The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has taken significant new steps toward the privatization of Saudi Arabian soccer clubs. As Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr watch the next moves closely, the PIF has officially announced the sale of Al Hilal to a new ownership group.

In a press release issued on April 16, the PIF announced an agreement with Kingdom Holding Company (KHC) for the acquisition of a 70% stake in Al Hilal Club Company. The firm, led by Prince Al Waleed bin Talal Al Saud, will now serve as the club’s majority owner, while the PIF retains a 5% interest in the share capital.

As a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s “Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project,” the PIF became the majority shareholder of Al Hilal, alongside Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad, in July 2023. This initial investment was designed to accelerate club growth and increase the sports sector’s overall contribution to the Saudi GDP.

A new strategy is now taking shape with the completion of the first of these four sales, as the PIF seeks to maximize returns and redeploy capital within the domestic economy. This gradual exit from majority ownership aims to guide the clubs toward financial sustainability while the PIF maintains a role as a minority shareholder or strategic partner.

In a statement released on PIF’s website, KHC Chairman Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud reflected on the landmark deal: “Al-Hilal is a national symbol and a source of pride for the Saudi people. This acquisition expresses our deep belief in the power of sports as a unifying force and a catalyst for national development. By applying our global investment standards and cultivating strategic partnerships, we will unlock Al-Hilal’s full potential while preserving its history and identity.“

Al Nassr, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad up next

Al Hilal represents only the first phase of this divestment process. Following this precedent, the PIF will move forward with the sales of Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli, seeking suitable suitors to continue the clubs’ professional development.

Reports have already revealed that, alongside a new contract signed in June 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo acquired a 15% ownership stake in Al Nassr valued at £50 million (approximately $66.7 million). As the PIF actively pursues new majority owners for the club, the Portuguese legend is positioned to assume an even more significant role in the organization.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Al Nassr is encouraging Ronaldo to increase his equity, further deepening his ties to the Saudi side’s ownership structure. With club sales expected to be phased over the coming years, the soccer icon could see his influence grow significantly in the near future.

Real Madrid were eliminated from the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League after falling to Bayern Munich on Wednesday in Germany. However, the match allowed Vinicius Junior to surpass a Lionel Messi mark and move closer to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Vini produced a brilliant play and assisted Kylian Mbappe on Real Madrid’s third goal in the closing minutes of the first half, which temporarily put the Spanish side level in the tie. With that contribution, the Brazilian winger reached 13 assists in the knockout stages of the European competition.

In doing so, Vinicius moved past Lionel Messi for second place in the all-time rankings in that category. The Argentine forward had recorded 12 assists in Champions League knockout matches during his time with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains at the top of the list, having recorded a total of 15 assists in the tournament’s knockout stages across his spells with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. No other player has come close to those numbers, but Vinicius, at just 25 years old, needs only three more to claim the all-time record.

Vinicius also draws level with Neymar

That assist to Mbappe at the Allianz Arena also helped Vinicius climb the all-time Champions League assist rankings, including both the knockout rounds and the group stage. Vini is now tied with Neymar for fourth place on the list with 33 assists, and he has strong prospects of closing in on the top spots in the near future.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, as expected, are also in the top three, with the Portuguese star leading the way. However, there is another somewhat unexpected name included: Angel Di Maria, who played alongside both legends at Real Madrid and PSG, respectively.

All-time Champions League assist leaders:

1- Cristiano Ronaldo (42)

2- Angel Di Maria (41)

3- Lionel Messi (40)

4- Neymar (33)

4- Vinicius (33)

6- Kevin De Bruyne (31)

6- Ryan Giggs (31)

8- Xavi Hernandez (30)

8- Thomas Muller (30)

10- Karim Benzema (29)

10- Andres Iniesta (29)

Match Overview

Back on home turf for their first Group A appearance in the tournament, Flamengo return to Maracanã Stadium with momentum after securing a hard-fought 2-0 result at altitude in Cusco, a performance that underlined their ability to handle difficult conditions early in the Copa Libertadores.

Meanwhile, Independiente Medellin head into this matchup looking to build on a 1-1 draw against Estudiantes de La Plata, knowing that points will be tough to come by in Rio as Group A rapidly shapes into one of the most demanding sections of the competition, where every result could define the race to advance.

Chelsea have reportedly entered the high-stakes battle to sign Palmeiras’ latest wonderkid, Eduardo Conceicao, as the club continues its aggressive recruitment of the world’s most elite teenage talents.

The 16-year-old winger has become the subject of an intense transfer war, with The Times reporting that Chelsea are now vying with Manchester City, Barcelona, and PSG for his signature.

Conceicao, a standout for the Brazil Under-17 national team, is regarded as one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from South America since his former teammate Endrick.

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Chelsea face fierce competition for Eduardo Conceicao

While early suitors reportedly attempted to secure a deal for approximately £25 million, Palmeiras are holding out for a much higher figure.

As per the report, the Brazilian giants have protected their asset with a €100 million (£87m) release clause, though industry experts expect a compromise closer to the €40m–€50m range including performance-related add-ons.

Manchester City, under the direction of new sporting director Hugo Viana, were previously thought to be the frontrunners.

However, the entry of Chelsea and Barcelona, the latter of whom are desperate not to repeat the mistake of having missed out on the likes of Endrick and Estevao Willian, has turned the pursuit into a multi-club sprint.

There are other clubs vying for his services as well. The Daily Briefing previously reported that both Arsenal and Liverpool have had bids rejected for the exciting youngster.

Newcastle have also been linked with the Brazilian, with reports stating that the Magpies also submitted an offer to sign him.

Conceicao has already made an impact in 2026, scoring 4 goals and providing 3 assists in just seven appearances during the prestigious Copinha youth tournament.

Chelsea’s recent focus on South American youth

Under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, Chelsea have pioneered a “buy young” strategy that specifically targets the South American market.

Conceicao fits the profile of recent high-profile signings such as Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez.

Chelsea’s recent strategic partnership with River Plate further underlines their intent to dominate this region.

By securing Conceicao, the Blues would not only weaken a rival’s future squad but also ensure they possess the most formidable assembly of U21 attacking talent in world football.

The post Chelsea looking to beat Man City in stunning swoop for £87m wonderkid – report appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Declan Rice called Arsenal’s upcoming trip to the Etihad Stadium “the ultimate test” as the Gunners prepare for a huge fixture in the title race. Following last weekend’s defeat to Bournemouth, Arsenal are just six points clear at the summit, and they have played a game more than second-placed Manchester City. Mikel Arteta’s side did […]

The post ´The Etihad is the ultimate test´ – Rice relishing Man City title clash appeared first on Soccer News.

The post ´The Etihad is the ultimate test´ – Rice relishing Man City title clash appeared first on Soccer News.

This week, Inter Miami were shaken by Javier Mascherano’s surprising decision to step down, citing personal reasons. Guillermo Hoyos was appointed on an interim basis to replace him and has now opened up about his connection with Lionel Messi.

“Being on the field with the greatest player in history is extraordinary,” Hoyos said in his first press conference as head coach of the Herons, as shared by reporter Jose Armando on his official X account.

Regarding the nature of his relationship with Messi, the coach was clear: “There’s a friendship we’ve built over the years, like with many other players in different countries… Friendship is non-negotiable.”

However, Hoyos made it clear that this bond of trust also comes with boundaries. “That doesn’t mean we’re around him every day. You have to respect everything — his privacy, for example — be prudent, and quietly continue building this approach,” Guillermo said. “All of this is new.”

How did Messi and Hoyos meet?

Lionel Messi and Guillermo Hoyos first crossed paths when the forward was still a teenager and had just arrived at Barcelona. At the time, Guillermo was working within the club’s academy and quickly took on a role in helping his compatriot adjust to a new country and club.

“He helped me a lot from the moment I arrived at Barca. He was always there for me… He taught me things and helped me get to where I am,” Messi said previously about Hoyos’ role in his development at Barcelona, according to Ole.

More than 20 years later, the two reunited at Inter Miami in different roles: Messi as the team’s superstar and Hoyos as sporting director. However, Mascherano’s sudden departure forced the club to turn to him to fill the vacancy, at least on an interim basis.

Hoyos highlights Inter Miami’s structure

In the same press conference, Guillermo Hoyos addressed his current situation after moving from sporting director to interim head coach. “I’m at the club’s service, and that’s why I’m in this position today. A couple of days ago, I was in a different role,” he said. “I’m here to help in any way the club needs.”

Finally, Hoyos expressed strong optimism about Inter Miami’s potential. “It’s one of the 10 best clubs in the world, not just in MLS,” the coach said. “Because it has a structure. And especially with the stadium they’ve inaugurated, which is something extraordinary. It’s a club with tremendous potential.”

The fallout from Real Madrid’s 6-4 aggregate defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final will inevitably rumble on for several weeks.

The competition was Madrid’s last realistic route to major silverware in a season which promised a lot, but will ultimately deliver nothing.

Barring a monumental collapse by Barcelona in La Liga, the 15-time European champions will end a second consecutive campaign without a trophy.

With that in mind, read on as we assess the repercussions for Real Madrid, starting with an issue which has been entirely of their own making.

Mbappe has proved to be a curse rather than a blessing

Kylian Mbappe is one of the best forwards in the world. That point is evidenced by his tally of 84 goals in 98 appearances for Los Blancos.

However, his desire to be the ‘main man’ is not only a problem Madrid didn’t need, but one which they could have avoided.

Mbappe scored 256 goals in 308 for Paris Saint-Germain. However, his efforts in front of goal failed to deliver the desired results in the Champions League.

In their first season without the French international in their team, PSG were crowned kings of Europe. They have reached the semi-finals again this season.

By contrast, Mbappe has made Madrid worse. They won La Liga and the Champions League in 20234/24 – since then, they have suffered a series of disappointments.

The 27-year-old’s ego was problematic when he was at PSG, and has continued to upset the equilibrium in Madrid’s dressing room.

Players such as Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior are no shrinking violets, yet are expected to play second fiddle to the ‘Mbappe Show’.

Intriguingly, Madrid looked far more coherent as a team when Mbappe was recently sidelined with a knee injury. With Vinicius and Brahim Diaz leading the line, they were more balanced.

It may seem churlish to question a player who has scored goals for fun in Madrid colours, but it cannot be ignored that they have regressed since signing him.

Arbeloa on shaky ground after Champions League exit

Madrid’s decision to appoint Xabi Alonso as manager last summer appeared to be a sensible decision with SportsView and other major football publications all predicting success for Los Blancos, but he lasted just seven months.

At a club packed with egos and led by president Florentino Perez, the former Bayer Leverkusen boss was always likely to be on a hiding to nothing.

Alonso quickly lost the dressing room, with Vinicius and Federico Valverde amongst the players who publicly expressed disapproval at his methods.

Appointing Alvaro Arbeloa as Alonso’s replacement was no real surprise. He had done well with the club’s youth and ‘B’ teams, so was viewed as a steady pair of hands.

However, the club’s failure to specify the length of his contract when he was placed in charge suggested that they were unsure whether he was the right man for the job.

A record of 13 wins and one draw in 21 matches highlights why Madrid may have been reluctant to confirm whether he was a long-term appointment.

Arbeloa will reportedly be replaced this summer, with Perez seemingly eager to bring in someone with a proven track record of success.

That may be easier said than done given the dearth of viable options currently available.

Madrid’s managerial options are thin on the ground

Alonso seemed to be the ideal fit for Madrid. He was a former player who subsequently enjoyed success as a manager with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.

Sacking him after just seven months in charge did not seem like the brightest idea anyone had ever had, and developments this summer may hammer home that point.

Several managers have been linked with the Madrid managerial job including Zinedine Zidane, Jurgen Klopp and Maurico Pochettino.

Perez rates Zidane highly, but he seems destined to replace Didier Deschamps as the French national team manager at the end of the World Cup.

Klopp would be welcomed with open arms at the Santiago Bernabeu, but has demonstrated no desire to leave his position as head of Red Bull’s football operations.

Pochettino could be available after the World Cup, although nothing he has done with the United States national team suggests he is the right option for Madrid.

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has been touted as a possibility after the club recently confirmed he will be leaving at the end of the season.

Several pundits believe the 43-year-old is an ‘elite-level’ manager, but whether he is ready to step into the Madrid hot-seat is hugely debatable.

Madrid’s eagerness to pander to egotistical players and dispense with Alonso’s services has created a problem that may find extremely difficult to fix this summer.

Kylian Mbappe added another historic chapter to his remarkable career on a painful night for Real Madrid, as the forward matched a major Champions League scoring mark previously set by Karim Benzema. Although the Spanish club suffered elimination against Bayern, Mbappe still found a way to leave his stamp on the contest.

The result was devastating for Los Blancos, but it also underlined how central Mbappe has become to the team’s future. Even in defeat, the French star continued his record-breaking run in Europe’s biggest club competition, showing why he remains one of soccer’s most decisive players.

Bayern Munich produced a dramatic 4-3 victory over Real Madrid in the second leg of their quarter-final, sealing a 6-4 aggregate triumph and booking a place in the Champions League semi-final. The German club struck late through Luis Diaz and Michael Olise after a chaotic and emotional encounter.

Bayern Munich ends Real Madrid’s European run

Madrid had entered the match hoping for another famous comeback, but their resistance was broken in the closing stages. Tensions rose further when Eduardo Camavinga was sent off in the 86th minute, a decision that sparked furious protests from the visiting side.

The match exploded into life almost immediately when Arda Guler scored after only 34 seconds following a mistake from Manuel Neuer. Bayern responded quickly through Aleksandar Pavlovic, setting the tone for an open and high-level contest. Harry Kane then added another goal for Bayern after Guler had restored Madrid’s lead earlier in the half.

Vinicius hit the crossbar before creating the chance that allowed Mbappe to score and keep Madrid alive before the interval. That finish from the French superstar briefly gave the Spanish club the belief that momentum was shifting. Instead, Bayern’s late push proved decisive as the Bundesliga giant surged through.

Mbappe matches Benzema’s historic mark

While the team’s result was bitterly disappointing, Mbappe still reached several significant milestones with his goal. Among the many records, Mbappe tied Karim Benzema for second place among Frenchmen in a single Champions League season with 15 goals scored in one season.

That places him alongside one of Real Madrid’s greatest modern forwards and another legendary French striker. Benzema achieved the feat during his Ballon d’Or-winning season, making Mbappe’s achievement even more notable given the pressure and expectations surrounding his first full era as Madrid’s attacking leader.

Only one French player has scored more in a single UEFA campaign, with Stéphane Guivarc’h’s 1997-98 tally for Auxerre still ahead. Mbappe is also now just two goals shy of Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-time single-season Champions League record of 17.

Individual brilliance amid collective frustration

Mbappe’s overall numbers this season remain extraordinary. He has scored 40 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions, a return that would usually place a player on course for multiple trophies.

Instead, Madrid now faces the possibility of finishing the campaign empty-handed. The club is already out of the Champions League and Copa del Rey, while Barcelona holds a commanding lead in La Liga.

The countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues to build momentum, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino stepping forward to address one of the most discussed uncertainties surrounding the tournament. As the global stage prepares for its biggest edition yet, questions about participating nations, mainly Iran, have added an extra layer of intrigue.

The tournament itself is shaping up to be historic in every sense. Set to feature 48 teams for the first time, the competition is expected to generate more than $11 billion in revenue, underlining its massive global appeal. With matches spread across multiple host nations, anticipation continues to grow among fans and stakeholders alike. The 2026 edition promises to redefine the scale of international soccer. 

With 48 teams divided into 12 groups, followed by an expanded knockout phase, the structure introduces a new level of competition and opportunity. This format ensures more nations are involved, increasing both representation and unpredictability. Also, more than 500 million ticket requests have already been recorded, highlighting the event’s reach across all continents.

As speculation intensified, FIFA moved to clarify its stance on Iran’s participation. “The Iranian team is coming for sure,” Infantino told CNBC, firmly addressing the uncertainty surrounding the situation. His statement confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup, putting an end to weeks of doubt.

Infantino emphasized the fundamental principle behind the decision. “They represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play,” he explained, reinforcing FIFA’s commitment to sporting merit.

Keeping the focus on soccer

Beyond the confirmation itself, Infantino highlighted a deeper philosophy guiding FIFA’s decisions. “Sports should be outside of politics,” he stated, acknowledging the challenges while maintaining a clear stance. The aim is to preserve the tournament as a platform for unity and competition, regardless of external circumstances.

He also acknowledged the realities of the world while defending this approach. “We don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth,” Infantino said, before adding that FIFA continues to work toward building connections through soccer. These remarks underline the balance between idealism and practicality in organizing a global event.

Iran’s road ahead for the tournament

Looking ahead, the focus shifts back to the competition itself. Iran is scheduled to play its group-stage matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt, with games set to take place in major U.S. cities. If successful, further matches would continue within the same host nation as the tournament progresses.

The broader objective remains ensuring a successful and secure event. “A win would be that we have a successful World Cup from a security point of view, so no incidents,” Infantino explained. Delivering high-quality matches while maintaining safety standards stands at the core of FIFA’s vision.

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Unai Emery insists Aston Villa are ‘so respectful’ when hosting Bologna again in the Europa League quarter-final, despite winning the first leg 3-1. ‘It is not done.’

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It kicks off at Villa Park in Birmingham at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Fiorentina vs. Crystal Palace on the Liveblog.

