. 

It has also been suggested that Juventus could be interested in a move for the veteran midfielder this summer. Calciomercato claims that Juventus will focus on quality rather than quantity in the summer transfer window, but Casemiro is a player with undoubted and invaluable experience at the top of the European game. 

The issue for the Serie A sides in question is Casemiro’s potential salary demands given that he currently earns a reported net salary of €18m per season in the final year of his Manchester United contract. 

He would need to take a pay cut in order to facilitate a move to either Milan or Juventus, with suggestions that both clubs would be more likely to offer a two-year deal with wages in the region of €5m-€6m per year. 

Aside from the Serie A interest, Casemiro is also expected to have offers from Brazil and from the Saudi Pro League.

Liverpool and Manchester United could sign Adam Wharton for £60-65 million because of a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ with Crystal Palace.

Adam Wharton is expected to be on the move this summer, amidst interest from some of the biggest clubs in the country. Liverpool are set to rival Manchester United in the race for his signature. According to a report from TEAMtalk, the English international could be available for a bargain fee thanks to a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ with Crystal Palace.

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Adam Wharton could leave Crystal Palace this summer

Wharton has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League with his consistent performances for the Eagles. The 22-year-old defensive midfielder has placed himself on the radar of some of the biggest clubs in the country.

While his contract at Selhurst Park runs until the summer of 2029, he could be on the move this summer. The interest in his services remains intact despite a dip in form this season. The Eagles are concerned about his form, as they believe interest from other top clubs could have altered his focus.

Crystal Palace are hoping to keep hold of him beyond this season, and they are also working on a potential renewal. However, there is a gentleman’s agreement which could allow him to join a Champions League club for £60-65 million if a new deal isn’t agreed.

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Premier League duo to battle for Wharton

Liverpool and Manchester United are the biggest contenders for his signature. Wharton is quite high on the Merseyside club’s wishlist, as they look to bring in someone who can compete with Ryan Gravenberch for a place in the XI.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils are looking at him as someone who can replace Casemiro in the long-run. With the Brazilian leaving the club at the end of the season, Manchester United could go all out for Wharton this summer.

The post ‘Gentlemen’s agreement’ could help Liverpool and Man United seal £60-65m summer move appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have suffered a massive blow in their pursuit of Inter Milan attacking sensation Pio Esposito.

Since returning from his loan spell at Spezia Calcio, Pio Esposito has managed to break into the Inter Milan first team. He has established himself as an important part of their plans, and his impressive rise has resulted in interest from Arsenal. But according to a report from LInterista, Inter Milan have no intentions of negotiating his departure, not even for €100 million.

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Pio Esposito has seen a sensational rise

Esposito has come up the ranks at Inter Milan. While he got promoted to their first team back in 2023, the 20-year-old ended up joining Spezia Calcio on a two-year loan deal. Thanks to his impressive performances for the Serie B outfit, he has had an important role at Inter Milan this time around.

He has been involved in 35 matches in the ongoing campaign, racked up over 1,500 minutes, and contributed to 13 goals (7 goals, 6 assists). His impressive performances have helped him break into the Italian national team, and this has also attracted interest from clubs across Europe.

Arsenal are one of the clubs that are keen on his signature. The Gunners are constantly on the lookout for young players with massive potential, and Esposito seems to be an ideal fit for their project. The Gunners are pushing to bring him to the Emirates, but they are unlikely to succeed.

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Inter Milan won’t sell Esposito

The 20-year-old’s contract at Inter Milan runs until 2030, which means they will be in the driving seat during negotiations and they do not have any intentions of selling him. The Italian outfit won’t even consider a €100 million offer for the youngster.

They consider him an integral part of their long-term plans and want to build a team around him. Inter Milan seem to have a lot of confidence in the youngster and his performances this season certainly back it up. As far as Arsenal are concerned, they will have to look at alternatives, as Esposito is not for sale.

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David Lynch insists Liverpool are keen on signing Bayern Munich star forward Michael Olise, as they look to prepare for life without Mohamed Salah.

Michael Olise has taken his game to the next level since moving to the Bundesliga. Clubs in England have been constantly keeping tabs on him, and quite a few would love to bring him back to the Premier League. According to David Lynch via TEAMtalk, Liverpool are keen on signing the former Crystal Palace star.

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While speaking about Olise’s future on Anfield Index, Lynch said, “I see Olise getting mentioned in the comments as well, and I think I’d keep an eye on that.

“That’s an interesting one. Particularly Bayern being interested in Gakpo, you know, potentially maybe something in that, but he will want to come back to the Premier League at some point, and he’s a very, very good player who Liverpool have watched for a long, long time, even pre-Palace.

“So, that’ll be an interesting one if he’s on the market.”

Olise made quite a name for himself while playing for Crystal Palace. Quite a few top clubs in England were after his signature in the summer of 2024, but Bayern Munich managed to win the race with a €60 million (then £50m) offer.

Liverpool want Michael Olise to replace Salah

The French international has taken his game to the next level since joining the German giants. In the ongoing campaign, the 24-year-old has 13 goals and 25 assists in 35 outings. Liverpool are one of the clubs that have been keeping tabs on him, and would love to bring him back.

The Reds have had him on their radar for years now, and with Mohamed Salah’s long-term future uncertain, they are looking at Olise as an ideal long-term replacement. While they would love to have him on their roster, prising him away from Bayern Munich won’t be easy.

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The Reds will have to break the bank for Olise

The German club has no intentions of negotiating his departure, and with his contract running until 2029, they are in complete control of his future. A potential transfer could cost in excess of €114 million (£100m).

Despite the difficulty in securing his services, Lynch believes the 24-year-old firmly remains on FSG’s radar. More importantly, he feels the player would want to return to the Premier League at some point in his career. As things stand, however, a move this summer looks very unlikely.

The post “Keep an eye on that”: Journalist confirms Liverpool want to sign “very, very good player” appeared first on CaughtOffside.

According to Teamtalk, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea haven’t given up on signing Dusan Vlahovic as a free agent at the end of the season. However, the Serbian striker, previously linked with Arsenal, AC Milan and Liverpool too, prefers Barcelona as his potential destination at this point. Juventus have scheduled a fresh round of negotiations with […]

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Cristiano Ronaldo has once again placed himself at the center of the soccer conversation. The Portuguese superstar, still active at the highest level, has expanded his influence beyond the pitch and is now linked with a romantic return to Spanish soccer. For a player who continues to defy age at 41, Ronaldo’s latest move signals ambition that stretches far beyond goals and trophies. The forward, currently representing Al-Nassr, has taken a decisive step into club ownership, and Spanish soccer is watching closely.

In a significant development, Cristiano Ronaldo has acquired a 25% stake in Almeria, the Spanish Segunda Division club. The investment was made through CR7 Sports Investments, part of his broader business portfolio. In an official statement, the club confirmed: “Cristiano Ronaldo has acquired 25% of the shares of UD Almeria through CR7 Sports Investments, a subsidiary of CR7 SA, this being an important step in the continued expansion of both the club and the investment portfolio of the Portuguese businessman.”

The Portugal international himself described the move as “a long-held ambition of mine to contribute to soccer, beyond the pitch,” adding that “UD Almeria is a Spanish club with strong foundations and clear potential for growth.”

The club, now owned by Saudi businessman Mohamed Al-Khereiji following a takeover from Turki Al-Sheikh, currently sits third in the Segunda Division, just two points behind leader Racing Santander and firmly in the promotion race. The dream of a return to La Liga remains alive.

Almeria coach’s invitation: ‘It would be extraordinary’

While the investment alone sparked excitement, it was the words of head coach Rubi that ignited speculation. Speaking openly about Ronaldo’s involvement, Rubi said: “We are very happy. Obviously, we welcome him. I think it’s excellent news because someone like him, with his one hundred percent knowledge of sport and soccer, can help a club like ours.”

But it was his follow-up remark that truly fueled headlines: “It would be extraordinary and wonderful if he could play here, but that’s a question for him. This is his club and, if he wanted to continue playing, whoever the coach is, he would be received with open arms. I have no doubt about that.” The message was clear — the door, from a sporting perspective, is wide open.

Is it possible for Ronaldo to co-own Almeria and still play for the team?

While the romantic image of Ronaldo returning to Spanish soccer sparks imagination, the regulatory reality is more complicated. Under Spanish law, specifically regulations overseen by the National Sports Council and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), an active player cannot hold ownership interests in a Spanish club while competing domestically.

The measure, introduced in February 2025 and often referred to as the “Anti-Pique Law,” was designed to protect competitive integrity and avoid conflicts of interest. In simple terms, as long as Ronaldo retains his 25 percent ownership stake, he would be barred from registering as a player in Spain. The rule emerged following controversy involving Gerard Pique and commercial negotiations during his playing career.

Spanish authorities tightened governance standards to ensure transparency and fairness in competition. Therefore, unless Ronaldo were to divest or place his shares in a legally approved structure that removes direct influence, a playing comeback in Spain would not be permitted. For now, such a scenario appears unlikely. Ronaldo remains under contract with Al-Nassr until 2027.

The Champions League, Europa League and Conference League knock-out draws are complete, and now, the times and dates for each of the upcoming round of 16 ties have been confirmed as well. Here are the key dates for Atalanta, Roma, Bologna and Fiorentina fans to mark down in their diaries. 

The Champions League, Europa League and Conference League draws took place at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland on Friday, following the completion of the play-off rounds earlier this week. 

You can see how the draw unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Atalanta are the only Italian team left standing in the Champions League after Napoli’s league phase elimination and the exits of both Inter and Juventus in the play-offs earlier this week. La Dea will go up against Borussia Dortmund over two legs of the round of 16. 

Two Italian teams remain in the Europa League in Roma and Bologna, but they have been drawn against each other in the round of 16, meaning there is a guarantee of an Italian side in the quarter-finals, but only one. 

Fiorentina, meanwhile, have a tough task ahead of them in the Conference League round of 16, where they will go up against Raków Częstochowa, who finished the league phase in second place, in the round of 16.

Key Atalanta dates 

Round of 16 first leg: Tuesday March 10, 2026 @ 20.00 GMT (at home against Bayern Munich)

Round of 16 second leg: Wednesday March 18 @ 20.00 GMT (away against Bayern Munich)

Quarter-final first legs: Tuesday April 7 and Wednesday April 8 

Quarter-final second legs: Tuesday April 14 and Wednesday April 15 

Semi-final first legs: Tuesday April 28 and Wednesday April 29 

Semi-final second legs: Tuesday May 5 and Wednesday May 6

Final: Saturday May 30. 

Key Roma and Bologna dates 

Round of 16 first leg: Thursday March 12 @ 17.45 GMT (at the Dall’Ara)

Round of 16 second leg: Thursday March 19 @ 20.00 GMT (at the Stadio Olimpico)

Quarter-final first legs: Thursday April 9

Quarter-final second legs: Thursday April 16

Semi-final first legs: Thursday April 30 

Semi-final second legs: Thursday May 7 

Final: Wednesday May 20. 

Key Fiorentina dates 

Round of 16 first leg: Thursday March 12 @ 20.00 GMT (at home at the Stadio Franchi)

Round of 16 second leg: Thursday March 19 @ 17.45 GMT (away at the Miejski Stadion Piłkarski Raków)

Quarter-final first legs: Thursday April 9

Quarter-final second legs: Thursday April 16

Semi-final first legs: Thursday April 30 

Semi-final second legs: Thursday May 7 

Final: Wednesday May 27.

The Champions League knock-out round draw is now complete and Atalanta, the only Italian team left standing, have learned that they will have to take on Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in the round of 16. Here is everything that La Dea should know about their Bavarian opposition. 

Atalanta vs. Bayern: Everything you need to know

Champions League form 

Bayern Munich were the second strongest team in the competition during the league phase. Their tally of seven wins and one defeat was only bettered by Arsenal, who recorded a 100% win record across eight matches in the first portion of the 2025-26 competition. 

The aforementioned Arsenal are the only side to have beat Bayern so far in the Champions League this season. Vincent Kompany’s side have picked up victories against Chelsea, Pafos, Club Brugge, PSG, Sporting CP, Union Saint-Gilloise and PSV Eindhoven so far this season. 

Bayern also scored the second-most goals of any team across the league phase with 22 (level with Barcelona). Again, only Arsenal went better than the Bavarians with 23 goals from eight league phase matches. 

Key players

England national team captain Harry Kane is the brightest star in this current Bayern side. The former Tottenham man already has a staggering 43 goals and five assists from 36 matches across all competitions including eight goals in eight games in the Champions League. 

Bayern also boast world class attacking talents in Michael Olise and Jamal Musiala, who are expected to line up on the wing and in the no.10 role respectively when they face Atalanta in the round of 16. Vice-captain Joshua Kimmich will also run the midfield from his ‘Sechser’ role. 

Head to head record

This will be the first time that Atalanta and Bayern have met in a competitive fixture.

Atalanta boast an impressive record against German opposition over since the 2023-24 campaign. They have played five matches against Bundesliga opposition over the last three seasons and have won four of them: Against VfB Stuttgart, Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, and against Bayer Leverksuen in the final of the Europa League in 2024.

Over the same period, Bayern have only met two Italian opponents: Inter and Lazio. Surprisingly, Bayern have only won one of their last four encounters against Serie A opposition, which came against Lazio in the Champions League round of 16 in 2024. They also lost once against the Biancocelesti and drew one and lost one against Inter in last season’s Champions League quarter-final.

When will Atalanta and Bayern play each other?  

Round of 16 first leg: Tuesday March 10, 2026 @ 20.00 GMT (at the New Balance Arena)

Round of 16 second leg: Wednesday March 18 @ 20.00 GMT (at the Allianz Arena)

Quarter-final first legs: Tuesday April 7 and Wednesday April 8 

Quarter-final second legs: Tuesday April 14 and Wednesday April 15 

Semi-final first legs: Tuesday April 28 and Wednesday April 29 

Semi-final second legs: Tuesday May 5 and Wednesday May 6

Potential line-ups

Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Hien, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Bernasconi; Pasalic, Samardzic; Krstovic/Scamacca. 

