Andrew Robertson insists he does not feel like he has a point to prove at Liverpool after starring in their 3-1 FA Cup win at Wolves. The long-serving Reds full-back drilled home a brilliant opener at Molineux then quickly teed up Mohamed Salah, before Curtis Jones’ effort rendered Hwang Hee-chan’s late goal a mere consolation. […]
Andy Robertson’s stunning second-half strike led Liverpool to a 3-1 win over Wolves in the FA Cup fifth round. The left-back’s first Liverpool goal from outside the box got things started after the break, before Mohamed Salah and Curtis Jones made sure of their progression at Molineux, where they lost in the Premier League on […]
Real Madrid could spend a fortune on signings this summer, potentially including Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.
Real Madrid’s performances this season have fallen short of expectations, especially considering the high standards typically associated with a club so accustomed to excellence. As a result, they could spend significant money this summer to strengthen the squad, including a possible move for 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.
“The first €100 million that Real Madrid want to spend this summer is on Rodrigo Hernandez and Schlotterbeck,” journalist Alberto Pereiro said this week on Radioestadio Noche on Onda Cero, as cited by Mundo Deportivo.
Rodri has been linked with Real Madrid for years. His performances at Manchester City since 2019 have been outstanding, turning him into a key figure in the club’s successes, including the UEFA Champions League title in 2023. That, combined with his leading role in Spain’s UEFA Euro triumph, earned him the Ballon d’Or in 2024.
However, things have been difficult for the midfielder since then. During the 2024-25 season, Rodri played only eight matches for the Citizens due to a serious knee injury that kept him out for eight months. In the current campaign, although he has featured more regularly, he has still had to deal with knee and muscular issues.
Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League.
Schlotterbeck, the other major target for Real Madrid
In addition to a top-level central midfielder like Rodri, Real Madrid know they will also need defenders. The futures of Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba remain uncertain, while Dean Huijsen’s performances have not been entirely convincing. That could lead Los Blancos to target high-quality center backs ahead of next season.
Nico Schlotterbeck fits that profile. The German defender is only 26 years old, suggesting he still has many years at the elite level ahead of him, while already having built significant experience with Borussia Dortmund. He has played more than 150 matches there over the past four seasons and has also become a regular member of the Germany national team.
How much are Rodri and Schlotterbeck worth?
Reports indicate that Real Madrid are willing to allocate around $115 million to sign Rodri and Schlotterbeck. That figure, as impressive as it may seem, could still fall short of the combined market value of two players of their quality.
According to the specialized website Transfermarkt, Rodri is valued at €75 million and Schlotterbeck at €55 million, bringing their combined estimated value to roughly $150 million. However, the fact that both players are just one year away from becoming free agents could be a valuable negotiating tool for Real Madrid in potential talks with Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund.
Rodri of Manchester City applauds the fans after a Premier League match.
In the never-ending debate about soccer’s greatest players, the names of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo usually dominate every conversation. But one striker currently playing in the Premier League has unexpectedly inserted himself into the discussion, at least in one very specific area.
In the never-ending debate about soccer’s greatest players, the names of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo usually dominate every conversation. But one striker currently playing in the Premier League has unexpectedly inserted himself into the discussion, at least in one very specific area. At Fulham, Mexican forward Raul Jimenez has quietly built himself a worthy reputation in world soccer.
His confidence recently led him to make a bold claim: in one key statistical category, he believes he stands above both Messi and Ronaldo. The statement raised eyebrows across the soccer world. Yet when the numbers behind Jimenez’s record are examined, the comparison suddenly becomes much harder to dismiss.
Jimenez has become one of the most successful Mexican players ever to play in England. After making his mark with Wolverhampton and continuing his career with Fulham, the striker has established himself as a dependable presence in the Premier League.
The former academy product of Club America now holds the record for the most goals scored by a Mexican player in England, with 67 goals across his Premier League career. Beyond the raw numbers, his influence has been particularly evident during his time at Fulham. His leadership in attack and calm presence in crucial moments have made him a key figure at Craven Cottage.
This season alone, the 34-year-old has scored nine goals in all competitions, helping the club push toward the upper half of the league table. But it is not just his open-play goals that have drawn attention. Instead, a remarkable pattern has emerged whenever a referee points to the penalty spot.
The hidden record that sets Jimenez apart
While comparisons with Messi and Ronaldo usually focus on total goals or trophies, Jimenez’s advantage comes from a different category entirely. Since the beginning of his professional career, the Mexican striker has produced an extraordinary level of efficiency from the penalty spot.
Jimenez has an incredible 95.5 percent success record in official competitions since making his professional debut, scoring 42 penalties from 44 tries. His only two misses came under unique circumstances: one with the Mexican national team in a friendly against Uruguay, when goalkeeper Fernando Muslera saved his effort in 2018, and another during a high-pressure Europa League quarter-final against Sevilla while he was playing for Wolves.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF scores a free kick against Orlando City SC.
Aside from those two moments, the experienced veteran has been nearly flawless. By comparison, Messi has converted 114 penalties from 146 attempts, a success rate of 78.1 percent, while Ronaldo has scored 181 out of 217 penalties, producing an 83.4 percent success rate, according to statistics compiled by Transfermarkt.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr scores a penalty kick
Jimenez’s bold claim about the GOAT debate
Despite the intimidating reputations of Messi and Ronaldo, Jimenez has no hesitation in backing his own numbers. During an interview with FOX Sports, the Fulham striker was asked to compare his penalty-taking ability with several famous names, including Messi and Ronaldo.
The Mexican forward confidently placed himself at the top of the list. “Whether you like it or not, I have a better success rate than all of the ones you mentioned,” Jimenez said. “I don’t know if I’m the best in the world, but it’s something that characterizes me. I’ll stick with myself.”
The comment quickly sparked debate among fans on social media, with many surprised by the striker’s bold comparison with two of soccer’s greatest icons. Yet the numbers provide strong support for his claim.
Lionel Messi (left), Raul Jimenez (center), and Cristiano Ronaldo (right)
The future of Christian Pulisic at Milan could soon be shaped by a decision unfolding far from the pitch. With speculation swirling across Europe and persistent whispers from Real Madrid, attention has turned to the fate of the Rossoneri’s head coach, Massimiliano Allegri.
The future of Christian Pulisic at Milan could soon be shaped by a decision unfolding far from the pitch. With speculation swirling across Europe and persistent whispers from Real Madrid, attention has turned to the fate of the Rossoneri’s head coach, Massimiliano Allegri.
As the season approaches a decisive stretch, the American star and the rest of the squad are watching closely while the club weighs its next move. Reports in Italy suggest that Milan has already reached an internal conclusion regarding the future of its coach, while Allegri himself has quietly made clear what direction he prefers. Yet the situation remains layered with intrigue, especially as Madrid once again circles around the veteran tactician.
The speculation intensified after reports from Corriere dello Sport suggested that Real Madrid is again considering Allegri as a potential manager for the 2026-27 season. The Italian newspaper reported that the Spanish giant “could make an attempt to hire Allegri next season,” reviving a connection that has existed for years. This would not be the first time Madrid has pursued the Italian coach.
The Spanish club previously approached Allegri in both 2019 and 2021, when the idea of bringing the experienced Serie A strategist to the Santiago Bernabéu came close to becoming reality. In 2021, the deal reportedly progressed to an advanced stage. However, the tactitian ultimately decided against the move after a crucial meeting with Juventus president Andrea Agnelli, opting instead to return to Turin after two years away from coaching.
Massimiliano Allegri manager of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match.
Now, years later, the situation appears to be resurfacing again. Madrid’s leadership, led by club president Florentino Perez, continues to evaluate long-term options for the bench. The Spanish club’s recent managerial instability has only fueled the rumors. After replacing Xabi Alonso with Álvaro Arbeloa earlier this season, results have reportedly failed to meet expectations, opening the door for another change next summer.
Milan’s decision emerges
Despite the growing rumors from Spain, the situation inside Milan appears far clearer. According to multiple Italian outlets, including Corriere della Sera and La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan is preparing to offer Allegri a contract extension that would keep him at the club until 2028, with an option for a further season.
The proposed deal would also increase his salary from $5.8 million to roughly $7 million per season, particularly if the club secures qualification for the UEFA Champions League. The decision reflects the Rossoneri’s belief that the experienced Italian boss should remain the central figure of the club’s long-term project. Club directors reportedly see continuity on the bench as vital for both recruitment and player development.
For a squad featuring key figures like Pulisic, managerial stability could prove decisive. Allegri’s return at San Siro has already restored structure and discipline to a team that struggled for consistency in previous seasons.
AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri consoles Alexis Saelemaekers during the Serie A match.
Allegri’s own preference comes to light
Equally important is the stance of the coach himself. According to several reports, Allegri’s preference is to remain at Milan, a club he considers both professionally and personally significant. The Livorno-born manager has repeatedly emphasized his satisfaction with the current project.
While the 58-year-old manager appears committed to staying, he reportedly has specific conditions for the next phase of the project. The coach wants a stronger voice in Milan’s transfer strategy, particularly as the club prepares for a potential return to the Champions League. Playing in Europe would require a deeper squad capable of competing every three days.
Thus, discussions about the long-term plan are expected only after the season concludes, when Allegri and Milan’s leadership will evaluate the squad and define their strategy for the future.
Christian Pulisic (left) and Massimiliano Allegri (right)
Napoli moved a step closer to securing Champions League football with a commanding home victory over Torino at the Maradona, with goals from Alisson Santos and Eljif Elmas doing the damage against a Torino side that threatened briefly but were ultimately well beaten.
Antonio Conte’s men were in the ascendancy from the off, and it took only seven minutes for the opener to arrive.
Alisson Santos, the Brazilian who has quickly become a fan favourite at the Maradona, collected a pass on the edge of the box and without hesitation rifled an unstoppable effort into the bottom left corner.
It was a goal of genuine quality, the kind that silences any doubts about whether a player belongs at this level.
Torino were not without their moments in the first half.
Vanja Milinkovic-Savic was called into action on a couple of occasions, producing a sensational stop to deny Nikola Vlasic from close range after a rebound fell invitingly on the edge of the box, while Duvan Zapata tested the defence with a powerful effort that cannoned to safety.
But Napoli’s control was evident, their passing crisp and purposeful as they managed the game comfortably until the break.
NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 06: Alisson Santos of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his side first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Torino FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 06, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Napoli 2-1 Torino – Zambo Anguissa & De Bruyne return from injury
Zambo Anguissa made his comeback from injury at half-time, replacing Vergara in a moment that drew warm applause from a sell-out crowd, the Cameroonian’s return another welcome boost for a squad stretched thin by a lengthy injury list.
Kevin De Bruyne followed him off the bench in the 79th minute, the Belgian’s first involvement since October greeted with enormous excitement from the stands.
The points were sealed on 68 minutes when Elmas, having been played in smartly by Matteo Politano, jinked inside his marker and buried an unstoppable low drive into the bottom left corner. It was a goal of composure and conviction, and one that gave the result its definitive shape.
Torino did manage to deny Napoli a clean sheet, when Cesare Casadei scored with just two minutes left of normal time. However, the Partenopei managed to hold on to their lead and secure the three points.
Napoli’s fortress remains intact.
The Maradona is still an unbeaten turf in Serie A this season, and with De Bruyne and Anguissa edging closer to full fitness, Conte’s side are gathering momentum at exactly the right time.
Liverpool is hoping to sign Tyler Adams from Bournemouth, and they will face competition from Chelsea and Manchester United.
The 27-year-old United States International has done well in the top-flight, and he could be a useful acquisition for Liverpool. They need more physicality and defensive cover in the middle of the park, and Adams is well settled in the top flight. He could make an immediate impact and help Liverpool tighten up defensively.
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Liverpool learn asking price for Tyler Adams
According to a report from Fichajes, he is likely to cost around £40 million. Liverpool have the financial muscle to get the deal done, and it remains to be seen whether they follow up on their interest with an official proposal in the summer.
His arrival will help protect the defensive unit and allow the creative players to operate with more freedom. The opportunity to join Liverpool will be tempting for the player. He is at the peak of his career, and this is the right time for him to join an elite club.
Meanwhile, Chelsea and Manchester United need more depth in the midfield as well. Chelsea need someone who can support Moises Caicedo, and Manchester United will need to replace Casemiro. It will be interesting to see where the 27-year-old ends up eventually. He has the quality to play for a bigger club, and he will look to join a competitive team in the summer.
It will be interesting to see whether the cherries are willing to sanction his departure for a reasonable sum. He has been an important player for them, and he is one of their leaders in the dressing room.
West Ham United have reportedly secured the services of the former Arsenal youth goalkeeper Jack Tomlin.
The 16-year-old has been informed that he will not receive a scholarship from Arsenal and will now join the London rivals instead, as per Arsenal Insider. He will look to continue his development at West Ham, and it will be interesting to see if he can become a first-team player for them in the future.
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Jack Tomlin joins West Ham
Tomlin is highly rated in England, and he has a bright future. West Ham will be hoping to groom him into an important player for the future.
The 16-year-old was a part of the Arsenal under-18 squad, and he has now joined up with the West Ham under-18 side. He will further his career at the London Stadium now and establish himself as an important player for their youth team.
West Ham are looking to build for the future, and the 16-year-old could be an asset for the club in the long term.
There is no doubt that West Ham need more quality and depth in the goalkeeping department. Having said that, the 16-year-old is still nowhere near ready for the first team. They will need to groom him properly over the next few seasons before he can make his mark in the Premier League.
Time will tell whether Arsenal will regret the decision to let him leave. The young goalkeeper will certainly look to prove them wrong and make his mark in English football.
Meanwhile, West Ham continues its push for survival, and it will be interesting to see if it can preserve their status as a top-flight club.
Chelsea picked up a 4-1 win over Aston Villa recently, and Jadon Sancho left the onlookers disappointed with his unprofessional behaviour during the game.
The attacker was brought on after the hour mark to help turn the game in favour of the West Midlands club, but his first act after coming on was a conversation with his former teammate Cole Palmer. Furthermore, he was seen hugging it out with the Chelsea captain, Reece James, after the final whistle.
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Jadon Sancho slammed
Former Premier League scout Bryan King believes the conduct was unprofessional and that the player should focus more on helping his team than on pleasantries with rival players. Sancho has previously been on loan to Chelsea, and there is no doubt that he shares with his former teammates.
However, King believes that the attacker should have been more professional.
Former Aston Villa scout Bryan King, speaking toVilla News, said: “I thought it was very unprofessional, to be honest.
“The only explanation is that he forgot what colour shirt he had on.
“Saying hello to Cole Palmer when you come on as a substitute? He could have done that before the game if it was that important. It’s even worse because Villa were losing.
“It doesn’t matter who your friends are; you don’t do that until after the game. If you want to be with them and don’t want to be at Villa, why are you there? It’s just very unprofessional.
“I wouldn’t have thought it would go down well with the staff or the rest of the players. It isn’t a good sign and raises questions of where he will go at the end of the season.”
The move for the Premier League has simply not worked out, and a return to Germany could be ideal for him. He is very much at the peak of his powers, and he will get his career back on track with regular opportunities.
Sancho should look to join a club where he will get a defined role and regular opportunities. He has previously shown his quality in Germany, and he will be desperate to rediscover his form and confidence.
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate continues to be linked with a move away from the club, and Real Madrid are hoping to sign him.
According to a report from BILD, the French international has decided to close the chapter with the Premier League club and move on. The development will be a huge boost for Madrid. It will be interesting to see if they can get the deal done.
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Ibrahima Konate wants out
Konate will be a free agent at the end of the season, and he’s unwilling to sign a new contract with Liverpool. Meanwhile, the report mentions that Liverpool is not too keen on Nico Schlotterbeck as his replacement. It will be interesting to see if the German defender is now prepared to sign a new contract with Borussia Dortmund.
He has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in recent months. He will cost around €40 million, and Liverpool is not determined to get the deal done. It will be interesting to see if they decide to move for other players in the summer. They need more quality and depth in the central defensive unit.
It remains to be seen how they fill the void left by Konate in the summer. The French international has been a key player for the club since joining them, and he should prove to be an excellent acquisition for Real Madrid if they manage to secure his services. Signing a player of his quality for free could prove to be a masterstroke.
Liverpool will need to improve defensively if they want to fight for major trophies next season. Signing a quality central defender to replace the French International will be an absolute priority for them.
Inter Miami will visit DC United this Saturday in Major League Soccer, and all eyes are on Lionel Messi.
This Saturday, Inter Miami will play their third official match of the 2026 Major League Soccer season. It will be against DC United at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, a venue expected to be packed due to the huge anticipation surrounding Lionel Messi.
In the hours leading up to the match, the Eagles’ head coach was asked about his plan to stop the Argentine forward. “Lionel Messi is the best in the world. It’s impossible to truly stop him,” Rene Weiler said during a press conference, shared by journalist Jose Armando on X.
Despite acknowledging that stopping Messi is impossible, the coach then explained his plan to make things as difficult as possible for the Inter Miami star on the field. “The key is not giving him space and defending well as a team,” Weiler said.
However, the DC United boss emphasized that focusing only on Messi will not be enough to neutralize the Herons. “It’s not only him. It’s like the benchmark of the league, because they won the league last season. They have very good players and we have to be aware for 90 minutes,” the 52-year-old Swiss coach added. “We have to anticipate all situations very quickly. We have to defend perfectly, otherwise we can’t get a good result.”
DC United head coach Rene Weiler.
The Messi effect in MLS
As happens every time Inter Miami play away from home, local fans’ attention is focused far more on Lionel Messi than on supporting their own team. Rene Weiler also addressed that reality during the press conference.
“It’s an honor to face Messi, and we’ve prepared for it like an away game,” the DC United coach admitted. However, Weiler did not hide a certain level of disappointment with that reality: “It’s about business and marketing. I would prefer it to be more about the sport. But it will be an honor to take part in this match in front of 60,000 people.”
Inter Miami’s upcoming challenges
Saturday’s match against DC United will be Inter Miami’s third of the season, following a loss to LAFC and a win over Orlando City. After the trip to Baltimore, the Herons will make their official debut in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup against Nashville SC.
The first leg of the Round of 16 will take place on Wednesday, March 11 at Geodis Park, while the decisive match will be played a week later at Chase Stadium, which will be the Herons’ final game there before the official opening of Nu Stadium. Between those two matches, Lionel Messi and his teammates will also be in MLS action, visiting Charlotte FC on Saturday, March 14.
Lionel Messi of Inter Miami gestures during a friendly match between Alianza Lima and Inter Miami
An injury to the Portuguese legend has left Al-Nassr vulnerable at a critical moment in the championship race, while developments involving Benzema have suddenly shifted momentum elsewhere.
The rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema once defined an era at Real Madrid. Years later, that competitive edge has followed them to Saudi Arabia, where their clubs now fight for domestic supremacy in the Saudi Pro League. As the season approaches a decisive stage, the title race involving Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal has taken an unexpected twist. Injuries, squad decisions, and returning stars have all played a role in shaping the battle.
What initially appeared to be a moment of opportunity for Ronaldo’s club has quickly turned into something far more complicated. An injury to the Portuguese legend has left Al-Nassr vulnerable at a critical moment in the championship race, while developments involving Benzema have suddenly shifted momentum elsewhere.
The Saudi Pro League campaign has been fiercely contested, with Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ahli all battling for the top spot. For much of the season, Ronaldo has been at the center of the Riyadh outfit’s charge. The Portuguese superstar has maintained impressive form despite entering his forties, continuing to deliver goals and leadership for his club.
However, the title race took an unexpected turn when both Ronaldo and Benzema experienced injury setbacks within a short period. In late February, Al-Hilal announced that Benzema had suffered a muscle problem during training. “Karim Benzema will be out for a period ranging from 10 to 15 days due to a groin injury,” the club confirmed in an official statement.
Karim Benzema of Al Hilal looks on.
The diagnosis ruled the French striker out of several important fixtures, including league matches against Al-Shabab and Al-Najma. During his absence, Al-Nassr appeared ready to capitalize on the opportunity, climbing above its rivals in the standings while maintaining a narrow lead at the top of the table. But the situation soon reversed.
Ronaldo’s injury adds new uncertainty
Just as Al-Nassr seemed poised to strengthen its title push, Ronaldo suffered a hamstring injury during a recent match. The injury forced the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to leave Saudi Arabia for specialized treatment in Spain. Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus confirmed the seriousness of the issue. “After tests, we see the injury suffered by Cristiano Ronaldo was more serious than expected,” Jesus said.
“Cristiano will now travel to Spain, like other players who went for treatment when they were injured. His injury required treatment in Madrid with his personal therapist, and we hope he returns quickly and helps the team.”
The setback means Ronaldo will miss upcoming matches, including an important league clash against Neom. For a player renowned for extraordinary durability, the injury has raised concerns. According to available data, the last time Ronaldo missed more than two weeks due to a muscle problem was in 2019 during his spell at Juventus.
Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Al Nassr.
The moment that changed the dynamic
While Ronaldo continues his recovery, the development that altered the title race came from the opposing side. Karim Benzema returned from his injury and rejoined the Al-Hilal squad, providing a major boost to the club’s attack. What’s more, Italian manager Simone Inzaghi included the French striker in the starting lineup for the league clash against Al-Najma, and it proved to be the right decision. The Frenchman even bagged a brace in his club’s 4-0 win.
The Frenchman had been sidelined after sustaining the injury following a match against Al-Ittihad, which ended in a 1-1 draw. His recovery now arrives at a pivotal moment. His return effectively deals a double blow to Al-Nassr: Ronaldo is sidelined while one of its biggest rivals has regained a key attacking weapon.
Karim Benzema of Al Hilal and Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr.
As the season enters its decisive stretch and the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies, the Portuguese icon faces an uncertain moment following a new injury setback.
The spotlight rarely leaves Cristiano Ronaldo, but the latest news surrounding the legendary forward has sparked fresh concern across the soccer world. As the season enters its decisive stretch and the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies, the Portuguese icon faces an uncertain moment following a new injury setback.
At the center of the story is the situation unfolding at Al-Nassr, where Ronaldo remains the club’s central figure. The Saudi Pro League title race continues to heat up, yet the team now finds itself dealing with the sudden absence of its most influential player. Meanwhile, the captain of the Portugal national team must also think about his international commitments, with friendlies against the United States men’s national team and the Mexico national team approaching quickly.
The situation has left fans wondering when the 41-year-old might return to the pitch. Concerns began after Ronaldo suffered a hamstring injury during a league match against Al-Fayha. The injury occurred late in the game and forced the veteran forward to leave the pitch, immediately raising fears about how serious the problem might be.
Soon after, Al-Nassr confirmed the diagnosis in an official statement. “Cristiano Ronaldo has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury sustained during the match against Al-Fayha. He has begun a rehabilitation program and will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis,” the club announced.
Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Al Nassr
The news immediately cast doubt over the forward’s short-term availability. Ronaldo is certain to miss upcoming domestic matches, including the clash with Neom, while additional fixtures may also be affected depending on his recovery. Despite being 41 years old, Ronaldo has remained a key player for Al-Nassr this season, scoring 21 league goals and helping keep the club near the top of the Saudi Pro League standings.
World Cup fears and international doubts
Further details about the injury were revealed by Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus, who confirmed that the situation was more complicated than initially believed. “After tests, we see the injury suffered by Cristiano Ronaldo was more serious than expected,” Jesus admitted.
The timing of the injury could hardly be worse. Portugal is preparing for two high-profile international friendlies that will serve as important preparation before the 2026 World Cup. The team coached by Roberto Martinez is scheduled to face Mexico and the United States at the end of the month. These matches could play a significant role in shaping the squad for the global tournament.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also provided insight into the potential recovery timeline. “Cristiano Ronaldo could be out for up to four weeks with muscle injury,” Romano wrote on social media, adding that further tests would determine the final prognosis. If that timeline proves accurate, the experienced ace could miss the entire international break, forcing Roberto Martinez to test alternative attacking options during the friendlies.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal reacts following an injury
The potential return date revealed
While uncertainty remains, reports have begun pointing to a possible target for Ronaldo’s comeback. Following the international break and the matches Portugal plans to play in North America, Ronaldo could potentially return to action in the Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Najma on April 3.
That fixture has quietly emerged as the most realistic timeline for the forward’s comeback, assuming his rehabilitation progresses without setbacks. Before that point, however, Ronaldo is expected to miss at least two league matches for Al-Nassr, including games against Neom and Al-Khaleej.
Paulo Dybala underwent surgery weeks before Argentina’s clash with Spain in the Finalissima.
The March international break is approaching, during which Argentina and Spain are scheduled — pending confirmation — to face each other in the Finalissima. In this context, Paulo Dybala underwent surgery on the meniscus of his left knee, putting his potential participation in the match at the center of attention.
“After experiencing discomfort during training at Trigoria on Thursday, the striker and Roma decided to investigate the cause of the problem,”Sky Sports Italy reported Friday. “Dybala was diagnosed with ‘a complete longitudinal tear of the external meniscus’ and so the decision was made to proceed with the surgery.”
This procedure will sideline the Argentine forward for a considerable period while he undergoes the slow process of returning to full fitness. “Regarding recovery time, he will require at least 45 days from an orthopedic standpoint,” the report adds.
That timeline rules Dybala out of the potential Argentina vs. Spain match on March 27. Even if the Finalissima does not take place due to complications arising from the ongoing tense situation in the Middle East, Lionel Scaloni’s team will likely play matches during this FIFA break elsewhere in the world.
Dybala will miss at least 10 matches with AS Roma.
What is Dybala’s situation with the Argentina national team?
According to Argentina national team specialist Gaston Edul, Dybala “could have continued playing with that discomfort and postponed surgery until midyear, but he didn’t want to wait until the end of the season — he wanted to address it now to be fully ready for the summer and the final part of the calendar.”
This explains why the forward chose to undergo surgery now, even though it meant missing the Finalissima: Dybala has lost ground in Lionel Scaloni’s considerations, and his presence against Spain was already highly unlikely.
In fact, the last time the AS Roma forward was called up was in September 2024, when he scored in Argentina’s World Cup qualifier victory over Chile. Since then, Scaloni has prioritized other players such as Thiago Almada and Nicolas Paz.
Frequent injuries have been a major reason for Dybala’s reduced international role, despite having been part of the squad that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and playing in the final against France. His decision to undergo surgery now appears aimed at reaching peak form ahead of the 2026 World Cup and attempting a return to the national team.
How many matches will Dybala miss for AS Roma?
Beyond his situation with Argentina, Dybala also needs to focus on his future with AS Roma. The minimum 45-day absence will rule the forward out for at least the next 10 matches across Serie A and the UEFA Europa League.
This extended absence could be decisive for Dybala’s future beyond this season. His contract with AS Roma expires on June 30, and it remains unclear whether the Italian side will offer a renewal, given his high salary and recurring physical issues.
Manchester United are looking to sign the Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram.
According to a report from Calciomercato, Manchester United is targeting the 24-year-old, but the Italian outfit might not be willing to sanction his departure. It will be interesting to see if Manchester United is willing to pay the asking price for him.
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Khephren Thuram has done well
Thuram has been excellent in Italy, and he has the quality to play in the Premier League as well. Manchester United needs to replace Casemiro, who will leave at the end of the season. They need a reliable defensive midfielder who can protect the defensive unit and drive the team forward.
The 24-year-old midfielder could be the ideal fit for Manchester United. He will be excited about the possibility of joining the Premier League club. It will be interesting to see if Manchester United can convince Juventus to sell the player. It is fair to assume they will have to pay a premium to get the deal done.
Meanwhile, Thuram is at the peak of his powers, and this could be the right time for him to take on a new challenge and join a bigger club. The move to the Premier League could unlock his true potential and help him develop further.
Thuram has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the past. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United can wrap up the move quickly. A quality midfielder like him could make a huge difference for the Red Devils in the middle of the park.
Manchester United are currently pushing for Champions League qualification, and they will look to build a team capable of winning trophies. Signing the French International could be a defining acquisition for them. He has all the tools to establish himself as a key player in English football, and he could hit the ground running with Manchester United.
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Man United eye Samuel Amissah move
The 18-year-old is a tremendous talent with a bright future, and Manchester United are keen to secure his signature. They are looking to build for the future, and the 18-year-old would be a superb investment.
The central defender can operate as a fullback and as a defensive midfielder. He is very impressive with the ball at his feet, and he could add a new dimension to the Manchester United defence. The opportunity to join one of the best clubs in the world will be exciting for him, and he will prove himself at the highest level. Manchester United could groom him into an important first-team player.
Amissah will be excited about the possibility of joining Manchester United as well. It would be a major step up in his career, and he would get to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
The 18-year-old is likely to be available for a nominal investment because of his contract situation. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United can get the deal done.
Meanwhile, Arsenal and Chelsea are providing fierce competition for the talented Young defender. Manchester City and Tottenham are also keeping tabs on his situation. It will be interesting to see where the 18-year-old defender ends up.
Clubs will be hoping to secure his signature on a bargain, given his contract situation.
Arsenal and Chelsea have also done well to nurture young players in the past, and they could play a key role in the 18-year-old’s development.
Liverpool have been urged to make a move for the Real Madrid midfielder, Federico Valverde.
The Uruguay International has been outstanding for Real Madrid since joining the club, and he has established himself as one of the finest midfield players in European football. Valverde has also been linked with Manchester United.
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Murphy on Federico Valverde
Former Liverpool star Danny Murphy believes the South American is the closest in style to Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, and he could prove to be an outstanding acquisition for the club.
Danny Murphy said via TEAMtalk: “Call me old fashioned, but I’d be going for someone in the middle of the pitch who is a leader. Someone everyone can look up to. A bit like Szoboszlai has done this season.
“I always look at Federico Valverde at Madrid. If they could get him, he’s everything. He’s as near to Gerrard as I’ve seen – he’s got wonderful athleticism and he can do everything.
“He’s not as good as Gerrard, but he’s a phenomenal player.”
Liverpool need more quality and depth in the middle of the park, and it will be interesting to see if they decide to make a move for the Real Madrid star. There is no doubt that Valverde would help them improve.
Liverpool need more quality in the middle of the park if they want to compete at the highest level regularly. Valverde is at the peak of his career, and it was no surprise that he is being linked with a move to the Premier League. Liverpool would do well to secure his signature in the summer.
Liverpool will look to compete at the highest level regularly, and they need more technical ability and drive in the middle of the park. The Real Madrid star could be the ideal acquisition in the long-term, and it remains to be seen where he ends up.
Looking to take another giant leap towards defending their La Liga crown, Barcelona will travel to the Basque Country on Saturday night when they meet Athletic Bilbao. While Barca might have failed to complete what would have been an iconic Copa del Rey comeback earlier in the week, Hansi Flick’s superstar squad are leading the […]
Real Madrid are set to face Celta Vigo in La Liga, and Kylian Mbappe is not part of the squad.
This Friday, Real Madrid and Celta Vigo will kick off Matchday 27 of La Liga in a key clash for Los Blancos as they try to close the gap on leaders Barcelona in the standings. Despite the importance of the game, Kylian Mbappe will not be in the squad.
The French forward is recovering from a knee injury that has troubled him since late 2025. He missed several matches earlier this season due to these issues, but the situation worsened in recent weeks, forcing him to skip training and follow a more cautious treatment plan.
Regarding his recovery timeline, there have been varying reports in recent days. While some speculation suggested Mbappe could miss the rest of the season to be fully fit for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with France, Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa offered an optimistic update.
“We’re keeping a close eye on what’s happening to him, how he’s doing. It’s a process we’ll take day by day, monitoring how he’s feeling. He’s getting better every day,” Arbeloa said this week. These comments come alongside reports indicating that Real Madrid expect to have Mbappe available at least for the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 against Manchester City, scheduled for March 17.
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) March 6, 2026
Confirmed Real Madrid lineup vs. Celta Vigo
Alvaro Arbeloa has typically chosen Gonzalo Garcia as Mbappe’s replacement when needed. However, for this match, the coach will opt for a lineup without a traditional center forward next to Vinicius Junior.
The confirmed Real Madrid lineup for Friday’s visit to Celta Vigo in La Liga is: Thibaut Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy; Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch, Federico Valverde, Arda Guler; Vinicius Junior, Brahim Diaz.
How much do Real Madrid miss Mbappe?
It’s clear that Kylian Mbappe’s absence at this crucial point of the season is a significant blow for Real Madrid. The impact is reflected in statistics comparing the team’s performance with and without him: Real Madrid have lost 43% of matches played without Mbappe this season.
This is understandable considering the French forward’s performances. He is the top scorer in La Liga with 23 goals, while also leading the Champions League with 13 goals. Overall, Mbappe has 38 goals and 6 assists in 33 matches this season for Real Madrid.
Antonio Conte spoke to DAZN in the moments before kick-off between Napoli and Torino at the Maradona, addressing the most pressing questions surrounding his team selection, and offering the most detailed update yet on when supporters might see Kevin De Bruyne and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa making a meaningful contribution.
The Belgian and the Cameroonian are both named on the bench this evening, their first involvement in a matchday squad since their respective injuries in the autumn.
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 28: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of SSC Napoli, reacts from the technical area during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between SSC Napoli and Chelsea FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 28, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)
But Conte was measured in managing expectations, explaining that the timing of the fixture had complicated their preparation.
“This is the first week they have worked with us,” he said, with quotes via IlNapolista.
“Making assessments about how much they can play is difficult, especially because in previous weeks we organised friendlies to help with the integration of new arrivals like Lukaku. This week that was not possible, a practice match would have been useful. If I have brought them to the bench, it means they are available. We will see how the game goes, whether we need them and how much.”
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 10: Antonio Conte, SSC Napoli head coach, gestures before the Coppa Italia match between SSC Napoli and Como 1907 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 10, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Napoli vs Torino – Conte defends selection choices
The selection of three left-footed central defenders raised eyebrows, with Sam Beukema notably absent from the starting lineup.
Conte was typically brief when pressed on the matter.
“These are technical choices, I pick those in the best condition. It is not the first time this has happened,” he said, declining to elaborate further.
With 11 matches remaining, Conte was equally direct about the stakes involved.
Asked about the difficulty of facing a Torino side who have returned to a two-striker system under Roberto D’Aversa, he refused to single out any individual opponent.
“For us every match is important,” he said.
“In these eleven games we will determine what kind of European competition we play next season. Tonight matters, just as Lecce and Cagliari will matter. We must take it game by game and draw conclusions at the end.”
Roma forward Paulo Dybala underwent knee surgery today at the Villa Stuart medical facility in Rome, as surgeons seek to correct a repeating issue in his meniscus.
According to reports from TuttoMercatoWeb, via FirenzeViola, the Argentine was subject to a diagnostic arthroscopy on his left knee, which revealed a small tear in his external meniscus.
During the procedure, surgeons fixed the tear, led by Professor Mariani at Villa Stuart.
Dybala is now expected to sit out for around six weeks, due to return around mid-April.
This means that the Argentine will miss most of the remainder of the season and with his Roma future hanging in the balance, he will want to return before the campaign is over in case it is his last chance to play in Giallorossi colours.
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on January 18, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Watch: Dybala leaves Villa Stuart after knee surgery
Napoli host Torino at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona this evening, as Antonio Conte’s side look to bounce back from recent wobbles to ensure they do not lose further ground in the race for the top four.
Conte’s Partenopei currently sit in third place but have lost much ground on league leaders Inter over the past couple of months.
An injury crisis in Naples has left Conte fairly short-staffed and they now sit 14 points off of the Nerazzurri. Therefore, the Scudetto dream is quickly fading away but it is still all to play for in the exciting race for Champions League football.
Napoli have a five point lead over 5th placed Como, with Juventus one point behind Fabregas’ side and Atalanta two points behind the Bianconeri.
Torino, meanwhile, come into this game off the back of a first win under Roberto D’Aversa, winning 2-0 at home to Lazio after three consecutive games without a win that saw Marco Baroni sacked.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 1: Roberto D’Aversa, Manager of Torino FC during the Serie A match between Torino FC and SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on March 1, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)
Manchester United are interested in signing the Fulham defender Antonee Robinson at the end of the season.
They will also face competition from Aston Villa. According to Sports Boom, the defender will cost around £25 million in the summer. The London club signed him for £2 million, and he has been exceptional for them over the years.
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Man United keen on Antonee Robinson
He is currently one of the finest players in his position in the Premier League. Manchester United are hoping to secure his signature, and it remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done. The 28-year-old United States International could be a solid long-term replacement for Luke Shaw.
The asking price is quite reasonable for a player of his quality and experience. Manchester United have the finances to get the deal done, and it remains to be seen what they decide.
On the other hand, Aston Villa are monitoring his situation as well. Lucas Digne is entering the twilight stages of his career, and they need to start planning for the future. They are pushing for Champions League qualification, and they need more quality in the team. The 28 year-old United States International could be a superb acquisition for them.
Both clubs have the finances to get the deal across the line, and it will be interesting to see where Robinson ends up. The 28-year-old has proven himself in the Premier League with Fulham, and he will look to take the next step in his career and join an elite club now. He could be attracted to the idea of joining a club where he could be fighting for major trophies. Manchester United could be an attractive destination for him.
Liam Rosenior described Chelsea forward Joao Pedro as “magnificent” ahead of the Blues’ FA Cup fifth-round tie against Wrexham on Saturday. Joao Pedro has been in brilliant form for Chelsea since Rosenior’s arrival in January, and he netted a hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Aston Villa on Wednesday. The Brazilian, who also provided an […]
Hansi Flick claimed he must take the blame for Barcelona’s mounting injury issues, ahead of their clash with Athletic Club. Flick’s team, who lead the way in LaLiga, head to Bilbao to take on Athletic, and former Blaugrana coach Ernesto Valverde, on Saturday. However, they will be without Frenkie de Jong, Jules Kounde and Alejandro […]
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano spoke about the milestone of 900 goals that Lionel Messi is on the verge of reaching.
At nearly 39, Lionel Messi remains one of the most important figures in global sports, not only because of his superstar status but also because of the performances he continues to deliver week after week on the field with Inter Miami and Argentina. Javier Mascherano addressed the topic.
The coach was asked by Bolavip about Messi’s increasingly close pursuit of 900 career goals, a mark that only one player in the history of soccer has reached so far — Cristiano Ronaldo — and one that Leo now needs just two more goals to achieve.
“The numbers that you mention are incredible, he’s unbelievable,” Mascherano said about Messi during Friday’s press conference ahead of Saturday’s Major League Soccer matchup against DC United at M&T Bank Stadium.
“I’m just a privileged spectator,” the Inter Miami coach added regarding the chance to enjoy Messi’s magic on a daily basis, just as he did during their years together as teammates with Barcelona and Argentina. “I just get to watch him closer than you on the sidelines.”
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF scores a free kick against Orlando City SC.
Lionel Messi could surpass Cristiano Ronaldo’s record
While Cristiano Ronaldo remains the first and only player in soccer history to reach the remarkable total of 900 official goals, Lionel Messi could surpass him in terms of efficiency and speed if he reaches that number in the near future.
Ronaldo scored his 900th goal on September 5, 2024, during Portugal’s match against Croatia in the UEFA Nations League. At that time, CR7 was 39 years and 7 months old, and he needed 1,238 official matches between club and international play to reach that milestone, averaging 0.73 goals per game.
Messi could eclipse those numbers. Right now he has 898 goals across his time with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami, and Argentina, and he needs just two more. What stands out is that Leo reached those numbers in a considerably shorter time than Ronaldo. The Argentine forward is 38 years, 8 months, and 10 days old and has played 1,149 matches, resulting in an average of 0.78 goals per game.
What are Messi’s upcoming matches?
With another brace, like the one he scored in Inter Miami’s win over Orlando City last Sunday, Lionel Messi would reach the 900-goal mark. That could happen as soon as this Saturday, when the Herons visit DC United in MLS action.
If it does not happen then, the opportunity could come in the Concacaf Champions Cup, where Inter Miami will begin their campaign next Wednesday, March 11 against Nashville SC at Geodis Park. And even if the two expected goals take longer to arrive, the opportunity could come with Argentina during the March international break, although it is still unclear whether they will face Spain in the Finalissima.
Lois Openda’s difficult debut season at Juventus has taken another unusual turn, with the Belgian striker sharing images on social media of himself undergoing an extensive cupping therapy session, covered from head to toe in the traditional Chinese medicine cups in a photo that, as Tuttosport put it, looked more like a torture scene than a recovery treatment.
While athletes occasionally use cupping to aid muscle recovery, the sheer extent of Openda’s session left supporters and observers genuinely taken aback.
It is a striking image of a player trying everything to turn his fortunes around, and the numbers make clear just how badly that turnaround is needed.
VERONA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Lois Openda of Juventus FC enters the pitch the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on September 20, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Openda struggles as Juventus could seek to cash in early
Juventus signed Openda for €40.6 million on a compulsory purchase obligation after an initial €3.3 million loan, with gross annual wages of €7.4 million running until 2030.
The total outlay makes for uncomfortable reading when set against his output.
Across all competitions, 23 Serie A appearances totalling 684 minutes, plus two Coppa Italia and eight Champions League outings, the former RB Leipzig striker has scored just one goal, against Roma in a 2-1 win on 20 December.
The arithmetic, as Tuttosport calculates, is brutal.
His total cost works out at approximately €51,661 per minute played across all competitions. Restricting the calculation to Serie A alone, the figure rises to a staggering €75,000 per minute when factoring in both transfer fee and wages.
Juventus will face enormous difficulty recouping anything close to their investment should they choose to move him on this summer, and with the club already planning significant attacking reinforcements, Openda’s time in Turin looks increasingly limited.
Former Roma star Daniele De Rossi, now the Genoa coach, has a ‘desire for redemption’ against the Giallorossi after December’s 3-1 loss at the Olimpico.
Roma visit De Rossi’s Genoa on Sunday, and the former midfielder previewed the game at a press conference on Friday.
Genoa vs. Roma – De Rossi’s pre-match press conference
“On Sunday, there will be many people I care about, and I’ll want to hug. In the meantime, I send a hug to Dybala, but Roma are very strong even without him,” De Rossi said via Corriere dello Sport.
“I hug him as I did when he became a father,” De Rossi said.
Sebastian Otoa and Brooke Norton-Cuffy remain in doubt for Genoa.
“I still don’t know if they’ll be called up. The positive news is that they’re doing much better, and we have great confidence regarding all the injured players,” De Rossi said.
“Baldanzi surely won’t be there, but he also gives us hope. We’ve lost him, but I don’t think for very long.”
Roma and Genoa already met recently, with the Grifone suffering a 3-1 away loss in late December.
GENOA, ITALY – JANUARY 12: Daniele De Rossi, head coach of Genoa, looks on during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on January 12, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
“The reverse fixture was our worst match since I’ve been here, despite mistakes made in other games as well and despite the opponent’s strength,” noted De Rossi.
“Roma’s value is unquestionable; what we lacked was the reaction. We’ve played against teams that dominated us like Napoli or Atalanta, but the reaction was always there.
CREMONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Coach Daniele De Rossi of Genoa CFC reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Genoa CFC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on February 15, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
“On Sunday, we’ll have to be ready for anything. We’ve always done well at home, and the crowd is positive and really pushes us. I always tell my friends to come and watch Genoa here to understand.
“We know what kind of match we need to play. There’s also a bit of desire for redemption on our part for what we did in the reverse fixture. That was the only time I’ve looked at myself in the mirror and not been proud of myself; the only time I went home and asked a couple of questions.”
Reports in Italy claim that Milan left-back Davide Bartesaghi trained with the rest of the team on Friday, so he’s expected to be available for Sunday’s Serie A derby against Inter.
Milan left-back Bartesaghi trained with the rest of his teammates this morning, giving coach Massimiliano Allegri a much-needed boost for Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina against Inter.
Bartesaghi resumes training with Milan ahead of derby
Bartesaghi was subbed off during last week’s away game at Cremonese, but exams undergone earlier this week didn’t highlight any lesion in the flexor of his right thigh.
As reported by Milannews and Sky Sport Italia, Bartesaghi returned to group training on Friday, so he should be eligible for the next Serie A match.
It remains to be seen, however, whether the Italian defender will start against Inter or if Allegri will pick Pervis Estupinan as a left wing-back.
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Davide Bartesaghi of AC Milan in action during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Bartesaghi, 20, has scored two goals and provided one assist in 24 appearances across all competitions this season.
Milan sit second in the Serie A table, ten points below their next rivals Inter.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Luka Modric of AC Milan competes for the ball with Nicolo’ Barella of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti says Dusan Vlahovic is still unavailable, but hopes to return against Udinese, while Weston McKennie’s contract extension proves the club is preparing for the future ‘properly.’
Juventus striker Vlahovic won’t be eligible for Saturday’s Serie A match against Pisa.
The Serbia international returned to training earlier this week after undergoing surgery in December, but he’s still not fit to be part of the squad.
Vlahovic not available for Juventus vs. Pisa
“Not tomorrow, he’s focusing on Udinese,” Spalletti said at a pre-match press conference on Friday.
During his meeting with the media, Spalletti confirmed that he’d continue talks with the club over a new contract in the coming days and then commented on McKennie’s recent contract extension.
“Juventus are showing that it’s preparing properly for the future through scouting and planning. McKennie is a strong player, a very strong one,” the coach said.
FLORENCE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 22: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Juventus FC at Artemio Franchi on November 22, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“The club did everything it needed to do without me having to say anything.”
Surely, however, working under Spalletti has benefited the American midfielder, who has scored eight goals and provided seven assists in 27 appearances under the Tuscan tactician.
Mattia Perin started the last two games for Juventus, replacing under-fire Michele Di Gregorio, but will Juventus’ first-choice keeper return to the XI against Pisa?
“I’ll announce the line-up tomorrow,” Spalletti said.
“They are both doing very well, and I was sorry to hear certain things about Di Gregorio, because it’s pointless to single out individuals when the difficulties are collective.
“It will be a very difficult match. The whole environment considers it an easy game to win; everyone thinks they are already relegated, but I’m sure Gilardino was already giving them certain messages, and Oscar Hiljemark as well. Teams always find ways to create motivation. Sometimes it’s even easier in those moments than in others. When a player thinks the game is easy, he becomes more superficial. I’m convinced my players will evaluate the match properly. When you become superficial, you get knocked down, and we absolutely must not let that happen.”
Arsenal are interested in signing the Como attacker Jesus Rodriguez at the end of the season.
The 20-year-old has impressed in Italy, and Arsenal are hoping to secure his signature. They will also face competition from Manchester City. According to Sports Boom, both Premier League clubs are interested in the 20-year-old, and they view him as a top prospect for the future.
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Arsenal could use Jesus Rodriguez
It will be interesting to see if the Italian club is willing to sanction his departure. The player has been labelled as an “assist machine”.
Arsenal could use more creativity on the flanks, and the 20-year-old would be a long-term acquisition. He will add unpredictability, pace and flair to the team. The opportunity to join one of the best clubs in the world will be quite exciting for him. Arsenal regularly competes for major trophies, and the opportunity to sign a talented young player like Rodriguez will be exciting for them as well.
Meanwhile, Como is likely to demand around €55 million for the young attacker. They rate him highly, and they do not want to lose him easily.
Meanwhile, Manchester City are looking to add more quality on the flanks. It remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done. They have the financial muscle to pay the asking price, and they are likely to be an attractive destination for the player as well.
Both clubs could provide him with a platform to regularly fight for trophies. It will be interesting to see where he ends up.
The asking price is quite high for someone who is still largely improving at the highest level. However, he could justify the outlet in future.
Troy Parrott has been linked with a return to the Premier League at the end of the season.
The 24-year-old has been outstanding for AZ Alkmaar, and he could prove to be a quality acquisition for the right team. According to Sports Boom, Leeds United and West Ham United are interested in the Irish attacker.
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Troy Parrott asking price set
The player is likely to cost around £17 million in the summer, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up. He has 24 goals and seven assists to his name this season, and he could be an excellent acquisition for both clubs.
Leeds United are fighting for survival in the Premier League, and they will look to establish themselves as top-flight regulars. They need more depth in the attacking unit. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has done well since joining the club, but he needs more support in the attack. Signing another reliable striker like Parrott would be a wise decision.
Meanwhile, West Ham United could use more depth in the attacking unit. Even though they have invested in Pablo and Taty Castellanos, Parrott could be a very useful option for them in the attack. The 24-year-old will feel that he has unfinished business in the Premier League. He has previously failed to make his mark in English football with Tottenham. It remains to be seen whether any club is willing to pay the asking price for him in the summer.
He has been a prolific goal scorer for the Dutch outfit and has impressed for the national team as well. There is no doubt that he is ready for the Premier League, and he could make an immediate impact.
The asking price seems reasonable for a player of his quality.
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has been linked with a move away from the club, and they are keeping tabs on the RB Leipzig striker Romulo Cardoso.
The 24-year-old has done quite well since moving to the German club, with 11 goal contributions this season. The Brazilian has impressed with his performances, and he could prove to be a quality acquisition for the West Midlands club.
According to Sports Boom, Aston Villa view the player as a “purebred No.9” and believe he has the quality to succeed in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Fulham are also interested in the player. It remains to be seen whether Aston Villa can win the race for his signature.
Cardoso has the physicality and technical attributes to succeed in English football, and he could establish himself as an important player for Aston Villa. The hard-working striker will help create opportunities for his teammates and find the back of the net as well.
Apart from his link-up play and ability to score goals, he is extremely potent in the air. His 6-foot-5 frame makes him difficult to handle in the air.
Aston Villa certainly have the financial resources to get the deal done, and they are currently pushing for Champions League qualification. If they manage to secure European football for the upcoming campaign, they are likely to be an attractive destination for the 24-year-old attacker.
He will look to prove himself at the highest level, and the opportunity to play in the Premier League will be exciting. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.
Verdict: Both teams to score – No Best Odds: 10/11 Bookmaker: Luckster Two camps who open Sunday’s showdown only separated by their goal difference, Sevilla will welcome Rayo Vallecano to Andalusia this weekend. Sevilla Starting with the hosts, mounting a shock second-half comeback away at bitter local rivals Real Betis last weekend as they eventually […]
Numerous journalists from different media outlets believe this summer will be the one when Mohamed Salah finally leaves Liverpool, after nine years. Rightly regarded as a legend of the Merseyside club, the Egyptian’s dip in form this season has been huge, and with his 34th birthday coming in June, there is next to no hope […]
Robert Lewandowski addressed his future with Barcelona.
For months, there has been speculation in Barcelona about the future of several of the team’s attacking players. Expiring contracts, purchase options that must be exercised, and potential reinforcements have been major topics among fans and the media, with several high-profile names involved in those conversations. Robert Lewandowski is among them, with his future still uncertain.
The Polish striker’s contract with Barcelona expires on June 30 of this year, in the middle of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, and there is still no clarity about what will happen beyond that date.
“I’ll give myself around three months to decide what I want to do. Me, just me,” Lewandowski said about the situation during a recent interview with Sky Sports. That means Robert will wait until the end of the current campaign to evaluate his next step, likely so he can get a full picture of both his own performances and the club’s results during the decisive stages of the season.
“What is good is that I don’t have pressure,” he added. “At 30 or a few years (younger), this kind of feeling is going to be different. ‘I want to see where I’m going to play’. But in this moment, I don’t have to know. I have patience.“
Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring against RCD Mallorca.
Lewandowski is 37 years old and will have turned 38 by the start of the 2026-27 season. He clearly knows he is entering the final stage of his professional career, which is why he is approaching every decision with caution, aware that his next move could be the last of his soccer career.
Lewandowski remains motivated for Barcelona’s upcoming challenges
Just because Robert Lewandowski knows he is nearing the end of his career does not mean he has lost the competitive fire that has always driven him to perform at the highest level. In fact, he appears motivated by the challenges Barcelona have ahead in the coming months.
“The season is starting again,” the Polish striker said in the same interview, referring to the fact that the Blaugranas are now entering the decisive stages of La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. “We have to be ready for the most important time in this part of the season.”
Speaking about that mindset, Lewandowski explained how he prepares himself for the challenges ahead: “You always have to be ready. Always you have to think, what can I do better, what can I do more? You have to think 24 hours per day about your football. You need always this feeling that you’re hungry for more.”
Lewandowski also thinking about the World Cup
Beyond his focus on Barcelona’s challenges, Robert Lewandowski also has a clear goal in the near future: leading Poland to another World Cup. They are set to play in the European play-off during the March FIFA break, where they will face Albania in the semifinals and, if they advance, play for qualification against either Sweden or Ukraine.
“We have two games, two finals. We don’t have any space for the mistakes,” Lewandowski said. “If we’re winning first game, then we have to be ready for the final. It’s the challenge for every team in these play-offs: to play not one game but two games on the higher level. I take this challenge and it’s going to be interesting. I hope we can enjoy and go to the USA for the World Cup.“
Celta de Vigo receive Real Madrid in a Matchday 27 clash of the 2025/26 La Liga campaign. Below, you’ll find all the key details for this matchup, including kickoff times and full information on how to watch the game live on TV and through available streaming services.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Celta de Vigo vs Real Madrid on US television and via legal streaming:
Pressure is mounting on Real Madrid after a costly stumble against Getafe left them four points adrift of rivals Barcelona in the La Liga title chase. With little room for another misstep, Kylian Mbappe and company know a convincing response is essential to keep pace at the top.
But a surging Celta de Vigo squad, enjoying a strong 2025/2026 campaign and eyeing European qualification, won’t make it easy in a matchup loaded with major implications—be sure to tune in for what should be a high-stakes showdown.
More details on how to watch
With ESPN+, you can watch Celta de Vigo vs Real Madrid and tons more soccer games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, Apple, Android, and Amazon Fire devices, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Oculus Go.
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PSG battles Monaco during Matchday 25 of the 2025/2026 season. Supporters within the United States can witness every moment; start times and media information reside below for cable and digital platforms.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch PSG vs Monaco on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
PSG vs Monaco
WHAT
Ligue 1
WHEN
2:45pm ET / 11:45am PT • Friday, March 6, 2026
WHERE
Fubo, Fanatiz, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español and beIN SPORTS Connect
A pivotal Ligue 1 showdown is on deck as AS Monaco look to shake up the title race when they host league leaders Paris Saint-Germain. Monaco enter the weekend with 37 points and sitting outside the European places, making this a crucial opportunity to spark a late surge up the standings.
Meanwhile, PSGsit comfortably at the top with 57 points, holding a four-point edge over second-place RC Lens and aiming to extend their winning streak to protect their cushion. With major implications at both ends of the table, this is a must-watch clash you won’t want to miss.
More details on how to watch
With Fubo, you can watch PSG vs Monaco and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC, CNBC, USA, FOX, FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Universo, Telemundo and Galavision.
Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
United States president Donald Trump welcomed Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates to commemorate the club’s historic 2025 MLS Cup triumph, a milestone moment for the franchise and for soccer in the US.
A celebration of sporting excellence inside the White House quickly turned into one of soccer’s most intriguing talking points. United States president Donald Trump welcomedLionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates to commemorate the club’s historic 2025 MLS Cup triumph, a milestone moment for the franchise and for soccer in the US.
While the ceremony celebrated the Herons’ remarkable rise in Major League Soccer, it also produced a moment that immediately sparked debate across the global soccer community. The comment revived one of soccer’s oldest arguments, a comparison between generations of legends. Inter Miami’s visit to Washington followed the club’s first MLS Cup victory, secured in December after defeating Vancouver Whitecaps in the final.
The triumph marked a historic step for a club founded only a few years earlier and co-owned by David Beckham. The White House ceremony continued the long-standing American tradition of honoring championship teams. Players, staff members, and club executives gathered for the event, which celebrated the season that transformed Inter Miami into one of the most recognizable teams in world soccer.
Messi, who joined the club in mid-2023, has been central to that transformation. His impact has been nothing short of extraordinary. According to season statistics, the Argentine superstar recorded 43 goals and 25 assists in 49 appearances during the 2025 campaign, leading Inter Miami to the league title and earning the MLS Most Valuable Player award for a second consecutive season, the first player in league history to achieve that feat.
U.S. President Donald Trump receives gifts as Lionel Messi (L) and fellow members of Inter Miami look on
During the ceremony, Messi presented Trump with a bejeweled pink soccer ball, symbolizing the club’s iconic kit and its growing cultural influence. Trump addressed the Argentine directly while praising his achievements. “Leo, you came in and you won, and that’s something very hard to do, very, very unusual,” Trump said.
The moment that sparked a global debate
Midway through the ceremony, Trump shifted the conversation toward soccer history, recalling his memories of watching Brazilian legend Pele during the 1970s. The Brazilian famously played for the New York Cosmos between 1975 and 1977, a period widely credited with helping popularize soccer in the United States.
That memory led Trump to deliver the remark that quickly spread around the world. “I shouldn’t say this because you’ll say I’m old, but I watched Pele play,” he said. “You may be better than Pele… Who’s better?”
The comment reignited one of soccer’s most enduring debates: whether Messi’s achievements surpass those of the Brazilian icon. The president then appeared to make his own stance clear. “I agree. I think he is.” Within minutes, the statement had spread across social media and sports networks, adding a political voice to the long-running GOAT (Greatest of All Time) discussion.
Praise for Messi’s decision to join Inter Miami
Trump also used the occasion to highlight Messi’s decision to continue his career in the United States rather than returning to Europe or moving elsewhere. “You could have gone anywhere in the world. You could have chosen any team in the world, and you chose Miami,” he said. “I don’t blame you. The weather’s extremely good.”
Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF shakes hands with U.S. President Donald Trump
While Messi remained silent during the ceremony, his presence alone reflected the enormous influence he has had on American soccer since arriving.
Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti says he’ll continue talks with the club over a new contract in the coming days and reveals he’ll move into the same building as club director Damien Comolli: ‘So we’ll run into each other when we go downstairs.’
Juventus coach Spalletti provided an update on his future at the Allianz Stadium during a press conference on Friday.
The Italian tactician previewed tomorrow’s Serie A match against Pisa, but inevitably faced a question about his contract, which expires at the end of the season.
“The numbers say that we’re not where we would like to be, and we have to remember that,” Spalletti said.
“But we also see how close the fans are to the team, and their message is coming through loud and clear because of their attachment to the shirt and what the players are doing. That’s what gives us the most pleasure and what drives us forward.”
Most of the Juventus fans seem to be fully backing Spalletti, while club directors Giorgio Chiellini and Comolli have reiterated that they want to continue with the Italian coach beyond the summer.
“We have to play out this final part of the season. We are all focused and oriented in that direction,” the coach added.
“The group is what matters. As for the future, we’ll talk about it this week, but right now we are tied to this moment, to everything that’s happening. We’ll calmly discuss what the future will be, mine and Juventus’s, without pressure or stress.
Spalletti: ‘Having a contract to show off’ doesn’t matter
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Juventus FC head coach Luciano Spalletti looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and SS Lazio at Allianz Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“What matters is what the team is doing, the desire the team will show in these matches. Results matter too, but so does planning for the future. My contract has already been discussed with the club because we are close. In fact, I’m about to move into the same building as Comolli, so we’ll run into each other when we go downstairs.
“What matters is doing well, not having a contract to show off. We need to perceive the space ahead of us, and there is still space ahead; we have to be careful to recognise that space.”
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Weston McKennie of Juventus FC celebrates with teammates after scoring the third goal of his team during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
Juventus sit sixth in the Serie A table, but just four points below fourth-placed Roma.
Spalletti was hired at the end of October to replace Igor Tudor, and Juventus have won 14 of 27 games under the Tuscan tactician.
Surgeon Pier Paolo Marini, who performed arthroscopy surgery on Paulo Dybala’s meniscus today, says the Argentine star be forced to the sidelines for at least 45 days.
The Argentine continued to experience knee discomfort on Thursday and, alongside the club, decided to undergo surgery.
Dybala underwent meniscus surgery
“It was decided after a consultation yesterday,” Mariani, the doctor who performed the operation, told Sky Sport Italia.
“The initial diagnosis was a meniscal injury, although there were no clear signs on the MRI. Yesterday, together with Dr Petrucci, we decided to perform a diagnostic and surgical arthroscopy.
“We found a tear in the lateral meniscus. From an orthopaedic standpoint, the recovery time is about 45 days,” the doctor continued.
“After that, I hope the return to the pitch will be quick, but it will be decided by the Roma medical staff, the trainers and the coach.”
Dybala has scored three goals and provided four assists in 22 appearances across all competitions this season.
The Argentine striker’s contract at the Stadio Olimpico expires this coming June. Dybala made his last competitive appearance for Roma on January 25.
This latest injury casts even more doubts about his future at the Stadio Olimpico. According to Italian sources, Boca Juniors directors have already opened talks with the former Juventus star, who is available for a free transfer in June.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma in action during the warm up before the Serie A match between AS Roma and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Olimpico on October 29, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Roma currently sit fourth in the Serie A table with 51 points, three above fifth-placed Como.
The Giallorossi have also qualified for the Europa League Round of 16, where they’ll meet their Serie A opponents, Bologna.
Bayern Munich star Harry Kane will miss today’s game against Borussia Mönchengladbach, but Vincent Kompany seems confident that the Englishman will recover for a Champions League meeting with Atalanta next week.
Bayern Munich star striker Kane will miss tonight’s Bundesliga game against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
MUNICH, GERMANY – JANUARY 21: Harry Kane of Bayern Munich celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between FC Bayern München and R. Union Saint-Gilloise at Football Arena Munich on January 21, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
During his pre-match press conference, the Bavarians’ coach Kompany said: “He [Kane] got a knock on his calf and hasn’t recovered yet. It’s just a knock; it’s nothing serious for the time being, but we’d need maybe another day for him to be involved. We’re pretty relaxed. Of course we would have liked Harry to be involved, but these things happen.”
Kompany added that Hiroki Ito and Alphonso Davies would also miss tonight’s league fixture.
The Bundesliga giants will visit the Serie A side in the Round of 16 first leg on Tuesday, March 10, while the second leg will be played at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Wednesday, March 18.
MUNICH, GERMANY – APRIL 08: Harry Kane of Bayern Munich look dejected after Davide Frattesi of FC Internazionale (not pictured scores his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between FC Bayern München and FC Internazionale Milano at Fussball Arena Muenchen on April 08, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Kane, 32, is Bayern Munich’s top scorer this season with 45 goals in 37 matches.
It’s more than double the combined goal tally of Atalanta strikers Gianluca Scamacca and Nikola Krstovic, as the Italian has scored 10 goals this season, while the Montenegro international has managed eight.
Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion might not have been a masterclass in free-flowing attacking football, but it was a massive step toward the Premier League title.
A deflected ninth-minute strike from Bukayo Saka proved to be the difference, allowing Mikel Arteta’s side to capitalize on Manchester City’s slip-up and move seven points clear at the top of the table.
However, the post-match narrative was quickly dominated by a clash of styles and a fiery war of words.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler was visibly frustrated at the final whistle, launching an astonishing rant against Arsenal’s tactics.
Hurzeler was annoyed by Arsenal tactics
Annoyed by the Gunners’ perceived gamesmanship and slow restarts, with data showing Arsenal took over 30 minutes to restart play across the match, Hürzeler accused the visitors of ruining the spectacle.
“There was only one team who tried to play football today,” the German manager fumed, pointing out that Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya went down for treatment on three separate occasions.
Hürzeler boldly declared that Arsenal’s approach “was not football” and stated, “I will never be that kind of manager who tries to win in that way.”
Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes in action (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Gabriel Magalhães, who put in a monumental Man of the Match performance filled with vital blocks and towering headers to keep Brighton at bay, was quick to dismiss Hürzeler’s complaints.
Speaking to the media, the Brazilian center-back made it abundantly clear that the Brighton camp’s frustrations mean very little to the league leaders.
“That is for the referee to decide on the pitch. If he wants to give a yellow card or not, he decides the time we take.
“We just have to do things the way we are doing and keep going.”
Gabriel’s blunt dismissal perfectly shows the ruthless mentality currently driving Arsenal.
Arteta’s squad is no longer interested in winning popularity contests or earning praise for playing aesthetically pleasing football if it means dropping points away from home.
With the Premier League trophy firmly in their sights, Arsenal’s sole focus is crossing the finish line, no matter how many feathers they have to ruffle along the way.
Sitting in last place in the Premier League table, Wolves beat reigning champions Liverpool earlier this week, and they’re set to take them on again in the FA Cup this evening (Friday). Have they got what it takes to do it again? Let’s wait and see. “We believe that we can turn things around” 👀 […]
Numerous journalists from different media outlets believe this summer will be the one when Mohamed Salah finally leaves Liverpool, after nine years. Rightly regarded as a legend of the Merseyside club, the Egyptian’s dip in form this season has been huge, and with his 34th birthday coming in June, there is next to no hope […]
Cristiano Ronaldo remains a central figure for both Al-Nassr and the Portugal national team, but recent comments from his club coach Jorge Jesus have raised fresh concern over the striker’s physical condition.
Uncertainty has suddenly surrounded one of soccer’s most enduring superstars. Cristiano Ronaldo remains a central figure for both Al-Nassr and the Portugal national team, but recent comments from his club coach Jorge Jesus have raised fresh concern over the striker’s physical condition.
The veteran forward limped off during Al-Nassr’s recent match against Al-Fayha in the Saudi Pro League, sparking immediate questions about the severity of the problem. At first glance, the injury appeared manageable, but the latest update from inside the club suggests the situation could be more complicated than initially believed.
The timing could hardly be worse. With the club pushing for a historic domestic title and Portugal preparing for crucial friendlies against the Mexico national team and the United States men’s national team, the health of their captain has become a major talking point just months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
What did Jorge Jesus say about Ronaldo?
The setback occurred late in Al-Nassr’s league victory over Al-Fayha when Ronaldo left the field in the 81st minute after feeling discomfort in his hamstring. Initial reports suggested the injury might only be minor fatigue, but further examinations painted a more worrying picture.
Speaking ahead of the team’s next league fixture against NEOM, Jorge Jesus revealed the result of those tests. “After tests, we see the injury suffered by Cristiano Ronaldo was more serious than expected.” That revelation marked a significant shift in the narrative surrounding the injury. What initially looked like a minor muscle issue has now been confirmed to be more complicated, forcing the Portuguese superstar to seek specialist care outside Saudi Arabia.
Jorge Jesus, Manager of Al-Nassr, interacts with Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr.
Jesus explained the next step in the recovery process. “Cristiano will now travel to Spain, like other players who went for treatment when they were injured. His injury required treatment in Madrid with his personal therapist, and we hope he returns quickly and helps the team.” The decision reflects Ronaldo’s long-standing practice of working with trusted medical staff in Madrid, where he spent nearly a decade playing for Real Madrid.
Treatment in Spain and uncertain timeline
The trip to Spain highlights the seriousness of the rehabilitation process. According to the club’s coaching staff, Ronaldo will follow a personalized recovery program under the supervision of his own physiotherapist, a strategy often used by elite athletes dealing with muscle injuries. However, the exact recovery timeline remains unclear.
Medical experts generally categorize hamstring injuries into several grades. A grade-one strain typically requires one to three weeks of recovery, while a grade-two tear can sideline a player for four to eight weeks. Until the full extent of the damage is confirmed, neither Al-Nassr nor Portugal can predict exactly when their captain will return.
Portugal’s World Cup preparation at risk
Beyond club soccer, the situation has also raised concerns for Portugal’s preparations ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The national team, coached by Roberto Martinez, is scheduled to face Mexico on March 28 and the United States on March 31 in North America. Those matches represent the final testing ground before the global tournament begins.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal reacts
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano suggested the injury could keep Ronaldo sidelined for several weeks. “Cristiano Ronaldo could be out for up to four weeks with muscle injury.” If that timeline proves accurate, Portugal could be forced to prepare for those friendlies without its captain and all-time leading scorer.
Despite the setback, the 41-year-old’s ultimate goal remains unchanged. The Portuguese legend hopes to participate in a record sixth World Cup, with the 2026 tournament set to begin in the United States, Mexico, and Canada in just over three months. At 41, maintaining fitness is crucial, and the medical teams around him will prioritize long-term recovery over rushing him back too soon.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Milan will offer Massimiliano Allegri a new contract until 2028 as the Rossoneri see the Italian tactician as the cornerstone of their project.
Milan’s likely qualification for the 2026-27 Champions League has prompted the Rossoneri directors to prepare a contract extension offer for their coach, Allegri.
Milan to offer Allegri a new contract
According to Gazzetta, Allegri remains a key part of the Milan project, so the club will offer the Italian tactician a one-year contract extension until June 2028 with an option for a further campaign.
Qualification for the Champions League will also allow Milan to offer Allegri a pay rise from the current €5m-a-year salary to €6m per season.
Previous reports in Italy, however, suggested that Allegri’s future at Milan beyond the summer was uncertain.
FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 11: Head coach Massimiliano Allegri manager of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and AC Milan at Artemio Franchi on January 11, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Questioned about the matter at a recent press conference, Allegri said: “There’s total harmony with the club regarding the rumours that came out this week.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 08: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, gives the team instructions during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Of course, in any discussion, there can be different points of view. It’s important that everyone works for the good of Milan. I’m very happy to have returned to Milan after 15 years and to have started working with a wonderful group of players. The club is planning and structuring Milan’s future. To do that, we need to achieve the most important result. In March, we’re in a fairly good position. Now we have to see if we’re good enough to stay there or take the final step. There’s harmony between the club and me.”
Barcelona don’t see Dusan Vlahovic as a primary option to replace Robert Lewandowski next season, and Juventus are reported to be increasingly confident of reaching an agreement with their striker over a new contract.
Juventus hope to convince Vlahovic to extend his contract as the striker’s deal at the Allianz Stadium runs out this coming June.
Latest on Vlahovic contract extension
According to Matteo Moretto and Fabrizio Romano (via Calciomercato.com), there have been direct talks between the two parties in recent days.
The Bianconeri are determined to make an offer between €6m and €7m per season. Vlahovic earns €12m, including add-ons, in his final year at the Allianz Stadium.
Juventus are increasingly confident of reaching an agreement, as Vlahovic hasn’t yet shaken hands with any other club.
Moretto reports that Vlahovic has been offered by his entourage to Barcelona, but the Catalans don’t see the Serbia international as a primary option for now.
TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Juventus and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Juventus Stadium on November 04, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
Lega Serie A has confirmed the dates and kick-off times for the second legs of the Coppa Italia semifinals and Serie A Week 31, including Inter-Roma on Easter.
Lega Serie A has provided the dates and kick-off times for Serie A matches to be played over the Easter weekend in April.
Serie A Week 31 will unfold from Saturday, April 4, to Monday, April 6.
Lecce-Atalanta is scheduled for Saturday, 4, at 15:00 CET, but if Atalanta progress to the Champions League quarter-finals, the match will be moved to April 6 at 15:00.
At the same time, the Udinese-Como match scheduled for April 6 at 15:00 CET will be moved to 12:30 CET, but only if Atalanta progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 18: Jan Ziolkowski of AS Roma is challenged by Ange-Yoan Bonny of Internazionale during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Olimpico Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
As for the second legs of the Coppa Italia semifinals, Inter-Como will be played on Tuesday, April 21, at 21:00 CET. Atalanta-Lazio is scheduled for the following day, Wednesday, April 22, at 21:00 CET.
Inter and Como drew 0-0 in the first leg played at the Stadio Sinigaglia earlier this week, while Atalanta and Lazio picked up a 2-2 draw at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
Manchester United have reportedly begun exploring a potential summer move for Juventus striker Jonathan David as the club evaluates further reinforcements in attack.
According to TEAMtalk, representatives acting on David’s behalf have held discussions with United through intermediaries regarding a possible transfer at the end of the 2025/26 season.
United sit third in the Premier League table despite suffering a midweek defeat to Newcastle United.
With Champions League qualification firmly within reach, the club’s leadership is already planning how to strengthen the squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Man United plan to strengthen their attack
Man United significantly reshaped their forward line last summer by signing Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško.
The trio have provided the team with increased pace, pressing intensity, and tactical flexibility in the final third.
However, the club’s recruitment strategy remains focused on building depth and competition in key attacking areas.
Modern Premier League campaigns demand squads capable of coping with domestic and European schedules, and United are keen to ensure they have enough quality options across the front line.
One uncertainty surrounds Joshua Zirkzee’s future at Old Trafford. The Dutch striker has struggled to consistently secure a starting role and has been linked with a possible move away.