Aston Villa have one foot in the Europa League semi-finals after winning the first leg 3-1 away from home.

They beat Bologna all three times in the last 18 months in the Champions League and Europa League.

Emery admires Bologna

“We are so, so respectful with them because they showed us their capacity to go for this title and to go a long way like we are expecting,” Emery told TNT Sports.

“We achieved a good result there, but it is not done and how they are playing and performing, we have massive respect. Today, I know it is going to be difficult and we must play extending our game plan like we did in their stadium and today of course here with our great, great atmosphere here with our supporters, we are confident but so, so respectful.”

Boubacar Kamara, Ross Barkley and Alysson are still out of action, with Emiliano Martinez starting despite a calf problem, while Jadon Sancho and Tyrone Mings not at 100 per cent.

It means Emery has chosen the exact same starting XI that played at the Stadio Dall’Ara last Thursday.

“We have our own experiences in Europe. Two years ago, we were doing our debut in Europe in the Conference League and we achieved the semi-final here against Olympiacos and we remind ourselves what we did two years ago, how we lost the semi-final, how we did last year in the Champions League when we lost in the quarter-finals against PSG.

“Everything we are learning in our process, we are trying to remind ourselves and be very demanding and consistent to achieve things. Very difficult match tonight. This is the competitive way we are building here. We are excited, motivated and we are aware of how we can control our emotions.”

Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano said repeatedly that Aston Villa are the favourites to win the Europa League this season.

“It is a way to win a trophy and a way to get into the Champions League. It is very difficult to win this trophy. Today is the moment and we must enjoy today. I have won it three times and I know how difficult it is,” insisted specialist Emery.

"Of course Champions League is the best gift we can achieve."

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery on today’s tie with Bologna

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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 16, 2026

Vincenzo Italiano wants Bologna to be ‘more clinical in front of goal’ against Aston Villa and make sure the Europa League quarter-final ‘isn’t a comfortable night for them.’

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It kicks off at Villa Park in Birmingham at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Fiorentina vs. Crystal Palace on the Liveblog.

The situation is extremely difficult after losing the first leg 3-1 at home last week, although once again the performance was considerably better than the result would suggest.

Italiano wants courageous Bologna

“I would love to play five minutes tonight, though I couldn’t manage more than that,” smiled Italiano on Sky Sport Italia.

“It’s a fantastic environment, the team is strong, I expect a different match to the one that we saw on Thursday, but we’ll play our cards. The important thing is to match their intensity, try to cause problems for them when we’ve got the ball, and we’ll see what happens.”

Curiously, Bologna only lost two Europa League matches this season, and they were both against Aston Villa, after the September 25 defeat in Birmingham to open the league phase.

“We must try to keep the ball, as Aston Villa let you keep it for a bit, and we need to quality to attack with everyone we can get into the box, also be wary when we lose the ball, and be more clinical in front of goal than we were in our last two trips here.”

Jhon Lucumi is suspended, with Lukasz Skorupski, Thijs Dallinga and Benjamin Dominguez injured, but Martin Vitik returns from his ban.

“Aston Villa will have their usual approach, they even have a two-goal advantage, so will be the same as the previous meetings. When we defend, we’ve got to defend well, but above all must prove that we can hurt them when we’ve got the chance. I believe we can do that.”

There are also some options that Bologna can call from off the bench at Villa Park.

“We have Odgaard, Sohm and Pobega who can attack, Cambiaghi and Orsolini, so we’ll see how the game develops and then evaluate.

“I want to see the maximum desire to cause them problems, to ensure this isn’t a comfortable night for them, try to improve the result and leave here with our heads held high. I think courage is the right word, what we need in this stadium and against this opponent.

“These lads always bring out something extra at the crucial moments, and I believe they’ll do it again tonight,” concluded Italiano.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner admits Fiorentina have a ‘more attacking side than we expected’ in the Conference League quarter-final. ‘We know how they’re going to play and what we want to do.’

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It kicks off at the Stadio Artemio Franchi at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Aston Villa vs. Bologna on the Liveblog.

Crystal Palace make only one change from the side that played in London, and that is forced, as Evann Guessand picked up an injury.

“We rotated against Newcastle, so the three players in the front and two midfielders should be fresh. In defence they are doing so well, so it’s all good,” Glasner told TNT Sports.

Glasner notes Fiorentina changes

The Viola have a mountain to climb after losing the first leg 3-0 at Selhurst Park, especially as they are missing suspended Dodo, plus injured Moise Kean, Marco Brescianini, Fabiano Parisi, Tariq Lamptey and Niccolò Fortini.

With nothing left to lose, Fiorentina coach Paolo Vanoli has chosen a very attacking 4-2-3-1 formation with two creative midfielders supporting Jack Harrison, Albert Gudmundsson, Manor Solomon and Roberto Piccoli.

“Maybe it’s a bit more attacking than we expected, Solomon is more of a winger than Gudmundsson when he played in that position, he’s more of a Number 10, where we expect him today,” confessed Glasner.

“Comuzzo of course is a centre-back and not as attacking as Dodo. I think in April, you can’t change the way you are playing, so you have to rely on the things you are doing well.

“We know pretty well how they are going to play, and we know what we want to do against them.”

Fiorentina are on home turf with a 3-0 deficit to overturn, so they are going to come flying out of the blocks.

“We expect them to be more aggressive than at Selhurst Park, going man for man, making a lot of pressure, you always try to find the pockets, with flick-ons, one touches, the inverted wingers try to cut in and then deliver the cross, with three players in the box,” noted Glasner.

“That is how they are playing. Similarly, we want to move it to the side quickly and find space, then we will create opportunities.

“When you play two legs, this is the situation, but we trust ourselves and the way we are playing. We saw yesterday in the Champions League, at this stage of the competition they are always tight games, and that is what we expect here as well.”

“We know pretty well how they’re going to play, and we know what we want to do”

Oliver Glasner ahead of tonight’s Conference League second leg against Fiorentina

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Paolo Vanoli explains his extremely attacking Fiorentina line-up against Crystal Palace in the Conference League quarter-final. ‘Of course we believe, and we need players who can score goals.’

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It kicks off at the Stadio Artemio Franchi at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Aston Villa vs. Bologna on the Liveblog.

A minute’s silence will be held before kick-off and Fiorentina are wearing black armbands following the death of Alex Manninger, who was their goalkeeper in 2001-02.

“It’s a tragedy. I found out this afternoon. Alex was an exceptional lad, I was fortunate enough to play with him here in Florence, we are close to his family, it’s hard to find the words,” Vanoli told Sky Sport Italia.

Vanoli and Fiorentina face huge hurdle

The Viola are going to need something truly extraordinary to reach their fourth consecutive Conference League semi-final, because they were beaten 3-0 in the first leg at Selhurst Park.

“Of course we all believe, so do these fans, who showed once again despite a difficult season that they are behind us. It is a dream, so we must always believe. When it comes to an achievement like this, the players must give 110 per cent.

“We are up against a strong opponent, but have been getting some good results lately in Serie A. As I said in the first leg, what disappointed me was not having a full squad to choose from in this tie.”

Moise Kean is still out injured, with Marco Brescianini, Fabiano Parisi, Tariq Lamptey and Niccolò Fortini, while Dodo is suspended at right-back.

It is a very attack-minded formation, with four strikers used together, plus creative Nicolò Fagioli and Rolando Mandragora in midfield.

It’s not yet clear whether Marin Pongracic or Pietro Comuzzo will be the makeshift right-back.

“In order to achieve something remarkable, mentality and belief is the most important thing, as the players need to give their best performance of the season,” continued Vanoli.

“We know it’ll be tough, as Crystal Palace showed how they can punish the first mistake, but we’ve got to try something that would remain in the history of Fiorentina during a season that has been complicated from the start.”

The focus this season for Fiorentina was always on avoiding relegation from Serie A, and they have almost done that now after breaking eight points clear of the drop zone.

That was achieved with Monday evening’s 1-0 victory over Lazio, so some of the crippling pressure has been lifted.

“When I made the line-up, I realised if you have to recover this deficit, you need players who can score goals. Robin Gosens is another, as he is very dangerous on set plays and runs to the back post. Everything can become important tonight,” concluded the coach.

Italian teams have shone in European competition in recent years. Current Serie A league leaders Inter have reached two Champions League finals in three seasons, while Fiorentina have two Conference League finals under their belt, and Roma have reached two European finals as well. However, it looks as though no Italian outfit will be reaching a final this term.

All four of the country’s Champions League participants were dumped out by the Round of 16, with reigning champions Napoli eliminated after the initial league phase and last season’s beaten finalists Inter shockingly beaten by Norwegian minnows Bodø/Glimt in the knockout phase playoffs.

It’s a similar story in both the Europa League and the Conference League, with just Bologna remaining in the former and Fiorentina in the latter. And both of them have mountains to climb if they are to reach the semifinals of their respective competitions.

Bologna and Fiorentina Have Mountains to Climb

Bologna were given a tough task when they were drawn to play tournament favourites Aston Villa, and the English outfit duly swept them aside by three goals to one in the first leg in Emilia-Romagna. Two-time finalists Fiorentina find themselves in an even worse position in the Conference League after also losing to a Premier League side, slumping to a 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Online betting sites now make both English teams the clear favourites not just to progress, but also to end the season with continental silverware.

Popular betting outlet Ozoon sportsbook makes Aston Villa a 5/4 favourite to win the Europa League, while Crystal Palace find themselves in the same position in the Conference League. For Bologna and Fiorentina, a quarterfinal exit appears likely, and should that ultimately come to fruition, it would mark the first time in seven years that Italy hasn’t had a semifinalist in any European competition. So, what happened the last time around? Let’s take a look.

2018/19: Cristiano Ronaldo Unable to Bring Glory to Turin

The biggest news in the summer of 2018 was Cristiano Ronaldo’s blockbuster arrival in Turin, with Juventus forking out €112m to sign the Portuguese legend from Real Madrid. CR7 was supposed to finally deliver the Champions League to the Bianconeri at long last, and because he had won the tournament in each of the last three seasons with Los Blancos, the possibility seemed very real. Shockingly, however, Juve wouldn’t even reach the semifinals.

Max Allegri’s men pulled off a stunning comeback against Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16, overturning a two-goal first-leg deficit after Ronaldo’s stunning second-leg hat trick. However, in the quarterfinals, an upstart Ajax would continue their surprising march. The Amsterdam outfit had just knocked off reigning champions Real Madrid in their second round clash, eliminating Los Blancos from the tournament for the first time since 2015. And in the quarters, they would send Juve packing as well, winning 2-1 in the Allianz Stadium despite Ronaldo’s early opener.

But Juventus weren’t the only team to endure misery that term. Both Inter and Napoli would drop into the Europa League after finishing third in their UCL groups, then went on to lose to Eintracht Frankfurt and Arsenal, respectively. Roma did make the Champions League knockout round but were immediately eliminated in the Round of 16 by FC Porto. Milan would exit Europe’s secondary competition at the group stage, while Lazio were handily beaten by Sevilla in the Round of 32.

2015/16: Juventus Can’t Replicate Previous Season’s Heroics

In 2015, three years before Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival, Juventus reached the Champions League final, becoming the first Italian club to do so in five years. While they were ultimately beaten in the Berlin showpiece by a Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar-powered Barcelona, hopes were still high that the Bianconeri could build upon their shock run to the final. Unfortunately, that wasn’t to be the case.

Juve would exit the 2015/16 Champions League at the Round of 16 after losing a thrilling two-legged tie to Bayern Munich. After a 2-2 draw in Turin, it looked as though the Italian giants would get the job done in the second leg in Bavaria, leading by two goals to nil with less than 20 minutes remaining. Then, goals from Robert Lewandowski and a last-gasp Thomas Müller header forced extra time, where the Germans would complete the comeback, winning 4-2.

Roma were also eliminated at the same stage, having been beaten 2-0 home and away by eventual champions Real Madrid. The Giallorossi’s eternal rival, Lazio, meanwhile, didn’t even reach the group stage after losing to Bayer Leverkusen in the playoffs.

That saw the Eagles drop into the Europa League. They would fare somewhat better in the continent’s secondary tournament, but ultimately fell to Slavia Prague in the Round of 16 after a shocking 3-0 home defeat in the Stadio Olimpico. Fiorentina also progressed to the knockout round of that season’s UEL, but their journey was also short-lived, losing to Tottenham Hotspur in the Round of 32.

Fiorentina are forced into yet more changes with Albert Gudmundsson and Manor Solomon starting in the Conference League quarter-final with Crystal Palace.

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It kicks off at the Stadio Artemio Franchi at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Aston Villa vs. Bologna on the Liveblog.

Fiorentina have a huge task ahead of them to reach a fourth consecutive Conference League semi-final, because they lost the first leg 3-0 at Selhurst Park.

It is no secret that their focus this season is all on avoiding Serie A relegation, and they took a huge step forward there on Monday with a 1-0 victory over Lazio putting them eight points clear of the drop zone.

However, injuries remain a problem, as Moise Kean is still out injured, with Marco Brescianini, Fabiano Parisi, Tariq Lamptey and Niccolò Fortini.

On top of that, Dodo is also suspended, so either Marin Pongracic or Pietro Comuzzo becomes a makeshift right-back.

Roberto Piccoli is again the centre-forward, but Manor Solomon is available again and completes the extremely attacking line-up with Jack Harrison and Albert Gudmundsson.

Crystal Palace welcome back Jorgen Strand Larsen, who was suspended for the first leg 3-0 victory, but rest him anyway, so Jean-Philippe Mateta leads the attack again.

Evann Guessand sustained an injury in the first leg and misses out with Caleb Kporha and Eddie Nketiah.

Ex-Lazio midfielder Daichi Kamada plays with Yeremi Pino stepping in alongside Ismaila Sarr.

Fiorentina will wear black armbands and hold a minute’s silence before kick-off following the death of Alex Manninger, who was their goalkeeper in 2001-02.

Fiorentina vs. Crystal Palace line-ups

Fiorentina: De Gea; Comuzzo, Pongracic, Ranieri, Gosens; Fagioli, Mandragora; Harrison, Gudmundsson, Solomon; Piccoli

Fiorentina bench: Leonardelli, Christensen, Fazzini, Kospo, Ndour, Kouadio, Balbo, Deli, Puzzoli, Fabbian

Crystal Palace: Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Canvot; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Sarr, Yeremi Pino; Mateta

Crystal Palace bench: Matthews, Benitez, Lerma, Johnson, Clyne, Hughes, Strand Larsen, Sosa, Riad, Rodney, Devenny, Cardines

Ref: Gil Manzano (ESP)

16-04-2026 20:00

1/4 Final

Artemio Franchi Stadium

Fiorentina

Crystal Palace

Live

2 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

		17'		Ismaïla Sarr (Assist: Daniel Muñoz)
Albert Gudmundsson		30'
Marin Pongracic		40'
		40'		Yéremy Pino
Pietro Comuzzo		45+5'

2nd half

Cher Ndour (Assist: Manor Solomon)		53'
		56'		Ismaïla Sarr
Luca Ranieri		67'

Fiorentina

Crystal Palace

Starting lineups

43

David de Gea

Goalkeeper

6

Luca Ranieri

Defender

5

Marin Pongracic

Defender

15

Pietro Comuzzo

Defender

70'

44

Nicolò Fagioli

Midfielder

46'

21

Robin Gosens

Midfielder

70'

8

Rolando Mandragora

Midfielder

10

Albert Gudmundsson

Attacker

17

Jack Harrison

Attacker

19

Manor Solomon

Attacker

91

Roberto Piccoli

Attacker

1

Dean Henderson

Goalkeeper

26

Chris Richards

Defender

2

Daniel Muñoz

Defender

23

Jaydee Canvot

Defender

5

Maxence Lacroix

Defender

41'

3

Tyrick Mitchell

Defender

20

Adam Wharton

Midfielder

30'

18

Daichi Kamada

Midfielder

7

Ismaïla Sarr

Attacker

14

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Attacker

46'

10

Yéremy Pino

Attacker

73'

Substitutes

22

Jacopo Fazzini

Midfielder

80

Giovanni Fabbian

Midfielder

53

Oliver Christensen

Goalkeeper

50

Pietro Leonardelli

Goalkeeper

23

Eman Kospo

Defender

61

Riccardo Braschi

Attacker

64

Lapo Deli

Midfielder

69

Giorgio Puzzoli

Midfielder

27

Cher Ndour

Midfielder

46'

60

Eddy Kouadio

Defender

70'

62

Luis Balbo

Defender

70'

17

Nathaniel Clyne

Defender

44

Walter Benítez

Goalkeeper

24

Borna Sosa

Defender

Brennan Johnson

Attacker

55

Justin Devenny

Midfielder

59

Rio Cardines

Defender

31

Remi Matthews

Goalkeeper

42

Kaden Rodney

Midfielder

8

Jefferson Lerma

Midfielder

30'

34

Chadi Riad

Defender

41'

Jörgen Strand Larsen

Attacker

46'

19

Will Hughes

Midfielder

73'

Bologna hope Santiago Castro, Jonathan Rowe and Federico Bernardeschi can mount a Europa League quarter-final comeback against Aston Villa.

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It kicks off at Villa Park in Birmingham at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Fiorentina vs. Crystal Palace on the Liveblog.

The Rossoblu have a real mountain to climb after losing the first leg 3-1 at home, although as is often the case, the performance was far better than the result would suggest.