Bayern (4-2-3-1): Urbig; Stanisic, Upamecano, Tah, Davies; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Musiala, Diaz; Kane. 

Raffaele Palladino has entirely transformed Atalanta since replacing Ivan Juric in November, and even if the Nerazzurri are clearly the underdogs against Bayern Munich, they can still cause trouble for the Germans, as other Bundesliga sides are aware of.

Atalanta are set to take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round of 16, fully aware of the magnitude of the task ahead.

La Dea sit seventh in the Serie A table, but their position doesn’t tell the whole story of their form this season.

Their first coach, Juric, was sacked after winning just four of his 15 games in charge, leaving the Nerazzuri in 13th place in the Serie A table with just 13 points and two victories.

With Palladino in charge, Atalanta have won 15 of 23 games across all competitions, climbing to a Europa League spot (they are level on 45 points with Como) and just five points below the top four.

Their biggest signing in the January window was Italy international Giacomo Raspadori from Atletico Madrid, yet La Dea did not necessarily strengthen their attack as they also sent Ademola Lookman to the Wanda Metropolitano.

It is even unclear whether Raspadori will be available for the games against Bayern Munich, having suffered a bicep muscle injury just a couple of weeks ago. The same goes for Charles De Ketelaere, who underwent meniscus surgery earlier this month.

With his starting attacking midfielder unavailable in recent games, Palladino has often moved Nicola Zalewski from the left flank, adding either Mario Pasalic or Lazar Samardzic behind a lone striker.

Kamaldeen Sulemana is another option for that role, but currently, the Ghana international is slightly lower in Palladino’s pecking order.

Ederson and captain Marten De Roon provide quality and balance in central midfield. Davide Zappacosta, 33, has plenty of experience down the right flank. Raoul Bellanova is more explosive than the ex-Chelsea man, and left-back Lorenzo Bernasconi, 22, has proved to be more than a decent backup with three assists in 26 appearances across all competitions this term.

Under Palladino, Atalanta have scored 41 goals in 23 games and conceded just 19.

There have been a lot of rotations in defence with Palladino in charge, and currently, Giorgio Scalvini appears to be the only centre-back with a guaranteed starting spot. Sead Kolasinac and Isak Hien, however, have received regular playing time recently, especially following various individual mistakes from Berat Djimsiti, Odilon Kossounou and Honest Ahanor.

The latter has played only 31 minutes across two Serie A matches since an early red card in an away game at Como on February 1.

That match at the Stadio Sinigaglia perfectly showed the Atalanta spirit under Palladino. A team that has been built to play aggressively, but which is also able to resist the opponents’ pressure when necessary.

Forced to play down to ten men for practically the entire match, Atalanta still managed to come back home with a 0-0 draw, mostly thanks to their goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, who even saved a late Nico Paz penalty kick.

The other side of Atalanta was on display last Wednesday, when the Nerazzurri beat Borussia Dortmund 4-1 with an incredible comeback in Bergamo.

Italy international Gianluca Scamacca scored the opening goal after just five minutes, and his substitute Nikola Krstovic earned a late penalty, converted by Pasalic to qualify La Dea for the Round of 16.

Atalanta’s attacking mindset, high press and quality in the final third, despite absences of Raspadori and De Ketelaere, will have to be the main features in the first leg in Bergamo against Bayern, while the second match at the Allianz Arena will naturally require a more defensive attitude and even more determination in the counter-attacks.

Strikers Scamacca and Krstovic are perfectly interchangeable and have similar numbers this season: ten goals for the Italian and nine for the Montenegrin.

True, Harry Kane alone has managed 43 for Bayern Munich this season, but we are talking about one of the best strikers and one of the best clubs in Europe for a reason.

No doubt Atalanta are the underdogs in the Champions League Round of 16, but it’s not the first time they’ve been in this position in recent years, especially against Bundesliga sides.

Back in 2023-24, they were the only team capable of beating Bayer Leverkusen, claiming the Europa League trophy and just a few days ago, they knocked Borussia Dortmund out, coming back from a 2-0 loss in the first leg.

Atalanta also beat Chelsea at home in the Champions League group phase this season and have already repeatedly shown that they rarely disappoint when the pressure is on.

Arsenal are front-runners to sign Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, amidst interest from Liverpool and Manchester United.

Anthony Gordon’s consistent performances for Newcastle United haven’t gone unnoticed; rival clubs are keen on prising him away. Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal are all interested in his services. But according to a report from TEAMtalk, the Gunners are in the driving seat to sign the English international.

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Gordon has only gone from strength to strength since joining the Magpies from Everton at the start of 2023. He has established himself as one of the mainstays at the Tyneside club, and his consistent performances have attracted a lot of interest.

Anthony Gordon finds himself on Arsenal’s wishlist

While Newcastle haven’t been at their best this season, Gordon has certainly done his bit. In his 38 outings across competitions, the left winger has contributed towards 19 goals (15 goals, four assists).

He prefers playing out wide on the left, but has even been deployed in the number nine role. He has done a great job across the front line, and his versatility is one of the reasons rival clubs want to sign him.

With his contract running until 2029, the Magpies will be in the driving seat during negotiations. However, that won’t deter interested clubs. Arsenal are believed to be the most serious suitors. With Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli’s future uncertain, they are looking at Gordon as an ideal upgrade on the left flank.

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Arsenal to battle rival clubs for Gordon

The Gunners are set to face stiff competition from Manchester United and Liverpool. Both clubs have enquired about his availability over the past year. However, the North London club are long-term admirers and have stolen a march on their rivals.

Arsenal are eyeing a £75 million deal, while the Magpies could look for a fee close to £95 million. Arteta’s team believe Gordon would be open to a potential transfer. The Red Devils could cause problems for the Gunners, as they are potentially ready to offer around £80 million. Liverpool were keen on signing him last summer, but the report suggests Newcastle will avoid selling him to a direct rival.

The post Arsenal leading the race for 19-G/A Liverpool and Man United target appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United and Newcastle United could battle it out for the signature of Inter Milan star midfielder Nicolo Barella.

Following their exit from the Champions League, Inter Milan find themselves in a difficult financial position. They might have to sanction the departure of some of their stars, and Nicolo Barella could be one of them. According to a report from Fichajes, Manchester United and Newcastle United are ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign the Italian international.

Barella has been hailed as “top class” by Jurgen Klopp. Barella has also been linked with Liverpool.

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Inter Milan will have to sell Nicolo Barella

Barella has been a part of the Inter Milan setup since 2019. Not only is one of their mainstays, but the 29-year-old is also widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in world football. While he prefers playing as a central midfielder, he is capable enough to take up any role in the centre of the park.

He is one of the first names on their team sheet and still has over three years left on his deal. However, the Italian midfielder could end up parting ways with Inter Milan this summer. The early exit from the Champions League is a massive financial blow. In order to balance their books, the Serie A giants are set to part ways with their most valuable assets.

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Premier League duo to battle for Barella

Barella is expected to be on the move and Inter Milan reportedly want around €70 million for their midfield general. Manchester United and Newcastle United have emerged as potential destinations. Both clubs seek more quality and depth in midfield and the 29-year-old can certainly help their cause.

The Red Devils want to bring in someone who can help better control the tempo and with Casemiro set to leave at the end of the season, Barella’s experience could come in handy. While Newcastle already have some top quality midfielders in their squad, they want to further strengthen their  midfield rotation.

Both English clubs continue to closely monitor his situation. Meanwhile, Inter Milan are hoping for a bidding war between the Premier League clubs to drive up the final price.

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Arne Slot’s Liverpool are plotting a raid on Sporting CP to sign their Colombian striker, Luis Suarez.

The Colombian international has taken his game to the next level since joining Sporting CP last summer. He has been in sensational form in the final third, and his performances haven’t gone unnoticed. According to a report from SportsBoom, Liverpool are keen on acquiring Suarez’s services.

Manchester United wanted to sign Suarez in the summer.

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Liverpool to revive their attack with Suarez

The Merseyside club forked out a fortune to revamp their attack in the last summer transfer window. While the majority of those moves have worked out to an extent, Alexander Isak has struggled to get going since moving to Anfield.

Having signed him from Newcastle United after a long-drawn transfer saga, the Reds had massive expectations from him. But injuries haven’t allowed him to settle in at his new club, and it has also forced the club to look at the market for another forward.

Liverpool have identified Sporting’s Luis Suarez as an ideal fit for their system under Arne Slot. The 28-year-old is a versatile striker who is equally effective on either foot. The Reds have been extensively scouting him ahead of a potential transfer.

His consistency in the Portuguese top flight and his “clutch” performances in high-stakes Champions League encounters have impressed their scouts. The Reds seem determined to bring the Colombian to Anfield this summer.

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The Reds will have to pay €60 million for Suarez

While he is an integral part of Sporting’s plans, the Portuguese club won’t mind cashing in on him as long as their demands are met. They value him at €60 million and won’t even negotiate below that mark.

With his contract running until 2030, the Portuguese outfit are in complete control of his future. Meanwhile, the player is ready to make the jump to a club that regularly features in the Champions League, and he is seeking a salary of around €7–€9 million. The wages certainly won’t be a problem for the Merseyside club if they do step up their interest in the 27-goal striker.

The post Liverpool want €60 million “clutch” star to revitalise their attack appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal 2025 summer signing Christian Norgaard wants to leave the club after the end of the season.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal were proactive during the last summer window, and they managed to sign the majority of their transfer targets. With the help of those players, they are now in the driving seat to win the Premier League and could even go the distance in the Champions League.

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Christian Norgaard move to Arsenal hasn’t worked out

While the majority of those moves have worked out, Christian Norgaard has been frustrated by the lack of minutes, and according to The Sun, the former Brentford star wants to leave the North London club just 12 months after joining them. Norgaard has been linked with Ajax recently.

On the back of his consistent performances for the Bees, Arsenal forked out just £10 million (€11.4m, $13.5m) to sign the 31-year-old defensive midfielder. While he was never really going to be a regular starter, he did expect to have a decent role under Arteta.

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Norgaard wants to leave the Gunners

However, summer signing Martin Zubimendi’s exceptional performances have kept the Danish international on the bench in the majority of the games. The former Brentford star has only been involved in 14 games across competitions and hasn’t started a single Premier League outing.

While his contract runs until the summer of 2027 and includes an option to extend by another 12 months, Norgaard has no intention of staying at Arsenal. He is set to leave the club this summer in search of a more prominent role.

Since he still has a few years left at the highest level, the 31-year-old doesn’t intend to warm the bench at the North London club moving forward. Given how consistent he was during his time at Brentford, there should be no shortage of interest in him.

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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has plenty of faith in his team when it comes to the knockout stages of the Champions League. The first hurdle will show just how much weight his words carry, as the Magpies face Barcelona in the round of 16. “I believe that we can raise our stakes and compete with […]

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The draw for the Champions League round of 16 this season has prepared the stage for some potentially historic clashes. The Champions League draw is stunning 🤩 pic.twitter.com/nsLO1OMOSD — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 27, 2026 Full draw: Real Madrid vs Manchester City Bodo/Glimt vs Sporting Lisbon PSG vs Chelsea Newcastle vs Barcelona Galatasaray […]

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According to Teamtalk, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea haven’t given up on signing Dusan Vlahovic as a free agent at the end of the season. However, the Serbian striker, previously linked with Arsenal, AC Milan and Liverpool too, prefers Barcelona as his potential destination at this point. Juventus have scheduled a fresh round of negotiations with […]

The post Vlahovic prefers Barcelona to Premier League clubs appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Vlahovic prefers Barcelona to Premier League clubs appeared first on Soccer News.

According to Teamtalk, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea haven’t given up on signing Dusan Vlahovic as a free agent at the end of the season. However, the Serbian striker, previously linked with Arsenal, AC Milan and Liverpool too, prefers Barcelona as his potential destination at this point. Juventus have scheduled a fresh round of negotiations with […]

The post Vlahovic prefers Barcelona to Premier League clubs appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Vlahovic prefers Barcelona to Premier League clubs appeared first on Soccer News.

Verdict: Total goals over 3.5 Best odds: 13/20 Bookmaker: ZetBet Barcelona aim to move four points clear at the top of La Liga on Saturday afternoon when they host Villarreal at Camp Nou. Hansi Flick’s side currently hold a one‑point advantage over Real Madrid, who do not play until Monday night, while the Yellow Submarine […]

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On Thursday, Neymar scored a brace in Santos’ 2-1 win over Vasco da Gama on Matchday 4 of the Brazilian Serie A. Beyond his standout performance, the forward found himself at the center of a heated confrontation with an opposing player.

“He’s an idiot,” Neymar said about Thiago Mendes during a halftime, on-field interview shared by Sport. “He’s always the one who starts trouble, he wants to act tough, he’s always like that. With all due respect, he’s an idiot.”

The Santos star then recalled that this was not the first time he has had issues with Mendes. “He injured me once at PSG and today he promised to do it again. Let’s see if he’s man enough to try to injure me again,” Neymar said.

Indeed, the two players clashed several times in Ligue 1 when Neymar was playing for Paris Saint-Germain and Thiago Mendes was with Lille and later Olympique Lyon. In 2020, the midfielder caused Neymar to suffer an ankle sprain that forced him to leave the match on a stretcher, earning Mendes a red card.

This time, however, the situation did not escalate further. Both players were booked during the match, but there were no red cards or injuries. What Santos did get were two goals from Neymar — his first of 2026 following knee surgery — which secured the victory.

Neymar addresses recent criticism

After the match against Vasco da Gama, Neymar spoke to the media again and addressed the criticism he received last week for his performance in Santos’ loss to Novorizontino in the Campeonato Paulista. “Soccer is like that: one day you’re the worst player in the world, you don’t belong and you’re retired,” the forward began.

“The next, you score 2 goals and you’re the best, you have to go to the World Cup, you’re the number 10,” Neymar added, aware that such praise would follow his two-goal performance Thursday. “I’m taking it day by day. I’m working to be in the best shape possible. It’s my second 90-minute match of the year. I’m working hard and pushing myself.”

What’s next for Neymar?