If he were to depart, United would almost certainly seek another striker capable of offering a different attacking profile.
David’s situation at Juventus has not been impressive
Jonathan David of Juventus FC in action (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
David’s time in Italy has not gone entirely according to plan. Since joining Juventus, the Canadian international has struggled to replicate the prolific scoring form that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards during his time in Ligue 1 with Lille.
So far this season, David has scored seven goals in 37 appearances for the Turin club.
While his work rate and movement remain highly regarded, the lack of consistent goal output has led to speculation that both the player and Juventus could consider a fresh start.
Transfers are a big part of football, and it’s every bit as chaotic and unpredictable as the beautiful game on the pitch that we all know and love.
Huge amounts of work happens behind the scenes via scouts, sporting directors, agents, and intermediaries, to determine if a player is the right fit for their club, both in terms of what they can offer on the pitch, and if they’re a realistic and affordable target.
When it comes to covering football transfer news, we know fans are desperate to find out inside information on the players their teams are chasing, but also to gain an insight into what this player could offer, and realistic expectations about how good a piece of business it could be.
This kind of analysis is going on inside football clubs all the time, and while there can never be a totally foolproof method for guaranteeing every signing will be a success, our years of experience in covering the transfer market has afforded us some insight into what clubs are doing to assess players and how that guides their recruitment decisions.
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With that in mind, we aim to provide our readers with a scoring system of our own, to help contextualise player links and to give fans not just a news story, but hopefully a glimpse into what a deal means for their team’s future.
We’ve put together the following five categories, each of which we’ll rate out of five for a total score of 25 for each player. The higher the score the better, and these are the categories we’ve chosen as the most significant, with a full breakdown of what they mean…
Transfer fee
This one’s pretty simple – how much is this player going to cost? Are they already at a big club, with a long-term contract? If so, it’s probably going to end up being too expensive to be worth it. Transfer fees and asking prices can obviously change depending on certain clauses, if the player is unhappy, and if a club sees another similar player suddenly moving for a higher or lower price than expected.
Performance
This one’s pretty important – how well is Player X actually performing? We’ll do our best to crunch the numbers, whether that’s goals and assists for attacking players, or tackles and interceptions for defensive players. This will be based on recent form, because fans deserve to know if the big name they’re being linked with has actually been well below par recently. Even a goal machine like Erling Haaland can go through a dry spell, and whether that’s a temporary blip or the start of a long-term decline is not always obvious, but in the here and now it’s something that has to be taken into account.
Achievements
While recent performances are important, there will also be times when a club is looking for someone even with the knowledge that their best years might be behind them. While there’s often so much talk of the need to find the best talents before they hit their peak, there’s sometimes also a clear need for adding an experienced old head to balance out the youth of a squad, and to provide guidance on the training ground and in the dressing room as much as on the pitch. Of course, some players will already have plenty of games and trophies under their belt at a relatively young age, which just adds to their value.
Is a player just breaking through and causing a sensation? Have they just hit their peak and find themselves a big fish ready to leave a small pond? Do they look a bit too expensive when they have maybe two or three years left at the top at most? We’ll do our best to convey that with this rating.
Squad need
Are we looking at a player who’s going to immediately prove a major upgrade on what the club already have, or are they a bit of a luxury player? Is this transfer target perhaps a complete waste of time because they’ve spent their career playing as a wing-back but are now being linked with a team who play with a back four? We’ll use this category to evaluate how much Player X is actually needed by whoever’s being linked.
Weak, medium, or strong?
After taking those all into account, we’ll give a total score out of 25 to grade how strong a fit this player is.
0-8 = LOW
9-17 = MEDIUM
18-25 = HIGH
Michael Olise Transfer Fit rating
So, to take one example doing the rounds at the moment, Michael Olise is being linked with Liverpool and he’s a world class player, approaching his prime, whose only issue is probably his price tag.
Unsurprisingly, this gets a high score from us…Olise would be a near-perfect signing for Liverpool right now!
Michael Olise Transfer Fit score (CaughtOffside)
Michael Olise
TOTAL SCORE: 21/25
Transfer fee
**
Performance
*****
Achievements
****
Career phase
*****
Squad need
*****
Julian Alvarez Transfer Fit rating
While it might be intuitive to think of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez as a tempting target for Arsenal, who lack a world class striker, our verdict gives a slightly more mixed picture, taking into account his huge price tag and recent dip in form.
Julian Alvarez Transfer Fit rating (CaughtOffside)
Julian Alvarez
TOTAL SCORE: 15/25
Transfer fee
*
Performance
**
Achievements
***
Career phase
****
Squad need
*****
Sandro Tonali Transfer Fit rating
Finally, an example of a signing we wouldn’t recommend for Arsenal is Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali.
It’s important to note that this does not mean he’s a bad player by any stretch of the imagination, and perhaps for a different club we’d have him a much higher score, but he’s been strongly linked with Arsenal in recent times and it’s hard to justify it based on his likely cost and their current squad needs.
Manchester United’s search for a permanent manager is beginning to take clearer shape as the club prepares for a pivotal summer.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, reported by the Express, the Red Devils have narrowed their shortlist to three primary candidates as they look to appoint a new head coach ahead of the 2026/27 season.
United parted ways with Ruben Amorim at the beginning of 2026 following a disappointing spell in charge.
Former midfielder Michael Carrick was then placed in temporary control of the first team until the end of the campaign.
Roberto Martinez is being considered by Man United
Among the names under serious consideration is Portugal national team manager Roberto Martínez, as reported by Jacobs.
The Spaniard, who has been in international management for nearly a decade, is reportedly open to returning to club football after the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Martínez built his reputation in English football with Swansea City before achieving one of the FA Cup’s greatest upsets in 2013, when his Wigan Athletic side defeated Manchester City at Wembley.
A subsequent spell at Everton demonstrated his commitment to possession-based football, though defensive issues ultimately cost him his job.
On the international stage, Martínez guided Belgium’s “Golden Generation” to a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup and later took charge of Portugal in 2023.
Under his leadership, Portugal secured the 2025 UEFA Nations League title, strengthening his reputation as a tactically astute and diplomatic manager capable of handling elite talent.
Julian Nagelsmann has been linked with Manchester United (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Alongside Martínez, two other prominent names continue to circulate within United’s decision-making circles, Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto De Zerbi.
Both are widely respected for their progressive tactical approaches and ability to develop young players.
United’s leadership is reportedly assessing which candidate best aligns with the club’s long-term football strategy, particularly as they aim to rebuild a squad capable of competing for major trophies again.
Whether United ultimately turn to Martínez’s experience, Nagelsmann’s innovation, De Zerbi’s attacking philosophy, or even extend Carrick’s role, the choice will play a crucial role in shaping the club’s ambitions beyond 2026.
Arne Slot’s position as Liverpool manager is expected to come under serious review at the end of the 2025/26 season, with growing uncertainty surrounding the club’s direction.
According to reports from TEAMtalk, Liverpool’s ownership group, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), are closely monitoring the situation following a disappointing campaign that has fallen well short of expectations.
Liverpool sit sixth in the Premier League table and are fighting to secure qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
That reality marks a significant decline from last season’s title-winning success and has intensified scrutiny around Slot’s tenure at Anfield.
Complicating matters further is the availability of former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, who has been without a managerial role since leaving Real Madrid in January.
Liverpool have struggled to perform this season
When Liverpool lifted the Premier League trophy last season, the expectation was that Slot’s side would remain among England’s dominant forces.
Instead, the current campaign has been marked by inconsistency, defensive fragility, and struggles against direct rivals.
Several factors have contributed to the team’s uneven form. Injuries to key players, squad fatigue, and the challenge of integrating new signings have all played a role.
However, Liverpool’s hierarchy reportedly expected the team to remain firmly in the title race rather than battling for a Champions League place.
FSG are known for taking a measured approach when it comes to managerial decisions, but sources suggest the scale of the drop-off has raised internal concerns about whether the current project is progressing as planned.
Xabi Alonso looks on (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
One name continues to dominate discussions about Liverpool’s potential future direction: Xabi Alonso.
The Spaniard, a legendary figure from Liverpool’s 2005 Champions League-winning side, has quickly built a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches.
His deep understanding of Liverpool’s culture, combined with his tactical reputation and experience at elite clubs, makes him an appealing option for the club’s leadership.
Widening their buffer at the top of the Premier League table in midweek and now currently holding a seven-point buffer over bitter title foes Manchester City, Arsenal are still on course to complete an iconic quadruple-winning campaign in 2026. Sat firmly in the driving seat to end their over two decade wait for a domestic […]
Oliver Glasner is confident Crystal Palace are “going in the right direction” after coming from behind to earn a stunning 3-1 victory over 10-man Tottenham. Ismaila Sarr had a goal ruled out for a marginal offside before Dominic Solanke put Spurs in front. However, things soon unravelled for the hosts as Micky van de Ven […]
Dominic Solanke insisted there was no time for Tottenham to make excuses after their relegation fears worsened following a 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace on Thursday. Solanke had opened the scoring in the 34th minute for Igor Tudor’s team, only for Micky van de Ven’s red card four minutes later to turn the contest on […]
Widening their buffer at the top of the Premier League table in midweek and now currently holding a seven-point buffer over bitter title foes Manchester City, Arsenal are still on course to complete an iconic quadruple-winning campaign in 2026. Sat firmly in the driving seat to end their over two decade wait for a domestic […]
Inter will reportedly offer Henrikh Mkhitaryan a new contract, but Yann Sommer, Francesco Acerbi, Matteo Darmian and Stefan de Vrij will leave in June, opening the door to a defensive overhaul at the Stadio Meazza.
Inter are already preparing for some big changes at the back as three of their defenders, Darmian, Acerbi and De Vrij, won’t be offered a new contract, leaving the club on a free transfer in June, reports TMW.
Latest Inter transfer updates
The summer overhaul will also include the goalkeeper role, as Sommer is expected to leave the club at the end of his contract in June.
Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has emerged as Inter’s main target to replace Sommer next summer, with the Italy international eager to return to Serie A from North London.
Other goalkeepers linked with a move to Inter are Liverpool’s Alisson and Marco Carnesecchi, even though the latter is expected to sign a new deal with Atalanta.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of FC Internazionale is pressured by Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool FC during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
As TMW reports, central midfielder Mkhitaryan is the only Inter player who will receive an offer to extend his expiring contract.
The Nerazzurri’s proposal, however, will include a 30% pay cut, from €3.8m per season to €2.5m for 2026-27.
Milan defender Fikayo Tomori says his teammate Christian Pulisic is ‘underestimated’ and recalls his first Derby della Madonnina: ‘I thought, this is a different derby.’
The Milan derby is just around the corner, with Milan and Inter meeting at San Siro this coming Sunday at 20:45 CET.
Tomori has entered his fifth year in Milan and spoke to The Athletic about his first match against Inter and the Rossoneri’s season so far.
Tomori on Milan derby and Allegri
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale is challenged by Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“It was Covid but the fans came to the training ground. That doesn’t happen in England. They’re waving flags. They’ve got banners and everything,” said the Milan defender.
“Immediately, that happens and you think: ‘This is a different game. This is a different derby’. Then you come to the stadium. You’re on the bus and you hear the fans banging on it. At first I was like: ‘Hold on, what’s going on here’.
“Having these ultra passionate fans who just sing for 90 minutes. Not even 90 minutes,” Tomori continued.
“They’re there before we’re out warming up. They’re there after the game. Even that in itself is another nuanced thing that makes it so special. I feel like, even my friends, I used to tell them about it but they never really understood what I was saying until they actually came to the stadium.”
Milan sit second in Serie A, ten points below their city rivals and table leaders Inter.
They don’t play in any European competition after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign, but new coach Massimiliano Allegri seems to have turned things around.
Tomori recalled one of the first meetings with the Italian tactician: “He said: ‘Last season, we scored, I don’t know, 80-something goals. That’s Champions League statistics. However, we conceded 40-something. That’s sixth place or maybe in a good year fourth’. He said: ‘That’s not to say the defenders are bad and the defenders aren’t doing their job, the goalkeeper’s not doing his job. It’s to say the whole team needs to have the mentality that we cannot concede this many goals because if we don’t concede that many, we’ll be top of the table, especially with the players we have up front.”
Rafael Leao has scored ten goals and provided two assists in 22 appearances across all competitions this season, but missed several games, especially at the start of the campaign, due to a calf injury.
“It was almost like he didn’t know how good he was,” Tomori said about the Portuguese, “because everything came so naturally to him. He came out of the womb and this is just how he knew to play football. He just didn’t know how to use what he had. Everyone saw it the year we won the Scudetto, almost like he realised: ‘Wow. I can do this! I can do this!’.”
Christian Pulisic, on the other hand, has had a fantastic start to the season, but is now struggling with injuries and hasn’t yet scored in 2026.
“People underestimate him,” Tomori said.
“People don’t realise how fast he is. They don’t realise how sharp he is with the ball, how good he is with the ball, how intelligent he is. You only realise it when he’s scored a goal against you. I knew him from Chelsea.
“Puli’s a top, top professional. A really top guy. He always wants to improve. If he misses a shot in training, he’s like: ‘Why did I do that?’. But he’s really calm and nice to be around, very level-headed even, you know, (as)the best player America’s had in god knows how long. But he’s very calm, level-headed, very simple, I’d say.”
Tomori hasn’t played for the England national team since 2023, but hopes to convince Thomas Tuchel for the 2026 World Cup.
“We spoke a few months ago and he kind of said what I said. That I’m close and there’s not a lot in it, just to keep going,” Tomori concluded.
“In football (and) in life anything can happen. I’m focused on myself, doing the best I can to help myself, to help Milan. And then, like I said, hopefully I’m on the plane in June.”
Roma star Paulo Dybala is undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his injured left knee, reports in Italy claim.
Roma striker Dybala is undergoing exploratory arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, according to Italian sources, including Sky Sport’s Roma correspondent Angelo Mangiante.
Dybala undergoes arthroscopic surgery in Rome
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma in action during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on January 18, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
The Argentine has not made a competitive appearance since the end of January, missing four of the last five games due to an inflammation in the lateral capsule of his left knee.
He was back in the squad against Juventus on Sunday, spending the entire game on the bench, but on Thursday, he suffered another injury setback in training.
According to reports, Dybala arrived at Rome’s Villa Stuard on Friday morning and, in agreement with the club, decided to undergo surgery, performed by Professor Piero Paolo Mariani.
Dybala’s contract with Roma expires at the end of the season. The Argentine has scored three goals and provided four assists in 22 appearances across all competitions this season.
LECCE, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma warms up prior the Serie A match between US Lecce and AS Roma at Stadio Via del Mare on January 06, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Luciano Spalletti’s contract with Juventus expires at the end of the season, and the Italian tactician has already convinced the club to offer him a new deal, but is it enough to continue together beyond the summer?
Spalletti was appointed in October 2025 to replace Igor Tudor, and the Bianconeri have shown steady signs of improvement since.
Although the Serie A giants still sit 6th in the standings, four points below fourth-placed Roma, the team has shown a strong identity, both domestically and in Europe, and it’s no coincidence that Australian online casino bookmakers still place them among the favourites to secure a Champions League spot this term.
When does Spalletti’s contract expire?
Spalletti signed a contract until the end of the season, and Tuttosport reported last week that club directors are already convinced to offer Spalletti a new deal beyond the summer.
The Italian tactician has publicly said that he’s happy to sign a contract extension, but according to reports, he still has to reach an agreement with the club.
Juventus and Spalletti will sit down in the coming weeks, but the coach has reportedly demanded at least three big signings, one in each department, for the 2026-27 campaign.
According to Tuttosport, the agreement between Juventus and Spalletti does not hinge on the Italian tactician’s salary, but rather on the club’s plans for next season and the long-term future.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I’m looking for a football pitch, a ball, and players to coach, preferably intelligent ones, and I have that because my players are like that. If that were the necessity, it could be sorted out immediately,” Spalletti said in February, while director Giorgio Chiellini confirmed the club’s desire to extend.
“We are very happy with Spalletti and what he is achieving. I think he, too, is enjoying his time at Juventus. There is no rush, but also no doubt,” said the ex-defender, now the Director of Football Strategy at the Allianz Stadium.
“Luciano arrived here with great enthusiasm at Juventus, and he signed a contract with no guarantees precisely because he wanted to challenge himself. He is doing very well; he is part of the present and the future of this team.”
Even if Juventus are far from securing a Champions League spot this season, even former Bianconeri stars such as Miralem Pjanic believe Juventus must look to Spalletti for a long-term project.
“In Rome, I was coached for six months by Luciano. He’s a top manager,” the former midfielder told Gazzetta.
“Spalletti has given the team a clear identity, and the club now needs stability to start winning again. Spalletti is the right man to begin a new cycle, but obviously, he’s not enough. At least three top-level signings will be needed, one for each department.”
Italy’s Delegation Chief Gigi Buffon says Marco Palestra and Michael Kayode have impressed him this season and hits at Marco Verratti’s return: ‘His call-up wouldn’t upset the players.’
Buffon, Italy’s Delegation Chief since 2023, played a role in appointing Gennaro Gattuso as Italy’s head coach in June last year.
Buffon confident ahead of Italy’s World Cup play-off
“There are coaches who are suited to certain historical moments. Rino was the right person at that moment: he’s empathetic,” Buffon said.
“He knows how to build relationships with players in an authentic, immediate way. He can foster a sense of belonging and group identity, which is always the best thing. The thing that helps you overcome obstacles, especially in the national team. The players well receive every opinion, judgment, and every thought of his, because he has experience in the dressing room.”
Italy have missed out on World Cup qualification in 2018 and 2022 and are once again involved in the play-off to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
On March 26, they’ll face Northern Ireland in the play-off semifinal, with the potential final against Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Italy will play the semifinal at home in Bergamo and the final away in Wales or Bosnia.
Buffon hit back at criticism and looked confident ahead of the play-offs.
“Let’s write down some names: we are an ultra-competitive group for levels higher than what a play-off should be. We’ll go into a playoffplay-offeople like Donnarumma, Dimarco, Bastoni, Calafiori, Barella, Tonali, Retegui, Kean and Pio Esposito. I mean, how can Italy not go through? I struggle to see it,” he said.
“Then, maybe, it could happen for a third time, but at least I’d get there feeling calm, knowing that this is the reality. Then the pitch might prove us wrong, because once you are out there, a lot of other things can happen.”
Some young Italian players, including Niccolò Pisilli, Marco Palestra and Antonio Vergara, are having a good season in Serie A, but will they find a spot in the team for such crucial games this month?
“Regardless of age, the national team is for those who deserve it. Of course, you need a certain core group; you get nowhere without one. You have to know how to use young players without burdening them with responsibilities. You must take fearlessness from young players. No one can talk about this more than I. My first appearance for Italy was in a World Cup play-off. But if you asked me now: ‘Did you realise how important the match was?’ I didn’t know a damn thing! I walked onto the field in the snow, and I was just happy to play. I told myself: go out there and enjoy it.
“A big surprise has been Palestra; he’s shown something extraordinary. Another one who’s doing well is Kayode. Vergara, too, definitely catches your attention.”
On the other hand, Italy veteran Verratti, 33, is expected to be called up, returning to the national team for the first time in nearly three years.
“Marco has always been someone who is highly appreciated in the dressing room; everyone has always had a soft spot for him,” Buffon said.
“His call-up wouldn’t upset the players. Also, because his technical quality is so high that everyone immediately recognises his unique leadership.”
Lastly, Buffon spoke about the recent incident involving Alessandro Bastoni in the Inter-Juventus match and the use of VAR.
BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Alessandro Bastoni of Italy in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
“We spoke, and I found the whole thing a bit excessive; inevitably, the situation will die down. He’s paying far more than his actual share of the blame,” Buffon said.
“Inter-Juve confirmed that VAR is indispensable and makes you realise it must intervene in precise situations like the Kalulu incident. How can it not intervene in such a serious mistake? Who could have come up with something like that? It’s a procedure that drives you crazy. If you prevent a huge mistake, you’re helping the game of football, not harming it.
“Whoever came up with such a rule certainly isn’t a genius. There’s also something to review about physical contact: not every touch is a foul. People who have played football can help referees. There has to be a dialogue between the parties. If you blow the whistle for every contact, players realise it immediately and won’t help you; they’ll just throw themselves to the ground.”
As noted by Falk in his latest column, Olise is currently under contract with Bayern until 2029, which means it’s not exactly a desperate situation for the club to give him a new deal.
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At the same time, however, the German journalist suggested it could be a risky game for Bayern to play after finding themselves having to scramble late on to tie Dayot Upamecano down to a new contract.
It may well be that Bayern would be taking a risk not sorting this out sooner, as there will surely be clubs like Liverpool and Man City continuing to keep a close eye on Olise’s situation and perhaps ready to offer him better terms.
Michael Olise transfer insight from Bayern Insider Christian Falk
“Michael Olise is currently on a contract running until 2029, and Bayern Munich would love to have him sign a new contract until 2031. But this all takes time. With three years left on Olise’s current terms, Bayern have time on their hands,” Falk wrote.
“But, of course, they also heard that Liverpool are interested and Manchester City is watching the player. But they also have the Konrad Laimer contract negotiations to think about, the Harry Kane negotiations… It’s a complicated situation. What if you sign one player until 2031 and then the others say, ‘Hey, I want a longer contract’?
“It’s a bit of a dangerous game; the longer you wait, the more it invites other clubs to pick up the phone and call the player. Michael Olise isn’t, at the moment, one of the top earners (picking up around €15m [£13m]. Jamal Musiala and Harry Kane perhaps earn about €10m more.
“Bayern can always give the right winger more money, but the longer they wait, the more complicated the situation becomes. Bayern don’t want another “Upamecano case”. Nobody wants that!”
Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle has suggested he’d be ready to step in and replace the struggling Igor Tudor as manager.
Spurs have made an awful start under interim manager Tudor, who was brought in to replace Thomas Frank as the north London club hover dangerously close to the relegation zone.
There’s now only one point in it as Tottenham lost 3-1 at home to Crystal Palace last night, while West Ham picked up a crucial win away to Fulham at the weekend.
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It probably wouldn’t be wise for Spurs to make yet another change after barely giving Tudor any time, but it’s also easy to imagine that Hoddle would be a popular choice among the club’s fans.
Glenn Hoddle on potential return as Tottenham manager
Hoddle is one of Tottenham’s all-time great players, and he also had a spell as manager with the north Londoners between 2001 and 2003.
Speaking on the FA Cup podcast Could It Be Magic, Hoddle hinted he’d be tempted to return to management after a long spell out, describing Spurs as particularly tempting as he’s supported them ever since he was a young child.
“I think it would actually. Particularly with Tottenham, as that’s my club,” Hoddle said, as quoted by the Daily Mail.
“I’ve supported them since I was eight years of age. So they were a massive part of my life.”
Looking back at his previous spell with THFC, he added: “I managed them probably at the wrong time, I’ve got to say. Let’s put it that way.
“Politically and financially, there wasn’t money there. Certainly, it wasn’t what they told me I was going into.”
Tottenham’s remaining fixtures
Liverpool (A) Nottingham Forest (H) Sunderland (A) Brighton (H) Wolves (A) Aston Villa (A) Leeds (H) Chelsea (A) Everton (H)
How many points do you realistically see THFC getting from these games? Let us know your thoughts on their current predicament and your predictions for the end of this season in the comments below!
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The Magpies have still found a role for Trippier on a regular basis this season, with the veteran defender continuing to do his job well even if he’s now more of a squad player than an automatic starter.
Trippier performed well in the win over Manchester United this week, with Newcastle manager Howe singling him out for praise afterwards.
Eddie Howe praises Kieran Trippier performances
“It was, I mean, vintage Kieran, really. He was feeling cramped and feeling the effects of the speed of the game, as a number of our players were,” Howe said, as quoted by the Shields Gazette.
“And that’s where you’ve got to remember he’s playing every week. It’s a tough physical challenge for someone who’s 21, let alone someone who’s Kieran’s age.
“I thought he was magnificent for us today. Not just in how he played, but his experience, his game management, his know-how, his little things that people might not see. His experience is invaluable to us. So big congratulations to him.”
Kieran Trippier still set to leave Newcastle
The report from the Shields Gazette notes that Trippier is still set to leave St James’ Park at the end of this season when his contract expires.
The 35-year-old clearly still has a lot of quality and could have plenty to offer to a Premier League club, though it’s perhaps hard to see him earning a new NUFC deal.
Newcastle will likely want to continue to build around a younger player in Tino Livramento, who should soon be back from injury and starting ahead of Trippier again.
It’s still not clear where Trippier could end up next, but it will undoubtedly be a big story to watch out for this summer.
Jurgen Klopp has emerged as a surprising name in discussions surrounding Atletico Madrid’s managerial future, according to reports from Spanish outlet El Chiringuito TV.
The former Liverpool manager has been mentioned as a potential candidate to replace Diego Simeone should the long-serving Argentine coach depart the club.
Simeone remains firmly in charge at Atletico, but speculation about the club’s long-term direction has intensified in recent months.
If Atletico eventually decide to usher in a new era, Klopp’s profile, built on high-intensity football and major trophy success, makes him an interesting option for one of Spain’s biggest clubs.
Jurgen Klopp is currently working at Red Bull
Since stepping away from Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 season, Klopp has taken on a different challenge within football.
The German accepted a senior leadership role as Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull, overseeing the strategic direction of several clubs within the company’s football network.
The position allows Klopp to influence sporting decisions, recruitment strategies, and coaching philosophies across clubs such as RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg and others.
After years of operating under the intense demands of elite football management, he has embraced the opportunity to spend more time with family and attend personal events.
Jurgen Klopp left Liverpool in 2024 (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Simeone has been Atletico Madrid’s defining figure for more than a decade.
Since taking charge in 2011, he has transformed the club into one of Europe’s most competitive teams, winning La Liga titles in 2014 and 2021, as well as reaching two Champions League finals.
Yet every long managerial era eventually faces questions about succession.
Atletico’s leadership may eventually consider a different style of football as the squad evolves, and Klopp’s high-energy pressing philosophy would represent a dramatic stylistic shift.
The German has been mentioned as a potential future candidate for the German national team job, depending on the long-term plans for Julian Nagelsmann, and his name has occasionally appeared in speculation surrounding other elite clubs.
Former Juventus and Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli was seen at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday during Spurs’ 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace.
Several Italian sources, including Tuttosport, report that ex-Napoli and Juventus director Giuntoli was in London on Thursday, where he watched Tottenham’s 3-1 defeat against Crystal Palace in the Premier League at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Giuntoli’s ties with Tudor
Giuntoli was sacked by Juventus at the end of the 2024-25 season and replaced by Damien Comolli.
In his second season at Juventus, Giuntoli had replaced Massimiliano Allegri with Thiago Motta, but then sacked the latter in March 2025, hiring Igor Tudor.
The Croatian tactician is now in charge of Tottenham, but the start of his tenure in North London has been terrible, as Spurs have suffered three defeats in his first three games.
Juventus Football director Cristiano Giuntoli (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)
Tudor risks being sacked already
According to reports in England, Tudor already risks being sacked, less than a month after his appointment, which was confirmed on February 14.
Tottenham are now fighting to avoid relegation from the Premier League, with only a one-point lead over 18th-placed West Ham.
Tuttosport newspaper reports that Juventus have opened preliminary talks with Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who wants to return to Serie A this summer.
Juventus are among the clubs interested in Tottenham goalkeeper Vicario, and according to Tuttosport, the Bianconeri have already opened preliminary talks with the player’s entourage.
Vicario wants Serie A return
Vicario is eager to return to Serie A in the summer, according to various sources, and his price tag is around €20m.
His salary in North London is also quite affordable for Juventus as the Italy international earns €2.6m at Tottenham.
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 30: Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur claims the ball during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bournemouth at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 30, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Juventus, however, are not the only club to have established contact with Vicario’s representatives.
Matteo Moretto has reported that Inter are currently leading the race for the ex-Empoli and Cagliari goalkeeper.
Juventus are expected to change their starting goalkeeper in 2026-27, with Mattia Perin and Michele Di Gregorio both available for transfer.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 04: Marco Carnesecchi of Atalanta reacts during the Coppa Italia match between SS Lazio and Atalanta BC at Olimpico Stadium on March 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Manchester United are continuing to track the progress of Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos as they evaluate potential reinforcements for the centre of the pitch ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, the Red Devils remain interested in the 21-year-old Brazilian, whose development at Stamford Bridge has not gone unnoticed across the Premier League.
Santos has emerged as an increasingly important figure in Chelsea’s midfield under head coach Liam Rosenior.
His rise has made him one of the club’s most important young players, while also placing him firmly on the radar of clubs seeking dynamic midfield talent.
Santos has performed well under Rosenior
Santos’ career trajectory has been closely linked with Rosenior in recent seasons.
The two previously worked together during the Brazilian’s loan spell at Strasbourg, where the midfielder enjoyed a breakout campaign in Ligue 1.
Santos scored 10 goals during that season, helping Strasbourg secure qualification for the UEFA Conference League and establishing himself as one of the league’s standout young midfielders.
After returning to Chelsea, Santos initially struggled for consistent opportunities under former manager Enzo Maresca.
His first senior appearance for the club came at the FIFA Club World Cup, but regular minutes proved difficult to come by during the early stages of the campaign.
That situation changed significantly following Rosenior’s arrival.
Man United hold long term interest in the midfielder
Andrey Santos in action for Chelsea (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Man United’s interest in Santos is not entirely new. Jacobs reports that the club first explored his situation during discussions involving Alejandro Garnacho in previous negotiations between the two sides.
United’s recruitment team are currently analysing midfield options as part of their ongoing squad rebuild.
However, it remains unclear whether Chelsea would consider selling.
The London club reportedly rejected approaches from Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah last summer, while several European teams also expressed interest.
I’m aware there has been a report doing the rounds about Arsenal needing to make a major sale this summer, and I’ve just finished some calls to my sources close to the agents industry.
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From what I’m hearing, however, it’s not likely that Ethan Nwaneri or Myles Lewis-Skelly will be leaving. Things could change, of course, but the people I spoke to were not aware of that as a concrete possibility. Nwaneri’s loan move was intended to provide the young midfielder with experience rather than putting him in the shop window, and both he and Lewis-Skelly only recently signed new long-term contracts.
Martin Odegaard transfer won’t come cheap
What’s important to note about Odegaard’s situation is that he is not pushing for a move and Arsenal will only sell if the price is right.
The situation should become clearer soon, but there is understandable interest in the Norway international, whose asking price could be as high as €100m. After an injury-hit season and a slight loss of form, however, sources expect clubs to try negotiating for less than that. That’s where the uncertainty lies, and where other players’ futures can also be significant.
Martinelli, by contrast, is likely to be available for more like €65m. As things stand, he looks more likely to leave, and it’s possible that if, for example, White were also to move on, that would be enough to balance the books sufficiently so that Odegaard’s exit was not also required.
Which clubs are chasing Odegaard and Martinelli?
One source told me: “Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid will be interested in Odegaard’s situation. A lot would depend on the structure of the deal, but expect them to be there.”
This has been confirmed by other sources as well, with no mention yet of Premier League clubs. Arsenal, in any case, would certainly prioritise a sale abroad.
With Martinelli, Barca and Atletico have again been mentioned by multiple sources. Much will depend on what happens with Marcus Rashford, who is on loan at the Nou Camp and likely to join permanently, albeit without a full agreement in place yet.
Juventus are reportedly preparing an ambitious transfer strategy for the upcoming summer window, with Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali emerging as their primary target.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian giants could attempt to bring the 25-year-old back to Serie A if they secure qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Juventus sit sixth in the Serie A table, four points behind fourth-placed Roma in the race for the final Champions League spot.
That gap makes the closing months of the campaign crucial not only for sporting reasons but also for the club’s ability to attract top-level reinforcements.
Tonali, viewed as one of Italy’s most complete midfielders, has been identified as a potential cornerstone of Juventus’ midfield rebuild.
Tonali has enjoyed a meteoric rise at Newcastle United
Since joining Newcastle United from AC Milan in 2023, Tonali has grown into a key figure in Eddie Howe’s midfield.
His passing range, his work rate and his composure on the ball is crucial for Howe’s team.
He is capable of dictating tempo from deep positions while also contributing defensively with aggressive pressing and ball recoveries.
Those attributes have made him one of Newcastle’s most valuable assets and a player the club are unlikely to sell easily.
However, reports in Italy suggest Juventus believe a fee in the region of €75 million could be required to convince the Premier League side to consider negotiations.
Each of those clubs is believed to be exploring midfield reinforcements for different reasons.
Arsenal continue to strengthen their squad depth, Manchester United are planning a long-term midfield evolution, and Real Madrid are constantly evaluating options as they reshape their engine room for the future.
Billy Gilmour will start in central midfield for Napoli in a home Serie A match against Torino tonight.
It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT) at the Stadio Maradona in Naples.
Scott McTominay and Stanislav Lobotka are still unavailable for the Partenopei, so Gilmour will partner Eljif Elmas in central midfield. Kevin De Bruyne and André Frank-Zambo Anguissa are back in the squad for the first time in four months and will start from the bench.
David Neres, Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Amir Rrahmani are also unavailable for Napoli, while Torino have travelled to Naples without the injured Zakaria Aboukhlal.
According to Sky, Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic will return between the sticks for Napoli, while Mathias Olivera will complete a three-man backline with Juan Jesus and Alessandro Buongiorno.
NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 11: Billy Gilmour of Napoli during the Serie A match between Napoli and Genoa at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 11, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Duvan Zapata is favourite over Sandro Kulenović for a starting spot in attack for Torino. Enzo Ebosse is expected to start the second consecutive match for the Granata, pushing Napoli loanee Luca Marianucci to the bench.
Napoli vs. Torino – where to watch on TV
The match will be broadcast live on DAZN in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a live blog.
Napoli vs. Torino – probable line-ups
Napoli (3-4-3):Milinkovic-Savic; Juan Jesus, Buongiorno, Olivera; Politano, Gilmour, Elmas, Spinazzola; Vergara, Hojlund, Alisson.
Chivu needs the real Nicolò to stop Rabiot and kill off the league
More and more Allegri
Max, the project continues: renewal and pay rise ready
Napoli for the Champions, Toro for the comeback
Corriere dello Sport
Max saves it?
Decisive derby
The league asks Milan to stop runaway Inter
Chivu can close it: Allegri is the last obstacle
Leao and Pulisic dream of the coup to go to -7. Bartesaghi doubts: Estupinan is ready on the left. Thuram and Pio Esposito to extend the lead to 13 points. Calhanoglu favourite over Mkhitaryan in central midfield.
Napoli must win
Hojlund makes his 30th consecutive appearance, chasing 10 Serie A goals for the first time. Sal Da Vinci’s show at the Maradona, coming from the Sanremo triumph
Spalletti waits for Yildiz’s goals
Decisive Kenan contribution in the race for the Champions League. Vlahovic still in doubt for Pisa
Dybala stops: 3/4 of Roma
Stop for La Joya. Pellegrini and Pisilli behind Malen at Marassi. Gasp: ‘My most difficult challenge here.’
Tuttosport
Juventus call Vicario
First contact with the Tottenham goalkeeper
The Italian wants to leave Spurs, who value him at 20-25m. Inter and Roma also in the race. Intrview to Rampulla: ‘I like Guglielmo, but Di Gregorio deserves trust. I think rotations in goal don’t work.’ Defence: acceleration for Senesi.
D’Aversa is looking for a miracle and a contract
The Granata coach aims to secure survival and to be confirmed for next season. The Maradona continues to protest against Cairo: ‘Out of the stadium until the end of the season.’
Stramaccioni plays Milan-Inter
‘Another Leao with Max. Barella, do a Lautaro.’
The coach and pundit: ‘Allegri has brought the mentality of a top side and with Rabiot and Modric…Chivu respects everyone but follows his pathway.’
Real Madrid are reportedly preparing an ambitious move in the upcoming summer transfer window, with the club identifying Manchester City midfielder Rodri and Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck as key targets.
According to Spanish radio station Onda Cero, the Spanish giants have set aside around €100 million to pursue the two players as part of their ongoing squad evolution.
Madrid’s recruitment strategy continues to focus on strengthening both midfield and defence while maintaining a balance between experienced leaders and emerging talents.
Rodri and Schlotterbeck are seen as players who could immediately improve the squad while also contributing to the club’s long-term project.
Real Madrid want Man City star as their midfield anchor
Rodri celebrates a goal for Manchester City (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Rodri has been one of the most influential midfielders in world football during his time at Man City.
The Spanish international has become synonymous with Pep Guardiola’s system, acting as the team’s deep-lying orchestrator and defensive shield.
Although players like Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni have formed the backbone of the new generation, the club is still keen to add a specialist holding midfielder with Rodri’s experience.
Real Madrid are also assessing their defensive options. Borussia Dortmund centre-back Schlotterbeck has emerged as a strong candidate, with journalist Matteo Moretto reporting that the German defender is aware of Madrid’s interest and would be eager to move to Spain if the opportunity arises.
Schlotterbeck has built a reputation in the Bundesliga as a composed ball-playing defender with strong positional awareness and leadership qualities.
Real Madrid’s reported €100 million plan shows the club’s commitment to maintaining competitiveness at the highest level.
By targeting Rodri and Schlotterbeck, the Spanish giants are attempting to strengthen two crucial areas of the pitch simultaneously.
Arsenal and Manchester United are reportedly eyeing up Hertha BSC wonderkid Kennet Eichhorn, according to German football journalist Christian Falk.
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Writing in his latest column for CF Bayern Insider, Falk discussed Eichhorn’s future as it looks like he’s already very highly rated and attracting plenty of interest.
Arsenal and Man Utd have been named as being among the 16-year-old’s suitors, while Falk also mentioned interest from Bayern Munich and other Bundesliga clubs.
It’s clear that Eichhorn is already thought of very highly, with Falk expressing just how much there are top teams who are already prepared to do what they can to add him to their squads.
Kennet Eichhorn has drawn comparisons to midfield greats
As per the teenager’s Wikipedia page, Eichhorn seems to base his game around his midfield idols like Sergio Busquets, Toni Kroos, and Kevin De Bruyne.
Eichhorn’s playing style sounds very much like Busquets as he is primarily a defensive midfielder, but with the quality on the ball to dictate play from deep.
He is probably not as flashy as someone like De Bruyne, but he has the intelligence and composure of someone like Kroos, and that bodes very well for his career ahead.
Who’s trying to sign Kennet Eichhorn?
Discussing Eichhorn’s situation, Falk said: “It is TRUE: Bayern have communicated their concrete interest in Kennet Eichhorn to his advisors.
Kennet Eichhorn (Foto von City-Press GmbH Bildagentur)
“He’s one of the biggest talents in Germany – and at only 16 years of age! This is quite something that such a young player can already be so helpful in his team. He’s so good, in fact, that Bayern are determined not to lose him to a rival (domestic or otherwise).
“Other clubs are, of course, focusing on him; Arsenal, Manchester United and some other Premier League clubs are among them. But there are also several Bundesliga clubs keeping an eye on Eichhorn’s situation.
“He has a release clause, which makes a summer move more than possible. Bayern Munich are thinking that if he makes a move to the Bundesliga, there’s always a chance for the Bavarians to get the player eventually. But if the talent gets lost to the Premier League, it then becomes a lot harder to get him back to Germany.
“Eichhorn is at the same agency as Jamal Musiala. They’re always in talks with his agency. It’s not an offer, but Bayern have made it plainly clear that if Kennet Eichhorn fancies a move in the summer, they’re ready and waiting to make something happen.
“They want to be given advance notice if he wants to leave Hertha Berlin. They want the player – they don’t want to lose him. Bayern Munich are concretely interested. However, should he wish to spend another year in Berlin tending to his development, that would be okay for Bayern. But it would be unacceptable to lose him to the Premier League.”
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Goretzka is coming towards the end of his time at Bayern, with his contract due to expire so he becomes a free agent this summer.
Arsenal had an interest in the experienced Germany international in January, but it seems the player was keen to see out his contract and end the season at the Allianz Arena.
Christian Falk on Leon Goretzka to Arsenal transfer
“It is TRUE: Arsenal are currently leading the race for Leon Goretzka,” Falk said.
“This is indeed true from Goretzka’s point of view. The Gunners didn’t make an offer in January, but they did signal that they were aware of the fact that Goretzka was considering a move away from Bayern.
“There were very concrete talks with Atletico Madrid – their sporting director was in Munich. The player’s goal is to move to the Premier League; he would love to play for Arsenal. Of course, he can’t guarantee that Arsenal will come back again in the summer with a concrete offer.
“In his heart, he feels this would be a perfect next club. I heard he loves the Premier League and his playing style suits English football.
“However, he’s not focused on one club and only one club this summer. If Arsenal are there, he’d be more than happy to sit at the table and listen to offers. Tottenham are also interested, and that could be an option, but Spurs are not as attractive an option as Arsenal right now. Arsenal are playing very well at the moment, and they’re in the Champions League.
“For Leon Goretzka, it would be a great thing to win the Champions League with another club. So, we have to wait and see if Arsenal make an offer!”
Leon Goretzka can give Arsenal more midfield depth
Arsenal have a strong squad this season, but one area they’re arguably lacking a little is in central midfield, so Goretzka could have an important role to play.
Both Thomas Partey and Jorginho left at the end of last season, and although Mikel Arteta brought in Christian Norgaard from Brentford, he’s barely featured this term.
Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice is clearly Arsenal’s first choice partnership, but they could do with more rotation options, and an experienced player like Goretzka seems ideal.
Arsenal are already laying the groundwork for their future.
Ecuador international Piero Hincapie is set to join Mikel Arteta’s squad on a permanent deal from Bayer Leverkusen at the conclusion of the current season, according to The Sun.
It signals a clear statement of intent from the North London club as they continue to refine a squad built for sustained domestic and European dominance.
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Hincapie’s trajectory over the past few years has firmly established him as one of Europe’s premier defensive talents.
Rising to global prominence during Bayer Leverkusen’s historic, invincible Bundesliga triumph under Xabi Alonso, the Ecuadorian has consistently demonstrated a tactical quality well beyond his years.
His natural left-footedness makes him an incredibly valuable commodity in today’s game.
For Arsenal, this signing would be a tactical masterstroke that perfectly aligns with Arteta’s fluid, physically imposing system.
While the Gunners already boast a formidable central defensive partnership in William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, the grueling demands of competing in the Premier League and the late stages of the Champions League require world-class depth.
Hincapie is a player who can play on the left-back position as well as the centre-back position, making him an ideal permanent signing for the Gunners.
As the current season draws toward its climax, Arsenal supporters have yet another reason to look forward to the 2026/27 campaign, knowing their defensive ranks are about to be strengthened even further.
O’Hara was clearly in no mood for his co-host Jason Cundy making light of the situation, with the former Chelsea man suggesting he was seeing positive signs from interim manager Igor Tudor…
Tottenham getting relegated and Cundy has managed to get O’Hara to leave the studio on TalkSport. We might be looking at an all timer sports bar ?? pic.twitter.com/LKN4PRc5pi
O’Hara said it was “pointless” having this discussion with Cundy, who was clearly enjoying himself a bit as he wore a strange, blurry-looking Ange Postecoglou mask.
Tottenham are in real danger of relegation
Tottenham fans will all be feeling as fed up as O’Hara right now, with their team looking in genuine danger of an unthinkable drop to the Championship.
The north London outfit are on just 29 points from 29 games so far this season, and their remaining fixtures don’t exactly look kind.
In their final nine games, Spurs will have tests like Liverpool and Chelsea away, while it’s also hard to see them picking up points even from opponents like Aston Villa, Brighton, and Wolves.
Tottenham’s remaining fixtures
Liverpool (A) Nottingham Forest (H) Sunderland (A) Brighton (H) Wolves (A) Aston Villa (A) Leeds (H) Chelsea (A) Everton (H)
How many points do you realistically see THFC getting from these games? Let us know your thoughts on their current predicament and your predictions for the end of this season in the comments below!
Tottenham are preparing for a crucial summer that could define the club’s immediate future, with several managerial candidates already under consideration.
According to GiveMeSport, former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino and Italian tactician Roberto De Zerbi have emerged as the leading names on Tottenham’s shortlist should the club appoint a new permanent manager at the end of the season.
However, the club’s precarious position in the Premier League table could change things in the future.
Tottenham remain locked in a tense relegation battle, and their league status could significantly influence the type of manager they ultimately pursue.
Pochettino is the fan favourite for next manager choice
Pochettino’s potential return to north London would undoubtedly capture the imagination of Tottenham supporters.
During his previous spell at the club between 2014 and 2019, the Argentine transformed Spurs into consistent Champions League contenders and led them to the 2019 Champions League final.
His philosophy of high-intensity pressing, youth development, and attacking football earned widespread admiration. Many fans still view his departure as the end of one of Tottenham’s most exciting eras in modern times.
De Zerbi represents a very different but equally intriguing option. The Italian coach has earned praise across Europe for his sophisticated tactical approach and emphasis on possession-based football.
His work in the Premier League with Brighton previously showcased his ability to develop young players while implementing a distinctive style of play.
Tottenham’s recruitment team reportedly admire De Zerbi’s progressive philosophy and believe his approach could help modernise the team’s playing identity.
Arsenal and Manchester United are reportedly among the clubs looking set to battle it out over the transfer of Fulham wonderkid Samuel Amissah this summer.
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The highly-rated young Englishman is seemingly expected to be on the move this summer, with interest being reported from other Premier League clubs and some European giants.
Arsenal, Man United, and Chelsea are among Amissah’s main suitors in England, while Ajax, Juventus, and Marseille are also mentioned by the Telegraph.
Amissah can play defensive midfield or defence, so it looks like he has qualities he could bring to a lot of top teams straight away, even if he’s still learning the game.
Youngsters like Samuel Amissah tipped to move in changing transfer landscape
The Telegraph notes that Amissah is likely to be on the move in a summer transfer window that could be dominated by similar deals.
The report mentions similar recent deals, such as Rio Ngumoha and Ayden Heaven moving between Premier League clubs on the cheap and quickly gaining a lot of market value.
It makes sense in this era of PSR that clubs would be eager to have the opportunity to sign young players on the cheap and quite quickly be able to sell them for a considerable profit.
Young players being discovered earlier
Amissah is not yet a particularly big name, but he’s been involved in Fulham’s first-team this season, being named on the bench seven times by manager Marco Silva.
Mateus Mane has also enjoyed a breakthrough season with Wolves, while the Telegraph notes that Man United youngster JJ Gabriel has been quite well known since he was just 14.
In the modern era, fans can use the internet to find out more about their favourite young players than used to be possible in the past, and the dynamics of the market now also mean they’re seeing more involvement earlier and earlier.
Liverpool’s managerial situation could become one of the biggest talking points of the upcoming summer as pressure builds on head coach Arne Slot.
According to TEAMtalk, the Dutchman’s position will be carefully evaluated once the 2025/26 season concludes, with former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso reportedly identified as the ownership group’s preferred candidate should a change be made.
Liverpool remain in the midst of a challenging campaign that has raised questions about the team’s long-term direction.
While the club are still competing for European qualification, inconsistency in performances has sparked debate among supporters and pundits about whether Slot’s project is progressing quickly enough.
Arne Slot continues to struggle this season
Slot arrived at Anfield with a strong reputation after his impressive work in the Eredivisie, where he built attacking, high-pressing teams known for their fluid football.
Liverpool’s hierarchy believed his tactical approach aligned with the club’s traditional identity.
However, adapting to the Premier League has proven demanding. Liverpool’s title defense has faltered this season, leaving them outside the top four for long stretches of the campaign.
Defensive vulnerabilities, injuries to key players, and the challenge of integrating younger talent have all contributed to the team’s uneven form.
The Spaniard’s managerial reputation has grown rapidly following his success in Germany, where he has developed a reputation for tactical sophistication and strong player development.
Alonso’s connection with Liverpool also adds emotional appeal. During his playing career at Anfield, he was a central figure in one of the club’s most memorable eras, including the dramatic 2005 Champions League triumph.
His understanding of the club’s culture and expectations makes him a particularly attractive option.
The England international has been in terrific form this season, and showed his quality once again this week as he scored a superb equaliser against Man City in a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium.
This could be a glimpse of what City fans can expect next season as it now looks like everything is more or less in place for Anderson to join Pep Guardiola’s side.
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Elliot Anderson to Manchester City being described as ‘done deal’
That’s according to the latest claims being made by Graeme Bailey, who told TEAMtalk: “I have to be honest, for several weeks now, from numerous sources, I am told that Anderson to City is a done deal.
“City have been on Anderson for months, since last year. I am told Hugo Viana picked him out last summer as one he wanted.
“In football circles, the belief is that Anderson is only going to one place and that is City.
“Whilst City and Forest are not confirming anything, I think that whilst nothing is signed, Anderson knows where he will be playing next season and that will be the Etihad.”
The report adds that Forest want £90m for Anderson, so that could be the sort of fee City are set to pay for the 23-year-old.
Elliot Anderson to pick Manchester City over Manchester United?
Another report from talkSPORT also has an update on Anderson, even if they don’t go quite as far as saying his City move is a done deal.
Their claim is that Anderson looks to be leaning towards joining City over Man United, while we’ve also previously reported on City being the favourites for this deal.
It perhaps makes sense for MCFC to make Anderson an urgent priority as they look like they could do with a long-term replacement for Rodri, who has had injury problems in recent times, while he’ll also be turning 30 this summer.
Anderson looks very much like the next Rodri, and at the age of 23 he still has his best years ahead of him, making this an ideal signing.
United could also surely have done with Anderson coming in, though, as Casemiro will be leaving as a free agent this summer, and the club also need an upgrade on Manuel Ugarte, who has fallen out of favour after some underwhelming form during his time at Old Trafford.
It’s reported that discussions are taking place over a major Arsenal sale this summer, with five names emerging as realistic candidates.
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The Gunners spent big on new signings last summer, bringing in Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapie, and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
It’s therefore not too surprising to learn that Arsenal are now under pressure to balance the books with a significant sale, as reported by the Telegraph.
Five candidates named as Arsenal could make big sale
The Telegraph’s report has mentioned five main candidates to be sold if Arsenal do go ahead with a big sale, and they are as follows…
Martin Odegaard
This would be a big call, but Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is mentioned as one possibility. The Norway international has not played as big a role in Mikel Arteta’s side this season due to a combination of injuries and a slight loss of form and overall impact on games. There are surely still many fans who’d be concerned about letting Odegaard go, but it also makes sense that he’s being considered due to the fact that he’d probably also have the biggest price tag.
Gabriel Martinelli
A fine player on his day, but Gabriel Martinelli’s name emerging on this list also has some logic to it after another inconsistent campaign. The Brazil international’s baffling form can probably be best summed up by the fact that he has six goals in seven Champions League games this season, but has scored only once in 24 Premier League matches. Despite looking so impressive as a youngster, it would probably be fair to say Martinelli hasn’t fulfilled his potential and it could be time for Arsenal to try bringing in an upgrade.
Ben White
Perhaps not quite the same player after injury issues kept him out for much of last season, Ben White is also reported by the Telegraph as someone who could be a strong candidate to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer. Limited to just five Premier League starts this season, White is now very clearly behind Jurrien Timber in the pecking order, and we’ve recently reported on clubs in Europe showing an interest in the 28-year-old ahead of this summer.
Currently out on loan at Marseille, Ethan Nwaneri is another name on the Telegraph’s list as he’s struggled to play as often this season and would also have that added benefit of ‘pure profit’ from a PSR perspective, due to coming up through Arsenal’s academy. The 18-year-old surely still has it in him to make it at Arsenal, but it perhaps also makes sense that they would have to consider accepting big offers for him.
Myles Lewis-Skelly
Similarly, Myles Lewis-Skelly’s future also seems to be in doubt and he’d be another tempting sale due to PSR. Despite being one of the most exciting breakthrough stars in the Premier League last season, the England international has really struggled for playing time this term after a strong start from Hincapie at left-back.
After sharing several seasons at FC Barcelona and Inter Miami, Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets have established a historic record in soccer history.
Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets have shared practically a lifetime on the pitch, first taking their earliest steps together at FC Barcelona, and then reuniting at the twilight of their careers on the other side of the Atlantic with Inter Miami. Beyond the countless trophies won along the way, the Messi-Busquets partnership has now cemented itself in the history books with a remarkable record.
It all began in 2008, when Messi was already emerging as one of the game’s most exciting talents and a 20-year-old Busquets, a product of La Masia, was still working to earn his place on the biggest stage. In the 2008-09 season, Pep Guardiola’s first in charge at the Camp Nou, the new manager turned to one of his former B team players, handing Busquets his debut on September 13 in a 1-1 draw against Racing Santander, the first time the two shared a pitch together.
From that point on, Messi evolved into arguably the greatest forward in soccer history, while Busquets reinvented the defensive midfielder position with a style so unique that no one has quite managed to replicate it. By the time of Messi’s emotional departure from Barcelona in 2021, the two had shared the pitch together for the Blaugrana on 569 occasions.
Their reunion came in 2023, when both arranged moves to Inter Miami, a franchise that was struggling at the bottom of the MLS standings at the time. Together, they helped transform the Herons into one of the league’s powerhouses, contributing to Leagues Cup, Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup glory across the 84 games they shared in South Florida before Busquets made the decision to retire last season.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates with Jordi Alba #18 and Sergio Busquets #5.
Messi, Busquets, and a record that will be tough to break
When combining their appearances together at Barcelona and Inter Miami, Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets have been confirmed by the IFFHS as the pair who have played the most games alongside each other in soccer history, with a staggering total of 653. The number speaks not only to their extraordinary chemistry, but to the remarkable consistency and longevity of one of the sport’s most iconic partnerships.
To put it in perspective, one of Messi’s most prolific attacking partners, Luis Suárez, has shared the pitch with the Argentine just 324 times according to Transfermarkt, fewer than half the appearances Busquets managed alongside him.
The previous record holders were Busquets himself and Gerard Piqué who made their Barcelona debuts at the same time as Busquets made his alongside Messi in 2008. With both playing not only at Barcelona but also as key figures in one of the greatest Spain national team sides in history, the two accumulated 533 club appearances together and another 87 with La Roja, for a combined total of 620, falling 33 short of the Messi-Busquets mark.
Third on the all-time list are Bayern Munich and Germany legends Gerd Müller and Sepp Maier, the striker and goalkeeper duo who shared 14 seasons to accumulate 611 games together. The only current pair with any realistic chance of threatening the list is Thomas Müller and Manuel Neuer, also on 611, but with Müller now at Vancouver and Neuer still at Bayern, adding to their tally would require one to follow the other, an increasingly unlikely scenario given where both find themselves in the final chapters of their careers.
Lionel Messi #10 and Sergio Busquets #5 of Inter Miami CF.
With the move to the MLS currently stalled, Orlando City are reportedly offering Antoine Griezmann a salary that challenges the one from league star Lionel Messi.
Antoine Griezmann has been one of the defining names of the 2026 MLS primary transfer window, with Orlando City making a determined push to bring the French star to North America. While the move appears to have hit a significant snag, reports indicate the Lions have tabled a contract offer that would make Griezmann one of the highest-paid players in the league, rivaling even Lionel Messi‘s earnings.
With Marco Pašalić and Martín Ojeda already in the fold, Orlando still have one Designated Player slot to fill as the 2026 season gets underway. Holding Griezmann’s discovery rights and well aware of his long-documented admiration for MLS and American culture, the club has made him their primary target for the current transfer window, which closes later this month. But completing the deal is proving to be far more complicated than anticipated.
According to ESPN, Griezmann has put his potential move to Orlando City on hold. Atlético Madrid’s run to the 2025-26 Copa del Rey final, secured after eliminating FC Barcelona in the semifinals, has given the Frenchman pause, presenting him with the opportunity to end his decade-long association with the club on the highest possible note.
The Copa del Rey final will pit the Colchoneros against Real Sociedad at La Cartuja in Seville on April 18. That date falls well beyond the MLS transfer window deadline of March 26, forcing Griezmann into a decision: commit to Orlando City in the coming days, or wait and explore a summer move instead.
Antoine Griezmann of Atletico de Madrid.
A massive salary that almost reaches Lionel Messi’s
In an effort to tip the scales in their favor, Orlando City are prepared to make a significant financial statement. As reported by Matteo Moretto on Radio Marca, the club’s contract offer to Griezmann falls in the range of 10 million to 15 million euros, which works out to roughly 7 million euros net after taxes.
For context, the MLSPA’s 2025 Salary Guide lists Lionel Messi with a base salary of $12 million and a total compensation of $20,446,667. At the top end of Orlando’s reported offer, approximately $17.4 million, Griezmann would sit just around $3 million shy of what Inter Miami’s star earns in total compensation.
That figure would also place him as the second-highest earner in the entire league. That spot is currently held by LAFC’s Son Heung-min, who carries a base salary of $10.4 million and total compensation of $11.2 million. With Sergio Busquets now retired, Atlanta United’s Miguel Almirón sits third at $7.9 million in total compensation, making clear just how extraordinary Orlando’s offer would be for a franchise of their size.
Antoine Griezmann of Atletico de Madrid and Lionel Messi #10 of the Inter Miami.
After Mauricio Pochettino revealing his expectations for the 2026 World Cup with the USMNT, Chicago Fire boss and former coach of the national team Gregg Berhalter highlighted the squad experience as one of the key factors for it.
Mauricio Pochettino has set an ambitious target for the USMNT, openly admitting that his goal is nothing short of winning the 2026 World Cup on home soil. Underlining that bold declaration, Chicago Fire head coach and former USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter identified squad experience as one of the most critical factors in turning that dream into reality.
Speaking on The High Performance Podcast, Pochettino revealed that he told U.S. President Donald Trump he believes the USMNT can win the World Cup. “When we accepted the challenge to go there, it was because we really believe that we can win it. After a year and a half working there, people start to feel that we can win. The last few camps in October and November… we competed against very good teams and we started to show that possibility to perform well,” he stated.
“I love it. I mean, that’s the mentality we need, right? We go into any tournament, and you believe you can win. And I think that’s the most important thing for the mindset of any group entering a tournament,” Berhalter said.
Timmy Tillman #14 of the United States speaks to head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
The Chicago boss echoed Pochettino’s confidence, going as far as to say the USMNT “can beat any team in the world,” while expressing genuine enthusiasm about the direction of the program. “I think it shows intention,” Berhalter added, signaling his belief in the squad’s untapped potential.
The former national team coach also stressed the value of the experience accumulated during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he guided the side to the Round of 16. “The group has had World Cup experience, the majority of that group. So they understand what a World Cup is like. We’ll have the home fans behind us, and I think it’s a great mindset to go into the World Cup with,” Berhalter concluded.
World Cup-proven stars and fresh legs, the bet of Pochettino
One of the moments that best illustrated the USMNT’s ceiling came during that 2022 World Cup, when Berhalter’s side held England to a 0-0 draw in the Group B clash, competing on equal terms with one of the tournament’s top contenders and the reigning European champions at the time.
That squad carried genuine quality, with the vast majority of players plying their trade in European clubs from the top five leagues. Berhalter’s starting lineup against England featured Matt Turner, Tim Ream, Walker Zimmerman, Antonee Robinson, Sergino Dest, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Timothy Weah, Haji Wright and Christian Pulisic.
Since then, the talent pool has grown considerably. New additions with European pedigree such as Mark McKenzie, Malik Tillman and Chris Richards have entered the picture, while Pochettino has also opened the door to MLS-based players including Matt Freese, Diego Luna and Gregg’s son Sebastian Berhalter, among others. The blueprint is clear: pair the World Cup-tested core from 2022 with a wave of hungry newcomers, and send a confident, well-rounded USMNT into battle in front of its home fans.
Head coach of United States Mauricio Pochettino (L) and Gregg Berhalter (R), Head Coach of the Chicago Fire FC.
With the World Cup coming to the United States in the summer of 2026, players will be allowed hydration breaks during the game.
The breaks will see each half split up during the 2026 World Cup matches, and a report from The Athletic claims that the broadcasters will be allowed to cut away to advertisements during that time. FIFA has decided to introduce a three-minute break midway through each half during the World Cup to promote player welfare.
FIFA introduces hydration breaks in World Cup 2026
Due to the heat in the United States during the summer, hydration breaks will be provided at all games.
As far as advertisements are concerned, FIFA have laid down some ground rules. Broadcasters have been informed that the ad breaks will not start within 20 seconds of the referee calling for a hydration break. The feed will also have to return to the match more than 30 seconds before play resumes.
Furthermore, broadcasters are under no obligation to display advertisements during the breaks. They could broadcast footage from studios and analyse the game as well.
Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino at the Club World Cup (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Sports in the United States have been highly commercialised, and such a move from FIFA will be very popular with companies sponsoring the tournament. It will help FIFA rake in hundreds of millions of dollars during the World Cup.
“If you are FIFA, and you are going to have these breaks, you are doing simple math: is it more profitable for us to sell this at a premium to a (commercial) partner? Or is it more profitable to give it back to the broadcasters? And in this case, it’s a no-brainer,” Ricardo Fort, a longtime sports sponsorship executive, formerly at Coca-Cola and Visa, told The Athletic.
“The broadcasters will make a lot more money, and will pay a lot more money, for a break like that.”
Meanwhile, the hydration breaks should contribute to player welfare and give them some respite in high temperatures during the World Cup.
Ismaila Sarr piled further misery on Tottenham as his first-half brace helped Crystal Palace to a 3-1 win over Igor Tudor’s team, who also saw captain Micky van de Ven sent off. After Nottingham Forest drew with Manchester City and West Ham won at Fulham on Wednesday, Spurs were unable to respond, and they remain […]
As preparations intensify for the next international window, uncertainty has suddenly surrounded the Portuguese icon following a worrying injury update from his club, Al-Nassr.
The soccer world may soon miss a moment many fans had been waiting for: a potential showdown between Cristiano Ronaldo and Christian Pulisic on the international stage. As preparations intensify for the next international window, uncertainty has suddenly surrounded the Portuguese icon following a worrying injury update from his club, Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo has been enjoying another prolific season in the Saudi Pro League, continuing to lead the attack for the Riyadh-based club while also remaining the central figure of the Portugal national team. At the same time, excitement had been building for the Selecao’s upcoming friendlies against the Mexico national team and the United States men’s national team; fixtures that could have featured a high-profile duel with Milan star Pulisic.
However, recent developments have thrown those expectations into doubt. Ronaldo’s injury has triggered concern not only for his club but also for Portugal’s preparations ahead of the 2026 World Cup. While the full implications were not immediately clear, the situation has raised a crucial question: could the Portuguese captain miss those highly anticipated matches entirely?
The concern began during Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Fayha. Ronaldo, who had already missed a penalty earlier in the game, was visibly in discomfort late in the match before eventually being substituted in the 81st minute. Soon after, the Riyadh outfit confirmed the diagnosis in an official statement. “Cristiano Ronaldo has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury after the last game against Al-Fayha. He started a rehabilitation program and will be under evaluation day by day.”
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr
The update immediately raised alarms because of the timing. Ronaldo has been one of the most decisive players in the Saudi Pro League this season, delivering 22 goals and seven assists in just 24 league appearances, making him the competition’s top scorer. His performances have played a crucial role in Al-Nassr’s title push under coach Jorge Jesus, with the club fighting for its first league championship of the Ronaldo era. If the injury sidelines him for several weeks, it would leave a major void not only for Al-Nassr but also for Portugal’s upcoming international fixtures.
Race against time for international friendlies
Portugal’s next matches are part of the final preparations before the 2026 World Cup, making them extremely important for coach Roberto Martínez. The national team is scheduled to face Mexico on March 28 at the historic reopening of the famous Estadio Azteca, before taking on the United States on March 31 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
According to medical assessments relayed by Saudi physical therapist Thamer Al-Shahrani and widely reported by transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the recovery timeline could threaten Ronaldo’s participation in those matches. “Cristiano Ronaldo could be out for up to four weeks with muscle injury. More tests will follow soon as Cristiano is working with clear target to return ASAP after hamstring problems”, the Italian journalist revealed.
Romano added that the timeline could extend long enough to affect the upcoming international break. “He’s expected to miss the upcoming two games as his recovery could take 2-4 weeks maximum — also on this will depend his presence with Portugal this month.” In other words, Ronaldo may not be available for the clashes against Mexico and the USMNT, meaning the anticipated meeting with Pulisic might not happen after all.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal reacts
Crucial moment before the World Cup
The timing of the injury is particularly sensitive because these friendlies are expected to be Portugal’s final competitive rehearsals before the 2026 World Cup. For Ronaldo, the tournament could represent his sixth and potentially final World Cup appearance, further increasing the importance of maintaining full fitness in the months leading up to the competition.
Despite being 41 years old, Ronaldo has repeatedly defied expectations throughout his career with his remarkable physical conditioning. He has often returned from injuries faster than predicted and rarely misses extended periods of action. That resilience gives hope to both Al-Nassr and Portugal supporters that he could yet recover in time.
Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Christian Pulisic (right)
With elite clubs monitoring his development and the financial power of the Saudi Pro League continuing to reshape global soccer, questions have emerged about whether the Portuguese midfielder might one day follow his international teammate Cristiano Ronaldo to the Middle East.
As speculation swirls across Europe and beyond, the future of Paris Saint-Germain star Vitinha has become a major talking point in the transfer market. With elite clubs monitoring his development and the financial power of the Saudi Pro League continuing to reshape global soccer, questions have emerged about whether the Portuguese midfielder might one day follow his international teammate Cristiano Ronaldo to the Middle East.
Vitinha’s performances for PSG have elevated him into one of the most admired midfielders in Europe, attracting attention from clubs such as Real Madrid and sparking discussions about lucrative offers from the Saudi Pro League. Some reports have even suggested he could dramatically increase his salary by making such a move, potentially earning two or three times his current wages.
Yet when the 26-year-old finally addressed the rumors publicly, he delivered a striking response that revealed far more about his priorities than many expected. During a recent interview, the Portuguese midfielder made a bold seven-word declaration explaining his stance on chasing money and leaving Europe, a statement that has quickly become the centerpiece of the debate surrounding his future.
What did Vitinha say about possible move to Saudi Arabia?
Since joining Paris Saint-Germain from Porto in 2022 for around $46 million, Vitinha has transformed into a central figure in the Parisian midfield, particularly under the guidance of coach Luis Enrique. His ability to dictate tempo, maintain possession, and control games from deep has made him one of the most consistent performers in European soccer.
While interest from Real Madrid generated headlines in Europe, the financial power of the Saudi Pro League has also raised questions about whether the Portugal international could eventually be tempted by a massive offer similar to those accepted by many stars in recent years.
Speaking in an interview with Canal 11, the player acknowledged the enormous financial incentives available in Saudi Arabia. Yet he delivered a short but powerful statement that summed up his approach to career decisions. “Let’s not be naive. I’m more committed to a stable career.”
The seven-word declaration — “I’m more committed to a stable career” — revealed the midfielder’s priorities clearly: long-term sporting success matters more to him than financial gain. He went on to elaborate on his reasoning, explaining that he already earns a significant salary playing at one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Kylian Mbappe #9 of Real Madrid C.F. and Vitinha #17 of Paris Saint-Germain.
“I already earn very well here in Europe, at a big club. Doubling or tripling that salary wouldn’t make me any happier.” The remark stands out in an era when many top players have accepted massive offers from the Middle East. The comments represent one of the clearest statements yet from the Portuguese international about his long-term future, especially after he signed a contract extension with PSG that runs until 2029.
Vitinha (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo (R) of Portugal.
As he prepares to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with South Korea, Son Heung-min has revealed his favorite legend in the tournament’s history.
Son Heung-min will undoubtedly be one of the main attractions at the 2026 World Cup. He is the biggest star for South Korea and has already proven to be a notable figure in the United States since arriving in MLS to play for LAFC. Now, the forward has chosen his favorite legend in the history of the FIFA tournament.
With the event in North America drawing closer, FIFA’s official social media accounts released a video this week showing players from different national teams selecting their favorite legend in World Cup history.
Among them was Son Heung-min, who did not hesitate in his answer: “Cristiano Ronaldo.” Unlike many of the other players interviewed, the LAFC star did not choose an icon from his own country, instead basing his selection on personal preference and his admiration for the Portuguese forward’s qualities.
This is not the first time Son has singled out Ronaldo above any other player. In fact, a few months ago he also named the Portugal star as an inspiration. “Cristiano Ronaldo has always been my biggest idol and I’ve grown up watching him when he was playing for Manchester United alongside Park Ji Sun. I still watch him play and he’s still my idol,” Son said.
Other players gave a variety of answers. South Korea star Lee Jae-sung chose a legend from his own country, Park Ji Sung. Others did the same, including Brazil’s Estevao, who picked Ronaldo Nazario; Colombia’s Luis Diaz, who highlighted Radamel Falcao Garcia; and Japan’s Takefusa Kubo, who named Yuto Nagatomo.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo a World Cup legend?
Beyond Son Heung-min’s comments and his personal reasons for choosing Cristiano Ronaldo, it is fair to ask whether the 41-year-old forward can truly be considered a World Cup legend based on his performances with the Portugal national team.
In Ronaldo’s favor, he is among the players who have appeared in the most editions of the FIFA tournament in history. So far he has played in five, starting with Germany 2006, and he is tied with players such as Lionel Messi, Lothar Matthaus, Gianluigi Buffon, and Andres Guardado. In fact, this year he could break that record and become the first player to appear in six World Cups, something Messi could also achieve.
However, in terms of team results, Ronaldo’s World Cup résumé is less remarkable. Across his five appearances, Portugal’s best finish was fourth place in 2006, when they were eliminated by France in the semifinals. That was followed by one quarterfinal exit, two Round of 16 eliminations, and one group-stage exit.
Individually, Cristiano Ronaldo’s numbers are solid, though they fall short of the extraordinary standards he has set throughout his career. He has played 22 matches at the World Cup — fifth on the all-time list — recording 8 goals and 2 assists. His best tournament performance came at Russia 2018, when he scored a hat trick against Spain and added another goal against Morocco.
Amid the major uncertainty surrounding Bernardo Silva, Manchester City have reportedly decided to pursue a midfield reinforcement. For this reason, Pep Guardiola appears to be leading the race against Manchester United for a Bundesliga star valued at €70 million.
Despite an unstable start to the season, Pep Guardiola has managed to steer Manchester City‘s performances back on track following the arrival of Marc Guehi. Even so, they face significant uncertainty in midfield next season due to the possible departure of Bernardo Silva. As a result, the Citizens are reportedly leading the race ahead of Manchester United to sign a Bundesliga star.
Over the past few months, Manchester United have shown interest in Felix Nmecha, who has been shining at Borussia Dortmund, according to Fussball Daten. Amid their midfield rebuild, the Red Devils view the German’s box-to-box and organizational profile as key. Under contract until 2028, the German side are reportedly asking for €70 million. However, Manchester City have joined the race for his signing and are currently leading the pursuit.
According to TEAMtalk, the Citizens are pushing for Nmecha’s return, as he developed in the club’s youth academy. While the Manchester United showed interest first, Pep Guardiola’s side have now moved ahead in the race for his signature. At just 25 years old, the German wants to play in the Premier League. In addition, Manchester City may not hesitate to pay the transfer fee, as Bernardo Silva is reportedly heading towards a free agent exit.
After Jude Bellingham’s departure in 2023, Borussia Dortmund decided to give control of the midfield to Felix Nmecha, something that proved to be a complete success. He not only shines defensively, but also manages to organize the play, making him key for coach Nico Kovac. After failing to secure a big-money sale in recent years, the German side could now opt for the departure of the 25-year-old star.
Felix Nmecha of Borussia Dortmund runs with the ball during the Bundesliga match.
Nmecha’s potential arrival at Manchester City could be crucial
Unlike previous seasons, Manchester City are going through a significant midfield transition. Pep Guardiola has not found the team’s stability in Tijjani Reijnders and Mateo Kovacic, leaving much of the responsibility on Bernardo Silva. However, the Portuguese midfielder is reportedly heading toward a free-agent exit, something that could also happen with the Croatian, who has struggled to shine. Because of this, the arrival of Felix Nmecha could become crucial.
With Rodri Hernandez and Nico Gonzalez in the defensive pivot, the Citizens could deploy Nmecha as a playmaker, rotating with Reijnders. As a physical player who contributes both defensively and offensively — and still relatively young — the German could be seen by Guardiola as a vital addition. In addition, he developed in the club’s youth academy, meaning he already knows the working methodology, which could be a major advantage.
Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City and Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United.
The General Manager of Los Angeles Galaxy addressed the possibility of signing Philippe Coutinho.
Los Angeles Galaxy face the challenge of bouncing back from a poor 2025 season and seriously competing for the Major League Soccer title this year. In that context, there has been speculation about the possible arrival of Philippe Coutinho, something the club’s General Manager recently addressed.
During an interview on Cobi Club with former USMNT player Cobi Jones, Will Kuntz was asked about the rumors regarding negotiations with Coutinho. “I can say that where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” the GM said, hinting that there was some truth to those reports.
“We analyzed many players during this offseason. There were several very interesting and high-level profiles,” Kuntz later added. “But the reality is that we wanted to prioritize bringing the group together as soon as possible and having the full squad as soon as possible. That’s why we couldn’t wait for players who weren’t aligned with that objective.”
LA Galaxy’s roster moves this year
While the MLS transfer window still has several weeks remaining — it does not close until March 26 — clubs have already been competing in the league for weeks. For that reason, most teams have opted to finalize their squads early rather than lose valuable time during the season.
Riqui Puig is one of LA Galaxy’s biggest stars.
That has been LA Galaxy’s approach, as they made several changes to their roster compared to last season’s disappointing campaign. One of the club’s most significant additions this year was forward Joao Klauss, who arrived from St. Louis. He was joined by three other players who were already in MLS: Jakob Glesnes, Justin Haak, and Erik Thommy. Among the departures, the most notable include Jonathan Perez to Nashville SC, John McCarthy to New York Red Bulls, and Matheus Nascimento to Botafogo.
While none of the players who joined LA Galaxy this year have the quality and experience of Philippe Coutinho, they all arrived early in the offseason and allowed head coach Greg Vanney to shape the squad with enough time to compete in MLS and the Concacaf Champions Cup.
However, with the possibility of joining Galaxy now off the table, reports have pointed to other opportunities for a potential return to Europe. According to Sports Illustrated, cited by Fichajes, three La Liga clubs have shown interest in the Brazilian midfielder: Elche, Girona, and Rayo Vallecano.
Coutinho has played in Spain before, with Espanyol and Barcelona. Those experiences came at very different moments in his career: with Espanyol he spent only a few months during the 2011–12 season on loan from Inter Milan, while he joined Barcelona as a global superstar in 2018 after shining at Liverpool. Considering that his last spell in La Liga did not leave the best impression, the Brazilian playmaker may be motivated by the opportunity to get another chance there.
Philippe Coutinho left Vasco da Gama earlier this year.
As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup on home soil grows shorter, debates around the greatest players in U.S. men’s national team history are heating up again.
As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup on home soil grows shorter, debates around the greatest players in U.S. men’s national team history are heating up again. With the tournament set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, one question has resurfaced among fans: who truly stands as the greatest American player of all time, and what’s Christian Pulisic‘s rank on the eternal list?
A new ranking from Sports Illustrated attempted to answer that question by listing the Top 25 USMNT players in history. And the result has already sparked discussion across the soccer world, particularly because of where one current superstar landed. At the center of the conversation is a player who is still writing his story in Europe and who could lead the national team into the biggest tournament in its history.
According to the ranking, Christian Pulisic sits at No. 1 among the greatest American players ever. The list places the current Milan winger ahead of several legends who defined earlier generations of U.S. soccer.
For a player still in his prime, the placement is significant. Pulisic has already built a résumé unmatched by most American players abroad. After emerging at Borussia Dortmund, he later became a key figure at Chelsea, where he won the UEFA Champions League in 2021.
Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States.
Since moving to Milan, his impact has only grown, with consistent goals and assists in Serie A helping solidify his reputation as the most influential American attacking player in Europe. By placing him at the top, Sports Illustrated effectively argues that Pulisic’s club success and international influence already outweigh the achievements of past U.S. icons.
Legends still close behind
Despite Pulisic’s top spot, the list heavily honors players who carried the U.S. national team through earlier eras. Second place went to Clint Dempsey, long regarded as one of the most creative and fearless American attackers. Dempsey shares the USMNT scoring record and built an impressive European career with Fulham and Tottenham.
Third place belongs to Landon Donovan, whose name is forever linked with the iconic last-minute goal against Algeria at the 2010 World Cup, a moment widely considered the most famous in U.S. soccer history.
Behind them, the ranking continues with several pillars of the national team’s past: Fourth place went to legendary goalkeeper Brad Friedel, followed by playmaker Claudio Reyna. Defensive stalwart Eddie Pope and midfielder Cobi Jones also made the top ten, alongside figures like Tab Ramos and Marcelo Balboa, who helped establish the modern identity of American soccer.
The list also highlights the influence of later stars such as Tim Howard, remembered for his heroic performance against Belgium at the 2014 World Cup, and midfield leader Michael Bradley.
The top 25 greatest American soccer players of all time per Sports Illustrated
Current generation also represented
Interestingly, the ranking doesn’t only celebrate past heroes. A few members of the current generation already appear on the list, including Giovanni Reyna and Weston McKennie. Their inclusion suggests that the modern U.S. player pool, many of whom compete in Europe’s top leagues, could eventually reshape the historical hierarchy. However, none of them come close to Pulisic’s position at the summit.
Christian Pulisic and Landon Donovan of the United States.
Thinking ahead of the 2026 World Cup, France national team has reportedly taken a decision on Kylian Mbappé’s presence in the upcoming March international window.
Kylian Mbappé‘s latest injury has forced both Real Madrid and the France national team to adjust their plans around the striker’s condition and recovery. With the 2026 World Cup fewer than 100 days away, Les Bleus have reportedly reached a final decision regarding Mbappé’s involvement in the upcoming March international window.
The March window represents the last opportunity for coaches of already-qualified nations to finalize and fine-tune their squads ahead of the tournament. For Didier Deschamps, who guided France through UEFA World Cup qualifying with a group stage victory, sweeping changes to a side considered among the favorites are unlikely, but one significant omission has been confirmed.
According to L’Équipe, Mbappé will not feature for France during the upcoming international break. The decision has been made to give the striker the best possible chance of recovering from the knee injury that has kept him out of action for Real Madrid in recent weeks.
The Spanish club recently released a medical update confirming that Mbappé is dealing with a knee sprain, the same issue that has troubled him since the end of 2025. With surgery already ruled out, considerable uncertainty remains over his precise return date, and the FFF, in agreement with the player, has determined that the risk of calling him up for friendlies outweighs the benefit, given the limited competitive importance of the fixtures.
Didier Deschamps, Head Coach of France, celebrates with Kylian Mbappe.
That means there will be no Mbappé when France travels to the United States for the March window. Les Bleus are scheduled to face Brazil on March 26 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, before taking on Colombia on March 29 at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland.
The absences from those two friendlies will not raise alarm given the broader picture, but they do come at a personal cost for Mbappé. The striker currently sits on 55 international goals for France, just two shy of the all-time record of 57 held by Olivier Giroud, a milestone that will have to wait a little longer.
What about Real Madrid?
The situation at club level carries a different sense of urgency, not only because Mbappé has been Real Madrid’s top scorer in the 2025-26 season, but because Los Blancos are entering a pivotal stretch of the campaign. The first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 takes place next week, in a tie that could define the remainder of their season.
With that in mind, reports from Diario Marca indicate that Mbappé is doing everything in his power to be available for the March 11 first leg, targeting at the very least a place on the substitutes’ bench. Speaking at his press conference on Thursday ahead of the Celta Vigo match, interim head coach Álvaro Arbeloa offered an encouraging update on the striker’s progress.
“I speak with him every day, and of course, we’re closely monitoring what’s happening and how he’s doing. He’s getting better every day; it’s a process where we’re just taking it day by day. As of right now, it’s nothing but good news, and he’s steadily improving,” Arbeloa said, raising hopes of a return sooner than initially anticipated.
Lautaro Martinez has opened up on his ambitions, his love for Inter’s supporters, and the personal difficulties he has overcome during a wide-ranging virtual Q&A with fans organised by theresidency.io.
The Argentine striker was characteristically direct when asked about his ultimate footballing dream, and it is one that has so far eluded him despite an already decorated career.
“Winning the World Cup is the most important thing in football,” he said, via TuttoMercatoWeb. “But the dream I still want to achieve is winning the Champions League.”
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano runs with the ball during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Inter captain Lautaro Martínez reflects on career so far
Lautaro also reflected on his remarkable goalscoring record for the club, having recently climbed to third in Inter’s all-time scoring charts.
“I never imagined reaching this,” he admitted.
“But with work and sacrifice, everything is achievable. Inter is passion. Wearing the captain’s armband for the first time was an indescribable emotion, just like every goal I score at San Siro.”
The Argentine was particularly warm when discussing the Nerazzurri faithful, who have embraced him unconditionally since his arrival from Racing Club.
“From the very first day I felt loved by the people here,” he said. “I feel proud of that.” He also acknowledged that his journey has not always been straightforward, citing personal difficulties alongside physical setbacks, including a metatarsal injury during his time at Racing and an ankle problem sustained during the World Cup triumph with Argentina, as moments that have shaped his character.
Currently sidelined with a muscular injury, Lautaro will be eager to return to full fitness and continue writing his name into Inter’s history books.
Aston Villa defender Lucas Digne has now explained why he has chosen to live in London instead of Birmingham, despite playing for the West Midlands club.
The left-back has explained that there are no French schools in Birmingham, and he wants his children to receive an education in both French and English. Residing in London has enabled him to provide his children with a multicultural education.
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Lucas Digne on his London stay
Digne told SoFoot (h/t SportWitness): “It’s a family decision. When I signed for Villa (in 2022), my son started school, but in Birmingham, there aren’t any French schools.
“For us, it was really important that our children could read and write in both French and English. In London, they have the opportunity to do both. They have two cultures, or even three, since my wife’s family is Algerian. They’re young, but you can tell they’re already open-minded.”
The French fullback has to make a long commute to play for the West Midlands club, and he has not been able to relocate due to family reasons. The defender also explained that he leaves home early in the morning to attend club training regularly.
Digne has been an important player for Aston Villa since joining the club, and he is certainly one of the best fullbacks in the country right now. He will be hoping to help them finish the season strongly and secure Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign. They have done well in the Premier League so far, and they will look to finish on a high.
Newcastle United picked up a dramatic win over Manchester United on Wednesday, but Jacob Ramsey was sent off during the game.
The Newcastle United midfielder picked up two yellow cards against Manchester United, and he received the second one for diving late on in the first half.
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Dermot Gallagher on Jacob Ramsey red card
Newcastle will be delighted that the decision did not cost them dearly in the game. They had to play 45 minutes without a key player, and it could have easily cost them valuable points. The manager will be frustrated with the situation, and the player will also know that he made a mistake. It will be interesting to see if he can learn from this experience and bounce back strongly.
There have been speculations about whether the officials’ decision was right.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, Dermot Gallagher explained (h/t Chronicle): “I back the referee because of the angle.
“Does he have to do that? Is he caught? No. He goes down so far after the incident has happened, and I don’t think he needs to. I would also suggest that if he hadn’t have got a yellow card for that, people would be screaming and saying we don’t want diving. So Peter Bankes has taken positive action, so back him.”
Newcastle picked up a 2-1 win against Manchester United thanks to a late goal from William Osula. They have been quite poor in recent weeks, and the win over Manchester United will give them a huge confidence boost.
It will be interesting to see if they can build on it and finish the season strongly.
Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing the Werder Bremen defender Karim Coulibaly at the end of the season.
According to a report from Sports Boom, they are hoping to sign the 18-year-old defender in the summer, and his performances have impressed the Arsenal scouts.
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Arsenal scouts fancy Karim Coulibaly
The report claims that Arsenal scouts have given a “glowing” recommendation regarding the player, and it remains to be seen whether Arsenal can get the deal done. The left-footed central defender has the quality to develop into an important player for a top Premier League club in the future. Arsenal have done well to groom young players, and they could help him fulfil his potential.
If they can sign the 18-year-old for a reasonable amount of money, he could develop into a key player for the club in future.
The defender is likely to cost around €30 million, and Arsenal certainly have the financial muscle to pay up. However, the player is largely unproven at the highest level, and they might prefer to sign him for a more reasonable fee. It will be interesting to see how the situation develops. The towering defender has the physicality for English football, and he could be an important investment for Arsenal in the long term.
The opportunity to join the north London club will be tempting for the Germany under-19 international. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and the opportunity to play for them will be hard to turn down. They could help him win major trophies in future.
Arsenal are looking to build a team for the future, and it is no surprise that they are keen on the German defender. It remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done.
he discussion has intensified around stars such as Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, especially as the growing global influence of Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer continues to reshape the sport’s profile in North America.
As anticipation builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil, debate continues over where the best American players should develop their careers. The discussion has intensified around stars such as Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, especially as the growing global influence of Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer continues to reshape the sport’s profile in North America.
With Messi’s arrival having transformed the perception of MLS and drawn global attention to the league, some supporters have wondered whether more elite American players might follow the same path and return home before the 2026 tournament. However, one former international star has delivered a blunt assessment explaining why that scenario remains unlikely.
In a recent discussion about the future of American talent, former Italy international Giuseppe Rossi offered a stark perspective on why players like Pulisic and McKennie are expected to continue building their careers abroad rather than joining MLS, even as the World Cup approaches.
The current United States men’s national soccer team is widely regarded as one of the most talented squads the country has ever produced. Unlike previous generations, many of its key figures are competing at the highest level in Europe. Players such as Pulisic, McKennie, Folarin Balogun, and Antonee Robinson have all established themselves in elite European competitions.
im Ream #13, Weston McKennie #8, Christian Pulisic #10, and Antonee Robinson #5 of USMNT
Their presence in leagues like the Premier League, Serie A, and Bundesliga has played a major role in raising expectations for the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Yet despite MLS investing heavily in infrastructure and attracting major global names, Rossi believes the league still faces structural challenges that prevent it from becoming the preferred destination for elite American talent in their prime years.
What did Giuseppe Rossi say?
Speaking in an interview with Goal, Rossi did not hesitate when asked whether a top American player could reach their full potential by staying in MLS rather than moving abroad. “That is a big challenge, but the real football is played in Europe. Real football is played in Europe. That’s where everybody wants to be.”
The former forward, who spent his career at clubs including Manchester United, Villarreal, and Fiorentina before a late-career spell with Real Salt Lake, argued that the structure of the American league still differs significantly from that of traditional football competitions.
According to Rossi, MLS is organized more like a typical American sports league, which limits its ability to compete with the global football ecosystem dominated by European competitions. “The big league here in America is the MLS. The MLS is run like an American sport, but we have to remember that football is an international sport.”
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring against Nashville SC.
He continued by highlighting the contrast between sports that originated in the United States and the global nature of soccer. “You could run the NFL, you could run the NBA, you could run baseball in an American way… because it’s an American sport. Those are three American sports, but football is an international sport.”
Why Europe still holds the advantage
In Rossi’s view, the gap between MLS and Europe’s top leagues remains substantial. He believes the best players will continue to pursue opportunities in Europe because of the level of competition and the structure of those leagues. “They have a long, long way to go to be at the same level of a Premier League, of a Serie A, of a Bundesliga. And rightfully so, they should aspire to play in Europe.”
Salary caps and centralized league management have long been debated topics in MLS, and Rossi hinted that these systems may limit the league’s ability to retain young stars. “It’s not the right structure that you’re going to attract young players to develop, to keep around. I think it’s great for owners… but I don’t like things that are built from the top down. I’m always a believer of building from the bottom up.”
Lionel Messi (left) and Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic (right)
Tyler Adams has managed to establish himself as one of the most solid defensive midfielders in the Premier League. As a result, the USMNT star is reportedly attracting attention from major English teams in a potential post-2026 World Cup move.
After shining at Leeds United, Tyler Adams joined AFC Bournemouth in 2023, establishing himself as one of the team’s most important players. While he has suffered numerous injuries during his tenure, theUSMNT star has managed to stand out as one of the most solid defensive midfielders. For this reason, the 27-year-old star is reportedly attracting the attention of several top teams in the Premier League in post-2026 World Cup move.
According to the Daily Mail, Tyler Adams’ performances at AFC Bournemouth are attracting interest from Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool. Under contract until 2028, he could leave for around €40 million. However, the USMNT star may not move until after the 2026 World Cup. While the 27-year-old midfielder is being monitored, he has not yet received any formal offers.
While he is coming off a medial knee ligament tear, Tyler has managed to regain his place in the starting lineup, shining alongside Alex Scott. The USMNT star may not stand out in terms of goals or creativity, but his defensive contribution fully balances the midfield. In addition, he has managed to remain one of the most consistent players over the last three years, making a move to Chelsea, Liverpool or Manchester United sound increasingly likely.
Tyler Adams’ potential move to Red Devils could be his best move
Unlike with the Blues, Tyler Adams might hold a key role in Manchester United. With Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s potential transfer, he could see significant playing time. Whether as a starter or in rotation, he may not face much competition for his spot. Moreover, his foot skills have developed well under coach Andoni Iraola, making him a solid fit for Michael Carrick’s system, especially given his €40 million price tag.
Tyler Adams of AFC Bournemouth during the Premier League match.
According to some British media outlets, the Red Devils are aiming for a midfield rebuild, keeping only Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount. With this in mind, they could target not only Tyler but also a world-class option such as Elliot Anderson or Bruno Guimarães. Taking this into account, the USMNT player might not be an undisputed starter, but he could still play an important role in the rotation, as he would not face much more competition.
If Tyler Adams decides to move to Chelsea, it could be more difficult for him to secure playing time. With Dário Essugo, Roméo Lavia, Andrey Santos and Moisés Caicedo already in the squad, the USMNT star might struggle to find minutes. It would be very different at Liverpool, as they are reportedly planning to depart with Curtis Jones, Stefan Bajčetić and Wataru Endo, opening space for him. However, it would depend on those departures.
AFC Bournemouth player Tyler Adams in action during the Premier League match.
Lionel Messi will play another edition of the Leagues Cup with Inter Miami.
In addition to Major League Soccer and the Concacaf Champions Cup,Inter Miami will also face the challenge of competing in the Leagues Cup this year. The tournament that brings together top teams from MLS and Liga MX will begin after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Lionel Messi will be among the stars taking part.
Inter Miami will, of course, be one of the tournament’s main attractions, driven by the global appeal Lionel Messi brings, as well as other stars such as Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul. They will play their three matches in the opening stage at home, at the soon-to-be inaugurated Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park.
The Herons will make their Leagues Cup debut on Wednesday, August 5 against Atletico San Luis. Three days later, they will play their second match against CF Monterrey — where German Berterame will face his former club — and they will close out Phase One on Wednesday, August 12 against Club Leon.
Seattle Sounders are the reigning Leagues Cup champions.
What will the 2026 Leagues Cup format look like?
This year, the Leagues Cup will keep most of the rules that were introduced in the 2025 edition. There will be 18 participating teams from each league, ranked according to their performance during the 2025 regular season. During Phase One and the quarterfinals, all matches will be played between teams from the two different leagues.
The biggest change in 2026 is that, for the first time, some matches in the tournament will be played in Mexico. The three highest-ranked Liga MX clubs in the Leagues Cup standings will have that advantage during the opening stage: Club Toluca, Tigres UANL, and Club America.
Once Phase One is completed, the four best teams from each league will advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face one another. The semifinals will then take place — scheduled for September 1 and 2 — before the final on Sunday, September 6. The Leagues Cup champion will qualify directly for the Round of 16 of the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup, while two other clubs will also secure qualification for the continental tournament.
Messi has plenty of experience in the Leagues Cup
For Lionel Messi, the Leagues Cup holds special significance. It was the first tournament he played after arriving at Inter Miami in the summer of 2023. On that occasion, the Argentine forward led the Herons to the first title in the club’s history, a trophy that also helped Leo become the most decorated player of all time.
The 2024 edition was far less successful for Inter Miami, who were eliminated in the Round of 16 after losing to Columbus Crew. But in 2025 they were once again among the tournament’s protagonists, reaching the final before falling 3-0 to Seattle Sounders. Messi has posted impressive numbers in the Leagues Cup, recording 12 goals and 3 assists in 11 appearances.
Napoli welcome back two long-absent midfielders for Friday evening’s home clash with Torino, with both Kevin De Bruyne and Frank Zambo Anguissa named in Antonio Conte’s squad after months on the sidelines, although neither will start.
The Belgian and the Cameroonian, out since 25 October and 11 November respectively, are included purely as bench options, with Conte managing their returns carefully, as per La Repubblica.
A shortened preparation week due to the Friday fixture meant the training match he typically uses to sharpen recovering players could not take place.
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 07: Stanislav Lobotka of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Antoine Bernede of Hellas Verona FC during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 07, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Lobotka injured as De Bruyne & Zambo Anguissa return for Napoli
The positive news is tempered considerably by fresh midfield casualties.
Stanislav Lobotka has joined Scott McTominay on the treatment table with a muscular complaint sustained after the Verona win, meaning all four of Conte’s preferred central midfielders are simultaneously unavailable for the first time this season.
Rrahmani, Di Lorenzo and David Neres remain longer-term absentees.
Billy Gilmour and Eljif Elmas will start in midfield, with Romelu Lukaku among the substitutes alongside De Bruyne and Anguissa. Up front, a youthful attacking trio of Antonio Vergara, Rasmus Højlund and Alisson Santos will lead the line.
Napoli remain unbeaten at home in Serie A this season, and with 50,000 fans expected, plus the added subplot of Giovanni Simeone returning as opposition, the atmosphere should be suitably charged. Three points are essential for Napoli’s Champions League ambitions, and Conte will be determined to make home advantage count.
Cesc Fabregas has dismissed any suggestion that Como’s 0-0 draw with Inter in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg represented a missed opportunity, insisting his side performed well enough to have won the tie, and that the second leg in seven weeks’ time remains very much alive.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s Serie A clash with Cagliari, the Como head coach was characteristically detailed and passionate in his defence of his side’s display against the league leaders.
“We had three great chances to score, including Nico Paz, and they barely threatened our goal. I would like to know how many times in recent years Inter have managed just 0.07 expected goals.”
COMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas looks o during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and US Lecce at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Fabregas proud of Como performance against Inter
Fabregas was equally pointed in pushing back against any criticism of his tactical approach in the closing stages, when Como sat deep rather than chasing a winner.
“If we had gone all-out and conceded a late goal, I would not have slept,” he said.
“We controlled Inter very well. For anyone used to watching teams do that against Inter, well, good for you.”
His only genuine regret was a lack of quality in the final third, with Valle and Vojvoda both failing to convert when well-placed.
“It was not attitude or tactics, it was quality in the last moment,” he conceded. “But after 40 years, we go to Milan in seven weeks to play for a final. Is it impossible? Nothing is impossible.”
The broader context is equally remarkable. Fabregas also reflected on an extraordinary run of fixtures, nine wins, four draws and two defeats across a gruelling 63-day stretch in which Como played every four days. Only the defeat to Fiorentina, he argued, was deserved.
Saturday’s visit of Cagliari offers a chance to maintain the momentum, and Fabregas is expecting another tight affair against a well-organised side.
“I know Pisacane very well, he is doing a tremendous job,” he said. “We want to play our game and bring home three points.”
Radja Nainggolan has never been short of an opinion, and the former Roma midfielder was in characteristically outspoken form in a wide-ranging interview with Sportium.fun, taking aim at Juventus, the VAR system, and even Paul Pogba along the way.
The Belgian, who resisted several opportunities to join Juventus during his career, explained his reluctance in the most Nainggolan way imaginable.
“I used to play Football Manager and I never picked the strongest team,” he said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.
“When a club like Roma wins the title, it is a celebration for twenty years. At Juventus you have to win it every year, it is a completely different feeling.”
Radja Nainggolan of AS Roma gestures during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on February 7, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images )
Nainggolan on Juventus referee bias and VAR
He then ventured into more controversial territory, citing what he described as personal experience of referee bias at the Allianz Stadium.
“When they inaugurated the Juventus Stadium, I played there with Cagliari and we drew 1-1 thanks to a non-existent penalty given to Juventus,” he said.
“Then I arrived at Roma, first game at the same stadium, we lost 3-2 with two penalties that were given outside the box. Everyone saw it. It is the truth, only not everyone can bring themselves to say it.”
On VAR, Nainggolan’s verdict was equally blunt.
“Football should be like it used to be,” he said. “If mistakes are still being made with VAR, then it is right to remove it and just let referees make errors naturally. Real football is something else.”
Perhaps most eyebrow-raising was his assessment of his midfield contemporaries. “In my era in Serie A, only Vidal and De Rossi were as strong as me,” he claimed. “Pogba? I was better than him, he only had three good years in his entire career.”
Now contemplating his next move, Nainggolan revealed he is considering taking his coaching badges. “Looking at what is out there,” he said with typical modesty, “I think I could do it.”
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Liverpool eye Federico Dimarco
Liverpool is likely to lose Andrew Robertson at the end of the season, and they will need to replace the Scottish international. Signing the Italian could prove to be a wise decision. He has the quality and the experience to replace the Liverpool star. Meanwhile, a report from Sports Boom claims that the player could cost around €80 million in the summer.
He is a “flagship player” for the Italian club, and they do not want to lose him easily. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool is prepared to pay €80 million for a full-back. They need to improve other areas of the squad as well.
Meanwhile, they splashed out on Hungarian defender Milos Kerkez at the start of the season. He is the first-choice left-back at the club right now, and it seems unlikely that they will drop him from the starting lineup and sign Dimarco for a substantial amount of money in the summer.
Any left-back coming in is likely to be a backup to the Hungarian rather than a marquee signing.
Meanwhile, Arsenal and Manchester United could use more depth at full-back, and it will be interesting to see whether they are willing to pay a premium for the Italian.
He is at the peak of his career right now and playing his best football with the Italian club. Whoever ends up signing him will have a star on their hands.
Liverpool is interested in signing Joel Ordonez during the summer transfer window, and they will face competition from Chelsea for his signature.
The 21-year-old central defender has done quite well for Club Brugge, and a report from SportsBoom claims that Liverpool would be willing to pay more than £40 million in order to sign the defender. Ordonez has been hailed as a “huge talent”.
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The French International will be out of contract soon, and he has not yet signed an extension with the club. Liverpool need to replace him properly, and the South American would be ideal for them. The 21-year-old has shown his quality in Belgium, and he has the physicality and technical attributes for English football as well.
Chelsea is also keeping tabs on his development. They need to find upgrades on players like Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile. It will be interesting to see if they can convince the 21-year-old to join the club. The opportunity to play in the Premier League will be exciting for the young defender, and he will look to join a big club. Both Liverpool and Chelsea will be attractive destinations for him.
Club Brugge could be tempted to sell the player if an offer in excess of £40 million is presented in the summer. It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds.
Manchester United are interested in signing Julian Ryerson from Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season.
The 28-year-old has been exceptional for the German club this season, and he could be sold in the summer. The German outfit will need to raise funds to balance the books, especially after failing to secure a place beyond the UEFA Champions League playoff stages this season.
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Julian Ryerson asking price set
They are ready to sell the player for €30 million, and Manchester United are keen on him. The player has been labelled as the ‘king of crosses’ by BILD, and it remains to be seen whether Manchester United are prepared to pay up.
He has registered 14 assists in all competitions this season, and there is no doubt that he has the quality to succeed in the Premier League. Ryerson could add a new dimension to Manchester United. He will help them tighten up at the back and create more opportunities for his teammates going forward.
Diogo Dalot has been a decent option for Manchester United, but his attacking game leaves a lot to be desired. Manchester United could use an upgrade in that area of the pitch. The 28-year-old has the quality and experience to make an immediate impact.
The €30 million asking price is reasonable for a player of his quality as well. Manchester United have the resources to get the deal across the line, and they should look to wrap up the move quickly.
The player is reportedly a target for Liverpool and Barcelona as well. It will be interesting to see where he ends up. The opportunity to move to La Liga or the Premier League will be tempting for him. It would be a major step up in his career, and he would get to test himself at an elite level.
Verdict: Lamine Yamal over 0.5 shots on target Best Odds: 2/5 Bookmaker: Dachbet Turning their attention back to La Liga action on Saturday night, Barcelona will travel to San Mames when they meet Athletic Bilbao. Athletic Bilbao Starting with the hosts, suffering Copa del Rey frustration earlier in the week as they fell to a […]
FIFA will be implementing for the first time in the World Cup two guaranteed cooling breaks for the 2026 edition, prompting questions on how these will work.
FIFA has taken a significant step toward protecting player welfare with a notable rule change set to be exclusive to the 2026 World Cup, at least for now. Every match in the competition will feature two guaranteed cooling breaks, each governed by a specific protocol.
Cooling breaks have become a familiar sight in soccer over recent years, particularly when players are competing in extreme heat. However, this will mark the first time in the tournament’s history that two hydration breaks will be guaranteed in every single game of a World Cup.
The groundwork for this decision was laid during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, played under conditions similar to what the upcoming World Cup is expected to present. With several players, including Enzo Fernández, voicing complaints about the heat, FIFA president Gianni Infantino flagged the issue publicly, stating that “cooling breaks are very important and we will see what we can do, but we have stadiums with roofs, and we will definitely use these stadiums during the day next year.“
How will cooling breaks work during the World Cup?
Under current practice, cooling breaks have no fixed trigger point and are typically called in dead-ball situations around the 30th and 75th minutes. For the World Cup, more specific guidelines will be in place to bring greater consistency to the process.
Federico Dimarco #32 of FC Internazionale Milano wipes his head with a towel during a cooling break in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
In terms of timing, the breaks will occur at roughly the midpoint of each half, meaning approximately the 27th minute in the first half and the 72nd in the second. The exact moment will not be identical in every match, as it will depend on the flow of play, with the referee responsible for calling the stoppage.
Each cooling break will last three minutes. From the moment the referee blows the whistle, players will head to the sidelines to hydrate, and coaches will be permitted to address their players and make tactical adjustments in what amounts to a brief mid-half team talk.
What about the spectators?
Those three minutes are designed to give players sufficient time to recover, rehydrate and reduce the risk of heat-related illness during what will be a summer tournament played in warm conditions across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The experience for those watching from home, however, raises its own set of questions.
According to The Athletic, broadcasters are not required to cut away from the match during a cooling break. They will have the option to stay on the field, return to a studio for analysis, or use the time as they see fit, at their own discretion.
When it comes to commercial advertising, however, certain rules will apply. The outlet reports that any ads shown must align with FIFA’s official World Cup sponsors. In addition, broadcasters must wait at least 20 seconds after the referee’s whistle before cutting to commercials, and must return to the match feed no later than 30 seconds before play resumes, leaving a maximum window of approximately two minutes and ten seconds for advertising during each break.
The French forward has delivered goals and decisive performances throughout the season, but this season has been dominated by uncertainty surrounding his knee woes.
Kylian Mbappe arrived at Real Madrid in summer 2024 with enormous expectations, instantly becoming the centerpiece of the club’s attack. The French forward has delivered goals and decisive performances throughout the season, but this season has been dominated by uncertainty surrounding his knee woes. Amid that concern, a curious debate has begun to emerge: Does Real Madrid play better without Mbappe?
With the season entering a crucial phase across La Liga and the Champions League, Real Madrid now faces a complicated reality. Its star striker is battling discomfort in his left knee, leaving his availability uncertain. While the club insists the issue is manageable, the situation has reportedly triggered tension behind the scenes and raised questions about how the team performs without its most explosive attacker.
The Frenchman’sphysical issue dates back to early December, when he first felt discomfort after a league defeat against Celta Vigo. Since then, the problem has lingered despite periods in which he continued playing and scoring. Los Blancos eventually confirmed the diagnosis at the end of December, releasing a brief statement that offered little detail about the recovery timeline. “He has been diagnosed with a sprain in his left knee. His progress will be monitored,” the club stated.
Although Mbappe has continued to feature intermittently, the injury forced him to miss recent matches, including a shock 1-0 home defeat to Getafe at the Santiago Bernabeu. That result intensified scrutiny around both his fitness and Madrid’s overall performance.
Manager Alvaro Arbeloa acknowledged the delicate nature of the situation when discussing the forward’s recovery. “It’s hard to tell the difference between discomfort and injury,” Arbeloa explained. “Obviously, when someone isn’t playing, it’s because they’re injured… we decided that he should stop, recover, and come back with confidence.”
The key stat that sparked the debate
Amid the ongoing drama surrounding Mbappe’s fitness, an intriguing statistic has begun circulating in Spanish media. Kylian Mbappe has missed seven games for Real Madrid this season, and the club lost in three of them, as relayed by Fabrizio Romano.
The numbers immediately triggered debate among supporters and analysts. For a club accustomed to dominating domestic and European competitions, a 43 percent defeat rate in matches without their star forward is unusually high. While the sample size remains relatively small, the figures highlight how significantly the team’s dynamics can change when Mbappe is unavailable.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid celebrates scoring a goal in LaLiga.
Why Mbappe’s presence still matters
Mbappe’s importance to Real Madrid extends far beyond simple goal totals. The French international provides several tactical elements that shape the team’s attacking identity. His explosive pace allows Madrid to transition rapidly from defense to attack. His movement behind defensive lines forces opponents to retreat deeper, creating space for teammates. And his clinical finishing often turns half-chances into decisive goals.
This season alone, Mbappe has scored 38 of Real Madrid’s 87 goals across all competitions, representing 43.7 percent of the team’s total scoring output. When he is absent, Madrid still possesses elite talent, but the attacking structure inevitably changes. The team loses its most direct outlet, and opponents can defend with slightly less fear of sudden counterattacks.
The numbers suggest that Real Madrid is not entirely dependent on Mbappe, but the Whites are clearly more consistent with him on the pitch. Winning four of seven matches without him demonstrates the squad’s depth and quality. However, the losses in those games indicate that his presence provides a crucial margin for error.
Despite Michael Carrick’s strong impact at Manchester United, they are reportedly still searching for a candidate. In light of this, Gareth Bale and Paul Scholes have dared to name an ‘ideal’ manager to lead the Red Devils for the upcoming season.
After several years of sporting failures, Manchester United seem to be finding some consistency under Michael Carrick. Despite this, they appear to be looking for a candidate with experience and several titles to his name to lead the project. In light of this, Gareth Bale and Paul Scholes decided to join the conversation, recommending a world-class manager as the “perfect” option to take charge of the Red Devils.
“I think he (Carlo Ancelotti) would do great [at Manchester United]. He’s not just the manager, he is a coach as well. He can do the tactical stuff [too]… If you go into a big club, you’ve got good players, whether they’re performing at the time or not. Like Man United, they have been the last few weeks, but, prior to that, they hadn’t been performing… He’ll get the best out of players and will just simplify things, which you see now with Michael Carrick,” Gareth Bale said, via The Overlap.
Joining Bale statements, Red Devils legend Paul Scholes echoed the Welsman thoughts. Known as a fierce critic of Carrick’s tenure, he decided to support the Italian coach: “The perfect one out there – I say perfect – Ancelotti is still out there. I know he is coach of Brazil. He is the perfect one for Manchester United where you think he will make players feel a million dollars. And he has the experience of winning stuff,” he said, via The Overlap.
While Ancelotti is a coach appreciated by the Red Devils, he has already made it clear that he is close to extending his contract with Brazil for four more years, complicating his arrival. With this in mind, the English side would have a very difficult task convincing him to join the team, as he would not have the same level of stability. For this reason, Manchester United have rather limited options when it comes to choosing their next manager.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti of Brazil.
Report: Carrick gains ground as Manchester United’s head coach
Following the mid-season departure of Ruben Amorim, Manchester United decided to appoint Michael Carrick as interim manager until the end of the season. With this, they aimed to buy time to search for a world-class coach, moving away from inexperienced candidates after failing in recent years. However, the Englishman coach now appears to be gaining momentum to become the permanent manager due to compelling reasons.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are considering backing Carrick as their permanent manager. After running out of experienced options, the Englishman’s impact has caught attention, as he has kept the team unbeaten and in the Champions League places since his arrival. In addition, Michael has already expressed that he would be open to this possibility, leaving the door open to any outcome.
Former Real Madrid C. F. star Gareth Bale and Manchester United legend Paul Scholes.
Juan Cuadrado faces one of the most emotionally charged fixtures of his season on Saturday, when Pisa travel to the Allianz Stadium to face Juventus, the club where the Colombian winger spent eight defining seasons of his career.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, via IlBianconero, Cuadrado was warm and reflective about his time in Turin, while making clear that sentiment will not get in the way of his desire to help Pisa take something from the game.
“It will be a beautiful match, full of emotions, against a club like Juventus who helped me grow as a professional and as a man,” he said.
“It will be a special evening. But it is a difficult match and we want to play well and take points.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 01: Juan Cuadrado of Atalanta BC looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Venezia FC at Gewiss Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Cuadrado ‘feeling much better now’ ahead of Juventus return
Cuadrado also addressed the injury that has kept him away from the club in recent weeks, revealing he had travelled abroad to receive specialist treatment, a decision made jointly with Pisa’s medical staff.
“I am much better now and trying to give my best for the team,” he said, adding that he had remained close to his teammates throughout the difficult period. “I have always had the team in my head.”
On the match itself, the 37-year-old was candid about Pisa’s approach, urging his side to go to Turin with freedom and confidence. “Many of our players have never played in that stadium,” he said.
“We must go there with responsibility but also without fear, and try to shoot, like Aebischer did against Sassuolo.”
As for his future beyond this season, Cuadrado was deliberately vague, though his affection for Pisa was evident.
“I feel good here, I love the passion of the supporters,” he said. “But it is not yet the moment to make decisions.”
Sunday’s Milan derby carries enormous weight at both ends of the table, but Inter will be without their captain as Lautaro Martinez continues his recovery from the muscular injury sustained during the Champions League playoff first leg against Bodo/Glimt on 18 February.
Inter’s official medical bulletin confirmed the Argentine suffered a soleus muscle problem in his left leg, and he has not featured since.
The most optimistic scenario points to a return for the Serie A trip to Fiorentina on 22 March, meaning he would also miss next week’s Inter-Atalanta fixture.
Should his recovery take longer, the earliest he could feature is the Inter-Roma clash on 4 April, according to Goal.
His availability for Argentina’s Finalissima against Spain on 27 March also remains uncertain and will depend entirely on his progress in the coming weeks.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Lautaro Martinez celebrates after scoring his team third goal during the Serie A match at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on February 08, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Dumfries returns to Inter XI for Milan derby
There is, however, a significant positive for Cristian Chivu ahead of the derby, via IlMilanista.
Denzel Dumfries is back in contention for a starting role after four months on the sidelines, and the Inter head coach is seriously considering handing the Dutchman his first start since returning from injury.
Luis Henrique’s performances on the right flank have been inconsistent, and with no reinforcements arriving in January, Chivu had been managing the situation carefully while waiting for Dumfries to regain full fitness.
That patience now appears ready to be rewarded, with the former PSV man set to reclaim his place as the undisputed first choice on Inter’s right side for one of the season’s most important fixtures.
Adrien Rabiot has established himself as one of Milan’s most important players this season, and in a wide-ranging interview with Rivista Undici, the French midfielder opened up on life at San Siro, his admiration for Luka Modric, and his personal ambitions in the red and black half of Milan.
The former Juventus and PSG man arrived at Milan following a difficult end to his time at Marseille, but has wasted little time in making his mark.
“Not everything can go the right way, sometimes negative things happen, but it is precisely in those moments that you learn and grow stronger,” he said. “Self-belief has always been part of my character, and with time and experience it has grown. That is something I want to transmit here at Milan.”
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 23: Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan applauds the fans following the final whistle of the Coppa Italia Frecciarossa Round of 16 match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
Rabiot: ‘Modric’s stamina surprised me!’
It is Modric, though, who has perhaps impressed Rabiot most since his arrival.
The Croatian legend, now 40, continues to defy the laws of time, and his new teammate have noticed.
“His quality we already knew,” Rabiot said. “What surprised me was his ability to run for ninety minutes, up and down, at forty years old. That is not something you take for granted, he has an extraordinary physique.”
He also highlighted the importance of leadership figures in the dressing room, naming Maignan and recent arrival Fullkrug alongside Modric as players who set the tone for the group.
On Allegri’s influence, Rabiot was equally warm. “With him there is the ambition to do well, to give everything, to train at one hundred percent and to play every match as if it were the last.”
He also credited the manager for creating a calm, focused environment, one in which younger players are thriving.
“He gives tranquillity to the group, he lets us do things properly, without rush, without nerves. The attitude of the younger players is impeccable, and that is also down to the manager.”
Rabiot’s personal goals are characteristically ambitious. He wants to leave his mark on every club he represents, something he achieved at PSG and Juventus, and Milan is next on that list.
“I want to write my name in the history of this club,” he said plainly, before adding that the World Cup remains the ultimate prize. “Winning it is the most beautiful objective in a footballer’s career.”
Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders has done quite well at Strasbourg on loan this season, and he has attracted the attention of multiple Premier League clubs.
According to a report from TeamTalk, Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly made enquiries for the 20-year-old Belgian goalkeeper, but Chelsea have turned them down. They have no plans to let the 20-year-old leave the club anytime soon.
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Chelsea plan for Mike Penders
They are hoping to give him the starting spot next season. Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen have failed to convince the manager with their displays, and Chelsea believes the 20-year-old could be the ideal option in goal next season. Chelsea signed Penders for £17 million in 2024.
Meanwhile, Tottenham also need a goalkeeper. Guglielmo Vicario has been quite poor, and the Italian has been linked with a move away from the club. He could be sold in the summer, and the north London club will have to replace him properly. The 20-year-old Belgian is clearly a talented player with a big future, and he has shown his quality in France. He could prove to be a super long-term acquisition, but Chelsea are in no mood to sanction his departure.
Penders wants to prove himself in the Premier League, and the opportunity to play regularly with Chelsea will be exciting for him. He is unlikely to force an exit from the club anytime soon. It will be very difficult for clubs like Tottenham and Newcastle to secure his signature.
It would be ideal for them to move on to other targets now.
Manchester United are looking to add more quality on the flanks, and they have identified Yan Diomande as a summer target.
The 19-year-old has done exceptionally well for RB Leipzig, and Manchester United have scouted him several times this season. They could look to make a move in the summer, and it remains to be seen whether they can win the race for his signature.
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Where will Yan Diomande end up?
The player has also been linked with Liverpool. It will be interesting to see where he ends up. The Ivorian will want to compete at a high-level and the opportunity to move to the Premier League will be hard for him. Manchester United are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and it could provide him with the opportunity to fight for major trophies.
Fabrizio Romano has revealed on YouTube: “The plan of Man Utd is to add one or maybe two midfielders. I see that Man Utd will be very busy with midfielders.
“It’s not finished there, there is more to do in this summer transfer window. Man Utd have been following left-wingers for some time. When Ruben Amorim was the manager, they were in the mix for Antoine Semenyo, but Manchester City was his favoured destination.
“Don’t forget about a player I’ve been telling you about, Yan Diomande. He’s doing fantastic at Leipzig, and my understanding is that United in January sent their scouts several times to follow Diomande. He’s being monitored for sure, but let’s see if there’s going to be more.”
Manchester United are currently better placed than Liverpool to secure Champions League qualification for the upcoming season. That could give them an edge in the transfer race. However, Diomande is an admitted Liverpool fan, and it will be interesting to see whether the Reds can get the deal done.
Whoever signs the 19-year-old attacker could have a future star on their hands. Diomande has 17 goal contributions in all competitions this season.
Despite the many rumors surrounding Kylian Mbappé’s injury, Real Madrid remain quite optimistic about his imminent return in a couple of weeks. In light of the situation, legend Luis Figo offered heartfelt advice to the French star as he continues his recovery process.
Throughout the 2025–26 season, Kylian Mbappé has established as the team’s most decisive player. After netting 38 goals, he has consolidated his place as the team’s top scorer, proving crucial against world-class opponents. However, the Frenchman has suffered an injury to his left knee that has created significant uncertainty. In response, Real Madrid legend Luis Figo decided to offer advice to the 27-year-old star on his recovery.
“Mbappé’s injury is really a matter of seeing, on a personal level, what the player truly feels. Whether he can take the risk or not, and if by taking that risk he might suffer worse consequences… In my case, on some occasions, I pushed myself and it didn’t go so well, but it was always because I wanted to be present on the pitch… Afterwards, those sacrifices take their toll,” Figo said, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
Following Rodrygo’s season-ending ACL and meniscus injury, fans have been urging caution in managing Mbappé’s health, a concern reinforced by Figo’s words. Nevertheless, coach Álvaro Arbeloa offered a positive update, raising hope for a mid-March return. However, this optimism also brings concerns about a potential relapse that could sideline him of the 2026 World Cup and the next season.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid celebrates scoring a goal in LaLiga.
Real Madrid face serious doubts as injuries hit several star players
Unlike previous seasons, Los Blancos have suffered several injuries to key players such as Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão and now Rodrygo Goes. Far from ACL injuries being an isolated incident, Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba have also suffered this injury in recent years. In addition, Real Madrid are dealing with constant player injuries, generating significant doubts among fans regarding the club’s medical services.
Seeking to distance all criticism and rumors, coach Álvaro Arbeloa explained that the decision to have a second opinion on the injuries of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé came from the club itself. With this, he rules out any lack of trust from the players in the medical staff. What still remains unaddressed, however, are the constant injuries to the team’s stars, which raise doubts regarding physical preparation and the workload of matches.
Qatar are still not ready to give up their bid to host the Finalissima between Argentina and Spain, which would feature Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi as the main attractions.
In recent days, there has been plenty of speculation surrounding the staging of the Finalissima. The clash between Argentina and Spain, headlined by Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, is scheduled to be played on Friday, March 27 in Doha, Qatar, but conflicts in the region have raised doubts about whether the event can go ahead as planned.
Reports have suggested the possibility that the match could still be played on the scheduled date, during the March international break, but at a different venue. Moving the game away from a region currently facing serious security threats and taking it to another continent could be a solution, though the situation is far from straightforward.
“We are aware of the speculation surrounding the Finalissima, given the situation in the region. Discussions are ongoing with the local organizers, who have made a tremendous effort to ensure the match is a success,” UEFA said on Thursday in a statement sent to Europa Press.
“The final decision is expected to be made by the end of next week,” UEFA added. “At the moment, no alternative venue is being considered. We will not make further comments until a decision has been taken.”
Argentina are the reigning Finalissima champions.
Qatar want to host the Finalissima
UEFA’s statement came after a meeting involving all parties responsible for organizing the event. That was revealed by journalist Gaston Edul, who closely covers the Argentina national team. “No decision was made in today’s meeting. It will be decided next week,” he wrote on his X account.
“The Finalissima has not been canceled,” Edul added, before pointing out the main obstacle to moving the match to another venue. “Qatar do not want to give up the match easily because of the commercial agreement they already have in place. There have been no changes yet.”
In fact, Qatar had planned to host a series of matches during the March FIFA break, with the Finalissima as the centerpiece, along with friendlies involving Argentina, Spain, Serbia, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Given the scale of the event, the Asian country was expecting to generate significant benefits from these matches, which is why they are reluctant to give up that opportunity now.
Potential venues rumored to host the Finalissima
While UEFA have clarified that there have been no official moves to relocate the Finalissima to another country, that has not stopped speculation from growing about possible destinations for the showdown between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.
Marca reported earlier this week that two cities have emerged as the leading candidates to host the Finalissima: “The two most likely venues (not the only ones), if Qatar withdraws, are London, where the first and only edition of this tournament was played in 2022, and Miami, which will host World Cup matches.” Other possible alternatives could include Madrid and Rome.
Spain's Lamine Yamal and Argentina's Lionel Messi.
While Ángel Di María has stepped away from Argentina, he remains attentive to the development of his former teammates. For that reason, the 2022 World Cup winner delivered strong criticism of Atlético Madrid's handling of their stars, such as Julián Álvarez, exposing their weaknesses.
Despite shining with Argentina in the 2022 World Cup, Ángel Di María decided to announce his retirement from the national team in 2024, continuing his career with Rosario Central. Nevertheless, he has remained very attentive to the development of his former teammates ahead of the 2026 edition. In this context, he issued strong criticism toward Atlético Madrid’s handling of their stars such as Julián Álvarez, exposing a major weakness.
“Atlético de Madrid are strange. From one moment to the next, they sideline their players and then they start to sort of disappear; it happens to most of the guys who were there. Very few manage to keep a run as starters, who never come out of the lineup… The beautiful thing about the national team is that when they put on the sky blue and white shirt, they become different players — they transform and play incredibly,”Angel Di Maria said, via Radio La Red.
Even though Diego Simeone is the legendary head coach of Los Colchoneros, very few Argentine players have managed to shine consistently at the club. In fact, they have had a series of players who failed to make a real impact: Luciano Vietto, Nicolás Gaitán, Eduardo Salvio, Cristian Ansaldi, Matías Kranevitter, among others. Along with them, the coach has still not managed to get the best version out of Nahuel Molina and Julián Álvarez.
Both Molina and Álvarez are heavily criticized players at Atlético Madrid. Although they usually shine with Argentina as regular starters, both are experiencing a rather irregular spell at the club, losing their status as undisputed starters to Marcos Llorente and Alexander Sørloth. As a result, criticism toward Simeone continues to grow, as only a few players truly seem to reach their full potential under him.
Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid celebrates scoring against FC Barcelona.
Julián Álvarez’s future could be far from Atletico Madrid
Julián Álvarez established himself as one of the best strikers in the world, shining at Manchester City. However, Erling Haaland’s undisputed starting role forced his departure from the club, leading to his €75 million move to Atlético Madrid. Although he was expected to consolidate himself as a cornerstone of the team, the Argentine is going through a rather difficult period and could look for a way out.
While Julian managed to shine by scoring 29 goals in his first season, he is not at his best. With his overall performance declining, coach Simeone has opted for Alexander Sørloth, causing him to lose his status as an undisputed starter. Given this situation, Barcelona are reportedly interested in him, as he may be motivated to leave. However, his departure would not be easy, as Diario Sport claims that he would be valued at around €150 million.
Angel Di Maria of Argentina and Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid.
Lazio president Claudio Lotito’s latest phone call with a supporter went viral on social media on the eve of Tuesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final first leg against Atalanta, and his comments will have done little to ease tensions at a club already under considerable strain.
The tie ended 2-2, leaving everything to play for in the second leg.
Lotito spent ten minutes in a heated conversation that touched on everything from his coach’s squad management to a pointed swipe at former manager Marco Baroni.
“The club has a name and a surname: Claudio Lotito. It doesn’t belong to Sarri. If he wants it, he can buy it,” he said.
“A manager must take the players available and make them play, if he’s a good coach.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 11: SS Lazio President Claudio Lotito in the tribune prior the Coppa Italia match between Bologna FC and SS Lazio at the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on February 11, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Lazio president Lotito: ‘Sarri must use his players’
He then rattled off a list of grievances.
Taty Castellanos, sold for €30 million, was barely used. Guendouzi, played out of position in a back three, grew so frustrated he forced his way out.
Noslin and Belahyane were blocked from leaving, yet neither features regularly.
“If you can’t create the right chemistry in the dressing room,” Lotito warned, “people end up telling you where to go.”
Baroni, Sarri’s predecessor, also came in for criticism, with Lotito describing him as “that idiot” and blaming him for last season’s Europa League elimination by Bodo/Glimt, claiming he had instructed the injured Castellanos to take a decisive penalty.
With the second leg still to come and Sarri’s position at the club increasingly precarious, the fallout from Lotito’s latest outburst looks set to rumble on for some time yet.
Former Italy defender Marco Materazzi reveals what Zinedine Zidane told him before giving him a headbutt in the 2006 World Cup Final between Italy and France: ‘If you want my shirt, I’ll give it to you afterwards.’
Ex-Italy and Inter defender Materazzi reflected on the famous incident involving Zidane during the 2006 World Cup Final, which led to a red card for the French icon in the last game of his career.
Zidane to Materazzi: ‘If you want my shirt…’
epa01094126 (FILES) This file combo of TV grabs shows the foul of Zinedine Zidane of France to Italy’s Marco Materazzi and the red card shown to Zidane by referee Horacio Elizondo of Argentina during the final of the 2006 FIFA World Cup between Italy and France at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany, Italy’s World Cup winning defender Marco Materazzi revealed 18 August 2007, that he had told French icon Zinedine Zidane during last year’s final that he preferred his ‘whore of a sister’ to his shirt. It was this comment that led to Zidane headbutting Materazzi in the chest and being dramatically sent off. That incident preceded France’s loss in the final on penalties. EPA/A9999 DB WDR
During his interview with Vivo Azzurro, Materazzi described the moments before Zidane’s headbutt and what the former French star told him before the incident.
“When Buffon made that save on Zidane’s header, Gattuso wanted to kill me because I hadn’t marked him,” Zidane said.
“In reality, I was marking Trezeguet, but in certain situations, it was better not to argue with Rino about what had happened.
“Shortly afterwards, in a similar situation, I held him [Zidane] by the shirt for a bit. I wanted to make sure he couldn’t jump. I apologised twice, then the third time he repeated ‘if you want my shirt, I’ll give it to you afterwards,’ I said something back to him…but nothing more than the kind of things we used to say to each other as kids when I played on the seafront in Bari.”
Roma’s January signing, Donyell Malen, is the Serie A Player of the Month for February.
Dutch striker Malen was the best player in Serie A last month.
Malen wins Serie A player of the month – official statement
“TheEA SPORTS FC Player Of The Monthaward for February has been assigned to Roma playerDonyell Malen. The trophy will be presented during the pre-match of Roma vs Lecce, scheduled for Sunday 22nd March 2026 at 6.00pm at the “Olimpico” stadium in Rome,” Lega Serie A said in a statement on Friday.
“The fans’ votes online, combined with individual statistical data, determined Lautaro Martinez as the winner, beating champions like Berardi (Sassuolo), Carnesecchi (Atalanta), Dimarco (Inter), Kean (Fiorentina), McKennie (Juventus).
ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Donyell Malen of AS Roma in action during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Cremonese at Stadio Olimpico on February 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Lega Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo said: “Donyell Malen’s impact on the Italian league has been simply perfect. The Dutch forward immediately adapted to Mister Gasperini’s tactical schemes, proving himself to be a relentless striker in front of goal, but also capable of linking up the team’s attacking play. Arriving in the winter transfer window, Malen took a few weeks to establish himself as a key player, immediately winning the award for best player of February with four goals in as many games and immediately proving himself worthy of Roma’s Champions League ambitions”.
Malen has scored six goals in his first seven Roma appearances in Serie A. Only Abel Balbo (seven) and Gabriel Omar Batistuta (nine) have managed more in the club’s history.
Malen is technically on loan from Aston Villa, but the Giallorossi have an option to buy to make his move permanent for €25m at the end of the season.
Roma’s option to buy becomes mandatory if they qualify for the Champions League or the Europa League this season.
The Giallorossi currently sit fourth in the Serie A table, three points above fifth-placed Como and four points above Juventus, who sit sixth.
Roma’s next Serie A match is against Daniele De Rossi’s Genoa at Marassi.
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Yan Diomande is in fine form
The 19-year-old has been exceptional for RB Leipzig and has all the attributes to become a future star. It has been confirmed that Liverpool are looking to secure his signature in the coming months, and talks have already ‘taken place’. It will be interesting to see if Liverpool comes forward with an official proposal to sign the player.
They have the finances to pay a premium for him, and the 19-year-old could be tempted to join them. Diomande has previously admitted that he is a Liverpool fan, and the opportunity to play in the Premier League will be an extra incentive.
Liverpool needs an explosive wide player who can take on defenders and beat them in one-versus-one situations. They need more unpredictability in the final third. Diomande has 17 goal contributions this season.
Plettenberg claims that Liverpool has prioritised the signing of a ‘high-class’ winger in the summer. It remains to be seen whether they can wrap up a move for the 19-year-old.
Diomande is an elite prospect, and Liverpool would do well to secure his signature. He would be a super future investment for them, and he could develop into a star in the Premier League.
The attacker will cost around €100 million in the summer, and it remains to be seen whether Liverpool is prepared to pay up for him. Even though the asking price is quite high, Diomande might be able to justify the investment in the long term.
Jonathan David has been linked with a move away from Juventus at the end of the season, and he has been tipped to move to the Premier League.
According to a report from TeamTalk, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs that have held talks with intermediaries about a potential summer move. It will be interesting to see if they come forward with an offer to sign the player.
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Jonathan David needs a fresh start
The 26-year-old has not been at his best since moving to Italy, and he has just seven goals in 37 appearances for Juventus. He has previously proven himself in France, and there is no doubt that he could be a very useful acquisition for Manchester United and Tottenham. David has been hailed as an “excellent” player by Zinedine Zidane.
Manchester United need another quality striker to support Benjamin Sesko, and the Canadian International would be ideal. He will look to get his career back on track with regular football, and a fresh start in the Premier League would be ideal. On the other hand, Dominic Solanke has not been able to find the back of the net regularly, and Tottenham need to supplement him with a reliable striker. The Canadian International could be the ideal fit for them.
Juventus signed him for free, and they are unlikely to demand a premium. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United or Tottenham can negotiate a reasonable deal for him. If he manages to regain his form and confidence, he could be an asset to both clubs.
The player is very much at the peak of his career, and he will look to get back to his best once again. David has 153 goals in his career, and he will look to make an impact in the Premier League. If a move goes through in the summer.
Nottingham Forest managed to squeeze out a point away to title contenders Manchester City on Wednesday, with this incredible Morgan Gibbs-White goal cancelling out Antoine Semenyo’s opener, before Elliot Anderson cancelled out City’s second, scored by Rodri. An amazing piece of skill from the 26-year-old attacking midfielder, who was linked with City before they signed […]
Arsenal handed their Premier League title charge a massive boost with a 1-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, as Bukayo Saka made the difference. With Manchester City failing to beat Nottingham Forest at home, the Gunners took the chance to extend their lead at the top to seven points. Saka marked his 300th appearance […]
Arne Slot suggested he was annoyed by questions over Liverpool’s approach in the wake of their last-gasp defeat to lowly Wolves. Andre netted deep in second-half stoppage time at Molineux to propel the Premier League’s bottom club to a 2-1 win. It marked the first time a team in the relegation zone has scored a […]
As the club navigates a demanding stretch of fixtures, head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has attempted to reassure supporters that progress is being made.
Knee injuries can often create as many questions as they do answers. At Real Madrid, uncertainty has become the dominant theme surrounding the fitness of star forward Kylian Mbappe. As the club navigates a demanding stretch of fixtures, head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has attempted to reassure supporters that progress is being made. Yet, behind the scenes, speculation continues to swirl around the forward’s recovery and the timing of his comeback.
The situation has only grown more intriguing in recent days, as Arbeloa publicly addressed Mbappe’s condition while reports hinted at a controversial timeline for his return. With Real Madrid preparing for key domestic and European matches, the striker’s recovery has quickly become one of the most closely watched storylines of the season. The France captain has been sidelined with a sprain in his left knee, an injury that has troubled him since December and recently forced him to miss several important matches.
What did Arbeloa say about Mbappe?
While the exact timeline for his return remains unclear, Arbeloa insists the situation is improving. Speaking at a press conference, the Spanish coach stressed that the player’s recovery is progressing positively. “Of course, I speak to him every day,” the manager said. “It’s under control, every day he’s better. I’ve said it’s a process where we’ll go day by day according to his feelings. Right now, it’s all good news.”
The 27-year-old star has already missed the Champions League playoff second leg against Benfica as well as a 1-0 La Liga defeat to Getafe at the Santiago Bernabeu. That loss left Los Blancos four points behind Barcelona in the league title race. Madrid now faces a demanding run of fixtures, including a league trip to Celta de Vigo and a crucial Champions League two-leg clash with Manchester City.
Despite the pressure, Arbeloa reiterated that the club is carefully managing Mbappe’s recovery. “We’re keeping a close eye on what’s happening to him, how he’s doing. It’s a process we’ll take day by day, monitoring how he’s feeling. He’s getting better every day.”
The controversial return timeline causing inside rift
While Arbeloa remains publicly optimistic, the debate surrounding Mbappe’s recovery intensified after reports emerged about when Real Madrid hopes the forward could return. According to Diario AS, the club believes Mbappe could recover in time for the second leg of their Champions League round-of-16 clash against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
However, that timeline has reportedly sparked disagreement. The player’s entourage is said to be far more cautious about the injury, believing the situation could be more serious than initially described. The concern revolves around the condition of the posterior cruciate ligament in the player’s knee, which some sources claim is under significant strain.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid CF reacts during the UEFA Champions League.
Spanish journalist Anton Meana explained the issue in stark terms. “The player’s left posterior cruciate ligament is at its limit,” he told Cadena SER.“We are going to call it a sprain because that is what the medical report says, but the injury is really significant.”
Because of this, Mbappe’s camp is reportedly unwilling to accept Real Madrid’s estimated recovery timeline, fearing that rushing the striker back could worsen the injury. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, protecting the long-term health of the France captain is also a major priority for his entourage.
Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe and Alvaro Arbeloa, Head Coach.
With Real Madrid facing serious midfield problems, they have reportedly set their sights on Vitinha, who is seen as a potential solution to their issues. In response, the PSG star has decided to shut down all the rumors at their source, delivering some emphatic words.
Throughout the 2025–26 season, Real Madrid have struggled to find real consistency. While they shine offensively thanks to Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr., they have not managed to find balance in midfield. Facing these issues, Los Blancos have reportedly set their sights on Vitinha as a marquee reinforcement. However, the PSG star decided to shut down all rumors of his departure at the root, leaving a blunt statement.
“It would be foolish for me to leave. I don’t think it would be the best thing for me. I feel very good here at PSG! I feel that people appreciate me a lot and that I have earned that affection. I love being here; my family does too. The group is fantastic and the head coach (Luis Enrique) is incredible,” Vitinha said, via Canal 11.
Having arrived for just €40 million in 2022, he established himself as one of the most impactful signings in the history of the French club. Emerging as one of the best players in the world, Vitinha has become a cornerstone of PSG and stands as one of the highest-paid players on the roster, with a contract until 2029. Furthermore, he is one of Luis Enrique’s untouchable players, which makes the idea of his move to Real Madrid nonsensical.
Despite Vitinha’s rejection, Los Blancos remain eager to strengthen their midfield, making a summer 2026 signing imminent. They could prioritize bringing back Nico Paz, using the €9 million buy-back clause, alongside Kees Smith, who stands out at AZ Alkmaar. With this, they will not only reduces the transfer expenditure but also results in considerable salary savings compared to pursuing the Portuguese player.
Kylian Mbappe #9 of Real Madrid C.F. and Vitinha #17 of Paris Saint-Germain.
Real Madrid could adjust their midfield strategy next season
Ahead of next season, Real Madrid do not seem to have a clear idea of who their head coach will be. Following the poor results under Álvaro Arbeloa, they have reportedly turned their attention to other candidates, with Massimiliano Allegri emerging as one of the most mentioned. Despite this uncertainty, Los Blancos could still push for a structural change in midfield, with the possible arrival of Nico Paz seen as a key organizing presence.
Los Blancos have key players in midfield such as Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, and Jude Bellingham. Despite this, they have not achieved a notable balance, so they could opt for an adjustment in the formation with four midfielders, where Paz would join the others near the base of the play. With this, Vitinha’s non-arrival might not be detrimental, as they could make the most of their stars and bet on Mbappe and Vinicius as the only attacking forwards.
Vitinha of Paris Saint-Germain looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League.
Roma star Paulo Dybala once again felt discomfort in his knee during today’s training session, and according to Sky Sport, he’ll miss Sunday’s game against Genoa.
Roma striker Dybala will miss Sunday’s Serie A match against Genoa as the Argentine didn’t complete today’s training session due to knee problems.
Dybala to miss Genoa vs. Roma
As reported by Il Tempo reporter Filippo Biafora on X, the Argentine was forced to end the workout after just a few minutes because he felt pain in his knee again.
The 32-year-old was available against Juventus on Sunday, but spent the whole game against his former club on the bench.
LECCE, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma warms up prior the Serie A match between US Lecce and AS Roma at Stadio Via del Mare on January 06, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
He had missed the previous four league games due to knee problems. Dybala’s last competitive appearance was on January 25, 2026.
As reported by Sky Sport Italia, this latest setback will force Dybala to miss Sunday’s away game against Roma, where Daniele De Rossi is in charge.
Ferguson to undergo second ankle surgery?
Matias Soulé, Mario Hermoso and Evan Ferguson will also miss the next Serie A match, and the latter has even flown to Brighton for a specialist visit on his injured ankle.
According to Sky, Ferguson, who already had ankle surgery in March 2024, may need to undergo another operation.
Como ambassador Raphael Varane says that his former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has been the most influential person across his career, and has revealed what Zizou told him to do during training sessions as a youngster.
Varane spoke in-depth in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport on Thursday, 18 months after he retired at Como.
The four-time Champions League winner had joined Cesc Fabregas’s side on a free transfer following the end of his Manchester United tenure in the summer of 2024, but picked up a serious injury to his knee just 23 minutes into his first competitive appearance with the club in the first round of the Coppa Italia that same summer.
Varane was then left off Como’s Serie A squad list for the 2024-25 campaign and ultimately announced his retirement, less than two months after he had originally joined the club.
Despite retiring at the age of 31, Varane decided to stay on with Como and is currently serving as an ambassador, sits on the club’s development board and has a hands-on role overseeing the management of the youth sector.
What Zidane told Varane at Real Madrid
During his own teenage years, Varane left his boyhood club Lens in order to join Real Madrid, where he would go on to play under the likes of Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Zidane.
BILBAO, SPAIN – MAY 21: Raphael Varane,at the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United. May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
“When I moved to Real Madrid from Lens, everything was bigger, newer, different. More than anything, the perception of time is different. You don’t play for a month and it feels like a year,” Varane told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“You have to stay focused, stay on track, be resilient and train in the same way that you play.”
Varane also revealed which individual had the biggest impact on his career: “Zidane,” he said.
“He advised me to focus on one specific thing during each session. A long ball, a different touch, a new move. A small thing, not lots of things, not everything. Add things and improve day by day.”
Marco Carnesecchi has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to extend his contract with Atalanta.
Matteo Moretto reports that Italy international Carnesecchi will soon sign a contract extension with Atalanta.
Carnesecchi ready to sign Atalanta contract extension
“Atalanta will extend his contract with a pay rise; there’s already a verbal agreement, and only the signature is missing,” Moretto said on YouTube.
Carnesecchi’s current deal in Bergamo runs out in June 2028.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper has kept14 clean sheets in 38 appearances across all competitions this season, conceding 38 goals.
He has been linked to Inter and Juventus, while Manchester United attempted to sign him last summer.
Football Italia exclusively reported in June that the Red Devils proposed €40m to sign the Italian goalkeeper, but Atalanta turned down the offer.
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 29: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur is challenged by Raul Jimenez of Fulham during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 29, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Inter and Juventus will indeed look for a new starting goalkeeper in 2026-27, but the Nerazzurri’s main target seems to be another Italy international, Guglielmo Vicario, who is willing to return to Serie A from Tottenham.
Douglas Luiz has finally returned to playing regular top-flight football during his loan spell with Aston Villa, but how much will it cost the Premier League outfit to sign the Brazilian on a permanent transfer from Juventus?
How much will Aston Villa have to pay Juventus to sign Douglas Luiz permanently?
It has been a strange few years for Douglas Luiz, who earned rave reviews towards the end of his first stint with Villa, which began in 2019 and ended in 2024. His performances, particularly during the 2023-24 season, earned him a big-money move away from Villa, joining Juventus in a deal worth €50m.
Despite his promising Premier League performances, Douglas Luiz failed to hit the ground running in Serie A, and soon became somewhat of an outcast in the Bianconeri first-team. In the end, he made just 19 Serie A appearances during his first season in Italy, and only three of those came as a starter.
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 11: Douglas Luiz of Juventus is challenged by Karol Linetty of Torino during the Serie A match between Torino and Juventus at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on January 11, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
The Old Lady decided to cut their losses during the most recent summer transfer window, sending Douglas Luiz on a season-long loan deal to Nottingham Forest with a conditional obligation to buy.
Still, largely due to injuries, Douglas Luiz struggled to make an impact at the City Ground and was limited to just eight league appearances during the first half of the 2025-26 season.
His loan deal was terminated in January, which facilitated a return to Aston Villa, this time on loan with an option to buy.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 11: Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion at Villa Park on February 11, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Since then, Douglas Luiz has gone on to make six consecutive starts and is looking increasingly settled back in his familiar environment at Villa Park. He added his first league goal of the season with his second-minute strike in an eventual 4-1 loss against Chelsea in the Premier League on Wednesday night.
If Aston Villa were to activate their option to buy clause this season, Juventus would receive a €25m fee, which is payable over three financial years. The Bianconeri could also claim bonuses of up to €3.5m, the club confirmed in January.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, who has been linked with Juventus and Inter, reportedly wants to stay at Anfield until the end of his contract in 2027, while the Nerazzurri are preparing for a new round of talks for Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario.
Fabrizio Romano and Matteo Moretto report the latest updates on two Premier League goalkeepers, Alisson and Vicario, who have been linked with a return to Serie A.
Latest Alisson transfer updates
Both Inter and Juventus are looking for a goalkeeper for next season, Romano confirmed, but Alisson wants to stay at Liverpool for another season.
The Brazilian’s contract at Anfield expires in June 2027, and the player is planning to remain at the club for one more year.
Nevertheless, his future at the club remains uncertain, as it’s unclear whether Liverpool will put him on the market at the end of the current campaign. The Reds will decide in this regard only in the coming months.
Vicario eyes Serie A return
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 14: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur at City Ground on December 14, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Vicario, on the other hand, would be glad to return to Serie A, and Inter are already in talks with the Tottenham goalkeeper.
Moretto reported that Inter are currently the ‘closest team’ as negotiations with the goalkeeper’s entourage have already begun and will continue in March with a new round of talks between the two parties.
Liverpool already have a deal in place to sign Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes in the summer, but the talented young defender is set to arrive recovering from a serious injury.
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As previously also reported by L’Equipe, Jacquet has a shoulder injury that has required surgery.
Jeremy Jacquet in action for Rennes
This now means the 20-year-old could be out for anywhere between four and six months, so it’s highly unlikely he’ll be back in time for pre-season with Liverpool.
It may even be that LFC fans will have to wait until September to see Jacquet making his debut for the club, which is far from ideal as they really needed this signing of a top young centre-back.
Jeremy Jacquet has a big role to play for Liverpool
Even if Jacquet is relatively inexperienced at the highest level, he’s shown tremendous potential during his time at Rennes so far.
This prompted Liverpool to make a move for him in January, and he was also strongly linked with Chelsea by Give Me Sport and others.
It’s clear that Liverpool are bringing in a special talent for the future, but he’d also have a role to play straight away after a difficult season defensively for Arne Slot’s side.
Virgil van Dijk is perhaps starting to show his age, and the Reds have conceded a worryingly high 39 Premier League goals in 29 games so far.
On top of that, Ibrahima Konate is coming towards the end of his contract, so Jacquet could be immediately required to step into Slot’s XI to replace his fellow Frenchman.
Liverpool are reportedly keen on a potential transfer move for Eintracht Frankfurt left-back Nathaniel Brown this summer.
This comes after a slightly underwhelming first season from Milos Kerkez, who joined from Bournemouth last year after impressing with the Cherries.
It’s proven harder for Kerkez to look as convincing at Liverpool, however, who have generally had a disappointing season, with new signings all slightly struggling to adapt and with the team not at a real risk of missing out on Champions League qualification.
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Liverpool might do well to give Kerkez a bit more time, but Arsenal arguably look in need of making changes in that area after an injury-hit season for Riccardo Calafiori, while Myles Lewis-Skelly has fallen completely out of favour.
Man Utd, meanwhile, should probably be thinking about an upgrade on the ageing and injury-prone Luke Shaw, while Patrick Dorgu has tended to play further forward more in recent times.
Liverpool to raid Eintracht Frankfurt again?
Liverpool signed Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer, in what has been one of their more successful signings.
It could be that the Reds will use that relationship to agree a deal for Brown as well, with Fichajes suggesting the opportunity will be there as long as clubs pay the right price.