That was also the situation when losing here 2-0 in the Champions League last season and 1-0 earlier this term during the league phase.

Injuries continue to pile up, as Lukasz Skorupski, Thijs Dallinga and Benjamin Dominguez are still out of action, with Jhon Lucumi suspended.

At least Martin Vitik returns from his ban, with Charalampos Lykogiannis back in the squad too.

Castro remains the only centre-forward available and is being run into the ground lately, flanked this time by Rowe and Bernardeschi, leaving Riccardo Orsolini on the bench.

Vincenzo Italiano’s men have lost only two Europa League games this season, and both were against Aston Villa, as they won their next five away fixtures in a row after that September 25 defeat in Birmingham.

Aston Villa won every single Europa League fixture except for a 2-1 away to Go Ahead Eagles on October 23, making them the hot favourites to lift the trophy, especially with Unai Emery as their coach.

Emiliano Martinez has shaken off a calf injury and returns to take the gloves.

Jadon Sancho and Tyrone Mings are also carrying knocks, with Boubacar Kamara a long-term absentee, plus Ross Barkley and Alysson left off the Europa League list.

Juventus-owned Douglas Luiz is once again dropped in favour of Emiliano Buendia.

Ollie Watkins continues to lead the attack after his brace in the first leg.

Aston Villa vs. Bologna line-ups

Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Pau Torres, Digne; Tielemans, Onana; McGinn, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins

Aston Villa bench: Bizot, Wright, Lindelof, Mings, Elliott, Andres Garcia, Abraham, Sancho, Douglas Luiz, Maatsen, Bogarde, Bailey

Bologna: Ravaglia; Joao Mario, Vitik, Casale, Miranda; Ferguson, Freuler, Moro; Bernardeschi, Castro, Rowe

Bologna bench: Pessina, Franceschelli, Pobega, Orsolini, Heggem, Zortea, Odgaard, Lykogiannis, Sohm, Cambiaghi, Castaldo

Ref: Sanchez (ESP)

16-04-2026 20:00

1/4 Final

Villa Park

Aston Villa

Bologna

Live

3 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

Ollie Watkins (Assist: Morgan Rogers)		16'
Morgan Rogers		25'
Emiliano Buendía (Assist: Lucas Digne)		26'
		29'		Federico Bernardeschi
Morgan Rogers (Assist: John McGinn)		39'

Aston Villa

Bologna

Starting lineups

23

Emiliano Martínez

Goalkeeper

4

Ezri Konsa

Defender

12

Lucas Digne

Defender

2

Matty Cash

Defender

14

Pau Torres

Defender

24

Amadou Onana

Midfielder

78'

7

John McGinn

Midfielder

64'

8

Youri Tielemans

Midfielder

74'

10

Emiliano Buendía

Attacker

27

Morgan Rogers

Attacker

74'

11

Ollie Watkins

Attacker

64'

13

Federico Ravaglia

Goalkeeper

João Mário

Defender

46'

33

Juan Miranda

Defender

41

Martin Vitik

Defender

16

Nicolò Casale

Defender

11

Jonathan Rowe

Midfielder

19

Lewis Ferguson

Midfielder

6

Nikola Moro

Midfielder

8

Remo Freuler

Midfielder

46'

10

Federico Bernardeschi

Attacker

46'

9

Santiago Castro

Attacker

76'

Substitutes

22

Ian Maatsen

Defender

5

Tyrone Mings

Defender

40

Marco Bizot

Goalkeeper

3

Victor Lindelöf

Defender

9

Harvey Elliott

Attacker

64

James Wright

Goalkeeper

16

Andrés García

Defender

Tammy Abraham

Attacker

64'

Leon Bailey

Attacker

64'

19

Jadon Sancho

Attacker

74'

Douglas Luiz

Midfielder

74'

26

Lamare Bogarde

Midfielder

78'

22

Charalampos Lykogiannis

Defender

4

Tommaso Pobega

Midfielder

28

Nicolò Cambiaghi

Attacker

14

Torbjørn Heggem

Defender

25

Massimo Pessina

Goalkeeper

82

Matteo Franceschelli

Goalkeeper

73

Francesco Castaldo

Attacker

7

Riccardo Orsolini

Attacker

46'

20

Nadir Zortea

Defender

46'

Simon Sohm

Midfielder

46'

21

Jens Odgaard

Attacker

76'

For the first time in 131 years, the Merseyside Derby will not be contested at Goodison Park.

BUY EVERTON VS. LIVERPOOL TICKETS

Instead, Everton will host Liverpool at their magnificent new 52,888-capacity waterfront home, the Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock on 19th April.

Adding to the historic weight of the occasion are the massive Premier League stakes.

With both clubs navigating vastly different campaigns, this clash promises to be fiercely competitive.

Everton, revitalised under David Moyes, sit comfortably in 8th place and are eager to win the first-ever Merseyside derby at their new stadium.

Arne Slot’s Liverpool find themselves in 5th place, desperately chasing Champions League qualification amid a highly inconsistent spring.

Everton have been formidable lately, highlighted by a commanding 3-0 demolition of Chelsea and a comfortable 2-0 victory over Burnley. A hard-fought 2-2 draw away at Brentford last time out showcased their newfound defensive resilience.

Liverpool, meanwhile, arrive down the Mersey in desperate need of momentum. Slot’s men recently snapped a bruising losing streak with a 2-0 win over Fulham, but the scars of a heavy 4-0 defeat to Manchester City and a 2-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion remain fresh.

BUY EVERTON VS. LIVERPOOL TICKETS

How Everton could line up against Liverpool

The Toffees will heavily rely on the creative spark of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who leads the team with seven goals and three assists, alongside goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who boasts an impressive 10 clean sheets this term.

Jack Grealish is out for the season for Moyes’ side and they will miss his creativity against their city rivals.

Everton predicted line-up: Pickford, O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Gueye, Garner, McNeil, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye, Beto.

How Liverpool could line up against Everton

Liverpool travel to the waterfront with a severely depleted squad. Alisson Becker, Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, and Stefan Bajcetic are all ruled out through injury.

In Alisson’s absence, Giorgi Mamardashvili will continue in goal. The Reds’ attack will be spearheaded by striker Hugo Ekitike, who leads the club with 11 league goals, supplied by the creative brilliance of Florian Wirtz and Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool predicted line-up: Mamardashvili, Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Salah, Wirtz, Ngumoha, Ekitike.

How to buy Everton tickets

The Everton tickets page can be found on the club’s official website, though it might not be the most convenient option if you don’t hold a season ticket or maintain an active paid membership.

Because of this, it’s worth exploring our recommended link, which provides a reliable and budget-friendly alternative for purchasing match tickets.

BUY EVERTON VS. LIVERPOOL TICKETS

How to buy Liverpool tickets

Liverpool fans usually go directly to the club’s official ticket portal, which can be accessed here, but it’s sensible to review other options as well in case more attractive deals can be found elsewhere.

For example, we recommend using our link if you want to avoid extra membership costs simply to bypass long queues for a big match, while our easy-to-use platform also offers reassurance through a 150% money-back guarantee.

Everton vs Liverpool Head-to-Head Record

This fixture has produced countless dramatic moments over the decades. In the Premier League era, the two sides have now met 66 times.

Historically, Liverpool hold a dominant upper hand with 31 victories compared to Everton’s 9, alongside 26 draws.

As the rivalry officially transitions to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton will be desperate to rewrite the script.

Verdict: Manchester City win Best Odds: 1/1 Bookmaker: Dachbet In what looks set to be a season-defining showdown from the Etihad on Sunday afternoon, Manchester City will host a struggling Arsenal. Manchester City Starting with the hosts, while Manchester City might still have a major job on their hands in the race to recapture their […]

The post Prediction: Manchester City vs Arsenal – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Prediction: Manchester City vs Arsenal – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts appeared first on Soccer News.

Hugo Ekitike described his Achilles tendon rupture as “unfair” after the Liverpool and France forward saw his World Cup dream dashed. The France Football Federation confirmed on Wednesday that Ekitike would miss this summer’s tournament in North America, after sustaining a serious injury in Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Ekitike looked distraught […]

The post Ekitike rues ´unfair´ Achilles injury after World Cup dream dashed appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Ekitike rues ´unfair´ Achilles injury after World Cup dream dashed appeared first on Soccer News.

Liam Rosenior believes Chelsea are “running out of time” in the Champions League race, ahead of their crucial clash against Manchester United this weekend. The Blues are currently sixth in the Premier League, four points off fifth-placed Liverpool and seven behind United in third. Since the start of March, no side in Europe’s top-five leagues […]

The post Chelsea ´running out of time´ in Champions League race, says Rosenior appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Chelsea ´running out of time´ in Champions League race, says Rosenior appeared first on Soccer News.

Liverpool are facing one of their most difficult seasons in recent years. Not only are they not in contention to win the Premier League, but they were also eliminated from the UEFA Champions League. In addition, Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson have announced their departures. Adding further complications, Virgil van Dijk has reportedly decided not to renew his contract, forcing the club to pursue the signing of Marcos Senesi.

According to James Pearce, via The Athletic, Virgil van Dijk has decided not to renew his contract with Liverpool. Although he is an undisputed starter for head coach Arne Slot, the Dutch defender has decided to leave the team at the end of the 2026-27 season, as he has one year remaining on his contract. With this, the Reds could face significant uncertainty, as Joe Gomez’s contract also expires that same season and Ibrahima Konate has not yet renewed his contract.

Amid uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konaté, the Reds have already secured the signing of Jérémy Jacquet, paying €63.6M to Stade Rennes, with the defender joining Giovanni Leoni as part of the club’s future core. However, the potential departure of van Dijk has forced Liverpool to prioritize the signing of Marcos Senesi, leading the race for his signature ahead of Chelsea and Manchester United, according to Pete Hall and Mark Douglas via The iPaper.

At 28 years old and with four years of Premier League experience, Marcos Senesi would represent an immediate solution for the Reds. By securing his arrival, Liverpool FC would add one of the top left-footed defenders in England, who could benefit from a season alongside Virgil van Dijk to fully adapt to the team. Additionally, the Argentine could play a key role in allowing Giovanni Leoni time to develop, as both share a similar left-footed profile.

Virgil van Dijk’s departure could mark the end of an era at Liverpool

Following the arrival of Arne Slot, Liverpool have undergone a major squad rebuild, with the departures of Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, and Trent Alexander-Arnold among the first. Far from ending there, Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson have also announced their exits at the end of the season, losing several key leaders. On top of that, the potential departures of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker would mark the end of an era at the Reds.

With contracts running until 2027, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker are reportedly not expected to renew and could leave as free agents, meaning Liverpool FC would lose key figures from its leadership core. As a result, the Reds face the difficult challenge of replacing their on-field impact, with Giorgi Mamardashvili seen as the successor to the Brazilian, while Marcos Senesi could step in for the Dutchman.

Van Dijk has already pointed to Dominik Szoboszlai as his preferred candidate to become the Reds’ next captain. Still, head coach Arne Slot would need to select two additional leaders, with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch potentially stepping up. This would mark the beginning of a new era for Liverpool, one that raises questions about the squad’s competitiveness and leadership structure.

Lionel Messi finds himself at the center of a new controversy surrounding the Argentina Football Association (AFA), this time involving a high-stakes legal dispute over the October international window. After the Inter Miami star failed to appear in a friendly against Venezuela, the AFA is now reportedly facing a $7 million lawsuit for breach of contract regarding matches scheduled on U.S. soil.

The dispute stems from an agreement with VID, a Miami-based events company, which allegedly paid $7 million in August for the exclusive rights to Argentina’s October friendlies. The world champions were originally slated to face Venezuela on October 10 and Puerto Rico on October 14.

However, the international break clashed with a pivotal stretch of the MLS season. With Inter Miami chasing the 2025 Supporters’ Shield, a match against Atlanta United was rescheduled for October 11. Despite being officially “ruled out due to injury” for the national team’s clash with Venezuela, Messi started for the Herons against Atlanta just one day later, netting a brace and adding an assist in a dominant performance.

While Messi eventually joined the national team to play the full 90 minutes in a 6-0 rout of Puerto Rico at Chase Stadium, the damage was already done. His absence from the Venezuela fixture, where he was spotted watching from a VIP suite with his family, reportedly led to disastrous financial consequences for VID, triggering the multi-million dollar legal action.

AFA and the infringements of the original deal

According to local reports, the AFA and Messi are facing 10 different charges in the suit. A key stipulation in the contract, as reported by The Athletic, required Messi to play at least 30 minutes in both matches unless sidelined by a legitimate injury or illness, citing his massive commercial draw as the primary value of the deal.

The lack of star power for the Venezuela game resulted in a box-office catastrophe. Hard Rock Stadium saw a dismal turnout of approximately 15,000 fans, representing just 23% of the venue’s total capacity.

Furthermore, the relocation of the Puerto Rico match from Chicago to Miami reportedly dealt another financial blow to VID. The company claims it lost over $1.3 million in promotion and logistics costs for the original Chicago venue. Following the move to Chase Stadium, the promoters allege the AFA breached its contract by failing to refund a portion of the upfront payments as agreed upon.

In an attempt to salvage the partnership, reports suggest the AFA initially promised future U.S. matchups in June 2026 to compensate for the losses. However, those promises appear to have fallen through, and a third-party agent involved in the negotiations has also been accused of fraud.

The current counts against the AFA include negligent misrepresentation and multiple breaches of the $7 million contract. While the total damages sought by VID have not been fully disclosed, the company maintains that the fallout from the October window resulted in millions of dollars in lost revenue.

Despite his strong start at Barcelona, Marcus Rashford has experienced a noticeable dip in form during the second half of the season. With just 5 goals and 1 assist in 2026, the Englishman has become one of the most criticized players in the squad. After his underwhelming performance against Atlético Madrid, he may have effectively ended his chances of staying with the Blaugrana, opening the door to a potential return to Manchester United.

According to El Nacional Cat, Barcelona sporting director Deco has informed Marcus Rashford that the club will not trigger the €30M purchase option from Manchester United. Not only do they consider his valuation to be too high, but they also do not believe he fits the sporting project. After failing to make a decisive impact in the tie against Atlético Madrid, the Englishman has been fully ruled out by the Spanish side.

In the absence of Raphinha due to injury, Marcus Rashford took the his place in the starting lineup for the Champions League quarterfinals. Given a major opportunity to shine, the Englishman delivered a heavily criticized performance, missing key chances in the first leg and being relegated to the bench in the second leg. As a result, Barcelona now appear to have decided against signing him, focusing instead toward a young, high-potential left winger.

With the reported decision by the Blaugranas, Marcus Rashford has decided to change his stance, expressing openness to a return to Manchester United—a move to which coach Michael Carrick is reportedly quite receptive, reports Simon Stone, via BBC. However, the Reds are unwilling to discuss his return to the roster until they have secured their Champions League spot. The English forward could be a key asset in competing against world-class teams.

Marcus Rashford reportedly attracts interest from Juventus

Marcus Rashford remains under contract with Manchester United until 2028, meaning he would be expected to return to the club at the end of the season. However, the Red Devils could face difficulties covering his high wages and may look to sell him if they fail to secure a spot in the 2026–27 UEFA Champions League. As a result, Juventus FC are reportedly emerging as a clear solution for the Englishman.

According to SportsBoom, the Vecchia Signora are open to signing Rashford if either Manchester United or Barcelona decide not to keep him in their squad. Despite being 29, the English forward could provide a decisive boost to Juventus’ attack, having proven his ability to deliver both goals and creativity. That said, his salary remains a significant hurdle and would likely need to be reduced.

Kostas Tsimikas has dropped a hint that Roma will not make his move a permanent one after the disappointing loan spell from Liverpool.

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The Greece international had made the transfer on deadline day in August 2025 as a loan to the end of the season.

Tsimikas flopped at Roma

However, he struggled badly under coach Gian Piero Gasperini and made only 24 competitive appearances between Serie A and the Europa League, contributing one assist.

Of those 24 games, the left-back only started 11, as Gasperini largely preferred to shift Wesley over to the left flank rather than use Tsimikas.

This was even after the other choice for that side, Angelino, was ruled out for several months by a bout of pneumonia.

Nobody expected Tsimikas to make it a permanent switch, so it was not entirely surprising when he switched his Instagram profile picture from a Roma jersey back to a Liverpool one.

It is however a little unusual that he would do this when the season is still going.

The Giallorossi haven’t had the best of luck with their loans, sending Leon Bailey back to Aston Villa after just six months, and Evan Ferguson will not be purchased outright from Brighton and Hove Albion either.

Roberto De Zerbi is using a traditional Italian team-building exercise with Tottenham Hotspur, even though a similar approach already failed for Igor Tudor.

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The Italian coach has become the third different boss at Spurs during this cursed campaign, and with his team in the Premier League relegation zone, is trying everything to get them working together quicker.

De Zerbi takes Tottenham out to dinner

According to Telegraph Sport, De Zerbi took the entire squad out to dinner at Bacchanalia restaurant in Mayfair this week.

This is a common tactic used in Italian football to build team spirit, both during moments of crisis and in general during a season.

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso tried it with players when he was not given time for traditional training get togethers.

Former Juventus, Udinese and Lazio coach Tudor learned the approach in Serie A too and tried it with Tottenham in February, but to limited results, as he parted company with the club after failing to win a single Premier League game.