In his quest to return to peak physical and competitive form, Neymar will not be lacking opportunities to play. Brazil’s packed soccer calendar this year is even more demanding than usual due to the interruption domestic competitions will face because of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Santos will return to action next Tuesday when they visit Mirassol for Brazilian Serie A Matchday 5. On March 15, they will face a tough home test against Corinthians, and just three days later they will take on Internacional.

Safe to say Felipe Melo was happy to see his former club Juventus eliminated from the Champions League at the hands of Galatasaray as he appeared smiling in a video, shouting ‘ bye bye.’

Former Brazilian midfielder Felipe Melo trolled Juventus after the Bianconeri’s Champions League exit on Wednesday.

The Old Lady’s 3-2 win over Galatasaray was not enough to secure a spot in the Round of 16, and Melo celebrated Juventus’ elimination with a video on social media, which Gazzetta dello Sport later shared.

A former midfielder for both Juve and Galatasaray, Melo appeared smiling and shouting in front of the TV at full-time: “Bye bye, everybody go home,” said the 42-year-old.

Melo spent two seasons at Juventus from 2009 to 2011, scoring just four goals in 78 appearances and previously admitted he had had a bad time in Turin.

The stakes could not be higher as Mikel Arteta’s league-leading Arsenal host Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea.

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Arsenal are desperate to maintain their five-point cushion at the summit of the Premier League table over a relentless Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Chelsea arrive in North London locked in a tight battle for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.

The Gunners are flying high, though they’ve shown brief moments of vulnerability.

After a frustrating 2-2 draw at Wolves, where they surrendered a two-goal lead, Arsenal bounced back emphatically last weekend with a 4-1 demolition of Tottenham in the North London Derby.

Chelsea’s recent Premier League form has been frustratingly inconsistent. They travel to the Emirates on the back of a bitter 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Burnley, where they conceded a 93rd-minute equaliser at Stamford Bridge.

While they recently advanced in the FA Cup with a 4-0 win over Hull City, their league campaign has been hampered by an inability to finish off games.

How Arsenal could line up against Chelsea

Bukayo Saka took a minor impact knock to his foot late in the victory against Spurs, but is expected to be fully fit to start.

There are question marks over Kai Havertz’s fitness, but it is expected he will return in time to face his former club.

Arsenal Predicted Line-up: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard.

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How Chelsea could line up against Arsenal

Wesley Fofana is suspended for this clash after picking up a red card (two yellow cards) in the 72nd minute of the 1-1 draw against Burnley last weekend.

Malo Gusto suffered a slight injury scare earlier in February but has been managing his minutes.

João Pedro, who scored Chelsea’s only goal against Burnley, is expected to feature heavily alongside Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernández as Chelsea try to crack Arsenal’s title-chasing defence.

Chelsea Predicted Line-up: Sanchez, James, Acheampong, Chalobah, Gusto, Santos, Caicedo, Palmer, Fernandez, Neto, Pedro.

How to buy Arsenal tickets

Arsenal match tickets are available through the club’s official website, but this option can be restrictive, especially for fans who are neither season ticket holders nor registered members.

For those seeking a more straightforward and competitively priced solution, using our recommended link is the best way to secure a more convenient alternative.

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How to buy Chelsea tickets

Chelsea fans will typically visit the club’s official ticket portal first, but it’s wise to explore other options to check if better prices or availability can be found elsewhere.

For instance, we suggest using our link if you’d rather not pay additional membership fees just to gain priority access for such a high-demand match.

Our user-friendly platform also provides extra peace of mind, including a 150% money-back guarantee for added security.

Arsenal vs Chelsea Head to head record

Arsenal historically hold the upper hand in this fierce London rivalry. Across 214 total meetings, Arsenal have 86 wins, Chelsea have 66 wins and 62 matches have ended as draws.

Arsenal has been the dominant force in recent encounters, remaining completely unbeaten in their last five matchups against the Blues.

Didier Drogba was the ultimate big-game player and a constant thorn in Arsenal’s side, holding the outright record for most goals in this derby with 13 goals.

Arsenal’s all-time leading goalscorer Thierry Henry routinely haunted Chelsea’s defence during his prime years in North London. He has 10 goals against the Blues.

Bologna and Roma will meet in the Europa League Round of 16, and the winner will face Lille or Aston Villa in the quarter-finals: here’s all you need to know about the upcoming Italian derby.

• Read more – Three reasons why Serie A derby in Europa League is bad news for Italian football

The first leg will be played in Bologna, as Roma finished the league phase in the top eight and were, therefore, among the seeded teams.

Roma or Bologna to meet Aston Villa or Lille

The kick-off time will be confirmed by UEFA later today, but the days are already set as the first leg will be played on Thursday, March 12, at the Dall’Ara and the decider at the Olimpico in Rome is scheduled for March 19.

If Bologna progress, they’ll play the second leg of any other future round at home.

The winner will meet Lille or Aston Villa in the quarter-finals.

Before the first leg, Roma will play away at Genoa in Serie A, while Bologna will host strugglers Verona.

Bologna and Roma fixture list compared

The Serie A round in between the two Europa League fixtures will see Roma travel to Como for a tricky meeting in the race for a Champions League spot, while Bologna will travel to regional rivals Sassuolo.

Technically, Bologna have a little advantage here given that the Rossoblu are already nine points below a Conference League spot in Serie A, so they’ll surely prioritise the Europa League, while Roma can’t really choose as they currently occupy a Champions League placement, with a four-point lead over Juventus, their next rivals in Serie A.

Roma and Bologna have met only once in Serie A this season, in the first match of the season at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Giallorossi secured a 1-0 victory. The return leg in Serie A will be played on the weekend of April 26, more than a month after their meetings in the Europa League Round of 16.

Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano has beaten Gian Piero Gasperini in seven of their previous 15 meetings, drawing three times and losing five times.

Juventus are preparing to take on Roma in one of their biggest games of the season in Serie A, but head coach Luciano Spalletti will not speak to the media during the pre-match press conferences. Here is who will stand in for the Bianconeri head coach. 

Why Spalletti will not attend press conference ahead of Juventus vs. Roma 

This is not the first time this season that Spalletti has decided against attending a pre-match press conference in Serie A. The Bianconeri head coach also sent captain Manuel Locatelli to address the media ahead of the Derby d’Italia against Inter earlier this month. 

In that instance, Spalletti decided against speaking to the media for two main reasons: One is to allow himself to fully focus on preparations for the match ahead, and another is because of the fact that he already held a customary pre-match press conference in the Champions League earlier that same week. 

The same two reasons are true heading into the Roma match this weekend. 

Instead of Locatelli, this time it will be over to defender Pierre Kalulu to talk to reporters at the pre-Roma press conference according to Friday’s reports from Corriere dello Sport. 

Reports in Italy claim that Inter are keen on two Liverpool stars and that they could be poised to make moves for both during the summer transfer window ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. 

CdS: Inter keen on Liverpool’s Jones and Leoni 

According to reports from Corriere dello Sport and Calciomercato.com, Inter could return to the negotiating table for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones during the summer transfer window. There had been reports linking the Nerazzurri with a move for the Englishman at the end of the most recent January transfer window as well. 

Those reports claimed that Inter were keen to add Jones to their ranks in the event that Davide Frattesi left the club in the final days of the transfer window, but neither transfer materialised in the end. 

Inter may have to restructure their midfield department during the summer transfer window, though. Henrikh Mkhitaryan is out of contract and could potentially retire at the end of the season. Hakan Calhanoglu is still a priority target for his boyhood club Galatasaray, and there have even been recent suggestions that Nicolo Barella could be approaching the end of his Inter days. 

With several key midfielders potentially on their way out, Inter could potentially return to the negotiating table for Jones in the summer according to Friday’s reports. There had been talks of a potential loan deal with a €40m option to buy at the end of January. 

Unless he signs a new contract before the end of the season, Jones will be into the final year of his Liverpool deal in the summer as well. 

Friday’s reports add that Inter are also interested in a potential deal for former Parma defender Giovanni Leoni as well. 

The teenager joined Parma in a €35m deal from Parma during the summer transfer window, but suffered a cruel cruciate ligament (ACL) tear on his first start for the Reds, which means that he has only featured for 81 minutes so far this season. 

According to Corriere dello Sport, Liverpool could be minded to send Leoni out on loan in 2026-27 in order to provide him with regular, competitive first-team action, and if that were the case, Inter would reportedly be keen to offer him a temporary home in Serie A. 

Manchester United chief Christopher Vivell is eyeing a bargain move for Sevilla midfield sensation Lucien Agoume.

While Manchester United are pushing hard to secure Champions League football for next season, they have already started planning for the summer. The Red Devils will look to revamp their midfield, and according to a report from TEAMtalk, the Premier League giants are interested in signing Sevilla’s Lucien Agoume.

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Lucien Agoume is a part of Manchester United’s wishlist

Manchester United have some big plans for the summer. They are expected to at least sign two world-class midfielders this summer, with Casemiro set to leave the club and Manuel Ugarte likely to be offloaded.

While there was uncertainty around Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo’s future, the duo are expected to continue at Old Trafford as they are loving life under interim boss Michael Carrick. The Red Devils want to bring in a new defensive midfielder who can feature alongside Mainoo, and they are considering making a move for Agoume.

The Manchester-based giants have been constantly linked with the likes of  Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba. The trio are expected to be their priority targets. However, signing them won’t be straightforward, and it would require a massive financial effort.

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The Red Devils can sign Agoume for a bargain fee

As a result, they are also looking at Sevilla’s Agoume, who is set to be available for a bargain fee. Manchester United will most likely break the bank for Anderson, and they could look at the French midfield star as a cost-effective second signing to revamp their midfield.

They did make an approach to the La Liga powerhouse last summer, and quite a few people at the club continue to admire him, according to Theatre of Red. Their chief, Christopher Vivell, is the one driving their interest in the 24-year-old, who has been doing wonders for the Spanish club.

Their scouting reports label him as a midfield ‘destroyer’, and he is outperforming some of their top targets. He was valued at just £20 million (€23m / $27m) last summer. While the price has certainly gone up, he is still a value-for-money option in comparison to others.

Agoume has been linked with Arsenal as well.

The post Christopher Vivell eyeing value-for-money move for 24-year-old La Liga powerhouse appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea are plotting a big-money move for Aston Villa attacking mainstay Morgan Rogers.

The English international has only gone from strength to strength since joining Aston Villa. Following his impressive rise at Villa Park, multiple top clubs are now keen on signing him. According to a report from Fichajes, Chelsea are looking to secure his services in a deal worth around €100 million, as they look to form a team capable of winning the Premier League.

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Joe Shields wants Morgan Rogers signed

Chelsea chief Joe Shields, who took Rogers to Manchester City back in the day, is now keen on signing him at the London club. While the move to the Manchester-based giants didn’t work out, he has certainly established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the English top flight with his consistent performances for Aston Villa.

Rogers has been described as “really fantastic” by Unai Emery.

The Blues have brought in some of the most talented young players from across the globe in recent years. While they already have some serious firepower, Liam Rosenior, who took charge mid-season, seems to have some big plans for the summer.

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Rosenior is pushing for Rogers signing

The 41-year-old wants to form an attack that consists of Estevao on the right flank, Cole Palmer in the number ten role, Joao Pedro up top, and Morgan Rogers on the left flank. He believes the 23-year-old’s arrival could help them take the next step and win the Premier League.

Rogers is an integral part of Aston Villa’s setup under Unai Emery, and they won’t let him leave unless there is a record-breaking offer on the table. Since a potential transfer could cost in excess of €100 million, the Blues are looking to raise funds by cashing in on the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Liam Delap.

The Birmingham-based outfit has complete control over his future with a long-term deal in place. However, the player’s desire could play a big part, and Chelsea are optimistic about luring him away.

The post Chelsea want to win the Premier League title with “really fantastic” €100m signing appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Crystal Palace may reportedly get another chance to seal the transfer of Genk wide-man Zakaria El Ouahdi as he could be on the move this summer.

That’s according to a report from Belgian outlet Het Laatste Nieuws, as cited and translated by Sport Witness, with Palace said to have been keen on El Ouahdi during the January transfer window.

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A deal didn’t materialise on that occasion, and it is not yet entirely certain if Palace will go back in for the Morocco international, with other clubs also being linked.

The report mentions the likes of Lyon, Marseille, and PSV Eindhoven as potential suitors for El Ouahdi, who is expected to leave Genk.

If Palace do retain some interest in the 24-year-old, who can play out wide or at right-back, then it looks like the opportunity could be there to try to revive a deal.

Could Crystal Palace do with Zakaria El Ouahdi transfer to replace Daniel Munoz?

The links with El Ouahdi make sense given that there’s some uncertainty over Daniel Munoz’s future at Selhurst Park.

As we’ve previously reported, the Palace right-back has been approached by Chelsea over a potential summer transfer.

Barcelona are also keeping an eye on Munoz, and if he leaves then someone like El Ouahdi could be an ideal replacement.

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Munoz himself has fuelled speculation by also expressing a desire to play for a bigger club at some point.

“If you ask me, it would be a dream to play for one of these clubs, whether it’s Barcelona, ​​PSG, Real Madrid, or Manchester United,” Munoz said, as quoted by Sport Witness.

“I think I’m working towards that. I strive every day to one day attract the attention of one of these clubs, because for me, it’s a dream to get there.”

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Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has urged Anthony Gordon to be “fully focused” after emerging reports linking the forward with a move to Arsenal. The Gunners are reportedly interested in signing the England international this summer, with Liverpool and Manchester United also said to be looking at the Magpies star. Gordon has scored just three […]

The post Howe: Gordon must be ´fully focused´ on Newcastle amid Arsenal links appeared first on Soccer News.

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Manchester City will face Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16 after the two teams were drawn against each other for the fifth consecutive European campaign. Pep Guardiola’s side were knocked out by Los Blancos in the play-off phase in 2024-25, a year after they were eliminated by the same opposition in the quarter-finals. […]

The post Man City to face Real Madrid again as holders PSG draw Chelsea in Champions League last 16 appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Man City to face Real Madrid again as holders PSG draw Chelsea in Champions League last 16 appeared first on Soccer News.

The derby between Roma and Bologna in the Europa League Round of 16 will surely send an Italian club to the quarter-finals, but their meeting is not necessarily good news for Serie A.