Even if Brown doesn’t replace Kerkez, this generally looks like a smart deal to bolster Arne Slot’s squad as Andrew Robertson has fallen out of favour this season and might need replacing as a rotation option.
Gareth Bale has named Carlo Ancelotti as the manager who would be ideal for Manchester United.
The Red Devils are looking for a permanent manager after sacking Ruben Amorim earlier this year.
Atlhough Michael Carrick has since joined the club as interim boss but he is still not certain to get the job permanently despite his impressive performances.
The decision to appoint a new manager will be taken at the end of the season when United have carefully assessed all their options.
Gareth Bale names Ancelotti as ideal choice for Man United
Speaking recently on The Overlap, Bale, who enjoyed massive Champions League success under the Italian tactician at the Bernabeu, explained exactly why Ancelotti’s profile is exactly what a club of United’s stature needs to navigate the intense pressure of the Premier League.
‘I think he would do great,’ Bale said.
‘He’s not just the manager, he is a coach as well. (But) He can do the tactical stuff.
‘When he was the head coach in his second spell (at Real Madrid), he did a lot more tactically then than we did the first time, but I think we had a better team the first time. Wherever Carlo goes, I think he would do an amazing job, just because he gets everyone on board.
‘If you go into a big club, you’ve got good players, whether they’re performing at the time or not. Like Man United, they have been the last few weeks, but, prior to that, they hadn’t been performing, but they’ve got good players. He’ll get the best out of players and will just simplify things, which you see now with Michael Carrick.
‘He’s simplifying a lot of things that the previous manager was doing, and you’re getting results. So that’s Carlo’s genius, getting the best out of the players and just making it simple.’
Italian manager is highly respected for his achievements
Carlo Ancelotti during Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
If the INEOS sporting department is looking for a guaranteed, proven winner, Ancelotti’s resume is essentially unmatched in the history of the sport.
Currently in charge of the Brazil national team after leaving Real Madrid at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, Ancelotti’s trophy cabinet speaks for itself.
He is the only manager in history to have won domestic league titles in all five of Europe’s top leagues (Premier League with Chelsea, La Liga with Real Madrid, Serie A with AC Milan, Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, and Ligue 1 with PSG).
He holds the all-time record for the most UEFA Champions League titles won by a manager.
Having managed the biggest, most demanding dressing rooms in world football, the intense media scrutiny and pressure cooker environment of Old Trafford wouldn’t faze him in the slightest.
Galatasaray President Dursun Ozbek confirms that Victor Osimhen’s contract does not include a release clause, amid rumours of an interest from Juventus.
Osimhen’s agreement with Galatasaray does not include a release clause which would allow any club to sign the Nigerian for a pre-arranged fee, the Turkish club’s president Dursun Ozbek told Fanatik.
‘No release clause in Osimhen’s contract’
“There is no release clause in Osimhen’s contract. He is an extremely successful footballer who will serve Galatasaray for many years,” Ozbek said.
“Perhaps the amount was considered high on the day we signed him, but today the prevailing view in football circles is that the transfer fee was low and the player’s value is much higher.”
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray reacts against Federico Gatti of Juventus FC during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
Galatasaray first signed Osimhen on loan in 2024 and then made his move permanent for €75m the following year.
The former Napoli star has scored 53 goals in 65 appearances with Galatasaray.
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli applauds the fans whilst holding the match ball after his hat-trick during the victory in the Serie A TIM match between US Sassuolo and SSC Napoli at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on February 28, 2024 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
During his four-year spell at Napoli, Osimhen scored 76 goals in 133 games, winning the Scudetto in 2022-23 as Serie A’s top scorer.
Osimhen’s contract with Galatasaray expires in June 2029.
Italy World Cup winner Marco Materazzi says his ex-Azzurri teammate Gennaro Gattuso will ‘fight tooth and nail’ for World Cup qualification: ‘He’s taken on the most difficult role.’
Italy host Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semifinal on March 26, with the potential final on March 31 against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Materazzi: Gattuso must make sure Italy players ‘stay calm’
“What I know is that Rino (Gattuso) will fight tooth and nail to get us to the World Cup,” Materazzi told Vivo Azzurro.
“He’s taken on the most difficult role he could have taken; direct qualification was practically compromised. He’s trying to pass on his enthusiasm to the team. We won’t face fantastic teams, but they’ll be tough ones, and we have to make sure the players stay calm. We’ll have to push hard. I’m convinced he’s working with the utmost professionalism, and that’s what’s most important for these difficult matches.”
Materazzi and Gattuso won the World Cup with the Azzurri in 2006, and Italy have only played in the World Cup again twice since, in 2010 and 2014.
That legendary Azzurri team in 2006 beat France on penalties.
“By the time it went to penalties, there were people like Rino (Gattuso) who had already taken off their boots,” Materazzi recalled, smiling.
“Iaquinta was wandering around at a distance. Fabio (Cannavaro) had said he would take the sixth, but in my opinion, Buffon would have taken it before him. So there weren’t many of us left. I’ve always taken penalties and felt confident, even though I have this obsession that if you score during the match, you’ll miss the penalty afterwards. But when you get to that point, you can’t back out.”
Materazzi was not a designated starter at the World Cup, but broke into the XI after an injury to Alessandro Nesta.
Materazzi waves at Inter fans at San Siro (GETTY)
“In terms of elegance and tactical intelligence, Nesta was the best along with Maldini. Playing next to him, I felt a bit intimidated,” Materazzi admitted.
“I can’t say the same about Cannavaro, because I felt closer to him, and we looked like two street kids playing in the park. Today’s defenders have changed, but football has changed too. In our days, the first thing was to mark and not concede goals; everyone did their job. Today, a defender almost has to know how to handle the ball with his feet first and then focus on marking so as not to lose his man.”
Former Manchester United and England midfielder Paul Scholes has deleted a story from his Instagram profile criticising Red Devils head coach Michael Carrick but praising Italy international Sandro Tonali.
The Class of 92 graduate took to Instagram to share his thoughts after Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat by Tonali’s Newcastle in the Premier League on Wednesday evening, criticising his former teammate Carrick, who has been placed in charge on an interim basis until the end of the season.
Despite an upturn in United’s results since Carrick took over, Scholes said that they “have been crap last four games,” and also gave a shout-out to Newcastle midfielder Tonali. The Instagram story was posted on Wednesday evening and had been removed from Scholes’s profile by midday on Thursday.
Speaking on The Overlap in October, Scholes said: “I love Tonali at Newcastle. Oh, he can run. (Bruno) Guimarães as well. I’d probably choose Tonali at this point.”
When asked to clarify if he meant that Tonali is currently the best midfielder in the Premier League, he replied: “Yeah. Why? Are you going to say Declan Rice?
“Yes. I think he’s better than Declan Rice. I really like Declan Rice, don’t get me wrong. I think he’s got everything, I just think too many times he takes too many touches of the ball. I think he tries to look a little bit more stylish than he needs to.
“I think his physical attributes are brilliant, I think he can be a box-to-box, he can link, I think he can score goals, I just don’t think he does it enough. I prefer Tonali. Is that okay?”
Dusan Vlahovic is closing in on a return to action after over three months on the treatment table, but what does his presence in the squad mean for Juventus’s summer signing Jonathan David?
Vlahovic nears Juventus return: Where does David fit in?
He had an operation in London, has been working on his rehabilitation since then and as of Wednesday, has returned to training with the first-team group at Continassa, albeit partially.
TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 29: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC lies injured during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Cagliari Calcio at Allianz Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Reports earlier this week suggest that the Serbian, who is into the final year of his contract with the Old Lady, could potentially be called up to the matchday squad to face Pisa in Serie A on Saturday.
In Vlahovic’s absence, and with Arkadiusz Milik also out long term, Juventus have been left without a ‘traditional’ no.9 in their attacking ranks: Summer signings David and Lois Openda have both played there previously, but neither have particularly convinced when starting alone at centre-forward in Serie A.
The Bianconeri has considered bringing in a new striker during the January transfer window given Vlahovic’s injury and his contract situation, but a move for Fenerbahce’s Youssef En-Nesyri fell through towards the end of the January transfer window,
Vlahovic will soon be able to lend Juventus a hand on the pitch, and there have been reports that talks over a potential contract extension are progressing as well.
Vlahovic’s return does not spell the end of David’s days in the Bianconeri attack, though, as reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that Luciano Spalletti is keen to play both attackers in the same line-up, with the Serbian leading the line and the Canadian playing off him a second striker or no.10 role.
This would still allow Juve to field Kenan Yildiz and either Francisco Conceicao or Weston McKennie out wide as well.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Pierre Kalulu’s high-level performances this season have ‘not gone unnoticed’ in the Premier League, as Liverpool and Manchester United will ‘try to tempt Juventus’ in the summer.
Juventus defender Kalulu has attracted interest from Premier League sides Liverpool and Manchester United, according to Gazzetta.
Liverpool and Manchester United ‘will tempt Juventus’ for Kalulu
‘Kalulu’s record-breaking season has not gone unnoticed in the Premier League; Manchester United and Liverpool will try to tempt Juventus’, wrote Juventus reporter Filippo Cornacchia on today’s Gazzetta.
Kalulu has been a regular starter for Juventus under both Igor Tudor and Luciano Spalletti.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, speaks to Pierre Kalulu during the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final match between Atalanta BC and Juventus FC at the New Balance Arena on February 05, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
He spent the first part of the season playing mostly as a right wing-back, but under Spalletti, the Frenchman has played as a centre-back in a three-man defence or right-back in a four-man backline.
A former Milan defender, Kalulu has given his contribution on both ends, scoring twice and providing six assists in 38 appearances across all competitions.
The 25-year-old signed a new contract until 2029 in July last year.
Juventus, on the other hand, have set their sights on the Premier League for midfield reinforcement next summer as Sandro Tonali and Bernardo Silva are reported to be among their main targets for 2026-27.
Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder João Gomes has emerged as a sought-after figure ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window, with both Manchester United and Napoli reportedly monitoring his situation closely.
According to journalist Nicolò Schira, the Brazilian international is open to leaving Wolves at the end of the season as interest from across Europe begins to intensify.
With the club entering a new era under the guidance of INEOS and interim manager Michael Carrick, strengthening the centre of the pitch has become one of the most pressing priorities.
Gomes has been a huge hit at Wolves
Despite Wolves enduring a challenging 2025/26 campaign near the bottom of the Premier League table, Gomes has been one of the team’s most consistent performers.
Since arriving from Flamengo, the 25-year-old has earned a reputation as an aggressive ball-winner and tireless competitor.
Nicknamed “The Pitbull” during his time in Brazil, Gomes has carried that same intensity into English football.
His relentless pressing, strong tackling, and ability to recover possession quickly have made him a crucial component of Wolves’ midfield.
Man United see Gomes as the ideal midfield addition
Joao Gomes reacts after Wolves’ defeat against Chelsea (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Man United’s midfield is widely expected to undergo changes this summer. Casemiro remains a respected figure at Old Trafford but is no longer able to cover the same ground he once did during his peak years.
Meanwhile, other midfield additions have struggled to consistently impose themselves in the Premier League.
Such a signing could also benefit young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. With a dedicated defensive anchor behind him, Mainoo would likely be able to play with greater freedom.
Napoli are also believed to be exploring a move. The Serie A side are seeking midfield reinforcements as they look to maintain competitiveness both domestically and in European competition.
The former Jamaica international ended up leaving West Ham at the end of his contract in summer 2025 as he continued his comeback from a broken leg.
Still, looking back at the saga now, Antonio has admitted he feels saddened by not being given the chance to say a proper goodbye to the fans at the London Stadium.
Michail Antonio’s dig at Graham Potter
Potter was not exactly Mr Popular as West Ham manager, and that’s largely down to results and performances on the pitch.
Still, judging from what Antonio has said, it also seems clear that Potter perhaps wasn’t the right man for the club with the way he handled things away from the pitch either.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the 35-year-old said he had “so much love” for West Ham, but found the way his departure was handled a “hard pill to take”.
Liverpool could face one of the most significant decisions of their modern era this summer as uncertainty grows around the future of Mohamed Salah.
According to Football Insider, the club may be open to letting the Egyptian superstar depart if a substantial offer arrives from the Saudi Pro League.
Salah, who has been the face of Liverpool’s attacking dominance for nearly a decade, remains one of the most iconic figures in the club’s recent history.
However, with the forward approaching the final year of his contract and entering the latter stages of his career, Liverpool’s leadership must decide whether to extend his stay or begin planning for life after their legendary No. 11.
Salah has been a legendary figure for Liverpool
Since arriving from AS Roma in 2017, Salah has rewritten Liverpool’s modern record books.
His debut season produced a remarkable 44 goals in all competitions, setting a new benchmark for a 38-game Premier League campaign and establishing him as one of the world’s elite attackers.
Over the following years, he played a central role in Liverpool’s most successful period of the modern era.
Salah helped deliver the Champions League in 2019 and the club’s long-awaited Premier League title in 2020, while consistently finishing among the league’s top scorers.
Saudi Pro League could be Salah’s next destination
Mohamed Salah reacts during Marseille vs Liverpool (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
The Saudi Pro League has pursued Salah for several years. In 2023, Al-Ittihad famously had a reported £150 million offer rejected by Liverpool late in the transfer window.
The Saudi clubs’ financial power has only grown since then, and fresh interest is expected if Salah becomes available.
With only 12 months remaining on his contract this summer, Liverpool’s sporting department are likely to make the decision to let Salah leave the club.
Newcastle United fans won’t want to miss an unforgettable experience as Barcelona are set to travel to St James’ Park in the Champions League next week.
The Magpies made it through their playoff tie against Qarabag without too much trouble, though this will obviously be a far tougher test for Eddie Howe and co.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 14: Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Malick Thiaw during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United at Villa Park on February 14, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Still, that’s what fans of most clubs dream about, and Newcastle have waited a long time to get to a Champions League knock-out tie against a glamorous opponent like this one.
Needless to say, there’ll be huge demands for Newcastle vs Barcelona tickets, so read on for our guide about getting to the game and what to expect on the night.
How to buy Newcastle United tickets
Newcastle fans will surely be flocking to the club’s official ticket pagehere, but it’s likely to prove a competitive scramble to get to such a big game.
If ever there was a time to look out for alternative sources, it’s now, so we’d highly recommend following our linkherefor another route to the game that doesn’t involve the extra cost and hassle of becoming a season ticket holder or club member.
Barcelona fans can always try the club’s official ticket pagehere, but we would again suggest that for a big game like this it’s well worth exploring alternatives.
Follow our linkherefor our dedicated ticket hub which provides an easy-to-use service for big games in the Premier League and beyond, with the security of a 150% money back guarantee.
How Newcastle could line up vs Barcelona
Newcastle will need to be at full strength for this one, and Howe will hope to have some players back from injury by the time this match comes around.
One player who is not expected back yet is Bruno Guimaraes, but there could be more hope for Nick Woltemade and Tino Livramento.
Barcelona have good squad depth, so Hansi Flick might make use of that for this game, though we’d imagine there won’t be too many risky choices.
Frenkie de Jong is currently out injured, so that means some tinkering in the Barca midfield, but most of the rest of the team more or less picks itself…
There haven’t been many games between these two clubs, but they did meet early on in the league phase of the competition this season.
That was a Barca victory at St James’ Park thanks to goals from on-loan Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, and overall it was a fourth victory in this fixture for the Catalan giants.
Newcastle have only won once in five games against these opponents, all the way back in the Champions League in 1997, when it finished 3-2 to the Premier League side.
Who’s your money on this time? Let us know in the comments!
The Derby della Madonnina between Milan and Inter in Serie A is fast approaching, and the league have confirmed that Daniele Doveri will be the man with the whistle in San Siro on Sunday evening.
Doveri confirmed as referee for Milan vs. Inter
Milan will be the home side for Sunday’s derby in San Siro. The Rossoneri are currently in second place, 10 points behind the table-topping Nerazzurri after 27 matches of the 2025-26 campaign.
Referee Doveri will take charge of Sunday’s derby. The 48-year-old has taken charge of 14 matches in Italy so far this season: 13 in Serie A and one in Serie B.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 11: Referee Daniele Doveri looks on during the Serie A TIM match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli – Serie A TIM at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 11, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Doveri has refereed Milan twice so far this season: Once for the 3-0 win over Udinese in September and once for the 1-1 draw with Atalanta in October. Matteo Gabbia, Luka Modric and Santiago Gimenez were shown yellow cards in the 1-1 draw with La Dea.
Doveri showed yellow cards to Yann Bisseck against Verona, and to Manuel Akanji, Bisseck again and Nicolo Barella against Genoa.
FLORENCE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 22: Daniele Doveri referee reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Juventus FC at Artemio Franchi on November 22, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
This will not be Doveri’s first Derby della Madonnina either: He has taken charge of four in his career to date: The 2-0 win for Inter in 2019, the 3-0 Nerazzurri victory in 2021, the 1-1 draw later that same year and Milan’s 3-0 win over Inter in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final last season.
Doveri has refereed Milan 34 times, resulting in 19 wins, nine draws and six defeats for the Rossoneri. He has taken charge of 39 Inter matches, resulting in 16 wins, 10 draws and 13 losses.
Scotland international Billy Gilmour will return to the Napoli XI for the first time since the end of October against Torino, while André-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Kevin De Bruyne could be back in the squad and available on the bench.
Napoli host Torino at the Stadio Maradona tomorrow, and the Partenopei coach, Antonio Conte, is still forced to cope without several players, especially in central midfield.
Tomorrow, he’ll be the only fit central midfielder available alongside Eljif Elmas as Napoli are still without Scott McTominay and Stanislav Lobotka.
VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Antonio Conte head coach of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 28, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Gilmour hasn’t started a Serie A match since October 28, away at Lecce. He returned in mid-February in a home Serie A match against Roma, then remained on the bench against Atalanta and was introduced again as a substitute against Verona.
According to Gazzetta, Anguissa and De Bruyne could be available tomorrow against Torino, for the first time in four months.
Both sustained a high-degree injury in their femoral biceps between October and November 2025. De Bruyne opted to undergo surgery, while Anguissa followed conservative treatment.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus’ hopes of signing Sandro Tonali, Bernardo Silva, or Leon Goretzka next summer largely depend on whether the Bianconeri qualify for the Champions League.
Juventus sit sixth in the Serie A table and have not won any of their last four league games. Fourth-placed Roma, however, are just four points above in the standings.
Juventus need Champions League money for transfer boost
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 16: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City in action during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester City at Molineux on August 16, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
With 11 games left, the Bianconeri’s only remaining target is to secure Champions League qualification, which would boost their finances by €60m to €70m and increase their chances of making a big signing in the summer.
According to Gazzetta, Tonali is still the Old Lady’s top target, but Bernardo Silva (Manchester City) and Goretzka (Bayern Munich), who are available as free agents, are also on the Old Lady’s agenda.
According to the report, preliminary talks have begun with all three, but Juventus are aware that they’ll need at least €70m-75m to sign Tonali, a sum that they could raise through Champions League qualification and the sales of Douglas Luiz and Teun Koopmeiners.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 10: Marcos Senesi of Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Everton and Bournemouth at Goodison Park on February 10, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Marcos Senesi, a Bournemouth centre-back, has also opened talks with the Old Lady and is reportedly tempted to move to Turin on a free transfer at the end of his contract in June, but Roma remain interested too.
Marco Verratti is increasingly likely to be called up to the Italy national team squad for the upcoming World Cup play-off campaign at the end of March, but what role will the 33-year-old Al-Duhail midfielder have to play in Gennaro Gattuso’s side?
According to various reports over the last few weeks, Gattuso has been considering calling Verratti back into the national team fold for the World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland on March 26.
Should the Azzurri win that fixture, they will then have to face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina away from home in a one-legged decider for a spot at the final World Cup tournament.
How does Verratti fit into Italy’s World Cup play-off plans?
According to updates on Thursday, Verratti is on Gattuso’s preliminary squad list and according to Tuttosport, he will be part of the squad at the end of the month. Federico Chiesa and Federico Gatti are among the other players who could return to the squad.
For Verratti, if he is called up, it would be his first involvement with the Italy squad since the Nations League third place play-off against the Netherlands in June 2023.
FLORENCE, ITALY – JUNE 07: Marco Verratti of Italy warms up during training session at Forte Village Resort on June 07, 2023 in Santa Margherita di Pula, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
It remains to be seen whether Verratti will play if he is called up to the squad. According to Thursday’s report, he is seen as an alternative option to Juventus’s Manuel Locatelli at the base of the Azzurri midfield. Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Barella are unlikely to be dropped from their starting spots in Italy’s strongest XI.
If Verratti is to play, it is most likely that he would be a second half substitute: An experienced player capable of helping Italy get things over the line with his ability to read play and control the tempo of the game from the middle of the park.
Strahinja Pavlovic has revealed that he spoke to Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic and former Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic before deciding to join Milan from RB Salzburg in the summer of 2024 and claims that Serie A is the best league he’s played in: ‘In these two short years, I’ve learned more than the last six of my career’.
The Rossoneri defender spoke in-depth to La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of the Derby della Madonnina between Milan and Inter coming up in Serie A on Sunday evening.
Pavlovic on joining Milan, talks with Vlahovic and improving under Allegri
Pavlovic claims that he has learned more from playing in Serie A than he had done across six years of his career across Serbia, France, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria. Being at Milan and playing under Massimiliano Allegri specifically has played a major role in his development.
“You just have to walk around Milanello to understand how many legends have played here, there are pictures everywhere: In the dining room, in the gym … It makes me happy to wear the same shirt that they wore. It’s a great feeling, it’s hard to describe.”
Pavlovic revealed which of his Serbian teammates he spoke to before joining Milan: “I called Luka Jovic who was here last season, but I also spoke with Milenkovic and Vlahovic to find out more about the Italian division.”
He insists that moving to Serie A has been the most insightful step of his career: “Milan is the biggest club I’ve played for so far and Serie A is stronger than Austria, France and Serbia. Everything is different here, there are no easy games. And in these two short years, I’ve learned more than the last six of my career. For a defender, it’s the perfect league to grow.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 18: Strahinja Pavlovic of AC Milan controls the ball during the Supercoppa Italiana Semi-Final match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at King Saud University Stadium on December 18, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
“The coach puts a lot of attention on the defence and we’ve made a lot of progress. The credit is not only due to the defenders, though, because we need everyone’s help. The forwards and midfielders lend us a big hand as well.
“(I’ve learned) so many little things. I’ve started paying attention to little details that I hadn’t even considered before, which makes the difference.”
After a difficult 2024-25 season in which Milan finished in eighth place, missing out on European football altogether for 2025-26, the Rossoneri now find themselves in second, albeit 10 points off their city rivals, Inter.
Are Milan ‘happy’ with their season so far? “It’s a difficult question,” Pavlovic pondered. “We’re happy compared to last year, the goal at the beginning of the season was to get into the top four and we are in the running to achieve that. But looking at our performance, we could have had more points, so there is a bit of regret.
“There are still 11 games to go and we will do everything we can to get the most out of them.”
Newcastle United central midfielder Sandro Tonali has dropped a possible hint over his future plans after discussing his role as one of the main leaders in this Magpies squad.
Tonali has been a key performer since joining Newcastle from AC Milan, and it’s perhaps not too surprising to see the Italy international become the subject of transfer interest from bigger clubs.
Arsenal were linked with Tonali by the Athletic in January, but now the player himself has suggested he’s already thinking about how he’s going to be an important leader in Eddie Howe’s squad next season.
Sandro Tonali may have just dropped a transfer hint
Tonali has been asked about his more senior role at Newcastle now, and he’s admitted it’s something that seems important to him.
“It would be a little bit tough because it’s not my first language, but I will try,” Tonali said beIN Sports, as quoted by the Chronicle.
“I try to do my best. I try to help every player in the pitch. And I think this is should be for every player, not just for me.
“I think we have six or seven players in the leadership group, they all really helped me, especially the first year, three years ago, for me it was very difficult.
“Especially, Jacob Murphy, Callum Wilson, Jamaal, Bruno and Joelinton as well. Every day, they helped me a lot in that the first the first season. And they help every player now in in our team.”
Should Sandro Tonali leave Newcastle for Arsenal?
Tonali is surely good enough to go to the very top, and that means playing for a club like Arsenal who regularly compete for the biggest trophies.
Newcastle may have won the Carabao Cup final last season, but for now they look like they’ll be in and out of the top four for the foreseeable future, and eventually Tonali might be tempted to look elsewhere.
The Gunners could do with more depth in midfield after using Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi a lot this season without much rotation.
Of course, it remains to be seen if Tonali would be happy to make the move to the Emirates Stadium unless he were to become a guaranteed starter, but it’s the kind of challenge he might also relish.
Manchester United fan and YouTuber Angry Ginge has told the Red Devils to sign Chelsea star Cole Palmer.
The Chelsea player has been in fine form once again this season. He scored for the Blues in their 4-1 win against Aston Villa this week.
Although Bruno Fernandes is currently performing at a world class level, in a few years Man United will have to look for his replacement in the market.
Replacing Fernandes is a near-impossible task given his creative output and sheer volume of games played over the last six years.
However, Palmer fits the tactical and statistical profile perfectly.
Just like Fernandes, Palmer is a highly versatile, high-volume creator who thrives in the No. 10 role or drifting in from the right half-spaces.
His ability to dictate the tempo, thread defense-splitting passes, and consistently find the back of the net makes him the ideal modern playmaker.
Palmer grew up in Wythenshawe, Manchester, and it is a well-documented fact that he was a boyhood Man United fan before joining Manchester City’s academy.
Manchester City have reportedly joined Manchester United in monitoring Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson as the Premier League giants assess potential midfield reinforcements.
According to The Sun, City’s interest in the 23-year-old is closely linked to uncertainty surrounding Rodri’s long-term future at the Etihad Stadium.
While Anderson has quietly developed into one of the Premier League’s most promising young midfielders, City’s pursuit could depend heavily on whether Rodri remains central to the club’s plans.
Real Madrid are believed to be tracking the Spanish international’s situation, particularly with his contract set to run until the summer of 2027.
Man City, particularly, know well of his abilities as the Forest midfielder scored a stunning goal for his team against City in the 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium last night.
The midfielder, who previously progressed through Newcastle United’s academy system, has impressed with his versatility, work rate, and technical ability in central areas.
Anderson offers a combination of energy and creativity that fits the demands of modern Premier League football.
Rodri celebrates a goal for Manchester City (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
For Man City, however, the potential pursuit of Anderson is intertwined with Rodri’s future.
The Spanish midfielder has been one of the most influential players in Pep Guardiola’s system, acting as the team’s primary anchor and orchestrator in possession.
Real Madrid’s reported interest in Rodri could play a huge role in City’s pursuit of Anderson.
Although Rodri remains under contract until 2027, speculation about his future naturally affects City’s long-term planning.
Should the club anticipate a departure in the coming seasons, identifying younger midfielders capable of evolving into key roles becomes a priority.
Fabian Hurzeler blasted Arsenal’s tactics during their narrow victory over Brighton, and urged the Premier League to take action, claiming “that’s not football”. The Seagulls were beaten 1-0 at the Amex Stadium, with Bukayo Saka’s early deflected strike separating the two sides. After second-place Manchester City could only draw with lowly Nottingham Forest, the Gunners’ […]
Former Juventus winger Massimo Mauro feels that boos against Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni are ‘ridiculous’ as even if the Italian centre-back made a mistake, he ‘can’t pay for the rest of his life.’
Bastoni not only deceived the referee by going down too easily to earn his opponent a red card, but also celebrated when the referee gave Kalulu his marching orders.
Bastoni ‘can’t pay for the rest of his life’ after Inter vs. Juventus
Bastoni was greeted with boos at the following away games at Lecce and Como, but ex-Juventus winger Mauro feels the reactions have been excessive, especially since the incident happened almost a month ago.
“The fact that Bastoni gets booed everywhere is a bit ridiculous. At this point, you’d have to boo 60-70% of footballers,” Mauro told Gazzetta.
“Right now, I can’t take the boos against him seriously.”
Mauro concedes that Bastoni made a mistake, but this doesn’t justify the angry reaction from fans in Italy.
“The issue got blown out of proportion because Kalulu was sent off. Then Bastoni celebrated, and you shouldn’t do that, of course, but you can’t pay for it for the rest of your life either. That’s ridiculous,” insisted Mauro.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Pierre Kalulu of Juventus reacts as he walks off after being sent off by Referee Federico La Penna (not pictured) for a second yellow card offence during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I still maintain that the real mistake was not immediately admitting that a serious error had been made. I’m referring to Chivu’s words in the post-match interview. I used to admire Chivu as a coach and communicator because, from the beginning, he tried to take a different approach to what happens on the pitch. He tried to be sporting even when the refereeing decisions went against him, but in the Bastoni incident, he didn’t manage to do so. I was disappointed when I heard him say that the problem was Kalulu putting his hands on his player.”
The problem, according to Mauro, is not solely with Bastoni’s simulation against Juventus, but with the attitude of the majority of Serie A players, as the ex-winger sees more divers than in the past.
“Much more than before. In the past, it was done to try to win a penalty,” he concluded.
“Now players simulate for everything. And because any contact can look like a foul on video review. Players know this, so it almost becomes instinctive for them to try it. Of course, it’d be condemnable, but when you play, your thinking isn’t clear.”
Manchester United are reportedly stepping up their pursuit of Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães, with the Brazilian emerging as one of the club’s primary transfer targets ahead of the summer window.
According to TEAMtalk, United view the 28-year-old as a potential long-term successor to fellow Brazil international Casemiro, who is set to leave the club at the end of the season.
The Magpies are eager to secure the midfielder’s future with an improved contract beyond his current deal, which runs until 2028.
At the same time, interest from several of Europe’s biggest clubs suggests a fierce transfer battle could unfold if Newcastle are forced to consider offers.
Man United are ready to rebuild their midfield
Man United’s midfield is widely expected to undergo significant changes in the coming months.
Casemiro has been an influential figure since arriving from Real Madrid, but injuries and the physical demands of the Premier League have raised questions about the long-term composition of the team’s midfield.
With the Brazilian now leaving the club this summer, the Red Devils are in the market for a new defensive midfielder.
Guimarães fits the profile of a player capable of anchoring the next phase of United’s project.
He is known for his energy, passing range, and ability to dictate tempo. His leadership qualities have also stood out. Guimarães quickly became a fan favourite at St James’ Park since joining the club.
Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes in action (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Newcastle remain determined to keep their star midfielder and are reportedly exploring the possibility of extending his contract.
The club’s ownership group has made it clear that retaining key players is essential to their long-term vision of establishing Newcastle among Europe’s elite.
Such a price reflects Guimarães’ importance to the team, his age, and the length of his contract.
Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also monitoring the situation.
Former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale has admitted that his old teammate Eden Hazard is the worst trainer he ever came across in his career.
Speaking on today’s episode of The Overlap, Bale also admitted he wasn’t someone who loved training or put much effort in either, as every player needs something different in how they prepare for matches.
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The Welshman did, however, single Hazard out straight away as the worst trainer he saw, as he also gave some insight into the Belgian’s struggles at the Bernabeu.
Eden Hazard struggled after injury at Real Madrid
Hazard was a world class performer at Chelsea, establishing himself as one of the top Premier League players of all time.
Things couldn’t have been more different for him at Real Madrid, though, as he struggled to make the same kind of impact with goals and assists as he did at Chelsea.
Bale feels an early injury for Hazard upon his arrival in Spain ultimately led to his downfall as he never really recovered from it.
Hazard and Bale could have been a great partnership, and it’s a shame we never saw Hazard at his best while he was playing alongside Bale in Madrid.
Former Real Madrid and Tottenham star Gareth Bale has made it clear that he spoke to Manchester United about a transfer.
However, Bale never ended up at Man Utd, and he’s explained in detail why he went to Real Madrid instead of Old Trafford.
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The former Wales international would undoubtedly have been a dream signing for the Red Devils during what proved to be a difficult period for them after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
As noted by Gary Neville on The Overlap, it seemed that United were at one point confident of deals for big names like Bale and also Cesc Fabregas, but Bale responded by saying he had his heart set on joining Real Madrid.
Gareth Bale opens up about Manchester United transfer talks
Speaking on The Overlap today, Bale explained that he spoke with former United manager David Moyes, but it seems he never considered the move that strongly due to his desire to go to Madrid.
The 36-year-old also suggested a key part of this may have been an informal agreement with former Spurs chairman Daniel Levy about not moving to a Premier League rival.
“I did talk to United yeah,” Bale said.
“But my heart was set on Madrid anyway,” he added. “And I had something in place with Daniel Levy, more of a gentleman’s agreement … he didn’t want to sell me to a rival also. He don’t want to strengthen another (Premier League) team.”
Gareth Bale had a great career at Real Madrid
Looking back, Bale surely made the right choice when he decided to move to the Bernabeu.
Bale went on to score 106 goals in 258 games for Los Blancos, and won the Champions League a remarkable five times in total, including scoring in two finals.
United, meanwhile, have not won a single Premier League or Champions League title since Ferguson’s retirement almost 13 years ago.
Bale may well have helped them, but it’s also clear that there have been major structural issues at the club, rather than just a problem of missing out on a few top players.
Wrexham’s remarkable rise through English football could soon reach another extraordinary chapter. The Welsh club, owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are reportedly preparing ambitious transfer plans should they secure promotion to the Premier League.
According to TEAMtalk, Wrexham have identified Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson and Fulham attacking midfielder Harry Wilson as potential free-agent signings if they successfully complete their push for top-flight football.
Currently sitting sixth in the Championship table, Wrexham are fighting to secure a place in the end-of-season play-offs.
If they manage to win promotion, it would mark an unprecedented fourth consecutive rise through the English league pyramid, a feat rarely seen in modern football.
Wrexham are a remarkable football story
Since Reynolds and McElhenney took ownership in 2021, Wrexham have transformed from a National League side into one of the most talked-about clubs in Europe.
The duo’s investment, global marketing appeal, and the popularity of the Welcome to Wrexham documentary have significantly boosted the club’s profile.
On the pitch, the project has been equally impressive. Strategic recruitment and strong leadership have allowed the club to climb rapidly through the divisions.
Andy Robertson of Liverpool in action (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Among the players reportedly on their radar are Robertson and Wilson.
Robertson has been one of Liverpool’s most influential defenders over the past decade, playing a key role in the club’s Premier League and Champions League triumphs.
If available as a free agent, his leadership and experience could prove invaluable for a newly promoted side.
While promotion remains the immediate priority, the club’s leadership is already preparing for what life in the Premier League might require.
Sources in the industry indicate that Manchester City have already held informal talks with people close to the player, but despite this interest, Pavlovic’s priority remains to stay with Bayern Munich.
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I’ve also been told that Chelsea are expected to open discussions with the Bundesliga champions directly in the coming weeks, though any negotiations are unlikely to lead to a breakthrough given the player’s stance and Bayern’s position.
The 21-year-old German international midfielder has publicly stated that he can envision spending his entire career at Bayern. He emphasized that as long as the club continues to meet his ambitions, there would be no reason to seek a transfer. These remarks have significantly cooled speculation about a summer departure and underline Bayern’s determination to keep him at the heart of their long-term project.
Aleksandar Pavlovic Bayern exit looks unlikely at this stage
Pavlovic is under contract with Bayern until 2029, a factor that strengthens the club’s hand in any potential negotiations. His current market value is estimated at €65 million, a figure that explains the strong interest from England but also highlights the financial challenge of prising him away from Munich.Bayern, however, have no intention of cashing in on their rising star, instead viewing him as a cornerstone for both domestic success and European ambitions.
On the pitch, Pavlovic has already proven his worth. In the 2025/26 Bundesliga season so far, he has made 19 appearances, contributing three goals and one assist. At international level, he has earned nine caps for the German national team, scoring once. Despite still being at the early stages of his career, his consistency and maturity beyond his years have made him a firm fan favourite at the Allianz Arena.
While Premier League clubs continue to monitor his situation, Pavlovic’s words and Bayern’s firm stance make a summer transfer highly improbable. The midfielder looks set to remain in Bavaria, where he is expected to play a central role in shaping the club’s future.
Real Madrid are reportedly determined to strengthen their squad with a top young talent this summer, with Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly one of their priorities.
The 20-year-old has shone for Man City since becoming more of a first-team regular this season, showing that he can flourish in a variety of different positions.
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According to Fichajes, this has led Real Madrid to take a serious look at O’Reilly ahead of this summer, with the Spanish giants’ recruitment team rating him very highly.
At the same time, however, it’s hard to imagine City being prepared to let the England international go any time soon.
O’Reilly’s contract at the Etihad Stadium runs until 2030, so MCFC should be in a reasonably strong position with this one.
Nico O’Reilly transfer is not something Manchester City should consider
O’Reilly’s remarkable rise this season surely shows he’s too important for the club to let go, with their academy often producing fine talents.
Phil Foden has been the best example of this, but we’ve also seen Rico Lewis doing well in the first-team, while others such as Cole Palmer, Liam Delap, and Romeo Lavia have left the club and gone on to do well elsewhere.
O’Reilly looks like he’s more than capable of emulating players like Foden and Palmer in becoming a top performer at the highest level.
Whether he does that at City or elsewhere remains to be seen, but it’s hard to imagine Madrid being able to get this ambitious deal done at this moment in time.
Could PSR tempt Man City into Nico O’Reilly sale?
One key element of the modern game, however, is the PSR regulations that tempt clubs into cashing in on homegrown players.
Someone like O’Reilly would potentially bring in a lot of money for City, and would also count as pure profit as he came up through their academy.
City would do well not to fall into this trap, however, as they need to put their squad first, and O’Reilly has shown he’s more than capable of contributing a lot in either defence or midfield.
Manchester United have reportedly decided against selling Mason Mount this summer, even as interest from fellow Premier League clubs continues to grow.
Mount’s time at United has been turbulent since his £55 million transfer from Chelsea in 2023.
Injuries, tactical adjustments and intense competition for midfield places have made it difficult for the England international to secure a consistent run of games.
Yet internally, the club still believes the 27-year-old can play a meaningful role in the squad moving forward.
Mount has endured a challenging period at Man United
Mount arrived at Man United with high expectations after establishing himself as one of Chelsea’s most reliable performers during their Champions League-winning era.
His reputation for relentless pressing and attacking contributions made him an appealing addition to United’s midfield rebuild.
However, injuries have repeatedly interrupted his progress. During the 2025/26 campaign, Mount has once again struggled to maintain full fitness, leaving him fighting to define his place in a team that has undergone several tactical changes under Michael Carrick.
Despite these challenges, United’s coaching staff still value his versatility. Mount can operate as an advanced attacking midfielder, a wide playmaker, or in a deeper central role when required.
Mason Mount is staying at Man United. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Speculation surrounding Mount’s future intensified after Aston Villa and Fulham reportedly began monitoring his situation.
Unai Emery’s Villa are believed to be particularly interested, with the Spanish manager known for reviving the careers of players who struggled to find form elsewhere.
Villa’s recruitment team reportedly views Mount’s work rate and positional awareness as a strong fit for Emery’s structured tactical system.
Fulham have also been linked with the midfielder. Marco Silva’s side are understood to be exploring ways to add greater experience and creativity to their midfield options.
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Fernandes surely won’t have much trouble overtaking that in the final few games of the season, and this stat is yet another reminder of just how important the Portugal international is for the Red Devils.
14 – Bruno Fernandes has now assisted 14 goals in the Premier League this season; only David Beckham has ever assisted more goals in a season in the competition for @ManUtd (15 in 1999-00). Machine. pic.twitter.com/YgL9h8ucFU
Fernandes also has seven league goals so far this season, with the 31-year-old looking simply irreplaceable, even if he’s not getting any younger.
Manchester United must keep Bruno Fernandes
We recently reported on information we’d received on Fernandes and a potential transfer out of Old Trafford this summer.
Although United’s preference is to keep Fernandes, there’s also the feeling that he could leave for the right price, perhaps around £87m, as top clubs like Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain show an interest in him.
It may already be that United are shifting their stance, with the Daily Mirror reporting on a possible bumper new contract for the former Sporting Lisbon man.
Given his influence on this team, it would surely be madness for United not to at least consider extending his stay, and making an exception for such a special player, even if he’ll be 32 next season.
Bruno Fernandes should be part of United’s midfield rebuild
Fernandes’ importance is arguably even greater now that MUFC also know Casemiro will be leaving at the end of his contract this summer.
That already means the club will need to make changes in that area of the pitch, with at least one, but perhaps two new signings needed, as Manuel Ugarte’s poor form surely means he could be replaced.
If Fernandes were also to move on, it would surely be too many changes happening all at once in such an important position in United’s squad.
Karim Adeyemi’s future at Borussia Dortmund is becoming increasingly uncertain as contract negotiations between the player and the club continue to stall.
According to German outlet Bild, the winger has yet to commit to a new deal and is reportedly hoping for a future move to the Premier League.
With his current contract entering its final year in June, Dortmund now face a familiar dilemma, convince a key player to sign a long-term extension or risk losing him at a reduced fee in the near future.
Dortmund have been attempting to secure Adeyemi’s long-term future at Signal Iduna Park, but negotiations have reportedly made little progress.
One major sticking point concerns the player’s request for a release clause to be included in any new contract.
Such clauses are common in Germany, but they can limit a club’s leverage if interest from wealthier leagues intensifies.
Dortmund are hesitant to include a clause that would make it easier for Premier League sides to trigger a transfer in the future.
The club’s patience is reportedly beginning to wear thin after months of discussions without resolution.
With the contract ticking down, Dortmund may soon be forced to decide whether to continue negotiating or consider a sale while Adeyemi still retains significant market value.
Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise has emerged as one of the most sought-after attacking players in European football, with several elite clubs monitoring his situation ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to TEAMtalk, Manchester City and Liverpool have both made contact with the German champions regarding a potential deal worth around €100 million.
Despite the interest, Bayern are reportedly standing firm. The Bundesliga club have rejected initial enquiries and made it clear that they are not currently willing to part ways with the 24-year-old, who has become a key figure in their attacking setup.
Michael Olise has enjoyed a rapid rise
Olise’s reputation has grown significantly over the past few seasons.
Known for his exceptional dribbling ability, creativity in the final third, and composure in one-on-one situations, the French-born attacker has developed into one of Europe’s most dangerous wide players.
His performances in the Bundesliga and European competitions have drawn widespread praise.
Bayern view him as an important component of their long-term attacking strategy and are therefore reluctant to entertain offers unless they receive an extraordinary proposal.
Man City are constantly evaluating options to maintain the creativity and unpredictability of their forward line, while Liverpool are looking to refresh their attacking options as they continue rebuilding their squad.
According to The Daily Mail, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool are all keeping a close eye on the Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams as he works his way back to full fitness following injury setbacks.
The 27-year-old United States international has only recently returned to action, featuring in three Premier League matches since making his comeback in the goalless draw against West Ham last month.
Despite the limited appearances, his reputation as an energetic and tactically disciplined midfielder has ensured he remains firmly on the radar of some of England’s biggest clubs.
Adams is known for his energy and leadership
Adams has built a reputation throughout his career as a relentless ball-winner and intelligent defensive midfielder.
Having previously impressed in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig, he established himself as one of the most reliable pressing midfielders in Europe before making the move to the Premier League.
His playing style is defined by high work rate, positional awareness, and the ability to break up opposition attacks.
These qualities have made him a key figure for the United States national team as well, where he has frequently served as captain and leader in midfield.
At Bournemouth, Adams has faced a challenging period due to injuries limiting his opportunities.
However, his return to the pitch has quickly reignited interest from clubs seeking to strengthen their midfield depth.
Bournemouth could consider offers in the region of £40 million for Adams.
That valuation shows both his Premier League experience and his international pedigree, though any potential transfer is unlikely to progress immediately.
Sources indicate that interested clubs may prefer to wait until after the FIFA World Cup before making a final move, allowing them to assess his fitness and form over a longer period.
Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie could be seen shushing Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler during a bad-tempered game in last night’s Premier League action.
The Gunners ended up winning 1-0 away to Brighton thanks to an early deflected goal by Bukayo Saka, but it was far from a vintage display from Mikel Arteta’s side.
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It seems the Seagulls boss also made this clear to Hincapie at one moment, with the Ecuador international clearly not having any of it as he gave this cheeky response…
The clip appears to show Hurzeler telling Hincapie and Arsenal to “f**king play football”, with the Gunners ace seeming amused as he tells the German tactician to keep quiet.
He added: “I will never be that kind of manager who tries to win in that way. I want to do well. I want my players to keep improving, keep playing football on the pitch.
“In the end, of course, every team will manage and waste time, but I think there has to be a limit, and the limit has to be set by the Premier League. The limit has to be set by the referees, at the moment they just do what they want.”
Stats
Brighton
Arsenal
Possession
59.9%
40.1%
Shots
11
7
Shots on target
3
2
Touches in opponents’ box
29
18
A big night in the title race between Arsenal and Manchester City
While there might be a lot of focus on Arsenal’s playing style, the reality is that they were big winners last night with three points at Brighton while their nearest rivals Manchester City surprisingly dropped points at home to Nottingham Forest.
City twice took the lead against Vitor Pereira’s side, but were twice pegged back and had to settle for a 2-2 draw.
This set of results puts Arsenal seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table, though City have a game in hand, meaning that gap could still be cut to four points.
Overall, though, it’s a huge psychological boost for Arsenal as they take control of the title race again with some strong recent results.
Liverpool have reportedly made checks on Michael Olise as the Bayern Munich winger is described as a “dream target” for the Reds.
However, it seems Liverpool are realistic about their chances of signing Olise, and currently consider a deal completely unrealistic, according to Florian Plettenberg.
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The France international has had an outstanding season for Bayern, with Plettenberg noting in his post on X that the player is currently on a total of 38 goals and assists in all competitions.
Michael Olise to Liverpool transfer looks unrealistic
“Michael #Olise remains a dream target for Liverpool ahead of the upcoming summer window, and further background checks have been made,” Plettenberg posted.
?? Michael #Olise remains a dream target for Liverpool ahead of the upcoming summer window, and further background checks have been made. However, #LFC now consider a transfer to be completely unrealistic.
“However, #LFC now consider a transfer to be completely unrealistic. He is not for sale. In addition, FC Bayern are looking to extend his contract beyond 2029, with plans to improve his current deal. Incredible 13G/25A this season yet.
“As a result, LFC are shifting their focus within the Bundesliga to Yan #Diomande.”
Diomande is another exciting talent who’s impressed in the Bundesliga, and LFC fans will just have to hope he can end up developing into a player similar to Olise.
Liverpool’s need for a new winger is clear
Whether Liverpool sign Olise, Diomande, or someone else, what’s clear is that they need a winger of this profile this summer.
In recent history, the Merseyside giants were able to rely on the goals and assists of Mohamed Salah, but it seems age is finally catching up with the legendary Egypt international.
Salah, now 33 years old, only has eight goals and seven assists in all competitions so far this season – a big drop off from the crazy figures that fired the club to the Premier League title last term.
But it’s not just Salah – there’s also been a considerable dip in form from Cody Gakpo this season, while the sale of Luis Diaz looks like more and more of a mistake as time goes on.
Olise looks better equipped than anyone to replace Salah, but it also wouldn’t make sense for Liverpool to pursue an unrealistic deal, so Diomande could be a smart alternative for the long-term.
The Saudi Pro League has reportedly issued a key message to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, Karim Benzema's Al Hilal, and the rest of the clubs regarding the continuation of the competition.
The Saudi Pro League found itself at the center of a major decision as tensions continued to escalate across the Middle East, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema serving as the faces of a league now facing an uncertain path forward. Reports have now emerged claiming the SPL has issued a key message to Al Nassr, Al Hilal and the rest of the league’s clubs regarding the continuation of fixtures.
A pressing question hung over whether the SPL would follow Qatar’s lead and suspend its activities. The Qatar Football Association had already announced on Sunday the postponement of all tournaments, competitions and matches “effective from today and until further notice,” but Saudi authorities appear to have reached a different conclusion.
According to The Athletic, the Saudi Pro League has informed its clubs that upcoming fixtures will not be suspended and will proceed as originally scheduled. While the Asian Football Confederation moved to postpone matches in international competitions such as the AFC Champions League Elite and Champions League Two, the Saudi authorities have opted not to follow suit on the domestic front.
That said, the decision remains subject to change as the situation develops. As the outlet noted, security protocols are being followed to ensure the safety of all involved, but the landscape “continues to be monitored day by day.“
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr
What’s next for the SPL?
Matchday 25 gets underway on Thursday with Al Kholood hosting Al Qadsiah and Damac FC welcoming Al Riyadh. Beyond the results on the pitch, both matches will also serve as an important gauge of how smoothly the league can operate and what protocols need to be in place going forward.
On Friday, Al Hilal will host Al Najma, who currently sit at the foot of the table. Benzema‘s side has been struggling for consistency of late, picking up back-to-back draws against Al Ittihad and Al Taawoun, dropping them from the summit to third place with 58 points from 24 games.
Then on Saturday, Al Nassr will welcome Neom SC to Al Awwal Park. Cristiano Ronaldo’s side has been in formidable form domestically, riding a 10-game winning streak in the SPL to sit top of the standings with 61 points from 24 matches.
With Kylian Mbappe as the main face, Real Madrid are heading to the Round of 16 Champions League series against Manchester City with a list of six stars injured.
Kylian Mbappé‘s latest injury has become a serious headache for Real Madrid in a season that has fallen well short of expectations. With Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City looming in the Champions League Round of 16 next week, the French star headlines a list of six Madrid players currently sidelined and in doubt for the tie.
After a blistering start to the season that saw him sitting atop both the La Liga and Champions League scoring charts, Mbappé’s momentum was halted at the turn of the year by a knee sprain. The same issue flared up again ahead of the playoff second leg against Benfica, prompting the club to enroll him in a specific recovery program while opting not to disclose a return date.
Adding to the growing injury concerns, Rodrygo has now been ruled out for the remainder of the 2025-26 season and the start of the next, after tearing his ACL and lateral meniscus in his right leg. The news sent shockwaves through the squad, drawing messages of support from Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Brazilian legend Neymar.
Rodrygo’s injury brings Real Madrid‘s walking wounded to six. Alongside Mbappé’s knee sprain, defender Éder Militão is also recovering from a torn ACL, while David Alaba, Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos are all sidelined with muscular problems.
Ceballos suffered a tear in the soleus muscle of his right leg in late February, with a recovery timeline of around seven weeks. Alaba, meanwhile, has been plagued by chronic muscular issues throughout the 2025-26 campaign, and despite managing to hold down a starting berth, he was substituted off in the 55th minute of the most recent match against Getafe.
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid goes down with an injury.
With the 2026 World Cup fewer than 100 days away, Mbappé’s knee has become a focal point of concern not only for Real Madrid but also for the France national team, which has been closely monitoring his condition. With surgery already ruled out, both Mbappé and the club are firmly against taking any risks that could lead to a fresh setback or further damage to the same area.
That said, there is still a flicker of hope on the horizon for both player and club. As reported by Diario AS, Mbappé has not been entirely ruled out for the first leg against Manchester City on Wednesday, March 11, with the player acutely aware of just how much is at stake in what remains of Real Madrid’s season.
Initially, the expectation was that Mbappé might be ready to return, albeit not at full fitness, in time for the second leg on Tuesday, March 17. But the player’s own ambitions appear to go further than that, with reports suggesting he is pushing to be available for the first leg, at minimum as an option off the bench, in what would be a race against the clock.
Lionel Messi can still get handed a squad boost in the 2026 MLS season with Inter Miami reportedly eyeing the signing of a young Argentine prospect.
Lionel Messi has wasted no time making his mark on the 2026 MLS season, reigniting expectations with a stunning brace in Inter Miami‘s 4-2 comeback victory over Orlando City. With the club’s ambitions stretching across all competitions, reports have emerged linking the Herons to a young Argentine prospect as they look to add further depth to their roster.
The 2026 winter transfer window proved to be the most active in Inter Miami’s history from a spending standpoint. Messi’s squad was bolstered by the returns of key players like Tadeo Allende and Rocco Ríos-Novo, as well as marquee additions in Germán Berterame and goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair (among others), but the club’s business may not be done yet.
According to journalist Leandro Belli and transfer expert César Luis Merlo, Inter Miami have added Racing Club youngster Matías Acevedo to their list of potential signings. Having failed to secure the permanent transfer of Baltasar Rodríguez from the Argentine club, the MLS side is now turning their attention to the 18-year-old as a viable alternative.
The key question surrounding a potential move for Acevedo is timing. As both journalists report, Inter Miami are weighing whether to make an offer before the primary transfer window closes on March 26, or to wait until the summer window, with the move described as an attractive opportunity rather than an urgent priority.
Matias Acevedo of Racing.
Acevedo first announced himself as one of Racing’s brightest prospects when he made his debut in September 2024 at just 16 years old, logging 15 minutes of first-team action. While he has yet to return to the senior squad since, the offensive midfielder has since been promoted to the reserve team and continues to develop.
Standing 5-foot-5 and still just 18 years old, Acevedo is a technically gifted player capable of operating as an attacking midfielder or as a winger on either flank. With Tadeo Allende currently the primary option on the right side, the youngster would offer genuine competition and cover, particularly given his ability in one-on-one situations, an area where the current Inter Miami squad, Messi aside, lacks proven options.
Inter Miami still able to pull off one more signing
That said, the door remains open for at least one additional move. Inter Miami acquired an international roster slot from the New England Revolution, with a club statement noting that the slot will return to New England when the secondary transfer window opens, leaving the Herons with the flexibility to make one more addition before the March 26 deadline.
Brighton & Hove Albion’s Pascal Gross has slammed Arsenal’s time-wasting tactics following the Gunners’ narrow 1-0 win at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday night.
The result, secured by a deflected Bukayo Saka strike in the ninth minute, saw Arsenal move seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
However, the victory was marred by controversy as the Seagulls’ veteran leader expressed his outrage over Arsenal’s approach to seeing out the game.
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Pascal Gross on Arsenal’s time-wasting
Despite a spirited performance that saw Brighton outshoot the league leaders, they were unable to find a breakthrough against a resolute, if cynical, Arsenal defence.
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day (via BBC Sport) after the whistle, Gross was scathing in his assessment of the final stages of the match.
“In the second half, we had two or three chances. We didn’t finish the attack; it’s the only thing we missed today. We found a lot of solutions against them. We created a lot. It wasn’t the case today, so we are disappointed that we outplayed them.”
Turning his attention to Arsenal’s dirty tactics, Gross didn’t hold back:
“No words needed for that for Arsenal. I said my opinion on it. Everyone can make their own decision, but I’m sure you don’t like to watch these football games. Football fans want to see a football game, not time-wasting.”
Mikel Arteta’s side has built up a reputation for “playing dirty”
The accusations from Gross follow a growing trend this season where Mikel Arteta’s side has been criticised for utilising “dark arts” to protect narrow leads.
From goalkeepers taking an eternity over goal kicks to players going down with cramps at convenient moments, Arsenal have become experts at breaking up the flow of the game when holding a lead.
While Arteta has previously defended his side’s game management as “competitive,” the frustration at the Amex was palpable.
For Brighton, the defeat leaves them winless in five, while for Arsenal, the ugly win puts them one step closer to their first Premier League title in 22 years.
Unai Emery conceded Aston Villa are “in a bad moment”, but urged them to “recover confidence” following their 4-1 defeat by Chelsea. The hosts were comprehensively beaten at Villa Park, despite taking the lead through Douglas Luiz’s strike after just two minutes. Joao Pedro scored a hat-trick and Cole Palmer was also on target, as […]
Joao Pedro described his hat-trick in Chelsea’s 4-1 win over Aston Villa as “special”, with the Brazilian saying his team provided the perfect response to their defeat at Arsenal. Chelsea leapfrogged Liverpool and are up to fifth in the Premier League with their dominant display at Villa Park on Wednesday, with Cole Palmer also on […]
Bukayo Saka feels “blessed” after scoring the decisive goal on his 300th appearance for Arsenal across all competitions, securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Brighton. Saka broke the deadlock after nine minutes in Wednesday’s clash at the Amex Stadium, with his low, curling effort taking a fortunate deflection off Carlos Baleba before finding the net. […]
Manchester City twice surrendered the lead in a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest to lose ground on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League. Antoine Semenyo and Rodri twice had City ahead at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, only for Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson to earn strugglers Forest a potentially crucial point. Gibbs-White […]
Antoine Griezmann could stay after Atletico Madrid's elimination of Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semifinals.
The saga that could see a star going to MLS continues as his move may be delayed. Antoine Griezmann was part of Atletico Madrid’s victory in the Copa del Rey semifinals over Barcelona that could see him stay.
Griezmann has an offer from Orlando City that tempts him to leave the continent. However, Tuesday’s result gave the striker a new goal with the potential of a trophy, and that was the deciding factor in putting the transfer on hold for now, according to ESPN.
The report states: “Antoine Griezmann has put a potential move to Orlando City on hold this season now that Atletico has advanced to the Copa del Rey final. Diego Simeone and the front-office team were keen to see Griezmann stay on for the season to give him the best potential farewell possible, including a shot at the Copa del Rey trophy.”
This information backs what was said by an Atlético Madrid executive. Last Friday during the Champions League draw, Mateu Alemany referred to Antoine Griezmann’s situation and reinforced the idea that his stay remains likely.
Griezmann became a legend for Atletico Madrid (Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
The executive made it clear that, despite the speculation surrounding the forward’s future, the club remains calm about his contract status and trusts his commitment at this stage of the season, especially with important matches ahead.
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.”
Griezmann’s deadline to make a move
With the European transfer window closed, any departure would depend on the destination league’s rules; in MLS the registration deadline is March 26, a date that falls during a crucial stretch of the season and makes an immediate move unlikely even if a future transfer cannot be ruled out.
Massimiliano Allegri’s arrival transformed AC Milan’s reality, turning them into one of the top teams in Italy. Despite this, the coach is not entirely certain about continuing with the Rossoneri, drawing interest from a LaLiga side ahead of the 2026–27 season.
Following the inconsistencies of recent years, AC Milan decided to bet on the return of Massimiliano Allegri. While he was coming off a criticized spell at Juventus, but the coach has managed to make a real impact on the team. With only two defeats in Serie A, the Rossoneri have established themselves as one of the best sides in Italy. Despite this, the Italian’s future is far from secure, drawing the attention of a LaLiga side.
While Allegri only arrived at AC Milan at the beginning of the season, the coach may not be entirely certain about staying for another year. According to Michele Criscitiello on Sportitalia, the Italian is reportedly quite dissatisfied with the management of the front office and the club’s transfer policy. For that reason, he is said to be considering leaving at the end of the season, which has allegedly attracted the attention of Real Madrid.
According to Antonio Vitiello in Corriere dello Sport, Massimiliano Allegri is once again on Real Madrid’s radar, as the club seeks an immediate impact for next season. After having been approached on two previous occasions while he was at Juventus, the Italian could consider the possibility, but the Spanish side may be required to pay a fee, as the coach remains under contract with the Rossoneri until 2027.
Although he may not have led the Rossoneri to a Serie A title, Allegri’s potential departure would be highly detrimental. Despite limited investment, he has managed to maximize his players’ performances by imposing a clear tactical structure. Should he guide them to the Champions League, the coach would demand attacking reinforcements, and if he does not receive them, he could choose to leave the club, as he is seeking a truly competitive project.
AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri consoles Alexis Saelemaekers during the Serie A match.
AC Milan may need key reinforcements to convince Allegri
Throughout the 2025–26 season, the Rossoneri have managed to establish themselves as one of the most solid teams in Italy. Unlike in previous campaigns, they have excelled in defense and midfield, suffering only two defeats in Serie A. Nevertheless, AC Milan still have significant issues within their roster that raise doubts about Massimiliano Allegri’s continuity. For that reason, they may require strategic signings to boost their offensive competitiveness.
With uncertainty surrounding Luka Modrić’s continuity and the lack of scoring impact, AC Milan may need at least two world-class signings: a playmaking midfielder and an established center forward. Although names such as Bernardo Silva, Leon Goretzka, Mateo Kovačić, Dušan Vlahović, and Moise Kean have been mentioned, they have not secured any reinforcements. If they fail to land proven additions, Allegri could ultimately decide to leave the club.
Massimiliano Allegri manager of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match.
Lionel Scaloni is reportedly interested in a La Liga player who is eligible to represent either Argentina or Spain.
As Argentina and Spain move through a pivotal stretch while awaiting clarity on the next Finalissima, the two national teams are also linked by another developing storyline. A La Liga player is eligible to play for either side, and Lionel Scaloniis reportedly monitoring his situation closely.
According to Diario AS, Joaquin Martinez Gauna, nicknamed Oso, has caught Argentina’s attention. “AFA and Lionel Scaloni, the head coach, already have Oso on their radar and, if he continues to break out, they will try to snatch him away from La Roja,” the report states.
Martinez Gauna is a 22-year-old left back who can also operate as a wide midfielder. He emerged in La Liga over the past several months after making only a handful of appearances between 2023 and 2024. This season, he has played 12 matches for Sevilla across the Spanish league and the Copa del Rey, recording two assists.
Oso’s personal background allows him to choose between two national teams. He was born in Torrevieja, Alicante, in July 2003, making him Spanish by birth. However, his parents are Argentine and moved to Europe more than two decades ago, meaning the young defender is also eligible to represent Argentina.
Oso of Sevilla FC crosses the ball whilst under pressure from Miguel Roman of Celta Vigo.
Where would Martinez Gauna have a better chance to play?
Given that Joaquin Martinez Gauna is primarily a left back, with the versatility to push further up the field if needed, the question becomes whether his profile better fits the current needs of Argentina or Spain.
Luis de la Fuente’s side currently have multiple options at that position. Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella is widely regarded as one of the most reliable players in the world in that role, while Spain also have Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde and Bayer Leverkusen’s Alejandro Grimaldo available.
Argentina, by contrast, have fewer established options in that area. Looking ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nicolas Tagliafico is expected to remain the starting left back, but there is uncertainty about who will serve as his primary backup. Marcos Acuña could remain in contention, although his age (34) is a factor.
Other alternatives available to Lionel Scaloni include Bournemouth’s Julio Soler and RC Strasbourg’s Valentin Barco, both of whom have minimal experience with the senior national team. That scenario appears to tilt the balance toward Argentina when considering where Oso might have a clearer path to playing time.
Other players contested by Argentina and Spain
The shared language and cultural ties between Argentina and Spain have, for decades, led to significant migration between the two countries. During the first half of the 20th century, migration largely flowed from Europe to South America, while in this century the trend has largely reversed.
That dynamic has inevitably had an impact on soccer, with numerous players over the years forced to choose between the two nations. The most iconic case is Alfredo Di Stefano, who represented Argentina early in his career and later became a star for Spain after establishing himself at Real Madrid.
FIFA regulations now impose much stricter limits on such cases, requiring players to commit permanently once they represent a senior national team in official competition. Alejandro Garnacho and Nicolas Paz are recent examples of Spain-born players who represent Argentina because of their family roots. Lionel Messi himself could have taken the opposite path and chosen Spain, as he recently revealed, but ultimately committed to Argentina.
Super-sub William Osula scored a sensational 90th-minute solo goal to hand 10-man Newcastle United a 2-1 victory over Manchester United, ending Michael Carrick’s impressive unbeaten start as interim manager.
The dramatic win at St James’ Park snapped a three-game losing streak for Eddie Howe’s side and dealt a significant blow to the visitors’ hopes of cementing third place.
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William Osula wonder goal stuns Manchester United
With the game locked at 1-1 and appearing to head for a draw, Osula, who had only been on the pitch for six minutes, produced a moment of pure magic.
Collecting a long pass from Kieran Trippier near the right touchline, the Denmark U21 international embarked on a lung-busting run, weaving past several defenders before cutting inside and curling a magnificent strike into the far corner beyond Senne Lammens.
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 4, 2026
Despite playing with a numerical disadvantage for over 45 minutes, the hosts remained composed, with Aaron Ramsdale producing two world-class saves to deny Man United.
The match turned on a frantic ten-minute spell at the end of the first half. Newcastle were reduced to 10 men in the 41st minute when Jacob Ramsey was controversially shown a second yellow card for simulation.
However, just minutes later, Anthony Gordon put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot after being fouled by Bruno Fernandes.
The lead was short-lived, as Manchester United responded in the ninth minute of stoppage time.
Fernandes turned provider, whipping in a pinpoint free-kick for Casemiro to power home a header and send the teams in level at the break.
Carrick’s unbeaten run comes to an end
The defeat marks the first for Michael Carrick since taking over the reins in January, ending an eight-game unbeaten streak across his two spells as caretaker boss.
While United remain in a strong position for Champions League qualification, they failed to capitalise on Liverpool’s defeat to Wolves and Aston Villa’s defeat to Chelsea.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya cemented his status as a fan favorite on Wednesday night with a heartwarming gesture following the Gunners’ vital 1-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.
Amid the high-stakes tension of a Premier League title race, the Spaniard took a moment to create a lifelong memory for one young supporter in the away end at the Amex Stadium.
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David Raya’s gesture towards young Arsenal fan
As the full-time whistle blew, signaling a hard-fought three points for Mikel Arteta’s side, the Arsenal players headed toward the traveling fans to show their appreciation.
While most were caught up in the jubilant celebrations, Raya spotted a young lad in the front row who had been cheering tirelessly throughout the ninety minutes.
As reported by BBC Sport, in a touch of class, the 30-year-old shot-stopper took off his match-worn gloves and handed them directly to the delighted youngster.
‘David Raya gives his gloves to a young lad in the jubilant away end. There were big cheers when the full-time result at Man City was confirmed.’
(Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
The gesture sparked a fresh wave of applause from the surrounding Arsenal faithful, who have increasingly warmed to the goalkeeper following his consistent performances between the sticks this season.
Raya, who kept his 14th clean sheet of the campaign in the victory, spent several additional minutes applauding the supporters after another solid performance.
A clean sheet for David Raya in his 100th Premier League appearance for Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/YBan4cuHH4
The atmosphere in the away end shifted from celebratory to ecstatic shortly after the whistle, as news came through of a major twist in the title race.
Manchester City were held to a 2-2 draw at Etihad by Nottingham Forest, a major setback for Pep Guardiola’s side.
The combination of results means Arsenal have now opened up a significant seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League table with only a handful of games remaining.
It was far from a vintage performance from the North London side, with Bukayo Saka’s early goal proving to be the only difference in what many pundits described as an “ugly” win.
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However, they have come to realise that they might have to sell at the right price. It remains to be seen where he ends up. The Ivorian is regarded as a phenomenal young talent, and he has the potential to develop into a world-class player.
Liverpool need Yan Diomande
Liverpool need more quality on the flanks, especially with the decline of Mohamed Salah. The 19-year-old could be the ideal addition for them. He will add explosive pace and flair to the team. The opportunity to join Liverpool will be exciting for him as well. The player has publicly admitted that he is a boyhood Liverpool fan.
Meanwhile, Manchester United need more quality on the flanks as well. They need to add more unpredictability in the final third. They are well placed to secure Champions League qualification, and they will have the project and the finances to attract the player. It will be interesting to see what the attacker decides.
Meanwhile, the German club will demand a substantial sum for him. A fee of around £80 million could be required to get the deal done. The player has 14 goal contributions this season, and he will only improve with coaching and experience. The Ivory Coast international could be a star for either club.
It remains to be seen where he ends up. He will look to join an ambitious project where he can win major trophies.
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Victor Osimhen linked with summer move
German champions Bayern Munich appear to be leading the race for his signature, and it remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done. They are looking to sign a quality long-term replacement for Harry Kane, and the Nigerian has emerged as a target.
Meanwhile, Manchester United could use another striker in the summer. They need to replace Joshua Zirkzee, and it will be interesting to see who they end up signing. The Nigerian would have been an exceptional acquisition. He is at the peak of his career, and he could have made an immediate impact.
The player currently earns €20 million per season, and it will be interesting to see if the German champions are willing to break the Bank for him. Manchester United have the finances to offer him a lucrative deal, but it seems that they are not too keen on the move right now. It will be interesting to see if the stance changes in the summer.
Manchester United are currently focused on securing Champions League football for the next season. They will look to plug the gaps in the squad during the summer transfer window and bounce back strongly next season. Someone like Osimhen could make a defining impact for them.
Chelsea and Newcastle United are interested in signing the former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez.
The player is desperate to leave Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal in the summer, and it will be interesting to see if Chelsea or Newcastle can bring him back to the Premier League. He is struggling with the lack of regular gametime, and he needs to change clubs in the summer.
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Darwin Nunez set for Europe return
According to a report via TMW, clubs from Italy are also monitoring his situation. The 26-year-old is at the peak of his career, and he could be a very useful addition for most teams.
Even though he was not a prolific goal scorer in the Premier League, he was quite effective in the final third. He is a hard-working player who will help create opportunities for his teammates and affect the game with his pressing abilities as well.
Nunez knows the Premier League well, and he could make an immediate impact. He won the league title with Liverpool last season. The opportunity to join Chelsea or Newcastle could be exciting for him. Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in the country, and they could provide him with the platform to compete at a high level regularly. On the other hand, Newcastle has an ambitious project and is one of the richest clubs in the world.
It will be interesting to see where the striker ends up. He will look to join a club where he will be a regular starter. Meanwhile, he could be available for a reasonable fee given his situation at Al-Hilal. It remains to be seen which of the two Premier League clubs can get the deal done.
Moving to Italy could be exciting for him as well.
Astro Villa are interested in signing Harry Wilson at the end of the season.
The 28-year-old will be a free agent in the summer, and they have already held ‘initial talks’ with the player regarding a free transfer, as per Fabrizio Romano. The 28-year-old has been spectacular this season, with 17 goal contributions.
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The Welsh attacker will want to compete at a high-level, and this could be the right time for him to join Aston Villa. They are pushing for Champions League qualification, and they have an ambitious project. They also have a top-class manager like Unai Emery. Wilson will look to establish himself as an important player for Aston Villa and to compete regularly in the Champions League.
The opportunity to sign a player like him for free would be a masterstroke for the West Midlands club. He will help them improve, going forward without significant investment. Sunderland is also keeping tabs on Wilson.
The player is at the peak of his career and well settled in the Premier League. He could hit the ground running at Aston Villa and help them improve immediately.
Fulham will be disappointed to lose a player like him for free, but they are powerless to stop him from leaving because of his contract situation. It will be interesting to see if Aston Villa can convince the player to join the club.
Aston Villa will need more depth in the team if they want to compete in the Champions League regularly, and someone like Wilson could be the ideal utility man for them.
Joao Pedro was Chelsea’s hat-trick hero as the Blues came from behind to inflict a 4-1 rout on Aston Villa. The Brazil forward was also credited with an assist for Cole Palmer’s strike at Villa Park, where the visitors ended a three-match winless streak. Liam Rosenior’s side found themselves behind after just two minutes when […]
Arsenal handed their Premier League title charge a massive boost with a 1-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, as Bukayo Saka made the difference. With Manchester City failing to beat Nottingham Forest at home, the Gunners took the chance to extend their lead at the top to seven points. Saka marked his 300th appearance […]
Even though he surpassed LAFC legend Carlos Vela, Anders Dreyer has been unable to snub Lionel Messi from an unique MLS -contribution record.
Lionel Messi has already etched his name into the MLS record books in numerous ways, raising the bar for what the league’s fans have come to expect and standing as the only player in history to win back-to-back Player of the Season honors. One particularly unique goal-contribution record, however, remains his alone, even as Anders Dreyer surpasses LAFC legend Carlos Vela on the all-time list.
San Diego FC have burst out of the gates this season, sitting at the top of the league on goal difference after a crushing 5-0 win over CF Montréal and a 2-0 victory over St. Louis City. Dreyer was central to both performances, contributing two assists in the opener before adding a goal and an assist in the second.
Those contributions have elevated Dreyer to second on the all-time list for the fastest players to reach the combined milestone of 20 goals and 20 assists in MLS history. The San Diego forward hit the mark in just 36 games, a testament to the immediate and sustained impact he has made since arriving in the league in 2025.
Last season, Dreyer was the on-field engine of a San Diego side that not only reached the playoffs but topped the Western Conference and finished just four points shy of the Supporters’ Shield. The Danish star posted an exceptional 19 goals and 17 assists across 34 games in 2025, and has already added one goal and three assists in just two appearances this year.