“My job now is not to coach a style, with or without the ball, but try to give the players what they need in terms of mentality,” said De Zerbi after losing on his debut to Sunderland.

“My style is to trust the confidence of the players. During the week, they play better because they are clean in their heads, but in the game it is different. My work must be to get them to show what they are doing during the week in a game.”

Behind the scenes at training as we prepare for Brighton pic.twitter.com/3EblhLAWZ0

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 16, 2026

While reports suggest a frosty rapport between Max Allegri and the club, Matteo Gabbia insists the players ‘all hope he will stay at Milan for a long time, he is a world class coach.’

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The tactician only took the job last summer and currently has them in third place in Serie A, on track for a Champions League spot.

However, the drop down from second after back-to-back defeats with Napoli and Udinese prompted some question marks over his future, especially if he is offered the Italy bench.

Gabbia and Milan players stand by Allegri

“Allegri is a world class coach,” Gabbia told Sky Sport Italia.

“Everyone in the squad thinks this. He has a way of handling moments, both good and bad, that is just incredible! His experience, his knowledge of what to say, the buttons he has to press, it’s second to none.

“Then it is up to us to go on the field, assimilate what he asked for, and do the best we possibly can. Allegri has been a very important figure for us this season. We are all very happy with him and his staff.”

Gabbia also spoke to MilanNews and was specifically asked how much the team wants the coach to stay at San Siro.

“It is what the whole team wants, not just what I think. I am speaking here on behalf of the entire squad, we are super happy with the coach and hope he can remain with us for a long time.

“Right now, the most important things are the results, which decide everything. We’ve got to follow him 100 per cent, then it will all go the right way.”

The former Juventus boss has taken some sabbaticals in recent years, but the Milan players have been very impressed with his man-management skills.

“His ability to understand the various moments, especially negative ones, means he knows when he has to go in hard, or when to relax the tension,” continued Gabbia.

“I was honestly really surprised by the way he prepares the matches, because often times he will tell us about situations that genuinely do happen, so we can recreate the response perfectly.

“There are many situations where he can keep surprising us with his working method.”

The Lega Serie B has set the dates for the promotion play-offs and relegation playout, so the season will officially come to an end on May 29.

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The race is still wide open for the two automatic promotion spots at the top of the table, and a third will be decided via the play-offs.

Those will begin with a one-off match on Tuesday May 12 between fifth and eighth place, and sixth and seventh.

How the Serie B play-offs work

The semi-finals are played over two legs, home and away, on Saturday May 16 and Sunday May 17, with the return match on May 19 and 20.

The Final is also home and away, with the first leg on Sunday May 24 and the return on Friday May 29.

As for the playouts, those are between 17^th and 16^th placed teams on Friday May 15 and Friday May 22.

As things stand, Venezia are the Serie B leaders on 72 points, followed by Monza and Frosinone both on 69.

Palermo have 65, then there is a big drop to Catanzaro in fifth place on 55, Modena 52, Juve Stabia 48 and Cesena 44.

Chelsea have secured a massive long-term boost as world-class midfielder Moises Caicedo has reportedly “given the green light” to a lucrative new contract, snubbing interest from European giants Real Madrid in the process.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the 24-year-old Ecuador international is set to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge until June 2033.

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Moises Caicedo gives green light for new Chelsea deal

The breakthrough in negotiations comes at a vital time for Chelsea’s BlueCo ownership.

With the club enduring a turbulent 2025/26 campaign under manager Liam Rosenior, securing the commitment of their most vital assets has become a priority to stabilise the project.

Romano posted on X: “Breaking: Chelsea are closing in on new deal for Moisés Caicedo! The agreement will be valid until June 2033 with final details being sorted, as @CLMerlo reports. Caicedo has given green light to #CFC stay for long term.”

?? BREAKING: Chelsea are closing in on new deal for Moisés Caicedo!

The agreement will be valid until June 2033 with final details being sorted, as @CLMerlo reports.

Caicedo has given green light to #CFC stay for long term. pic.twitter.com/767McppwhU

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 16, 2026

The deal follows in the footsteps of captain Reece James, who also recently penned a long-term extension.

For Caicedo, the move represents a clear show of faith in Chelsea’s future, despite the club currently sitting 6th in the Premier League and facing a battle for Champions League qualification.

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Caicedo was on Real Madrid’s target list

The extension is a significant blow to Real Madrid, who had identified Caicedo as a primary candidate to bolster their midfield this summer.

Reports from Spain suggested that Florentino Pérez was prepared to launch a massive bid for the ‘world-class‘ midfielder.

However, Caicedo recently moved to shut down the rumors, telling El Chiringuito TV that his only focus is on becoming a “Chelsea legend.”

By committing to a nine-year deal, Caicedo has effectively ended any speculation regarding a move to the Santiago Bernabéu, ensuring he remains the centerpiece of the Blues’ midfield for the next decade.

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Having won the Champions League last season, Paris Saint-Germain remain strong contenders for the trophy again, as their double over Liverpool in the quarterfinals clearly shows. Though Ousmane Dembele scored both goals for the Ligue 1 champions against their Premier League counterparts, the midfield section certainly played its part. Joao Neves is simply unbelievable when […]

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The post PSG midfielder Joao Neves shows superb ball control to repel Liverpool pressure (Video) appeared first on Soccer News.

There was plenty of excitement in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal blockbuster between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Bayern had won the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu by 2-1, and it all kicked off straight away as Arda Guler struck for Real in the first minute. Aleksandar Pavlovic equalized only five […]

The post Michael Olise scores superb goal to secure Bayern Munich double over Real Madrid (Video) appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Michael Olise scores superb goal to secure Bayern Munich double over Real Madrid (Video) appeared first on Soccer News.

Marco Senesi, soon to be a free agent as his contract with Bournemouth nears its expiration date, has been linked with a host of top clubs. Juventus and Atletico Madrid are said to be keen on the 28-year-old, while Manchester United and Chelsea are believed to be options for him to remain in England. However, […]

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The post Liverpool move ahead of competition in Senesi race appeared first on Soccer News.

Lionel Messi continues to take steps toward remaining involved in soccer once his professional playing career comes to an end. His latest move in that direction is the acquisition of a fifth-division club in Spain, Unio Esportiva Cornella, the third club he is involved in.

“The Argentine footballer and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Leo Messi, has finalized the acquisition of UE Cornella,” the club announced in a statement published Thursday on their official website. “With this operation, Messi strengthens his close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalunya.”

UE Cornella are a club founded in 1951 and based in the autonomous community of Catalunya, around 50 miles from Barcelona. They currently compete in the Tercera RFEF (Spain’s fifth division) and sit third in Group V, five points behind leaders Manresa.

“The arrival of Leo Messi opens a new chapter in the club’s history, with the aim of driving its sporting and institutional growth, strengthening its structure, and continuing to invest in talent. The project includes a long-term vision, with a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability, and local identity,” the statement added.

How many clubs is Lionel Messi involved in?

While continuing his professional career — since 2023 with Inter Miami — Lionel Messi has also begun exploring a role that was previously unfamiliar to him: club ownership and management. On more than one occasion, he has said this side of soccer appeals to him more than coaching, as he looks ahead to life after retirement.

Last year, he joined his friend and teammate Luis Suarez in a project of this kind in Uruguay, becoming co-founders and co-owners of Deportivo LSM. The club debuted in the country’s fourth division and, in its first season — 2025 — earned promotion, beginning what looks like a promising path forward.

In addition, the Messi family also founded a club in Argentina: Leones de Rosario FC, based in Leo’s hometown. The project began in 2015 with a focus on developing young talent, but this year took its first professional step by joining Primera C, Argentina’s fourth division.

Messi and Ronaldo follow similar paths

The news of Lionel Messi’s acquisition of UE Cornella comes just months after Cristiano Ronaldo made a similar move. The 41-year-old forward has owned a 25% stake in Almeria since February of this year, another club competing in the lower tiers of Spanish soccer.

Almeria, unlike UE Cornella, are a more established club with greater tradition: they have spent a total of seven seasons in La Liga, most recently in 2024. Messi’s new club, meanwhile, have yet to play in Spain’s top division.

Following the departure of Iñigo Martínez, Barcelona have faced serious defensive issues, which ultimately led to their Champions League elimination. As a result, Alessandro Bastoni emerged as an ideal solution, as he is reportedly looking to leave Inter Milan. While his arrival initially appeared complicated, both clubs have reportedly found a potential solution, with the Nerazzurri showing interest in Héctor Fort as part of the deal.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Inter Milan are open to the departure of Alessandro Bastoni in the summer of 2026. Despite being a cornerstone of the team, they are aware of the Italian’s interest in moving to Barcelona, valuing his transfer at €70M (around $82M). However, the Spanish side is reportedly aiming for a deal in the €50–60M range (around $58–70M). As things stand, both parties appear to be moving toward a compromise.

In an effort to reinforce their defensive line, the Nerazzurri are interested in signing Héctor Fort, a Barcelona full-back currently on loan at Elche CF. With this in mind, the Blaugrana could be open to including him in a deal for Bastoni, reducing the overall transfer package, according to Matteo Moretto. Valued at €12M on Transfermarkt, the Spanish full-back could bring the operation down to the €50–60M range that they are looking to pay.

Following his red card with Italy national football team in the last match, Alessandro Bastoni does not appear fully comfortable. Ahead of the next game against Cagliari Calcio, head coach Cristian Chivu acknowledged that the defender is not at his best, both physically and mentally, ruling him out. As a result, he could push the Italian side for a move to Barcelona, potentially forcing a reduction in his transfer fee in the summer of 2026.

Barcelona reportedly add Luka Vušković as backup to Bastoni deal

Throughout the 2025–26 season, Barcelona have kept Alessandro Bastoni as their top priority, as his profile is highly valued by sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick. However, his signing could prove quite complex, as Inter Milan maintain a very high valuation. As a result, the Blaugrana have reportedly also turned their attention to Luka Vušković, who has impressed at Hamburger SV.

According to Gabriel Sans, via Mundo Deportivo, the Blaugrana are closely monitoring Luka Vušković. Despite being under contract with Tottenham Hotspur until 2030, the Croatian is not keen on playing for the English side and is seeking a move following his loan spell at Hamburger SV. Should they end up being relegated, the defender could push even harder for an exit, with FC Barcelona interested in securing his arrival.

After impressing at Hamburger SV, Luka Vušković has seen his valuation rise to €60M (around $70M) on Transfermarkt, and it could climb even higher, as Tottenham are keen to keep him. However, his agent, Pini Zahavi, has a close relationship with Barcelona president Joan Laporta, which could facilitate a move by putting pressure on the English side to negotiate his sale.

Tributes continue to pour in from former teammates of Alex Manninger, including Gigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini, while Fiorentina will hold a minute’s silence before tonight’s Crystal Palace match.

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The football world was shocked by the death of former goalkeeper Manninger when his car was struck by a train on a level crossing in his home country of Austria this morning.

The Austria international spent much of his career in Italy, making 137 Serie A appearances with Juventus, Siena, Fiorentina, Bologna and Torino.

With this in mind, Fiorentina have been given permission by UEFA to hold a minute’s silence before tonight’s Conference League quarter-final against Crystal Palace.

The Viola will also be wearing black armbands in tribute to Manninger, who died at the age of 48.

Manninger remembered by Juventus teammates

Former Juventus teammate Buffon wrote a touching message on his Instagram alongside a picture of them together.

“Dear Alex, every word seems superfluous. Every tear would only be the latest for the loss of a friend and a person I always admired,” wrote Buffon.

“You chosen to remain independent from the bustle of the football world, going to seek your happiness in the simple things: a healthy life in the woods, fishing, nature, family. This was your credo.

“In a world that is often curved and prone to genuflection, which rewards overdoing things, careerism and easy gains, you always defended your freedom, holding your back straight, with the pride of a man who knows what he wants.

“You had the strength to walk away from all of this and look at us with your sly smile, as if to say ‘you are all crazy, you’ll never get me.’

“I hope, indeed I am certain, that from up there you will continue to guide your splendid children and your young wife. Rest in peace.”

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Gianluigi Buffon (@gianluigibuffon)

There were more messages from Manninger’s old Juventus teammates, such as current club director of football strategy Giorgio Chiellini.

“Today is a very sad day, we say goodbye to an exemplary teammate and a person of great values. Ciao Alex, rest in peace. My thoughts are with your family.”

Claudio Marchisio and Stephan Lichtsteiner were also among those who posted messages of condolence.

Juventus pay tribute to their former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who died at 48 in a tragic car accident: ‘A man of rare values.’

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Juventus honoured their former goalkeeper Manninger with a social media post on Thursday, hours after his tragic death in a car accident in Austria.

“Today is a very sad day,” Juventus wrote on X.

“We have lost not only a great athlete but a man of rare values: humility, dedication, and an exceptional sense of professionalism. Alex Manninger will be remembered for the example he set, on and off the pitch. Juventus expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Alex Manninger and stands close to his family in this moment of grief.”

A Serie A title winner with the Bianconeri in 2011-12, Manninger spent four seasons in Turin, making 40 appearances during his spell in Turin.

He won the Scudetto in his final season at the club under Antonio Conte.

Manninger also played for Torino, Siena, Bologna and Fiorentina in Serie A, collecting 137 appearances in Italy’s top flight.

A former Austria international, Manninger also won the Premier League title with Arsenal in 1997-98.

The former goalkeeper had given his last interview to Gazzetta dello Sport just a few days ago, recalling his close bond with Italian football and Juventus legend Gianluigi Buffon, and calling Siena his “home.”

Juventus pay tribute to Manninger after tragic death at 48

Today is a very sad day.

We have lost not only a great athlete, but a man of rare values: humility, dedication, and an exceptional sense of professionalism.

Alex Manninger will be remembered for the example he set, on and off the pitch.

Juventus expresses its deepest… pic.twitter.com/QOd2aoP8C3

— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) April 16, 2026

A prominent Tottenham insider on X has shared a much-needed positive update on James Maddison, suggesting the playmaker is finally on the verge of returning to first-team action.

The news comes as a vital lifeline for manager Roberto De Zerbi, whose side is currently sitting in the relegation zone after a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland.

With Tottenham’s top-flight status hanging by a thread, the return of their primary creative engine could be the difference between survival and a historic fall to the Championship.

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James Maddison expected to be back in two weeks

The update comes from the well-known insider account, which has been at the forefront of injury news at Hotspur Way this season.

According to insider, the England international is nearing the end of his grueling rehabilitation process.

“Expectation that Madders could be around two weeks from a return to first-team action.”

If this timeline holds, Maddison could potentially be in the squad for the final four games of the season.

• Aston Villa vs Tottenham – 2nd May 2026
• Tottenham vs Leeds – 12th May 2026
• Chelsea vs Tottenham – 17th May 2026
• Tottenham vs Everton – 24th May 2026

While De Zerbi has been careful not to rush players back, the desperate situation in the league table may force the Italian’s hand.

Nightmare injury during pre-season

Maddison’s absence has been the black cloud hanging over Tottenham’s entire 2025/26 campaign.

The 29-year-old has yet to play a single competitive minute this season after suffering a devastating injury during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United last August.

The incident, which occurred during the club’s tour of South Korea, was initially feared to be a minor knock but was later confirmed as a complex ligament tear.

The nightmare recovery has spanned over eight months, leaving Spurs without their chief orchestrator during a period where they have recorded a 14-match winless run.

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Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has provided a rare glimmer of hope for Tottenham supporters, revealing that Dejan Kulusevski is set to remain at the club next season even if the unthinkable happens and Spurs are relegated to the Championship.

The North London side currently sits in 18th place with just six games remaining to save their top-flight status.

Following a disastrous 1-0 defeat to Sunderland in Roberto De Zerbi’s debut last Sunday, the pressure has reached a boiling point at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

While a mass exodus of stars this summer is expected, Di Marzio believes the Swedish international is committed to the project.

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Di Marzio: Dejan Kulusevski “definitely” staying

Speaking to bettingsidor.se via Football London, Di Marzio emphasised that Kulusevski’s character makes him the ideal candidate to lead a potential rebuild.

Di Marzio said:

“I definitely think Kulusevski will stay at Tottenham, even if they get relegated. He is a good example for other players and Roberto De Zerbi likes him. He has the right mentality, so I think Kulusevski can be one of the most important players for their project, regardless if they are in the Premier League or the Championship.”

“De Zerbi will really try to keep him. He loves players like him who have a strong identity and personality. He will definitely try to keep him.”

Kulusevski’s time at Tottenham has been marred with injuries

The endorsement is particularly significant given that the 25-year-old has endured a “nightmare” season on the sidelines.

Kulusevski has not played a single minute of competitive football since May 2025 after suffering a severe right kneecap injury against Crystal Palace.

After a secondary minor operation in March 2026 to clean up the joint, the winger is finally nearing a return to fitness, though he is unlikely to feature before the end of the current campaign.

When fit, his quality is undeniable and easily one of Spurs’ best players. He contributed with 10 goals and 11 assists last season, helping Spurs to a historic Europa League trophy.

Overall, in 146 games for the club, he has scored 25 and assisted another 30, with his performances attracting praise from likes of Pep Guardiola as well.

If Kulusevski stays in the event of relegation, there is no doubt that he will play a massive role in the fight for return to the top tier next season.