Both Bologna and Roma directors have admitted that an all-Italian Europa League Round of 16 tie between Giallorossi and Rossoblu is not exactly good news for either club or Italian football. And they are not wrong.

Bologna’s Marco Di Vaio admitted he would have avoided playing Roma, while Frederic Massara argued that the Serie A derby does not favour Italy in the UEFA coefficient ranking.

Bologna vs. Roma bad for UEFA ranking

Serie A sits fifth in the ranking, but with just four clubs still involved in European competitions, including one in the Champions League, Atalanta.

Germany and Spain, Italy’s main rivals for the second place in the UEFA ranking, which will give an extra Champions League spot next season, have more representatives overall and more clubs still running in the Champions League: three for Spain and two for Germany.

Serie A will surely lose a club in the Europa League Round of 16, with Roma or Bologna eliminated, so, naturally, Italy will have even fewer chances to earn points in the race for an extra Champions League placement.

Another reason for disappointment comes when the bracket is examined.

Estos son los cruces de octavos de la Europa League. #UCL #LaCasaDelFútbol pic.twitter.com/N2G0l56ckg

— Movistar Plus+ Deportes (@MPlusDeportes) February 27, 2026

The other possible opponent for Bologna was Freiburg, while Roma could have met Genk.

Besides the fact that Bologna could have earned points against a German rival, Freiburg and Genk have ended up in what appears to be the softer side of the draw alongside Ferencvaros, Braga, Panathinaikos, Real Betis, Celta and Lyon.

On the other hand, the winner of Bologna-Roma will face Lille or Aston Villa, while the other four clubs on the same side of the bracket are Stuttgart, Porto, Nottingham Forest and Midtjylland.

Contrary to the Champions League, there are no clear favourites in this season’s Europa League, and both Bologna and Roma appear to be credible candidates to progress to the later stages. Such a draw, however, will only allow one Serie A club to progress to the quarter-finals.

Lastly, there’s an “emotional aspect” that must be taken into account, as noted by Bologna director Di Vaio.

Travelling abroad to face a foreign opposition unmistakably brings a different atmosphere. While Roma and Bologna will be fully motivated for either matchup, a domestic setting inevitably strips away some of the allure for both supporters and players.

The Conference League knock-out round draw is now complete and Fiorentina have discovered that they will go up against Raków Częstochowa over two legs of the round of 16 in March. 

The draws for the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League knock-out took place at the UEFA Headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland on Friday. 

You can see how the draws unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Fiorentina learn Conference League round of 16 opponents

Fiorentina finished the Conference League league phase in 15th place with three wins and three losses to their name after six matches. 

That was enough to secure a spot in the play-off round, where they narrowly got past Jagiellonia on a 5-4 aggregate scoreline. Their second leg in Tuscany was taken to extra-time on Thursday night, despite the fact that the Viola were 3-0 up after the first leg. 

Fiorentina have since learned that they will go up against another Polish opponent in Raków Częstochowa in the round of 16. Rakow finished the league phase in second place and were one of only three sides in the Conference League to go unbeaten over their first six matches, with four wins and two draws to their name so far in this season’s competition. 

The winner of this tie will go on to face either Crystal Palace or AEK Larnaca in the quarter-final. The winner of that quarter-final will go on to play either Lech Poznan, Shakhtar Donetsk, AZ Alkmaar or Sparta Prague. 

Bologna sporting director Marco Di Vaio admits that he would have ‘preferred to avoid’ an all-Italian draw in the Europa League round of 16, especially against Roma, whom he claims are ‘one of the best sides in Italy’. 

Roma and Bologna have been drawn against each other in the Europa League round of 16 following the knock-out stage draw, which took place at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland on Friday.

You can see how the draw unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Di Vaio reacts to Bologna vs. Roma draw 

Roma and Bologna are the only two Italian sides competing in the Europa League in 2025-26, and now, only one will qualify for the quarter-finals in April. 

Reporters in Switzerland were excited by the prospect of an all-Italian round of 16 draw, which is already being billed as an exciting tie for the neutral, but Di Vaio insists that he would have preferred to face a non-Italian side in the next round. 

“Roma are a great team, but we’ll lose a bit of European ‘flavour’,” Di Vaio told Sky Sport Italia after the draw. 

“As a player, I played in an (all-Italian) final with Juventus. We would have preferred to avoid it for a lot of reasons, including the emotional aspect. We’ll prepare well. It would have been a great challenge against Freiburg as well. We’ll see what happens.” 

Di Vaio believes that Roma are one of the strongest sides in Italy, but he also believes that Bologna are in a good place to face the challenge after overcoming a troubling run of form over the new-year period. 

“We’re recovering after a tough period, especially in terms of results. We care a lot about the Europa League, we know it can bring us a big boost. Up until now, we’ve had a very good tournament, the last games against Brann were played really well. 

“Now we have to face one of the best sides in Italy, who have a lot of enthusiasm and have found that striker they were missing. Having said that, we know that we are a difficult team to face, too.” 

Roma director Frederic Massara expects two ‘great games’ against Bologna in the Europa League Round of 16, but admits that the Serie A derby ‘does not favour Italy’ in the UEFA ranking.

Roma and Bologna will meet in the Europa League Round of 16, but both Serie A sides would have preferred a different outcome to today’s draw.

Bologna vs. Roma in Europa League Round of 16 – Massara reacts

Roma, in fact, could have met Genk, while the Rossoblu’s other possible opponent was Freiburg.

Bologna director Marco Di Vanio had argued that a match against a club from another country would have probably given even more motivation to the Rossoblu, and his Roma counterpart Massara partially agreed.

“Perhaps, it could lose a bit of the charm coming from a European match, but we know it’s a nice game, with a lot at stake,” the Roma sporting director told Sky Sport Italia.

“The regret is for the ranking, as this does not favour Italy.”

Serie A sits fifth in the UEFA coefficient ranking, and even if the gap with Germany and Spain is reduced to 0.20 points, only four Italian teams remain in European competitions this season, and just one, Atalanta, in the Champions League.

“Surely these will be two great games. Bologna are a strong side, which is returning to the levels of recent seasons,” continued Massara.

“We’ll be happy to play; it will be a great show.”

Di Vaio had also praised Roma striker Donyell Malen, who has scored five goals in his first six Roma appearances.

“I have to say he’s had a positive impact immediately, but Bologna also have valuable players, so we must pay close attention,” Massara replied.

Newcastle United have reportedly made initial contact over a potential transfer move for Chelsea’s highly-rated young goalkeeper Mike Penders.

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The 20-year-old is currently on loan at Ligue 1 club Strasbourg, and faces plenty of competition for a first-team place at Stamford Bridge, so a permanent exit could make sense for him in the near future.

Newcastle could do with signing a new goalkeeper this summer, with iNews already linking them with Manchester City’s James Trafford and Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen.

Now a report from Jeunes Footeux is claiming that Newcastle are keen on Penders, and that they have already begun to lay down the groundwork for a potential deal.

The report is not that clear, however, if these initial contacts have taken place with the club or the player, but perhaps that will become clearer later.

Newcastle to make changes in goal this summer?

Newcastle could do with signing a top young ‘keeper right now, as Nick Pope is not getting any younger, while Aaron Ramsdale is only at St James’ Park on loan.

This potentially gives Eddie Howe a bit of a headache in goal, so bringing one or more of Penders, Trafford, or Verbruggen makes sense as a priority.

Penders would perhaps be more of a gamble due to not having experience in the Premier League, unlike Trafford and Verbruggen.

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Still, the Belgium Under-21 international is a big prospect and his lack of opportunities at Chelsea might also mean he’s more realistically available than some other ‘keepers Newcastle might be tempted to look at.

Verbruggen is the clear first choice at Brighton, so surely won’t be available without paying big money, though Trafford could be another opportunity as he also looks like facing a struggle to establish himself as first choice with his current club.

The post Contact made: Newcastle United lay down groundwork to sign Chelsea star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United attacking midfielder Mason Mount is reportedly likely to be a transfer target for Aston Villa again.

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The England international has struggled with injuries since joining Man Utd from Chelsea a few years ago, and it makes sense that his future could be in some doubt.

According to Mick Brown, speaking to Football Insider, Villa were keen on Mount before and it wouldn’t be surprising if they still retained an interest in him.

It could be that Mount would play more regularly at Villa Park than he has at Old Trafford, so the move could well appeal to the 27-year-old.

Brown says he’s also heard really positive things about Mount, so even if he’s not been at his best, there’s every reason to think Villa would be tempted to try their luck with him.

Mason Mount praised and tipped for Aston Villa transfer

Discussing Mount’s future, Brown told Football Insider: “There’s going to be no shortage of interest in a player like Mount.

“He’s got a very good reputation and he’s spoken about very highly at Man United.

“Everybody I speak to says what a wonderful trainer he is, he works very hard and his general demeanour around the club and in the dressing room is good.

“That’s always good to hear if you’re looking into a player because it’s important to bring people in who have the right attitude and application.

“I’m told Aston Villa have been keen on him before and I’m sure he’s still on their radar, and then you’ve got teams like Fulham who will be looking if he is made available.”

Should Man United let Mason Mount go?

United fans will likely be divided on what to do with Mount at this stage, as he clearly hasn’t fulfilled his potential, but might still have it in him to turn things around.

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With a bit more luck with his fitness, and more opportunities to show what he can do, Mount could surely have a big impact for MUFC.

There’s also the risk, of course, that Mount could revive his career at Villa, which means United strengthening one of their main top four rivals.

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The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League knockout bracket has delivered exactly what European soccer fans crave: heavyweight clashes, rising stars on collision courses, and a clear path to Budapest. With Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior set to face Erling Haaland, and with Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembele, and Harry Kane all discovering their respective fates, the draw has shaped a blockbuster spring across the continent. Each club now knows the road it must travel, and it is anything but simple.

The ceremony, staged in Nyon by UEFA, confirmed the Round of 16 matchups and revealed the full bracket through to the final in Budapest. What emerged was a mix of historic rivalries, modern classics, and tantalizing potential semi-final showdowns.

The standout tie sees Real Madrid face Manchester City in a clash that has defined recent Champions League history. This encounter ensures that Mbappe and Vinicius will go head-to-head with Haaland, renewing a rivalry that has shaped the modern European narrative.

The numbers underline the rivalry’s intensity: the two clubs have shared wins and draws evenly in recent years, producing razor-thin margins in decisive moments.

Yamal, Dembele, and Kane learn their fate

Now to the lingering question surrounding some of Europe’s most exciting attacking names. Lamine Yamal and Barcelona will face Newcastle. The matchup rekindles memories of early 2000s encounters between the Spanish and English clubs. For the Blaugrana, the bracket appears manageable, though potential later clashes with Arsenal or Atletico Madrid loom large.

Ousmane Dembele’s Paris Saint-Germain must navigate Chelsea, a rematch of their recent Club World Cup final meeting, a game the English club won convincingly. This tie promises intensity and tactical nuance.

On the other hand, Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich faces Atalanta, a dangerous and dynamic Italian side capable of unsettling Europe’s elite. Should Bayern progress, a potential quarter-final against either Real Madrid or Manchester City awaits, a daunting prospect.

Quarter-final and semi-final outlook

The bracket ensures that the winner of Real Madrid vs Manchester City could meet Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals. Beyond that, a potential semi-final against PSG or Liverpool looms.

On the opposite side, Barcelona’s path could eventually bring a showdown with Atletico Madrid or Arsenal, raising the possibility of a fiercely contested all-Spanish or Anglo-Spanish semi-final.

The first legs of the Round of 16 are scheduled for March 10–11, with return fixtures the following week. From there, the route to the final, set for May 30 in Budapest, is now clearly mapped.

Ivan Rakitic, technical director of Hajduk Split, says he is an ‘Atalanta fan’ because of his compatriot Mario Pasalic: ‘Anything is possible’ against Bayern Munich.

Atalanta have been paired with Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round of 16.

The draw took place in Nyon, Switzerland, today. See how it unfolded on the live blog.

Rakitic: Pasalic is one of my favourite players

Ex-Barcelona star Rakitic, technical director of Hajduk Split, took charge of today’s Champions League draw and spoke to Sky Sport Italia afterwards.

The former Croatia international was asked his thoughts on Atalanta, the only Serie A representative in the Champions League Round of 16 this season.

“I’m an Atalanta fan because of Mario Pasalic, one of my favourite players for a few years,” the ex-midfielder replied (via TMW).

Rakitic won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2015, scoring a goal in a 3-1 victory against Juventus in the Final.

“I support Atalanta. They showed against Dortmund that if you believe and work hard, you can reach certain results,” Rakitic continued.

“Now anything can happen in two games. They must push, believe and work hard. Then they have Mario Pasalic, so anything is possible.”

Atalanta eliminated Borussia Dortmund from the knockout play-off, securing a 4-3 aggregate win.

La Dea completed a stunning comeback in the second-leg tie played in Bergamo on Wednesday, beating the Bundesliga side 4-1 after losing the opening tie in Germany 2-0.

The draw for the 2025-26 Europa League knock-out round is now complete and Roma and Bologna have learned that they will come up against each other in the round of 16. Here are the full results of Friday’s draw. 

The Europa League knock-out round draw took place at the UEFA Headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland on Friday, March 27, following the completion of the play-off round on Thursday evening. 

You can see how the draw unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.

All-Italian Europa League draw: Roma to face Bologna

Roma finished the Europa League league phase in eighth place, which was enough to secure an automatic spot in the round of 16, while Bologna finished 10th and have since beaten Brann 2-0 over two legs of the play-off round in order to qualify for the final 16. 

Thursday’s draw resulted in an all-Italian tie in the round of 16, with Roma being drawn out of the hat to face Bologna over two legs in March. These matches will be played on March 12 and March 19. The exact times will be confirmed later on Friday evening. Here is the knock-out schedule in full: 

Round of 16: March 12 and March 19

Quarter-finals: April 9 and April 16 

Semi-finals: April 30 and May 7 

Final: May 20. 

Roma and Bologna have only faced each other once in Serie A so far this season, and not since the opening round of the 2025-26 season. That match resulted in a 1-0 victory for the Giallorossi at the Stadio Olimpico. 