Anders Dreyer #10 of San Diego FC battles for the ball with Brayan Vera #4 of CF Montréal.
Despite those remarkable numbers, the top spot on the list remains comfortably Messi’s. The Inter Miami star reached the 20-goal, 20-assist milestone in a staggering 26 games (six in 2023 and the following 20 in 2024) making him the fastest player ever to achieve the feat in MLS history.
Dreyer’s rise, however, has been enough to displace Carlos Vela from second place. The former LAFC standout reached the milestone in 41 games, five more than the Dane. The top five is rounded out by Italian star Sebastian Giovinco in 42 games and Kansas City Wizards legend Preki in 45, underscoring just how significant Dreyer’s achievement is — and how far ahead of the field Messi remains.
Dreyer, the leader of San Diego FC on the pitch
In under two years in North America, Anders Dreyer has established himself not only as the cornerstone of MLS’s newest franchise, but as one of the most dynamic players in the entire league.
San Diego secured Dreyer in January 2025 for a fee of around $5 million from Anderlecht, making him the club’s second Designated Player after Mexican international Hirving “Chucky” Lozano. While Lozano’s stint with the club seems to have reached a point of no return, Dreyer has more than filled the void, with his market value on Transfermarktrising from €10 million to €15 million since his arrival.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF and Anders Dreyer #10 of the San Diego FC.
Even though Ricardo Kaká announced his retirement in 2017, he has always remained closely attentive to AC Milan’s present. In a recent interview, the Brazilian star delivered a bold take Luka Modrić’s future, as the Croatian has not yet renewed his contract.
Ricardo Kaká established himself as one of the greatest players in AC Milan‘s storied history. During his time with the club, he led the team to a UEFA Champions League title and earned the prestigious Ballon d’Or. Although he announced his retirement from professional soccer in 2017, his passion for the Rossoneri endures. In that sense, the Brazilian offered a bold perspective on Luka Modric’s tenure in the Italian side, leaving a clear idea.
“It’s incredible: He still has the desire to play, calls his teammates to action, always fights, and brings energy and personality… Considering Luka’s importance to the team right now, I believe he could continue for two or three more years, but who knows: There is physical condition, and then there are the player’s decisions, his family’s needs, and the desire to return home,” Kaka said, via La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Despite arriving as a full-fledged veteran, Modrić has become one of AC Milan’s most important players. Having played 2,234 minutes, the veteran ranks as the team’s fourth-most used player. Serving as the midfield axis, the Croatian organizes the game and stands as the most influential figure on the roster, even at 40 years old. Moreover, he has become the ideal mentor for youngsters Samuele Ricci and Ardon Jashari.
Although Luka Modrić has established himself as a key figure for AC Milan, he is not entirely certain about renewing his contract. His current deal expires in June 2026 and includes a player option to extend it. However, the veteran intends to make this decision after the 2026 World Cup, as Dinamo Zagreb are also reportedly interested in signing him. Despite this, the Italian side continue working to convince the Croatian to extend his stay.
Luka Modric of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match.
AC Milan could chase Modric’s renewal with two decisive promises
The Rossoneri have managed to establish themselves as one of the top teams in Serie A. Although draws have hurt their pursuit of the league lead, they have remained ahead of sides such as Napoli, AS Roma, Como, and Juventus. Looking to sustain their strong results, AC Milan are aiming to renew Luka Modrić’s contract, and they could rely on two key factors to convince him to extend his tenure.
After having won everything throughout his career, Luka Modrić’s decision may not depend on a strong financial offer. With this in mind, the Rossoneri could attempt to secure the Croatian’s continuity by guaranteeing a spot in the UEFA Champions League and reinforcing the roster with world-class players, especially in attack. While this would not guarantee his renewal, it would bring it much closer, as a truly competitive project could tempt him.
Bayern Munich are reportedly interested in signing a forward in the event Harry Kane leaves the club.
Since arriving in Germany in the summer of 2023, Harry Kane has shown he possesses the qualities needed to fill the void left by Robert Lewandowski’s departure and lead Bayern Munich through his goal-scoring ability. However, it remains unclear what the future holds for the England striker.
Kane’s performances have turned him into an attractive target for other European giants, even though he has publicly stated that his focus remains on Bayern for now. Still, a potential move elsewhere is not the only factor the German side are weighing.
“The Munich management is anticipating all eventualities regarding Harry Kane’s (32 years old) aging and is actively preparing for his eventual departure,” FootMercato stated this week. The report adds that, as a possible long-term solution, Bayern’s attention is beginning to turn toward Victor Osimhen.
The Nigerian striker holds one clear advantage over Kane: he is considerably younger (27 compared to the England forward’s 32). That offers greater long-term projection, while his current performances suggest he can deliver immediately.
Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray.
Osimhen has recorded 17 goals and six assists in 25 appearances for Galatasaray this season across the UEFA Champions League and Turkey’s Super Lig. “These stratospheric performances have rekindled the interest of Bayern Munich, who are currently considering how to prepare for life after Harry Kane,” FootMercato added.
Kompany knows Osimhen well
Beyond his current form at Galatasaray, Victor Osimhen reached star status during his years with Napoli. Between 2020 and 2024, the Nigerian striker made 133 appearances for the Italian club, scoring 76 goals and winning the Serie A title in 2022-23.
Before his move to Italy, Osimhen impressed in the French and Belgian leagues. Because Vincent Kompany is Belgian, the Bayern Munich head coach followed Victor’s development closely during that period. “Kompany greatly admires the former Lille player, whose explosive start in Belgium with Charleroi he remembers fondly,”FootMercato reports.
In addition, a potential move to Bayern Munich would represent a second chance in the Bundesliga for Osimhen. He had his first professional experience there with Wolfsburg between 2016 and 2017. However, that stint did not unfold as planned: he made just 16 appearances over two seasons and failed to score a goal.
Harry Kane of Bayern Munich looks on during a Bundesliga game.
Former Barcelona player Arturo Vidal said he felt wronged playing against Real Madrid.
There have been many episodes in which Arturo Vidal has been at the center of controversy. He featured in El Clásico matches with Real Madrid for Barcelona, but he also faced Los Blancos during his time with Bayern Munich.
The Chilean played for the German club from 2015 to 2018, during which they were eliminated by Real Madrid twice in the Champions League. In the podcast “Show en el Fútbol” he was asked if he felt robbed every time they faced Real Madrid.
Vidal jokingly said: “Yes. They eliminated me two times. In the semifinal and in the quarterfinals with Bayern Munich. That’s why they invented VAR then. Because it was already too much.”
The background for those eliminations by Real Madrid
It is common for players to feel referees do not favor them when they lose, but the ties Vidal mentioned are widely remembered. The matches took place in the 2017-2018 semifinals and the quarterfinals the year before.
Vidal was eliminated by Real Madrid (Clive Mason/Getty Images)
In the semifinals the tie opened with a Real Madrid 2-1 victory in Germany and finished with a 2-2 draw in Madrid, which sent the Spanish side to the final, where they went on to defeat Liverpool.
Particularly the 2016-2017 quarterfinals are remembered for Vidal’s controversial red card late in regulation and for two offside goals by Cristiano Ronaldo in extra time that sealed the series.
Vidal on Lionel Messi
Vidal spent three seasons at Barcelona while Lionel Messi was still at the club. During that time he saw the Argentine up close and experienced all his talent. Vidal said: “He’s an amazing player. He’s above everybody else. I was also surprised by Frank Ribery for his strength.”
Canada U20 face Nicaragua U20 for Matchday 5 of the 2026 CONCACAF U20 Championship group stage. Discover below how to watch this game in the USA, including start times and live streaming or TV options.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Canada U20 vs Nicaragua U20 on US television and via legal streaming:
Nicaraguaare hunting for redemption following a 2-0 shutout loss to Aruba, but their path to the knockout rounds runs directly through a high-octane Canada U20squad fresh off a historic 14-0 blowout.
With the group stage at a boiling point and qualification on the line, both programs are desperate to close the opening round with a statement win, so make sure you don’t miss a single second of this high-stakes clash as these two sides battle for tournament survival.
More details on how to watch
With Fubo, you can watch Canada U20 vs Nicaragua U20 and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC, CNBC, USA, FOX, FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Telemundo, Universo and Galavision.
Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Atletico Nacional are scheduled to meet Millonarios in the first stage of the 2026 Copa Sudamericana. Supporters in the United States can watch the matchup live—here’s all the essential information on kickoff time and broadcast or streaming options.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Atletico Nacional vs Millonarios on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
Atletico Nacional vs Millonarios
WHAT
Copa Sudamericana
WHEN
7:30pm ET / 4:30pm PT • Wednesday, March 4, 2026
WHERE
Fubo, Fanatiz, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español and beIN SPORTS Connect
It’s win-or-go-home time in the 2026 Copa Sudamericana as Colombian heavyweights Atletico Nacional and Millonarios collide in a high-stakes opening-round showdown with just one spot in the next phase on the line.
Nacional come in riding early-season momentum from domestic play, giving them a slight edge on paper, but Millonarios’ championship pedigree and experience in pressure-packed moments could quickly flip the script. With pride, history and continental survival at stake, expect a physical, intense battle from the opening whistle.
More details on how to watch
With Fubo, you can watch Atletico Nacional vs Millonarios and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC, CNBC, USA, FOX, FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Universo, Telemundo and Galavision.
Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
As Milan prepares to face Inter in another edition of the Derby della Madonnina, uncertainty clouds the build-up.
Christian Pulisic once decided this fixture with a single, instinctive touch inside the penalty area. Now, as Milan prepares to face Inter in another edition of the Derby della Madonnina, uncertainty clouds the build-up. The club enters the week knowing that the margin for error has disappeared. Inter sits top of the table, Milan chases from behind, and Sunday night’s showdown at San Siro could redefine the Scudetto battle. Yet while tactical debates rage, the real drama begins in the treatment room.
The build-up to the derby has been far from smooth. Davide Bartesaghi and Matteo Gabbia remain under medical supervision after recent muscle issues. Gabbia has already missed matches, while Bartesaghi picked up a problem that initially sparked fears of a longer absence.
Scans on the wing-back revealed no serious injury, raising hopes of a swift return. However, according to SportMediaset, Bartesaghi trained separately at Milanello despite the positive diagnosis. His status as a potential starter now hangs in the balance.
Gabbia’s situation appears even clearer: the central defender also worked alone, suggesting that Koni De Winter is increasingly likely to retain his place in the back three. For a club preparing for one of its biggest matches of the season, enforced stability at the back may prove both a necessity and a gamble.
The Pulisic problem emerges
If the defensive concerns were not enough, attention has shifted sharply toward Milan’s No. 11. As reported by Calciomercato and Corriere della Sera, Pulisic has been struggling with knee bursitis, an issue that has slowed him down in recent weeks. The inflammation has forced him to ration his efforts, and the impact on his performances has been visible.
The American has not scored or provided an assist in 2026. His missed opportunities against Parma and Cremonese have amplified scrutiny, especially considering his decisive contribution in the previous derby on November 23, when he tucked in a rebound from Alexis Saelemaekers’ shot to secure victory.
Since that moment, the league’s balance has shifted dramatically. Inter has recorded 14 wins and one draw in 15 matches, opening a 10-point advantage at the summit. The Rossoneri’s hopes of keeping the Scudetto race alive may hinge on this very fixture.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan reacts
Will Pulisic play against Inter?
With not many days remaining before kickoff, doubts about Pulisic’s starting role have intensified. The forward has not started two consecutive matches since early January and has been carefully managed due to his knee condition.
Calciomercatonotes that Massimiliano Allegri is considering changes to an attack that has struggled for productivity and efficiency in recent outings against Como, Parma, and Cremonese. Rafael Leao is certain to start, but the second attacking berth is under debate.
Christian Pulisicof AC Milan competes for the ball with Manuel Akanji of FC Internazionale
There is little doubt that Pulisic will push to be available. His competitive nature and history in this fixture make that almost certain. Yet the medical staff’s caution suggests that risking him from the outset may not be straightforward. Nkunku may now have the edge to start, with Pulisic potentially deployed as an impact substitute should his knee fail to respond fully in training.
As the report underlines, the decision may come down to balancing immediate necessity with long-term risk. Deploying the American winger from the bench, when defensive lines tire and spaces open, could maximize his impact without overburdening his knee.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan looks on prior a Serie A match
Now, as the Brazil national team prepares for another World Cup journey, the 2007 Ballon d’Or winner has spoken glowingly about his old coach.
Carlo Ancelotti and Kaka share a bond forged in the red and black of Milan and strengthened under the bright lights of Real Madrid. Now, as the Brazil national team prepares for another World Cup journey, the 2007 Ballon d’Or winner has spoken glowingly about his old coach.
Ancelotti is preparing to lead the Brazil national team into his first-ever World Cup as a head coach. The Italian tactician took charge last May following his departure from Real Madrid, guiding the Selecao through the final stretch of their qualifying campaign.
No national team boasts more World Cup titles than Brazil, with five triumphs, the most recent arriving in 2002 in Japan and South Korea. Yet since lifting that trophy, the Selecao have endured a prolonged wait for another global crown. They have advanced beyond the quarter-finals only once in that period, finishing fourth on home soil in 2014.
The weight of expectation remains immense. According to Opta’s supercomputer, Brazil has been given a 5.6% chance of winning a record-extending sixth World Cup title in the 2026 tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The numbers suggest caution, but history demands belief.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti of Brazil (L) gives instruction to Casemiro (C) during international friendly against Japan.
What did Kaka say about Ancelotti?
It is in that context that Kaka’s endorsement becomes significant. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, he made clear his confidence in Ancelotti’s leadership: “Ancelotti is the right person at this moment for Brazil, which, given its history, is always considered amongst the favorites. Maybe not in the top three, but it’s a good team, and Carlo is Carlo.”
The remark encapsulates both realism and reverence. Kaka acknowledges that Brazil may not currently stand above every rival on paper, yet he insists that the combination of tradition and Ancelotti’s steady presence elevates the national team into the contender category.
For Kaka, this belief is shaped by personal experience. He flourished under Ancelotti at Milan, winning major honors, and later experienced the intensity of World Cup tournaments firsthand. “I’m confident, I’ve been lucky enough to play at three World Cups, and I know how exciting it can be. Having a good tournament after so many disappointments would be great for the country.”
Those words reflect not just optimism but an understanding of the emotional stakes. Brazil is a singular football nation, where the World Cup defines generations.
Kaka (L) speaks with Carlo Ancelotti (R), manager of AC Milan.
The bold prediction revealed
In the middle of his reflections, Kaka made his position clear: Brazil will be among the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup under Ancelotti’s guidance, even if they are not universally ranked in the top three pre-tournament picks.
It is a bold stance considering the recent record. Twenty-four years have passed since the last triumph. The Selecao have repeatedly fallen short in knockout rounds. Pressure, scrutiny, and expectation will follow them into North America once again.
Yet the 42-year-old midfield maestro’s faith rests heavily on the experienced tactician’s temperament. The Italian’s calm authority, tactical flexibility, and experience managing elite dressing rooms at Milan and Real Madrid are seen as crucial assets. Brazil is not merely seeking talent; it is seeking composure in decisive moments.
Virgil van Dijk was left visibly fuming after Liverpool’s defensive collapse led to a 94th-minute winner for Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday night.
The Reds’ captain appeared to single out 17-year-old sensation Rio Ngumoha in the immediate aftermath of Andre’s deflected strike, capping off a nightmare evening at Molineux.
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While Curtis Jones has also been blamed for his poor pass leading to the goal, Leon Osman noted how Van Dijk was seen berating Ngumoha, who had replaced Cody Gakpo in the 65th minute.
“You see Virgil van Dijk’s reaction here. He’s so furious with Ngumoha,” noted former Everton midfielder Leon Osman on Premier League Productions.
“I think it was the effort or not being able to get a bit closer and put André under a bit more pressure when he initially lifted it and took the ball.”
Ngumoha, who had almost become the hero minutes earlier when his goal-bound effort was tipped onto the post by Jose Sa, was seen on the receiving end of a berating from his captain for failing to track Andre’s run from midfield.
Despite the criticism, club legend Steven Gerrard later jumped to the youngster’s defence, insisting he “has to start” the next game after providing more of a spark than many of his senior teammates.
Virgil van Dijk and Konate blamed for Wolves opener
The late winner was not the only point of contention for the Liverpool backline. Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard was scathing in his assessment of the opening goal, where Tolu Arokodare appeared to outmuscle Van Dijk in the air to set up Rodrigo Gomes.
“I don’t think it’s a foul. He [Van Dijk] has got to be a lot stronger in that situation,” Gerrard told TNT Sports.
"I don't think it was a foul. He has to be stronger" ?
Steven Gerrard questions the defending from Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk for Wolves’ opener.
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 3, 2026
He also questioned Ibrahima Konaté’s positioning, noting that the Frenchman gravitated toward the ball, leaving Gomes in acres of space to dink his finish over Alisson.
The defeat marks the fifth time this season Liverpool have lost a game to a stoppage-time goal, a new Premier League record.
With a rematch in the FA Cup looming this Friday, Van Dijk and his defense will be under immense pressure to prove that this “sloppy” performance was a one-off.
How La Liga’s Squad Wage Bill Transforms Barcelona and Real Madrid
Squad Cost Limit was introduced in La Liga in 2013, but the 2025-26 season really drives home the significance of this regulation. This rule has taken Barcelona and Real Madrid on different paths. What was originally a local financial regulation has evolved to affect the position of both clubs in the overall European scheme.
It’s not just about what appears on the pay envelope. The matter is the entire cost of the team. It’s salary, social security, the amortization of the cost of the transfer fees over the length of the contract, bonuses, and the costs associated with the reserves and the academy.
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Immediate Financial Impact: Two Clubs, Two Realities
Real Madrid entered the window with more breathing space than in the previous one. Barcelona, however, hit a ceiling underneath the expected figure as the VIP agreement, which would’ve boosted them to a higher figure, is still waiting for approval and hasn’t been factored into the prediction.
Part of the explanation for this disparity comes down to several converging factors:
The new stadium has significantly increased the club’s income.
Improved sponsorship deals have added to overall revenue.
Barcelona only breached the €1 billion mark in turnover last season, but the debts accrued under Bartomeu still restrict the size of their wallet. Lower down the pecking order, sides such as Villarreal bank on their European adventure to contain their ceiling, sales their only option. Especially while Sevilla remains more vulnerable as they persist in seeking financial equilibrium.
Transfer Strategy Adjustments
The two clubs have responded to their contrasting positions with markedly different approaches to squad building. The 1:1 rule – which requires Barcelona to save €1 for every €1 spent when operating above their limit – has made the club’s transfer philosophy a study in pragmatic constraint:
Without transfer fees and the end of contract signings to avoid the costs of amortization.
Loan deals that allow talent acquisition without immediate financial registration.
Cost-shifting performance-based contract arrangements into later fiscal periods.
Promotees, including Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez, to reduce the need for external recruitment.
Real Madrid, with their financial backing, signed Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Franco Mastantuono, and Alvaro Carreras during the summer window, as well as several La Fabrica youth prospects into the Champions League squad on List B. This is not only a tactical switch; it is a completely different mindset with the SCL system.
Competitive Implications
The financial disparity is forming a tiered competitive system. Clearly, the two-club duopoly that has long dominated Spanish football is under threat. Atletico Madrid’s financial situation continues to improve while Barcelona’s remains constrained.
The Squad Cost Limit is active only in the territory of Spain. In Europe, Barcelona and Real Madrid compete by completely different financial regimes:
Club
League
Primary financial framework
Spending dynamic
Real Madrid
La Liga
Squad Cost Limit
Capped by domestic rules
FC Barcelona
La Liga
Squad Cost Limit
Further restricted by prior debt
Bayern Munich
Bundesliga
UEFA FFP only
No domestic salary cap
Manchester City
Premier League
PSR rules
Higher permitted outlay
Arsenal
Premier League
PSR rules
Higher permitted outlay
This disparity may not win matches on the day. But it certainly impacts the team’s depth, the attractiveness of the very best free agents, and the ability to cope with the loss of their stars without sacrificing overall quality.
Long-Term Strategic Effects
The long-term impact of the SCL system could be the quietest and most impactful: it could make the case for investing in the youth more attractive to clubs as a strategic decision rather than an emotional one. Both teams are committing more to youth development, not only because they want to, but also because the numbers make more sense.
A youth graduate costs the team nothing in transfer fees, incurs no amortization costs, and is signed without violating the spending limits on new signings. For Barcelona, with its limits of half of Madrid’s cap this year, La Masia is no longer a “nice-to-have” but a “must-have” from a spending perspective. For Real Madrid’s La Fabrica, several youth graduates are already starting in the team’s Champions League squad.
For the revenue side, the numbers work the same way: a team’s SCL is based on income, which means any avenue to increase revenues raises the spending limits – sponsorships, merchandising, and digital content included. And both teams understand this concept all too well:
Barcelona’s ongoing stadium renovation at Spotify Camp Nou targets higher matchday and VIP revenue that would directly increase their SCL.
Real Madrid’s expanded Bernabeu already generates premium revenues that contribute to its comfortable financial position.
Both clubs’ global brand value makes them attractive to sponsors even during periods of sporting or financial difficulty.
The playing field may yet alter as financial prudence gradually reshapes the depth and quality of the squad. La Liga has positioned the SCL model as a corrective influence to the big-spending approach taken by the Premier League. Whether the result is a better team or a healthier bottom line remains a matter for debate.
The SCL system has reached its goal. La Liga clubs are no longer spending money as they once did, and the clubs that need the money the most are feeling the pinch straight away in their day-to-day operations, rather than as a distant threat of regulatory action. Sevilla’s €22m limit is the most obvious example.
For Barcelona and Real Madrid, the legacy of the SCL system has been a split that neither club could have predicted. Real Madrid has the real financial muscle in Spain, with its limit more than twice that of its longtime rival. Barcelona has entered a new era of rebuilding that has changed the way the club operates in several areas:
transfer market activity and the scale of deals it can pursue;
negotiations with players over contracts and wage structures;
reliance on the academy as a cost-effective route to first-team quality.
But the key to the legacy of the SCL system lies in the speed with which the finances of Barcelona recover to the point where the SCL system has a chance of returning to something close to its original status of competitive balance. What can be said with certainty is that the La Liga system of controlling finances is no longer a short-term measure. It’s the framework through which the two biggest clubs in Spain need to build and compete – domestically and in Europe.
Bruno Fernandes has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford, but Manchester United are hoping to keep him at the club.
According to a report from The Mirror, they are ready to offer him a bumper contract of around £400,000 a week. However, they have not yet been able to convince the midfielder. The Portuguese international wants to gauge the club’s ambition before signing a new contract. He wants them to secure Champions League qualification first, and he is also looking to see how the managerial situation develops.
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Bruno Fernandes wants Carrick to stay
Michael Carrick has done an excellent job since taking over at Manchester United, and Fernandes has a good relationship with him. He is hoping for the 44-year-old to get the job permanently. It will be interesting to see what the club hierarchy decides.
They will need to convince Fernandes with their decisions in order for him to commit his future to the club. He has been a key player for Manchester United, and losing him would be a huge blow. They must do everything in their power to keep him at the club for as long as possible. He is one of the best players in the Premier League, and he could help Manchester United fight for major trophies next season.
Manchester United are pushing for Champions League qualification, and they will look to finish the season strongly. They have shown great improvement under the new manager, and they will look to build on their recent run of form.
Harry Maguire has been handed a 15-month suspended prison sentence following a long-awaited retrial in Greece, nearly six years after the original incident.
The verdict was delivered on Wednesday by an appeals court on the island of Syros, marking a fresh development in the ongoing legal battle involving the Manchester United defender.
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Court finds Harry Maguire guilty after retrial in Greece
According to The Guardian, the three-member panel of judges upheld Maguire’s conviction for non-serious assault, resisting arrest and attempted bribery.
However, the court reduced his original 21-month sentence to 15 months and 20 days, with the punishment remaining suspended. A mandatory fine of €1,500 was also imposed.
The prosecution, led by Ioannis Paradisis, welcomed the ruling and stated that “justice was done” for the Greek police officers involved in the 2020 incident.
Maguire’s legal team have already confirmed their intention to appeal to Greece’s Supreme Court, with the 32-year-old continuing to maintain his innocence.
Under Greek law, the initial conviction had been nullified once the appeal process began, but this latest verdict reinstates his guilty status unless overturned.
Maguire has consistently claimed that the confrontation began after he feared his sister had been injected with a “rape drug” by a group of men.
The 32-year-old previously told the BBC he was “scared for his life” during the arrest, alleging that plainclothes officers did not identify themselves and treated him aggressively.
Under Greek law, the filing of the appeal automatically nullified the initial conviction, but this latest verdict re-establishes his guilty status unless the Supreme Court intervenes.
Michael Carrick hints at Harry Maguire contract extension
Away from the courtroom, Maguire remains a central figure at Old Trafford.
Carrick recently described Maguire as an “impressive character” and hinted that talks over a potential contract extension could follow.
“Harry has had a great career so far and hopefully there is a lot more to come,” Carrick said.
Reports suggest that while a wage adjustment may be required to align with the club’s evolving financial structure under INEOS, there is a strong desire within Manchester United to retain the experienced centre-back beyond the expiry of his current deal in June 2026.
For now, though, attention remains split between Maguire’s future at United and the next stage of his legal appeal in Greece.
Chelsea is interested in signing Julian Hall from the New York Red Bulls Academy at the end of the season.
According to SportsBoom, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have been monitoring the talented young attacker, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up.
The report claims that the player is valued at around €20 million, and he is considered “untouchable” by RBNY. He is a tremendous talent with a bright future, and he could prove to be a solid long-term acquisition for all three clubs.
Hall could be tempted to move to the Premier League in the summer. It would be the ideal next step in his career, and he would get to join a big club. Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and the opportunity to play for them will be exciting. Even though he might not be a regular starter for them, the 17-year-old could be a future acquisition.
He has the potential to become a reliable Premier League attacker, and Chelsea could help him further develop. The reported asking price seems reasonable for a player of his quality. The €20 million investment could look like a bargain in future.
Manchester City and Tottenham could also be attractive destinations for the young attacker. They could offer him the platform to showcase his qualities in the Premier League in future.
Hall is more than just a finisher, and he can help create opportunities for his teammates as well. His ability to hold the ball up and bring others into the play makes him a complete forward. Whoever ends up signing him could have a future star on their hands.
Michael Carrick could barely suppress a smile when asked whether questions about his chances of becoming Manchester United’s permanent head coach were now inevitable. “It’s going to be like this every week, isn’t it?” he said, after guiding United to a 2–1 victory over Crystal Palace that lifted them to third in the Premier League […]
According to Sport, Barcelona have decided to step up their efforts to sign Micky van de Ven from Tottenham Hotspur this summer. With relegation not off the table for struggling Spurs, a number of players are believed to be ready to leave the sinking ship should the drop really happen. At the moment, they are […]
Throughout the current season, Bruno Fernandes’ continuity at Manchester United has been called into question due to the team’s instability. However, the Red Devils have reportedly submitted a formal renewal offer, though the Portuguese has set a clear condition.
Bruno Fernandes has managed to remain Manchester United’s best player, shining both creatively and in front of goal. However, the team’s unstable situation supposedly led him to consider a departure. As the club’s standout performer in recent years, the Red Devils do not seem willing to let him leave. Instead, they have reportedly submitted a formal contract renewal offer to the Portuguese, who has set a clear condition.
According to The Mirror, Manchester United have decided to aggressively pursue Bruno Fernandes’ contract renewal, as his current deal runs until 2027. Seeking to compete with offers from the Saudi Pro League, they have presented a proposal worth £400,000 per week, which would make him one of the highest-paid players in the league. Although he has made his intention to remain in the team, he has imposed a firm condition.
Bruno Fernandes has opened the door to continuing at Manchester United, but he has tied that possible renewal to one requirement: The Red Devils must secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League, as money is no longer his priority. While this seemed impossible at the beginning of the season, they remain unbeaten since the arrival of Michael Carrick and currently sit third in the standings.
Although the Portuguese is already 31 years old, he has managed to remain a key piece for the Red Devils. In the current season, he has made 27 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing 14 assists. Moreover, he continues to be a central figure in the team’s tactical structure, bringing balance and also making a difference at a creative level. For that reason, his renewal is a priority for Manchester United as part of their rebuilding process.
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United applauds the fans.
Michael Carrick’s influence could be key to Bruno’s renewal
Following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, Bruno Fernandes was reportedly deeply disappointed, as he was experiencing yet another failure since his arrival at Manchester United. He even revealed that the Red Devils had attempted to transfer him, straining the relationship between both parties. However, Michael Carrick’s arrival appears to have changed the team’s reality, bringing the Portuguese closer to a contract renewal.
With Carrick’s arrival at the Red Devils, they have climbed to third place in the Premier League, currently sitting in a Champions League qualification spot. As a result, the Englishman appears to be emerging as the leading candidate to remain as the team’s head coach. With his continuity, Bruno’s renewal could move closer, as he has already seen that the team functioned, won, and dominated with him playing a key role in the lineup.
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United during the Premier League match.
The United States face Canada on Matchday 2 of the 2026 SheBelieves Cup. Supporters across the country can watch every minute of the matchup, with kickoff times and full broadcast information listed here for both TV and streaming options.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch USA vs Canada on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
USA vs Canada
WHAT
English Premier League
WHEN
6:45pm ET / 3:45pm PT • Wednesday, March 4, 2026
WHERE
Peacock Premium, Telemundo, UNIVERSO, TNT USA, Watch TNT, truTV USA, HBO Max and Westwood One Sports
First place in the 2026 SheBelieves Cup will be on the line in Matchday 2 as the tournament’s only unbeaten teams square off in a matchup that could shape the title race. The United States, playing on home soil and widely viewed as the frontrunner to win it all, aims to build on its opening victory.
On the other hand, Canadaenters brimming with confidence after a commanding 4-1 win over Colombia that signaled its intent to contend. With early momentum and bragging rights at stake, this showdown has all the makings of a defining moment—don’t miss it.
More details on how to watch
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With three months to go before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Carlo Ancelotti has set high expectations for Brazil.
As is the case in every World Cup, Brazil are once again listed among the favorites to lift the trophy. Their storied history supports that status, as does the quality of their current squad. The 2026 edition is no exception, and head coach Carlo Ancelotti believes his team will live up to the challenge.
“It’s a joy to have time to prepare for this important event for Brazil,” Ancelotti began in a recent interview shared by Marca. “It’s a great motivation and, at the same time, a great responsibility to do as well as possible.”
The Italian coach quickly made clear his confidence in the level Brazil will reach this summer at the FIFA tournament in North America. “I am sure we are going to have a World Cup of a very high level,” Carlo said.
Expectations around Brazil are always sky-high, considering they are the only national team to have played in every World Cup in history and the most successful nation ever, with five titles.
Vinicius Junior and Raphinha of Brazil talk
For that reason, when Ancelotti promises a “high-level” performance, he understands the margin for error is virtually nonexistent. In their last three appearances, Brazil reached one semifinal and two quarterfinals, yet the overall assessment after those eliminations was still viewed as failure. This year, Brazil will need to go even further to avoid similar criticism.
Brazil are close to matching their worst title drought
As the most successful national team in world soccer history, Brazil are currently in the midst of an unusually long dry spell. Their last World Cup title came 24 years ago, when a star-studded squad featuring Ronaldo Nazario, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho lifted the trophy at Korea-Japan 2002.
Since the creation of the FIFA tournament, only once have Brazil gone longer without winning the title. That stretch came between the first tournament — played in Uruguay in 1930 — and their first championship, claimed in Sweden 1958. Those 28 years, however, require important context: two World Cups, scheduled for 1942 and 1946, were canceled due to World War II.
Following the 1958 triumph came additional titles in 1962 and 1970, cementing Brazil as the dominant national team in the sport. However, another lengthy drought followed, one that did not end until United States 1994. Now, the Selecao have equaled that 24-year drought, and if they fail to win the title this summer, they will reach the longest championship drought in their history.
Rodrygo's serious ACL injury has reportedly opened the door for Neymar to make his return to the Brazil national team under head coach Carlo Ancelotti for the March international window.
Neymar has once again become the center of debate in Brazil, with fans divided over whether he will earn a place in the 2026 World Cup squad with fewer than 100 days until the tournament begins. Now, with Rodrygo suffering a serious injury, reports suggest that Carlo Ancelotti is strongly considering recalling Neymar to the Seleção for the March international window.
With one of his regular starters now sidelined, UOL Esporte reports that Ancelotti is giving serious thought to calling up Neymar for the upcoming March fixtures. ESPN Brasil had previously indicated that the Santos forward was not in the Italian’s plans for the games against France on March 26 and Croatia on March 31, but Rodrygo‘s injury has reportedly prompted a rethink.
Beyond Rodrygo, another potential absence could further strengthen the case for Neymar’s recall. Estevao, the top scorer of the Ancelotti era with five goals, has already missed Chelsea’s last three Premier League matches with a hamstring injury, and if he is unable to return to fitness in time, it would open the door even wider for Neymar to force his way back into the picture.
Rodrygo of Brazil (R) celebrates with Estevao (L) after scoring for Brazil.
Ancelotti and fitness as the key factor
From the moment Ancelotti took charge of Brazil, he made his stance on fitness abundantly clear. “We have very good players, but I need to choose those who are at 100%. And it’s not just about Neymar—it’s the same with Vinícius. If Vinícius is at 90%, I will call another player who is at 100%, because this team has a very, very high level of competition, especially in attack, where we have many very good players.” he said in an interview with Esporte Record back in December.
That philosophy has defined his eight games in charge of the Canarinha, and it has been the primary reason for his reluctance to bring Neymar back into the fold. With Rodrygo now ruled out and Estevao’s availability in serious doubt, however, the conditions for the former Barcelona man’s long-awaited return have never looked more favorable.
Neymar running against the clock for the March games
On the fitness front, Neymar has made encouraging progress since returning from arthroscopic surgery to address a meniscus issue, featuring in Santos’ last three matches and completing the full 90 minutes in each of the past two. Even so, the window to impress Ancelotti ahead of the squad announcement is an extremely narrow one.
Ancelotti is set to name his Brazil squad for the March window on the 16th — just 12 days away. Santos’ elimination from the Campeonato Paulista in the Round of 16 has significantly reduced Neymar’s remaining opportunities to make a case, leaving clashes against Mirassol on the 10th and Corinthians on the 15th as the only two matches available to him before the Italian coach finalizes his roster.
Neymar Jr while playing with Brazil and Carlo Ancelotti.
Real Madrid still can't see Jude Bellingham on the field, so they are trying the approach they had with Kylian Mbappé.
Injuries have been with Real Madrid in the most important part of the year. This happened to Kylian Mbappé as the Frenchman continues missing matches, while Jude Bellingham is also out.
Mbappé had a knee injury that bothered him for several matches until the club chose to take a cautious approach by sitting him out for the Benfica rematch in the Champions League. Even if the English midfielder is dealing with a muscle injury, the plan may be similar for them.
Real Madrid has decided to take Bellingham to get a second opinion on his hamstring injury. The player currently is in England with Doctor Nico Mihic, following the same step Mbappé previously took of seeking an external medical evaluation, according to Marca. The idea remains looking for ways to see him come back earlier than planned.
More about Real Madrid injuries
The list of injuries gets longer every time Real Madrid plays. With Rodrygo out for the rest of the year witha torn ACL in the La Liga match against Getafe, the attacking options for manager Álvaro Arbeloa are very reduced.
Mbappé has been dealing with a knee injury for a few weeks (Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Bellingham has been out since February 1 after leaving the field in victory over Rayo Vallecano. His time to recover was expected to be around five to six weeks, so it is not a good sign that he still does not seem close to returning.
Mbappé has been working with traumatologist Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet and the club’s trainers in Paris with a return date to the capital on Friday as reported by the Madrid outlet. His presence in the Champions League match with Manchester City on Wednesday remains unlikely for them.
Raúl Asencio nears his return
Real Madrid’s victory to Benfica in the Champions League playoff left a problem for the defense. Raúl Asencio had to leave with a head injury after a severe hit. Fortunately for the manager’s lineup plans, he was partially part of Wednesday’s training session after missing one match.
A Greek court handed the Manchester United defender a 15-month suspended prison sentence following a retrial related to an altercation on the island of Mykonos in August 2020.
When it comes to Manchester United captain Harry Maguire, the spotlight is more often on his performances. Instead, this week, attention has shifted back to a long-running legal saga in Greece, reviving questions about his 15-month suspended sentence. The incident, which traces back to a chaotic night in 2020, has lingered through appeals, retrials, and prolonged legal proceedings.
A Greek court handed the Manchester United defender a 15-month suspended prison sentence following a retrial related to an altercation on the island of Mykonos in August 2020. The hearing took place in Syros, with Maguire not required to attend in person.
The charges stemmed from an incident outside a bar during a family holiday. At retrial, the English defender faced allegations of non-serious assault, resisting arrest, and attempted bribery. He was convicted on all three counts.
This ruling reduced his original 2020 sentence of 21 months and 10 days suspended, which had been automatically nullified after he appealed under Greek law. That appeal triggered a full retrial, one that endured multiple postponements before finally concluding in March 2026.
BREAKING: Harry Maguire has been handed a 15 month suspended sentence after a guilty verdict by the Greek Courts.
Maguire has been convicted of all three counts of non-serious assault, resisting arrest and attempted bribery for an incident in Mykonos in August 2020. pic.twitter.com/hKh58xFFqZ
Throughout the process, Maguire has firmly denied wrongdoing. According to Sky Sports, his legal team plans to escalate the matter further. “His legal team will appeal to the Greek Supreme Court against the guilty verdict,” the report said.
What a suspended sentence actually means
The phrase “15-month prison sentence” naturally raises alarm. But in practice, a suspended sentence operates differently from immediate incarceration. In simple terms, Maguire will not serve prison time now, Sky Sports has explained. A suspended sentence means the prison term is imposed but not activated, provided the individual complies with the law and does not commit another offence during the suspension period.
There is no jail time and no fine attached to this retrial verdict. However, it is crucial to understand what it means. The conviction stands unless overturned on appeal. The suspended term effectively hangs over him as a legal warning. If he were to breach Greek law within the applicable period, the sentence could theoretically be activated. Thus, a suspended sentence is not the same as being cleared. It remains a conviction on record in Greece unless successfully challenged.
Harry Maguire of Manchester United
What does it mean for Manchester United and England?
From a soccer perspective, the immediate impact appears limited. Manchester United has maintained support for the defender throughout the proceedings. The club continues to select him for matches, and he remains in contention for Premier League fixtures, including the clash against Newcastle.
Historically, former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate temporarily omitted Maguire from the national squad following the original conviction. However, he later regained his place before falling out of selection after 2024 for sporting reasons rather than legal restrictions.
Harry Maguire of England in action
Sports law experts generally agree that suspended sentences rarely affect professional contracts, especially when appeals are ongoing. Travel and visa implications can vary by jurisdiction, but there has been no indication of restrictions affecting his playing career at present.
What’s more, the legal story is far from over. Maguire’s team intends to take the case to Greece’s Supreme Court, arguing procedural flaws and contesting the verdict. If the appeal succeeds, the conviction could be overturned entirely. If not, the suspended sentence remains in effect until it expires under Greek legal timelines.
Harry Maguire of Manchester United reacts as he leaves the pitch
Thomas Frank may not be out of work for long, with Crystal Palace reportedly identifying the former Tottenham Hotspur boss as a top candidate to succeed Oliver Glasner.
Frank, who was dismissed from his role in North London just weeks ago, is said to be eager for a swift return to the dugout to restore his reputation following a challenging eight-month stint at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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Crystal Palace shortlist Thomas Frank for managerial role
According to The Sun, the Eagles have a “clear profile” for their next appointment: a manager with proven Premier League experience and playing style similar to the one Glasner has implemented during his tenure.
Frank has emerged as a frontrunner on a shortlist that reportedly includes names like Kieran McKenna and Gareth Southgate.
Despite his recent struggles, the Palace hierarchy believes Frank’s ability to build a cohesive team unit makes him a perfect fit for their current squad.
For Frank, the move represents a chance at redemption in a “project” environment more akin to his successful years across London at Brentford.
Frank’s CV still impressive after Brentford transformation
The interest from Palace is largely fueled by Frank’s remarkable body of work with the Bees.
After taking over in 2018, he transformed Brentford into one of the most efficient and tactically disciplined units in English football.
He famously led the club to Premier League promotion in 2021 and subsequently consolidated their status among the elite with a series of historic results, including a 4-0 thrashing of Manchester United and an opening-night win over Arsenal.
During his time at Brentford, he praised Oliver Glasner’s side for their consistency despite limited resources.
He said: “I need to praise Crystal Palace because they have been in the Premier League for the last eight years and have been very consistent in everything they do.
“They have a low budget and constantly produce good performances in the last eight years. It is very impressive what they have achieved.
“It is going to be very difficult. Selhurst Park is one of the most difficult places to go in the Premier League. They will be on top of us from the first minute and a very strong counter-attacking team.”
Manchester United are hoping to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United, and they are ready to pay a premium for him.
According to SportsBoom, Arsenal and Liverpool are interested in the 25-year-old English attacker as well, but Manchester United would be prepared to spend £80 million in order to get the deal done.
They are looking to add more quality and depth on the flanks. Gordon has established himself as a quality player in the Premier League, and he could help Manchester United improve. He will add peace, flair, and goals to the team. The Englishman has proven himself in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. There is no doubt that he is ready to join a bigger club. Manchester United could be the ideal move for him.
They are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and they could provide him with the platform to fight for trophies. They are well placed to secure Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign, and Gordon is likely to be attracted if there is a concrete proposal from Manchester United on the table. Newcastle have an ambitious project, but they are not quite at that level yet.
Arsenal and Liverpool need more quality on the flanks as well. They are likely to be attractive destinations for the attacker. It will be interesting to see what he decides. All three clubs have the financial muscle to pay a premium for the Newcastle star.
Newcastle will not want to lose a player like him, but they could be under pressure if a suitable offer comes in.
Newcastle and Aston Villa are interested in signing the Sunderland attacker Chemsdine Talbi.
According to a report from SportsBoom, the player is likely to cost around €55 million, and the two English clubs are leading the race for his signature. It will be interesting to see if they are prepared to pay the asking price for him.
Talbi has impressed in the Premier League with Sunderland, and there is no doubt that he could help Aston Villa and Newcastle improve as well. They need more quality on the flanks, and Talbi will add peace and unpredictability going forward. The 20-year-old has five goal contributions in the league this season.
The player averages 4.2 successful dribbles per game and could add a new dimension to both clubs’ attacking units. Talbi has been labelled as an “elite” modern winger. The reported asking price seems quite expensive for him, and it remains to be seen whether Newcastle or Aston Villa is willing to pay.
Talbi certainly has the quality to help them improve and justify the investment in future. Meanwhile, Sunderland will not want to lose an important player like him. However, they could be tempted by a lucrative offer. They have done quite well since promotion, and they are chasing a respectable finish in the Premier League table.
It will be interesting to see whether they can hold on to their best players beyond this season. It will certainly help establish themselves as regulars in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Talbi could be excited about the prospect of joining Aston Villa or Newcastle. Both clubs have exciting projects, and they could provide him with the platform to compete at a high level. Aston Villa, in particular, is chasing Champions League qualification, and they could be an attractive destination.
Newcastle are one of the wealthiest clubs in the country, and they have an ambitious project as well.
Liverpool suffered a shock defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday, which came after four straight victories in all competitions. Here’s what head coach Arne Slot has to say about their recent run of results and their performances in those matches. “Sums up our season.” Arne Slot REACTS to Wolves defeat 👀 pic.twitter.com/6hQFt2ImCo — Hayters TV […]
Premier League leaders Arsenal have been criticized lately for basing their tactics around set-pieces, but though they have scored the most in the league from dead-ball situations, manager Mikel Arteta says he’s not happy that his team doesn’t score more, and also that they occasionally concede goals too. 🚨⛳️ Mikel Arteta: “I’m upset that we […]
According to Sport, Barcelona have decided to step up their efforts to sign Micky van de Ven from Tottenham Hotspur this summer. With relegation not off the table for struggling Spurs, a number of players are believed to be ready to leave the sinking ship should the drop really happen. At the moment, they are […]
Andre’s deflected strike in the 94th minute clinched another shock result for the Premier League’s bottom club Wolves, as they stunned Liverpool 2-1 at Molineux. Wolves boss Rob Edwards wheeled away down the touchline in celebration after Friday’s derby win over Aston Villa, and there were similar scenes when Andre’s audacious effort took a massive […]
With all eyes falling on north London on Thursday night, Tottenham have a huge amount of pressure on their shoulders when they host local rivals Crystal Palace. Breaking a string of unwanted records this season and firmly scrapping it out at the foot of the Premier League table, Spurs are at the heart of an […]
While Tottenham might have ended their 17-year wait for a piece of silverware last season as they were crowned Europa League champions, Spurs find themselves at the heart of a public domestic crisis. Breaking a string of unwanted records this season and parting ways with Thomas Frank last month, Spurs are at the heart of […]
A statistical analysis of leagues around the world over the past year places Lionel Messi at the top, ahead of stars such as Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe.
No one is surprised anymore that Lionel Messi, who is set to turn 39, remains one of the most influential players in the world. However, the fact that the numbers place him ahead of elite stars like Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane only further underscores his remarkable impact.
The CIES Football Observatory published a study on Wednesday examining the most influential players across the 67 strongest leagues in the world over the past 365 days, based on goals and assists. Lionel Messi finished in first place, opening up a significant gap over his closest challengers.
Messi recorded 59 goal contributions with Inter Miami over the last year, totaling 37 goals and 22 assists. That figure puts him well clear of the next closest player in the ranking, Harry Kane, who posted 42 contributions (35 goals and 7 assists) with Bayern Munich.
Further down the list is another MLS player, Anders Dreyer, who registered 22 goals and 19 assists with San Diego FC over the past 365 days. His 41 goal contributions were matched by Kylian Mbappe, who scored 37 goals and added four assists with Real Madrid.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF scores a free kick against Orlando City SC.
Age is no limit for Messi
Lionel Messi’s achievement in leading this list becomes even more impressive when considering the age comparison with his main competitors. The Argentine forward is the oldest player in the top ten, less than four months away from his 39th birthday.
The players closest to him in the ranking are significantly younger: Harry Kane is 32, while Anders Dreyer and Kylian Mbappe are 27. In fact, to find a player older than Messi on the list, one must drop to 15th place, where Cristiano Ronaldo appears. At 41, he has recorded 31 goal contributions with Al Nassr over the past 365 days.
The other ranking Messi leads
The same CIES Football Observatory study also includes a different ranking system. Unlike the first list, which simply totals goals and assists, this alternative ranking factors in the relative difficulty of each league when evaluating statistical output.
To calculate that, a coefficient is created based on various criteria, such as clubs’ performances in continental and global competitions. That coefficient is then applied to goals and assists data, offering a more contextualized view of individual performance.
Even under that more complex formula, Messi remains the clear leader. With a coefficient score of 66.3, he ranks ahead of Kylian Mbappe (65.4) and Harry Kane (64.5). What makes that even more impressive is that while La Liga and the Bundesliga rank among the top leagues used to calculate the coefficient, MLS does not even crack the top ten. And yet, Messi still claims the top spot.
Inter Miami's Lionel Messi and Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe.
With Real Madrid links still growing, Jurgen Klopp’s future as Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull is reportedly being put in doubt to poor results.
Jurgen Klopp stunned the soccer world when he stepped away from the dugout to become Global Head of Soccer at the Red Bull group, despite his standing as one of the most influential coaches of his generation. Now, however, his future within the organization is reportedly in serious question, a product of underwhelming results across the group’s clubs, and persistent links to Real Madrid.
Announced on January 1, 2025 as Red Bull‘s Global Head of Soccer, Klopp was tasked with overseeing the soccer operations of a portfolio spanning six countries: RB Leipzig in Germany, Red Bull Bragantino in Brazil, the New York Red Bulls in the United States, RB Omiya Ardija in Japan, Leeds United in England and Paris FC in France, a role he was contracted to fill through December 2029.
When speculation over his future surfaced, Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff moved swiftly to shut it down. “That is complete nonsense and entirely made up. 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,” he said to Sky Germany.
Results are far from accompanying Klopp
Despite the public vote of confidence, results across the group’s flagship clubs have fallen well short of expectations since Klopp took the role. At RB Leipzig, the team sits fifth in the Bundesliga, well outside the title race and without European football to show for it, and his decision to appoint Ole Werner as head coach last summer continues to draw scrutiny.
Castello Lukeba of Leipzig.
At RB Salzburg, meanwhile, the situation has been equally disappointing. The Austrian side were eliminated in the Europa League group stage, a result that cost Thomas Letsch his job and led to the appointment of Daniel Beichler as his replacement, a chain of events that has placed Klopp squarely in the crosshairs of those questioning the direction of the project.
Against that backdrop, L’Équipe reports that Klopp’s tenure as Red Bull’s Global Head of Soccer could come to an end in the summer of 2026. The French outlet names Oliver Glasner, who has already announced he will be departing Crystal Palace at the end of the current season, as the leading candidate to succeed him in the role.
The circumstances at the Bernabéu have done little to dampen that speculation. Interim coach Álvaro Arbeloa has struggled to convince, posting a record of eight wins and four defeats in 12 games (33 percent loss rate) while also suffering back-to-back La Liga defeats against Osasuna and Getafe and a Copa del Rey elimination at the hands of second-division side Albacete. With pressure mounting on Real Madrid’s hierarchy to make a statement appointment, Klopp’s name looks set to remain firmly in the conversation heading into the summer.
Jurgen Klopp, Global Head of Soccer Red Bull group.
Despite his importance in recent years, Rodrygo is not enjoying his best season, even losing his starting role at Real Madrid. Alongside this, he suffered a season-ending ACL injury, which reportedly has its roots in a physical issue dating back to 2023.
Rodrygo Goes has managed to become one of Real Madrid’s most important players, playing a key role in several of the club’s titles. However, he is not enjoying his best season, having lost his starting spot and logging just 1,106 minutes. Amid rumors about a potential departure, the Brazilian suffered a season-ending ACL injury. Despite this, his latest setback reportedly has its roots in a physical issue he has been carrying since 2023.
According to Mario Cortegana in The Athletic, Rodrygo Goes continued playing with a partial anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered while representing Brazil in 2023. At the time, Real Madrid decided that the Brazilian would not undergo surgery and instead follow a conservative treatment plan. In light of this, experts state that while the decision was appropriate, the risk of a relapse was higher — something that ultimately occurred.
With a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a torn lateral meniscus, Rodrygo faces a recovery timeline ranging from six to nine months, meaning he will miss most of the 2026–27 season. In light of this, Real Madrid’s alleged decision not to operate on the Brazilian in 2023 is facing strong criticism, as it has not only impacted his performances in the following seasons but also significantly harmed the player.
Far from Rodrygo’s ACL injury being an isolated incident, several Real Madrid players have suffered this same setback in recent years: Thibaut Courtois, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão (twice), and the Brazilian star himself. With this in mind, Los Blancos face serious questions from supporters, who are casting doubt on whether the club’s medical staff truly prioritize the health of their stars or the needs of the roster.
Rodrygo of Real Madrid
Mbappe, Bellingham act on injuries amid Real Madrid medical concerns
Unlike previous seasons, Real Madrid have struggled to find consistency among their players, stringing together a series of serious injuries. In fact, coach Álvaro Arbeloa currently has seven players sidelined, raising questions about Los Blancos’ medical services. Adding to the speculation, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham have made a surprising decision regarding how to treat their injuries.
According to Manuel Bruña in Mundo Deportivo, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham have decided to seek second opinions regarding their injuries. While the Frenchman is undergoing treatment in Paris, the Englishman is doing so in London. However, both players are being accompanied by the club’s medical staff. Despite this, Los Blancos maintain that the decision to consult outside specialists was made by the club, not the players.
Rodrygo of Real Madrid looks on after the Spanish Super Cup Semi-Final match.
RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Christoph Baumgartner has been linked with a move away from Germany, and Everton is hoping to sign the player.
According to a report from SportsBoom, the 26-year-old is keen on a move to the Premier League, and it will be interesting to see if Everton can wrap up the move. The fact that he wants to move to England will come as a huge boost for the Merseyside outfit. They will hope to secure his signature in the coming months.
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Everton could use Christoph Baumgartner
They need more creativity and goals from the middle of the park, and the 26-year-old would be ideal for them. He has recorded 14 goals in all competitions, and he has the physicality and technical attributes for English football as well. He could prove to be an excellent acquisition for Everton.
Clubs in Italy are also monitoring his progress. It will be interesting to see if they come forward with an acceptable offer for the player in the summer. The fact that the player prefers a move to the Premier League will encourage clubs like Everton. They will also face competition from Brighton. It will be interesting to see where the Austrian midfielder ends up.
Everton have a competitive project and could be tempted to join them in the summer. The Toffees will be hoping to agree on a reasonable deal to sign the player. He will have two years left on his current contract at the end of this season, and the German outfit will be under pressure to consider suitable offers. It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds.
Manchester United has been linked with multiple managers in recent months.
Michael Carrick has done a stellar job since taking over, with a win rate of 85.7%. Manchester United are well placed to secure Champions League qualification for the next season, and a report from TEAMtalk claims that he is in the box seat to manage the club next season. However, Manchester United are still looking at multiple options.
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Man United looking at Julian Nagelsmann among others
Niko Kovac and Julian Nagelsmann have been mentioned as potential options. The 38-year-old German manager is reportedly keen on taking over at Old Trafford. He is currently the manager of the German national team, and he is expected to return to club management in the summer.
It will be interesting to see if Manchester United is willing to persist with Carrick beyond this season. He has certainly earned the trust of the club hierarchy, and he deserves the opportunity to manage the club in the long term. The 44-year-old has turned things around at Old Trafford since his arrival, and the players are enjoying their football under him.
It remains to be seen how the situation develops. Nagelsmann could be an excellent appointment as well. He has shown his quality in the Bundesliga and with the German national team. The opportunity to manage in the Premier League will be tempting for him, and it is no surprise that he is open to the job.
Manchester United need to choose their next manager carefully if they want to fight for major trophies. Perhaps a bit of stability with Carrick could do them a world of good.
While Tottenham might have ended their 17-year wait for a piece of silverware last season as they were crowned Europa League champions, Spurs find themselves at the heart of a public domestic crisis. Breaking a string of unwanted records this season and parting ways with Thomas Frank last month, Spurs are at the heart of […]
Barcelona have confirmed that both Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde suffered thigh injuries during their Copa del Rey clash with Atletico Madrid. Hansi Flick’s side looked to overturn a 4-0 deficit in the second leg of the tie, but fell just short as they won 3-0 at Camp Nou on Tuesday. Kounde was forced off […]
Brighton face Arsenal in a Matchday 29 game during the 2025/2026 Premier League campaign. Below is all the essential information, including kickoff times and details on how to watch the action on TV or through streaming platforms.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Brighton vs Arsenal on US television and via legal streaming:
With the Premier League title race heating up, Arsenalstep into this matchup knowing the stakes couldn’t be higher. Sitting five points clear of Manchester City but with an extra game already in the books, the North London side can’t afford any slip-ups as the calendar winds down.
Standing in their way is a tricky Brightonsquad hovering between a late European push and looking over its shoulder in the standings — a team talented enough to rattle the leaders on any given day. With the pressure mounting and the margin for error razor-thin, this showdown could have major implications at the top — don’t miss it.
More details on how to watch
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Replays of all 380 games for the season will be available to Peacock Premium subscribers. Matches will be available on replay and then for 30 days after they air.
Peacock is widely available across different platforms and devices, including:
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In addition to all of the soccer coverage, Peacock Premium offers more than 20,000 hours of programming from NBC Universal including movies, TV shows, original programming and live TV channels.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Peacock soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
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Inter Miami will debut its new stadium this year, and it will do so with a name resulting from a commercial agreement.
This year, Inter Miami face the challenge of building on their 2025 performance, a season in which they were crowned Major League Soccer champions for the first time. To that end, they aim to repeat their domestic success while adding a similar run on the continental stage. But beyond the sporting challenges, the club also has its sights set on the inauguration of its new home.
Miami Freedom Park is in the final stages of construction, and the team is expected to begin playing its matches there by early April. In fact, the 2026 MLS schedule was specifically designed so that the Herons play their first five matches of the season on the road, providing enough time to finalize the project.
In this context, Inter Miami announced Wednesday that their new stadium will feature a name born from a commercial partnership. In a video posted on social media, Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, Luis Suarez, and Noah Allen are seen walking through the tunnels leading to the pitch, accompanied by the message: “The Nu era starts now.”
Nu is a Brazilian company that offers digital financial services platforms. “As a cornerstone of the agreement, Inter Miami CF’s new state-of-the-art home stadium at Miami Freedom Park will officially be named Nu Stadium,” explains the statement published on the company’s official website.
This is our commitment to build a new standard. For the club, our fans and the future of the game. Vamos 💗 pic.twitter.com/eKF8IUkFih
“Designed for year-round enjoyment, the 26,700-seat stadium will serve as the home of Inter Miami CF while also hosting concerts of various sizes, corporate and private events, and a wide range of additional sporting events including friendly and competitive matches,” the message adds.
David Beckham and Jorge Mas speak on the new stadium
In the same statement announcing the commercial deal, reflections from two of Inter Miami’s owners were also shared. “Miami has always been a place where people come with big dreams and from the very beginning, we wanted this Club to reflect that spirit,” said David Beckham. “Opening our new stadium is a really special moment on our journey – a place for fans across South Florida and for people from around the world who feel connected to our Club to watch us play.”
Jorge Mas also expressed excitement about what the opening of the new stadium will mean for the Herons. “Inter Miami was built to set new standards and redefine what’s possible in football. That’s why we pursue greatness on the pitch by signing the best players in the world, and just as importantly, we hold ourselves to that same standard when choosing the partners who help bring our vision to life,” said the club’s co-owner.
“Together, we are proud to welcome our fans to Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park very soon, a special place they can call home where they can feel connected, inspired, and part of something truly extraordinary,” Mas added.
How many matches will Inter Miami play before moving to the new stadium?
The estimated date for the official inauguration of Nu Stadium is Saturday, April 4, when Inter Miami face Austin FC in MLS action. However, before then, they must play several more matches across two different competitions.
In league play, they will face DC United, Charlotte FC, and New York City FC; all of those matchups will be on the road. Additionally, in the Concacaf Champions Cup, they must navigate the Round of 16 series against Nashville SC. They will play the first leg at Geodis Park before the decisive return leg in Miami. That match, scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, will be the last one the Herons play at Chase Stadium.
Newcastle clash with Manchester United in a Matchday 29 battle during the 2025/2026 Premier League campaign. Below is all the essential information, including kickoff times and details on how to watch the action on TV or through streaming platforms.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Newcastle vs Manchester United on US television and via legal streaming:
Fresh off a statement comeback, Manchester Unitedstrengthened their push for a coveted UEFA Champions League berth with a gritty 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace. After conceding first, the Red Devils responded with urgency and resilience, flipping the script to secure three massive points that keep them firmly in the qualification race.
Sitting third in their group, United understand there’s little margin for error down the stretch. Their next test comes against Newcastle, who are aiming to rebound after a 3-2 setback against Everton, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown with major implications at both ends of the table.
More details on how to watch
With Peacock Premium, you can watch Newcastle vs Manchester United and tons more Premier League games.
Now with Peacock Premium, you can stream 175 Premier League matches per season that are exclusive to Peacock. Plus, you get access to the Premier League TV channel, which features Premier League reviews, previews, interview shows, daily news programs and classic Premier League games.
Replays of all 380 games for the season will be available to Peacock Premium subscribers. Matches will be available on replay and then for 30 days after they air.
Peacock is widely available across different platforms and devices, including:
• Computers: PC and Mac
• Apple: iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD
• Google: Android, Android TV devices, Roku, Chromecast and Chromecast built-in devices
• Microsoft’s Xbox One family of devices: Xbox One S and Xbox One X
• VIZIO SmartCast TVs and LG Smart TVs
• Sony PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 4 Pro
In addition to all of the soccer coverage, Peacock Premium offers more than 20,000 hours of programming from NBC Universal including movies, TV shows, original programming and live TV channels.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Peacock soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
To learn more about Peacock, we’ve put together a how-to video.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
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World Soccer Talk is the number one destination in the United States for soccer television and streaming information. We recommend that you bookmark our soccer games on TV today page as well as subscribing to our free daily email newsletter that includes TV schedules and the latest soccer news and opinion from around the world.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Although Barcelona displayed their scoring power against Atlético Madrid, they were eliminated from the Copa del Rey after losing on aggregate. Additionally, Lamine Yamal received terrible news, as the Blaugrana announced the extent of the injuries to Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé.
Barcelona imposed their high offensive tempo against Atlético Madrid, securing a 3-0 victory thanks to an outstanding performance by Marc Bernal. Despite this, they failed to level the aggregate score and were eliminated from the Copa del Rey. In addition, Lamine Yamal faced disappointing news as he lost two key teammates. The Blaugrana announced that Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé sustained injuries, ruling them out for several weeks.
After the match against Atletico Madrid, Barcelona announced that Alejandro Balde suffered an injury to the distal biceps femoris of his left thigh. Because of this, he will have to be out for about four weeks. Moreover, Jules Koundéwas also diagnosed with an injury to the mid-third of the biceps femoris of his left thigh. While they did not provide an estimated recovery time for the Frenchman, Diario Sport states that he will be out for around four weeks.
With this absences, coach Hansi Flick now has five players sidelined for an extended period, as Gavi, Andreas Christensen and Frenkie de Jong are also set to remain out until early April. In light of this, the Blaugrana will be forced to rely on youngsters such as Jofre Torrents, Marc Bernal and Marc Casadó. Moreover, João Cancelo may hold a key role as he stood out against Los Colchoneros.
Even though these absences are certainly significant, Barcelona may not have too many problems staying competitive. Throughout the season, Flick has managed to show that his deep roster can help them at any moment, which is why they remain favorites to win La Liga and to advance to the Champions League quarterfinals. In addition, the level shown by Marc Bernal and João Cancelo could prove decisive in the upcoming matches.
Koke, Johnny Cardoso and Antoine Griezmann of Atletico de Madrid celebrate victory.
Robert Lewandowski could soon return to Barcelona’s roster
Throughout the 2025-26 season, Barcelona have managed to establish as one of the best offensive teams, maintaining a wide variety of scorers. Ferran Torres may have emerged as a major contributor, but his lack of effectiveness at key moments weighed heavily against Atlético Madrid. However, coach Hansi Flick could soon receive some good news amid injuries to Kounde and Balde, as Robert Lewandowski is reportedly set to return earlier than expected.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Lewandowski will be available for the match against Athletic Bilbao, as he will wear a mask following his fracture to his left eye socket. With this, the Polish striker would have one game to adapt, arriving in full shape to face Newcastle United, where he could be decisive either as a starter or coming off the bench. His early return is a definitive boost for Lamine Yamal, who regains an experienced presence in the goal-scoring side.
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match.
Ronaldo’s recent hamstring injury has forced the club into a reshuffle at a crucial stage of the season, placing immediate pressure on Al-Hamdan to step into the spotlight.
Abdullah Al-Hamdan will carry the heavy burden of replacing the injured Cristiano Ronaldo when Al-Nassr faces NEOM SC in the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo’s recent hamstring injury has forced the club into a reshuffle at a crucial stage of the season, placing immediate pressure on Al-Hamdan to step into the spotlight.
With the Portuguese superstar sidelined and undergoing rehabilitation, Al-Nassr must once again adapt without its talisman. However, how the club has actually fared in his absence during the 2025-26 campaign adds an intriguing layer to the story. The setback occurred during a 3-1 league victory over Al-Fayha last Saturday, February 28. Ronaldo endured an uncharacteristically difficult night, missing a 12th-minute penalty before signaling discomfort late in the match.
He was substituted in the 81st minute, and days later, the diagnosis was confirmed. “Cristiano Ronaldo has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury after the last game against Al Fayha. He started a rehabilitation program and will be under evaluation day by day,” the club announced on Tuesday.
Reports suggest the 41-year-old could be sidelined for two to four weeks, depending on the severity of the hamstring strain. While his participation in the 2026 World Cup is not believed to be under threat, his short-term absence creates immediate tactical challenges for Al-Nassr.
Head coach Jorge Jesus has reportedly decided that Abdullah Al-Hamdan will start against NEOM, as noted by Arriyadiyah newspaper journalist Khaled Al-Rashid. The Saudi forward now shoulders the responsibility of filling Ronaldo’s role at the spearhead of the attack.
Team tested without its captain
Whenever Ronaldo has been unavailable this season, either due to rotation or injury, attention has shifted to how Al-Nassr responds. The numbers from both domestic and continental competition reveal a compelling pattern.
Saudi Pro League record without Ronaldo
In league fixtures where Ronaldo was not in the squad, Al-Nassr has delivered emphatically:
Al-Nassr 2-0 Al Ahli – Win
Al-Nassr 2-0 Al Riyadh – Win
Al-Nassr 4-1 Al Ittihad – Win
Al-Nassr 4-0 Al Khaleej – Win
League record without Ronaldo:
Played: 4
Wins: 4
Draws: 0
Losses: 0
Win percentage: 100%
Interestingly, when Ronaldo has featured in league matches this season, Al-Nassr’s win rate stands at 66.7% (10 wins from 15 games). While the sample size without him is smaller, the club has not dropped a single point during those absences.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr
AFC Champions League Two record without Ronaldo
The same trend appears in the AFC Champions League Two. In matches where Ronaldo did not feature, Al-Nassr maintained dominance:
Al-Nassr 4-0 FC Goa – Win
Al-Nassr 2-1 FC Goa – Win
Al-Nassr 4-0 Istiklol – Win
Al-Nassr 2-0 Al Ahli – Win
ACL Two record without Ronaldo:
Played: 4
Wins: 4
Draws: 0
Losses: 0
Win percentage: 100%
Even when he has played in Asia, the club has remained flawless, winning all three of his appearances in the competition.
Jorge Jesus team Manager of Al-Nassr FC and Al-Nassr FC Players celebrate the win against Al Ittihad with the fans.
Overall combined record in 2025-26 season so far
Without Ronaldo (All competitions):
Played: 8
Wins: 8
Draws: 0
Losses: 0
Win rate: 100%
With Ronaldo (All competitions):
Played: 18
Wins: 13
Draws: 2
Losses: 3
Win rate: 72.2%
Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Al Nassr
What the numbers really mean
Statistically, Al-Nassr has shown it can win without its captain. The squad has demonstrated improved depth, tactical flexibility, and shared scoring responsibility. Defensive solidity and collective attacking output have allowed the club to collect maximum points even in Ronaldo’s absence.
However, context matters. Many of the matches without Ronaldo came against beatable opposition. In high-pressure fixtures or tightly contested encounters, his presence often alters defensive structures, boosts confidence, and influences momentum.
The broader takeaway from the 2025-26 campaign is clear: Al-Nassr is no longer structurally dependent on Ronaldo to win matches. The team’s system functions efficiently without him. Yet his aura, leadership, and goal-scoring instinct elevate the ceiling of what the club can achieve.
Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Abdullah Al-Hamdan (right)
Chelsea are looking to sign the Hoffenheim striker Fisnik Asllani during the summer transfer window.
The 23-year-old has done quite well for the German club, and he is on the radar of Tottenham and Aston Villa as well. According to a report from Fussball Daten, Chelsea have prepared a “priority file” for the 23-year-old striker and are looking to finalise the deal. He will cost around €30 million because of a clause in his contract, and the report claims that a move for that kind of money would be a “bargain of the century”.
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Chelsea could use Fisnik Asllani
It will be interesting to see if Chelsea can wrap up the move in the summer. They need another quality striker, especially with the way Liam Delap has performed. The summer signing has been quite underwhelming for Chelsea, and they need an upgrade on him.
Asllani has proven his quality in German football, and he has the physicality and technical attributes to succeed in the Premier League as well. He could form a quality partnership with Joao Pedro at Chelsea. The Blues have the financial muscle to get the deal done as well. Asllani has 15 goal contributions this season.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are interested in the player, but they are going through a rough patch. They are fighting for survival in the Premier League. Asllani might prefer to join a competitive team where he can regularly fight for trophies. Chelsea is pushing for Champions League qualification, and they will be an attractive destination for the player.
It will be interesting to see if Chelsea comes forward with an official proposal at the end of the season.
Aston Villa are monitoring his situation as well, and they are well placed to secure Champions League qualification. They have the finances to get the deal done as well, and they are looking for a quality long-term alternative to Ollie Watkins. It will be interesting to see where the 23-year-old attacker ends up eventually.
After dealing with knee problems for several months, Kylian Mbappé has been diagnosed with a sprained left knee. However, Real Madrid star’s injury is reportedly more serious than initially expected, meaning he could face a longer recovery timeline.
Kylian Mbappé has managed to establish himself as one of Real Madrid’s best players, currently standing as the team’s top scorer. However, he was diagnosed with a sprained left knee, ruling him out for several matches. After deciding to undergo treatment in France, he was reportedly diagnosed with a more severe injury. As a result, Mbappe could now face a longer recovery timeline than initially expected.
According to Antón Meana on El Larguero, Kylian Mbappé’s injury is more complex than initially expected, as his left posterior cruciate ligament is reportedly at its limit. With this in mind, the French forward would need to use the remaining 100 days before the 2026 World Cup to recover fully, which would rule him out for the rest of the season. Despite this, Real Madrid do not share the same view being reported from the player’s inner circle.
While Mbappé’s close camp is allegedly emphasizing the seriousness of the injury, Los Blancos are said to be far more optimistic. In fact, they reportedly believe the player could return in time for the second leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 against Manchester City. However, the Frenchman’s entourage denies this information, making it clear that he would not take any risk of suffering a relapse.
In case Kylian’s absence for the rest of the season is confirmed, Real Madrid would suffer a real blow to their season’s objectives. To face the Citizens, coach Álvaro Arbeloa will be without Eder Militao, Rodrygo Goes, following his season-ending ACL injury, Dani Ceballos, Jude Bellingham, and possibly the Frenchman. On top of this, Los Blancos are not at their best, having been defeated by Getafe and raising doubts about their competitiveness.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid during the Spanish Super Cup Final against FC Barcelona.
Mbappe reported injury extent explained by sports therapist
Kylian Mbappé has been suffering from knee problems since mid-December 2025, causing him to miss two games. Although he managed to maintain his scoring pace, the Frenchman had to stop playing after being diagnosed with a sprained left knee by Real Madrid. However, he is reportedly suffering from a partial tear of the posterior cruciate ligament. In light of this, a physiotherapist specializing in sports injuries explains the extent of this supposed injury.
As explained by expert Ángel Villanueva via X (formerly Twitter), the posterior cruciate ligament is the main restraint that prevents the tibia from moving backward in relation to the femur. If it is partially torn, it loses its ability to stabilize the joint. As a result, the knee may feel unstable when braking or turning, fail during explosive actions, and lose efficiency in accelerations. He also outlined a recovery timeline of between 16 and 24 weeks.
Despite this, Real Madrid have not issued a new medical report on Kylian Mbappé’s injury status. As it stands, the Frenchman has only been diagnosed by the club with a sprained left knee, leaving reports of a more serious injury to information published by journalists. With that in mind, the 27-year-old striker’s recovery timeline remains within the parameters initially set by the club, pending any new medical update should it become necessary.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid CF reacts during the UEFA Champions League.
As Cristinao Ronaldo's likely return timeline emerges as Al-Nassr captain’s World Cup hopes remain intact, the early signs point toward caution rather than catastrophe.
Cristiano Ronaldo had just helped Al-Nassr secure a 3-1 league victory, yet the image of him with ice strapped to his right leg quickly overshadowed the result. Now, as his likely return timeline emerges as Al-Nassr captain’s World Cup hopes remain intact, the early signs point toward caution rather than catastrophe.
For a 41-year-old icon preparing for what could be a historic sixth World Cup appearance, every muscle strain is magnified. But inside the club, the message is calm: manage the recovery, avoid risks, and keep one eye firmly on June.
The injury occurred during Al-Nassr’s demanding Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Fayha. Ronaldo was substituted in the 81st minute after visibly struggling. Television footage showed him on the bench with an ice pack on his hamstring, an ominous sight for supporters.