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Arsenal scraped into the Champions League semi-finals after Wednesday’s goalless home draw sent them through with a 1-0 aggregate win over Sporting CP. Kai Havertz’s late winner in last week’s first leg ultimately proved decisive as Arsenal teed up a last-four meeting with Atletico Madrid, but Mikel Arteta’s side were far from convincing at the […]

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The post Arsenal 0-0 Sporting CP (1-0 agg): Arteta´s side edge into last four thanks to first-leg triumph appeared first on Soccer News.

Marco Senesi, soon to be a free agent as his contract with Bournemouth nears its expiration date, has been linked with a host of top clubs. Juventus and Atletico Madrid are said to be keen on the 28-year-old, while Manchester United and Chelsea are believed to be options for him to remain in England. However, […]

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The post Liverpool move ahead of competition in Senesi race appeared first on Soccer News.

Lionel Scaloni has managed to turn Argentina into one of the best national sides in the world. Not only did he lead them to the 2022 World Cup title, but he also built a highly competitive roster blending experience and youth. Despite this, his future with the national team remains unclear, as he has yet to renew his contract. Furthermore, he is reportedly emerging as a leading candidate to become Real Madrid head coach in a post-2026 World Cup move.

According to Abraham P. Romero, via El Mundo, Los Blancos have decided to move on from Álvaro Arbeloa, as they believe he failed to get the most out of the current squad. As a result, they have chosen to rule out young, inexperienced candidates, instead focusing on those with world-class experience. In this context, Lionel Scaloni emerges as a clear candidate to take over the role after the 2026 World Cup.

With a contract with Argentina running through the end of 2026, Scaloni may not face a difficult exit from the national team. After ending a 36-year drought without winning a World Cup title, he has become one of the best coaches in the world, building a roster with a good balance between experience and youth. However, he may not decide on his future until after the tournament, leaving Real Madrid without a clear answer for several months.

While Lionel Scaloni managed to lead Argentina to a World Cup title, he has never had experience as a head coach at club level. His closest role came as an assistant to Jorge Sampaoli at Sevilla FC. Far from being a simple challenge, he could face the demanding day-to-day environment at Real Madrid, defined by sky-high expectations and little tolerance for trophyless seasons. With this in mind, Los Blancos are keeping four other alternatives on their shortlist.

Not only Scaloni: Real Madrid reportedly chase four coaches

After Carlo Ancelotti’s departure, Real Madrid made the risky decision to back Xabi Alonso, who had impressed at Bayer Leverkusen. However, he did not arrive with extensive experience managing star players, something that ultimately cost him his position. Nor has Álvaro Arbeloa proven to be the solution, as he failed to change the team’s reality. As a result, they are reportedly not only adding Lionel Scaloni, but also considering four other experienced candidates.

Alongside Lionel Scaloni, Los Blancos have decided to add Didier Deschamps, who is set to leave France after the 2026 World Cup. While Jürgen Klopp is another clear favorite, he is not expected to leave the Red Bull GmbH group, but he will once again be tempted. Moreover, Mauricio Pochettino emerges as a surprise candidate, as president Florentino Pérez reportedly holds him in high regard, according to El Mundo.

While the incident between Vinícius Jr. and Gianluca Prestianni cast doubt over his candidacy, José Mourinho is also considered among the options to coach Real Madrid, according to El Mundo. As one of the managers most beloved by the fanbase, the Portuguese could be key to getting this promising team back on track, having consistently shown his ability to manage big egos and leading los Blancos into a new era.

Inter coach Cristian Chivu says Alessandro Bastoni won’t be available for tomorrow’s Serie A match against Cagliari: ‘He’s not well.’

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Inter will be forced to cope without their star defender Bastoni in Friday’s Serie A match against Cagliari at the Stadio Meazza.

Chivu confirmed the Italian defender’s omission during a press conference on Thursday.

“He should be praised as a person, despite physical and mental difficulties. He put himself on the line and deserves credit,” said the Nerazzurri boss via FcInter1908.

“We should be proud of what he has done. He has a physical problem; his ankle is not 100%. He’s trained very little in the last month, and he’s not fully fit. We thank him for his availability, but he’s not well now. He’ll not be in the squad tomorrow. He will stay out to recover.”

Bastoni has been criticised by part of the media and opposing Inter fans in recent months following a red card incident in the Inter-Juventus match in February, as well as the red card he received at the end of March in Italy’s World Cup play-off Final against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Petar Sucic will serve a one-game ban against Cagliari tomorrow, while both Yann Bisseck and Lautaro Martinez are injured.

“Bisseck has already worked on the pitch. According to the expected timeline, Lauti is on track,” Chivu said.

“Next week, he will return to the pitch to do a bit more than what he’s currently doing. Bisseck should be back in two days, Lautaro in seven or eight. He is improving and doing well.”

Inter are the Serie A table leaders with a nine-point lead over second-placed Napoli. Next week, they’ll host Como in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal.

“We must be proud of what we’ve done and keep the same spirit. We must try to be the best version of ourselves and add three more points to the table,” Chivu continued.

“We’ve always tried to bring it to the pitch. The important thing is to be mentally and physically ready, and to adapt to what the opponent offers. We’ve had ups and downs. We’ve done really well in some games and not so well in others because of a lack of energy and the absence of players who would have shifted the balance.”

Chivu made headlines after a Serie A victory against Como last week, as he appeared to taunt his rivals in the race for the Scudetto, saying that Inter’s main target was to qualify for the Champions League.

“Too many things are taken too seriously,” he argued.

“Many things are distorted by friendship and by the duty to defend one side or the other. Some people took it too seriously. You have to understand. Football is a game; it should be treated as such. There are teams that try to win, but only one wins. You shouldn’t feel bad if your friend or your favourite team doesn’t make it to the end.

Former Juventus and Arsenal goalkeeper Alexander Manninger has died at the age of 48 following a tragic car accident on Thursday morning.

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The former Austria international was involved in a fatal collision with a train at around 8:20 at a level crossing without barriers, according to Austrian media, cited by Gazzetta.

Manninger was driving a minivan, and it is still unclear whether the red warning signal at the crossing was active at the time of the crash.

Despite the prompt arrival of emergency services, Manninger was declared dead at the scene.

The local train involved was carrying around 25 passengers, all of whom, along with the driver, were unharmed.

The English FA and RB Salzburg, one of Manninger’s former clubs, have confirmed the death of the former goalkeeper.

“We join in mourning our former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who tragically passed away in a road accident,” the club wrote.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander.”

Manninger gave his last interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport just a few days ago. He had made 137 Serie A appearances, playing for Juventus, Torino, Siena, Bologna and Fiorentina, winning the Scudetto with Juve under Antonio Conte in 2011-12.

He also made 64 appearances with Arsenal, winning the Premier League title in 1997-98.

Giovanni Malagò, one of the likely candidates in the FIGC Presidential elections, hints at the involvement of a former Italian player in his project but refuses to answer a question about Massimiliano Allegri.

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Malagò and Giancarlo Abete are expected to be the only candidates in the FIGC Presidential elections on June 22.

Malagò has been backed by the majority of Lega Serie A clubs and will unveil his program at a meeting with them on April 20.

“I’m making serious and thoughtful assessments,” Malagò said during an event in Milan on Thursday, via TMW.

“Serie A had the idea, but the important thing is to listen to all the others, too.”

Malagò confirmed he had met with the presidents of the Associations of Italian footballers and coaches, who collectively hold 30% of the vote in the FIGC Presidential election.

“I can say it was very positive and proactive. I can say that the premises are positive,” Malagò said.

Italian sources have claimed that Malagò will involve a former Italy national team player if he wins the election and that Milan coach Allegri is his first option for the bench.

“I can swear I have nothing in mind. I feel that, like all Federations, everyone has a former athlete covering a role,” Malagò said.

“Whether that will be applicable or not, we’ll see.

“If I say anything more or less [about Allegri], everything gets taken out of context,” he added.

“I won’t respond to anything, and, believe me, I haven’t spoken to anyone about it.”

According to Corriere dello Sport, Allegri would consider his appointment as Italy’s national team coach, especially because his relationship with part of the Milan management is far from ideal.

Arsenal hope Riccardo Calafiori will be available for Sunday’s big Premier League game against Manchester City, while the Italy star joined his teammates in the dressing room last night to celebrate qualification for the Champions League semis.

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Arsenal’s 0-0 draw at home against Sporting CP in London last night secured the Gunners’ place in the Champions League semi-finals, setting up a meeting with Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid.

Calafiori missed the match due to fitness issues. According to The Standard, the Italian defender’s problem remains unknown, but Arsenal likely wanted to manage his minutes to avoid a serious injury.

The Manchester Evening News claims that Calafiori could return to action against Manchester City on Sunday.

The former Bologna star featured for the full 90 minutes in the first leg against Sporting CP last week, but missed the reverse fixture last night as well as the previous Premier League match against Bournemouth.

Naturally, Calafiori still celebrated Arsenal’s qualification for the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday, joining his teammates in the dressing room after the match, as shown by Piero Hincapié’s latest Instagram story.

Calafiori joins Arsenal teammates for dressing room celebration

Manchester United’s loaned-out forward Marcus Rashford is reportedly open to a surprise return to Old Trafford this summer.

The England international is currently on loan at Barcelona for the season, but it remains to be seen his move there will be made permanent.

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As we recently reported, Barca are currently unsure about signing Rashford permanently, despite having the option to do so.

If Rashford does end up missing out on staying at the Nou Camp, it seems he’d be open to returning to Man Utd, according to BBC Sport.

Could Marcus Rashford still have a role to play at Manchester United?

It has seemed unlikely for some time now that Rashford could have any kind of future at United, but perhaps there’s still a way back for him.

The 28-year-old was once a key player for the Red Devils, but he suffered a significant loss of form before going out on loan to Aston Villa last season, and then to Barcelona this term.

Rashford is also one of United’s highest earners, so it makes little sense for them to bring him back unless he’s ready to become a regular starter and consistent performer again.

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On his day, Rashford is a fantastic player, but he’s not getting any younger and it perhaps seems like his best years are behind him.

The move to Barcelona has also seemed good for him, as he’s benefited from a bit of a change of scene after spending so long in Manchester.

Sky Sports have recently reported that Rashford would likely be one of the players available this summer, so even if he does come back to MUFC it probably wouldn’t be for very long, with other suitors surely likely to emerge.

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The post Surprise player open to Manchester United return this summer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Former Arsenal and Liverpool goalkeeper Alex Manninger has tragically died in a car crash at the age of 48.

The Austrian’s passing has been announced by another of his former clubs, Red Bull Salzburg, in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

The post read: “We mourn our former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander.”

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See below for the post, which shows a picture of Manninger during one of the two spells he had with Salzburg throughout a playing career that spanned over 20 years…

Wir trauern um unseren ehemaligen Torhüter Alexander Manninger, der tragisch bei einem Verkehrsunfall verunglückt ist. Unsere Gedanken sind bei seiner Familie und seinen Freunden. Ruhe in Frieden, Alexander. ?? pic.twitter.com/AjfpNOwNU7

— FC Red Bull Salzburg (@RedBullSalzburg) April 16, 2026

Alex Manninger’s career

Manninger is perhaps most well known in England for his spell with Arsenal as a youngster, where he played a key role in their 1997/98 double-winning season.

Despite not being a particularly big name before he arrived, Manninger put in a series of strong displays late on in the campaign when called upon to fill in for the injured David Seaman.

Manninger has remained fondly remembered by Gunners supporters for his contribution to the club’s success in the Premier League and FA Cup that season, and they’ll surely be devastated to hear about the passing of this popular former player.

The former Austria international also had a spell as a backup ‘keeper at Liverpool in 2016/17, whilst also making a name for himself with various Serie A clubs, including Juventus.

Awful news that Alex Manninger has passed away after a car accident. Played such a key role in the 1998 double, stepping up when the team needed him with David Seaman out.

Tragic news. pic.twitter.com/e5ITIZClOI

— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) April 16, 2026

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger has sadly passed away, aged 48, following a traffic accident.

Our thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends. RIP. ? pic.twitter.com/FadHwffP2o

— afcstuff (@afcstuff) April 16, 2026

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Tributes have been pouring in on social media this afternoon after the sad news of Manninger’s passing.

The Austrian FA also put out a statement on the news, saying: “The news of Alex Manninger’s death is deeply shocking. With him, football loses a special person. In this difficult time, our sincere condolences go to his family, his friends, and all those who were close to him. Much strength for the time ahead.”

The post Former Arsenal & Liverpool star Alex Manninger dies aged 48 appeared first on CaughtOffside.

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have shortlisted West Ham United attacker Jarrod Bowen as one of the options ahead of the transfer window.

With Mohamed Salah leaving the club at the end of the season and Hugo Ekitike suffering a long term injury that is expected to keep him out of action for this year, the Premier League giants are identifying attacking options in the market.

The Reds desperately need reinforcements, and they need them fast.

Liverpool’s recruitment team has zeroed in on a very familiar Premier League face to help cushion the blow that they are about to face and it’s Bowen.

Jarrod Bowen can solve attacking crisis at Liverpool

If you’re looking to replace even a fraction of what Salah brings to Anfield, the profile has to be highly specific.

You need a left-footed right winger with a relentless work rate and an eye for goal. At 29 years old, Bowen fits that exact description perfectly.

Despite West Ham enduring an absolutely miserable 2025/26 campaign that has them deeply entrenched in a relegation dogfight, Bowen’s individual quality has consistently shined through.

He’s already racked up 10 goals and nine assists in 36 appearances across all competitions this season.

He is incredibly strong on the ball, tactically disciplined out of possession, and a proven England international at the absolute peak of his career.

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Apr 16 2026, 16:19

Reds have several other names on their summer shortlist

The club is reportedly monitoring former academy product Harry Wilson and highly-rated Bazoumana Toure.

They are also still heavily linked with Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, though prying him away will require beating off intense competition from Arsenal and Bayern Munich.

There is no single player in world football who can step into Salah’s boots and immediately replicate his historic numbers. It’s an impossible task.

However, rebuilding a successful attack is about finding reliable players. Bowen knows the Premier League inside out, possesses the exact tactical profile Arne Slot is looking for, and could be available at a serious discount if West Ham fail to beat the drop.

Liverpool face Newcastle competition for wonderkid as transfer battle looms 

The post Liverpool target attacker from London club as they deal with Salah and Ekitike headache appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Bernardo Silva’s summer exit from Manchester City has been officially confirmed today, with the club releasing a statement on their official site.

We reported earlier this month that Silva had informed Man City of his decision to leave, with Juventus, Napoli, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid among the Portugal international’s suitors.

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This news has now been made official, though of course neither the club nor the player have yet made an announcement about where he could be moving to next.

Silva is undoubtedly a City legend and one of the best players in the Premier League from the last decade or so, with the 31-year-old winning six titles during his time in England, as well as the Champions League and other major honours.

Manchester City pay tribute to Bernardo Silva

City have paid tribute to Silva on their official site, with a club statement noting that his “contribution to our greatest sustained period of success is incalculable” and that “he will be deservedly remembered both as one of City’s finest and most popular players of all time.”

City also added that they plan further tributes for the player nearer the end of the season.

They added: “The Club and all of our fans will now take the time to deliver a fitting tribute and farewell to a wonderful servant of Manchester City Football Club at the end of the season.”

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What next for Bernardo Silva and who could replace him?

It won’t be easy to replace a world class talent like Silva, but our understanding is that those plans are already underway.

City have been aware of Silva’s decision for some time now, with the player yet to decide on his next step despite top European clubs being sounded out while Saudi sides also take notice of his situation.

As recently reported, West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes is someone MCFC are keeping an eye on, even if Liverpool are understood to be leading the race for the moment.

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It is also our understanding that City are continuing to assess targets such as Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali in midfield.

The precise profile the club go for will depend on a number of other factors, however, with there still being no final resolution on the future of manager Pep Guardiola and another star player in the form of Rodri.

The post Confirmed: Bernardo Silva leaving Manchester City – here’s what could happen next appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has sent a strong message ahead of the huge Premier League clash away to Manchester City this weekend.

The Gunners have not been at their best in recent matches, including a 2-0 defeat to Man City in the Carabao Cup final, but now have the opportunity to make a major statement in the title race at the Etihad Stadium.

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Arsenal don’t have the best record away to City, though they’ve drawn their last two league meetings there, which would probably be another satisfactory result for Mikel Arteta and co. in terms of keeping themselves in front in the table.

Rice, however, has come out fighting, saying how much he’s relishing this “beautiful” opportunity for the club.

Declan Rice’s strong words on Arsenal’s game against Man City

Speaking after Arsenal got past Sporting Lisbon to reach the Champions League semi-finals, Rice said: “It’s beautiful, can’t wait.

? "Bring it on!" – Declan Rice insists Arsenal are READY to go to Manchester City and WIN this weekend! ?? pic.twitter.com/ZkBqWqofsC

— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) April 16, 2026

“That’s why we play the game. When you’re watching the Premier League as a kid, you see these big matches, these title-defining moments.

“Then it comes down to are you gonna be ready and how much do you want it.

“No one’s going to hand you anything in this league. Like you said, there’s been a lot of noise, but ultimately it’s down to us as players.”

He added: “To go there and win would be a massive statement. These boys are ready, we spoke as a group, we know what’s required, so yeah bring it on.”

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Can Arsenal back up their fighting talk?

We’ve heard all this before from Arsenal’s players and their manager Mikel Arteta, but can they finally go to the Etihad and win?