The two teams are also due to play each other again at the Dall’Ara in Serie A on April 26.

Atalanta are ‘proud’ to represent Italy in the Champions League Round of 16, but saw little difference between Bayern Munich and Arsenal, said Umberto Marino.

Atalanta General Manager Marino spoke to Sky Sport Italia on Friday, following the Champions League Round of 16 draw.

La Dea’s possible rivals were Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Atalanta, and they have eventually been paired against the Bavarians.

Marino comments on UCL draw

“Arsenal and Bayern are both strong; they finished first and second in the league phase, and they are destined to fight until the end for the title,” Marino said.

“We’ll try to make life difficult for Bayern. We must be Atalanta as we’ve always been, facing them with courage, determination and the fans’ support.”

Atalanta sit seventh in the Serie A table but have transformed under Raffaele Palladino, who was appointed in place of Ivan Juric in November. What makes the new Dea coach so special?

“Surely the enthusiasm with which wich he approaches training sessions and games day by day,” Marino replied.

“He has a great desire to work and give his all for his team. This is surely a quality he’s passing on to the team and the whole environment.”

Bayern Munich are the Bundesliga leaders and one of the favourites to win the Champions League, but Atalanta have already shocked some German sides in recent years, especially Bayer Leverkusen in the 2024 Europa League Final and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League knockout play-off this season.

“It’s a tough game, and we’ll need an extraordinary performance, but we play with Atalanta’s enthusiasm, which helped us reach the Champions League Round of 16, a unique objective,” noted Marino.

“We’ll play it with the support of our fans, at home and away, because we need them. Then we’ll see what happens on the pitch.

“Right now, we are lucky to be involved in three competitions. We can do well in Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the Champions League.

“We are Atalanta; for us, the work culture is fundamental, so we continue working and we’ll accept what happens on the pitch,” he continued.

In recent years, Atalanta have collected positive results against top sides in Europe, but have fallen short against smaller teams on paper.

“This is the magic of football. I can’t really reply,” Marino concluded.

“Bayern are a top-level club, and we’ll face them with great pride to represent Italy in the Champions League, giving our best and 120% of our energy.”

The Champions League knockout round draw is now complete and Atalanta have learned that they will be taking on Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in the round of 16, but when will these fixtures be played? 

The draw for the Champions League knock-out rounds took place in Nyon, Switzerland on Friday morning following the conclusion of the play-off rounds, which ended earlier this week. 

You can see how the draw unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.

2025-26 Champions League knock-out round: Key dates

Atalanta are the only Italian side left standing in the Champions League in 2025-26 after beating Borussia Dortmund 4-3 over two legs of the play-off round. Napoli were eliminated at the end of the league phase, while Inter fell to a 5-2 aggregate defeat against Bodo/Glimt and Juventus were eliminated after a 7-5 aggregate defeat, both in the play-off round. 

Atalanta will now go on to face Bayern Munich in the round of 16. The exact dates and times of the round of 16 fixtures will be made available later on Friday evening, but for now, the scheduled dates are as follows: 

Round of 16: March 10/11 first legs, March 17/18 second legs

Quarter-finals: April 7/8  first legs, April 15/15 second legs

Semi-finals: April 28/29 first legs, may 5/6 second legs 

Final: May 30. 

The schedule for the round of 16 matches will be confirmed later on Friday (February 27), the quarter-final schedule will be confirmed on March 19 and the semi-final schedule will be locked in on April 16.

Atalanta have been paired against Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round of 16.

Serie A side Atalanta, the only Italian club still involved in the Champions League, will play Bayern Munich in the Round of 16.

Atalanta to meet Bayern Munich in Champions League Round of 16

La Dea learned their opponents during today’s draw in Nyon.

See how it unfolded on the liveblog.

The dates for the Champions League Round of 16 are 10/11 & 17/18 March 2026. The Round of 16 match schedule will be available tonight.

Atalanta will play the first leg at home as Bayern were one of the seeded teams.

The winner will meet Real Madrid or Manchester City in the quarter-finals.

Atalanta sit 7th in the Serie A table with 45 points, while Bayern are the runaway Bundesliga leaders with 60 points, eight more than second-placed Borussia Dortmund.

Atalanta qualified for the Round of 16 by beating Borussia Dortmund in the knockout play-off.

Raffaele Palladino’s side lost the first-leg tie in Germany 2-0 but completed a memorable comeback in Bergamo the following week, beating the Germans 4-1.

There are three other Italian clubs still involved in European competitions: Roma and Bologna in the Europa League and Fiorentina in the Conference League.

Liverpool may have been handed a boost in their rumoured £50m transfer pursuit of Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck.

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The Germany international has been on Liverpool’s radar for some time, and it seems unlikely now that Bayern Munich will be going after him.

According to Christian Falk, writing in his latest column for CF Bayern Insider, Bayern seem to have decided on a new deal for Dayot Upamecano over a potential transfer move for Schlotterbeck.

TEAMtalk have also linked Schlotterbeck with Liverpool, reporting that he could cost around £50m, and a lack of competition from Bayern should help the Reds.

Christian Falk on Nico Schlotterbeck transfer

Discussing the Schlotterbeck links with Bayern, Falk said: “They made the decision that they would look at signing a new centre-back had Dayot Upamecano not agreed on signing a new contract. But the Frenchman did put pen to paper! So, Bayern have decided on Upamecano – though not against Schlotterbeck, it should be emphasised. He would have been a sound alternative had FC Bayern needed a defender.

“So, they don’t see a situation where this topic would be brought to the table again. Even if Kim Min-jae were to leave the club, they don’t need a player like the Borussia Dortmund defender, because then you have three number one centre-backs between Jonathan Tah, Upamecano and Schlotterbeck! They would need a player behind the first-choice partnership, and this simply isn’t Nico Schlotterbeck.”

Liverpool fans will have to hope this gives their club a decent chance of landing Schlotterbeck, who looks like he could be ideal to give them a boost at the back.

Liverpool’s defensive issues

It’s been a disappointing season for LFC, who have not been solid enough with their defensive displays, conceding 35 Premier League goals so far, which is a whole ten more than Manchester City and 14 more than league leaders Arsenal.

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Virgil van Dijk is not getting any younger, while Ibrahima Konate is nearing the end of his contract, so Schlotterbeck could have an important role to play in Arne Slot’s squad.

We’ll have to see if Liverpool definitely end up going for him, but it looks like there could be an opportunity there now that Bayern have secured Upamecano’s future.

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The Champions League draw has been made, with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool learning their opponents for the Champions League last 16.

All six English clubs made it through to the knockout stages, with Arsenal finishing top of the table after the league phase, winning all eight of their games.

Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Tottenham also qualified automatically, while Newcastle earned a pretty comfortable victory over Qarabag to make it through the playoffs.

Champions League draw in full as clubs learn last 16 opponents

The Champions League draw has been completed this Friday morning, with some mouth-watering ties to look forward to in there…

Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen

Manchester City vs Real Madrid

Chelsea vs PSG

Liverpool vs Galatasaray

Tottenham vs Atletico Madrid

Newcastle vs Barcelona

Bayern Munich vs Atalanta

Sporting Lisbon vs Bodo/Glimt

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This looks like a particularly kind draw for Arsenal, as they avoid a possible quarter-final clash against Manchester City and will instead face either Sporting Lisbon or Bodo/Glimt, putting them in a good position to make the semi-finals.

We avoided an all-English clash between Chelsea and Newcastle, which was a possibility, but with so many Premier League clubs still in the competition, it’s surely a possibility that we’ll get them facing each other at some point.

Champions League knockout stages dates

The dates this season’s knockout ties will be played are as follows…

Last 16: 10-11 and 17-18 March

Quarter-finals: 7-8 and 14-15 April

Semi-finals: 28-29 April and 5-6 May

Final: 30 May

Which Champions League tie are you looking forward to most? Are you happy with your team’s draw? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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Serie A have four clubs remaining in European competitions and will battle with Germany and Spain for an extra Champions League spot, but Italy’s contenders have more representatives.

Atalanta, Roma, Bologna and Fiorentina are the four Serie A clubs remaining in European competitions this season, and Italy’s chance to earn an extra Champions League spot in 2026-27 depends on how far they’ll go in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.

Atalanta are the only Serie A representative in the Champions League Round of 16, Bologna and Roma have qualified for the Europa League Round of 16, and so has Fiorentina in the Conference League.

Today’s draws will determine their next opponents.

Updated UEFA Coefficient Ranking

Italy sits fifth in the UEFA coefficient ranking, where the English Premier League has already practically secured the top spot and an extra Champions League spot for next season.

Germany, Spain and Italy will battle for the second and last available place, and the gap between the three contenders is currently only 0.20 points.

Germany currently sits second with 17.571 points, Spain follows in fourth with 17.406, while Italy sit fifth with 17.357.

Both Germany and Spain, however, have more clubs left in European competitions, so technically, they have more chances to earn points. They also have more clubs in the Champions League, a further concern for Italy.

Europe’s elite competition can, in fact, award up to 48 points to a nation; the maximum in the Europa League is 40, and in the Conference League, it’s 32.

Why Italy underdogs against Germany and Spain

Spain’s La Liga has six representatives left, including three in the Champions League, Real Madrid, Atletico and Barcelona.

Germany’s Bundesliga has five clubs remaining in Europe, two in the Champions League: Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen.

As Gazzetta highlights, ‘theoretically Italy has limited chances because we can earn fewer points. Just as Poland and Portugal have pulled away, the same could happen to our clubs now. Naturally, winning every match and every trophy would change the picture, but a healthy dose of realism doesn’t hurt to avoid ending up disappointed.’

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus are considering signing Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka as a free agent in the summer, but the Bianconeri’s list also includes Bernardo Silva, Marcos Senesi and Zeki Celik.

Juventus have set their sights on several players whose contracts expire in June, and according to Gazzetta, the latest option to emerge in Turin is Bayern Munich midfielder Goretzka.

Already linked with a move to Milan, Goretzka announced just a few weeks ago that he would not extend his expiring contract with Bayern Munich.

According to Gazzetta, the opportunity to hold talks for the Germany international arose during negotiations for another Juventus target, Bournemouth defender Senesi, as the two players have the same agents.

Two other free agents targeted by Juventus for the summer are Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva and Roma defender Celik.

La Stampa already reported in January that Juventus had initiated informal talks with Bernardo Silva’s entourage.

Celik’s agent, on the other hand, has denied that his client has already reached an agreement with the Bianconeri.

Liverpool and Manchester United may be in luck as it seems that FC Koln sensation Said El Mala is keen on a potential transfer to the Premier League.

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According to Christian Falk in his latest CF Bayern Insider column, El Mala doesn’t necessarily look like someone Bayern Munich are going to pay big money for at the moment.

And in any case, the 19-year-old winger could be more likely to move to England instead, with Falk naming Brighton as one possible destination for him.

Still, we’ve also seen El Mala linked with Liverpool by the Daily Mail and with Manchester United by German outlet Bild.

Said El Mala transfer latest from Christian Falk

Discussing the current situation with El Mala, Falk said: “It is TRUE: Said El Mala is interested in a move to the Premier League. He loves the league, he loves the country. It would be a good option to go to Brighton also. The Seagulls have had offers for him previously. But if he has a chance to get to a club at a higher level in the Premier League, this would also be very interesting!

“At this point, we have Bayern Munich at the table, who are also searching in this position. El Mala is a relatively inexpensive solution. He’s a player who could be a future Germany international, so it’s a very interesting transfer. However, I don’t think Bayern Munich will do anything crazy to try and sign the teenager. The FC Köln winger’s playing style isn’t a perfect fit for FC Bayern because he needs space. He’s very fast, which is why Bayern are keeping an eye on the situation.

“The reigning Bundesliga champions currently have an agreement with FC Köln that if there is any suspicion of an offer coming from elsewhere, they’ll have the right of first refusal. Then they can discuss internally if they want to make a concrete move, with a lot of money going to FC Köln. I’m sure Said El Mala will get his transfer this summer because he’s currently far too good of a player to even be sitting on the bench at FC Köln. He’s not always in the starting-XI and that’s why he’s a little disappointed.”

Said El Mala’s recent form

El Mala has an impressive eight goals and three assists in the Bundesliga so far this season despite not always being an automatic starter for his current club.

The teenager could surely flourish with better players around him, and it looks like there’s room for someone like him at Man United right now.

The Red Devils have recently let the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho leave, signing an entire new front three of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko last summer.

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Cunha hasn’t been that consistent, however, so El Mala could be another good option for MUFC to have in their front three.

Liverpool, meanwhile, could also do well to snap up this talent as they look in need of a long-term replacement for the ageing Mohamed Salah, whose form has really tailed off this season.

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Manchester United are reportedly interested in Newcastle United defender Malick Thiaw, and they don’t look set to face competition from Bayern Munich.

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That’s according to German journalist and transfer expert Christian Falk, who has played down the Thiaw to Bayern links in his latest column for CF Bayern Insider.

Thiaw has impressed since joining Newcastle from AC Milan last summer, and it makes sense that the Germany international is now the subject of speculation over another potential big move.

Falk says Bayern already have good options at the back, so a move for Thiaw wouldn’t make much sense for them at this stage, even if the player himself might well fancy a move back to Germany.

The reporter also stated that he’s heard about Man Utd being keen on the 24-year-old, so that might be the more concrete story for the moment.

Malick Thiaw to Manchester United could be more likely than Bayern Munich

“It is NOT TRUE: Bayern are interested in signing Malick Thiaw this summer,” Falk wrote.

“Of course, he’s an interesting player. He’s already played for the German national team, and if they’re searching for a new centre-back, Thiaw has a profile that’s of great interest.

“I know the player quite well, but at the moment, it doesn’t make any sense to bring the 24-year-old to Munich because of Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano. I heard that the player himself would, of course, see a better chance of more minutes with the national side if he were to make a move back to Germany.

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“But Malick Thiaw is doing very well at Newcastle, and he’s enjoying his stay there, so there’s no pressure here! I heard that Manchester United, however, do have their eye on the centre-back, so perhaps this is the more interesting transfer story at the moment!”