Medical examinations conducted on Tuesday, March 3 confirmed the issue. In an official statement, the club clarified the situation. “Cristiano Ronaldo has started a rehabilitation programme and his condition will be assessed day by day,” the statement read.
Further clarification described the problem as a hamstring tendon injury, a setback that typically requires careful management, particularly for an athlete in his forties. While muscle injuries can vary in severity, the early communication from the club emphasized structured rehabilitation rather than alarm.
No crisis for the World Cup
The central concern was always the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins on June 11 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Ronaldo is in line to become the first male player to feature in six World Cups, a milestone that would further cement his legacy. Crucially, current projections indicate that his participation in the tournament is not under serious threat.
Medical experts cited in regional reports suggest that even in the event of a moderate-grade strain, the recovery window would allow ample time for full fitness before Portugal’s World Cup opener. The Portuguese coaching staff is reportedly in constant contact with the medical team in Riyadh to monitor progress. At this stage, the focus remains simple: full recovery before competitive intensity resumes.
Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Portugal.
The timeline emerges
While the initial club statement avoided specifics, further details have gradually come into view. According to medical assessments relayed by Saudi physical therapist Thamer Al-Shahrani and widely reported by transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Ronaldo is expected to be sidelined for a short spell.
The likely scenario is that he will miss the upcoming league fixtures against NEOM SC and Al-Khaleej, with rehabilitation projected to last between two and four weeks maximum. If recovery proceeds smoothly, he could return toward the end of March, potentially rejoining Portugal for international duty. This timeline places his World Cup ambitions firmly on track.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates after scoring a goal.
It is worth noting that hamstring injuries, particularly tendon-related ones, require disciplined management. Rushing back too soon increases the risk of recurrence, and it’s something neither club nor country can afford at this stage of the season.
Steven Gerrard believes it is time for Arne Slot to deploy Rio Ngumoha from the off after the Liverpool youngster impressed once again from the bench against Wolves. Ngumoha was brought on in the 65th minute for Cody Gakpo at Molineux as the Reds slipped to a shock 2-1 defeat against Rob Edwards’ side on […]
United have evolved from a disjointed squad into one of the most in-form teams in the Premier League.
The dramatic turnaround has sparked questions among the United faithful, is it too late to mount a sensational charge for the Premier League title and catch a high-flying Arsenal?
Michael Carrick has made Man United competitive
Carrick’s tenure so far has been nothing short of a masterclass in crisis management.
Rather than overcomplicating his approach, the former United midfielder has taken the squad back to basics, completely revitalising the dressing room in the process.
Players who looked entirely devoid of belief earlier in the campaign are suddenly playing with swagger and aggression.
While United’s form is staggering, bridging the gap to the top of the table is a monumental task.
However, when Carrick was asked about catching league leaders Arsenal, he said, as reported by Simon Stone:
“Listen, you can’t rule anything out in football, but we’ve got to be realistic. We’ve just got to try and keep winning games and see. Above us now there’s two fantastic teams. There’s some really good teams in and around us. We’ve had a good run, we’re certainly not getting carried away in. You’ve got to be patient but you’ve got to be living in the moment a little bit. Wherever that’s going to take us, we’ll just have to see. But we’ll keep pushing anyway.”
When Manchester United sacked Ruben Amorim in January after a dismal 14-month spell, few could have predicted the immediate and drastic turnaround under interim manager Michael Carrick.
Fast forward to March, and the club legend has entirely transformed the mood at Old Trafford, rocketing the Red Devils back into the Premier League’s top three and firmly establishing himself as a prime candidate for the permanent managerial role.
Since taking the reins, Carrick’s impact has been nothing short of a revelation.
Man United are currently unbeaten in his seven Premier League games in charge, securing an astonishing 19 points out of a possible 21 (six wins, one draw).
Their recent gritty 2-1 comeback victory over Crystal Palace, where the team rallied from an early deficit, pushed United up to third place, putting them firmly in the driver’s seat for Champions League qualification.
Michael Carrick opens up on his future
Carrick’s near-perfect audition has given the INEOS hierarchy a massive, albeit welcome, headache ahead of the summer.
Transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano reported Carrick as saying:
“I love being here and doing what I’m doing. I don’t make decisions to get quick short-term results. My responsibility, no matter how long my tenure lasts, is to make the decisions that are best for the club in the long term.”
Diego Simeone conceded Barcelona were “a step ahead” of Atletico Madrid as they almost pulled off a stunning Copa del Rey semi-final comeback. Atletico are through to the final of the competition, where they will face either Real Sociedad or Athletic Club in April, but they had to hold on at the end of Tuesday’s […]
Carlo Ancelotti and Kylian Mbappe both added their sympathetic words to the flood of messages to Rodrygo after a devastating twist altered both club and country ambitions in one cruel moment.
Carlo Ancelotti andKylian Mbappeboth added their sympathetic words to the flood of messages to Rodrygo after a devastating twist altered both club and country ambitions in one cruel moment. What was initially feared has now been confirmed, and while the full emotional weight of those messages will emerge later, the reality is already painfully clear: Rodrygo’s season is over, and his 2026 World Cup dream with Brazil has been shattered.
The club confirmed the worst in an official medical update that sent shockwaves through Madrid and beyond. In a formal announcement, Real Madrid detailed the severity of the injury suffered by the Brazilian forward. “Following tests carried out today on our player Rodrygo by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and a rupture of the lateral meniscus of his right leg,” the club statement read.
The diagnosis leaves little room for optimism. A full ACL rupture combined with meniscus damage is among the most serious knee injuries in soccer, typically requiring extensive surgery and a long rehabilitation period.
Rodrygo had appeared as a substitute during the club’s 1-0 La Liga defeat to Getafe, entering the match in the 55th minute as the side chased an equalizer. According to multiple reports, the injury occurred roughly ten minutes later when he attempted to accelerate down the flank. Though he briefly went down in visible discomfort, he astonishingly continued playing until the final whistle. Medical examinations the following day revealed the full extent of the damage.
This is the exact moment Rodrygo tore his ACL last night right on the touchline in a duel with Getafe’s Adrián Liso.
Look at how his knee was left hanging helplessly in the air before Liso pushed him away, forcing him to roll on the ground in agony… 🥺
Initial projections suggested six to seven months on the sidelines, but subsequent assessments paint a far grimmer picture. El Mundo indicates that the recovery timeline could stretch closer to nine to 12 months, potentially ruling the Brazilian winger out until early or even mid-2027. That timeline carries enormous consequences.
Rodrygo will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season, and more heartbreakingly, he will not be available for Brazil’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in the United States. For a player entering his prime at 25, it is a crushing personal and professional setback.
The comparison within the club is sobering. Club captain Dani Carvajal endured a similar ACL and meniscus injury in October 2024 and required nine months to return. Rodrygo now faces a similarly long and arduous path. Compounding the difficulty is the context. The forward had only just returned from a month-long absence due to tendonitis. His comeback lasted barely half an hour before fate intervened again.
Rodrygo of Real Madrid
What did Mbappe and Ancelotti say about Rodrygo?
Amid the devastation, messages of solidarity poured in from teammates, compatriots, and former colleagues. Among them were Neymar and Vinicius, but two more tributes in particular carried profound emotional weight.
Kylian Mbappe shared his own heartfelt message: “All the strength of the world, cousin. Take time for yourself and your family, and come back stronger.” The affectionate “cousin” remark reflects the close bond between the two forwards; not a familial tie, but a symbol of their on-field chemistry and locker-room connection.
Shortly after, Brazil’s national team coach, Carlo Ancelotti, publicly expressed his support for the forward he once coached in Madrid. On social media, he wrote: “We will be by your side every step of the way until you’re back. Stay strong, Rodrygo.”
For Ancelotti, the blow is twofold. As Brazil’s manager since mid-2025, he had counted on Los Blancos’ star as a key figure in the Selecao’s bid for a record-extending sixth World Cup. Now, those plans must be redrawn without one of the nation’s most dynamic attacking threats.
Arsenal’s summer transfer plans could take an unexpected turn, with reports suggesting the club are pushing hard to sign Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon.
According to a source on X, negotiations are progressing rapidly, but Newcastle have reportedly responded with a bold counter-demand, insisting that Gabriel Martinelli be included in any potential deal.
Both Gordon and Martinelli are among the Premier League’s most dynamic wide attackers, and a swap involving the two would represent a significant shift for both clubs.
With Mikel Arteta looking to strengthen his attack in the summer, Gordon has emerged a player that the Gunners are targeting due to his versatility to play in a number of different positions and his high potential.
Arsenal step up interest in Anthony Gordon
Gordon has developed into a key player at Newcastle since his move from Everton.
He is a player who can play on both the wings, as well as up front to lead the attack.
Gordon’s work rate and ability to attack space could complement Arsenal’s fluid attacking structure, which often relies on wide players to create overloads and isolate defenders.
Gabriel Martinelli in action for Arsenal (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Newcastle, however, are not believed to be eager sellers. Backed by ambitious ownership and with long-term goals of establishing themselves among Europe’s elite, the club are reluctant to weaken their squad without a significant return.
Newcastle would consider negotiations only if Martinelli were included in the deal.
The Brazilian winger has been one of Arsenal’s best performers in recent seasons, combining explosive pace with intelligent movement and a strong goal threat from wide areas.
The claim that Newcastle would be willing to make Martinelli their highest-paid player highlights how highly they reportedly value the 24-year-old.
His age, Premier League experience, and attacking output make him an attractive long-term option for any ambitious club.
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard hasn’t minced his words following the Reds’ disastrous 2-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers, taking direct aim at Cody Gakpo’s lackluster performance and calling for a change in the form of highly-rated winger Rio Ngumoha.
Speaking as a pundit in the aftermath of the Molineux shocker, the former Liverpool captain expressed his frustration at the team’s toothless attack, which struggled to break down a low-block Wolves side until Mohamed Salah’s fleeting equaliser.
‘For 65 minutes Liverpool were desperate tonight, really poor, didn’t create enough, didn’t play at the right speed or the right tempo, didn’t have enough quality,’ Gerrard told TNT Sports, as reported by Metro.
‘He has to start Ngumoha now. He has to start him because he’s coming on and he’s doing more in a short cameo in a short space of time than Gakpo’s doing in 65, 70 minutes.
‘He deserves to start now. He’s got to start the kid on Friday night [in the FA Cup].’
Instead of continuing to rely on senior players who are out of form, Gerrard urged Slot to look toward the club’s academy, specifically championing 17-year-old Ngumoha.
Since his highly publicised move from Chelsea’s academy in the summer of 2024, Ngumoha has been tearing it up in Liverpool’s youth ranks, drawing attention for his explosive pace, one-on-one ability, and fearlessness.
Arne Slot needs to sort out his team’s attacking issues
Cody Gakpo in action for Liverpool vs Burnley (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
With the top-four race tightening and an immediate FA Cup rematch against Wolves looming this Friday, the pressure to find a spark in the attacking third is much needed for the defending Premier League champions.
Gerrard’s comments are not just his feelings but most fans on social media have also called on the manager to make changes to the team’s attack and add some more pace and unpredictability to the starting line up.
With the Reds fighting for a place in the Champions League, the FA Cup and preparing for a European knock out clash against Galatasaray, things need to change quickly for Slot and his team.
Manchester United could prioritise the addition of a new left winger in the upcoming summer transfer window, with manager Michael Carrick hinting that the club may strengthen in that area as part of their squad rebuild.
The Red Devils are expected to be active in the market as they prepare for the 2026/27 campaign, aiming to build on signs of improvement after several challenging seasons.
Since stepping into the managerial role, Carrick has overseen a gradual stabilisation at Old Trafford.
Performances have become more consistent and the team’s tactical structure appears clearer.
Nevertheless, there remains a sense that further recruitment will be necessary if United are to compete consistently at the top end of the Premier League.
Michael Carricks addresses transfer plans of Man United
Speaking to the media this week, Carrick acknowledged that reinforcing the left side of the attack is something the club may consider during the summer window.
While he highlighted the versatility within his current squad, he did not dismiss the possibility of bringing in a specialist winger.
“It’s something to look at [signing a left-winger]. I think Matheus [Cunha] can play in that position. Amad can do it too. We have very good options all over the front line.”
It is interesting to see Carrick talk about the transfer plans of the club since he is not certain to get the permanent job at the club.
What should the Red Devils plan for the left-wing?
Matheus Cunha of Man United celebrates scoring (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Both players have featured in wide roles at times this season, but neither is traditionally a fixed left winger.
Cunha is naturally more comfortable operating as a central attacking midfielder or second striker, where his creativity and link-up play can influence the game.
Amad Diallo, meanwhile, thrives in a more fluid attacking role, drifting between positions rather than staying wide.
For a team looking to improve its attacking balance, the addition of a natural wide player could provide greater width, stretching opposition defenses and creating more space for central attackers.
Mauricio Pochettino could be prepared for an emotional return to Tottenham, even if the club suffer relegation to the Championship, according to GiveMeSport‘s Ben Jacobs.
The Argentine coach, who previously oversaw one of the most memorable periods in Spurs’ modern history, has reportedly not ruled out the possibility of returning to north London should the opportunity arise.
Tottenham are widely expected to appoint a new permanent manager at the end of the season as the club attempts to reset following a turbulent campaign.
Tottenham face managerial uncertainty
Spurs are currently relying on Igor Tudor to guide the team through a difficult relegation battle.
The Croatian tactician was brought in to stabilise results during a challenging stretch, but reports suggest his role is widely viewed as a short-term solution rather than a permanent appointment.
Regardless of whether Tottenham remain in the Premier League or drop into the Championship, a more comprehensive managerial project is expected to begin this summer.
Several names have been linked with the role. Former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi is admired for his progressive tactical philosophy, while ex-Tottenham striker Robbie Keane has also reportedly been considered as a potential candidate.
“The good news for Tottenham fans is that, I’m told, Pochettino is open to returning, and would not necessarily be put off even if Spurs got relegated to the Championship.
“But if they were a Championship club, they’ve obviously got to be able to still afford Maurizio Pochettino’s wage, which wouldn’t necessarily drop significantly.”
Bruno Fernandes is expected to hold discussions with Manchester United at the end of the season to clarify his long-term future at Old Trafford.
According to TEAMtalk, the club captain is not actively seeking an exit, despite renewed speculation about potential interest from abroad.
The Portugal international has remained one of United’s most influential figures in recent campaigns, but with the club navigating another transitional phase, it is natural that conversations about direction and ambition are beginning to surface.
Fernandes has been a brilliant leader for Man United
Fernandes has consistently been central to United’s attacking play since arriving from Sporting CP in January 2020.
He has delivered goals, assists and leadership in equal measure, often carrying creative responsibility during challenging periods.
His work rate and intensity have made him a key presence in the dressing room, and he was appointed captain as recognition of that influence.
Last summer, Fernandes was linked with a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League, as clubs in the region continue targeting high-profile European talent.
More recently, Fernandes has spoken publicly about being open one day to playing in Italy or Spain, leagues he has long admired for their tactical depth and historical prestige.
Manchester City are keeping a close watch on Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha, according to Sky Sports Germany, as Pep Guardiola continues to refine his options in the centre of the pitch.
The 25-year-old Germany international is reportedly open to the idea of testing himself in the Premier League, even said to “dream” of playing in England’s top flight.
While no formal bid has been made, the situation is developing against the backdrop of Dortmund’s efforts to tie Nmecha down to a new and improved contract.
Nmecha is the type of midfielder Man City want
Nmecha has steadily established himself as a key figure in Dortmund’s midfield since joining from Wolfsburg.
Known for his athleticism and ball-carrying ability, he offers versatility across central roles.
He is comfortable operating as a box-to-box midfielder, capable of contributing defensively while driving forward in transition.
Guardiola has often sought players who combine physical presence with technical security.
Perhaps interest in signing him could be linked with the future of Spanish midfielder Rodri, who has attracted interest from top Spanish clubs.
Bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers pulled off a massive 2-1 upset against Liverpool at Molineux, dealing a heavy blow to the Reds’ Champions League qualification hopes.
Despite dominating possession, Liverpool struggled to find a breakthrough from open play against a resolute Wolves defense. The match suddenly exploded into life in the final stretches.
Gomes opened the scoring for Wolves in the 78th minute, shocking the visitors and sending Molineux into a frenzy.
Mohamed Salah finally ended his 10-match Premier League goal drought in the 83rd minute, slotting home a quick equaliser that seemingly rescued a point for Liverpool.
Disaster struck for the Reds. Following a weak clearance from Alisson, Wolves midfielder André unleashed a shot from the edge of the area in the 94th minute.
The ball took a massive, looping deflection off defender Joe Gomez, completely wrong-footing Alisson and sealing a dramatic 2-1 victory for the hosts.
Arne Slot opens up on his future at Anfield
Ahead of the match, Liverpool boss Arne Slot talked about his future and suggested that he needs more time.
“A rebuild takes time, a transition takes time, and that’s what we did last summer”.
“But we didn’t expect the league to become like it did this season. You couldn’t know this because last season it wasn’t as extreme as it is this season”.
Liverpool are now 5th in the Premier League, three points behind both Manchester United and Aston Villa.
A win against Wolves would have given them hope of a top four finish but now thing are looking difficult for them looking at their fixture list.
As for Slot, he has been unlucky with injuries to key players this season but the style of football at the club has been poor, something that Liverpool fans are not used to.
He has not only struggled to make them play attractive football like the fans want, his over all management of the squad has been shocking, with some bench players not getting the minutes they deserve.
Juventus midfielder Khéphren Thuram is expected to be one of the most closely watched players in the upcoming summer transfer window, with several Premier League clubs monitoring his situation in Turin.
The France international has grown significantly since arriving in Italy, developing into one of Europe’s most coveted box-to-box midfielders thanks to his physical dominance and ability to influence matches at both ends of the pitch.
Sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffsidethat both Liverpool and Manchester United are interested in signing the French midfielder to strengthen their squad and add depth in their midfield.
While Juventus have publicly insisted that Thuram remains a central part of their long-term project, the realities of modern football finances mean few players are entirely untouchable.
Thuram has impressed at Juventus
Since joining Juventus, Thuram has steadily established himself as a key figure in the club’s midfield structure.
Standing out for his athleticism and ball-carrying ability, the 24-year-old has added tactical maturity to his game, becoming more disciplined defensively while still offering forward thrust.
He can operate as a traditional box-to-box midfielder, shield the defence in deeper areas, or drive forward to support attacking transitions.
Arsenal’s interest appears more cautious, though the club’s recruitment department reportedly admires Thuram’s technical quality and ability to thrive in high-tempo systems.
With Juventus holding him under contract until 2029, the Italian club retain strong leverage in negotiations.
The expected valuation, between €65 million and €75 million, reflects his current importance.
Barcelona are reportedly stepping up their pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Ven as Hansi Flick looks to secure a top-level, left-footed center-back this summer.
According to a report from Spanish outlet SPORT, the Dutch international has emerged as a primary alternative to Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni, whose price tag and Inter’s reluctance to sell make a deal difficult.
Barcelona eyeing Van de Ven amid Tottenham crisis
(Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)
The sports management at Barcelona has been tracking Van de Ven for months, but interest has intensified due to the club’s current crisis.
With Spurs sitting in 16th place and winless in 2026, the 24-year-old is said to be looking to leave the club this summer.
The report suggests that Van de Ven is “highly questioned” by sections of the London team’s supporters, and with the club facing the genuine threat of relegation, an early departure is increasingly likely.
Crucially, Van de Ven has reportedly prioritised Barcelona over other potential suitors, including rivals Real Madrid.
The prospect of signing a ‘world-class‘ defender at a potentially reduced price will no doubt make him a highly sought-after player.
With Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation still unresolved, Van de Ven will be a prime candidate to bolster Arne Slot’s defensive options.
Losing Van de Ven would be a huge blow for Tottenham
For Tottenham, the potential exit of Van de Ven represents a nightmare scenario.
The club is already struggling with a defensive crisis, and losing their most athletic defender would be a devastating blow to their hopes of a rebuild, regardless of which division they find themselves in next season.
What makes this a nightmare situation is the uncertain future of club captain Cristian Romero.
The Argentine is currently serving the final match of a four-game suspension following a red card against Manchester United, and reports from his home country suggest he is also keen to leave this summer.
Former manager Thomas Frank admitted before his departure that he had “no idea” if Romero would stay, and with the captain reportedly frustrated by the club’s lack of investment, Spurs face the terrifying prospect of losing both of their starting center-backs in a single window.
Lionel Messi could end up suffering a major setback for the 2026 World Cup, in this case due to the lack of preparation of the Argentina national team.
Lionel Messi will enter the 2026 World Cup carrying the weight of defending champion for the first time in his career, tasked with leading Argentina in pursuit of back-to-back titles following the triumph in Qatar. But the legendary forward could be heading into the tournament facing a significant handicap, with the Albiceleste’s preparation schedule increasingly at risk of falling apart.
Under normal circumstances, national teams not involved in playoff fixtures would have up to four friendly matches across the March and May/June international windows before the competition kicks off. While several federations have already confirmed their schedules and venues, Argentina find themselves in a far more precarious position.
For the upcoming March window, the centerpiece was set to be the Finalissima against Lamine Yamal’s Spain, scheduled for March 27 at Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar. However, the escalating tensions in the country have thrown those plans into disarray, with the venue now very much up in the air, even as both the Argentine and Spanish federations push to preserve the original date.
Further complicating matters, Argentina had also been slated to take part in the Qatar Football Festival alongside Spain, Serbia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the host nation, with a friendly against Qatar penciled in for Tuesday, March 31. But the Qatar Football Association has since announced the postponement of all tournaments, competitions and matches “effective from today and until further notice,” effectively wiping the event off the calendar.
Draw assistant Tom Brady draws out the card of Argentina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw.
What about the next international window?
With the Qatar friendly all but off the table, Argentina are racing against the clock to find both a replacement opponent and a venue for an additional match. As things stand, the Finalissima against Spain, itself still subject to logistical uncertainty, could end up being the only game on Argentina’s March schedule.
Looking further ahead, the plan had been to arrange friendly matches between June 1 and 10 against Mexico and Honduras, in Las Vegas and Miami respectively, as final tune-ups before the World Cup. However, as reported by TyC Sports, both of those fixtures have also fallen through, meaning that, at this point, the Finalissima could be the only preparation game before Argentina’s World Cup group stage opener against Algeria on June 16.
Argentina already struggled to organize friendlies
Given their status as one of the world’s elite national teams and the pulling power of Lionel Messi, one might assume arranging friendlies would be a straightforward task for Argentina. In practice, the AFA has repeatedly struggled to put games together, and the most recent example is not far back.
During the November international window, Argentina were set to travel to Angola for a friendly tied to the celebration of the African nation’s 50th anniversary of independence. Reports from Sport News Africa later revealed that the Angolan Football Federation paid approximately €12 million (around $12.7 million USD) to host the match, with Messi’s participation listed as one of the conditions of the deal.
Lionel Messi and Giovani Lo Celso of Argentina during the game against Puerto Rico.
That ultimately proved to be the only friendly of that window, after L’Équipe reported that Morocco, a late candidate to host Argentina, turned down the possibility after the AFA reportedly requested around €10 million to make the trip. With Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Angola representing Argentina’s most recent friendly opposition, the concern is no longer just about the quality of preparation, it is about whether there will be enough games at all.
Arne Slot said Liverpool’s dismal defeat to Wolves “sums up their season”, hitting out at their profligacy in attack and their tendency to concede late goals. Liverpool arrived at Molineux chasing a fourth straight Premier League win, which would have taken them level with Manchester United and Aston Villa in the race for a top-four […]
Rob Edwards feels Wolves’ wins over Aston Villa and Liverpool can help to create some positive momentum at Molineux, even if their likely relegation from the Premier League is confirmed. Wolves may appear destined to suffer the drop this season, but they are not going down without a fight, stunning Villa and Liverpool at Molineux […]
Antoine Griezmann's move to the MLS with Orlando City has been put into question as head coach Diego Simeone is reportedly pushing him to stay at Atletico Madrid.
Antoine Griezmann has been one of the hottest topics in soccer over the past few weeks, with Orlando City making a strong push to bring the French star to Major League Soccer. However, his move to the Lions may be in jeopardy, with head coach Diego Simeone reportedly working to convince Griezmann to remain at Atlético Madrid.
Adding to the intrigue, Simeone raised eyebrows last week when he appeared noncommittal about Griezmann’s future, saying he “doesn’t know” what will happen and suggesting the veteran forward is “in a position where he deserves to be able to choose” given everything he has contributed to the club. But Atlético‘s Copa del Rey run may have changed the calculus entirely.
Griezmann himself has shown no shortage of commitment to the Atlético cause. Following the elimination of Barcelona, the Frenchman posted an Instagram photo of himself celebrating alongside fallen Barça players with the caption “Does this photo go hard?,” a pointed callback to a similar post from last year when the Blaugrana knocked out the Colchoneros.
Now with a Copa del Rey final on the horizon, Simeone was asked whether Griezmann would be part of it: “I certainly hope so. He deserves it more than anyone. What he gave on the pitch today, the way he ran, was incredible. The quality and talent he possesses is something he will carry with him for the rest of his life.
“What more can I add to what you already know I feel for him? I love him dearly, I always want the best for him, and I truly hope he gets to play in that final,” Simeone added in his post-match press conference, sounding notably more optimistic about keeping Griezmann away from Orlando than he had in recent days.
The 2025-26 Copa del Rey final is scheduled for April 18 in Seville, with Atlético set to face either Real Sociedad or Athletic Club, presenting Griezmann with the opportunity to cap his time at the club with a trophy. The only catch is that the final falls well after the MLS transfer window closes. To complicate matters further, SER reports that Orlando have warned the offer will not be renewed in the summer window, forcing Griezmann into a difficult choice: stay and play in the final, or make the move to North America now.
Andre’s deflected strike in the 94th minute clinched another shock result for the Premier League’s bottom club Wolves, as they stunned Liverpool 2-1 at Molineux. Wolves boss Rob Edwards wheeled away down the touchline in celebration after Friday’s derby win over Aston Villa, and there were similar scenes when Andre’s audacious effort took a massive […]
Due to Lionel Messi's absence in a game back in May 2024, the Vancouver Whitecaps and the MLS will have to pay a $347K settlement.
Lionel Messi has proven time and again to be a box office draw across Major League Soccer, breaking attendance records at stadiums throughout the continent whenever Inter Miami come to town. However, one of his absences, back in May 2024, has now led to the Vancouver Whitecaps and MLS agreeing to pay $347,000 in settlements following a class-action lawsuit.
The episode dates back nearly two years, when Inter Miami were set to travel to Vancouver to face the Whitecaps at BC Place for Matchday 15 of the 2024 MLS season. It would have been Messi’s second appearance at the venue, coming just one month after the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal first leg, in which the home side claimed a 2-0 victory.
It was also set to be Messi’s first appearance against the Whitecaps in regular-season MLS play since his arrival in mid-2023. But the anticipation quickly deflated when then-head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino decided to rest the Argentine for the match.
Why did the Whitecaps, MLS had to pay settlements?
In the buildup to the Vancouver visit, both the Whitecaps and MLS heavily promoted the May 25 fixture against Inter Miami, using Messi, Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets as the faces of the marketing campaign. On the strength of that billing, fans paid significantly inflated ticket prices, some reportedly as high as $335 per ticket, according to The Athletic.
Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets of Inter Miami warming up.
With not only Messi but also Suárez and Busquets left behind and not even making the trip, the Whitecaps found themselves in an uncomfortable position. In an attempt to appease frustrated supporters, the club offered all in-stadium food and beverages at 50 percent off, along with a free kids’ meal combo for anyone 18 and under.
The club also addressed the situation publicly. “While we haven’t received an official update on the availability of Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets for this weekend, we understand they will not make this trip. Unfortunately, we have no control over who plays for our opponent, and it was important for us to communicate to our fans as soon as possible,“ said Whitecaps FC CEO Axel Schuster on the club’s official website.
Fans who made the trip to BC Place left disappointed, and a class-action lawsuit was subsequently filed against the Vancouver Whitecaps and MLS. The complaint sought partial reimbursement of ticket prices, but both the club and the league denied any liability or wrongdoing, arguing that the promotion of the game did not constitute a guarantee of any player’s participation.
After a lengthy legal dispute, the British Columbia Supreme Court has approved a CAN$475,000 (approximately $347,000 USD) settlement to be paid by the Vancouver Whitecaps and Major League Soccer, though the funds will not go directly to the fans who attended the game. Instead, the settlement will be donated to three charitable sports organizations: KidSport BC, Canada SCORES and BGC South Coast BC.
When Cristiano Ronaldo and head coach Jorge Jesus look around the stands during a Saudi Pro League night, there is one issue that continues to surface behind the scenes at Al-Nassr.
When Cristiano Ronaldo and head coach Jorge Jesus look around the stands during a Saudi Pro League night, there is one issue that continues to surface behind the scenes at Al-Nassr. The club has enjoyed global attention, record-breaking goals, and sustained competitiveness since Ronaldo’s arrival in January 2023, yet a key Al-Nassr worry in the Saudi Pro League has now been revealed. While the team continues to chase silverware and maintain high standards under Jesus, questions have quietly emerged about one aspect of the club’s domestic presence.
When Ronaldo signed for Al-Nassr in early 2023, it was one of the most seismic transfers in modern soccer history. His move instantly reshaped perceptions of the Saudi Pro League, drawing unprecedented international attention to Saudi soccer.
The Portuguese forward’s arrival transformed the club into a global commercial force. Social media followings surged, international broadcast deals expanded, and sponsors began paying closer attention to the league. The Knight of Najd evolved from a strong regional side into a worldwide brand almost overnight.
On the pitch, the Portuguese superstar delivered emphatically. Despite entering the latter years of his career, he became one of the most prolific scorers in the club’s history. He surpassed 100 goals in all competitions and broke the Saudi Pro League single-season scoring record with 35 goals in 2023-24, securing the Golden Boot.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr FC.
He followed that with another Golden Boot campaign the next season, underlining his consistency and longevity as he edged closer to the historic 1,000-career-goal milestone. Moreover, beyond goals, his professionalism raised internal standards. Teammates frequently pointed to his work ethic and leadership as a benchmark. But amid tactical tweaks and transfer discussions, another concern has quietly grown.
The key worry revealed
Despite Ronaldo being arguably the most famous athlete on the planet alongside Lionel Messi, recurring images of half-filled stands during Al-Nassr matches have sparked internal concern. It is believed that Jorge Jesus and Ronaldo are reportedly troubled by the optics of empty seats during home fixtures.
Jesus has not hidden his frustration. According to the club’s former legal department manager, Saad Al-Subaie, the Portuguese manager emphasized that stronger backing from the stands is vital to sustaining momentum, especially during crucial league matches. The issue is not necessarily a lack of support in absolute numbers, but rather how it appears visually and atmospherically.
Al-Nassr FC Players group photo during the Saudi Pro League
Attendance data provides context. During the 2024-25 season, Al-Nassr averaged approximately 16,292 spectators per home match, among the strongest figures in the league. League-wide averages in 2025-26 hover around 8,113 spectators per match, suggesting Al-Nassr still performs comparatively well. Estimates place the club’s current average between 15,000 and 18,000 fans per home game.
General view of the Al Awwal Park stadium
Why are Saudi Pro League stadiums often empty?
Several structural factors contribute to stadiums appearing underfilled:
Large stadium capacities (25,000-60,000 seats) make 15,000 attendees look sparse on television.
Empty away sections are often visibly unoccupied.
Midweek 10:00 PM local time kick-offs deter working supporters.
Hot weather and traffic congestion, particularly in Riyadh, reduce matchday convenience.
Cultural habits favor watching games at home with family and friends.
Some stadium facilities and transportation access remain less than ideal.
Head coach Jorge Jesus (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo (R) of Al Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to learn the fate of one of his most important teammates as Al-Nassr moves closer to a major decision regarding Spanish defender Inigo Martinez.
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to learn the fate of one of his most important teammates as Al-Nassr moves closer to a major decision regarding Spanish defender Inigo Martinez. The centre-back, who remarkably has the same goal tally this season as Karim Benzema at Al-Hilal, has become a pivotal figure in Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr project. While Ronaldo remains the face of the club’s revolution, Martinez has quietly matched headlines with substance, contributing at both ends of the pitch in ways few defenders can.
At first glance, comparisons with Karim Benzema, now leading the line for Al-Hilal, might seem unusual. After all, the Frenchman is a striker, tasked with scoring goals. Martinez is a central defender, entrusted with preventing them. Yet both players have three league goals for their respective clubs in recent action, underlining how impactful the Spaniard has been during the ongoing campaign.
Since Ronaldo arrived in 2023, Al-Nassr’s identity has revolved around attacking firepower. Goals have rarely been an issue. Converting performances into trophies, however, has required greater balance, and Martinez has emerged as the solution to that long-standing concern.
When he joined from Barcelona, the move was not simply about adding experience. It was about installing a defensive backbone capable of withstanding high-pressure moments. The Spanish defender brought tactical discipline, positional intelligence, and aerial authority to a team that often commits numbers forward in support of Ronaldo.
Inigo Martinez of Al Nassr celebrates after scoring
His presence has allowed full-backs to push higher and midfielders to press aggressively, safe in the knowledge that there is composure anchoring the back line. In 23 league starts this season, Martinez has helped the club secure 11 clean sheets, an impressive return that highlights his structural importance.
Leadership without the spotlight
While Ronaldo drives standards vocally and emotionally, Martinez offers quieter authority. He organizes defensive lines, communicates constantly during transitions, and ensures set-piece discipline. This complementary dynamic has been crucial. Ronaldo demands excellence; Martinez enforces stability behind him. For a team chasing domestic and continental ambitions, that balance is essential.
His offensive contribution has added another layer. Scoring three league goals as a centre-back is no small feat. These goals, often from set pieces, have delivered vital points in tight matches. For a defender, such output represents a significant bonus, and it becomes even more striking when compared to a forward’s tally.
Al-Nassr’s reported decision on Martinez revealed
According to 365Scores Arabic, Al-Nassr is working to trigger a clause that would allow Martinez’s contract to be extended until 2027. The development comes after head coach Jorge Jesus was reportedly impressed by the defender’s consistent performances throughout the campaign.
“Al Nassr’s management are moving to activate the clause to extend the contract of Spanish defender Inigo Martinez until 2027,” the source reported, signaling that the club views him as a long-term pillar rather than a short-term fix.
Inigo Martinez and Cristiano Ronaldo in training
The potential extension would reinforce the idea that the Riyadh-based project is evolving beyond star dependency. While Ronaldo remains the marquee name, sustained success requires continuity in less glamorous positions. The Spaniard’s likely extension signals that Al-Nassr values balance as much as brilliance. If Ronaldo is the symbol of ambition, Martinez represents the infrastructure needed to convert that ambition into silverware.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Inigo Martinez (left) and Karim Benzema (right)
Paul Scholes picked Carlo Ancelotti as the perfect manager for Manchester United even if he's currently with Brazil.
Manchester United has been a different team this year with Michael Carrick on the bench. The firing of Rubén Amorim placed the former club player in the manager role with strong results. However, Paul Scholes believes Carlo Ancelotti would be perfect for the team.
On “The Good, The Bad & The Football” podcast, the club legend named his preferred candidate for the job. The Italian’s experience and the number of trophies he has won make him ideal for the position Carrick currently holds.
Scholes said: “The perfect one out there, I say perfect, Ancelotti is still out there. I know he is the coach of Brazil. He is the perfect one for Manchester United, you think he will make players feel a million dollars. And he has the experience of winning trophies.”
Scholes’ main doubt
The former midfielder was clear in his view, but Ancelotti is not currently available. He has committed to leading Brazil in their attempt to win another World Cup, and the project could continue beyond the tournament.
Scholes played his entire career for Manchester United (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
For Scholes, the main question is not Ancelotti’s contract but his age, which raises debate about whether he would be the right long term fit for such a demanding club.
Scholes said about Ancelotti joining Manchester United: “But the question is, is he too old now? That’s the only thing. Is there anyone else of that ilk, with more experience? They need presence as a leader.”
Scholes questions Carrick’s experience
Ancelotti’s résumé is what makes him attractive to top clubs, particularly his track record in major competitions. In that sense, Scholes compared him with current manager Carrick.
Scholes said about his former teammate, even with the club in a Champions League spot: “The question is, has Michael got the experience? Can we see Michael winning the Premier League? I don’t know yet.”
Stephen Warnock has pointed the finger at Curtis Jones for the defensive lapse that allowed Wolves to snatch a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Liverpool.
The 2-1 defeat at Molineux on Tuesday night has left the Reds’ Champions League ambitions hanging by a thread following a chaotic final ten minutes.
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Warnock says Curtis Jones is at fault for Wolves winner
(Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
While much of the immediate post-match discussion centered on the unfortunate deflection off Joe Gomez, former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock, who also slammed Liverpool’s first-half performance, identified a critical error from Curtis Jones in the buildup.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Warnock argued that the midfielder’s decision-making put the entire defence under unnecessary pressure just as the game looked destined for a draw.
“It was a mistake from Curtis Jones. He plays a ball into Alisson and Alisson’s never going to get any purchase on it. It puts the keeper in a terrible position.”
The botched clearance eventually fell to Wolves midfielder Andre, who had looked fatigued in the closing stages.
“Andre looked heavy in the last five or so minutes, but he takes a shot and it takes a wicked deflection to loop over Alisson”, Warnock added.
The ball struck Gomez, changing trajectory completely and leaving Alisson stranded as it sailed into the net in the 94th minute.
The loss leaves Liverpool in fifth place on 48 points, now trailing fourth-placed Aston Villa by three points with only nine games remaining in the season.
For Wolves, who started the day rooted to the bottom of the table, the victory is a second straight “Midlands Derby” success following their win over Villa on Friday.
While they remain in the relegation zone with 13 points, they have moved within striking distance of safety.
Liverpool, meanwhile, must regroup quickly as they prepare to face Wolves again this Friday at Molineux, this time in the FA Cup fifth round.
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Michael Carrick on his future
Meanwhile, the former Manchester United midfielder has revealed that he loves working at the club and he is not too worried about his future. He is focused on getting the best out of his team right now, and time will tell whether he will continue at the club beyond this season.
Carrick said: “There is no getting away from the situation. Of course, there’s not really an awful lot I can say about it, to be honest. I think I love being here. I love doing what I’m doing. I’ve said it from the start, I don’t, I’m not making any decisions for short-termor quick fixes. I think that it’s, it’s the responsibility, however long I’m here to make decisions the best for the football club.
“In the long term, so of course, listen, winning games helps, you know, and the boys are doing great with that. We’ll just have to see where it ends up. But there’s not really much I can give you on top of that.”
Michael Carrick applauds the Manchester United fans (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
The 44-year-old manager has certainly earned the trust of the club hierarchy with his exploits so far. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United is willing to give him the opportunity to manage the club in the long term.
If he can guide Manchester United to the Champions League for the upcoming campaign, there is no doubt that he would deserve an opportunity to prove himself in the long term
Former Aston Villa striker John Carew has revealed that Prince William played a key role in his transfer to the West Midlands club.
The striker joined the Premier League club in 2007 and was a major success story for them. He managed to score 48 goals and pick up 12 assists during his time with the English club.
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The striker has now confirmed that he met with Prince William during a dinner with the Royal family in Norway, and the Aston Villa fan convinced him to join the club. The signing worked out really well for the West Midlands outfit, and Carew was a key player for them.
John Carew on Aston Villa move
The striker spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport: “We met in Norway, during a dinner with the royal family. I remember we only talked about football, and shortly afterwards, he invited me to England to watch an Aston Villa match, his team. He convinced me to move there in 2007: for three consecutive seasons, I scored double figures in the Premier League. He admired me. In 2019, we watched the play-off final against Derby County together at Wembley, which secured our return to the Premier League.”
John Carew of Aston Villa looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Aston Villa at Anfield on December 6, 2010 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Carew managed to hit the ground running in the Premier League, and he will be remembered with fondness by the Aston Villa fans.
The Norwegian striker played for Stoke City and West Ham United after his departure from Aston Villa. He was a reliable performer in the Premier League, and Prince William will be delighted that he managed to make his mark for Villa.
The striker also made 91 appearances for his country, scoring 24 goals in the process.
Sunderland defender Omar Alderete has been linked with a move away from the club at the end of the season.
The 28-year-old has done quite well for the English club, and his performances have attracted the attention of top teams. According to VS Sports, his performance against Manchester City and Liverpool was particularly impressive, and he could join a bigger club in the summer.
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Can Sunderland keep Omar Alderete?
It remains to be seen whether Sunderland is prepared to sanction his departure. The 28-year-old is a key player for them, and they will not want to lose him easily. They will want to establish themselves as Premier League regulars, and they need to keep their best players at the club.
The defender could be attracted to the idea of joining a bigger club if there is a concrete proposal on the table. He is at the peak of his career, and this could be his final opportunity to join an elite club. The report does not mention which clubs are keen on the Paraguay defender it does claim that a move could materialise after the World Cup. It remains to be seen how the situation develops. Sunderland will be hoping to keep them at the club for as long as possible.
Omar Alderete of Sunderland looks on during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Crystal Palace at Stadium of Light on January 17, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
They are currently fighting for their place in the top half. They have done quite well since promotion, but they have struggled in recent weeks. It will be interesting to see if they can bounce back strongly and finish the season on a high note.
Alderete has been a key player for them, and they will need players like him if they want to do well in the top flight.
Artificial Intelligence has made its prediction regarding the top favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In exactly 100 days, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will officially begin in North America. On June 11 at the Azteca Stadium, Mexico will face South Africa to kick off Group A, setting in motion the most important sporting event on the planet. With that milestone in mind, World Soccer Talk consulted an Artificial Intelligence to get a prediction on the matter.
For this analysis, Gemini took various factors into account when determining a probability ranking. Each team’s style of play, as well as their ability to handle the extreme temperatures of the North American summer, were key elements considered. At the same time, squad depth, logistical fatigue, and the knockout win percentage of the managers were significant factors in the study.
Based on all of this, the AI determined that the five national teams with the best chances to compete for the World Cup title this year are Spain, England, France, Argentina, and Brazil, in that specific order. Below is the detailed explanation of this ranking.
Why is Spain the top candidate to win the World Cup according to AI?
Gemini considers Spain the primary favorite to claim the title this summer, with an 18% chance. “Currently ranked #1 in the FIFA World Ranking, La Roja is the metric-driven favorite. Under Luis de la Fuente, they’ve perfected a ‘Vertical Tiki-Taka’ that pairs control with a lethal wing presence in Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams,” the study says.
Spain coach Luis De La Fuente.
Additionally, it includes an analysis regarding the opponents the reigning European champions will initially face on their path to the knockout stages. “Their path through Group H (with Uruguay and Saudi Arabia) looks manageable, allowing them to rotate early,” the AI predicts.
England and France also have chances to compete for the title
The second and third places in the probability ranking for winning the World Cup also belong to European teams. According to Gemini, Englandhas a 15% probability: “The ‘Tuchel Effect’ is real. Thomas Tuchel brings a pragmatic, tournament-winning DNA that England lacked in previous years. With Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden in their absolute primes, the Three Lions have the highest ‘Squad Market Value’ in North America.”
Just behind them is France, with a 12% probability. “You can never count out Kylian Mbappe. While their defense has seen some rotation, the sheer depth of talent in the French pipeline—Camavinga, Tchouameni, and Saliba—ensures they can handle the physical toll of an eight-game tournament,” Gemini asserts.
The South American giants follow further back
Despite being the reigning continental, intercontinental, and world champions, Argentina only has an 11% chance of repeating as champions this summer, according to the AI. However, they are still in a position to put up a fight.
“The defending champions are no longer just ‘Messi plus ten.’ They boast an elite defensive spine with Emi Martinez and Cuti Romero. Even at 39, Lionel Messi’s ability to manage games remains a statistical anomaly, and their Group J draw (Algeria, Austria, Jordan) is arguably the kindest of the top seeds,” Gemini notes.
Finally, Brazil appears as the fifth-highest favorite, also with an 11% chance: “Despite the tragic injury to Rodrygo, Brazil remains a statistical juggernaut. With Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical flexibility and the rise of Vinicius Junior as a global talisman, the Selecao are primed for a deep run if they can navigate a tricky Group C featuring a high-flying Morocco.”
The final will be Spain vs. France according to the AI
After navigating a long road, Spain and France will be the protagonists of the World Cup final, according to Gemini. “The bracket dynamics suggest a collision course between the two most balanced European powers. While England and Argentina have the star power, Spain and France have the highest ‘Efficiency Rating’ when it comes to controlling the transition phases—crucial in the summer heat of North American stadiums,” the AI claims.
“Spain’s ability to ‘rest with the ball’ will be the deciding factor,” the prediction adds regarding who will take the title. “With Rodri directing traffic and Lamine Yamal providing the creative spark, Spain has the highest probability of maintaining consistency over the grueling eight-match stretch required to lift the trophy.”
FIFA World Cup Trophy is displayed during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw.
Pep Guardiola complained about the schedule before Manchester City's Champions League match against Real Madrid.
A heated Champions League rivalry should have another chapter soon when Manchester City meet Real Madrid in the round of 16. However, there is already controversy over what Pep Guardiola considers unfair treatment of his team.
Manchester City suffered the worst outcome in the draw by being paired with Real Madrid while Bodo/Glimt was the other option. The schedule will be tight for both clubs, but the Football Association was not kind with the FA Cup programming, which the Spanish manager loudly complained about.
Guardiola said without prompting: “We have Nottingham Forest. After that, three days for the FA Cup in Newcastle at 8 PM. Thanks so much for that time to go battle Real Madrid with less recovery. It’s different if you return to Manchester at 7 or 8 PM than at 1 or 2 AM. Also for Newcastle. It’s not the same one time than the other.”
Manchester City’s calendar
The calendar gets tight for every top club at this time of year. In this case Guardiola appears to have a point, because most other teams play their FA Cup matches at 3 PM local time while City must travel to play at a much later hour.
Manchester City are chasing Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in the Premier League (Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Manchester City’s next challenge is a Premier League match with Nottingham Forest this Wednesday, followed by a trip to Newcastle for the FA Cup on Saturday, and then the Champions League first leg against Real Madrid in Spain the following Wednesday.
Guardiola added: “I know every team plays at 3 PM, but we play at 8 PM. Those details make the difference. Just like a corner kick, a free kick or a throw-in. We are going to have less recovery and then go to Madrid.”
The fixture before the rematch
Manchester City’s attempt to overtake Arsenal in the Premier League continues with a favorable home match against West Ham after the first leg of the round of 16. That match was moved back a few hours to give them extra rest, which means the second leg will arrive sooner. The club will try to secure a place in the quarterfinals on the following Tuesday.
Guardiola complained about Manchester City's schedule
Regardless of Arsenal's impressive surge, Manchester City remain quite competitive, chasing the Premier League lead and remaining active in the Champions League. However, Pep Guardiola may face a major setback, as Rodri Hernandez reportedly attracts the attention of a LaLiga side.
Manchester City have managed to remain in top form as one of the best teams in England. While Arsenal currently hold the Premier League lead, the Citizens are closely chasing them and remain active in the Champions League. Nonetheless, Pep Guardiola could face a significant setback as Rodri Hernández is reportedly attracting the attention of a LaLiga side ahead of the 2026–27 season.
Despite Rodri Hernández’s recent physical problems, Manchester City are looking to extend his contract, as his current deal runs until 2027 and he remains a priority for Guardiola, beIN Sports reports. However, Real Madrid are moving closer to the Spaniard, seeking to make him their marquee signing for the 2026–27 season, reports Fabrizio Romano. In light of this, he would take his family environment into account when making a decision.
After being crowned the winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or, he has accumulated five serious injuries that have prevented him from reaching his best physical condition. Coach Guardiola even acknowledged that the Citizens made mistakes in the Spaniard’s recovery process, which ended up worsening his condition. Far from being a season of consolidation, Rodri has already missed 17 matches with the team, but he has been regaining consistency in the latest games.
Unlike in previous seasons, the Citizens have secured a replacement, signing Nico González for €60 million from FC Porto. With this acquisition, they may not oppose his departure if Rodri requests to leave the team. However, Real Madrid might need to pay a transfer fee, which is uncommon for the club when dealing with a player nearing 30 years old, making his potential arrival quite complex.
Rodri of Manchester City applauds the fans after a Premier League match.
Real Madrid reportedly seek a specific profile for the midfield
Throughout the 2025–26 season, Real Madrid have faced serious problems finding solidity in the midfield. Although they have players with differential talent, such as Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, and Aurélien Tchouaméni, none of them has managed to balance the team, creating the need to seek new reinforcement. Rodri may represent a great market opportunity, but Los Blancos could be prioritizing a different profile.
With Toni Kroos and Luka Modric gone, Los Blancos are now without a player capable of organizing the midfield. Although expectations were high that Bellingham would take on this role, he has failed to shine. For that reason, they are reportedly looking to exercise the buy-back clause for Nico Paz for €9 million, while there is also talk of a possible arrival of Kees Smith, who is shining at AZ Alkmaar. Having these priorities, Rodri’s potential arrival takes a back seat.
Pep Guardiola, Head Coach of Manchester City, gives Rodri #16 instructions.
Concern is beginning to ripple through the American soccer community as Christian Pulisic navigates one of the most delicate stretches of his recent career.
Concern is beginning to ripple through the American soccer community as Christian Pulisic navigates one of the most delicate stretches of his recent career. With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching on home soil, the form of the talisman representing Milan has sparked debate. For both club and country, expectations around the winger remain enormous, yet recent weeks have introduced uncertainty at precisely the wrong time.
Pulisic’s numbers tell the story. He has not scored in three months and has gone 11 Serie A matches without a goal or assist. For a player once described as the face of his nation’s “golden generation,” such a drought inevitably raises questions.
Against Cremonese, head coach Massimiliano Allegri once again placed his trust in the American. Once again, the breakthrough did not arrive. Pulisic was substituted in the 78th minute, visibly frustrated after missing a one-on-one opportunity with the goalkeeper. Milan eventually secured a 2-0 victory, but its prolific winger left the pitch without altering his barren streak.
The contrast within the squad has been stark. Rafael Leao has flourished, registering four goals and one assist in the opening months of the year while building chemistry with Christopher Nkunku in attack. In Allegri’s original vision, Leao and Pulisic were meant to form the decisive offensive duo. Injuries and inconsistency have prevented that partnership from fully igniting.
Rafael Leao of AC Milan (L) celebrates after scoring his goal with Christian Pulisic of AC Milan (R)
Still, Allegri has refused to waver publicly in his support. “He played well. He’s getting back into form,” the coach insisted when asked about Pulisic’s struggles. On another occasion, he added confidently, “He’s grown physically and mentally. I’m sure he will score again.”
Injury setbacks and silent sacrifice
The drought has not unfolded in isolation. Pulisic has battled fever and an ongoing iliopsoas bursitis issue, which limited his rhythm during key stretches of the campaign. Yet the American captain has avoided excuses.
Across the Atlantic, concern has not escalated into panic. Former U.S. internationals Tim Howard and Landon Donovan have offered perspective. Howard provided a balanced assessment: “He’s an elite player, but he’s not Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. They’re the only ones who score 50 goals every year for a decade and a half. Everyone else, even the best, goes through slumps.”
Donovan echoed that view, stating, “That tells you how good Pulisic is. You’re so used to seeing him on the scoresheet that when he stops, it becomes noticeable.” He reinforced the belief that Pulisic remains the standout figure within the U.S. squad.
Christian Pulisic of the USMNT
Pulisic’s main focus revealed
Amid swirling discussion about World Cup readiness, a revealing detail has emerged from La Gazzetta dello Sport. According to the Italian outlet, Pulisic is not thinking about the World Cup at all right now, as he is fully focused on Milan.
Despite captaining the United States ahead of a tournament set to captivate North America, his priority remains immediate: restoring form in red and black. Reports further indicate that contract rumors have no bearing on his dip. His current deal runs until 2027 with an option for extension, and dialogue between player and club remains positive. Qualification for the Champions League is seen internally as the next milestone, with confidence that long-term
For now, the 27-year-old is battling through a rare slump, supported by his coach and respected by his locker room. The World Cup spotlight may loom in the distance, but his eyes are fixed firmly on the Rossoneri’s immediate objectives.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan in action during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Parma Calcio 1913
Mohamed Salah finally found the back of the net to end his longest-ever goal drought, but his strike was not enough to save Liverpool from a crushing 2-1 defeat at the hands of Wolves.
In a dramatic late flurry at Molineux, the bottom-of-the-table hosts secured a massive three points that could ignite their fight for Premier League survival.
(Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 3, 2026
Salah ends longest-ever Premier League goal drought
The goal marked a massive personal milestone for Salah, as it brought an end to the most barren run of his illustrious Liverpool career.
Before tonight, Salah had failed to score in nine consecutive Premier League appearances, the longest drought since he joined the club in 2017.
His last league goal had come nearly four months ago in a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa in November 2025.
Despite his overall contribution of 16 goal involvements across all competitions this season, his lack of domestic goals had become a major talking point.
Liverpool fans will hope this clinical finish signals a return to form for their talisman.
Wolves score stoppage-time winner
The drama was far from over, however. In the 94th minute, Wolves midfielder Andre tried his luck from distance, and his shot took a wicked deflection off Joe Gomez, wrong-footing Alisson and trickling into the net to spark wild celebrations in the South Bank.
Liverpool have been shell shocked by Wolves who have scored against the run of play.
Rodrigo Gomes is the man who has put Wolves ahead with a brilliant lobbed finish over Alisson Becker.
But Virgil van Dijk will not be happy with his defending leading to the goal.
The ball is hoofed towards Tolu Arokodare who is marked by the big Dutchman. But Arokodare rather easily nudged Van Dijk away before sending Gomes through on goal, with Konate chasing him.
The Portuguese did really well to beat Konate with speed before finish with his right foot with a delicate finish.
Liverpool’s first-half performance against Wolves has been brutally slammed by former Reds defender Stephen Warnock, who described the display as “slow and boring” during a scathing live assessment.
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Warnock slams ‘slow and boring’ Liverpool
(Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live at Molineux, Warnock did not hold back as the two sides headed into the interval with the scoreline deadlocked at 0-0.
While he was quick to praise the tactical setup of Rob Edwards’ Wolves side, his criticism for Arne Slot’s men was relentless.
“I just hope the half-time pies are good because that has been difficult to watch,” Warnock said.
“That has been really good from a Wolves point of view, the organization and how to make Liverpool’s lives difficult.
“But from a Liverpool point of view, so slow, so boring to watch, and that has been a tough watch. Hopefully, it will be a big improvement in the second half.”
Zero big chances created by Liverpool in a poor first half
The statistics from the opening 45 minutes paint a grim picture for the title contenders.
Despite dominating 68% of the possession, Liverpool struggled to penetrate a disciplined Wolves backline.
The Reds went into the break having created zero big chances, managing just two speculative shots on target. Perhaps most damning was the expected goals (xG) of just 0.21.
While Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo were largely anonymous, the lack of service from a midfield missing the creative spark of the injured Florian Wirtz was evident.
Wolves, currently sitting bottom of the table have dominated possession.
It has been a disappointing season for Tottenham Hotspur so far, and they could look to change managers in the summer.
Thomas Frank was shown the door recently, and Igor Tudor has been appointed as the interim manager until the end of the season. According to Football Insider, Tottenham are looking for permanent solutions, and Niko Kovac is a target.
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Niko Kovac could be a useful option
The 54-year-old has done well for Borussia Dortmund, and he could be an interesting acquisition for Tottenham. The German club has no intention of letting him leave in the summer. It will be interesting to see if Tottenham decides to make a move for him.
He has managed big clubs, and he could prove to be an interesting acquisition for the north London club. The opportunity to manage in the Premier League could be tempting for him. Tottenham have quality players are there disposal and they have the resources to improve the team further. It remains to be seen whether the German manager is prepared to take on a new challenge at this stage of his career.
Head coach Niko Kovac of Borussia Dortmund (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
Tottenham will need to bring in a quality manager in the summer. They need someone who can get the best out of their team and help them fight for trophies. They are one of the biggest clubs in the country, but they are currently fighting for survival in the Premier League.
The fans will certainly hope that they can bring in a quality manager who will help things around. For now, they will hope that Tudor can steady the ship and help them secure safety in the Premier League.
Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
The 28-year-old has been excellent for them, and he has been chosen as the captain of the club. According to Football Insider, Tottenham are looking for a replacement for Guglielmo Vicario. The Italian has been quite poor since joining the club, and he needs to be replaced.
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Tottenham could use Dean Henderson
Tottenham will be hoping to bounce back strongly after a disappointing season, and they will look to fight for trophies. They need to plug the major gaps in their squad, and signing a reliable goalkeeper should be a priority. Henderson would be an excellent acquisition for them, but Crystal Palace are unwilling to sanction his departure.
It does not seem like the player is prepared to push for an exit either. It will be interesting to see if Tottenham can convince Crystal Palace with an attractive offer in the summer. The opportunity to play for the north London club could be exciting for Henderson. It would be a step up for him, and he would get to fight for trophies with Tottenham.
Even though they have struggled this season, they have quality players at their disposal, and they could bounce back strongly next season with a quality manager. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.
Dean Henderson of Crystal Palace (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Henderson is at the peak of his powers, and he has proven himself in the Premier League since the departure from Manchester United. There is no doubt that he could prove to be an improvement on the Italian.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace have lost multiple key players in recent windows, and they will not want to lose the 28-year-old as well. Tottenham might have to make a lucrative proposal to convince them.
The fixture, which was set to take place at Zabeel Stadium, had drawn major attention not only because of the stakes involved but also due to Ronaldo’s recent fitness concerns. However, the game will not go ahead as scheduled.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr has seen its highly anticipated AFC Champions League Two quarter-final clash in Dubai against Al-Wasl suddenly postponed. The fixture, which was set to take place at Zabeel Stadium, had drawn major attention not only because of the stakes involved but also due to Ronaldo’s recent fitness concerns. However, the game will not go ahead as scheduled.
The match was originally slated for Wednesday, March 4, as part of the AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 quarter-finals, with the Saudi club traveling to face the UAE side in the first leg of what promised to be a fiercely contested tie. Yet in a surprising development, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed that the game had been called off, leaving fans and both clubs awaiting further clarification.
The underlying reason revealed
The postponement stems from escalating tensions and ongoing military conflict in the Middle East, which have significantly affected regional security. Recent military developments involving the United States and Iran, along with retaliatory strikes in the region, have created uncertainty surrounding travel, safety, and logistics for international sporting events. As a result, the AFC opted to prioritize safety by suspending fixtures involving West Region clubs until further notice. No new date has yet been confirmed for the Al-Nassr versus Al-Wasl encounter.
The governing body, the Asian Football Confederation, issued an official statement addressing the situation. The postponement affects not only this quarter-final but also other key fixtures across the West Region of its competitions. “In light of the developing situation in the Middle East, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed that the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 Round of 16 first-leg matches in the West Region, originally scheduled for March 2–3, 2026, will now be rescheduled,” it said in a statement.
🚨 It’s official: The Asian Football Confederation has postponed the second-leg matches of AFC Champions League until further notice pic.twitter.com/Ui8nQadcd5
The statement continued: “Additionally, the AFC Champions League Two and AFC Challenge League quarter-final first-leg matches involving teams in the West Region, originally scheduled to be played between March 3 and 4, 2026, are also postponed until further notice.”
What it means for Al-Nassr and Ronaldo’s fitness
The postponement may inadvertently benefit Al-Nassr, particularly concerning Ronaldo’s physical condition. The Portuguese forward recently featured in the club’s 3-1 Saudi Pro League victory over Al-Fayha, though the performance was not without concern. Ronaldo missed a penalty during the match and was later substituted in the 81st minute after signaling discomfort to the bench. He was subsequently seen with an ice pack on the back of his knee, raising fears about his fitness.
On Tuesday, Al-Nassr issued a formal statement confirming the diagnosis. “Cristiano Ronaldo has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury after the last game against Al-Fayha. He started a rehabilitation program and will be under evaluation day by day.” With the quarter-final now postponed, the 41-year-old superstar may gain valuable additional recovery time, easing pressure on both club and country ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures.
The first leg had been scheduled for March 4 in Dubai, with the return fixture planned for March 11 at Al Awal Park in Saudi Arabia. However, the revised dates will be determined in coordination with relevant authorities once the security situation stabilizes. Additionally, Al-Wasl has announced that ticket holders will receive full refunds until a new date is confirmed, ensuring supporters are not financially disadvantaged by the late change.
Rodrygo will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Brazil, and his teammates Neymar and Vinicius sent messages of encouragement to him.
This Tuesday, Real Madrid confirmed that Rodrygo Goes suffered a serious knee injury that will sideline him for the remainder of the season. This also means the Brazilian forward will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup, prompting his teammates Neymar and Vinicius Junior to send messages of support.
“Today is one of the saddest days for me. When I heard about the injury, a movie played in my head. All the suffering, all the anguish, and the fear of living through this injury again,”Neymar began writing in a post on his official Instagram account.
“My number 10, my boy, my heir (as I call you), I only ask you one thing… ‘take care of your head.’ Now is the time to gather everyone you love around you,” the Santos star’s message continues. “And like you said, you didn’t deserve to go through this right now… but who are we to doubt God’s plans?”
“Little brother… STAY STRONG. I’m sure you’ll come back flying. I love you. Just as you supported me, I will be here for you!!” were Neymar’s final words. The bond between the two players stems from their time together on the Brazil national team: they played 9 matches together between 2020 and 2023, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup. It also comes from a shared origin, as both began their careers at Santos before making the jump to Europe.
Furthermore, Neymar’s empathy regarding this unfortunate situation is undoubtedly motivated by his own personal experience. Throughout much of his career, and especially in recent years, he has endured several serious injuries and knows well what it means to deal with problems of this type. In fact, the injury that marked a turning point in his career—and from which he is still trying to recover—was the same one Rodrygo suffered now: a torn knee ligament in October 2023.
Vinicius’s message to Rodrygo
In the same way as Neymar, Vinicius Junior took to social media to send a message of support to Rodrygo. Via a story on his official Instagram account, the winger shared a photo of himself alongside Rodrygo, both playing for Real Madrid.
“My brother. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Stay strong and close to those you love. God bless you. We’re waiting for you,” were the words Vini chose for his teammate on the Spanish side and the Brazil national team.
What did Rodrygo say after his injury was confirmed?
Amidst the shock and pain that news of this nature brings, Rodrygo Goes took to social media to reflect on the impact of this injury and the grueling recovery period that lies ahead for him.
“One of the worst days of my life. How I have always feared this injury… perhaps life has been a little cruel to me lately,” the Real Madrid player wrote on Instagram. “I don’t know if I deserve this, but what do I have to complain about? So many wonderful things have already happened to me, things I didn’t even deserve.”
“I’m out for the rest of the season with my club and will miss the World Cup with my country — a dream everyone knows means so much to me,” Rodrygo lamented. “All I can do now is be strong, as always; this is nothing new… Thank you to everyone for the prayers, messages, and support! You mean so much to me.”
Following the announced departure of Carlos Casemiro, Manchester United are aiming to find a world-class replacement. Looking to help the team in their search, the Brazilian has reportedly recommended a Premier League star as his successor.
After several seasons of heavily criticized performances, Carlos Casemiro has managed to establish himself as one of Manchester United’s best players. Despite this, the Brazilian surprised many by announcing that he will not renew his contract with the team. In light of this, the English side remain attentive to his replacement in midfield. Although the veteran will leave the club, he has reportedly recommended a Premier League star as his successor.
According to Diario AS, Casemiro has strongly recommended Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimarães as his replacement following his departure at the end of the season. In response, the Red Devils have him among their priorities, as they believe he would adapt perfectly to the team’s ideology. Despite his departure being quite difficult, the Brazilian has paused his renewal, leaving his future open.
Far from being a simple negotiation, Manchester United might have to pay a record-breaking fee to Newcastle United. With being recently Alexander Isak sold to Liverpool for €150 million, Bruno Guimarães’ price could potentially be even higher. Nonetheless, the Brazilian has already proven himself as one of the Premier League’s best players, making his immediate impact on the team as the ideal choice.
Not only the Red Devils target Bruno Guimarães, but they also chase Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson as prime alternatives to bolster their midfield. However, acquiring any of these talents could easily surpass the €100 million mark, making their arrival a complex undertaking. As Manchester United closely monitors these three midfielders, they remain hopeful of securing their star acquisition soon, chasing consistency for the next season.
Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United runs with the ball during the Premier League match.
Manchester United reportedly push to offload two midfielders
With the impact of Michael Carrick, Manchester United have established themselves among the most consistent teams in England. Aiming to improve the team’s performance, they are looking to make clear departures within the squad. Not only will Casemiro leave, but they also plan for two midfielders who failed to stand out significantly to depart. With this, the Red Devils open the door to the arrival of a world-class talent.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils are seeking a departure for Manuel Ugarte. Despite having arrived for €50 million in 2024, the Uruguayan has not managed to break into the rotation, and he is attracting interest from Serie A clubs. Alongside him, Mason Mount could also leave the team, as they are open to listening to offers, with Aston Villa reportedly quite interested, Ekrem Konur reports.
In case Manchester United manage to sell Ugarte and Mount, they could free up roster space for at least two midfielders. With this, they could pursue Elliot Anderson and Bruno Guimarães or Sandro Tonali, looking for depth in the team as they would remain with just Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo. Rather than a problem, the Red Devils hold a great chance to rebuild their midfield.
Casemiro of Manchester United during the Premier League match.
A French World Cup winner backed Real Madrid's Vinicius after his Champions League controversy.
The move to the Champions League quarterfinals wasn’t easy for Real Madrid. Benfica was an important rival in a match that became more dramatic because of Vinicius’ controversy, in which he claimed he was discriminated against by Gianluca Prestianni. Marcel Desailly, a World Cup winner with France, backed the winger.
In the context of the Laureus Awards nominations, which honor individuals and teams in sport, Desailly described what makes Vinicius a victim and called for change.
Desailly said: “I’m happy to see Vinicius play. He can celebrate, he did it the last time he scored. There’s no problem with that part. The problem is the perception of him, we must end this and accept things must change. It’s unacceptable when this happens inside stadiums.”
Desailly on Real Madrid’s problems
It’s not been a normal season for Real Madrid since the start. The hiring of Xabi Alonso raised expectations in the capital that the team has not met. A brief surge under Álvaro Arbeloa has turned into another crisis.
Desailly backed the Brazilian player in the controversy (Angel Martinez/Getty Images for Laureus)
The loss at the Santiago Bernabéu to a modest Getafe angered the fans amid a run of disappointing performances, which the former French international described as more about mentality.
Desailly said: “They are not calm, but they have individuals who can raise the level to help the team collectively reach what is expected of the famous Real Madrid. Meanwhile, they need calm.”
Desailly on the level of the World Cup
Desailly was a key part of the France team that won the World Cup in 1998. Although he saw red in the final against Brazil, he was an indispensable player in defense. His experience provided useful context to assess the tournament’s level.
The Frenchman said: “As to the matches, we’ll see how much the players give of themselves. But generally, the World Cup delivers great games. In Qatar the level was exceptional. This summer there could be even better matches than then.”
An award that Lionel Messi won — but Cristiano Ronaldo never did — could go to Ousmane Dembele this year.
Ousmane Dembele has claimed the two biggest individual prizes in soccer over the past year: the Ballon d’Or and The Best FIFA Men’s Player award. Now, the French winger could add another prestigious trophy that Lionel Messi has lifted in the past — and that eluded Cristiano Ronaldo throughout his career.
The nominees for the 2026 Laureus Awards were announced on Tuesday, with the ceremony set to take place April 20 in Madrid. The awards, created in 2000 by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, recognize the world’s top athletes across all sports.
Dembeleis the only soccer player nominated for the main Sportsman of the Year award. Joining him on the shortlist are Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, Swedish pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis, Spanish MotoGP rider Marc Marquez, Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar, and Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner.
It marks the first nomination for the French winger, who built a strong case during the 2024-25 season to be considered among the very best athletes in the world. He led Paris Saint-Germain on a historic run that included the UEFA Champions League title — the first in club history and only the second ever won by a French club.
🗞️ Here are the Nominees for the Laureus World Sports Awards 2026.
🏆 Who do you think the Laureus World Sports Academy should select as the Winners?
In addition to Ousmane Dembele’s nomination in the main category, soccer is represented in several other categories at the 2026 Laureus Awards. Aitana Bonmati, star of Spain and Barcelona, is a finalist for Sportswoman of the Year.
PSG standout Desire Doue is nominated for Breakthrough of the Year. Leah Williamson of Arsenal is a finalist for Comeback of the Year, while Paris Saint-Germain and the England women’s national team are both nominated for Team of the Year.
Messi won twice, Ronaldo never did
To understand the significance of the Laureus Award, consider this revealing statistic: since its creation in 2000, the main Sportsman of the Year honor has been awarded to a soccer player only twice. On both occasions, the recipient was Lionel Messi.
The Argentine forward shared the award with Lewis Hamilton in 2020 while playing for Barcelona, and won it again in 2023 following his triumph with Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He had also been a finalist six other times.
Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, has never won a Laureus Award. He was nominated five times — first in 2009 after winning his first Ballon d’Or the previous year, and most recently in 2018 after capturing his final UEFA Champions League title with Real Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Ousmane Dembele and Lionel Messi.
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has caught the attention of fans and teammates alike after debuting a bold new look ahead of the match against Wolves.
The Hungarian international was spotted sporting a fresh hairstyle as the Reds arrived for their Premier League clash.
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Dominik Szoboszlai’s new Hugo Ekitike inspired hairstyle
The 25-year-old appears to have taken a leaf out of the book of teammate Hugo Ekitike.
Moving away from his usual long hair style, Szoboszlai has opted for a cornrows, similar to what his French teammate often pulls off.
(Photo by Steven Halliwell/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Images of the transformation quickly went viral after being shared by official club channels and TNT Sports.
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 3, 2026
While the ‘new hair, new me’ mantra is often a cliche in football, Szoboszlai enters the Wolves fixture with the confidence of a player currently at the absolute peak of his powers.
Szoboszlai has been Liverpool’s best player this season
While his off-pitch style is making headlines, it is Szoboszlai’s on-pitch dominance that has defined Liverpool’s 2025/26 campaign.
The midfielder has been the club’s standout performer, serving as the relentless engine in Arne Slot’s high-pressing system.
He has also become the club’s expert set-piece taker, having scored four free-kicks so far across all competitions.
The statistics certainly support the “Player of the Season” claims.
Szoboszlai has been a model of consistency, contributing 8 goals and 12 assists in all competitions so far this term.
His physical output remains unmatched; he currently leads the Premier League for distance covered per 90 minutes and ranks in the top 1% for progressive passes and shot-creating actions among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues.
As Liverpool look to secure a vital three points at Molineux to keep their title charge on track, Slot will be hoping that his midfield talisman’s new look coincides with another masterclass in the center of the park.