AFC came very close last season when they led 2-1 deep into stoppage time before John Stones bundled in an equaliser, while the year before it finished 0-0.

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At the moment, this Gunners side don’t look like scoring much, with injuries to the likes of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka clearly having a big effect.

City are in much better form right now and tend to end the season strongly, but there’s also no escaping that they’ve struggled for consistency for much of this season, and at times haven’t looked like the City of old.

The post “Bring it on” – Declan Rice makes strong statement ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Manchester City appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Juventus have reportedly delayed contract extension talks with Dusan Vlahovic to the end of the season, reopening the door for Milan, who are also hoping to offload Christopher Nkunku to strengthen their position.

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Juventus delay Vlahovic contract talks

Juventus are not expected to sit down with Vlahovic’s entourage before the end of the season to discuss a contract extension, according to Gazzetta.

Juventus director Damien Comolli recently claimed that updates on the Serbia international would not come anytime soon, and the pink paper suggests that negotiations won’t resume before the end of the campaign.

Vlahovic’s contract runs out in June, and Juventus will offer a salary below his current €12m wages, including add-ons.

Vlahovic has recently suffered a new muscle injury that will sideline him for at least three weeks, prompting Juventus to put negotiations on hold.

Milan remain interested in the striker, and stalling talks with the Bianconeri will likely boost the Rossoneri’s hopes.

According to Gazzetta, Milan are waiting for offers for French striker Nkunku, who has failed to impress in his first season at San Siro.

Scorer of just six goals in 29 appearances this season, Nkunku’s sale would allow Milan to increase their budget for a contract offer to Vlahovic.

Gian Piero Gasperini has reportedly received support from Roma owners in recent days, but the coach’s future at the club remains uncertain following a sudden back-and-forth with Senior Advisor Claudio Ranieri last week.

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Tension grows at Roma with multiple sources claiming that either Gasperini or Ranieri will leave the club at the end of the season.

Ranieri hit back at criticism from Gasperini last week, before a match against Pisa, as the coach had previously complained about the club’s transfer activity and the management of some injured players.

According to Gazzetta, Ranieri’s public response to Gasperini was followed by a tense meeting in Trigoria earlier this week, which even involved sporting director Frederic Massara.

The Pink Paper claims that Ranieri even considered resignation following the latest fallout, while Gasperini had a conference call with the club owners.

Dan and Ryan Friedkin, the Roma owners, find themselves in a limbo now, given that they see Ranieri as a central part of their project, but also appreciate what Gasperini has done on the pitch this season.

Nevertheless, they’ll have to make a firm decision on whether to continue with Gasp or Ranieri in 2026-27, since their relationship seems irreparable.

According to Gazzetta, Gasperini is even unhappy that some of the closest collaborators of Ranieri have received a contract extension without his approval, while Ed Shipley, the Friedkins’ right-hand man in Rome, had previously filed reports about Gasperini’s inappropriate behaviour on some occasions.

Roma hired Gasperini last summer, and the Italian tactician’s contract runs until 2028.

Manchester United transfer news is sure to dominate headlines this summer as it so often does, and one big name being strongly linked with the club is Nico Williams.

The Athletic Bilbao and Spain winger was notably a target for the likes of Arsenal, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich last summer only to end up signing a new contract with his current club.

Williams’ form has dipped a little bit since then, but it seems he’s still highly regarded around Europe, with Man Utd keen to snap him up.

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According to various reports, it also seems Williams has given the green light to the potential move to Old Trafford.

Manchester United to move for Nico Williams?

United signed an entire new front three last summer with the additions of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha, but there could be room for more new faces in that area of the pitch.

If someone like Williams is available and keen to join, then the Red Devils would be mad not to take this opportunity.

The 23-year-old is a quick and skilful player who could probably be an upgrade on Cunha, who has been slow to get going since joining United.

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Still, it will be interesting to see how MUFC can make this deal work when they already look likely to spend huge money on at least one, but possibly two signings in midfield.

Champions League football essential for Manchester United

Fans looking into how to buy Chelsea vs Man United tickets will no doubt be aware of the significance of this game in the race to qualify for the Champions League.

It’s vital for United to get back into Europe’s top club competition if they are to attract big names like Williams this summer.

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The Spain international may well still choose United as other top players like Mbeumo have done in recent times, but it will likely be harder for them if Arsenal and Barca are also in the mix and able to offer Champions League football.

United slipped up against Leeds in their game this week, so must now get back on track in this top five six-pointer against Chelsea.

The post Report: 23-year-old wing-wizard says YES to Manchester United transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool and Newcastle United are reportedly keeping a close watch on Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga, with the young attacker quickly gaining attention as one of the most exciting emerging talents in English football.

According to Football Insider, both Premier League clubs have shown strong interest in the Leicester prospect, with reports suggesting that scouts from both sides have been impressed by his rapid development.

Monga’s rise has not gone unnoticed, especially as Leicester continue to place faith in young players capable of making an impact at senior level.

With Liverpool and Newcastle both looking to strengthen their squads with promising youth, the winger’s demand has increased ahead of the summer transfer window.

Monga’s breakthrough has turned heads

If you haven’t seen Monga play yet, you’re seriously missing out.

He burst onto the national radar late in the 2024/25 campaign, famously becoming the second-youngest player in Premier League history when he debuted against Newcastle at just 15 years old.

Despite Leicester suffering relegation last season, Monga has taken his opportunity in the Championship, logging valuable first-team minutes and netting his first senior professional goal.

Whether he’s deployed on the right flank or operating centrally as a number 10, his technical brilliance is undeniable.

It’s easy to see why he is viewed as a perfect long-term fit for the high-octane attacking systems favored by both Arne Slot at Liverpool and Eddie Howe at Newcastle.

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Why Liverpool and Newcastle United are interested

Liverpool have a history of blending experienced players with emerging prospects, ensuring long-term stability within the squad.

With Liverpool continuing to evolve their attacking structure, adding a young winger with pace and creativity could provide valuable depth for the future.

Newcastle United, meanwhile, are also focused on building a squad capable of sustained success.
Their recruitment model has increasingly emphasised youth development alongside high-profile signings.

Both clubs have been monitoring Monga for several months, indicating that this is not simply a short-term reaction to recent performances. Instead, it reflects careful scouting and long-term planning.

Liverpool confirm Hugo Ekitike update that fans were hoping to avoid

The post Liverpool face Newcastle competition for wonderkid as transfer battle looms appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal have a problem in attack right now, even if they are just about scraping through most games, and that’s surely something Mikel Arteta will look to address this summer.

It’s become increasingly clear in recent months that the Gunners can no longer rely on the likes of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka in the attacking midfield department, but that’s not their only problem.

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It seems there are growing concerns over Ethan Nwaneri during his loan at Marseille, with the 19-year-old’s poor attitude seemingly costing him minutes with the Ligue 1 giants.

This could, however, work to Arsenal’s advantage as they will surely need a player just like this to use in any bid for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers.

Of course, for now most of the club’s fans will be looking ahead at the next game and looking into how to buy Manchester City vs Arsenal tickets so they can witness what they’ll hope can be a game that takes them a step closer to a first title in 22 years.

Still, Andrea Berta will likely already have an eye on potential ins and outs for the summer so this squad can keep on improving.

Could Arsenal include Ethan Nwaneri in Morgan Rogers transfer deal?

Arsenal are among Rogers’ main admirers ahead of this summer, though the England international is expected to cost at least £80m, while some reports even suggest his price tag could reach £100m.

Rogers has been a joy to watch during his time at Villa Park, winning Young Player of the Year last term and hitting ten goals and eight assists so far in this campaign, even if his recent form has been a bit below-par.

It’s easy to imagine a talent like Rogers flourishing at Arsenal and giving Arteta’s side the spark they’ve been missing from some of their big names.

Odegaard and Saka once provided that, but there are surely serious questions to ask about the pair now after persistent problems with injuries, and a reduced impact when they have been on the pitch.

Arsenal probably can’t that easily pay £80m for Rogers, but if they were to include someone like Nwaneri as part of the package, that could surely be great business to benefit both clubs.

Ethan Nwaneri’s next move could be permanent

Nwaneri shone for Arsenal last season but just hasn’t kicked on, and it might now be for the best if the England Under-21 international tries reviving his career elsewhere.

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Surprise player open to Manchester United return this summer

Apr 16 2026, 15:04

It hasn’t happened for him under Arteta, who surprisingly allowed him to go out on loan this winter, and it seems Marseille aren’t entirely convinced by him either.

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Villa would surely be tempted, however, by this promising young player, who could be an ideal long-term replacement for Rogers in that attacking midfield role.

AVFC will surely also be bidding farewell to the likes of Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho this summer after their disappointing loan spells, so attacking players like this should be top of Unai Emery’s list for next season.

The post Swap deal: Arsenal given perfect opportunity to beat rivals to £80m transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Just when you thought the Liverpool’s Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain couldn’t get any more painful, the club has been hit with absolutely devastating news.

Hugo Ekitike is officially set for a massive nine-month spell on the sidelines after suffering a catastrophic injury during Tuesday night’s second-leg defeat at Anfield.

It’s a bitter pill to swallow for everyone associated with the club, especially considering the 23-year-old was enjoying an absolutely electric debut season on Merseyside.

During the first half of the high-stakes clash against PSG, Ekitike appeared to lose his footing on the turf while chasing down a loose ball.

It was a completely non-contact incident, which, as any seasoned football fan knows, is almost always the worst-case scenario.

Visibly distressed, he required immediate medical intervention and was stretchered off the pitch to a stunned, silent Anfield crowd.

Liverpool confirm the severity of Ekitike’s injury

He will undergo corrective surgery immediately before embarking on a grueling rehabilitation process that is expected to keep him out of competitive action until early 2027.

Liverpool officially confirmed in a statement:

“Liverpool FC can confirm Hugo Ekitike has sustained a serious Achilles injury. The forward had to be substituted during the first half of Tuesday’s Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield after a slip on the turf. Scans on the issue have subsequently confirmed a rupture of the Achilles tendon.”

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Apr 16 2026, 15:04

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A huge setback for the attacker and his teams

The timing couldn’t possibly be worse. Arriving last summer from Eintracht Frankfurt in a blockbuster £69 million (€95m) deal, Ekitike had completely justified his heavy price tag.

Before this agonizing setback, the dynamic forward had already racked up an impressive 17 goals and six assists across 45 appearances, firmly cementing himself as a crucial focal point in Arne Slot’s side.

Now, Liverpool must navigate the crucial final six games of the current Premier League campaign and a massive chunk of next season, without one of their most lethal weapons.

Having earned eight senior caps and netted two goals, he was establishing himself as a genuine, reliable option for the French frontline and was practically a guarantee to make their squad for the World Cup.

£80m star wants transfer this summer, Liverpool have edge over Arsenal 

The post Liverpool confirm Hugo Ekitike update that fans were hoping to avoid appeared first on CaughtOffside.

With the Champions League semi-finalists officially decided in midweek, the final four have been announced and European giants are now within touching distance of writing their own respective pieces of history. Watching former European champions Barcelona and Liverpool fall by the wayside in midweek, there has certainly been some blockbuster stories from across the continent. […]

The post Meet Europe’s Final Four: Your essential Champions League semi-final guide – Key stories, Full Preview & Best Betting Odds appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Meet Europe’s Final Four: Your essential Champions League semi-final guide – Key stories, Full Preview & Best Betting Odds appeared first on Soccer News.

Rayan Cherki has hailed the “unbelievable” influence of Pep Guardiola, but the Manchester City winger does not intend to cut out his tricks as he wants to put on a show for fans. The Frenchman has been an instant hit at Man City since his arrival from Lyon last summer. Cherki has already racked up […]

The post Man City entertainer Cherki hopes supporters forget about life with his ´football like art´ appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Man City entertainer Cherki hopes supporters forget about life with his ´football like art´ appeared first on Soccer News.

Arsenal are making unprecedented steps in the Champions League, so says Mikel Arteta, after his side reached the last four for a second straight season. Sporting CP pushed Arteta’s side all the way across two legs, with Arsenal progressing as 1-0 aggregate winners despite Wednesday’s goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium. Kai Havertz’s stoppage-time winner […]

The post Arteta: Arsenal making unprecedented steps in Champions League appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Arteta: Arsenal making unprecedented steps in Champions League appeared first on Soccer News.

Harry Kane called on Bayern Munich to push on after a dramatic Champions League quarter-final success over Real Madrid kept their treble hopes alive. Boasting a 2-1 lead from the first leg in Spain, Bayern were initially rocked as Arda Guler’s brace and a calm finish from Kylian Mbappe gave Madrid a 3-2 half-time lead […]

The post Kane calls for Bayern to push on after statement win over Madrid appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Kane calls for Bayern to push on after statement win over Madrid appeared first on Soccer News.

Alvaro Arbeloa said the feeling in Real Madrid’s camp was one of “injustice” after Eduardo Camavinga’s red card cost them dearly in their Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich. Having suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat at home in last week’s first leg, Madrid put on a much-improved display in a thrilling rematch in Munich. Following […]

The post Arbeloa describes Madrid´s Champions League exit as an ´injustice´ after Camavinga red appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Arbeloa describes Madrid´s Champions League exit as an ´injustice´ after Camavinga red appeared first on Soccer News.

Declan Rice is not interested in any opinions from outside of the Arsenal camp after they scraped into the Champions League semi-finals. Wednesday’s uninspiring goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium was still enough to see Arsenal past Sporting CP with a 1-0 aggregate win, thanks to Kai Havertz’s late winner in the opening meeting in […]

The post ´Who cares what people think?´ – Rice hits back after Arsenal scrape into last four appeared first on Soccer News.

The post ´Who cares what people think?´ – Rice hits back after Arsenal scrape into last four appeared first on Soccer News.

Harry Kane called on Bayern Munich to push on after a dramatic Champions League quarter-final success over Real Madrid kept their treble hopes alive. Boasting a 2-1 lead from the first leg in Spain, Bayern were initially rocked as Arda Guler’s brace and a calm finish from Kylian Mbappe gave Madrid a 3-2 half-time lead […]

The post Kane calls for Bayern to push on after statement win over Madrid appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Kane calls for Bayern to push on after statement win over Madrid appeared first on Soccer News.

Alvaro Arbeloa said the feeling in Real Madrid’s camp was one of “injustice” after Eduardo Camavinga’s red card cost them dearly in their Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich. Having suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat at home in last week’s first leg, Madrid put on a much-improved display in a thrilling rematch in Munich. Following […]

The post Arbeloa describes Madrid´s Champions League exit as an ´injustice´ after Camavinga red appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Arbeloa describes Madrid´s Champions League exit as an ´injustice´ after Camavinga red appeared first on Soccer News.

Prediction: Crystal Palace to win 2-1 Best Odds: 15/2 Bookmaker: Zetbet Crystal Palace and West Ham United will lock horns with each other in the Premier League next week. The London derby between the Eagles and the Hammers will be held at Selhurst Park and is scheduled to kick off at 8pm UK next Monday. […]

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Prediction: Aston Villa to win 2-1 Best Odds: 13/2 Bookmaker: Zetbet Aston Villa and Sunderland will lock horns with each other in the Premier League this coming weekend. The match between the Villans and the Black Cats will be held at Villa Park and is scheduled to kick off at 2pm UK time on Sunday. […]

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Mikel Arteta feels Arsenal can build off their Champions League progress in their huge Premier League clash against Arsenal. The Gunners drew 0-0 with Sporting CP on Wednesday, but their 1-0 win in the first leg was enough to get them into the semi-finals. Arsenal have won just one of their last five games across […]

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Arsenal players are used to the pressure that comes with playing at such a big club, so says Gabriel Martinelli. The Gunners edged into the Champions League semi-finals despite a 0-0 draw with Sporting CP on Wednesday. That result was enough to seal a 1-0 aggregate success. Kai Havertz’s late goal in Lisbon last week […]

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Rayan Cherki has hailed the “unbelievable” influence of Pep Guardiola, but the Manchester City winger does not intend to cut out his tricks as he wants to put on a show for fans. The Frenchman has been an instant hit at Man City since his arrival from Lyon last summer. Cherki has already racked up […]

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Scotland international Lewis Ferguson feels Bologna ‘still believe’ they can qualify for the Europa League semis despite a 3-1 loss against Aston Villa in the first leg and praises English winger Jonathan Rowe: ‘He’s on fire, our best player in the last three months.’

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Bologna visit Aston Villa in the second leg of the Europa League quarter-final this evening, but the Rossoblu must climb back from a 3-1 deficit.

“Anything can happen, and we still believe,” Ferguson told TNT Sports.

“A lot of people on the outside might think at 3-1 it has finished the tie, but there are still 90 minutes to play and we’ve not given up. We’ve got nothing to lose now. We will give it absolutely everything.”

“We definitely have to take the positives,” Ferguson continued.

“Large parts of the game we dominated and that’s not easy against a side like Villa. Especially the first half, we created a good few chances, the one off the bar, the goal disallowed, a goal could have changed the game at that point and then we go in at half-time 1-0 down after conceding from a set piece.

“Overall, we were really frustrated, but at this level it’s fine lines. It’s moments that cost us because over the piece we were good enough to get a decent result.”

English winger Rowe scored Bologna’s only goal in the reverse fixture, and Ferguson was full of praise for the ex-Norwich talent.

“In the last three months, he’s been on fire. He’s been our best player. He’s the sort of guy we look to make the difference in games,” Ferguson said.