United could surely do well to add Thiaw to their squad as Lisandro Martinez has been quite injury-prone, while Harry Maguire is approaching the end of his contract, and others like Ayden Heaven and Matthijs de Ligt haven’t always been entirely convincing.

The post Expert hands Manchester United boost amid transfer interest in Premier League star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

I’ve spoken with my contacts today about an interesting situation developing at Manchester City, with growing uncertainty over Savinho despite him only recently signing a new contract.

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Savinho, for all his potential, is struggling to make an impact at the Etihad Stadium, with just two goals and two assists in 23 appearances so far this season.

We know Tottenham showed a strong interest in the Brazilian winger last summer, with a £70m bid swiftly rejected by City. I’m told that interest from Spurs is still there, even if there haven’t been any fresh contacts or approaches made. Keep an eye on Juventus and clubs from La Liga as well.

Still, a lot of people I’ve spoken to still insist that City’s stance is crystal clear: Savinho is seen as “untouchable.” City’s sporting director Hugo Viana is apparently “convinced” of the youngster’s potential, while Pep Guardiola is determined to mould him into a world‑class winger.

Should experienced figures like Bernardo Silva depart, which is a strong possibility this summer, then the creative burden in attack is expected to fall even more heavily on Savinho’s shoulders.

His new contract, which runs until June 2031, gives City enormous leverage. Financially, the club has no need to sell, further strengthening Savinho’s position. Any potential exit would only be entertained at a starting price of £75–80 million, though insiders insist even such figures carry little weight under the current strategy.

Savinho happy at Manchester City

I’m also told that Savinho is happy at Manchester City and fully focused on continuing his journey there.

As things stand, he has not spoken with any other club or considered looking for any kind of move, with the player simply focused on ensuring he plays regularly for City and works his way into Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad.

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There’s always a chance, of course, that things could change if City are active again when it comes to strengthening in attack.

We saw Antoine Semenyo joining from Bournemouth in January, and there continue to be links with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. I’m not personally aware of anything happening on that front right now, but it’s something that could be revisited in the summer which would then surely have an impact on Savinho’s future.

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Atalanta, Roma, Bologna and Fiorentina, the four Serie A clubs remaining in European competitions, will learn their Round of 16 opponents today: let’s find out who they could meet.

The draws for the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League take place today in Nyon, Switzerland, revealing the Serie A representatives’ road to the finals.

Atalanta are the only Italian club still involved in the Champions League and will face Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the Round of 16. The draw for Europe’s elite competition will begin at 12:00 CET (11:00 GMT) today.

La Dea beat Borussia Dortmund 4-3 on aggregate in the knockout play-off.

Possible Serie A derby in Europa League

There could be an Italian derby in the Europa League, with Bologna and Roma potentially meeting in the next Round.

The Rossoblu eliminated Brann from the knockout play-off, while Roma qualified straight to the Round of 16 by finishing in the top eight in the league phase.

Bologna will meet Roma or Freiburg, while the Giallorossi will play Bologna or Genk.

The Europa League draw will start at 13:00 today.

Fiorentina struggled to eliminate Jagiellonia from the Conference League knockout play-off and will face Strasbourg or Rakow in the Round of 16.

The Conference League draw will start at 14:00 CET today.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Dea challenges the giants

Atalanta: Bayern or Arsenal in the Champions League which we no longer win

Bologna and Fiorentina: the cups continue

Conference, Viola lost 2-4 but went ahead.

‘Spalletti stays here’

Comolli: ‘He’ll make Juventus win.’

The Bianconeri CEO: ‘He’s the right man, we need consistency in the playing style. Red card? How can somebody with 10 games in Europe referee us?’

The debutant Chivu and a season in Conte’s footsteps

Milan’s push to have Modric’s yes

Corriere dello Sport

Juve damaged

Comolli’s rage

Undigestible Champions League exit, the director attacks UEFA and the referee

‘Crazy to send Pinheiro.’

‘Frustrating red card to Kelly, that director only had 10 games, I’ll try not to get a ban in Europe too.’ Decisive match against Roma at the Olimpico.

Dea: Arsenal or Bayern

Bologna ahead, Roma risk

Fiorentina with a risk

Tuttosport

Referees’ errors can cost 80m

Juve, red budget

Absurd red cards that affected matches against Inter and Galatasaray. Comolli’s fury: ‘Frustrating red card to Kelly, how can they send a referee like this? Out of the Champions League because of injustices.’ Osimhen flirts with the Juventus world and Del Piero, even if De Laurentiis…Alex: ‘A thrilling night, a good signal from the team.’

‘Toro was happy in those formidable years.’

Atalanta masterpiece, pride of Italy

Joao Mario celebrates, Viola’s scare

Liverpool are in talks with the representatives of Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise as they also target RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande.

That’s according to this journalist on X, with the Reds seemingly working on a very exciting couple of moves ahead of the summer.

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The X post reads: “Our high-level source at @LFC has provided us information that the club are in talks with Michael Olise’s representatives and will activate the release clause once personal terms are agreed Liverpool want to sign both Michael Olise & Yan Diomande this summer.”

Liverpool fans will hope this proves accurate, as Olise in particular could be a real game-changer of a signing for the Reds.

Michael Olise transfer would be huge for Liverpool

Olise has ten goals and 16 assists in 22 Bundesliga games so far this season, meaning he’s averaging more than one goal contribution per game.

The France international is widely regarded as one of the finest attacking players in the world at the moment, and that’s the calibre of player Liverpool need to come in as a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah.

At the same time, however, it’s surely going to be very expensive getting Olise out of Bayern, and it’s not immediately obvious that he’d be in any hurry to leave the Allianz Arena.

LFC might also find themselves without Champions League football next season, which would surely really harm their chances of landing a signing like this.

Yan Diomande could be an alternative to Michael Olise

The links with Diomande could therefore be important, as the Leipzig youngster might work well as an alternative to Olise.

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The 19-year-old is not yet at Olise’s level, but he certainly looks like one of the next big things and could in some ways be an even smarter option.

We’ve seen more established names like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz struggle at Liverpool, whereas Hugo Ekitike has been superb, so there might again be some sense in going for a profile like Diomande over Olise.

The post Journalist claims Liverpool “in talks” with 26 G/A superstar and set to trigger clause for transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Cristiano Ronaldo will continue to look for opportunities to invest in clubs after he purchased a 25% stake in Spanish second division side Almeria.

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The Portugal international is still going strong on the pitch with Saudi Pro League giants Al Nassr, and he’ll be one to watch at the 2026 World Cup this summer.

Still, it could be that we’ll also see more of Ronaldo expanding his business empire away from the pitch, with Romano stating that Almeria probably won’t be the last club we see the 41-year-old investing in.

?? Understand Almería investment will be just the beginning for Cristiano Ronaldo’s future projects, not the only one.

Cristiano’s keen on investing in ambitious projects and clubs if more opportunities will appear in the future.

?? More: https://t.co/0UvRmmLgsp pic.twitter.com/H3NKWdOF1B

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 27, 2026

“Understand Almería investment will be just the beginning for Cristiano Ronaldo’s future projects, not the only one,” Romano posted on X. “Cristiano’s keen on investing in ambitious projects and clubs if more opportunities will appear in the future.”

What next for Cristiano Ronaldo?

Ronaldo is one of the biggest names in sport, not just football, and he’s amassed tremendous wealth after a legendary playing career.

The BBC were among the outlets to recently report that Ronaldo had become the first billionaire footballer, so that surely means he’s going to put that money somewhere.

Romano has not yet named any specific clubs we could see CR7 going after, but there will undoubtedly be some Manchester United fans keeping an eye on this.

Many Red Devils supporters will be unhappy with the Glazers and with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, so perhaps Ronaldo could at some point get involved at Old Trafford.

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Feb 27 2026, 13:56

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Club have already made decision that could benefit Liverpool in pursuit of £50m transfer

Feb 27 2026, 11:50

Ronaldo is one of Man Utd’s best ever players, and he’d surely be seen as an ideal figure to come back and steer the club back in the right direction.

That’s probably a long way off at this point, but it will be something to watch if Ronaldo really takes these kinds of investments seriously and looks for even more ambitious projects in the future.

The post Fabrizio Romano reveals big Cristiano Ronaldo plans after Almeria investment appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that Arsenal will look for a midfielder, a winger, and a right-back this summer.

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The journalist, speaking on YouTube, suggested those would be the three priorities for Arsenal in the summer transfer window, though he was yet to name any specific names the Gunners could be looking at.

It makes sense, however, that Arsenal are already making some early plans for the summer, and that they have a few areas they’re keen to improve in, or at least add depth in.

Fabrizio Romano on Arsenal’s transfer plans

“I want to start with Arsenal … in the background there are always talks, always discussions and always things happening,” Romano said.

“One thing I can guarantee is that Arsenal will work on eventually midfielders in the summer. We know for example some of the names, some of the options they already considered in January … so Arsenal are looking at some options.

“But I can tell you that one of the priorities in the summer transfer window for Arsenal, I think a bit underrated in this moment, in terms of media, could be also to add a younger right-back to the squad.

“So Arsenal are also considering the possibility to do something not just in midfield, but could be also at right-back position and also on the winger position. So Arsenal are going to be active in the summer transfer window.”

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Feb 27 2026, 11:50

Who could Arsenal sign in those three positions?

Arsenal will likely have a few names in mind, even if it’s not yet clear who they’re going to make a priority for those positions mentioned.

One midfielder we’re aware of Arsenal being interested in is talented Wolves teenager Mateus Mane, though Liverpool are felt to be leading the race for his signature at the moment.

Meanwhile, a winger to watch could be Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, who has had another fine season and who could surely give Mikel Arteta something a bit different in his front three.

The post “I can guarantee…” – Fabrizio Romano reveals three Arsenal transfer targets for the summer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle United are reportedly looking at two big-name Premier League goalkeepers in the form of Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen and Manchester City’s James Trafford.

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The Magpies are keen to explore long-term options to replace the ageing Nick Pope this summer, and it seems Verbruggen and Trafford are among their top targets, according to iNews.

The report also makes it clear that Newcastle previously tried to sign Trafford but failed, though they’ll hope there’s a chance to make it a third time lucky this summer.

Newcastle’s goalkeeper transfer plans

Newcastle currently have Aaron Ramsdale on loan at St James’ Park and that’s another decision they have to think about.

The report from iNews states that NUFC are yet to make a final decision on making Ramsdale’s move permanent, though it’s suggested that his wages could be an issue.

It therefore surely makes sense for Newcastle to look at the likes of Verbruggen and Trafford ahead of the summer.

Trafford in particular seems likely to be available after a difficult first season at Man City, where he’s had to make do with being a backup in Pep Guardiola’s squad.

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James Trafford’s Manchester City woes

Trafford initially looked like he’d surely be joining City to be their new number one, and he started a few games in the Premier League early on in the 2025/26 campaign.

However, the 23-year-old wasn’t entirely convincing, particularly in a home defeat to Tottenham, and Gianluigi Donnarumma later ended up moving to the Etihad Stadium.

Trafford would surely be tempted by a move to Newcastle if they could guarantee him the number one spot, which seems likely.

Verbruggen, meanwhile, has impressed at Brighton and will surely be one of their next big sales in the near future.

The Dutch shot-stopper looks like he has it in him to move up to a higher level, and if Newcastle don’t get him this summer then it seems only a matter of time before another big club tries their luck.

The post Report: Newcastle United eye big-name Premier League duo as solutions for problem position appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly both unsure about paying as much as £50m for the potential transfer of Wolves wonderkid Mateus Mane.

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We recently reported on Liverpool leading the race for Mane, who won’t come cheap after establishing himself as one of the most exciting prospects in the country.

The information we received, however, was that clubs were unlikely to pay Wolves’ £50m asking price for the 18-year-old, and that’s now also being confirmed by reports elsewhere.

This latest update comes from Football Insider, whose report perhaps offers Wolves some hope of keeping Mane even if they get relegated at the end of this season.

Mateus Mane transfer update as Liverpool and Man United wowed by wonderkid

Football Insider suggests Liverpool and Man Utd won’t pay Wolves’ current demands for Mane, but they also state that clubs have been left amazed by his progress after scouting him in recent times.

One imagines Wolves will struggle to keep a prospect like this for much longer, so that could mean they’ll eventually have to lower their asking price.

Mane is surely already too good to be playing in the Championship, so it will be interesting to see what kind of deal can be agreed to keep him in the Premier League this summer.

Mateus Mane praised as “special” by former Wolves manager

Former Wolves boss Vitor Pereira previously spoke about how special Mane is before he’d even really burst onto the scene.

“Mane, I’m sure that he will be a surprise in England, in this league, because he’s a player with talent,” Pereira said, as quoted by Birmingham World.

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“For sure, next season he’ll be in the first-team squad with us. He’s not only a talent, he’s a worker and for me, in that moment of the game, it was not just to give him the minutes. It was because I thought he could do something. He’s special.”

The England youth international has two goals and one assist in 17 Premier League games so far this season.

The post Update on £50m Liverpool & Man United transfer target as clubs wowed by “special” talent appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Verdict: Vinicius Junior to score anytime Best Odds: 21/10 Bookmaker: Olympusbet Turning their attention back to La Liga duties on Monday night, Real Madrid will welcome local rivals Getafe to the Bernabeu. Real Madrid Starting with the hosts, suffering spectacular last-gasp heartbreak away at Osasuna last weekend as they eventually slumped to an infamous 2-1 […]

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The post Prediction: Real Madrid vs Getafe – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts appeared first on Soccer News.

Kylian Mbappe has become one of the players to watch ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where the striker, already considered one of the leading contenders with France, will have the chance to chase multiple records. However, his recent knee injury at Real Madrid is reportedly beginning to raise concern among Les Bleus ahead of the tournament.

The 2025-26 season began with Mbappe in outstanding scoring form, making him the top scorer in both the UEFA Champions League and La Liga. But his run was interrupted by a knee injury suffered December 7 against Celta Vigo, an issue that has resurfaced in recent days.