The week before last, Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior complained about receiving racial abuse from Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni during their Champions League clash. Getting to the bottom of things when this particular incident is concerned will be difficult, due to Prestianni covering his mouth while speaking to Vinicius. However, according to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, […]
Ruben Dias does not believe Manchester City can draw inspiration from previous instances where they pipped Arsenal to the title, saying each Premier League season is different. City trail the Gunners by five points at the top of the table ahead of Wednesday’s meeting with Nottingham Forest, while holding a game in hand on the […]
With the Premier League action rolling onto Wednesday night, we have a stacked midweek schedule from across England’s elite. As both Arsenal and Manchester City look to extend on their respective title charges, Manchester United will also travel to St. James’ Park for a heavyweight battle. For those of you looking to put on a […]
Mikel Arteta has called for calm among both Arsenal players and fans during the Premier League run-in. The Gunners face Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday, the first of nine remaining league games in 2025-26 as they battle Manchester City for the title. Arsenal maintained their five-point lead over City, who have a game […]
Having extended his contract with Brighton for another year, veteran striker Danny Welbeck is set to face his former club when Arsenal visit the Amex Stadium on Wednesday. Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler is obviously happy that the 35-year-old chose to continue at the club beyond this season. “Every coach would be happy to have a […]
Verdict: Away win Best odds: 13/20 Bookmaker: BetUS Brighton and Hove Albion and title‑chasing Arsenal both look to extend their winning streaks to three matches when they face off at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday evening. The Seagulls edged Nottingham Forest 2–1 on Sunday, while the Gunners matched that scoreline against Chelsea to keep their […]
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler believes rule changes are required to stop Arsenal’s time-wasting tactics from set-pieces. Arsenal’s reliance on set-pieces has become a hot topic again in recent days, after they ground out a 2-1 victory over Chelsea in which all three goals came from corners. The Gunners’ 16 goals from corners this season are […]
Harry Kane has recently been linked with Barcelona, as the Catalans seek to identify a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski. Having already succeeded the Polish veteran at Bayern Munich, Kane recently played such notions down, saying he was very happy at the Allianz Arena. Nonetheless, Bayern are very keen to end all speculation on that […]
Despite Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Marc Bernal shining in the 3-0 win, Barcelona fall short to complete the comeback in the Copa del Rey semifinals against Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona hosted Atlético Madrid in the second leg of the 2025-26 Copa del Rey semifinals on Tuesday at the Camp Nou. Despite starring performances from Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Marc Bernal, the Blaugrana fell agonizingly short of completing the comeback, winning 3-0 on the night but bowing out of the competition.
Atlético arrived as clear favorites to advance after their emphatic 4-0 victory in the first leg. Still, Barcelona took the game to them from the opening whistle, with an electric Lamine Yamal causing havoc on both flanks and the home side pressing relentlessly in search of an early goal.
The breakthrough came in the 29th minute, when Yamal burst past Ademola Lookman on the right and delivered a pinpoint cross to the six-yard box for Marc Bernal to finish. Then, deep into first-half stoppage time, Pedri was brought down inside the area by Marc Pubill, and Raphinha stepped up to convert the resulting penalty and give Barcelona renewed hope at the break.
Atlético offered little going forward, and a composed Joan García ensured his goal remained intact whenever the visitors did threaten. Bernal then reignited the Camp Nou in the 72nd minute, converting from a João Cancelo cross to make it 3-0 on the night and bring the Remontada within touching distance.
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona is shown a yellow card by referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea.
Despite every effort, including coach Hansi Flick’s bold decision to deploy defender Ronald Araújo as an emergency striker, Barcelona could not find the fourth goal they needed, running into an Atlético side that defended resolutely and with numbers. With a 4-3 aggregate scoreline, the Colchoneros march on to the Copa del Rey final, where they will face either Real Sociedad or Athletic Club.
Following Liverpool's poor performance, they are aiming to rebuild their roster, raising doubts about the continuity of several players. In that sense, Virgil van Dijk could lose a key teammate, as Alisson Becker is reportedly attracting the attention of two Serie A sides.
Throughout the 2025–26 season, Liverpool have been surrounded by rumors that cast doubt on the continuity of key players such as Andrew Robertson, Mohamed Salah, Joe Gomez, among others. Alongside this, Virgil van Dijk could lose another key teammate, as Alisson Becker could leave the team. Amid his unstable contractual situation, the Brazilian is reportedly attracting the attention of two major Serie A clubs.
Despite being a Liverpool legend, Alisson Becker’s contract runs until 2027 and he has not yet been offered a renewal. In this context, the Brazilian is receiving strong interest from Inter Milan and Juventus FC, who are willing to pursue his signing despite him being 34 years old, La Repubblica reports. While he remains the starter for the Reds, they could be open to his departure if a strong offer arrives.
Since joining in 2018 from AS Roma, Alisson established himself as one of the most transformative players in Liverpool’s history. Winning a UEFA Champions League, two Premier League titles, a UEFA Super Cup, a FIFA Club World Cup, among others, he defined an era at the club. However, the Reds are reportedly aiming for a roster rebuild, casting doubt not only on the Brazilian’s future but also on that of other veterans.
Although the Brazilian reportedly attracts interest from Inter Milan and Juventus, they would have a big problem to complete his signing: his high salary. According to La Repubblica, the Brazilian goalkeeper has a salary of around €5 million, which would place him among the best paid at both teams. In view of this, both Italian teams are keeping other alternatives: Atalanta’s Marco Carnesecchi and Tottenham Hotspurs’ Guglielmo Vicario, who are also younger.
Alisson Becker of Liverpool celebrates a goal.
Alisson’s departure may ease reported Liverpool star’s anger
Although Liverpool are rebuilding their roster, Alisson Becker has remained one of Arne Slot’s most regular players, maintaining his key position in the team. At 34 years old, the Brazilian may not have much time left on the team, so the Reds signed Giorgi Mamardashvili as a bet for the future. However, the 25-year-old star is reportedly not entirely happy with his lack of playing time, something that the Brazilian’s possible departure could alleviate.
While having paid €30 million to Valencia, Mamardashvili has accumulated only 934 minutes with the Reds, so he would be considering asking for a departure on loan, Graeme Bailey reports. However, the interest from Inter Milan and Juventus in Alisson could change this situation, as his departure would give him the starting role under Arne Slot. For this reason, the Georgian’s continuity could depend on whether the Brazilian leaves or stays at the club.
Alisson Becker of Liverpool during the Premier League match.
The Saudi pro League has reportedly taken a key decision regarding the suspension of activities, one that'll be affecting Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr and the rest of the clubs.
The escalation of the conflict in Saudi Arabia also sent shockwaves through the soccer world, particularly as a wave of rumors surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo emerged over the past several hours. Amid the uncertainty, the Saudi Pro League has reportedly reached a key decision regarding the suspension of its activities, one that directly affects Al Nassr and the rest of the league’s clubs.
Alarm spread after reports surfaced that Ronaldo’s private jet had departed Saudi Arabia in the middle of Tuesday night, with speculation mounting over whether the striker was on board. Those rumors were quickly put to rest, however, as Fabrizio Romano reported that Ronaldo remains in the country and is undergoing medical treatment for an injury.
Meanwhile, Ben Jacobs reports that the Saudi Pro League has decided to press ahead with its scheduled fixtures. Matchday 25 of the 2025-26 SPL season is set to get underway Thursday with Al Kholood vs. Al Qadsiah and Damac vs. Al Riyadh, and no official statement regarding a postponement or suspension of those games has been issued by league officials.
That said, as Jacobs noted, the situation remains fluid and could change depending on how events develop on the ground. The Saudi Ministry of Sport is coordinating closely with relevant authorities and monitoring the situation in real time, meaning a decision could come at any moment.
Jorge Jesus team Manager of Al-Nassr FC and Al-Nassr FC Players celebrate the win against Al Ittihad with the fans.
What’s next for Cristiano Ronaldo?
On the continental front, Ronaldo has already seen one fixture affected by the unrest. Al Nassr had been scheduled to travel to Dubai to face Al Wasl in the AFC Champions League Two quarterfinals on Wednesday, but the Asian confederation opted to postpone all international matches this week.
Domestically, action continues as normal, with Al Nassr expected to return to the pitch this weekend. Sitting atop the SPL standings with 61 points from 24 games, Jorge Jesus’s side will host Neom SC at Al Awwal Park, looking to extend what has been an impressive run of 10 consecutive victories.
The key question remains whether Ronaldo will be fit to feature in Saturday’s match on March 7. The Portuguese star was forced off in Al Nassr’s last game against Al Fayha with a hamstring injury, and while it is believed to be minor, neither the club nor the player will be in any rush to take unnecessary risks, particularly with the 2026 World Cup now just 100 days away.
Jorge Jesus has reportedly made a crucial decision amid the growing worries over Cristiano Ronaldo's fitness at a crucial point in the season, adding to the air of uncertainty around the striker.
Concern spread quickly across Riyadh as Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Al-Nassr, walked off late in the victory over Al-Fayha, clutching his leg. With the title race tightening and a high-stakes meeting against NEOM looming, the question dominating discussion was simple yet loaded: How long is he expected to be out for? The club now sits at the summit of the Saudi Pro League, but uncertainty over its talisman has added fresh tension to an already delicate moment in the season.
The drama began during the 3-1 win against Al Fayha. Ronaldo, visibly uncomfortable, signaled toward the bench before being substituted in the 81st minute. Cameras captured him afterward with ice strapped to his leg; a sight that immediately alarmed supporters.
Earlier in the match, the Portuguese forward had endured frustration from the penalty spot, registering the 35th missed penalty of his career, despite a remarkable record of 181 goals from 216 attempts. Yet statistics quickly became secondary. The greater concern was physical.
After the final whistle, head coach Jorge Jesus addressed the situation directly. “Ronaldo suffered muscle fatigue, and the medical staff will urgently perform the necessary tests to determine his condition,” he explained. He emphasized that he preferred not to take risks once the match was under control. Initial examinations suggested a hamstring issue. Further radiological testing, including an MRI scan, was scheduled to clarify the severity.
Official confirmation arrives
Al-Nassr soon issued a formal statement confirming the diagnosis. “Cristiano Ronaldo has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury after the last game against Al-Fayha. He started a rehabilitation program and will be under evaluation day by day.”
Timing could not be more sensitive. Al-Nassr leads the Saudi Pro League with 61 points from 24 matches, holding a narrow advantage over rivals such as Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli. Every fixture now carries decisive weight.
The upcoming clash against NEOM is viewed internally as pivotal; not merely three points, but a statement of authority. The Portuguese’s influence extends beyond his 21 league goals this season. His leadership, experience, and pursuit of the historic 1,000-goal milestone amplify his importance.
How long could he be out?
While the club has not disclosed an official timeline, medical understanding of hamstring injuries provides context. Doctors generally classify hamstring injuries into three grades:
Grade 1 (mild strain): Recovery typically takes 1-3 weeks, with players returning after rest, stretching, and gradual strengthening.
Grade 2 (moderate tear): Recovery ranges between 3-8 weeks, requiring structured physiotherapy and progressive sprint reintroduction.
Grade 3 (severe rupture): Absence can extend from 3-6 months, sometimes requiring surgery.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr looks on during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Najmah
Studies referenced by medical institutions such as the National Institutes of Health suggest the average absence for structural hamstring injuries in professional soccer is approximately 17-18 days, though this varies depending on severity, location, and prior injury history.
Rehabilitation follows a progressive model: acute rest and inflammation control, light isometric exercises, eccentric strengthening, and finally a phased return to sprinting and match intensity. Crucially, physicians warn against rushing back, as hamstring injuries carry a high re-injury rate, particularly within two weeks of return.
Cristiano Ronaldo refused to play for Al Nassr vs. Al Riyadh on Monday.
Following the solid start of Alvaro Arbeloa’s tenure at Real Madrid, he seemd on his way to being the solution to the team’s problems. Nevertheless, the coach has strung together a series of setbacks that have supposedly changed his continuity at the club.
Álvaro Arbeloa’s arrival seemed to solve the problems of Real Madrid after the disappointing spell of Xabi Alonso. While the coach supposedly managed to improve the atmosphere in the dressing room and put together a good run, the problems did not take long to arise. He has not only failed to consolidate dominance in midfield but also has reportedly seen his future at Real Madrid change radically, sowing great uncertainty.
According to Guillermo Rai and Mario Cortegana in The Athletic, Alvaro Arbeloa has lost considerable support from the roster of Real Madrid, who see that he has not managed to reverse his situation, being defeated even by Getafe CF. Some players even have significant tensions in the dressing room, bringing back the situation that Xabi Alonso was living. With this, the Spaniard does not have his continuity at the Blancos secure at all.
Throughout the season, Arbeloa has had to battle constant physical problems of his players, having up to eight injured currently: Éder Militão, Dani Ceballos, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Raul Asencio, Eduardo Camavinga, David Alaba and Rodrygo, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury. With these constant absences, the coach has not managed to find the team’s balance, which once again looks quite uncreative in midfield, being its biggest problem.
With Mbappe and Bellingham suffering serious injuries, Arbeloa could make a radical lineup change, moving Vinicius Jr. and Gonzalo Garcia to the front, with Arda Guler as an attacking midfielder. Behind them, Aurelien Tchouameni, Camavinga, and Federico Valverde could dominate the midfield. Despite this, the coach’s future seems far from Real Madrid, as the team has not progressed, bringing his departure or return to Real Madrid Castilla closer.
Alvaro Arbeloa, Head Coach of Real Madrid, looks on prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match.
Alvaro Arbeloa leaves even worse record than Xabi Alonso
After achieving impressive success at Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso emerged as the ideal candidate to lead Real Madrid’s renewal. However, he encountered problems in the dressing room and struggled to restore dominance in the midfield, which remained one of the team’s weakest areas. Consequently, he was dismissed, paving the way for Álvaro Arbeloa to take over. Unfortunately, he has also faced challenges, delivering even worse results than his predecessor.
Throughout Alonso’s tenure, he managed 20 matches, accumulating 16 victories and four defeats, leaving a percentage of just 20% defeats. While his spell was heavily criticized, Arbeloa has had worse results, managing 12 matches, but accumulating eight victories and four defeats, leaving a percentage of 33% defeats. Despite this, Álvaro does not seem set to be dismissed, but he does have few chances of continuing.
Alvaro Arbeloa, Head Coach of Real Madrid, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League.
Qatar could pull out as the host for the Finalissima between Argentina and Spain, in which case two alternatives have emerged as the most likely options.
Just weeks before the Finalissimais scheduled to take place, there is uncertainty over the venue for the match. If Qatar withdraws from organizing the event, Argentina and Spain would need to find another country to host the intercontinental title clash.
At the end of last year, Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar, was confirmed as the venue for the Finalissima, as well as for a series of friendly matches during the March international break featuring Argentina, Spain, Egypt, Serbia, Saudi Arabia, and the local national team.
However, the serious conflicts currently unfolding in the region over the past few days have cast doubt on those plans. Qatar has even announced the suspension of local league matches originally scheduled for Sunday, March 8, and Monday, March 9.
Given this scenario, the Finalissima is likely to move to another continent to ensure the match can take place safely. “Today, the two most likely venues (not the only ones), if Qatar withdraws, are London, where the first and only edition of this tournament was played in 2022, and Miami, which will host World Cup matches,”Marca reported on Tuesday. Other cities mentioned as possibilities include Madrid, Paris, and Rome.
Lionel Scaloni head coach of Argentina talks with Lionel Messi.
London has the advantage of geographic proximity. Most players from the Spanish national team and nearly all from Argentina currently play in Europe, allowing for shorter travel. The few exceptions are Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, who play for Inter Miami and would not need to travel if Miami were chosen as the venue.
The Finalissima cancellation does not seem likely
When doubts first emerged over Qatar’s ability to host the Finalissima under the current political circumstances, there was talk of postponing the match from the March FIFA break to a date after the 2026 World Cup.
However, that no longer seems to be an option. “The idea, according to sources, is to hold the Finalissima no matter what,” Marca reported. This is driven by multiple factors. Financial considerations are obviously one, given the commercial commitments involved in an event of this magnitude.
But the sporting aspect also plays a role. The March FIFA break is the last opportunity for national teams to compete before finalizing their rosters for the World Cup. Even if the Finalissima were canceled, the coaches of Argentina and Spain would still want to play matches during that period to make final adjustments to their squads.
Given this scenario, since Argentina and Spain will likely play matches somewhere else in the world during the international break anyway, there is no reason not to hold the Finalissima. Additionally, other important international matches will take place on the same dates, including European playoffs and intercontinental playoffs in Mexico.
Lionel Messi of Argentina and Lamine Yamal of Spain.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the talismanic forward of Al-Nassr, found himself at the center of speculation after flight data appeared to show his private jet leaving Saudi Arabia for Spain.
Whispers spread quickly across Europe and the Middle East as uncertainty gripped the region. Cristiano Ronaldo, the talismanic forward of Al-Nassr, found himself at the center of speculation after flight data appeared to show his private jet leaving Saudi Arabia for Spain. With tensions escalating and reports of drone strikes in Riyadh, questions swirled: Did Cristiano Ronaldo return to Madrid amid the ongoing Middle East conflict?
The Portuguese star, who has made Riyadh his home since joining the Saudi Pro League, suddenly became the subject of intense scrutiny. Yet as the rumors gathered pace, clarity proved harder to come by.
The controversy began when flight-tracking data showed that Ronaldo’s Bombardier Global Express 6500 departed Riyadh late Monday night, landing in Madrid after a journey of nearly seven hours. The timing was striking. The Saudi capital had reportedly faced drone strikes targeting the U.S. Embassy, while Iranian state media confirmed attacks elsewhere in the Gulf region.
International outlets quickly connected the dots. The jet’s departure, combined with rising regional instability, fueled claims that Ronaldo and his family had left Saudi Arabia. Given his global profile and the reported $81 million price tag of the customized aircraft, adorned with CR7 branding and capable of carrying up to 15 passengers, the imagery was dramatic.
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Cristiano Ronaldo’s private jet has travelled from Riyadh to Madrid, a near seven-hour flight, with tracking data confirming the journey — this comes as missile strikes in the region have forced Rio Ferdinand’s family into lockdown.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 3, 2026
At the same time, the Asian Football Confederation(AFC) announced postponements across its competitions. Among the postponed fixtures was Al-Nassr’s continental quarter-final clash against Al Wasl. The broader sporting calendar was feeling the impact of geopolitical tensions.
Conflicting reports emerge
Despite the dramatic narrative, reliable outlets soon began casting doubt on the idea that Ronaldo had fled. The Press Association reported that the forward was understood to still be in Saudi Arabia. Local sources echoed the same position.
Photos published on Al-Nassr’s official social media channels appeared to show Ronaldo participating in recovery sessions and training activities in Riyadh. The timing of those posts contradicted suggestions that he had already relocated to Spain.
The speculation also coincided with a sporting concern: Ronaldo had recently picked up a muscle injury during the club’s 3-1 win over Al-Fayha. He had been scheduled for further medical assessment and was already expected to miss the postponed continental fixture. His absence from full match action, therefore, was injury-related rather than travel-related.
The truth revealed
As confusion intensified, one of soccer’s most trusted insiders stepped in. Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano directly addressed the swirling rumors. According to Romano, claims that Ronaldo had left Saudi Arabia were unfounded. He explicitly labeled the departure stories as “fake news,” confirming that the Portuguese forward remained at Al-Nassr’s training ground, undergoing treatment for his recent muscle issue.
🚨❌ Reports on international media about Cristiano Ronaldo who left Saudi Arabia with his family are wide of mark.
It’s a fake news as Cristiano is now doing threatment at Al Nassr training ground after issues in last game.
That clarification cut through the noise. While the jet’s flight to Madrid was factual, there was no confirmed evidence that Ronaldo or his family were on board. The aircraft’s movement alone had been enough to trigger widespread assumptions, but those assumptions did not align with verified information.
Real Sociedad take on Athletic Club in the second leg of their 2025/2026 Copa del Rey semifinal. Supporters in the USA can follow every minute of the showdown, as full kickoff schedules and viewing information are provided here for both TV coverage and live streaming options.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Real Sociedad vs Athletic Club on US television and via legal streaming:
Everything is still on the line in the Basque Derby after Real Sociedad grabbed a hard-fought 1-0 road win over Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of the semifinal. That slim advantage gives La Real a boost heading back to Anoeta.
But with only one goal between the rivals, the tie remains wide open and Bilbao need just one strong showing to turn the momentum and secure a place in the final. Expect another intense, emotional battle—don’t miss a minute of this decisive showdown.
More details on how to watch
With ESPN+, you can watch Real Sociedad vs Athletic Club and tons more soccer games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, Apple, Android, and Amazon Fire devices, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Oculus Go.
Now with ESPN+, you can stream Bundesliga, LaLiga, FA Cup, Eredivisie, NWSL, USL and more.
Even better, ESPN is now offering The Disney Bundle that includes ESPN+, Hulu and Disney+ for only $14.99 per month. Not only do you get all of the soccer with ESPN+, but you also get hit movies and TV shows with Hulu AND you get Disney+ that features Star Wars, Marvel movies, Disney movies and shows, films from Pixar and feature documentaries from National Geographic.
In addition to all of the soccer coverage, ESPN+ also includes UFC, MLB, MLS, NHL, select PGA TOUR golf, Top Rank Boxing, cricket and Grand Slam tennis from Wimbledon to the US Open and Australian Open. Plus you get instant access to your favorite college sports like football, basketball, lacrosse, softball and more.
There’s also the daily ESPN FC show, 30 For 30 documentaries, exclusive access to studio programs and more.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full ESPN+ soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid clash in the second leg of their 2025/2026 Copa del Rey semifinal. Supporters in the USA can follow every minute of the showdown, as full kickoff schedules and viewing information are provided here for both TV coverage and live streaming options.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid on US television and via legal streaming:
Barcelonareturn home staring at a massive challenge after Atletico Madriddelivered a jaw-dropping 4-0 blow in the first leg, flipping what was expected to be a tight semifinal into a one-sided showcase. Diego Simeone’s side seized control early and never let up, putting themselves on the brink of a spot in the final with a ruthless display.
Now the spotlight shifts to the Catalan giants, who must overcome a four-goal deficit in front of their supporters to keep their season alive. It’s a steep hill to climb, but if there’s any stage built for a dramatic turnaround, it’s this one—don’t miss a second of what promises to be a high-stakes showdown.
More details on how to watch
With ESPN+, you can watch Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid and tons more soccer games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, Apple, Android, and Amazon Fire devices, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Oculus Go.
Now with ESPN+, you can stream Bundesliga, LaLiga, FA Cup, Eredivisie, NWSL, USL and more.
Even better, ESPN is now offering The Disney Bundle that includes ESPN+, Hulu and Disney+ for only $14.99 per month. Not only do you get all of the soccer with ESPN+, but you also get hit movies and TV shows with Hulu AND you get Disney+ that features Star Wars, Marvel movies, Disney movies and shows, films from Pixar and feature documentaries from National Geographic.
In addition to all of the soccer coverage, ESPN+ also includes UFC, MLB, MLS, NHL, select PGA TOUR golf, Top Rank Boxing, cricket and Grand Slam tennis from Wimbledon to the US Open and Australian Open. Plus you get instant access to your favorite college sports like football, basketball, lacrosse, softball and more.
There’s also the daily ESPN FC show, 30 For 30 documentaries, exclusive access to studio programs and more.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full ESPN+ soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Looking to extend on their sensational Premier League flurry, Manchester United will travel to St. James’ Park on Wednesday night when they meet Newcastle. Embarking on what has been an astonishing run of form since Michael Carrick’s return to Old Trafford, Man United are riding a major wave of momentum and should be relishing a […]
Carlo Ancelotti will not have Rodrygo Goes available for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, as the Real Madrid player suffered a serious injury.
Brazil and Real Madrid received terrible news on Tuesday, as Rodrygo Goes suffered a severe knee injury that will rule him out for the rest of the club season and prevent him from playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“Following tests carried out today on our player Rodrygo by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a torn lateral meniscus in his right leg,” the club said in a statement on its official website.
The 25-year-old forward had caused major concern at Real Madrid in recent hours due to what happened in Monday’s match against Getafe. He came on as a substitute in the 55th minute, replacing Thiago Pitarch, and in one of his first touches, went down and his right knee got stuck in the turf.
While it didn’t prevent him from finishing the match, his obvious signs of pain set off alarms and led Real Madrid’s medical team to run preliminary tests on his knee in the locker room.
Medical report on Rodrygo.
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) March 3, 2026
Those initial tests were followed by more thorough examinations on Tuesday morning, which delivered the worst possible news. The Brazilian forward has a serious injury that will require surgery and several months of recovery. That obviously rules him out for the rest of the club season and also eliminates him from the 2026 World Cup.
Ancelotti loses a key piece
Rodrygo Goes had been a favorite of Carlo Ancelotti during his years at Real Madrid, and that carried over to the Brazil national team when they reunited in 2025. Initially, the coach did not call him up for the first two international breaks, explaining that he wanted to evaluate new players while signaling that he already understood Rodrygo’s potential.
The forward returned in October of last year, scoring a brace against South Korea in a friendly in Asia. That was followed by appearances against Japan, Senegal, and Tunisia, which established him as a key figure in the squad. In fact, reports included Rodrygo among a list of 18 Brazil players confirmed in Ancelotti’s plans for the World Cup.
Does Rodrygo’s injury open a chance for Neymar?
Rodrygo Goes’ absence will force Ancelotti to rearrange his attacking options for Brazil. The Real Madrid forward added versatility, being able to play as a winger on either flank, as an attacking midfielder, or as a second forward depending on the team’s needs.
In that area of the field, Brazil has plenty of alternatives, including Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, Estevao, and Matheus Cunha. All of them seemed almost guaranteed a spot in the World Cup, as Rodrygo had been. But now a new opportunity has opened, and Neymar could take advantage of it.
With different qualities and nearly a decade more of experience, Neymar may not offer the same physical output, but he could still replace Rodrygo by contributing talent, individual flair, and game vision. Still, it will be up to the Santos star to stay healthy and perform at a high level to convince Ancelotti that he deserves the chance.
Having the difficult task of overturning a 4–0 scoreline, Barcelona face Atlético Madrid in the second leg of the Copa del Rey. Complicating the work of the Blaugranas, Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong will not be able to be in the match, forcing coach Hansi Flick to make changes.
After overcoming the bad streak, Barcelona face Atlético Madrid today, seeking to overturn the 4–0 from the first leg of the semifinals of the Copa del Rey. Although this seems quite complex, the imposing form of Lamine Yamal, together with the experience of Raphinha, promise a great opportunity. Despite this, coach Hansi Flick faces a major problem, as he will not be able to count on Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong.
Robert Lewandowski, despite scoring a goal in the previous match against Villarreal CF, has been sidelined with a fracture to his left eye socket and will miss today’s game. In his absence, coach Hansi Flick may turn to Ferran Torres as the center forward. While Lewandowski’s absence is significant, the team is expected to maintain their offensive prowess.
In addition to Lewandowski’s injury, the Blaugrana also face the absence of Frenkie de Jong, who is out with a hamstring injury sustained in the match against Levante UD. De Jong is expected to be sidelined for over a month, prompting coach Hansi Flick to adjust his starting lineup. Consequently, Marc Bernal and Marc Casadó will likely play more prominent roles, partnering with Pedri at the base of the midfield.
While Barcelona face these two tough absences, Atlético Madrid also face the absence of Pablo Barrios, a key player in midfield. Despite both teams suffering key absences, the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals promises to be exciting, as the Blaugranas seek a tough comeback, while the Colchoneros aim to defend their lead.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick speaking to Lamine Yamal.
Barcelona push attacking edge, while Atlético Madrid tighten defense
Throughout the 2025–26 season, Atlético Madrid have battled to find offensive consistency, despite having shone at a defensive level. After surprising Barcelona with a commanding victory, coach Diego Simeone could propose a defensive priority, seeking to maintain the advantage and cut the spaces for the Blaugranas. In addition, they could take advantage of the speed of Ademola Lookman and Giuliano Simeone to extend their advantage.
Unlike the Colchoneros, Barcelona have remained quite brilliant offensively but face serious defensive problems. By recovering the best versions of Lamine Yamal and Pedri, they seek to overturn the result and secure a place in the final of the Copa del Rey. Additionally, coach Hansi Flick aims to make changes in his defensive strategy to achieve more solidity and balance in the game.
FC Barcelona stars Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong.
After the surprising 4-0 defeat in the first leg, Barcelona face Atlético Madrid, seeking a comeback that secures them a spot in the final of the Copa del Rey. In light of this, fans are attentive to the status of Lamine Yamal and Pedri, as they can be differential.
Even though they started as clear favorites in the first leg, Barcelona suffered a resounding 4–0 defeat to Atlético Madrid. Nevertheless, coach Hansi Flick is optimistic about a comeback in today’s match as they seek a spot in the final of the Copa del Rey. The Colchoneros can complicate their intentions, imposing a solid defense. In that sense, fans are closely monitoring the status of Lamine Yamal and Pedri, as they could make a significant difference.
Lamine Yamal appears to have overcome his pubalgia issues and lack of motivation, returning to top form.With his physical problems behind him, coach Hansi Flick will start him, as Yamal’s goal-scoring ability and dribbling skills can decisively impact the game. At just 18, he has scored 18 goals and provided 14 assists, establishing himself as Barcelona’s most effective player. Consequently, he is poised to be a key figure in the match.
Alongside the recovery of Lamine’s best form, coach Hansi Flick seems to be restoring the best physical condition of Pedri, who is coming off an important thigh injury. Nevertheless, he has already played around 40 minutes in the last two matches. After avoiding a relapse and completing training normally, the 23-year-old midfielder is set to start against Atlético Madrid, chasing to revolutionize the game.
With a four-goal advantage, the Colchoneros can concentrate on maintaining a strong defense by aligning the midfield closely with the defensive line. Despite this, coach Diego Simeone might choose to counterattack, exploiting the spaces behind Jules Koundé and Joao Cancelo and aiming to secure the game early. However, Lamine’s strong form and Raphinha’s exceptional talent could shift the balance in favor of the Blaugranas.
Referee Juan Martinez Munuera gestures for a direct free kick after a handball from Eric Garcia of FC Barcelona.
Barcelona confirmed lineup vs. Atlético Madrid
While Lamine Yamal and Pedri are set to be starters, coach Hansi Flick maintains sensitive absences. Barcelona will not be able to count on Eric Garcia, Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, Andreas Christensen and Gavi. Despite this, they point to a clear balance in the midfield, with Fermin Lopez being differential in offense. In addition, Raphinha and Ferran Torres promise to unbalance the rival defense, imposing their scoring power.
Considering this, Barcelona will play as follows: Joan Garcia; Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Joao Cancelo; Marc Bernal, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Raphinha; Ferran Torres.
Atlético Madrid confirmed lineup vs. Barcelona
The Blaugranas are not only missing key players, but Atlético Madrid will also be without main stars. Ahead of today’s game, coach Diego Simeone will not be able to line up Pablo Barrios, due to a thigh injury. Nonetheless, the Colchoneros may target a defensive strategy as they hold a four-goal advantage. Moreover, they will rely on a counterattack strategy, betting on Ademola Lookman and Giuliano Simeone’s speed.
With this in mind, Atlético Madrid will lineup as follows: Juan Musso; Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, David Hancko, Mateo Ruggeri; Koke, Johnny Cardoso; Giuliano Simeone, Antoine Griezmann, Ademola Lookman; Julián Álvarez.
Verdict: Borja Iglesias over 0.5 shots on target Best Odds: 7/10 Bookmaker: Olympusbet Desperately searching for an immediate La Liga response on Friday night, Real Madrid will travel to Galicia when they meet Celta Vigo. Celta Vigo Starting with the hosts, putting in another eye-catching performance over the weekend as they secured a 2-1 victory […]
Looking for the "Remontada" against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinals, Lamine Yamal has suffered a huge squad blow at FC Barcelona.
Lamine Yamal has been rallying fans around the prospect of a “Remontada” (a comeback) against Atlético Madrid in the 2025-26 Copa del Rey. But the teenage star has been dealt a significant blow, with one of FC Barcelona‘s key players ruled out through injury for Tuesday’s second leg of the semifinal.
During the first leg on February 12, a combination of individual errors and clinical finishing from Atlético left Barcelona on the wrong end of a crushing 4-0 defeat, a result that has left the tie all but decided. Now facing the near-impossible task of overturning that deficit at the Spotify Camp Nou, Barca’s odds have taken yet another hit with the latest injury news.
Barcelona have confirmed that Robert Lewandowski will not feature in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal against Atlético Madrid. The striker picked up an injury in the club’s most recent La Liga match against Villarreal and will not even be available as a substitute, as he was in the first leg.
According to a statement released by the club, tests carried out on Lewandowski revealed a fracture of the left eye socket. The Polish striker had come off the bench in the 67th minute of Saturday’s 4-1 win over Villarreal, even getting on the scoresheet in stoppage time, making the subsequent injury news all the more unfortunate.
Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring a goal.
Who will replace Lewandowski?
Losing Lewandowski is a blow for Barcelona, as the veteran striker has been one of the club’s most reliable contributors this season despite playing a more secondary role due to physical setbacks. He has still managed 14 goals and three assists in 32 appearances across 1,651 minutes (roughly 52 minutes per game) and head coach Hansi Flick will now have to look elsewhere up front.
With Lewandowski unavailable, Ferran Torres is the most likely candidate to lead the line alongside the attacking trio of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. The 26-year-old Spaniard has been in impressive form, contributing 16 goals in 35 games and offering Flick a versatile and dynamic alternative to his Polish striker.
Following his hat-trick, Yamal sent a direct message to the Barcelona faithful: “It was time to react and give ourselves a push. We’re doing that now. And I want to tell our fans… come to the stadium against Atleti — magic can happen.” The sentiment was echoed across social media by the club and teammates including Raphinha, all rallying behind the now-viral message: “1% possibility, 99% faith.“
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match.
Diego Simeone believes forcing Lamine Yamal to defend is the best way to make him uncomfortable, ahead of Atletico Madrid’s Copa del Rey showdown with Barcelona. Atleti are defending a 4-0 lead over the Blaugrana as they look to reach their first domestic cup final since 2012-13, with the second leg taking place at Camp […]
Slumping to a stunning 1-0 loss at home against local rivals Getafe on Monday night, Real Madrid watched their La Liga title dreams take another public dent. Missing out on the opportunity to cut the deficit in this season’s La Liga title scrap, Los Blancos now sit four points adrift of arch-rivals Barcelona and Alvaro […]
Real Madrid failed to make up ground on Barcelona in LaLiga as Martin Satriano’s wondergoal condemned them to a 1-0 defeat to Getafe, with both teams finishing with 10 men. Missing several injured players including Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, Alvaro Arbeloa’s men suffered their second straight league defeat, with Franco Mastantuono sent off for […]
Slumping to a stunning 1-0 loss at home against local rivals Getafe on Monday night, Real Madrid watched their La Liga title dreams take another public dent. Missing out on the opportunity to cut the deficit in this season’s La Liga title scrap, Los Blancos now sit four points adrift of arch-rivals Barcelona and Alvaro […]
With his brace against Orlando City, Inter Miami star Lionel Messi was honored by MLS, moving him closer to a record held by Landon Donovan.
Lionel Messi continues to raise the bar in MLS, and his starring role in Inter Miami‘s stunning comeback against Orlando City in the Florida Derby was no exception. After scoring a brace in the 4-2 victory, the Argentine received a league honor that moves him ever closer to a record held by USMNT legend Landon Donovan.
After a deflating 2026 MLS opener (a 3-0 defeat to LAFC) Inter Miami were desperate to respond on Sunday against Orlando City. The Lions led 2-0 at halftime, but the Herons pulled off a remarkable comeback, with Messi sealing the win and his brace with a clinical free kick.
Following his performance against Orlando City, Lionel Messi was voted MLS Player of the Matchday, earning the distinction as the standout star of Matchday 2. It marks the 13th time since joining Inter Miami that the Argentine forward has claimed the honor.
That tally is enough to move Messi into third place on the all-time list for the award. Last season he reached 12, drawing level with New York Red Bulls icon Bradley Wright-Phillips, and now, with his latest recognition, he has moved past the Englishman.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF scores a free kick against Orlando City SC.
Messi moving closer to Donovan’s mark
Landon Donovan left an indelible mark on both the USMNT and MLS, with the league’s season award bearing his name as a testament to his legacy. But Messi’s sustained excellence in the competition is now threatening one of Donovan’s most celebrated records.
The USMNT icon holds the all-time record for MLS Player of the Matchday honors with 19, followed by Columbus Crew legend Jeff Cunningham with 14. Messi, now at 13, sits third — and firmly in the rearview mirror of both.
Since arriving at Inter Miami midway through the 2023 season, Messi has built considerable momentum, racking up 12 Player of the Matchday honors over his first two full seasons. In fact, he became the first player in league history to win the award six times in back-to-back seasons.
Doing the math, with one of the two Matchday honors already claimed this season (the other going to New York Red Bulls star Julian Hall), another six recognitions over the course of 2026 would be a realistic target for Messi. With his contract now running through December 2028, surpassing not only Cunningham but also Donovan’s storied record looks less like a question of whether, and more like a question of when — provided he can maintain his current form.
MLS have officially announced the 2026 edition of the MLS All-Star Game with Lionel Messi, Son Heung-min, and Thomas Müller as the faces of the league.
The MLS All-Star Game, which brings together the top talent from across Major League Soccer, is back for another edition in 2026. The league has officially unveiled Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, LAFC’s Son Heung-min, Vancouver Whitecaps’ Thomas Müller and Charlotte FC captain Tim Ream as the faces of this year’s showcase.
On Monday, MLS announced that the fifth edition of the MLS All-Star Game between MLS All-Stars and LIGA MX All-Stars will take place on Wednesday, July 29. The venue will be Bank of America Stadium, home of Charlotte FC, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
MLS Executive Vice President Camilo Durana spoke about the game on the league’s official website: “The 2026 MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime will feature a can’t-miss rematch between the best of MLS and LIGA MX. With the energy and momentum our Leagues will experience coming out of a historic World Cup on home soil, we are thrilled to showcase our All-Stars and put on a great show for fans in Charlotte and those watching around the world on Apple TV.“
In unveiling the game’s ambassadors, MLS paired the familiar faces of Messi and Ream, the Charlotte FC and USMNT captain, with two marquee newcomers. The high-profile arrivals of Son at LAFC and Müller at Vancouver have earned them prominent billing, signaling just how much weight the league is placing on its international stars heading into what promises to be a landmark event.
MLS announces 2026 MLS All-Stars Game.
Son and Müller added to the roster: Will Messi finally show up?
Since arriving at LAFC and the Whitecaps respectively, Son and Müller have wasted little time making their mark on MLS, with the German even reaching the 2025 MLS Cup final. Both have quickly cemented themselves as marquee figures in the league, and their inclusion as faces of the All-Star Game reflects that standing.
The bigger question, however, surrounds Lionel Messi, the league’s most prominent name, who has missed both All-Star Game editions he could have appeared in. In 2024, a sprained ankle suffered in the Copa América final forced him out, but in 2025 he chose to sit out despite the game being mandatory, prompting MLS to issue a one-game suspension.
Messi ultimately missed the July 26 game against FC Cincinnati — a decision that nearly sparked an open conflict between the league and the Argentine, with Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas publicly questioning his future at the club. Messi, for his part, argued that the suspension dealt a significant blow to his fitness and contributed to a muscular injury in the second half of the season.
With that backdrop in mind, all eyes will once again be on what Messi decides to do, and how MLS responds to any potential absence. The July 29 date adds another layer of intrigue, coming just 10 days after the 2026 World Cup final. Should Argentina go all the way, serious questions will arise about whether Messi should be asked to take the field so soon after lifting the sport’s biggest prize.
Heung Min Son (L) of the Los Angeles Football Club, Lionel Messi (M) #10 of Inter Miami CF, and Thomas Muller (R) #13 of the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Verdict: Both teams to score Best Odds: 17/20 Bookmaker: Luckster Facing what is a must-win showdown on Thursday night, Tottenham will welcome Crystal Palace to north London. Tottenham Starting with the hosts, while Tottenham might have made real history last season as they were crowned Europa League champions, Spurs suddenly find themselves at the heart […]
Arsenal must address the anxiety that has characterised their recent matches if they are to stay the course in the Premier League title race, Jurrien Timber has admitted. Mikel Arteta’s Gunners are five points clear of second-placed Manchester City, having played an additional game, ahead of visiting Brighton on Wednesday. At the same time as […]
Aiming to strengthen the consistency of their midfield, AC Milan have reportedly set their sights on Leon Goretzka as a potential free-agent signing. However, they could face difficulties in securing the German’s arrival, as he appears to prioritize a different move.
Throughout the 2025-26 season, AC Milan have managed to make their midfield one of their strengths, thanks to Adrien Rabiot and Luka Modric. However, coach Massimiliano Allegri has not been able to get the best performance out of Youssouf Fofana, who is reportedly near to leave. In light of this, Leon Goretzka has become one of the team’s key targets to partner Christian Pulisic. However, the Rossoneri are reportedly facing problems in securing his arrival.
According to Christian Falk via CFBayern Insider, Leon Goretzka has emerged as a target for AC Milan in a potential free transfer from Bayern Munich. Alongside them, Inter Milan and Juventus have also shown interest in the German midfielder. However, the 31-year-old star prioritizes a move to the Premier League. In case Arsenal once again pursues his signature, he may favor his arrival to North London, believing his style suits the league perfectly.
As a world-class box-to-box midfielder, Goretzka emerged as one of Bayern Munich’s most important players. Unlike previous seasons, he has lost prominence under coach Vincent Kompany, so a potential move to the Premier League would be aimed at rediscovering his best form. However, the Gunners have yet to submit an official offer, making the German’s future appear increasingly complicated.
Although AC Milan have a rather complicated path to securing Leon Goretzka’s arrival, coach Massimiliano Allegri could view him as a difference-maker. Given Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s inconsistency, the German could provide greater balance in midfield, while also contributing creatively thanks to his imposing physical presence. Moreover, he could become an undisputed starter — something that would not be entirely guaranteed at Arsenal.
Leon Goretzka of FC Bayern München runs with the ball during the Bundesliga match.
Report: AC Milan face major midfield uncertainty next season
Massimiliano Allegri’s arrival at AC Milan has revitalized the Rossoneri midfield, establishing it as the backbone of the team’s strategy. Not only he secured the signings of Samuele Ricci and Ardon Jashari but also propelled Adrien Rabiot and Luka Modric towards peak performance. However, the Italian side faces significant uncertainty, with the continuity of two key players not fully guaranteed.
According to several Italian outlets, Luka Modric is not entirely certain about renewing his contract with the Rossoneri, as Dinamo Zagreb are making moves to sign him as a free agent. Alongside the veteran, Youssouf Fofana’s future is also unclear, as he has ceased to be a key figure under Allegri. For this reason, the Frenchman could leave the club if a strong offer arrives. With this in mind, AC Milan could undergo another midfield overhaul next season.
In the event that both players leave the Rossoneri, they could be forced to strongly pursue the arrival of Leon Goretzka, competing against Premier League teams, Juventus, and Inter Milan. In addition, the departure of the Croatian could force the pursuit of a world-class player, as he is the axis of the midfield and totally differential, something that would not be cheap at all.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan and Leon Goretzka of FC Bayern Munich.
With the 2026 World Cup in just a few months, Colombia star James Rodríguez has still yet to make his debut in the MLS with Minnesota United.
James Rodríguez has been one of the most high-profile signings of the MLS offseason, with the Colombian legend joining Minnesota United as he gears up for the 2026 World Cup. However, his league debut remains elusive after he was left on the bench in the team’s most recent match against FC Cincinnati.
After parting ways with Club León when his contract expired last year, Minnesota secured the signing of Rodríguez in early February on a five-month deal running through June 30 — meaning he will be with the Loons through the start of the World Cup. While excitement has been building around the veteran midfielder, he has yet to feature, either during the preseason friendlies or in the opening MLS matches.
Saturday presented the first real opportunity for Rodríguez to make his Minnesota debut. The Loons hosted FC Cincinnati and the Colombian was named in the squad for the first time, but he watched the entire 1-0 home victory from the bench without getting off it.
After the game, Minnesota head coach Cameron Knowles was asked about his decision to keep Rodríguez unused: “Hard game to come into. With the game being 1-0, and also having him sat there for 75 minutes, having not played and one week of full training, I don’t think that was the ideal circumstances to bring him into.“
James Rodríguez #10 of Minnesota United greets fans prior to the game against FC Cincinnati.
As the New Zealand-born coach noted, Rodríguez is approaching four months without a competitive appearance. His last came on November 19 of last year, when he featured in León’s defeat against Club Puebla, and while he remains a central figure for Colombia, his fitness is a significant concern for coach Néstor Lorenzo and his staff.
What’s next for James Rodriguez?
The 2026 World Cup kicks off on June 11, giving Rodríguez less than four months to get back to his best. In such a tight window, earning regular minutes in the short term will be essential for the Cafeteros captain to arrive at the tournament in form.
On the club front, Rodríguez could make his long-awaited MLS debut on Saturday, March 7, when Minnesota travel to face Nashville SC on Matchday 3. The March international window is also fast approaching, with Colombia set to face Croatia on the 26th and France on the 29th, two high-quality tests that could go a long way in shaping the national team’s preparations ahead of the tournament.
Hansi Flick is adamant that Barcelona need more than just Lamine Yamal to overturn a hefty first-leg deficit in their Copa del Rey tie with Atletico Madrid. Barca crashed to a 4-0 defeat to Atletico in the first leg of the semi-final. They host Diego Simeone’s team in the return leg on Tuesday. Barca come […]
Marcus Rashford has impressed with his performances under Hansi Flick. Consequently, the Blaugranas have reportedly reached an agreement with Manchester United for his transfer, while the Englishman has reportedly made two major sacrifices to seal the deal.
After an unconvincing loan spell at Aston Villa, Marcus Rashford has gradually rediscovered his best version in Barcelona. While his arrival did not generate major expectations, the Englishman has managed to earn a place in Hansi Flick’s rotation. Given his strong performances, the Blaugranas are reportedly negotiating his transfer with Manchester United.To seal the deal, the 28-year-old star supposedly makes two major sacrifices.
According to TEAMtalk, Barcelona have already reached a contractual agreement with Marcus Rashford, who accepted to reduce his salary up to $17 million and remove several bonuses in a contract until 2030. With that in place, they have taken decisive steps in negotiations with Manchester United, sealing his transfer for €30 million, to be paid in three installments of €10 million. With this in mind, the Englishman could soon be finalizing his move.
Marcus’ potential transfer to the Spanish side would mark the end of his tenure with the Red Devils, during which he scored 138 goals and provided 79 assists across 426 appearances. Despite being a fan favorite, controversies often clouded his performances on the pitch. Surprisingly, Rashford has found peace with the Blaugranas, excelling as one of the team’s top players and making his permanent move appear imminent.
Despite Raphinha being Hansi Flick’s undisputed starter on the left wing, Rashford has managed to break firmly into the team’s rotation. After playing 35 matches, the Englishman has scored 10 goals and provided 13 assists, emerging as one of the team’s top contributors. Viewed as an important impact player, Barcelona have decided to move closer to finalizing his permanent transfer.
Rashford and Lewandowski formed a great pairing in Barcelona
Not only Rashford: Barcelona reportedly line up an attacking coup
Hansi Flick has managed to implement a highly proactive attacking system at Barcelona, raising the level of Marcus Rashford, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and even Fermín López. Despite this, Robert Lewandowski has suffered a noticeable drop in form, making his departure as a free agent seem increasingly close. For that reason, the Blaugrana are now targeting another marquee reinforcement in attack, seeking a truly game-changing impact.
According to Diario Sport, Barcelona are targeting Julián Álvarez as their priority objective. As a cornerstone of Atlético Madrid, he could leave for around €150 million, a considerably high valuation. Despite this, they are not ruling out an intense negotiation for the Argentine, while they are also assessing Omar Marmoush of Manchester City and even Dušan Vlahović as a potential free-agent option.
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match.
With France pending on the situation with the 2026 World Cup looming, Real Madrid have finally released a medical report on star Kylian Mbappé's injury.
Kylian Mbappé had recently set off alarm bells at Real Madrid and within the France national team after his latest injury kept him out of a crucial UEFA Champions League match against Benfica. With the 2026 World Cup drawing closer, Los Blancos have finally released a medical report revealing the nature of Mbappé’s issue.
Ahead of the second leg of the UCL playoff against Benfica, Mbappé was ruled out after feeling discomfort during Tuesday’s training session. Reports pointed to his knee as the affected area, the same one that had already kept him sidelined for several matches earlier in 2026, but with no official medical report forthcoming from Real Madrid, concern and uncertainty among fans continued to grow.
On Monday, ahead of the La Liga match against Getafe, Real Madrid confirmed that Kylian Mbappé had suffered a sprain in his left knee. The Frenchman has been left out of the squad for the game, and no recovery timeline has been provided.
Real Madrid’s statement read as follows: “Following the tests conducted on our player Kylian Mbappé by French specialist doctors, under the supervision of Real Madrid’s Medical Services, the diagnosis of a sprain in the left knee and the suitability of the conservative treatment being followed are confirmed. Pending evolution.“
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid during the Spanish Super Cup Final against FC Barcelona.
This marks the third time this knee issue has halted Mbappé’s prolific run in the 2025-26 season. The first instance came during the Champions League league phase against Manchester City, when he was left as an unused substitute.
The problem resurfaced toward the end of 2025 during a training session, prompting Real Madrid to release a statement confirming a knee sprain. Of the first four matches the Spanish side played in 2026, Mbappé featured in just one (a 14-minute cameo in the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona) with his knee proving a persistent obstacle ever since.
Mbappé not to undergo surgery with World Cup on the horizon
The most pressing concern surrounding Mbappé is that Real Madrid have yet to provide a recovery timeline for his return. Despite the injury troubles, the Frenchman has been the top scorer in both the Champions League and La Liga this season, amassing an impressive 38 goals and six assists in 33 appearances.
What is clear is that Mbappé will not undergo surgery to address the knee sprain, as an operation would require an extended recovery period and jeopardize his chances of representing France at the 2026 World Cup, now less than four months away. Instead, reports indicate he has opted for a more conservative treatment approach, making his situation one that will be assessed on a day-to-day basis.
Already ruled out against Getafe, Mbappé’s recovery will be critical for Real Madrid in the near term. Los Blancos are scheduled to face the first leg of their UCL Round of 16 tie on Wednesday, March 11, with the return leg on the 17th — a match the club is hopeful their star will be fit for.
Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur have both been heavily linked with former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, but according to Newcastle-based Chronicle Live, Chelsea are set to enter the race for his signature as well. Nunez, currently plying his trade at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, has nine goals and five assists in 24 matches across all […]
Verdict: Both teams to score Best odds: 8/11 Bookmaker: Olympusbet Liverpool continue their push for Champions League qualification on Tuesday when they head to Molineux to face bottom‑placed Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Reds’ 5–2 victory over West Ham on Saturday moved them up to 48 points, and they will be expected to dispatch a Wolves side […]
Liam Rosenior has been far from impressed with the level of discipline in his Chelsea squad. Chelsea lost 2-1 to Arsenal on Sunday, with Pedro Neto picking up two bookings in the space of three second-half minutes. Neto was booked for dissent before he then lunged in on Gabriel Martinelli. Chelsea have now received nine […]
Following Christian Pulisic’s drop in form, AC Milan’s offensive weakness has been exposed. As a result, they have reportedly set their sights on two star strikers from the Bundesliga ahead of the 2026–27 season.
Although Christian Pulisic had a strong start to the season, he has notably dropped his level, having gone without scoring since December 28, 2025. As a result, AC Milan have seen their offensive struggles increase, placing their hopes solely on Rafael Leão. For this reason, they are aiming to strengthen the forward line, as Niclas Füllkrug has not delivered the expected impact. With this in mind, the Rossoneri have set their sights on two Bundesliga stars.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, AC Milan are determined to look for a new striker to lead their attack. In light of this, Nicolas Jackson, on loan at Bayern Munich from Chelsea, and Serhou Guirassy of Borussia Dortmund have joined the list of priorities. While the Senegalese could be seen as an accessible option on loan with a buy option, the Frenchman is valued at €70 million following his imposing impact in the Bundesliga.
Despite the emergence of Jackson and Guirassy, the Rossoneri maintain additional alternatives in attack. Moise Kean emerges as the favorite candidate, as coach Massimiliano Allegri already had him during his time at Juventus and brought out his best version. Since his arrival at Fiorentina, the Italian has managed to shine, scoring 34 goals in 73 matches. For this reason, the 26-year-old striker also emerges as a priority for the team’s offense.
Kean and Jackson’s current performances are generating doubts among Rossoneri fans. The Fiorentina star has scored 9 goals, whereas the Bayern Munich striker has managed only 5, raising doubts on their real impact. Consequently, AC Milan might rely on the impressive displays from both forwards in previous seasons. This contrasts with Guirassy, who is indeed shining this season, already netting 16 goals, making him the most promising signing.
Nicolas Jackson of FC Bayern Munich, Serhou Guirassy of Borussia Dortmund and Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina.
Santiago Gimenez may face brutal fight to keep his spot at AC Milan
Throughout the 2025–26 season, AC Milan have faced serious issues at the offensive level, as Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic have delivered inconsistent performances. In addition to this, the output of Christopher Nkunku and Füllkrug has not been up to standard. With the Rossoneri aiming to reinforce the frontline with a world-class player, Santiago Giménez faces a difficult task in securing his place on the roster.
After undergoing ankle surgery, Giménez has successfully completed the pre-athletic phase of his recovery and is anticipated to rejoin group training this week, according to Massimiliano Allegri. Consequently, the Mexican forward might return to action soon. With only a few months to showcase his true talent to the coach, the pressure is on, especially as AC Milan focus on rebuilding their attack.
Santiago’s spot is at risk, along with those of Nkunku and Füllkrug. Given their limited scoring impact, coach Allegri reportedly does not intend to keep the veteran German striker. Meanwhile, the Frenchman and the Mexican may compete for a roster spot, as a new striker is expected to join the team. In this scenario, Giménez might face a disadvantage; he not only scores fewer goals but also lacks the versatility that Christopher has demonstrated.
Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur have both been heavily linked with former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, but according to Newcastle-based Chronicle Live, Chelsea are set to enter the race for his signature as well. Nunez, currently plying his trade at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, has nine goals and five assists in 24 matches across all […]
With new venues reportedly emerging, Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente addressed the situation ahead of the Finalissima against Lionel Messi's Argentina.
The staging of the Finalissima at the end of March has been thrown into serious doubt due to the ongoing conflict in Qatar, which could also put members of both the Spain and Argentina delegations at risk. As new venues have reportedly surfaced as potential alternatives, La Roja head coach Luis de la Fuente weighed in on the uncertain situation surrounding the match against Lionel Messi‘s side.
The Qatar Football Association released a statement announcing the postponement of all tournaments, competitions and matches in the country, raising urgent questions about the fate of the Finalissima. However, FIFA, UEFA and CONMEBOL have yet to make a decision on postponement, opting to wait before acting in what remains a fluid and uncertain situation.
In an interview with TVE, coach De la Fuente offered his perspective on the clash between Spain and Argentina: “We know that talks are underway and negotiations are ongoing. First and foremost, obviously, as a society we want the conflict to end. We don’t really know how long it will last, but once everything is in motion, I understand that the solution—if the match can’t be played there—would be to look for another venue, if that’s possible.“
UEFA and CONMEBOL had originally agreed for the Finalissima to be played on Friday, March 27, at Lusail Stadium, the very venue where Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup with Argentina in 2022. However, the proximity of the fixture and the ongoing conflict have already set the governing bodies in motion, as De la Fuente acknowledged.
Lamine Yamal speaks with Luis de la Fuente, Head Coach of Spain.
The Spanish boss also indicated that the primary intention from federation officials is to keep the match on its scheduled date. “That’s how I understand it. I think that’s basically the direction of all the negotiations and of everyone working on this at every level,” he added.
The original plan had both nations participating in the Qatar Football Festival 2026, where in addition to the Finalissima, Argentina were set to play a friendly against Qatar and Spain against Egypt in the days that followed. With tickets for the Messi-Lamine Yamal showdown already sold out, the federations are under pressure to act swiftly, whether that means relocating the game or keeping it in Doha.
Potential new venues for the Finalissima
Both Argentina and Spain claimed their respective continental titles in 2024 (the Copa América and the Euros) reigniting the prospect of a new Finalissima edition, but a congested international calendar had repeatedly pushed the fixture back. A consensus was finally reached to stage it during the March international window, but the situation in Qatar has once again put the federations in a difficult position.
As a result, Spanish outlet RNE Deportes reports that London, Miami, Rome, Madrid and Paris have all emerged as potential alternative venues. Negotiations are currently underway, with a resolution expected in the coming days.
The prospect of Doha remaining the host city is fading, particularly given how close the World Cup is on the horizon. As the outlet reports, both federations are intent on keeping the Argentina-Spain match on its original date, with postponement not a viable option given the absence of any available window afterward.
Luis de la Fuente (L), Manager of Spain, and Lionel Messi (R) of Argentina.
Amid a complicated match, Lionel Messi led an impressive comeback for Inter Miami to secure the victory. In doing so, the Argentine scored a stunning free-kick goal, climbing the all-time free-kick scorers list and closing in on Marcelinho Carioca.
After suffering a defeat in their 2026 MLS debut, Inter Miamitook on Orlando City in the Florida’s derby, aiming for a commanding victory. In a thrilling comeback, Lionel Messi delivered an outstanding performance by scoring an impressive free-kick goal in the 90th minute to seal the win. With this achievement, the Argentine star reaches new spot in the all-time rankings of top free-kick scorers, bringing him closer to Marcelinho Carioca’s world record.
With his latest goal against Orlando City, Lionel Messi reached 70 free-kick goals throughout his career. After this, he establishes himself as the fourth top scorer on the list, remaining nine goals away from surpassing Marcelinho Carioca, who finished his career with 78 free-kick goals, remaining as the top scorer. Having a contract until 2028, the Argentine appears close to soon surpassing the Brazilian.
Even though he is not considered among the best Brazilian players in history, Marcelinho Carioca managed to establish his name in soccer history until his retirement in 2009. After playing 306 matches, he managed to score 100 goals, providing 69 assists. He may not rank among the greatest scorers in history, but he did establish himself as a difference-maker in free kicks, making Lionel Messi’s nearing of his record an amazing goal.
How does the top 10 all-time free kick scorers list look?
At the beginning of his professional career, Lionel Messi did not stand out in an imposing way as a great free-kick taker. In fact, he scored only four goals of this kind from 2008 to 2011. However, the Argentine became an expert starting in 2012, scoring 7 goals. After scoring 70 goals, he establishes himself as the fourth top scorer of free kicks, maintaining a clear advantage over Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Maradona. Here is the complete top 10.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF takes a free kick to score his team’s fourth goal during the MLS match.
Name
No. Goals
1.
Marcelinho Carioca
78 goals
2.
Roberto Dinamite
75 goals
3.
Juninho Pernambucano
72 goals
4.
Lionel Messi
70 goals
5.
Marcos Assunção
69 goals
6.
Zico
68 goals
7.
Siniša Mihajlović
67 goals
8.
Pierre van Hooijdonk
65 goals
9.
Cristiano Ronaldo
63 goals
10.
Diego Maradona
61 goals
Data by El Gráfico
Having Cristiano seven goals behind, the Argentine stands out as the only player capable of surpassing Marcelinho Carioca, as he is the closest active player to this record. In addition, Messi has remained one of the most consistent players in terms of free-kick effectiveness. For that reason, Lionel could set the record, once again leaving his mark on soccer history.
Although Cristiano Ronaldo established himself several years ago as one of the best free-kick scorers in the world, he is coming off a few years without effectiveness in his shots. After scoring three goals in 2024 with Al Nassr, the Portuguese now has gone two years without scoring again in this manner, even though he is usually the team’s taker. This contrasts with Lionel Messi, who is coming off 18 consecutive seasons scoring free kicks.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF reacts after winning the MLS match.
Real Madrid are preparing for a Matchday 26 clash against Getafe in the 2025/26 La Liga campaign. Below, you’ll find all the key details for this matchup, including kickoff times and full information on how to watch the game live on TV and through available streaming services.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Real Madrid vs Getafe on US television and via legal streaming:
The La Liga title race tightens as Real Madrid look to keep pace after Barcelona’s 4-1 win over Villarreal pushed the Blaugrana to 64 points, four clear at the top. Led by Kylian Mbappe, Los Blancos need a victory to trim the gap to one and stay firmly in the championship hunt.
However, Getafe—hovering in mid-table and still wary of slipping toward the relegation fight—will be desperate for points of their own, setting up a high-stakes clash with major implications at both ends of the standings.
More details on how to watch
With ESPN+, you can watch Real Madrid vs Getafe and tons more soccer games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, Apple, Android, and Amazon Fire devices, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Oculus Go.
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There’s also the daily ESPN FC show, 30 For 30 documentaries, exclusive access to studio programs and more.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full ESPN+ soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Amid a rather inconsistent season, Jude Bellingham picked up a thigh injury that initially seemed set to sideline him for only a few matches. However, the Englishman has suffered an unexpected setback in his recovery, delaying his return longer than anticipated.
Jude Bellingham arrived at Real Madrid as one of the best players in the world, with the club paying €127 million to Borussia Dortmund for his transfer. In his first season, he made an impressive impact, scoring 23 goals and providing 12 assists. However, the Englishman is not experiencing his best campaign currently, as his offensive impact has diminished. Additionally, Bellingham reportedly suffered a relapse of his thigh injury, further delaying his return to the pitch.
Even though Jude was called upon to lead Real Madrid’s midfield in the absence of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, he has failed to convince with his performance. Neither with Xabi Alonso nor Álvaro Arbeloa has he managed to organize the midfield, making it clear that his focus is on being an attacking midfielder. Despite this, he has not managed to shine in this regard either. Coupled with this, the Englishman reportedly faces a backlash on his recovery.
After his thigh injury in early February, Jude Bellingham was expected to be sidelined until mid-March. Far from his recovery progressing smoothly, the Englishman will be out for Real Madrid until mid-April, complicating matters for coach Álvaro Arbeloa, as per Alberto Pereiro on Onda Cero. With this setback, he would be cementing a disappointing season marred by injuries and a lack of offensive impact.
In Bellingham’s absence, Arbeloa may once again rely on Aurelien Tchouameni and Arda Guler in central midfield. Additionally, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde could adopt more offensive roles, aiming to create a significant impact and support Vinicius Jr. amid Kylian Mbappe’s latest backlash. With the 2026 World Cup just a couple of months away, the Englishman is unlikely to rush his return, as he aims to secure a spot with his national team for the tournament.
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid goes down with an injury during the LaLiga EA Sports match.
Bellingham disappoints at Real Madrid, forcing new signings
Under Carlo Ancelotti, Jude Bellingham broke out in impressive fashion at Real Madrid, scoring 23 goals and providing 12 assists while operating as a ‘false 9’ behind Vinicius and Rodrygo. However, Kylian Mbappé’s arrival forced a shift in Bellingham’s role, reducing his goal-scoring opportunities. Furthermore, with the departures of Kroos and Modric, expectations were high for him to become the leader of the midfield—a goal he has yet to fully achieve.
Throughout the 2025–26 season, the Englishman has been an undisputed starter at the base of midfield alongside Aurélien Tchouaméni. Despite this, he has not managed to properly organize the team, forcing the young Arda Güler to drop deeper and reduce his attacking contribution to support him. As a result, Real Madrid have struggled to remain competitive, losing the top spot in LaLiga. For this reason, Los Blancos are reportedly looking to strengthen the midfield.
According to numerous outlets, Real Madrid have decided to bring back Nico Paz by activating the €9 million buy-back clause, as they expect him to provide leadership and structure in midfield. In addition, they are reportedly monitoring the development of Kees Smit, who has been shining at AZ Alkmaar as the team’s key playmaker. It does not mean that the Englishman will depart, as he remains a cornerstone of the squad and may take a more offensive role.
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid looks on during the UEFA Champions League.
Gary Neville thinks Arsenal will win the Premier League title, although he predicted “10 weeks of pain”. Arsenal are five points clear of seond-place Manchester City, having played a game more than Pep Guardiola’s team. The Gunners edged out Chelsea 2-1 on Sunday, and take on Brighton on Wednesday, while Man City host struggling Nottingham […]
Guillermo Amor discusses his legendary career at FC Barcelona, his crucial goal in the 1990 Copa del Rey Final, and his journey from being La Masia's first graduate to managing in the A-League.
From Lionel Messi to Sergio Busquets, from Xavi Hernández to Lamine Yamal, from Andrés Iniesta to Gerard Piqué, Barcelona’s La Masia academy has produced a seemingly endless line of future Blaugrana stars. However, the very first player to go from developing in La Masia to thriving in Barcelona’s first team was none other than Guillermo Amor.
Born in Benidorm, Spain, Amor started playing football at an early age for a number of different teams in the Alicante province and, after impressing in a tournament against the likes of Barcelona, Valencia, and Hércules, he was invited to undergo a week-long trial at Barcelona. It didn’t take much for Barcelona to see that he could be a world-class player: at 12 years old, Amor left Alicante and made the move to the brand-new academy in January 1980. Six years after making his unofficial debut—replacing Diego Maradona in a friendly to celebrate the Miniestadi’s opening—Amor made his competitive debut against Catalan rivals Espanyol.
He quickly established himself as a vital cog under new manager Johan Cruyff, scoring 13 goals in 36 appearances across the 1988/89 season and helping the Blaugranas win the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. At the time, Real Madrid were the undisputed kings of Spain, winning five consecutive LaLiga titles between 1986 and 1990, but Amor would help turn the tide in Barcelona’s favor by scoring eight goals and an assist in 42 appearances in 1989/90—none more important than his opening goal in Barcelona’s 2-0 win against Real Madrid in the 1990 Copa del Rey Final. Cruyff, then on the hot seat, was given another season to showcase his managerial prowess, a decision that would quickly bear fruit.
“It was a very nice moment, partly because it was very close to my hometown of Benidorm. I was practically 140 kilometers away, so the whole family and a lot of friends came to see the final, and we really needed them to be there,” recalled Amor of his goal in an exclusive World Soccer Talkinterview. “We were focused on the match, thinking that we absolutely had to win, that’s all that we had left, because we didn’t know what was going to happen afterwards. The feeling is so wonderful when it’s your turn on a day like that, being able to participate by scoring a goal, whilst Julio Salinas scored at the end of the match to secure the victory. For me, that was very important, not just as a local player, but a good player who loves his club, who had been waiting for those moments for many years, who had also faced Real Madrid in the youth categories, and who knew what these matches are like and what’s at stake. The truth is, it was a very special, very beautiful moment.”
With Amor orchestrating the show in midfield, Barcelona were able to claim four consecutive league titles from 1991 to 1994, whilst they were also able to claim their first-ever European Cup (now the UEFA Champions League) after beating Sampdoria in the 1992 final, in addition to reaching the 1994 final. But after missing out on three trophies in the span of 10 days, Cruyff was sacked in 1996. However, Amor would nevertheless prove essential by guiding them to the Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España, and UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1996/97 under Bobby Robson. The 1997/98 season, meanwhile, would see Amor help Barcelona win the LaLiga title and Copa del Rey under Louis van Gaal, and it also saw him compete in the biggest tournament in the world. Having excelled in Spain’s Euro ’96 run, Amor would play in all three of Spain’s matches in the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Little did he know it, but it would be his final tournament as a Spain player, as well as his final international tournament as a Barcelona player.
“The Spain national team manager Javier Clemente tried to put together a team of good people who were very compatible with him, but when you have so many players from different teams, forming a team is difficult. It used to be even more difficult, because there weren’t as many matches. Now, national teams play many matches throughout the year, there are friendlies, tournaments, and championships, but in our time, we didn’t play so many matches. Clemente trusted a group of players, many from Barcelona and Real Madrid, and I was fortunate that he trusted me enough to be in the 1996 Euros in England and the 1998 World Cup in France. Those are two unforgettable moments for me because of what they mean for any player’s career, and it coincides with my departure because my Barcelona contract was ending, and I had to start a new chapter in a different city, a different country, and a different championship.”
After nearly 20 years with Barcelona, Amor made the move to Serie A outfit Fiorentina, where he spent two seasons, before returning to Spain and helping newly promoted Villarreal establish their place in LaLiga. Amor then made the move to Scottish side Livingston, where he made three appearances and helped them avoid relegation, before retiring at the age of 35. The Spaniard quickly transitioned into a backroom role with FC Barcelona, overseeing the club’s youth categories as the Head of Youth Football from 2003 to 2007. He returned three years later and worked as the club’s Technical Director of Football Training between 2010 and 2014, before starting a new journey in Australia as Adelaide United FC’s Technical Director and later the club’s head coach.
Similarly to how figures like Stevie Grieve are looking to spearhead the return of clubs like Helsingborgs to their respective top flights, Amor led Adelaide to their first and only A-League Championship before returning to his boyhood club in 2017 and overseeing Barça B and the U19A and B sides before being shifted into the role of Head of Institutional and Sports Relations for the first team from 2017 to 2021. At 58 years of age, Amor spends his time in Barcelona, working with his oldest son (a licensed FIFA agent) in his consulting and player representation business. But every now and then, he’ll head back to his native Alicante and watch the matches of Club de Fútbol Benidorm, a club whose stadium (Estadio Municipal Guillermo Amor) bears his name.
“It’s very special, but even more so having it in the town where I was born, and where I left at a very young age. That field is where I also started playing, in the schoolyard where I studied, and it was on that field where we had the Easter Children’s Tournament, which is where Barcelona saw me for the first time. That’s where I played against Barcelona and earned the invitation to FC Barcelona, so whenever I go to Benidorm, I always visit that field, and if I get a chance, I’ll go and watch a match there. There are a lot of matches that are played there, from the Spanish national youth teams like the under-17s and the under-18s to CF Benidorm, which is also working hard to see if they can get promoted, and I’m always keeping a close eye on that too. But this recognition is an honor, whether it’s in your town or city, it’s an honor that someone remembers you and puts something in your name… it’s beautiful. And if you can experience it while you’re still alive, even better. The bad thing is when they show you something you’re no longer around for, but if you have the chance to experience something while you’re still enjoying it, then all the better.”
After a successful start to the season, Kylian Mbappé was forced to miss several weeks on the pitch due to a knee injury. In light of this, the Frenchman is reportedly upset with Real Madrid over the handling of his injury, leading him to make a major decision.
Kylian Mbappé established himself as Real Madrid’s best player, leading the attack amid Vinicius Jr.’s dip in form. He not only stands as the team’s top scorer with 38 goals but has also asserted himself as an undisputed leader in the dressing room. However, the Frenchman was forced to miss several weeks due to his knee injury. Now, Mbappe is reportedly upset with Los Blancos over the handling of his injury, pushing him to make a major decision.
According to Diario Marca, Mbappé is quite dissatisfied with Real Madrid’s medical services, as he has been dealing with these knee problems for around three months. Far from having been given proper management for his recovery, the Frenchman continued playing through discomfort, but in mid-February he decided to stop completely since the issue had not improved. As a result, he has decided to travel to France in search of the opinion of other specialists.
Following a complete break in February, Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid were aiming for a return to peak physical condition in early March, seeking to be ready to face Manchester City. Despite this, the Frenchman’s dissatisfaction with the team’s medical services may create uncertainty as to whether he will be ready for this date or will need to take more time off to recover. As per Diario Marca, he could be closer to being ready for the Champions League second leg.
With the Frenchman’s departure, coach Alvaro Arbeloa now faces seven key absences: Éder Militao, Dani Ceballos, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo Goes, Dean Huijsen, Raul Asencio, and Kylian Mbappé. Despite this, Real Madrid remain competitive in both LaLiga and the Champions League. However, these absences could pose a significant challenge against Manchester City, and they aim to recover most players back by early March, though it seems complicated.
Mbappé may miss more matches for Real Madrid according to Álvaro Arbeloa
Mbappé receives harsh criticism for pushing his body to the brink
Despite Real Madrid’s inconsistent season, Kylian Mbappé is having his best statistical year. After scoring 38 goals, the French forward remains in the race for the European Golden Boot, competing fiercely with Harry Kane. Although he has struggled with injuries since December, he reportedly chose to stay with the team, pushing himself to play in numerous matches. Now that his injury is confirmed, fans have been heavily criticizing him.
While enduring significant physical discomfort, Mbappé started against Sevilla on December 20, 2025, where he scored a penalty to match Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 59 goals in a calendar year. This was not an isolated incident; the French star then chose to take a break until the end of February after pushing himself for approximately three months—something fans claim exacerbated his physical condition.
Even though supporters have criticized Kylian, the Frenchman reportedly blames Real Madrid’s medical staff for mishandling his injury. He makes it clear that if he had been told to stop, he would have done so, but continuing to play aggravated his condition. Because of this, Mbappé may not be entirely at fault for his recurring knee issues. As he deals with his problems in France, he may be back to face Manchester City in the Champions League second leg.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match.