“He’s a funny character off the pitch. I’m trying to keep his feet on the ground. He’s been excellent; he’s one of those guys who can win you games, and when I speak about fine margins and moments, he’s the kind of guy who can make the difference.

“He’s such a good out-ball to have on that side because we know when he receives the ball, something is going to happen. He can create, score goals, assist, he’s got everything to be a top player.”

Riccardo Calafiori, Joshua Zirkzee, and Dan Ndoye have moved to the Premier League from Bologna in recent years, but despite rumours of interest from England, Ferguson is convinced that his teammate will solely focus on tonight’s match.

“I know him pretty well and I don’t think it will be in his head knowing he’s playing an English team,” Ferguson said.

“For English fans and Premier League fans who maybe haven’t seen him, that was a good chance for them to get a look at Jonny and see what he can do.

“Obviously, Norwich fans would have known, even though he was still young there coming through and has developed in the last couple of years into a really good player.

“I’m not speaking for him, but I don’t think that will be in his head, knowing Premier League fans and clubs will be watching that game.

“He’s relaxed, he’s funny, when he goes out on the pitch, the one thing on his mind is to try and make the difference, and that’s so important for an attacker. The way we play, we want to get the ball to the winger, and we expect him to create and score for us. He’s certainly been delivering.”

Rowe is in his first season at Bologna, and just a few weeks ago, he said he’d like to return to the Premier League one day.

The ex-Marseille winger, 22, has scored seven goals and provided four assists in 37 appearances across all competitions with Bologna this season.

Corriere dello Sport reports that Massimiliano Allegri has a frosty relationship with the Milan management, so the Italian tactician could decide to leave at the end of the season, even if he qualifies for the Champions League.

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Allegri’s future at Milan is uncertain due to the coach’s frosty relationship with part of the club’s management, according to Corriere dello Sport.

The Rome-based paper claims that Allegri has not always felt the club’s support this season, except for Igli Tare, and that his future at San Siro will depend on the Rossoneri’s plans for next season.

If Milan qualify for the Champions League, Allegri expects appropriate reinforcements to add quality and depth to cope with three competitions; but if the coach were to miss out on qualification, both he and sporting director Igli Tare could leave at Milan’s decision.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Bologna’s Vincenzo Italiano is a candidate Milan would consider if Allegri were to leave, and the same is true of Tony D’Amico (Atalanta) as a sporting director.

Allegri, on the other hand, remains a candidate for the Italy job, but if Antonio Conte were to be picked as the Nazionale’s new coach, then Allegri would be on Aurelio De Laurentiis’ list at the Stadio Maradona.

It’s not the first time Italian media have suggested that Allegri is unhappy with Milan’s management, prompting the Italian tactician to clarify at the end of February: “There’s total harmony with the club regarding the rumours that came out this week.

“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.”

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Barcelona want to include 19-year-old full-back Héctor Fort in a deal to sign Alessandro Bastoni from Inter this summer.

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Barcelona remain interested in Italy and Inter centre-back Bastoni, and according to Gazzetta, the Catalans are eager to include one of their defenders in a player-plus-cash swap deal.

Bastoni to Barcelona: latest transfer updates

According to the report, Inter value Bastoni at €60m, but the La Liga giants hope to reduce the Tuscans’ demands by including Héctor Fort in the deal.

Fort, 19, is currently on loan at Elche, but has been sidelined since January due to a shoulder injury.

The versatile full-back scored two goals and provided two assists in the opening 12 games of the season.

Previous reports claimed that Bastoni is open to a move to Barcelona this summer, citing the hostile reception he’s received at Italian stadiums in recent weeks as a reason for his possible departure from Inter.

It was previously reported that Bastoni was already discussing contract details with Barcelona, knowing that Inter wouldn’t let him go on the cheap.

Former Italian striker Paolo Di Canio was meant to jokingly headbutt a table on live TV while talking about the crisis of Italian football last night, but actually hurt himself, needing intervention from Fabio Capello.

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Former West Ham star Di Canio has made headlines in Italy after hurting himself on live TV on Wednesday night while commenting on the Champions League quarter-finals, Bayern Munich-Real Madrid and Arsenal-Sporting CP.

The host, Federica Masolin, asked Di Canio when Italian football would reach the Premier League’s level, and Di Canio sarcastically replied: “I’ve been good so far, and now you want to provoke me. You want to make me sad!”

At that point, the ex-striker repeatedly headbutted the table in front of him, but he did it too vigorously, so Capello, a fellow Sky Sports pundit, had to stand up and check on him.

“What did you do?” asked the former coach.

Di Canio had already put a tissue on his head and said, “You provoked me, I’m going to smash my head.”

Video: Di Canio’s headbutt on live TV

pic.twitter.com/SwMj0EQkTY

— (@DarmumasTv) April 15, 2026

Liverpool could reportedly be set to offload as many as nine players this summer, with Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson already confirmed as leaving.

After a difficult season at Anfield, it looks like it will be all change in Arne Slot’s Reds squad, with some big names possibly set to join Salah and Robertson in moving on.

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Federico Chiesa, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, and Joe Gomez are the experienced figures who could leave, according to the Telegraph.

On top of that, forgotten figures like Harvey Elliot, Rhys Williams, and Calvin Ramsay could also be offloaded by the Merseyside giants.

Should Liverpool really let so many players go?

As tempting as it may be for Liverpool to oversee a major overhaul of their squad, a clear-out like this does come with some risks.

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Players like Mac Allister and Jones in particular look like they could surely still be useful squad players for Slot, even if they might also be the ones who’ll give the club the biggest fees.

After spending so much last summer, LFC probably need to balance the books a bit this year, and that might mean accepting offers for the likes of Mac Allister even if in an ideal world they’d keep him for a bit longer.

The Argentina international has shown plenty of quality during his time at Anfield, having also previously impressed during his time at former club Brighton.

Jamie Carragher on Liverpool’s midfield

Still, former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher has previously suggested that Mac Allister looks out of form and that midfield could be a position for the Reds to make changes this summer.

“The longer the game goes in every game, Mac Allister struggles and that’s a real problem for Liverpool, the centre of midfield. It’s something they have to address in the summer,” the pundit said, as quoted by Sky Sports.

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Arsenal fans have been warned that they risk “killing” their team as the club heads into the crucial Premier League title run-in.

The Gunners can take a decisive step towards the Premier League title this weekend as they take on their nearest rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, but the team hasn’t been performing at its best.

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Richard Keys believes there is real negativity from the fans that is “killing” this Arsenal team at the moment, and warned that they have a role to play to help the players over the line in the bid for trophies.

Posting on X, the former Sky Sports presenter stated that the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United would gladly swap places with Arsenal right now, with the north London giants still in the hunt for a memorable Premier League and Champions League double…

Arsenal fans will destroy what’s left of their season unless they stop being so negative. Liverpool Utd Chelsea & especially Spurs – would all swap places. Trophies aren’t easy to win. They’re won over a season not 6 games. You’re killing your team.

— Richard Keys (@richardajkeys) April 16, 2026

“Arsenal fans will destroy what’s left of their season unless they stop being so negative,” Keys posted.

“Liverpool Utd Chelsea & especially Spurs – would all swap places. Trophies aren’t easy to win. They’re won over a season not 6 games. You’re killing your team.”

Are Arsenal fans’ nerves spreading to the players?

There’s no doubt the atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium has been tense lately, and it’s not clear if the players’ performances are causing the anxiety among the supporters, or if it’s the other way round.

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Arsenal fans have seen a lot of promising teams throw leads away and narrowly miss out on major trophies in recent times, though the club is now perhaps in the best position it’s been in for a long time to finally end the 22-year wait for the title.

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Mikel Arteta has also guided the club into the semi-finals of the Champions League for two consecutive seasons for the first time in the team’s history.

There’s plenty to get excited about, and yet Arsenal fans seem to be struggling, so does Keys have a point about them needing to give more positivity and encouragement to their players to help give them a much-needed lift?

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Bayern Munich edged out Real Madrid 6-4 on aggregate in a classic Champions League quarter-final tie, taking advantage of Eduardo Camavinga’s red card for a 4-3 second-leg win. It was 1-1 within six minutes of kick-off – the earliest both teams have ever scored in a Champions League knockout game – after goalkeeping errors from […]

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Arsenal are making unprecedented steps in the Champions League, so says Mikel Arteta, after his side reached the last four for a second straight season. Sporting CP pushed Arteta’s side all the way across two legs, with Arsenal progressing as 1-0 aggregate winners despite Wednesday’s goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium. Kai Havertz’s stoppage-time winner […]

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According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, only Giovanni Malago, 67, and Giancarlo Abete, 75, will run to replace Gabriele Gravina as the FIGC President, with no former Italian player in the race.

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Malagò and Abete are expected to be the only candidates at the FIGC Presidential election on June 22.

Ex-Italy stars not running for FIGC Presidency

Neither has confirmed their nomination yet, but Malagò is the candidate formally picked by Lega Serie A, while the Lega Nazionale Dilettanti (LND) has chosen its President, Abete.

The latter already served as the FIGC President from 2007 to 2014.

As previously reported, votes from Serie A clubs represent 18% of the FIGC Presidential election, significantly lower than the LND’s 34%.

However, any candidate needs a majority of the votes (51%) to be elected, so Malagò and Abete have already begun talks with other members of the voting panel.

Umberto Calcagno, the President of the Italian Players Association (which accounts for 20% of the votes), and Renzo Ulivieri, President of the Italian Coaches Association (10%), reportedly met with Malagò in Rome on Wednesday, and Abete will do the same today.

Both Abete and Malagò have yet to unveil their official programme for the next four years, but Calcagno and Ulivieri have already made some proposals, including tightening the criteria for national licenses so that only those who can truly afford a season financially are admitted to domestic leagues.

According to Gazzetta, the Italian Players Association (AIC) will not indicate any of its delegates, a former Italian footballer, as a possible contender for the FIGC Presidency. 

Over the last few weeks, the media indicated the likes of Alessandro Del Piero, Paolo Maldini and Demetrio Albertini as possible contenders for the role.

However, it seemed a bit far-fetched to envision them running for the Presidency, as a former player has never led the Italian FA.

The Gazzetta report claims that AIC would have gladly had one of their representatives involved in the election, but only if he had been picked by one of the other components.

Yet, Abete has confirmed that he wants to run for the FIGC Presidency, so the Players and Coaches’ Associations won’t propose any other candidate, also to facilitate either Abete or Malagò reaching 51%.

Serie B and Lega Pro (Serie C) have also scheduled meetings with Malagò and Abete in the coming days.

Roberto Piccoli will replace the injured Moise Kean in the Fiorentina attack in the second leg of the Conference League quarter-final against Crystal Palace at the Stadio Franchi tonight.

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It kicks off at 21:00 CET (20:00 BST) in Florence.

The Tuscans lost the reverse fixture 3-0 in England last week, so they need a four-goal victory to progress to the semis, or a three-goal advantage to send the game to extra time.

Italy international Kean is injured and the same is true of Fabiano Parisi, Tariq Lamptey, Niccolò Fortini and Luca Lezzerini. Brazilian right-back Dodo will serve a one-game ban, while Daniele Rugani and Marco Brescianini are not part of the Fiorentina UEFA list.

Manor Solomon is expected to return to the starting XI after recovering from an injury, joining Albert Gudmundsson and Nicolò Fagioli, who were suspended in Monday’s Serie A match against Lazio.

Pietro Comuzzo will likely replace Dodo in the right-back position, while Piccoli will start up front.

Fiorentina vs. Crystal Palace – where to watch on TV

The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 3 and HBO Max in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.

Fiorentina vs. Crystal Palace – probable line-ups

Fiorentina (4-3-3): De Gea; Comuzzo, Pongracic, Ranieri, Gosens; Ndour, Fagioli, Mandragora; Solomon, Piccoli, Gudmundsson. 

Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Canvot; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Sarr, Yeremi Pino; Mateta. 

Bologna will look to Santiago Castro and Jonathan Rowe up front in the second leg of the Europa League quarter-finals against Aston Villa tonight.

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It kicks off at 21:00 CET (20:00 BST) at Villa Park.

Bologna suffered a 3-1 loss at home in the reverse fixture, so they’ll need a win with a two-goal margin to send the game to extra time and a win by three goals to progress to the semis.

The Rossoblu have travelled to England without the suspended Jhon Lucumí. Lukasz Skorupski, Benjamin Dominguez and Thijs Dallinga are injured. Eivind Helland and Lorenzo De Silvestri are not part of Bologna’s UEFA list.

Several sources, including Sky Sport and Gazzetta, claim that Joao Mario is favourite over Nadir Zortea to start as a right-back. Tommaso Pobega is expected to get the nod alongside Lewis Ferguson and Remo Freuler in central midfield, leaving Nikola Moro on the bench.

English winger Rowe, scorer of a goal in the reverse fixture last week, will start as a left winger with Italy international Federico Bernardeschi on the opposite flank and Castro deployed as a sole striker.

Aston Villa vs. Bologna – where to watch on TV

The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 2 and HBO Max in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.

Aston Villa vs. Bologna – probable line-ups

Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Pau Torres, Digne; Onana, Douglas Luiz; McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers; Watkins.

Bologna (4-3-3): Ravaglia; Joao Mario, Heggem, Vitik, Miranda; Ferguson, Freuler, Pobega; Bernardeschi, Castro, Rowe. 

Arsenal attacking midfielder Ethan Nwaneri is enduring a difficult loan spell at Marseille and reports are emerging about why that may be.

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The 19-year-old has shown himself to be an exciting prospect at Arsenal, but he didn’t play as much in the first half of this season as he did for much of last term.

This led to the Gunners loaning Nwaneri out to Marseille in January, but he’s now struggling to get much playing time there as well.

According to Matt Spiro, citing French newspaper L’Equipe, there may be signs emerging of Nwaneri not having the best attitude, leading to OM boss Habib Beye to leave him out…

Ethan Nwaneri’s loan fee is tied to minutes: the more he plays, the less Marseille pay #Arsenal, L’Equipe reports.

Despite this, under Habib Beye, he hasn’t started a single game in two months – with the newspaper citing a “persistent impression of nonchalance.” ? pic.twitter.com/m2UaQsuLMz

— Matt Spiro (@mattspiro) April 16, 2026

Spiro posted on X: “Ethan Nwaneri’s loan fee is tied to minutes: the more he plays, the less Marseille pay #Arsenal, L’Equipe reports. Despite this, under Habib Beye, he hasn’t started a single game in two months – with the newspaper citing a ‘persistent impression of nonchalance.'”

Can Ethan Nwaneri turn his career around?

Nwaneri clearly has tremendous ability and enormous potential, having been in and around the Arsenal first-team since he was a teenager.

This seems to be a crucial stage of his career, however, with Nwaneri needing more playing time to develop his game and show he truly belongs at this level.

It’s also important, however, for players to show the right attitude and work ethic, both on the pitch and on the training ground.

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For one reason or another, it seems Nwaneri isn’t quite making that impression on his managers so far, with Arteta neglecting to use him much this season, and Beye now also freezing him out at Marseille.

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It will be interesting to see what happens with the England Under-21 international when he returns to the Emirates Stadium this summer, as he’ll surely want to play more often, but might require another loan spell to do so.

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Chelsea are reportedly preparing to intensify their pursuit of Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, as uncertainty continues to surround the future of Enzo Fernández.

According to The Independent, the Blues have identified the 22-year-old England midfielder as a leading candidate to strengthen their midfield options, particularly if Fernández departs amid ongoing links to Real Madrid.

Chelsea’s recruitment team is believed to be planning ahead rather than reacting late in the transfer window.

With the club continuing its long-term squad reshaping, Scott has emerged as an attractive option due to his technical ability, versatility, and Premier League experience at a young age.

Alex Scott will be a player in demand this summer

Scott has enjoyed a steady rise since moving to Bournemouth, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most promising young midfielders.

Previously known for his standout performances at Bristol City, Scott made his name in the Championship before successfully adapting to the demands of top-flight football.

At Bournemouth, Scott has demonstrated composure on the ball, strong work ethic, and the ability to operate in multiple midfield roles.

He is capable of playing as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or in a deeper creative role, making him particularly valuable in systems that demand tactical flexibility.

His ability to link midfield and attack has been a key factor in Bournemouth’s performances, and his maturity at such a young age has impressed observers across English football.

Scouts from several top clubs have monitored his progress closely which means Chelsea face intense competition to sign him in the summer.

More Stories / Latest News

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Apr 16 2026, 13:51

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Apr 16 2026, 13:46

Swap deal: Arsenal given perfect opportunity to beat rivals to £80m transfer

Apr 16 2026, 13:23

Chelsea plan midfield additions due to uncertainty

Chelsea’s interest in Scott appears closely linked to speculation surrounding Fernández’s long-term future.

The Argentine midfielder has been repeatedly linked with interest from Real Madrid, with reports suggesting the Spanish giants admire his creativity and passing range.

Should Fernández depart, Chelsea would need to secure a high-quality replacement capable of maintaining control in midfield.

Scott’s Premier League experience makes him a logical candidate, as he would require minimal adaptation compared to players arriving from overseas leagues.

Chelsea have already invested heavily in young talent in recent transfer windows, building a squad designed to grow together over time.

Signing Scott would match with this strategy, reinforcing midfield depth while also providing a long-term solution in case of departures.