According to L’Equipe, the France national team now fears Mbappe could reach the World Cup dealing with what was described as “unprecedented” knee discomfort. While Real Madrid had previously labeled the problem a sprain, his absence from the key Champions League match against Benfica reignited concerns that the injury could be more serious than initially thought.

After suffering a setback in training the day before the Benfica clash, Mbappe decided, alongside head coach Alvaro Arbeloa and the medical staff, to sit out the match. Reports from the French outlet added that he had been playing “on one leg” for the Spanish side over the past six weeks, particularly struggling when accelerating.

To address the issue, Mbappe is set to undergo an accelerated treatment program aimed at avoiding a more serious injury or the need for surgery. Either scenario, with the World Cup less than four months away, could sideline the striker not only for a large portion of the season but also for the tournament itself.

France have been drawn into Group I for the World Cup and face a challenging path that includes Norway national team led by Erling Haaland and Senegal national team captained by Sadio Mane, the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champion. The group will be completed by a nation from the intercontinental playoff between Bolivia, Iraq, or Suriname, making Mbappe’s fitness crucial if France want to avoid any early surprises.

Real Madrid still unsure of the severity of Mbappe’s injury

With surgery currently ruled out, Real Madrid’s plan is to manage Mbappe carefully to prevent a more serious setback. However, that approach leaves the club uncertain about when he will be able to return.

Even before the Benfica match, Arbeloa addressed Mbappe’s condition in an interview with Movistar+: “We can call it an injury, but I hope it’s not very serious and that he can return in a few days or weeks. We’re very clear about what’s wrong with him, and we want him to recover.“

No official recovery timeline, or detailed medical statement, has been released by Madrid. Still, the striker is expected to miss at least the La Liga matches against Getafe CF (March 2) and Celta Vigo (March 7) as the club monitors his progress day by day.

Verdict: Real Betis win Best Odds: 4/5 Bookmaker: Dachbet In what is a fierce derby showdown on Sunday evening, Real Betis will welcome Sevilla to the Estadio de La Cartuja. Real Betis Starting with the hosts, while Real Betis might have watched their Copa del Rey adventure come to a thumping end on February 5th […]

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Inter Miami are set to face Independiente del Valle on Thursday in a postponed preseason friendly in Puerto Rico, a match that generated major anticipation among fans on the island. However, eyebrows were raised when Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul were nowhere to be seen in the Herons’ starting lineup.

Messi and De Paul won’t start against Independiente del Valle due to a technical decision. Inter Miami’s head coach opted for heavy rotation for the friendly in Puerto Rico, leaving both Argentina stars on the bench.

The decision was also made with consideration for how close the friendly is within the team’s tight schedule. Inter Miami played their MLS opener against LAFC on Saturday, leaving only four days of rest before today’s friendly, in addition to the travel demands of the trip to Puerto Rico.

The team will also have its next MLS game away next Sunday, March 1, against Orlando City in the Florida derby, meaning just 72 hours between today’s friendly and their next match. In this situation, and with Messi still not at his best after recovering from a muscle strain, Mascherano has decided to keep the star on the bench for now.

Still, Puerto Rican fans are eager to see Messi on the pitch, who’s likely to jump in for the second half. Even when arriving to the stadium, the Inter Miami star had a warm reception from local fans, showcasing how important it is his presence in the game.

Huge squad rotation in Inter Miami

Compared to the starting lineup in the MLS debut against LAFC, head coach Mascherano has made 9 substitutions, with only Ian Fray and Yannick Bright as the ones who survived the cut for Thursday’s friendly. During the pre-match press conference early today, the Argentine boss addressed his plan of rotating the squad to give minutes to players who have seen limited action so far.

“The match gives us the opportunity to give minutes to guys who perhaps haven’t seen as much action, both during the preseason and in our last league match. We’re going to try to get everyone on the pitch,” he stated. “We need to get minutes for the entire squad, while also being careful since we have a very important match against Orlando in just 72 hours,” he added.

Verdict: Manchester United win Best Odds: 4/7 Bookmaker: Olympusbet Looking to extend on their Champions League charge on Sunday afternoon, Manchester United will welcome Crystal Palace to Old Trafford. Manchester United Starting with the hosts, while many around Old Trafford might have been left shocked last month following Michael Carrick’s return to the red half […]

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The post Prediction: Manchester United vs Crystal Palace – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts appeared first on Soccer News.

Virgil van Dijk accepts Liverpool “are not perfect” right now as the Reds look to keep their momentum going this weekend against West Ham. Liverpool defeated Nottingham Forest 1-0 last week in the final seconds to make it three wins in a row in all competitions. Arne Slot’s side have won five of their past […]

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The post Van Dijk focused on West Ham as ´not perfect´ Liverpool seek fourth straight win appeared first on Soccer News.

Inter Miami played their final friendly against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico and came away with a 2-1 victory. Santiago Morales opened the scoring for the Herons, Patrick Mercado equalized, and in the second half, Lionel Messi converted a penalty to give Miami the lead.

During the first half, Inter Miami were the more active side, despite fielding a largely rotated lineup. Luis Suarez was one of the standout performers, providing multiple key passes to teammates and even coming close to scoring from a free kick.

It was Suarez who set up Santiago Morales for the opener, with the young midfielder dribbling past the goalkeeper and a defender before finishing with composure. However, that lead was short-lived, as Independiente del Valle quickly responded with an equalizer from Patrick Mercado.

After the break, the fans got what they came to see: Lionel Messi entered for the second half and showcased his brilliance. He scored the Herons’ second goal from the penalty spot after a handball in the box. That goal was enough to seal the win in Inter Miami’s final friendly.

Real Madrid confirmed their place in the Champions League round of 16 with a victory over Benfica on Wednesday in Madrid. In the press conference following the win, Álvaro Arbeloa had something to say.

The new format of the competition doesn’t establish a full draw from the beginning. There’s a draw after the playoff round to establish matches between two possibilities for each of the main eight teams from the league phase.

For Real Madrid, Manchester City or Sporting will be the rivals. Arbeloa made a comment that may not be well received by UEFA officials: “People have gotten used to a City-Real Madrid. I’m sure we get that again. It doesn’t matter to us, it’s going to be hard anyway knowing the rematch isn’t at home. Let’s see what the hot draw ball says.” This implies the draw could once again pair them with Manchester City in a highly anticipated matchup.

Thibaut Courtois agrees with Arbeloa

The main person in the team for the hardest moments has been Thibaut Courtois. His presence covers some mistakes from the Real Madrid defense, giving his teammates confidence.

With his usual calmness on the field, he repeated the prediction that Arbeloa had as to who they are going to see in the next round. Unlike his manager, the goalkeeper’s answer was a simple “yes, we are seeing them.”

Courtois also referred to the possibility of playing against the Portuguese club Sporting: “It’s been a long time since I played them. It’s a nice stadium. It’s a hard rival, but we have history with City too, it’s the dream match for the lottery.”

The Champions League draw

The rivals for all remaining teams will be decided by a draw. This will take place on Friday, 27 February at 6:00 AM EST. Looking further ahead, the potential rivals that Real Madrid could get in the quarterfinals are Atalanta, Arsenal or Bayern Munich. From that side of the draw in the semifinals, one potential challenge could be PSG.

Neymar raised concerns last year after suffering a knee injury that could have affected his form just months before the World Cup with Brazil. Now the star forward has finally returned to the scoresheet in 2026 with Santos, celebrating with a tribute to teammate Vinicius Junior following recent events in the UEFA Champions League.

On Thursday, Santos hosted a 2026 league matchup against Vasco da Gama at Vila Belmiro, looking to bounce back after one draw and two losses in their first three games. Head coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda included Neymar in the starting lineup, marking his second straight start, and the star delivered.

In the 25th minute, Santos launched a quick counterattack through midfield, and drifting in from the left, Moisés slipped a pass into space for Neymar to strike first time and score the opener. It was Neymar’s first goal of 2026 and his first since scoring against Juventude on December 3 in Matchday 37 of last season’s Brasileirão.

But Neymar was far from finished. After Vasco scored the equalizer in the 43rd minute, the superstar forward took center stage once again. Capitalizing on a defensive mistake that left him one-on-one with Leo Jardim, Neymar coolly chipped the keeper in the 61st minute, completing his brace and securing Santos’ first victory of the Brasileirao campaign.

Neymar missed Santos’ first 10 matches after undergoing arthroscopic surgery to address a meniscus issue late last year. With his stated priority being full fitness for the World Cup, the goal represents another step toward convincing Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti to include him in the squad.

Neymar and a tribute to Vinicius Junior

Vinicius Junior made headlines last week after alleging he was racially abused by Gianluca Prestianni during the first leg against Benfica. The incident sparked widespread debate across the soccer world, with the Portuguese club denying the accusations and multiple figures weighing in publicly.

One notable voice who had not commented publicly was Neymar, one of Vinicius’ closest friends on the national team. Instead, the Santos forward chose to show support in his own way.

While celebrating his goal, Neymar first made a “silence” gesture toward the stands where some fans were booing him, then ran to the corner flag and recreated the same dance celebration Vinicius used in the Champions League match.

Carlo Ancelotti and Neymar once again find their names intertwined at a decisive crossroads for the Brazil national team. As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup accelerates, speculation has intensified over whether the Selecao’s all-time leading scorer will return to the international stage this March.

For the Brazilian public, Neymar remains the emotional centerpiece of the national team. For Ancelotti, however, sentiment does not outweigh structure. The Italian coach is shaping a squad not just for friendlies, but for a global tournament where physical condition, tactical clarity, and squad balance will determine everything.

Brazil is scheduled to travel to the United States for two high-profile friendlies against France and Croatia. The matches, set for Boston and Orlando, represent the final experimental window before the definitive World Cup list is finalized.

According to ESPN Brasil, Neymar was never part of the original blueprint for these fixtures. The early elimination of Santos from the Campeonato Paulista — a disappointing result against Novorizontino — did not alter that stance. Instead, it reinforced an already cautious roadmap.

In the middle of the mounting speculation, the key decision has emerged: Carlo Ancelotti is not planning to call Neymar up for the March friendlies. This is not a rejection; it’s a postponement. The coaching staff views March not as a ceremonial return for the No. 10, but as a laboratory for unresolved tactical questions.

Calculated delay, not closed door?

Ancelotti’s technical team believes they already understand what Neymar offers. Integration is not the issue; fitness is. Reports from ESPN Brasil indicate that the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) continues to monitor Neymar’s progress closely following his long injury layoff.

The expectation had been for the forward to regain rhythm gradually at club level before re-entering international contention. The Italian manager has maintained a transparent condition for any recall: elite physical readiness. The ultimate evaluation will not occur in March; it will come in May.

That month has been set internally as the decisive checkpoint. By then, Ancelotti will determine whether Neymar is physically and technically prepared to compete at the level required for the World Cup. If he is, the door remains wide open. If not, he risks missing what would be his fourth World Cup appearance after 2014, 2018, and 2022. In essence, March belongs to assessment; May belongs to Neymar.

Tactical priorities beyond the star

While public discourse remains fixed on Neymar, Ancelotti’s focus extends elsewhere. The staff is addressing structural uncertainties within the squad. Key questions remain in multiple departments: both full-back positions, depth behind central defenders Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes, cover for Bruno Guimaraes in midfield, and the overall attacking balance.

The March friendlies are designed to clarify these doubts. The coaching commission believes this window is better used to evaluate fringe profiles rather than reintegrate a player whose qualities are already well established. Neymar’s soccer identity is not under debate. His physical durability is.

As one internal assessment suggests, there is no urgency to “see how he fits.” The only variable is whether he can sustain the physical demands of modern international soccer.

Christian Pulisic remains central to the present and future of Milan, yet uncertainty now surrounds his trajectory at the San Siro. As renewal talks simmer and interest from the Premier League grows louder, the Rossoneri face a delicate balancing act.

For much of his time in Italy, Pulisic has been viewed as a renaissance figure, rediscovering his confidence and consistency after an uneven spell in England. However, recent weeks have introduced doubt. Injuries, missed chances, and stalled contract discussions have shifted the narrative. The club believes in him. The coach trusts him. Yet results have complicated everything.

According to Corriere dello Sport, renewal discussions are underway as Pulisic approaches a crucial stage in his contract cycle. His current deal runs until 2027, and Milan retains contractual strength. However, the American is said to be evaluating his options carefully.

While the Rossoneri reportedly do not intend to sell, hesitation over an extension has created a sense of limbo. The decision is not purely financial; it is described as sporting, strategic, and personal. Abroad, Premier League sides are monitoring developments closely, with parallels drawn to the path once taken by Mohamed Salah: leaving England, flourishing in Italy, and returning stronger.

Allegri’s tactical dilemma

Manager Massimiliano Allegri remains a firm admirer of Pulisic, La Gazzetta dello Sport claims. The coach sees him as a tactical cornerstone: versatile, intelligent, and capable of unlocking tight defenses. Yet numbers show Milan’s attack has lacked consistency.

In 26 Serie A matches, Milan has scored 41 goals, the same as Como, fewer than Juventus, and 21 fewer than Inter. Pulisic and Rafael Leao were earmarked as the primary attacking duo. On paper, the combination promised pace, unpredictability, and creativity. In reality, injuries have disrupted continuity.

Since the summer, the American has battled ankle pain, a hamstring injury, and bursitis, while the Portuguese winger has struggled with a lingering groin issue. The pair have started together in only a handful of matches. In 377 shared league minutes, they have scored just once each. Though both sit on eight league goals, chemistry has not flourished.

The plan to revive Pulisic

Behind the scenes, the Rossoneri intend to activate their option to extend Pulisic’s contract by an additional year, securing leverage while negotiations continue. More importantly, Allegri’s immediate focus is physical and tactical recovery, the report adds.

The American carried the attack during the first half of the campaign. However, he has not scored in 2026, and recent performances have reflected the physical toll of repeated injuries. Against Parma, missed opportunities reignited concern.

Allegri’s approach is twofold: restore Pulisic’s physical sharpness through tailored recovery management and recalibrate his tactical role to maximize efficiency rather than overload responsibility. Rather than forcing him into central striker duties, a role neither he nor Leao naturally embody, Milan is exploring structural adjustments that provide a true No.9 presence to shoulder the scoring burden.