Prediction: Match to end in 1-1 draw Best Odds: 11/2 Bookmaker: Zetbet Leeds United and Sunderland will lock horns with each other in the Premier League this week. The match between Daniel Farke’s side and Regis Le Bris’s team will be held at Elland Road and is scheduled to kick off at 7:30pm UK time […]
Arne Slot does not enjoy the physicality of set-pieces in the Premier League, as he worries there is too much focus on such scenarios. Premier League leaders Arsenal are hugely effective from set-pieces. Indeed, all three of the goals in the Gunners’ 2-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday were scored from corners. Liverpool also had […]
With the Premier League action rolling onto Tuesday night, we have a stacked midweek schedule from across England’s elite. As a resurgent Liverpool look to skyrocket their way into the Champions League spots, bitter local rivals Everton will also look to extend on their remarkable European charge. With four top-flight showdowns pencilled in on Tuesday […]
While Antoine Semenyo might have only arrived at Bournemouth three years ago following a £10million move from Bristol City, the Ghana international has only continued to shine since joining England’s elite. Enjoying a remarkable start to the 2025/26 campaign at the Vitality, the 26-year-old had a string of Premier League heavyweights who were chasing his […]
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves Best Odds: 7/10 Bookmaker: Luckster Looking to extend on their sensational Premier League purple patch, Manchester United will travel to St. James’ Park on Wednesday night when they meet Newcastle. Newcastle Starting with the hosts, while Newcastle might have extended on their Champions League adventure last week […]
Verdict: Manchester City win Best Odds: 2/5 Bookmaker: Dachbet Once again looking to close the gap at the top of the Premier League table, Manchester City will welcome Nottingham Forest to the Etihad on Wednesday night. Manchester City Starting with the hosts, while Manchester City might once again watched Arsenal widen their buffer on Sunday […]
Mikel Arteta lauded David Raya as a leader at Arsenal, as he claimed his “heart almost stopped” when the goalkeeper pulled off a save late on against Chelsea. Arsenal saw off Chelsea 2-1 in a cagey contest at Emirates Stadium, where all three goals came from corner kicks. Jurrien Timber grabbed Arsenal’s winner, heading home […]
For the clash against Orlando City in the MLS, Inter Miami won't be counting with legendary striker Luis Suarez.
Inter Miami head to Inter&Co Stadium to face Orlando City on Matchday 2 of the 2026 MLS season Sunday, looking to bounce back from a disappointing 3-0 loss in their opener against LAFC. However, the Herons will be without one of their most recognizable stars in Luis Suarez.
Suarez will not take part in the match against Orlando City after suffering an injury. The Uruguayan striker was listed on Inter Miami’s injury report with a lower-leg issue that will sideline him Sunday, ruling him out not only of the starting lineup but also of the matchday squad.
Inter Miami have not released an official statement detailing Suarez’s condition or a timeline for his return. According to Claro Sports reporter José Armando, the veteran forward felt discomfort during Friday’s training session, which led to his absence from the game.
Despite falling out of head coach Javier Mascherano’s preferred starting XI following the arrival of German Berterame, Suarez remains an important depth option who brings experience and leadership to the roster. He joins Sergio Reguilon as the two Inter Miami players unavailable because of injury.
Luis Suarez (C) of Inter Miami drives the ball against Jhegson Mendez (R) of Independiente del Valle.
Luis Suarez praised by German Berterame
Late last MLS season, Suarez began to lose his place in Inter Miami’s lineups as Mateo Silvetti and Tadeo Allende impressed with strong performances. For 2026, the club not only retained Allende but also signed Berterame for a reported $15 million to fill a Designated Player slot, effectively pushing Suarez into more of a secondary role.
Still, the Uruguayan legend continues to leave an impression on newcomers. Speaking Friday, Berterame praised Suarez’s influence: “I watched him for years on television, all those matches and goals at Barcelona and with every team he played for.“
Despite now being the starting striker, the Mexico international said Suarez remains a valuable mentor. “I’ve also seen him here in Miami, and he never stops surprising us. Now that I’m by his side every day in training, I try to learn the best from him — his first touch, his finishing, and his patience inside the box. That’s invaluable,” he added.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves Best Odds: 7/10 Bookmaker: Olympusbet Two camps who are seeking their own respective Premier League boosts on Wednesday night, Aston Villa will welcome Chelsea to the Midlands. Aston Villa Starting with the hosts, while Aston Villa might have opened the New Year at the heart of a […]
Liam Rosenior conceded it was the “same story” with Chelsea as their disciplinary issues and set-piece struggles came to the fore in their 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday. Rosenior watched on as William Saliba headed Arsenal into a 21st-minute lead after Chelsea failed to deal with Bukayo Saka’s inviting corner that was met by […]
Benjamin Sesko was the match-winner again as Manchester United fought back to beat 10-man Crystal Palace 2-1 at Old Trafford, following Maxence Lacroix’s red card. Lacroix put Palace ahead after just four minutes, outmuscling Leny Yoro before superbly planting a header into the far post from Brennan Johnson’s corner. United struggled to get going in […]
With a starring Lionel Messi, Inter Miami claim the first Florida Derby against Orlando City in the 2026 MLS season.
Inter Miami traveled to Inter&Co Stadium to face Orlando City on Matchday 2 of the 2026 MLS season, with both Eastern Conference sides looking to bounce back after disappointing openers. Led by a starring Lionel Messi, who capped his performance with a stunning free kick, the Herons completed a remarkable 4-2 comeback in the first Florida Derby of the season.
Despite controlling possession for long stretches, Inter Miami ran into a sharp Maxime Crépeau early on, and their inability to break down a well-organized Orlando side left them exposed at the back. The Lions made them pay, first in the 18th minute when a misplaced pass from Rodrigo De Paul allowed Iván Angulo to whip in a cross for Marco Pašalić, who met it with a crisp half-volley to open the scoring.
Six minutes later, Martín “Tincho” Ojeda doubled the lead with a brilliant trivela after a slick combination with Griffin Dorsey. Trailing by two at halftime, with Orlando City comfortably sitting deep for much of the half and holding just 39% of the possession, Miami head coach Javier Mascherano made an attacking change at the break, sending on Mateo Silvetti in place of defender Noah Allen.
The gamble paid off almost immediately, as Silvetti, following a pass from Telasco Segovia, unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the box to halve the deficit in the 49th minute. Then, in the 57th, Lionel Messi finally found the back of the net for his first official goal of 2026, curling a shot into the far corner that Crépeau had no answer for.
As the game entered its final stages, Germán Berterame drove to the end line and delivered a cross to Messi, who laid it off to Segovia to complete the comeback in the 85th minute. Then, after drawing a red card from an ill-timed Guske foul, Messi stepped up to take the resulting free kick and curled a perfect effort that dipped just beneath Crépeau’s hands, sealing his brace and securing Inter Miami’s first three points of the MLS season.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring against Orlando City.
Belize U20 will battle El Salvador U20 on Matchday 4 of the 2026 CONCACAF U20 Championship group stage. Viewers across the United States can watch every minute live, with full kickoff times and broadcast information provided here for both TV coverage and streaming options.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Belize U20 vs El Salvador U20 on US television and via legal streaming:
Fresh off a commanding 3-0 win over French Guiana, El Salvador U20 look to keep their strong start going as they face Belize U20 in a key CONCACAF youth showdown. The tournament has long been a stage for the region’s future stars, and El Salvador’s young core is eager to build momentum as part of the country’s broader World Cup ambitions at the senior level.
Belize, meanwhile, sees this generation as a chance to spark long-term growth for its national program, setting up a matchup filled with motivation on both sides. With rising talent and regional pride on display, this is one you won’t want to miss.
More details on how to watch
With Fubo, you can watch Belize U20 vs El Salvador U20 and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
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Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
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If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
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If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
With Lionel Messi expected to be one of the starters, Orlando City and Inter Miami will be clashing for Matchday 2 of the 2026 MLS.
Orlando City host Inter Miami for Matchday 2 of the 2026 Major League Soccer season Sunday at Exploria Stadium. With the first Florida derby of the campaign on tap, fans are set to see Lionel Messi back in action.
The Lions enter the match after a disappointing home opener against the New York Red Bulls, a 2-1 result in which the visitors dictated play with 13 shots on target, forcing goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau into a standout performance that prevented a heavier defeat. Following the departures of Alex Freeman and Rodrigo Schlegel, Orlando are counting on young Brazilians and newcomers Tiago, Luis Otávio, and Iago Teodoro to emerge as key contributors.
On the other side, Inter Miami head into their second official match of the season after a humbling 3-0 road loss to Los Angeles FC in a record-setting MLS clash. The Herons bounced back with a win Thursday against Independiente del Valle and will aim to carry that momentum into a game with points at stake.
Is Lionel Messi playing vs. Orlando City?
Lionel Messi is starting on Sunday’s Florida derby. The Argentine star featured in the second half of Thursday’s friendly against Independiente del Valle where he scored from the penalty spot, and after dealing with an injury prior to the season, completed Saturday’s training session and is available for selection.
Lionel Messi of Inter Miami scoring a penalty against Independiente del Valle.
Interestingly, this will mark his fifth meeting with Orlando City but only his third in MLS play. Messi missed one Florida derby in each of 2023, 2024, and 2025, appearing in just two league matches against the Lions, where he has split results with one win and one loss and will look to tilt that record in his favor.
Confirmed lineups for Orlando City and Inter Miami
Orlando City’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Maxime Crepeau; Griffin Dorsey, David Brekalo, Nolan Miller, Tahir Reid-Brown; Braian Ojeda, Colin Guske; Marco Pašalić, Martín Ojeda, Iván Angulo; Duncan McGuire. Head coach: Oscar Pareja.
Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Dayne St. Clair; Facundo Mura, Maxi Falcon, Micael, Noah Allen; Rodrigo de Paul, Yannick Bright; Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi, Telasco Segovia; German Berterame. Head coach: Javier Mascherano.
With only a few months left before the 2026 World Cup begins, Neymar Jr. seems somewhat distant from Brazil’s final call-up before the tournament. Amid doubts about his presence, Rodrygo Goes offered unconditional support for the 34-year-old veteran, delivering strong statements.
After returning to the field with Santos FC following his recovery, Neymar Jr. has managed to regain clear physical sensations, promising a radical change after his meniscus surgery. Even so, the veteran is reportedly not expected to be called up by Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil’s final matches before the 2026 World Cup. In response, Rodrygo Goes gave a strong answer when asked whether he believes the 34-year-old star should be in the anticipated tournament.
“It’s logical. For me, in my opinion, there’s not even a discussion. But we know, of course, he needs to be well, he has to be preparing, he is returning from knee surgery. It won’t have the same grace to win without him, so we need him,” Rodrygo said, as reported by ESPN Deportes. With these statements, the 25-year-old star may pressure Carlo Ancelotti to call up the veteran star after a significant time, gaining momentum for the anticipated tournament.
Unlike in previous years, Neymar Jr. has transitioned from a left winger to an attacking midfielder. In this new role, he competes with Rodrygo, Raphinha, and Lucas Paquetá. Despite this competition, the young star has expressed support for the veteran, emphasizing that Neymar’s experience could be crucial at the 2026 World Cup. In case he stays injury-free, he could push Brazil coach Ancelotti for a spot in the tournament.
With the constant injuries of recent years, Neymar’s possible return to Brazil may not mean a scoring boost. Although he is the national team’s all-time top scorer, he has already transformed into an attacking midfielder, who is key in creating space for his teammates. With his experience and on-field impact, Estêvão, Raphinha, Rodrygo, and Vinícius Jr. could benefit greatly, as their scoring output could increase considerably.
Neymar’s last appearance for Brazil was in October 2023.
Neymar flaunts his physical readiness at Santos amid Brazil snub buzz
Following his meniscus surgery, Neymar Jr. has already made a successful return with Santos, playing three consecutive games: 2 in the Campeonato Paulista and 1 in the Brasileirao. Even though he failed to score in his first two games, he scored an important brace against Vasco Da Gama. Despite this, Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly looking to leave him out of Brazil’s next squad, prompting the 34-year-old to showcase his physical condition in an Instagram story.
Neymar ainda não está 100% fisicamente, mas esses dados aqui trazem um cenário otimista em relação ao estado físico dele.
Não estou dizendo que ele fez uma grande partida hoje – pelo contrário. Mas ver ele na parte de cima desses dados que englobam sua saúde física é animador! pic.twitter.com/xx5UzIS90i
Over the past few months, Ancelotti has made it clear that Neymar’s talent is a difference-maker, so he has reportedly set his physical recovery as the only condition.Because of this, the veteran states that he ranks among the best-rated players at Santos, making it clear that if he is left out, it would not be due to a lack of full fitness. In addition, the 34-year-old aims to improve more and more, ensuring that his physical condition is at its peak heading into June.
Brazil national team stars Rodrygo Goes and Neymar Jr.
After Vinícius Jr.’s complaint against Gianluca Prestianni, José Mourinho has been the subject of strong criticism for his statements toward the Brazilian. However, the Portuguese coach has decided to double down on his remarks, criticizing UEFA and warning his Argentine player.
Although the Champions League playoffs between Real Madrid and Benfica have already come to an end, Vinícius Jr.’s complaint against Gianluca Prestianni for racism keeps everything that happened in this match very active. After the game, José Mourinho was heavily criticized for his words toward the Brazilian, but he decided to reinforce his statement. With this, the Portuguese coach sends a clear criticism to UEFA and a warning to his Argentine player.
“If one of my players did not respect these principles, which are mine and Benfica’s, that player’s career with a coach named José Mourinho and at a club called SL Benfica will come to an end. I’m not a lawyer, but I’m not ignorant either; the presumption of innocence is a right. If the player is indeed guilty, I will never look at him the same way again and that will be the end with me, but I have to put a lot of ‘ifs’ before that,” Mourinho said, reported by DAZN.
José Mourinho has decided to maintain his stance, defending Prestianni’s innocence until UEFA proves otherwise. While this position should not be controversial, he has been heavily criticized for not supporting Vinícius Junior. However, the Portuguese coach only sought to remain completely neutral, making it clear that the governing body will determine whether racist acts occurred or not, keeping him far from being a racist person, as he was accused.
Throughout his career, Mourinho has always stayed away from racist accusations. Even Chelsea legend Didier Drogba decided to support the Portuguese coach, recalling his successful history with African players such as him, Samuel Eto’o, John Obi Mikel, Michael Essien, among many others. In addition, he has acknowledged that whenever he travels to African countries he receives a lot of love, as players like Drogba even call him “Dad” as a term of affection.
Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Benfica, speaks to Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid.
Prestianni could not only end his Benfica career but face UEFA ban
Following his successful tenure at Vélez Sarsfield, Gianluca Prestianni arrived at SL Benfica as one of Argentina’s biggest prospects. After paying €9 million for his transfer, he managed to stand out at the Portuguese club, becoming a starter under José Mourinho. However, Vinícius Jr.’s complaint of racial acts could end his career at the club, as the coach warned. This might not end there, as he could also face a severe sanction from UEFA.
If found guilty of racial discrimination against Vinícius Jr., Prestianni could face a sanction starting from a 10-match suspension up to being ruled out for a determined period, according to Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Code. SL Benfica could even have justification to terminate his contract, leaving him in limbo. With this, the Argentine could struggle to find a new club in Europe, halting his progress.
Despite this, UEFA does not have an easy task proving Gianluca’s guilt in acts of racism. Without audio or video evidence, they must conduct an investigation based on the players’ statements. However, the recorded video shows that there were no players actually near Prestianni and Vinicius at the time, complicating any investigation. If found innocent, the Argentine is reportedly planning to sue the Brazilian for defamation.
Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Benfica, is shown a red card by referee Francois Letexier during the UEFA Champions League.
After being subbed last Saudi Pro League game due to an injury, Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo made a key decision to assess his fitness.
Cristiano Ronaldo raised concerns during Al Nassr’s latest Saudi Pro League match against Al Fayha after the Portuguese star was unable to finish the game and was substituted following what appeared to be an injury. With concern surrounding the veteran forward, he has reportedly made a key decision to further evaluate the issue.
However, the most worrying moment came late in the second half, when Ronaldo was seen limping with apparent muscle discomfort, prompting head coach Jorge Jesus to substitute him in the 81st minute. Sitting on the bench, the striker was examined by medical staff, who applied ice to his right leg. Although he later appeared in the mixed zone signing autographs and walking unassisted, concern among Al Nassr fans remained.
During the post-match press conference, Jesus addressed Ronaldo’s condition and sought to ease fears. “Ronaldo felt some muscle fatigue. After we went up 2-1, I didn’t want to take any risks, so I subbed him out. The medical department is going to evaluate his condition, but what he felt is nothing out of the ordinary—nothing serious or anything that will keep him sidelined for long. It was just muscle soreness,” Jorge Jesus said.
According to Saudi outlet Al Riyadiyah, Cristiano Ronaldo will undergo an MRI on Monday in a specialized medical center. Initial tests determined what was already suspected, that the Portuguese was suffering a discomfort on his right hamstring, proving to be a little bit more worrying than just a muscle fatigue.
The purpose of the scan is to determine the true severity of the injury and establish a recovery timeline so the club can plan accordingly around its star player. The results will be significant not only for the SPL title race, but also with the March international window approaching for the Portugal national team.
Following the Asian Football Confederation’s decision to postpone upcoming AFC Champions League quarterfinal matches, Al Nassr’s scheduled game Wednesday against Al Wasl will not be played. As a result, Jesus opted to give his squad a rest day Sunday before returning to training.
As for a recovery timeline, it will depend entirely on the diagnosis. Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine indicates Grade I muscle strains typically require one to three weeks of recovery, a timeframe that could affect Ronaldo’s fitness for Portugal’s upcoming matches against Mexico and the United States men’s national team.
Orlando City SC will host Inter Miami CF in a 2026 Major League Soccer regular-season clash. Here’s everything you need to know about this matchup, including the date, venue, kickoff time, and how to watch all the action live across the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Orlando City SC vs Inter Miami on US television and via legal streaming:
MLSheadlines this weekend with one of its most anticipated rivalry clashes as Inter Miamimeet Orlando City SC in the latest installment of the Miami Derby. Both sides enter the matchup desperate to steady the ship after rough starts to the campaign.
Orlando are coming off a setback against the New York Red Bulls, while Miami endured an even tougher outing, falling 3-0 to Los Angeles FC. With pride and momentum on the line, Orlandoare chasing their first victory of the tournament, while Lionel Messi and Miami are under pressure to respond and reignite their season.
Details on how to watch
MLS Season Pass is the new home for Major League Soccer – where you can watch Orlando City SC vs Inter Miami and every MLS game. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, Apple TV, smartphone, tablet, Roku, and other smart streaming devices.
MLS Season Pass is part of a 10-year rights deal with Apple, MLS Season Pass is a service direct from the league available through Apple TV that will stream every MLS game – including MLS Cup Playoffs and Leagues Cup – with no blackouts.
The service also features MLS NEXT Pro (MLS 3rd division reserve league) and MLS NEXT games (youth development league), as well as exclusive team and league content available nowhere else.
MLS Season Pass is available via the Apple TV app on all Apple iOS devices, Mac, PC, Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick, Android TV, Google TV, LG smart TVs, Panasonic smart TVs, Playstation 4 & 5, Roku streaming devices and smart TVs, Samsung smart TVs, Sony smart TVs, Vizio smart TVs, and Xbox One, One S, Series X and Series S. In addition, you can AirPlay or cast from your phone or computer to any compatible screen.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
Free resources available to you
World Soccer Talk is the number one destination in the United States for soccer television and streaming information. We recommend that you bookmark our soccer games on TV today page as well as subscribing to our free daily email newsletter that includes TV schedules and the latest soccer news and opinion from around the world.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Jurrien Timber wants Arsenal to enjoy the Premier League title race after a cagey win over Chelsea saw them move five points clear of Manchester City. Timber headed home in the 66th minute of an attritional contest at Emirates Stadium to seal a 2-1 victory. All three goals came from corners, with Arsenal’s set-piece proficiency […]
Arsenal restored their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League as they ground out a 2-1 win over 10-man Chelsea. Jurrien Timber’s 66th-minute header proved decisive at Emirates Stadium, where all three goals came from corners. Arsenal went ahead in the 21st minute, with Gabriel Magalhaes meeting Bukayo Saka’s corner to set up […]
Verdict: Everton win & Both teams to score Best Odds: 11/4 Bookmaker: Luckster Looking to make it consecutive Premier League victories on Tuesday night, Everton will welcome Burnley to the blue half of Mersyside. Everton As for the visitors, springing a real upset at St. James’ Park over the weekend as they eventually picked up […]
Verdict: Both teams to score Best Odds: 2/3 Bookmaker: Dachbet Two camps who are looking to book their own respective iconic European finishes this season, Bournemouth will welcome Brentford to the Vitality on Tuesday night. Bournemouth Starting with the hosts, while Bournemouth might have continued to impress since opening the New Year, Andoni Iraola’s men […]
Barcelona have long mulled over Marcus Rashford and whether to turn the Manchester United forward’s loan into a permanent transfer for €30million, and according to Sport, they’ve now decided to do so. An agreement over personal terms on a three-year contract is already in place. Rashford had difficulty in getting his quality recognized at United […]
With Qatar's current situation, FIFA are reportedly set to wait on making a decision over the postponement of the 2026 Finalissima between Lionel Messi's Argentina and Lamine Yamal's Spain.
The 2026 Finalissima between Argentina and Spain, one of the marquee matchups of the year ahead of the World Cup, has once again been thrust into the spotlight amid the possibility of the game being suspended. However, reports have now surfaced that FIFA will wait before deciding on a postponement of the clash between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.
After several months without an agreement on a date, FIFA, CONMEBOL, and UEFA had settled on staging the match in Qatar at Lusail Stadium on March 27. However, the situation in Qatar has put the country on alert, prompting security measures and the postponement of several sporting events nationwide.
On Sunday, the Qatar Football Association released a statement addressing the situation in Qatari soccer: “Qatar Football Association announces the postponement of all tournaments, competitions, and matches, effective from today and until further notice. The new dates for the resumption of competitions will be announced in due course through the Association’s official channels.“
The Finalissima still not suspended
Despite the statement released by the QFA, the Finalissima has not been officially suspended yet. The decision from the national federation applies only to competitions under its jurisdiction, while any ruling on international events such as the Finalissima between Argentina and Spain will be determined jointly by FIFA, UEFA, and CONMEBOL.
General view inside the Lusail stadium.
As reported by Argentine journalist Gastón Edul, the Finalissima is not officially suspended. CONMEBOL and UEFA have not held discussions with the Qatari government, meaning the match remains unresolved and is expected to be clarified in the coming days, with less than a month remaining before the scheduled date.
Edul also reported that the chances of the duel between Argentina and Spain not being played on the 27th “are very high.” Still, the governing bodies plan to remain cautious before making a determination, waiting to see whether the situation escalates before reaching a final decision.
What are the options for the Finalissima?
Taking into account the significant commercial agreement Qatar has to host the clash between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, it is rather unlikely the nation would relinquish hosting rights to another country on the same date. Under that scenario, only one realistic option remains.
As the Argentine insider reported, postponement is among the most likely outcomes, though it remains unclear whether that would mean days, weeks, or even months, especially given how close the World Cup is. FIFA, UEFA, and CONMEBOL are monitoring the situation before making a final call on a match that has already faced multiple delays.
Spain's Lamine Yamal and Argentina's Lionel Messi.
Barcelona have long mulled over Marcus Rashford and whether to turn the Manchester United forward’s loan into a permanent transfer for €30million, and according to Sport, they’ve now decided to do so. An agreement over personal terms on a three-year contract is already in place. Rashford had difficulty in getting his quality recognized at United […]
Barcelona have long mulled over Marcus Rashford and whether to turn the Manchester United forward’s loan into a permanent transfer for €30million, and according to Sport, they’ve now decided to do so. An agreement over personal terms on a three-year contract is already in place. Rashford had difficulty in getting his quality recognized at United […]
Arsenal face Chelsea, seeking a victory that would consolidate them as the undisputed leaders of the Premier League. While the Gunners arrive as clear favorites, the Blues come in full form, promising a highly competitive match.
Following a multi-million dollar investment, Arsenal have established themselves as one of the world’s top teams, maintaining great solidity. In today’s Premier League clash, they showcased their impressive performances by dominating Chelsea. Although neither Viktor Gyokeres nor Eberechi Eze found the net, William Saliba and Justin Timber were decisive in securing the victory. Coupled with this, the Blues endured Pedro Neto’s red card, complicating the outcome.
While head coach Liam Rosenior aimed to regain Chelsea’s best form, they failed to shine in today’s game. Not only did they struggle to deliver consistently on offense, but they also fell short defensively. Their high pressing approach left several gaps in the backline that Viktor Gyokeres constantly exploited. Additionally, the Blues struggled to defend corner kicks, allowing Saliba and Timber to shine as they bypassed Mamadou Sarr and Trevor Chalobah.
Arsenal managed to shine throughout the Premier League match, led by Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice. Despite the Blues’ quick counterattacks, both players were able to disrupt those advances and launch rapid responses, consistently finding Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. Even so, the performance of Gyökeres and Eze was disappointing, as they failed to make a difference, creating few serious goal-scoring chances.
While the Gunners secured a 2-1 victory, the match was fairly evenly contested. Neither Arsenal nor Chelsea truly excelled in attack, leaving their midfielders as the standout performers. Additionally, both sides only managed to threaten each other from set pieces, particularly corner kicks, raising doubts about their ability to break down well-organized defenses. Even so, Mikel Arteta achieved his primary goal: Keeping Arsenal atop the Premier League table.
Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal is challenged by Joao Pedro of Chelsea.
AS Roma will host Juventus in a Matchday 27 showdown in the 2025/2026 Serie A campaign. Supporters in the United States can catch every minute of the clash, with complete kickoff times and broadcast details provided for both television and streaming options.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch AS Roma vs Juventus on US television and via legal streaming:
Champions League positioning is front and center in Matchday 27 as Juventuslook to recover from their European playoff exit and reignite their top-four push against a direct rival. The Bianconeri trail the final qualifying spot and understand that three points are essential to avoid falling further behind in the standings.
Standing in their way is AS Roma, who currently occupy fourth place with 50 points and control their own destiny. A victory would give Roma breathing room in the race and tighten their grip on a Champions League berth. With so much at stake, this is a showdown you won’t want to miss.
More details on how to watch
Paramount+ is now offering a 7-day free trial promotion for new subscribers, giving fans the ability to watch a ton of soccer fans (and other content) for free.
After the 7-day trial, Paramount+ is just $7.99 per month.
Paramount+ features more than 2,000 live matches each year. In addition to Serie A, the extensive portfolio of soccer properties also includes Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League; English Football League; Carabao Cup; NWSL; Argentina’s Liga Profesional de Fútbol, and more.
Paramount+ includes exclusive original programs such as: Halo, Star Trek: Discovery, Frasier, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, and Evil, as well as movies including Mean Girls, Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning and more. You can also stream CBSN (CBS News), CBS Sports HQ and ET Live, as well as — with the Premium Plan — your local CBS network.
Paramount+ is available on PC or Mac as well as Roku, iPhone and Android phones, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation 4, Samsung smart TV, Vizio and XBOX One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Paramount+ soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
Here are the steps to sign up for your 7-day free trial to Paramount+:
1. After clicking the ‘Try It Free’ button, you’ll see the following page that explains the two choices you’ll find. Click ‘Continue’ to be presented with the options:
2. Choose between the ‘Paramount+ Essential’ or ‘Paramount+ With Showtime’ options. If you want to save over 15% with an annual plan, click the Annual option. Then hit ‘Continue’ to move on.
3. Next, you’ll need to create a free Paramount+ account:
4. Enter your contact details, and click ‘Continue’ to move to the next step.
5. The following page explains the free 7-day trial:
6. Enter your payment details and then click ‘Start Paramount+’ to begin your free trial.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Looking to consolidate their position as undisputed leaders of the Premier League, Arsenal face Chelsea in a vibrant London derby. While the Gunners are in top form, the Blues are coming off an inconsistent season, so they need a win. Here are the confirmed lineups for both sides.
After heavily reinforcing their roster, Arsenal have managed to remain at the top of the Premier League for several weeks. However, they are coming off two consecutive draws that have put their position at risk. As a result, the Gunners face Chelsea today in a thrilling London derby. Like them, the Blues are in need of a victory, intensity and tactical discipline could ultimately define the outcome in today’s game.
Unlike the start of the season, coach Mikel Arteta has managed to recover the best version of Viktor Gyökeres, who is coming off a brace against Tottenham Hotspur. With this in mind, Arsenal emerge as the clear favorites, as they maintain a fairly solid team in defense and midfield, making the goal-scoring facet the last requirement needed to maintain their brilliant performance. In addition, Eberechi Eze continues to impose his level.
Chelsea seem to be gradually recovering consistency. Under the guidance of new coach Liam Rosenior, they have managed to regain defensive stability and midfield solidity, with Enzo Fernández being the creative key of the team. In addition, João Pedro and Cole Palmer remain the leaders of the attack, making the difference in every match. Along with this, the Blues have managed to rotate their bench, keeping them in full form.
Both teams arrive in quite different moments in the Premier League, but they need a victory in today’s match. While the Gunners seek to continue pulling away from Manchester City, who are following them closely, the Blues need a win to pursue a Champions League spot, as they are currently outside these places. With this in mind, they could give us a highly competitive match, focusing on the offensive approach.
Kepa Arrizabalaga of Arsenal attempts to clear the ball during a goal mouth scramble.
Arsenal lineup vs. Chelsea
Even though they are the clear favorites to take the victory, Arsenal maintain difficult absentees: Mikel Merino, Ben White, Kai Havertz, and Max Dowman. However, coach Mikel Arteta keeps Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyökeres as his offensive leaders, alongside William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães in defense. With this, he will opt for a fairly conservative lineup, similar to that of previous matches.
With this in mind, Arsenal will play as follows: David Raya; Justin Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Piero Hincapié; Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze; Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres, Leandro Trossard.
Chelsea lineup vs. Arsenal
With the arrival of Liam Rosenior, Chelsea arrive in better form to compete against Arsenal, seeking a solid victory. However, they still do not have Mykhaylo Mudryk, Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, Estevao, Jamie Gittens, Dario Essugo, and Levi Colwill available. In view of this, they will look to Cole Palmer and João Pedro as the leaders of the attack, and Alejandro Garnacho will be decisive off the bench.
Considering this, Chelsea will lineup as follows: Robert Sanchez; Reece James, Mamadou Sarr, Trevoh Chalobah, Jorrel Hato; Moises Caicedo, Andrey Santos; Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto; João Pedro.
Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal and Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea.
A £104million loss, soaring wages, and heavy transfer debts show a club gambling on Premier League survival it can’t guarantee. West Ham United’s newly published accounts make one thing painfully clear: the club is standing far closer to the financial edge than many supporters might like to believe. A £104.2 million loss — their biggest […]
Arsenal receive Chelsea in a Matchday 28 clash during the 2025/2026 Premier League campaign. Below, you’ll find essential details, including kickoff times and complete viewing options across TV and streaming platforms.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Arsenal vs Chelsea on US television and via legal streaming:
With the Premier League title race heating up, the pressure is mounting on first-place Arsenal(61 points) after Manchester City closed the gap with a win over Leeds United, tightening the race at the top. Now the Gunners must respond in a marquee showdown against Chelsea.
The Blues are fighting tooth and nail with Manchester United and Liverpool for the final Champions League spot and simply can’t afford to drop points. With massive implications for both the title chase and the top-four battle, this blockbuster clash has all the ingredients of a season-defining moment!
More details on how to watch
With Peacock Premium, you can watch Arsenal vs Chelsea and tons more Premier League games.
Now with Peacock Premium, you can stream 175 Premier League matches per season that are exclusive to Peacock. Plus, you get access to the Premier League TV channel, which features Premier League reviews, previews, interview shows, daily news programs and classic Premier League games.
Replays of all 380 games for the season will be available to Peacock Premium subscribers. Matches will be available on replay and then for 30 days after they air.
Peacock is widely available across different platforms and devices, including:
• Computers: PC and Mac
• Apple: iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD
• Google: Android, Android TV devices, Roku, Chromecast and Chromecast built-in devices
• Microsoft’s Xbox One family of devices: Xbox One S and Xbox One X
• VIZIO SmartCast TVs and LG Smart TVs
• Sony PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 4 Pro
In addition to all of the soccer coverage, Peacock Premium offers more than 20,000 hours of programming from NBC Universal including movies, TV shows, original programming and live TV channels.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Peacock soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
To learn more about Peacock, we’ve put together a how-to video.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
Our free resources for you
World Soccer Talk is the number one destination in the United States for soccer television and streaming information. We recommend that you bookmark our soccer games on TV today page as well as subscribing to our free daily email newsletter that includes TV schedules and the latest soccer news and opinion from around the world.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Hugo Ekitike scored and provided two assists as Liverpool bolstered their top-four hopes with an entertaining 5-2 victory over West Ham. A lively away performance from West Ham was not enough to deny Arne Slot’s men at Anfield, as they moved level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United in the Premier League table. Liverpool scored […]
Manchester United square off against Crystal Palace in a Matchday 28 clash during the 2025/2026 Premier League campaign. Below, you’ll find essential details, including kickoff times and complete viewing options across TV and streaming platforms.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Manchester United vs Crystal Palace on US television and via legal streaming:
The push for European qualification is reaching a boiling point, and Manchester Unitedhead into their next test with little room for error. Tied on 48 points with Liverpool —who boosted their standing with a win over West Ham.
Now, United are locked in a tense race where a single point could decide Champions League dreams. Awaiting them is a hungry Crystal Palace squad still fighting to create separation from the relegation zone. With major implications at both ends of the table, this is one showdown you won’t want to miss.
More details on how to watch
With Peacock Premium, you can watch Manchester United vs Crystal Palace and tons more Premier League games.
Now with Peacock Premium, you can stream 175 Premier League matches per season that are exclusive to Peacock. Plus, you get access to the Premier League TV channel, which features Premier League reviews, previews, interview shows, daily news programs and classic Premier League games.
Replays of all 380 games for the season will be available to Peacock Premium subscribers. Matches will be available on replay and then for 30 days after they air.
Peacock is widely available across different platforms and devices, including:
• Computers: PC and Mac
• Apple: iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD
• Google: Android, Android TV devices, Roku, Chromecast and Chromecast built-in devices
• Microsoft’s Xbox One family of devices: Xbox One S and Xbox One X
• VIZIO SmartCast TVs and LG Smart TVs
• Sony PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 4 Pro
In addition to all of the soccer coverage, Peacock Premium offers more than 20,000 hours of programming from NBC Universal including movies, TV shows, original programming and live TV channels.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Peacock soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
To learn more about Peacock, we’ve put together a how-to video.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
Our free resources for you
World Soccer Talk is the number one destination in the United States for soccer television and streaming information. We recommend that you bookmark our soccer games on TV today page as well as subscribing to our free daily email newsletter that includes TV schedules and the latest soccer news and opinion from around the world.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Manchester City cut Arsenal’s lead at the Premier League summit back to two points as Antoine Semenyo’s goal clinched a 1-0 win over Leeds United at Elland Road. Erling Haaland was unable to feature in the city of his birth after suffering a minor injury in training, and Pep Guardiola’s side initially struggled without their […]
Club America will take on Tigres UANL in a Matchday 8 clash of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 season. Below is all the essential information for this matchup, including kickoff times and complete broadcast coverage for TV and streaming viewers in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Club America vs Tigres UANL on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
Club America vs Tigres UANL
WHAT
Liga MX
WHEN
10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT • Saturday, February 28, 2026
WHERE
DirecTV Stream, Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network, Univision, TUDN, Amazon Prime Video and ViX
With the Liga MX playoff race tightening by the week, the spotlight turns to a crucial clash between Club America and Tigres UANL, two sides separated by just one spot in the standings as seventh-place America looks to build on the momentum of a dominant 4-0 win over Puebla.
Meanwhile, eighth-place Tigrestry to halt a troubling two-game skid that has put their postseason hopes under pressure; with every point now carrying massive weight in a crowded table, this showdown could significantly reshape the playoff picture, making it a must-watch battle you won’t want to miss.
More details about watching the game on DirecTV Stream
With DirecTV Stream, you can watch Club America vs Tigres UANL and tons more Liga MX games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick as well as Google TV, Samsung and Peloton.
DirecTV Stream offers a free trial, and often shares with you a variety of different packages to choose from, so you can pick what suits you the best. That also includes packages filled with sports other than soccer including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and more.
DirecTV Stream has 140+ channels of live TV and unlimited DVR. That includes all of the most important soccer-related channels such as NBC, FOX, ESPN, TNT, CBS as well as more niche soccer channels including FOX Deportes, Telemundo, Univision, TUDN and GolTV.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full DirecTV Stream soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Pep Guardiola sounds ready to play against Real Madrid in Manchester City's next Champions League match.
Friday was the day for the Champions League to establish the round of 16 matches. Some ties could easily be finals, like the one Manchester City must play. Pep Guardiola was not discouraged by being drawn against Real Madrid.
Once Real Madrid’s victory over Benfica was confirmed, many voices from the club predicted the English side would be the opponent. In the end, they were right. After the event it was club legend Emilio Butragueño who complained about the pairing.
Guardiola had a different approach to the match. “For our club, the more we play against the best teams of this competition, the better. We’ll learn more, we’ll improve and we’ll be better in the future,” he said.
Guardiola’s description of Real Madrid
Real Madrid have not had the season they expected and even made an early managerial change, appointing Álvaro Arbeloa as interim for Xabi Alonso. That does not change Guardiola’s view.
Guardiola defeated Alonso in last December’s match (Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
The Spanish manager has had historic matches against Real Madrid, including epic El Clásico nights. This tie will not be new to him either, since he has faced European giants many times even after leaving his country.
Guardiola was respectful of his rivals even if they are not producing dazzling performances: “Since I was a player and a manager with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City, Real Madrid have always had great players. It’s different than our last match because it was Alonso before, now it’s Arbeloa. We’ll see.”
Guardiola isn’t thinking about Real Madrid yet
The most important match of the Champions League could be this one, and everyone is anxious to see who moves on to the final eight. That is not Guardiola’s focus right now.
He laid out the immediate schedule to explain his priorities: “In the middle of the week we have Nottingham Forest, then Newcastle in the FA Cup. We have time to think about Real Madrid.”
LA Galaxy made an announcement regarding Marco Reus and his future in Major League Soccer.
Marco Reus is part of a long list of soccer stars who have left Europe in recent years to join Major League Soccer. The German midfielder is beginning his third season with LA Galaxy and has now made a decision about his future.
“The LA Galaxy announced today that the club has signed Marco Reus to a contract extension through December 2027,” the California club said in a statement published on its official website Saturday.
This is a key decision for LA Galaxy, who are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season and need top-level players to do so. The absence of Riqui Puig, sidelined since late 2024 due to a knee injury that required two surgeries, has made Reus’ role even more important.
The 36-year-old German midfielder has recorded 9 goals and 13 assists for Galaxy since joining the club two years ago, across MLS, Leagues Cup, and Concacaf Champions Cup competitions. He also played a role in the club’s MLS title run in 2024, just months after arriving in the United States.
The journey continues ✍️
The LA Galaxy announced today that the club has signed Marco Reus to a contract extension through December 2027.
This season, Marco Reus remains an important player for LA Galaxy, having appeared in all three of the team’s matches so far. He started in the MLS opener against New York City FC, where he recorded an assist, and also in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup first round against Sporting San Miguelito. A week earlier, in Panama, he came off the bench.
LA Galaxy value Marco Reus’ impact
Reus’ contract extension is reassuring news for fans, who will be able to enjoy his talent through at least the end of 2027. “Marco brings an incredible level of quality, experience, and leadership to our group,” Will Kuntz said in an interview shared by the club on its official website.
The LA Galaxy general manager praised not only Reus’ contributions on the field, but also his leadership off it: “His professionalism and daily standards elevate everyone around him, and his impact both in the locker room and on the pitch is immeasurable. We’re excited to have him continue playing such an important role for our club.”
Liverpool are leading the race for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Joao Neves, according to Fichajes. The report in the Spanish news outlet has claimed that Liverpool are planning to make a big offer for Neves, but there is interest in the 21-year-old Portugal international midfielder from Manchester City and Real Madrid, as well. Fichajes has noted: […]
Manchester United are interested in signing Nicolo Barella from Inter Milan in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. The report in the Spanish news outlet has claimed that Inter want €70 million for the Italy international central defender. Fichajes has noted: ‘Manchester United’s intention is to seize any market opportunity to secure the signing […]
Manchester United and Manchester City are competing with each other for Elliot Anderson, according to Fichajes. The report in the Spanish news outlet has claimed that Nottingham Forest, who could get relegated from the Premier League to the Championship at the end of the season, want €91 million for the former Newcastle United star. Fichajes […]
Liverpool and Newcastle United are interested in signing Luis Suarez from Sporting CP in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. Suarez has established himself as one of the best strikers in Europe, and both the Reds and the Magpies are keen on him. Fichajes has noted: ‘In England, two clubs have positioned themselves:: Liverpool […]
Lamine Yamal netted his first-ever career hat-trick in sublime style against Villarreal on Saturday, but the winger admitted after the match that he had endured a challenging period this season. Helped by his brilliant performance and a late goal from Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona cruised to a comfortable 4-1 victory at Camp Nou in Hansi Flick’s […]
Liverpool are leading the race for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Joao Neves, according to Fichajes. The report in the Spanish news outlet has claimed that Liverpool are planning to make a big offer for Neves, but there is interest in the 21-year-old Portugal international midfielder from Manchester City and Real Madrid, as well. Fichajes has noted: […]
Manchester United are interested in signing Nicolo Barella from Inter Milan in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. The report in the Spanish news outlet has claimed that Inter want €70 million for the Italy international central defender. Fichajes has noted: ‘Manchester United’s intention is to seize any market opportunity to secure the signing […]
Manchester United and Manchester City are competing with each other for Elliot Anderson, according to Fichajes. The report in the Spanish news outlet has claimed that Nottingham Forest, who could get relegated from the Premier League to the Championship at the end of the season, want €91 million for the former Newcastle United star. Fichajes […]
Liverpool and Newcastle United are interested in signing Luis Suarez from Sporting CP in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. Suarez has established himself as one of the best strikers in Europe, and both the Reds and the Magpies are keen on him. Fichajes has noted: ‘In England, two clubs have positioned themselves:: Liverpool […]
Real Madrid and Barcelona are interested in signing Rodri from Manchester City in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. The Spanish news outlet has claimed that Madrid, who have long wanted to sign the Spain international, believe that they could be able to sign Rodri for €50 million, but La Liga rivals Barcelona have […]
A ranking of the most valuable players in the world has Lamine Yamal at the top, ahead of Kylian Mbappe.
Most soccer fans and analysts would probably agree that the two biggest stars in the sport right now are Kylian Mbappeand Lamine Yamal. Nearly a decade apart in age and very different in style, both have earned central roles at Real Madrid and Barcelona, as well as with their respective national teams.
That status is also reflected in their market value. A recent list published by the specialized website Football Benchmark places Yamal as the most valuable player in the world, with an estimated valuation of €286.8 million (around $338 million).
The winger’s youth — he is just 18 years old — is a key factor in that assessment, but so is his current form. Despite his inexperience, Lamine already wears Barcelona’s No. 10 jersey and is one of the team’s main stars. He is a regular with the Spain national team and finished second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting.
Second on the list is Kylian Mbappe, with an estimated value of €232.2 million (approximately $274 million). While the French forward’s performances at both club and international level could arguably place him above Yamal, factors working against him include his age — he is 27 — and the fact that he joined Real Madrid as a free agent just a year and a half ago, making a short- or mid-term transfer unlikely.
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona challenges for the ball against Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid.
The top ten most valuable players in the world
According to Football Benchmark, behind Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe, the third-most valuable player in the world is Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker for Manchester City is currently valued at around $243 million.
The top ten is rounded out by Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham ($209 million), Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka ($165 million), Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz ($163 million), Barcelona’s Pedri ($163 million), Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise ($157 million), Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior ($157 million), and Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala ($145 million).
What has been the most expensive transfer in soccer history?
These figures come from a study that considers variables such as performance, age, and resale potential in order to determine a player’s valuation. However, it is ultimately the actual fees clubs pay in transfers that define a player’s true market value.
Even so, these reports help put today’s players into perspective and highlight what past superstars represented in financial terms. That becomes clear when comparing Football Benchmark’s estimates with real transfer fees from previous years.
Among the current top ten, only two players — if hypothetically sold at their estimated values — would become the most expensive signing in soccer history. The €222 million that Paris Saint-Germain paid to Barcelona for Neymar in 2017 would only be surpassed by the current valuations attributed to Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe.
Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal.
Lamine Yamal talked about an issue that was bothering after Barcelona defeated Villarreal with his first hat-trick.
Lamine Yamal continues to make history with records that will be hard to match. Almost everything he does feels new, because he is just 18 years old. His first hat-trick for Barcelona was one of those moments.
In a match against Villarreal that promised to be difficult, Barcelona solved the problem with a 4-1 victory. The standout player of the day was the winger, who scored three goals to keep his team in first place in La Liga.
Yamal showed his emotion after the match. The young player told Movistar that his injury had stopped him from enjoying his football: “People want you at 16 years old to score 100 goals. I wasn’t fine. It was a mix of everything, the groin pain. I wasn’t happy before, it showed. Since last week I have felt better, I smile while I play. I’m happy when I’m playing.”
Yamal on staying longer on the field
A long run of matches awaits Barcelona, with Atletico Madrid already waiting for the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal where Hansi Flick’s side need to overturn a four-goal deficit.
Yamal scored his first ever hat-trick (Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
For that tie Barcelona must produce a perfect performance to reach the final. To help with that, it was important to close the victory quickly so Flick could rest some players.
Yamal did not want to leave the field until he completed his hat-trick, as he told journalists after the game: “I told Flick to wait to substitute me out for the goal, the third one. Not the team’s third goal, luckily it was mine.”
Yamal’s emotional gift
Every player who scores a hat-trick receives the match ball from the referee. For players who have many, the gesture may not be very emotional, but for Yamal the ball was special. He gave the gift to his mother, as shown by Fabrizio Romano on social media.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are interested in signing Rodri from Manchester City in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. The Spanish news outlet has claimed that Madrid, who have long wanted to sign the Spain international, believe that they could be able to sign Rodri for €50 million, but La Liga rivals Barcelona have […]
Barcelona are interested in signing Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. The Spanish news outlet has claimed that Arsenal want €45 million for the Brazil international winge. Fichajes has noted: ‘Barcelona’s sports management, under the tactical leadership of Hansi Flick, aim to incorporate players who bring freshness and individual […]
Real Madrid and Barcelona are interested in signing Rodri from Manchester City in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. The Spanish news outlet has claimed that Madrid, who have long wanted to sign the Spain international, believe that they could be able to sign Rodri for €50 million, but La Liga rivals Barcelona have […]
Barcelona are interested in signing Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. The Spanish news outlet has claimed that Arsenal want €45 million for the Brazil international winge. Fichajes has noted: ‘Barcelona’s sports management, under the tactical leadership of Hansi Flick, aim to incorporate players who bring freshness and individual […]
Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Cody Gakpo from Liverpool in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. The report in the Spanish news outlet has claimed that Atletico wanted to sign Victor Osimhen, and having missed out on him, the La Liga club are now keen on the Netherlands international. Fichajes has noted: ‘The […]
Lamine Yamal scored a sensational hat-trick as Hansi Flick marked his 100th game in charge of Barcelona with a 4-1 win over Villarreal at Camp Nou. Yamal’s treble, along with substitute Robert Lewandowski’s late goal, also moved Barcelona four points clear at the top of LaLiga, with Real Madrid facing Getafe on Monday. A quiet […]
Barcelona are interested in signing Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal in the summer transfer window, according to Fichajes. The Spanish news outlet has claimed that Arsenal want €45 million for the Brazil international winge. Fichajes has noted: ‘Barcelona’s sports management, under the tactical leadership of Hansi Flick, aim to incorporate players who bring freshness and individual […]
In the Saudi Pro League matchup between Al Nassr and Al Fayha, Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty with the score at 0-0.
Al Nassr are chasing the Saudi Pro League title, something they haven’t achieved in recent years. Saturday’s match against Al Fayha was crucial, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s early penalty miss came in the opening minutes of the game.
Following wins by Al Ahli and Al Hilal, Jorge Jesus’ team entered Saturday’s match knowing they needed a victory to retain first place in the league standings, or at least a draw to share the top spot with Al Ahli. In that pursuit, facing a lower-level opponent like Al Fayha — currently 10th in the standings — appeared to be an advantage.
The gap between the two teams was evident from the opening minutes, as Al Nassr controlled possession comfortably in the attacking half and created chances to score the opener. In the 11th minute, the referee awarded a penalty for a foul inside the box, giving them an opportunity to take an early lead.
Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up to take the kick, as he usually does. The Portuguese forward struck the ball with his right foot, aiming for the lower right corner past goalkeeper Mosquera. However, he lacked precision, sending the shot too wide. The ball struck the post and went out of play.
Cristiano Ronaldo has reached countless records throughout his career, most of them tied to his remarkable scoring ability. He is, of course, the all-time leading scorer in soccer history with 965 goals, and he holds similar records in the UEFA Champions League, with Real Madrid, and with Portugal.
However, when it comes to penalties, CR7 also holds an unfortunate record. Ronaldo is the player who has missed the most penalties in soccer history, with a total of 36 across his club career with Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al Nassr, as well as his time with the Portugal national team. Considering that he has scored 181 goals from the spot, his conversion rate stands at 81.43%.
Second place in that ranking is also surprising: Lionel Messi. The Argentine forward, who also trails CR7 on the all-time scoring list, has missed 32 penalties compared to 114 converted. That gives him a success rate of 78.08%.
Neymar is currently not among the players Carlo Ancelotti plans to take to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Brazil.
Gradually, Carlo Ancelotti has shaped the Brazil national team, turning it into a much more reliable side than it had been in recent years under Fernando Diniz and Dorival Junior. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, the coach seems close to finalizing the roster, with Neymar’s absence standing out as the most notable.
According to ESPN, Ancelotti has already locked in 18 of the 26 players he will take to North America for the World Cup this summer. Neymar’s absence stands out on that list, as he is currently not being considered an option.
If confirmed, this decision would be consistent with the steps the Italian coach has taken since his hiring in mid-2025. During this time, Neymar has never been called up for World Cup qualifiers or friendlies, either due to injuries or Ancelotti’s strategic decisions. Unless he delivers consistently strong performances at Santos, that situation does not appear likely to change.
Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Brazil.
Who are the reportedly confirmed Brazil players for the World Cup?
It makes sense that, after nearly a year working as Brazil’s coach and with less than four months until the 2026 World Cup begins, Carlo Ancelotti would already have a clear idea of the roster he plans to take to North America.
According to ESPN, one goalkeeper already has his spot secured: Alisson Becker. In defense, center backs Marquinhos, Eder Militao, and Gabriel Magalhaes are also considered key players by the coach. They are joined by fullbacks Alex Sandro and Douglas Santos.
Four midfielders are also reportedly confirmed: Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta, Bruno Guimaraes, and Andrey Santos. And in attack, where the most names appear as set, are Vinicius, Rodrygo, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, Matheus Cunha, Joao Pedro, Luiz Henrique, and Estevao.
With these 18 players reportedly locked in by Carlo Ancelotti, only eight spots remain on the World Cup roster. Two of those will necessarily be goalkeepers, while probably three will be defenders. That leaves just three spots for midfielders or forwards, making Neymar’s chances appear limited.
Xavi picked his Barcelona presidential candidate to rival Joan Laporta.
Barcelona are experiencing an important moment in their institutional life as the presidential election approaches. Many candidates are ready to succeed Joan Laporta, and some figures are choosing a side. Xavi confirmed his decision.
The former midfielder has chosen Víctor Font as his preferred presidential candidate. Even if he previously served as Barcelona manager while Laporta was president, his departure from the club was not smooth.
Xavi had already supported Font in the past, and on Saturday he confirmed his endorsement by signing in favor of him. With many important matters for the first team at this time of year, the March 15 elections are especially relevant to supporters.
Former players supporting Laporta
Xavi remains one of the club’s most influential figures. His name carries weight, so it is understandable that other candidates find it hard to match that support. Two former players closely associated with Laporta’s administration have backed his candidacy.
Laporta resigned to be a Barcelona presidential candidate again (Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Deco was the most prominent former player to back Laporta’s return to the presidency, which was unsurprising given his current role as sporting director under this administration.
The other supporter was Bojan Krkic, who signed the petition at Laporta’s headquarters. While his career did not ultimately match the early expectations set during his youth, his backing is likely meaningful for the candidate.
Barcelona’s minimum signs required
Voting has not yet taken place. What these former players did was sign to show their support for their chosen presidential candidate. Barcelona requires each candidate to collect at least 2,337 signatures from supporters to be eligible to stand in the election, and Monday is the deadline to submit them.
Xavi doesn't want Laporta as Barcelona's president
Since arriving at Manchester City back in the summer of 2019, Rodri has certainly underlined his status as a modern era icon at the Etihad. Cementing his spot as one of Europe’s ultimate midfield superstars, the 29-year-old has lifted 11 pieces of major silverware during his time in the blue half of Manchester and bagged […]
With such milestones inevitably come comparisons to Lionel Messi, the player who defined a generation at Barcelona. The question naturally arises: when did Messi score his first hat-trick, and how old was he?
Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi are once again being spoken about in the same breath, as Barcelona witnesses another historic milestone from its teenage sensation. On February 28, 2026, Lamine Yamal delivered a performance that confirmed his meteoric rise. The 18-year-old forward scored the first hat-trick of his professional career in a 3-1 La Liga victory over Villarreal at Camp Nou.
It was not just any treble—it was a statement display. Yamal struck twice in the first half before completing his hat-trick after the break, guiding Barcelona to a commanding position in the match and reinforcing the club’s push toward the top of La Liga.
The afternoon did not begin smoothly for Barcelona. The club endured a frustrating opening half-hour, with Ferran Torres and Jules Kounde unable to convert promising opportunities. But in the 28th minute, Yamal seized his chance. After a midfield error gifted possession, the teenager received the ball inside the area and calmly slotted home to break the deadlock.
Less than ten minutes later, he produced an even more spectacular moment. Dancing past two defenders, he curled a precise effort into the far corner to make it 2-0. The confidence, balance, and composure displayed by a player still only 18 underscored why he is already regarded as one of Europe’s brightest talents.
Although Villarreal briefly reduced the deficit through Pape Gueye, the Blaugrana quickly restored control. A perfectly weighted through ball from Pedri split the defense, and Yamal raced clear before finishing with trademark calmness to secure his hat-trick and a 3-1 advantage.
The Messi comparison: When did the Argentine score his first hat-trick?
Yamal’s landmark night was about more than three goals. At 18 years and 230 days, he became the youngest player to score a La Liga hat-trick this century. Even more impressively, he became the first player in Europe’s top five leagues in the 21st century to reach 25 goals before turning 19.
With such milestones inevitably come comparisons to Lionel Messi, the player who defined a generation at Barcelona. The question naturally arises: when did Messi score his first hat-trick, and how old was he?
Messi’s first official hat-trick for Barcelona’s first team came on March 10, 2007, in a dramatic 3-3 La Liga draw against Real Madrid. At the time, he was 19 years and 260 days old. That performance announced the Argentine as a global superstar in the making, and it marked the beginning of an era that would redefine the club’s history.
Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrates after scoring his first hat-trick against Real Madrid
By comparison, Yamal has reached his first professional treble even earlier, highlighting just how extraordinary his development has been. While Messi would go on to shatter virtually every scoring record in sight, Yamal’s trajectory suggests Barcelona may once again have a generational talent on its hands.
On a day that blended inevitability with astonishment, Yamal delivered a performance that not only secured victory for the club but also etched his name into the record books in a way few imagined possible so soon.
Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi now share another historic link at Barcelona, but this time, the teenager has moved ahead. On a day that blended inevitability with astonishment, Yamal delivered a performance that not only secured victory for the club but also etched his name into the record books in a way few imagined possible so soon.
The 18-year-old produced the first professional hat-trick of his career in a 3-1 La Liga win over Villarreal on February 28, 2026, at the Camp Nou. What followed was more than just three goals; it was a symbolic passing of a torch.
Barcelona entered the match knowing that victory would send the club four points clear at the top of La Liga. The breakthrough finally came in the 28th minute. After a midfield error from Villarreal, Fermin Lopez slipped a perfectly weighted pass into Yamal’s path. The winger took a composed touch and curled a low left-footed finish into the far corner.
Less than ten minutes later, the stadium erupted again. Yamal collected possession on the right wing, danced past two defenders with dazzling footwork, and rifled a spectacular strike into the top corner to make it 2-0.
Villarreal briefly threatened a comeback through Pape Gueye, who halved the deficit. But Barcelona’s rising star was not done. In the 69th minute, Pedri delivered a sublime through ball, and Yamal raced in behind before calmly chipping the goalkeeper to complete his treble.
The record revealed
At 18 years, 7 months, and 15 days old, Yamal became the youngest player in Barcelona’s history to score a La Liga hat-trick, surpassing Lionel Messi’s previous club record. Messi had set that benchmark at 19 years, 8 months, and 16 days in a 3-3 draw against Real Madrid on March 10, 2007.
For nearly two decades, Messi’s record had stood as a modern milestone at Barcelona. While older historical feats exist, such as Paulino Alcantara’s early 20th-century exploits, Messi’s achievement defined the modern La Liga era. Until now. Yamal’s performance also made him the youngest player to score a La Liga hat-trick this century, further amplifying the scale of the accomplishment.
1 – Youngest players to score their first hat-trick in @LaLigaEn in the 21st century:
18 years and 230 days – LAMINE YAMAL today vs Villarreal 19 years and 6 days – Gio dos Santos vs Murcia in May 2008 19 years and 125 days – Santi Mina vs Rayo Vallecano in April 2015
The hat-trick was not an isolated flash of brilliance. It was the latest chapter in a season that has confirmed Yamal’s elite trajectory. He now boasts 101 career goal contributions, 49 goals and 52 assists, before turning 19. This season alone, he has registered 17 goals and 12 assists, moving clear as Barcelona’s leading scorer.
In Europe’s top five leagues this century, no player has reached 25 league goals before the age of 19 faster. After three matches without finding the net, the hat-trick felt both timely and emphatic. Barcelona may have been without key midfielder Frenkie de Jong, but Yamal ensured the absence had no lasting impact.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring numerous rule changes, including updates to VAR.
Rule changes and technological innovations have been a constant in soccer in recent years, aimed at speeding up the game and preventing referee errors that could impact match results. Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, more changes will be implemented.
This week, the International Football Association Board approved a series of modifications to the rules of the sport, designed to address issues and clarify common situations during matches. This summer’s World Cup in North America will be the first time these new rules are applied.
One of the most significant changes involves the use of VAR. While strict limits on the situations where it can be used will remain, the list of scenarios in which the referee can be assisted will be expanded.
Until now, VAR could only review a red card when it involved a direct red or a referee error in identifying the player who committed the foul. Moving forward, it will also be possible to review expulsions that result from two yellow cards, when the second card is controversial.
VAR in use during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Another situation that can now be reviewed by VAR involves corner kicks. When the referee and assistants incorrectly award or deny a corner, VAR may intervene if the review can be done immediately and without delaying the restart of play.
Rule changes to prevent time-wasting
In recent years, one of FIFA’s priorities has been reducing delays during matches and maximizing actual playing time. While some proposals were set aside—such as stopping the clock every time the game is paused, similar to basketball—new rule changes will now address this goal.
Starting this summer, if the referee determines a team is delaying a throw-in or goal kick, a visible five-second countdown will begin. If the ball is not in play by the end of that time, a punishment will be applied: the throw-in will be awarded to the opposing team, or a goal kick will be replaced by a corner kick for the opponent.
Substitutions will also be sped up. Each player will have 10 seconds to leave the field once their exit is announced or indicated by the referee. If this is not followed, the incoming player must wait outside the field for at least one minute, until play is interrupted again.
The case of injured players
In line with efforts to prevent delays, rules will also regulate situations involving players with physical issues. Whether medical staff enter the field to assist or the game is paused while a player recovers, the player will have to leave the field and wait one minute after play resumes before returning.
There is, of course, an exception, already long established in soccer. If a player is fouled by an opponent in a situation warranting a yellow or red card, the injured player attended by medical staff is not required to leave the field once play resumes.
FIFA World Cup Trophy is displayed during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw.
Beyond the goals and the growing rivalry with the Portuguese, there is another objective driving Ivan Toney, one aimed directly at England’s national setup.
Ivan Toney is making noise in Saudi Arabia, and not just because he is outscoring Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League. The striker, who swapped English soccer for the Middle East in a high-profile move, is leading the Golden Boot race while firing Al-Ahli into a title fight with Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr. But beyond the goals and the growing rivalry with the Portuguese, there is another objective driving him, one aimed directly at England’s national setup.
The 29-year-old forward has 23 goals in 23 league appearances this season, placing him top of the scoring charts ahead of Ronaldo and Julián Quiñones. His clinical form has not only put Al-Ahli one point clear at the top of the table but also reignited debate over his international future with the England national soccer team.
When Toney accepted a lucrative $55 million transfer to Al-Ahli in the summer of 2024, critics questioned whether he was jeopardizing his England ambitions. Leaving the Premier League spotlight often carries risks, particularly ahead of a major tournament cycle. However, the Englishman has no regrets. His numbers stack up impressively, so much so that he is currently outscoring Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, claimed the Golden Boot in each of the past two seasons. Now, Toney stands in his way.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Toney reflected on his confidence and scoring form. “Every time I step onto the pitch, I feel like I’m going to score, I’ve got that confidence at the moment,” he said. His goals are not only personal milestones but central to Al-Ahli’s push for its first league title in a decade. With the title race tight and Ronaldo chasing him, Toney knows consistency will be decisive.
“And when you’re this far through the season and you’re close to the top of the goal scoring chart, it’s kind of like, ‘OK, let me stay here now,’” he explained. “And of course, we know goals win games and that’s what I’m trying to do for the team and help us in the league. So yeah, I want to try and stay there now.”
What did Toney say about Thomas Tuchel?
While the Golden Boot battle is fierce, there is a bigger stage in Toney’s mind: the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In the middle of his red-hot domestic campaign, Toney sent a clear, if measured, message to England manager Thomas Tuchel.“Of course, there’s going to be eyes on that,” Toney said regarding his scoring exploits. “But I can only control what I can control, which is trying to score goals and do well for my team here.”
He continued: “I’m sure goals will get me recognized and help me push close to being in the frame. But there’s a lot of other great strikers and a lot of competition.” Though he has not been part of every recent squad, Toney has not given up on wearing the England shirt again. His last of seven caps came in June 2025, when he stepped off the bench in a friendly against Senegal. That remains his only appearance under Tuchel so far.
When asked whether he has spoken directly with the Three Lions boss, Toney was candid: “No, there’s been no conversation. But I don’t expect there to be, because he’s got so many other players he has to be watching.” Still, he added with quiet confidence, “I’m sure he’s keeping one eye on me and seeing what I’m doing. I just have to be focused on myself, keep my head down and keep scoring goals.”
Ivan Toney of England
That is the message — simple, direct, and rooted in performance. Score goals, stay relevant, force the conversation.
Competition for England’s No.9 role
Toney understands the challenge ahead. Harry Kane remains England’s undisputed first-choice striker. Yet tournament squads require depth, and analysts have suggested Tuchel could take additional central forwards.
Names like Ollie Watkins, Dominic Solanke, Danny Welbeck, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin remain in contention. Toney, however, offers a proven scoring instinct and physical presence, attributes that were crucial during England’s run to the Euro 2024 final, where he contributed off the bench. “Like I said before, I know what I can bring to a team and goals is part of my game. Hopefully that’s enough,” Toney stated.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr and Ivan Toney of Al Ahli.
Former Barcelona defender Jeremy Mathieu has reignited debate among supporters after suggesting he outperformed Lionel Messi in one very specific department.
Former Barcelona defender Jeremy Mathieu has reignited debate among supporters after suggesting he outperformed Lionel Messi in one very specific department. The remark, delivered with a grin, revisits a golden era at Barcelona when Messi and Mathieu shared a dressing room under Luis Enrique. While the claim may sound audacious on the surface, the Frenchman’s reflection adds another fascinating layer to the story of a squad that dominated Europe.
Speaking on the SafePlay program, Mathieu made the surprising statement: “I think I was better at free kicks than Lionel Messi.” The comment was made in a light-hearted tone, yet it instantly caught attention. Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in soccer history, built part of his legendary reputation on his mastery of free kicks, scoring 69 direct set-piece goals across his career.
At Barcelona, dead-ball duties were almost exclusively his domain, with his precision and consistency becoming one of the team’s defining attacking weapons. It is here, in the art of the free kick, that Mathieu believes he had the edge. Though he was primarily a defender, he fondly recalled his own memorable strike against Elche in the 2015 Copa del Rey, a powerful effort that showcased his technique from distance.
While few would seriously argue that he surpassed the Argentine in that department, the anecdote reflects the confidence and personality within a Blaugrana squad that went on to conquer Spain and Europe.
Perspective with a smile
Mathieu’s free-kick remark should be viewed through that lens — as a nostalgic reflection rather than a serious comparison. His statement adds color to the memory of a squad filled with confidence, talent, and personality.
After three seasons, he left Barcelona for Sporting Lisbon before retiring in 2020 due to a knee injury. His post-soccer life has been quieter, far removed from the stadium lights, but his stories continue to resonate with supporters.
Lionel Messi’s debut in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup will come in the matchup between Inter Miami and Nashville SC.
Since his arrival at Inter Miami in 2023, Lionel Messi has led the team to success in two of the major tournaments they compete in: the Leagues Cup and Major League Soccer. Now, the pending challenge is the Concacaf Champions Cup, where they will make their debut this year against Nashville SC.
This week, the official Concacaf website announced the dates and times for the Round of 16 matches. Inter Miami will make their debut visiting Nashville SC at Geodis Park on Wednesday, March 11, at 7:30 PM ET.
Exactly one week later, on Wednesday, March 18, at 7 PM ET, the second leg will take place in Florida. This match will likely be the last game the Herons play at Chase Stadium before the official opening of Miami Freedom Park.
Regarding the competition format, the team that scores the most goals over the two matches will advance. If tied, the team with more away goals will have the advantage. If that still does not resolve the tie, there will be 15 minutes of extra time, and if necessary, a penalty shootout.
Rodrigo de Paul (L), Lionel Messi (C) and Luis Suarez (R) of Inter Miami wave during a training session at Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel.
Inter Miami and Nashville SC are familiar foes
The Herons earned their spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 as one of the five seeded participating clubs, which allowed them to skip the opening round. Nashville SC, meanwhile, had to get past Atletico Ottawa with a 7-0 aggregate score.
The Round of 16 matchup will be another chapter in the recent history between the two teams. They were opponents in last year’s MLS playoffs, requiring a third game to decide the series and allow Inter Miami to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals. Additionally, in 2024, they faced each other in the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16, with the Herons coming out on top.
How has Messi fared in the Concacaf Champions Cup?
In 2026, Lionel Messi will participate in the Concacaf Champions Cup for the third time. The first was in 2024, when Inter Miami qualified by winning the Leagues Cup the previous year. In that edition, the Herons were eliminated by Monterrey in the quarterfinals.
The Argentine forward’s second experience in the continental tournament came in 2025, when Inter Miami reached the semifinals but were eliminated by Vancouver Whitecaps. In total, Messi has played 10 matches in the Concacaf Champions Cup, scoring 7 goals and providing 3 assists.
Lionel Messi of Inter Miami and Hany Mukhtar of Nashville SC.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Bernardo Silva in the summer transfer window, according to TuttoJuve. The Portuguese star, who can operate as a winger or as an attacking midfielder, is out of contract at Manchester City at the end of the season and is available on a free transfer. TuttoJuve has reported that Barcelona […]
Real Madrid booked their place in the Champions League last 16 as Vinicius Junior was on target during Los Blancos’ 2-1 win over Benfica in the second leg of their play-off tie. Vinicius’ goal from the first leg had already put Madrid ahead in the tie, and the Brazilian netted again in the 80th minute […]
Few stories in modern European football have captured the imagination quite like the rise of Bodø/Glimt. A club once known mainly to Norwegian football followers has now erupted onto the Champions League stage, stunning some of Europe’s heaviest hitters and rewriting expectations for what an underdog can achieve. Their 2025/26 campaign has become more than […]
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that both Micky van de Ven and Alessandro Bastoni could be on the move in the summer transfer window. The well-known and well-respected Italian journalist has claimed that while Netherlands international central defender Van de Ven could leave Tottenham, Italy international centre-back Bastoni could severe his ties with Inter. Romano said […]
A German agent has said that he wants Florian Wirtz to leave Liverpool and join Real Madrid in the future. Volker Struth, who leads German agency Sport 360, has revealed that he was trying to convince Madrid president Florentino Perez to sign Wirtz in the summer of 2025 before the Germany international attacking midfielder joined […]
Real Madrid have no plans to sell Eduardo Camavinga in the summer transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano. There have been rumours that Manchester United want to sign Camavinga, with the Premier League club looking at the France international midfielder as a replacement for Casemiro, who will leave Old Trafford at the end of the […]
Prediction: Juventus to win 2-1 Best Odds: 13/2 Bookmaker: Zetbet Juventus and Galatasaray will lock horns with each other in the UEFA Champions League this week. The second leg of the Knockout Round Play-off tie between the Serie A club and the Turkish Super Lig outfit will be held at Juventus Stadium in Turin and […]
Bayer Leverkusen will face Bayern Munich or Arsenal in the last 16 of the Champions League after playing out a 0-0 draw with Olympiacos in their play-off second leg. Leverkusen already led the tie by two goals after their win in Greece, and despite creating a number of chances, they were unable to improve their […]
Bodo/Glimt completed a stunning 5-2 aggregate success over last season’s runners-up Inter in the Champions League play-offs, after a terrific 2-1 win at San Siro. Jens Petter Hauge, formerly of Inter’s rivals AC Milan, made it 1-0 after a Manuel Akanji error, with Hakon Evjen’s glorious strike then doubling Bodo’s lead on the night. Alessandro […]
Newcastle United cruised into the last 16 of the Champions League after edging a five-goal thriller with Qarabag, winning their play-off second-leg 3-2 at St. James’ Park. The damage had already been done in the first leg after Anthony Gordon’s four-goal display in a 6-1 Newcastle success, and despite a closer contest here, the Magpies […]
Alexander Sorloth scored a hat-trick as Atletico Madrid booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League with a 4-1 win over Club Brugge in their play-off second-leg. Sorloth opened and concluded the scoring at the Estadio Metropolitano on Tuesday, with Diego Simeone’s side coming out on top to win the tie 7-4 […]
Cristiano Ronaldo will be facing a long break due to FIFA calendar until his next game with Al Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo, even at 41 years old, remains a central figure for both his club, Al Nassr, and the Portugal national team. Still drawing global attention, the key question now is when the legendary striker will take the field again.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s next game is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, when Al Nassr will be hosting Neom SC for Matchday 25 of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League at Al Awwal Park. The Portuguese heads to the game after suffering a hamstring discomfort last game against Al Fayha, and with his personal account in 965 career goals.
Regarding the Portugal national team, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return during the March international break. After having his suspension lifted ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the veteran forward will be available for selection for Portugal’s two friendlies, one against Mexico, and the other one against the USMNT.
So far this season, the Portuguese icon has scored 22 goals and provided 4 assists in 26 games for Al Nassr, while netting 5 goals in 5 UEFA World Cup qualifiers for Portugal. With the World Cup set for the USA, Canada, and Mexico at the end of the campaign, Ronaldo will be determined to arrive at what will likely be his final major tournament in top form.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr FC scoring a bicycle kick.
Ronaldo faced long break due to FIFA schedule
After his stunning bicycle-kick goal against Al Khaleej, Cristiano Ronaldo was rested for Al Nassr’s midweek AFC Champions League Two match. But from that point forward, the Portuguese star endured a 24-day gap without competitive action, a result of the upcoming FIFA competition schedule.
From December 1 through 18, Qatar hosted the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup, with the final between Morocco and Jordan played at Lusail Stadium, the same venue as the 2022 World Cup final.
With several Saudi Pro League players involved, including stars of the Saudi Arabian national team, clubs, including Al Nassr, were unable to meet domestic player requirements, forcing the SPL into a temporary pause during the tournament.
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