Since the post-Ibrahimovic era, the absence of a dominant central striker has lingered. Olivier Giroud contributed, but not at the level of Lautaro Martinez or Victor Osimhen in recent Serie A seasons. Christopher Nkunku and Niclas Fullkrug have rotated without cementing authority. In short, Milan believe Pulisic thrives best with balance around him, not isolation.

Inter Miami began its 2026 MLS title defense on the wrong foot after LAFC handed it a resounding 3-0 defeat in Los Angeles. Following the disappointing start, co-owner Jorge Mas addressed the possibility of additional signings to strengthen the roster around Lionel Messi.

After spending more than $40 million in transfer fees (per Transfermarkt), Inter Miami also acquired an international roster slot for the 2026 season from New England Revolution, raising expectations about another incoming player. The lopsided loss against a team featuring Son Heung‑min suggested the Herons are still far from settled, fueling speculation about a potential move.

Jorge Mas attended an event hosted by FIFA to open a museum in Miami on Wednesday, and in comments relayed by José Armando, the Inter Miami executive was asked about further additions: “The transfer market is open and some things are being considered. I’m not anticipating any more signings.”

Mas then highlighted several notable arrivals. “I think (German) Berterame is a great signing for the club, and obviously the return of Tadeo (Allende). His visa was delayed, but I think we’ll see him at 100% within the next two weeks. Mateo Silvetti; we expect very good things this year from David Ayala and Yannick (Bright),” he added.

After several departures from last season, Inter Miami needed an aggressive winter window, and Mas believes it was nearly flawless: “We entered the winter window with a goal. I’d tell you we were pursuing seven players, and of those seven we were able to acquire six.“

In addition to the names mentioned, Inter Miami also finalized deals for Rocco Ríos Novo, Dayne St. Clair, Facundo Mura, Luis Barraza, Micael dos Santos, Sergio Reguilón, and Dániel Pintér from Inter Miami II. Even without formally closing the door on more moves, the club appears set to rely on this group for at least the early portion of the 2026 campaign.

Jorge Mas going all-in for 2026 season

Winning MLS Cup had been a primary objective for Inter Miami’s ownership since Messi’s arrival, and after lifting the trophy in 2025, the focus has shifted toward international success, specifically the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Despite heavy investment ahead of 2026, the 3-0 loss served as a wake-up call that the team has yet to rediscover the form it showed late last season.

Still, Mas expressed full confidence in the squad’s potential. “We’re very happy with the club’s roster. We aspire not only to win the league, but the Supporters’ Shield, Leagues Cup, Champions (Cup), and MLS Cup. We’re very satisfied,” the club co-owner stated.

With just about three months remaining until the end of the 2025-26 season, the world’s top clubs are already planning their next moves. That includes major player signings and departures — something Real Madrid and Liverpool are reportedly working on. Rodrygo Goes could be part of a potential swap deal between the two clubs.

“Liverpool and Real Madrid have overlapping interests that could lead to a high-voltage exchange. Both clubs have key players who fit as complementary pieces in projects aiming to innovate without losing competitiveness,” Fichajes reported this week.

“Real Madrid continue to scout the market for a midfielder who can bring dynamism, scoring ability, and the capacity to break lines. In this scenario emerges Dominik Szoboszlai,” the report added, referring to the 25-year-old Hungarian star who has established himself as a key figure for the Reds in recent seasons.

This campaign, Szoboszlai has impressed on both ends of the pitch. He has started every match for Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League, Community Shield, and FA Cup, missing only two Premier League games due to suspension. So far, he has recorded 10 goals and 7 assists in 36 appearances.

This isn’t the first time Szoboszlai has been linked to a move to Real Madrid. Recently, Marco Rossi, manager of the Hungarian national team, revealed the midfielder’s desire to join the Spanish side. “For the close and direct relationship I have with him since he started playing football as a kid, Real Madrid has always been his dream,” Rossi told WinWin in an interview cited by Diario AS.

Rodrygo could be useful for Liverpool

The other piece of the puzzle is a potential move of Rodrygo to Liverpool. “At Anfield, his addition is seen as a strategic solution in case of a potential departure of Mohamed Salah,” Fichajes reported.

Speculation about Salah’s future has been ongoing in England, and his departure seems increasingly likely once this season concludes. One of the main reasons appears to be Arne Slot’s vision for the team, particularly regarding the role he expects Salah to play.

The Dutch coach seems to prefer building an attacking duo with Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, which would leave limited room for a pure winger like Salah. In contrast, Rodrygo’s versatility, youth, and skill set could allow him to fit more naturally into this projected tactical system.

How much are Rodrygo and Szoboszlai worth?

If negotiations between Liverpool and Real Madrid move forward, the valuation of each player will be a key factor. While Rodrygo has a release clause of €1 billion, his actual market value is far lower. According to Transfermarkt, the Brazilian forward is valued at around €60 million (approximately $70 million).

Dominik Szoboszlai, on the other hand, currently appears to have a higher market value, boosted by his strong performance this season. The Liverpool midfielder is estimated by specialized websites at around $100 million.

A significant milestone awaits Hansi Flick as he approaches his 100th match in charge of Barcelona. Ahead of that mark, he spoke with the club’s media and addressed the impact of his decisions, including substituting Lamine Yamal during matches.

After managing Bayern Munich, Flick says the spotlight at Barcelona is on another level. According to him, everything that happens at the club, whether it is something a player says, something the manager says, or a tactical decision during a match, quickly becomes a major topic.

Flick said: “Everything that happens here, what a player or the manager says, or what we do generates noise outside. Everybody focuses on Barcelona. If I substitute Yamal, everyone is watching him. We know it. That’s how things are.”

Flick’s keys to make a comeback against Atletico Madrid

Barcelona face a demanding stretch. Saturday’s La Liga match against Villarreal is crucial in a tight race where every point could make the difference. At the same time, there is another major challenge coming on Tuesday.

After a disastrous first leg in the Copa del Rey semifinal, when Atletico Madrid were four goals ahead at halftime, the task of overturning the result will not be easy. Flick, however, believes his players can respond, especially with the support of the fans.

Flick said: “It’s difficult but not impossible. We must believe we are capable of coming back. We must give everything or even more in those 90 minutes. We must fight for the team, the club and the fans. We must have them on our side. Since we returned to Camp Nou we haven’t lost a match. We must come out with a positive attitude to produce a comeback.”

The importance of playstyle

At Barcelona, winning is not the only priority. The way the team plays and how results are achieved matter deeply to those around the club. Flick understands that expectation, even when results are disappointing.

He said: “You don’t just have to win. It’s how you do it. Last season when we lost to Inter in the Champions League semifinals, we were all disappointed. But we were very proud of what we had done in those matches.”

Lukasz Skorupski ‘showed I am back to full fitness’ after a serious injury, with crucial saves for Bologna to eliminate SK Brann and reach the Europa League last 16.

The first leg had been a 1-0 victory in Norway, but as we saw from Juventus, Fiorentina, Atalanta and more, even far bigger margins are no guarantee of qualification.

They had a wobbly start here too, Skorupski and a Remo Freuler goal-line clearance proving decisive, before Jacob Sorensen’s red card on 37 minutes.

Joao Mario drilled in his first goal for the club since his January move from Juventus to seal tonight’s 1-0 win, qualifying 2-0 on aggregate for the Europa League Round of 16.

Skorupski back to his best for Bologna

“It is a great victory, we dedicate it to all these wonderful fans, and it is our fourth consecutive win, so we are very happy,” Skorupski told Sky Sport Italia.

“I had a serious injury three months ago, but it is behind me now, I showed today that I am back to full fitness, and the important thing was to keep going in the Europa League.”

Bologna had a disastrous start to 2026, but have now turned a corner with four consecutive victories in all competition.

In tomorrow’s draw, they will find out if they are paired with Roma or SC Freiburg in the Europa League last 16, so which would the goalkeeper prefer?

“I honestly don’t know, we’ll see what we get and will do our job. We want to keep going as far as possible in Europe.”

Vincenzo Italiano feels Bologna ‘did enough over the two games’ to deserve their Europa League play-off success against SK Brann, as they prepare to face Roma or Freiburg.

The Rossoblu had the benefit of the first leg 1-0 victory in Norway, but were told as they warmed up that Fiorentina had managed to throw away a 3-0 advantage in the Conference League with Jagiellonia.

They still had a shaky start, requiring three big Lukasz Skorupski saves and a Remo Freuler goal-line clearance, but Jacob Sorensen’s red card damaged Brann.

Joao Mario eventually drilled in the winning goal after one of 13 corners, with Benjamin Dominguez hitting the woodwork in stoppages.

Italiano expected Bologna struggle

“The first 20 minutes were honestly what I expected, because Brann only had one result to go for, so they were forced to come out fighting,” Italiano told Sky Sport Italia.

“We made a few too many mistakes, we could’ve done more with Rowe and Bernardeschi in good positions. Once we had an extra man, we made the most of the situation, and I think between the two games, we did enough to deserve qualification.

“Our target was to stay in the Cup competitions in March, we did it in Europe and unfortunately not the Coppa Italia.”

Another reason why Brann were moving in a different gear is that their domestic league is on hiatus, so they’ve been able to focus only on the Europa League.

“It was very important to get the first leg result, because we knew Brann would be in good shape, especially as we have so many matches to contend with. We knew their tempo could be a problem for us, we played an intelligent game in Norway.

“They caused us issues this evening for the first 20 minutes, but we are managing to remain more solid and avoid dangerous counter-attacks, which we allowed too often in recent months.”

Bologna are through to the Europa League Round of 16, and will find out in tomorrow’s draw if they will be paired with SC Freiburg or their fellow Italians Roma.

Jens Odgaard was a substitute this evening, but the coach hits back at suggestions he is no longer a first choice player for Bologna.

“I read someone this week say that Odgaard was pushed to the margins of the squad, that’s just unthinkable. We rested him with so many games, then changed strategy, but he showed when he came off the bench what he can do with that ability to keep the ball. He remains an important player for us, whether he starts or not,” insisted Italiano.

“Joao Mario is introverted, shy, and I think he needs to start smiling more. I was a little worried at first, to be honest, but he relaxed and is now showing why he played regularly for Porto and was signed by Juventus. He can play on the right or left, he did well defensively and scoring a goal today.”

Atalanta, Roma, Bologna and Fiorentina will discover their opponents in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League in Friday’s UEFA draws, as Italian football enters the Round of 16.

There are still four representatives of Serie A in the knockout phase of the UEFA tournaments.

Atalanta overturned a 2-0 first leg deficit to eliminate Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League play-off, and will learn on Friday if they are to face Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the Round of 16.

UEFA could give us an Italian derby

There is a good chance of an Italian derby in the Europa League Round of 16, because Roma already went through as one of the top eight in the league phase.

Bologna eliminated SK Brann 2-0 on aggregate and will be paired either with Roma or SC Freiburg in Friday’s draw.

Roma’s situation is a little more complicated, as they might be drawn against Bologna or KRC Genk (who needed extra time to eliminate GNK Dinamo Zagreb).

Fiorentina are the sole Italian representatives in the Conference League, and squeezed past Jagiellonia in extra time, 5-4 on aggregate.

Their next test will be against either RC Strasbourg or Rakow in the last 16.

Champions League Last 16

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham, Newcastle, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Atalanta, PSG, Sporting CP, Bodo/Glimt, Galatasaray

Europa League Last 16

Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Freiburg, Stuttgart, Braga, Porto, Lyon, Lille, Celta Vigo, Real Betis, Bologna, Roma, Panathinaikos, Midtjylland, Genk, Ferencvaros

Conference League Last 16

Lech Poznan, Rakow, Sparta Prague, Sigma Olomouc, Crystal Palace, Rayo Vallecano, Mainz 05, Fiorentina, Strasbourg, AZ Alkmaar, Shakhtar Donetsk, Samsunspor, AEK Athens, Rijeka, AEK Larnaca, Celje

This week, Vinicius Junior was under the spotlight following his clash with Gianluca Prestianni during the first leg of the UEFA Champions League playoff between Real Madrid and Benfica. However, the Brazilian winger also made headlines for his performance on the ball, breaking a record previously held by Neymar.

With his late goal in Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Benfica at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Vinicius became the Brazilian player with the most goals in Champions League knockout-stage history. Vini reached 14 goals in those European elimination matches — a mark no other Brazilian had previously achieved.

He first scored in a knockout game against Liverpool in the quarterfinals of the 2020-21 season. The following year, he found the net again against the same opponent, delivering what was arguably the most important goal of his career: the lone strike in Real Madrid’s 1-0 win in the final. In 2024, he scored in another final, this time against Borussia Dortmund.

Vinicius’ rise in this ranking pushed Neymar into second place. The Santos star had held the record for most goals by a Brazilian in Champions League knockout matches, thanks to his time with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, with a total of 13.

Who are the top scorers in Champions League knockout stages?

Vinicius Junior’s numbers with Real Madrid are impressive, but they remain far from the historic marks set by some of the competition’s all-time greats. In fact, the Brazilian winger is not yet among the top 25 scorers in Champions League knockout-stage history.

The top spot, unsurprisingly, belongs to Cristiano Ronaldo, the competition’s all-time leading scorer. Ronaldo netted 67 goals in knockout matches — 18 more than Lionel Messi, who sits second with 49. Alfredo Di Stefano (49), Eusebio (47) and Ferenc Puskas (36) round out the top five.

Further down the list is the first player who still has an opportunity to add to his tally. Robert Lewandowski ranks sixth with 34 knockout-stage goals, tied with Karim Benzema and Gerd Muller. The next active player in Europe is Kylian Mbappe, who sits 12th with 24 goals.

Vinicius climbs the all-time Champions League scoring list

At just 25 years old, Vinicius Junior’s overall production is remarkable. Combining group-stage and knockout-stage matches, the Brazilian winger ranks among the top 30 scorers in UEFA Champions League history. With 32 goals, he is tied with Juventus legend David Trezeguet and Bayern Munich icon Arjen Robben.

Among players still active in European leagues, Vini ranks inside the top eight. Only Robert Lewandowski, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane, Antoine Griezmann and Edin Dzeko have scored more Champions League goals.