However, Bournemouth are unlikely to allow Scott to leave without a significant financial return.

Reports indicate that any deal would require an offer well above £50 million.

Chelsea, Liverpool & Man United circle for €60m-rated versatile defender 

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When Gary Neville speaks about Manchester United, it’s usually worth grabbing some popcorn.

While United have spent absolute fortunes trying to recapture their Sir Alex Ferguson-era glory, Neville recently pinpointed exactly where the recruitment strategy fell short.

According to him, the absolute golden tickets to transforming United back into genuine Premier League title contenders were dangling right in front of them: Harry Kane and Declan Rice.

And sadly for the Old Trafford faithful, the club completely missed the boat.

Both Kane and Rice have been successful signings for their clubs and Neville believes that Man United should have gone for both of them.

Neville wanted Man United to sign Kane and Rice

Speaking on The Overlap’s Stick to Football show, the Sky Sports pundit opened up about his underlying fears regarding United’s recent transfer windows.

He particularly mentioned Rice and Kane as players who could have transformed the Red Devils.

He said: “No, no. Right, hear me out. I do think Declan Rice is someone… when he went to Arsenal for £100m, I was gutted.

“I think he’s a Manchester United player. He’s the player, Harry Kane, Declan Rice, that Manchester United would have always signed back in the day.”

“You don’t let Declan Rice go to any other club,” he added.

“He is a player who will win you the league, right? To me, on Sunday, he is the player I am looking at.

“This is not me putting pressure on him, by the way. This is me expecting that this is the Roy Keane moment, the Gerrard moment […].”

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Red Devils would be title contenders with both these players

Man United have struggled to do well in the transfer market in recent windows.

It was only last year that they signed Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, who have somewhat done well this season.

However, to challenge for the league title, they still have a long way to go.

If they had signed Kane and Rice when they were leaving Tottenham and West Ham United respectively, they would be title contenders right now.

Both Kane and Rice are proper leaders and consistent performers, not only for their clubs but also for their countries.

Nobody can disgaree with what Neville is saying, although if you look at it from the player’s perspectives, joining Man United wasn’t as attractive as it once used to be and they may have rejected the Red Devils had they received an offer from them.

Man United leading race for €80m Man City-linked star as player pushes for move 

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Former Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre has suggested Manchester City have the edge in the Premier League title race at the moment.

The Frenchman, who won four Premier League titles during his time at Manchester United, and who also spent two seasons at Arsenal, admits he’d rather be in the Man City dressing room right now.

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Arsenal lost at home to Bournemouth last weekend and only scraped through to the Champions League semi-finals with a 1-0 aggregate victory over Sporting Lisbon.

It seems clear that City are in better form, so it’s perhaps not too surprising to see Silvestre sensing that the pressure is now on the Gunners ahead of their showdown at the Etihad Stadium this weekend.

Ex-Gunner on Arsenal vs City title race

“This weekend was a big twist in the title race, for sure. I didn’t expect Arsenal to lose, and then for Man City to go and win so convincingly… I wouldn’t say it’s wide-open again but City are definitely back in the frame,” Silvestre told Ladbrokes at the launch of Ladisfaction.

“I think I’d rather be in City’s dressing room right now, over Arsenal’s, as a player. You’d rather be chasing, because all of the pressure is on Arsenal right now, and if you, as City can just keep doing what you’re doing, and blocking out the noise, you might end up on top. City have gained a massive advantage this weekend, but Arsenal are still in a position where it’s theirs to lose.”

Arsenal recently lost to City in the Carabao Cup final, and they don’t have a good record at the Etihad Stadium, having failed to win there since all the way back in 2015.

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Doubts over Mikel Arteta’s future?

Silvestre added that these next few games could define Mikel Arteta’s future at Arsenal, suggesting the Spanish tactician could have a decision to make soon.

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“I don’t think you can judge Mikel purely on this season, because he’s been with the club for six years now, and he’s got them to a position where they’re competing for trophies again,” the Frenchman said.

“You know, they’re still in the Champions League and in the race for the title, so we will have to wait and see what happens in both of those competitions. His, and Arsenal’s season, will be defined in the next few weeks, and from there Mikel will make his own decision on what happens next.”

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Liverpool’s 2025/26 campaign has been a massive reality check.

After the euphoria of lifting the Premier League trophy last season, the Reds have crashed back down to earth this season.

Currently sitting a staggering 18 points adrift of leaders Arsenal with just six games remaining, the mood around Anfield is grim.

To make matters worse, a humbling 4-0 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals has turned the heat up on manager Arne Slot.

Yet, despite the growing unrest among portions of the fanbase, the Anfield hierarchy is refusing to hit the panic button.

According to a recent update from highly respected transfer authority David Ornstein, Slot’s job is incredibly safe.

Arne Slot has the support of Liverpool owners

Speaking on The Athletic FC Podcast, Ornstein clarified that Fenway Sports Group (FSG) and the club’s sporting directors are fully committed to backing their Dutch manager into a third season.

Remarkably, this stance holds firm even if Liverpool completely miss out on Champions League qualification for next year.

Unless there’s an unimaginable, total collapse in the final six matches, Slot will be at the helm come August.

Ornstein said:

“All of our information is that FSG, the ownership, the sporting hierarchy at Liverpool, they intend to stick with Arne Slot.

“Even from the conversations I’ve had, if there’s no Champions League football, that’s the intention.

“Obviously, if they go and lose all of their matches like at any club for the rest of the season, we’re probably having a very different conversation.

“But they would like to go into next season with him and give him a chance with new signings. And by the way, the new signings are going to continue, from what we hear.”

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What next for the Merseyside club?

So, where do Liverpool go from here? The upcoming summer window promises to be one of the most transformative in the club’s modern history.

Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah are both leaving the club and both of them will need to be replaced.

After splashing out over £450 million last year to bring in megastars like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, the Premier League giants will step into the market once again to solve the issues facing their squad.

While the current season will likely be remembered as a massive disappointment, the club’s leadership clearly believes that firing Slot would only add chaos to an already complex situation.

The true test for the Dutchman won’t just be how he finishes this miserable campaign, but how he rebuilds a new-look Liverpool in the looming post-Salah era.

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Arsenal have had a lot of critics this season, and Sporting Lisbon midfielder Morten Hjulmand is the latest to suggest that their games can be boring.

Speaking after last night’s 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium, which saw Arsenal go through 1-0 on aggregate, it’s clear Hjulmand didn’t particularly enjoy the game.

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The Denmark international didn’t specifically criticise Mikel Arteta’s tactics, but still made it clear that it’s not the kind of game he prefers to be involved in due to the lack of quality on display, and the frequent stoppages.

Arsenal were clearly not at their best and part of that will have been due to missing key attacking players like Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, but you’d perhaps still also expect them to show a bit more quality and ambition in a home game.

At the end of the day it’s the result that matters, though, and Hjulmand also admitted that he and his Sporting teammates didn’t create enough.

Morten Hjulmand on Sporting’s defeat to Arsenal

“I think it was an even game today the impact of the first game that we lost made it more difficult to go to the Emirates and win, especially when don’t often lose at home we knew it would be difficult here,” the 26-year-old said, as quoted by the Metro.

“But the game had low intensity and no rhythm, zero goal and I would say boring.

“I think a lot stops during the game so we couldn’t get the rhythm that we wanted to. A little bit boring.

“If I was a viewer from outside 0-0, also the first game 1-0 it’s not the way Sporting wants to show itself. We want to score goals, create chances and we didn’t do it today.

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“During the game I felt a lot of stops, especially during set-pieces and it takes a lot of time out of the game.

“When we did get the rhythm we did create a lot of chances, especially in the first half. But at the end we didn’t create enough to win the game to be honest.”

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Pep Guardiola and his recruitment team are already mapping out their summer blueprint.

The primary item on their shopping list is a new, natural right-back. While makeshift solutions have worked to a degree, with midfielder Matheus Nunes putting in incredibly admirable shifts out of position on the right flank, it’s clear City want a long-term specialist.

According to Sky Sports, their radar is firmly locked onto one of the most exciting teenagers in the Eredivisie right now: Feyenoord’s Givairo Read.

At just 19 years old, the Dutch youth international has been turning heads across Europe with his dynamic, mature displays.

Man City are building a team for the future

He boasts blistering pace and defensive tenacity, but more importantly, he possesses the technical composure to tuck inside and operate comfortably in tight spaces.

It’s exactly the kind of inverted progression Guardiola demands from his wide defenders. Read is currently nursing a slight injury, but City’s talent-spotters are expected to heavily monitor him upon his return in the coming weeks.

However, landing him won’t be easy, Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich are also heavily linked, setting up a potential heavyweight transfer tussle for the prodigy.

Signing natural right-back would mean Nunes can go back into the midfield, which is crucially since Bernardo Silva is set to leave the club and Man City would need someone to replace him in the midfield.

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Read can develop into a top player at the Etihad Stadium

Guardiola knows how to develop young players and take their game to another level.

The biggest example this season is Nico O’Reilly who is making waves week in, week out with his performances.

Read would love to play under Guardiola and learn from one of the best managers in the game.

Whether they can fend off Bayern Munich remains to be seen, but adding a player of Read’s caliber would solve a lot of issue facing Man City’s backline.

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Anthony Gordon is reportedly open to leaving Newcastle United this summer and has interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich.

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The England international could likely cost around £80m, and Liverpool fans may be interested to know that he comes from a Reds-supporting family, according to the Telegraph.

This looks like putting Liverpool in a strong position after they almost signed Gordon before, while our recent information was that the Merseyside giants were the frontrunners for the former Everton youngster.

The Telegraph also report that Arsenal are long-time admirers of Gordon, while Bayern could also be one to watch in the race for the 25-year-old.

Liverpool and Arsenal both need Anthony Gordon

With Mohamed Salah leaving Liverpool at the end of this season, a top class goal-scoring winger like Gordon looks like exactly what Arne Slot needs in his squad.

Arsenal also have issues in that department, with Gordon perhaps an ideal upgrade on the ageing Leandro Trossard and the inconsistent Gabriel Martinelli.

Still, NUFC won’t want to lose another star name after the departure of Alexander Isak last year, so this surely won’t be a deal that comes without paying a big price.

The Telegraph suggest this fee could be £80m, with Newcastle not currently informed directly by Gordon that he wants to leave, even if they are seemingly aware of interest in the player.

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What Anthony Gordon has said about his future

Gordon recently played down transfer speculation over his future, but it may be that things have changed since then.

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“It’s the same old, same old. I haven’t heard anything, they might want to tell me before they tell you (the media). I have gone through enough transfer stuff now to know that it is all a load of rubbish,” Gordon said, as quoted by Goal.

“I am focused on me and focused on the team, I am focused on right now. You look too far in the future and you start to underperform. And believe me I have done that (before) and I am not going to do that now.”

The post £80m star wants transfer this summer, Liverpool have edge over Arsenal appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United have been desperately searching for long-term stability.

The Red Devils will look for a permanent manager at the end of the season and while Michael Carrick would be a contender to get the job, they are also looking at other options in the market.

Following the troubles under former manager Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim, the Premier League giants are now looking to avoid the mistakes they made in the past and before making any decision, they are ready to take their time to full assess their options.

With the club’s sporting hierarchy, led by figures like Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, watching closely, a highly intriguing candidate has emerged from the South Coast: Bournemouth’s departing mastermind, Andoni Iraola.

Romano confirms Iraola would be open to Man United move

Iraola’s name is suddenly generating serious buzz.

Having confirmed he will leave Bournemouth when his contract expires at the end of the season, the 43-year-old Spaniard is arguably the hottest managerial free agent on the market.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano recently confirmed that while formal negotiations haven’t officially kicked off, Iraola is firmly “open” to taking the reins at Man United.

Speaking on his Youtube channel, Romano said:

“From now to the end of the season, Man United will make a decision on their permanent manager, but at the moment, I’m not aware of Man Utd negotiating with Andoni Iraola.“

“If you ask me, ‘Would Andoni Iraola like to be the next Manchester United manager?’ I’m told that he would be open to that for sure. But at the moment, nothing more than this.“

“Let’s see what Man Utd decide to do with Michael Carrick, but the feeling remains optimistic and positive around him.”

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Can Iraola take the Red Devils back to stability?

And why wouldn’t United be taking a look? Iraola has done a miraculous job with the Cherries.

Despite losing key talents like Antoine Semenyo, Milos Kerkez, and Dean Huijsen, he currently has Bournemouth riding a stunning 12-match unbeaten run in the league.

Iraola brings a high-octane, relentlessly aggressive pressing system that feels tailor-made for the modern Premier League.

Tactically speaking, his vertical, high-tempo style is a significant upgrade over Carrick’s more measured approach, offering the kind of clear, systematic identity United fans have been craving for a decade.

Securing that lucrative Champions League spot is the immediate priority, but establishing a long-term vision is what truly matters for INEOS.

Carrick may have the club’s DNA flowing through his veins, but Iraola possesses the modern tactical blueprint that could finally awaken the sleeping giant.

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Liverpool reportedly look to be leading the race to sign Marcos Senesi on a free transfer this summer, with Chelsea and Manchester United not planning moves.

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The 28-year-old is nearing the end of his contract at Bournemouth, and Liverpool are eyeing him up as an option to strengthen at the back, according to iNews.

The Reds certainly look like they need more options in defence as the ageing Virgil van Dijk hasn’t quite been at his best in recent times, while Ibrahima Konate’s form has also dipped this term.

Konate’s future is also uncertain as he’s yet to sign a new contract and is also poised to become a free agent this summer.

There have, however, been more positive updates on Konate’s future recently, with RMC Sport claiming an agreement on a new LFC deal was close.

Fabrizio Romano also wrote exclusively for CaughtOffside about ongoing talks between Liverpool and Konate, saying a decision would come soon.

Marcos Senesi on a free transfer looks tempting

Senesi has shone for Bournemouth and looks like a tempting market opportunity this summer due to being out of contract.

The Argentine would surely strengthen Liverpool and it’s also a bit of a surprise that iNews claim Chelsea and Man Utd are no longer pursuing this deal.

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Our recent information was that Senesi to Chelsea could be a genuine possibility, though some sources indicated that a move to La Liga to either Barcelona or Atletico Madrid could be more likely.

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Chelsea could do with more experience in their youthful squad, while Man Utd might also do well to strengthen due to the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez being pretty injury-prone.

Still, perhaps these clubs have other targets in mind for this summer, with Senesi admittedly not the youngest, so not the most long-term acquisition.

The post Report: Big boost for Liverpool as Chelsea & Man United cool transfer interest appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Como’s promising young defender Jacobo Ramón has emerged as one of the latest rising talents to attract attention from Europe’s elite clubs.

The 21-year-old Spanish centre-back is reportedly being monitored by several top sides, with Arsenal and Chelsea among the clubs closely following his progress, according to TEAMtalk.

Ramón’s performances in Italy have placed him firmly on the radar of Premier League scouts, sparking early speculation about a potential summer move.

His rapid rise reflects Como’s growing reputation as a club capable of nurturing emerging players and preparing them for top-level competition.

The rise of Jacobo Ramón in Serie A

To understand the hype, we have to look back to the summer of 2025. Ramón made the bold decision to leave the comfort of Real Madrid, moving to Italy in a bargain €2.5 million deal to secure regular first-team minutes.

Less than a year later, the 6-foot-5 defender looks like the steal of the century.

He’s dominant in the air, surprisingly quick for his towering frame, and possesses the elite, composed passing ability that modern managers demand.

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Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in the Serie A defender

It’s obvious why Mikel Arteta and Chelsea’s recruitment team are circling.

Arsenal are always looking for technical depth to fortify their backline, while Chelsea’s entire project relies on hoarding the world’s best U-23 talent.

Unsurprisingly, they aren’t alone, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Newcastle are also reportedly monitoring his situation.

However, there is a massive, Los Blancos-shaped elephant in the room.

When Real Madrid allowed Ramón to leave, they smartly protected their interests by inserting significant sell-on terms and a crucial buy-back clause.

They reportedly want him to wait until 2027 to return, prioritising a short-term contract extension for veteran Antonio Rüdiger right now.

This leaves the young Spaniard at a major career crossroads. He must decide whether to patiently bide his time in Italy for a dream return to Spain, or capitalise on his current momentum and make the lucrative jump to the Premier League immediately.

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Tottenham are facing an increasingly real threat of relegation this season and that’s inevitably started to lead to serious behind-the-scenes conversations about players who could be snapped up by bigger clubs this summer.

While there are clearly a lot of players in this squad that have under-performed, there is also some appreciation for a few of their younger talents who could still go on to improve a lot in the right conditions, so that creates the potential for one or two major summer transfer sagas in the months ahead.

One name being mentioned a lot is Pape Matar Sarr, with several of my sources in the industry telling me that Spurs are aware of growing interest in the 23-year-old from some of Europe’s elite clubs.

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Sources on Pape Matar Sarr transfer interest

“Spurs insist Sarr is not for sale, but privately they know that big clubs are going to come calling, and some may already have done so,” one source said.

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“Sarr’s value is growing and there’s a real possibility of him moving on this summer whether they go down or not. Real Madrid, PSG, and Bayern Munich are all big fans of the player, and offers of around £50m would probably be enough,” another added.

Sarr looked an elite prospect at former club Metz and he’s continued to develop well at Tottenham, where he has a contract until 2030.

The Senegal international is not currently understood to be pushing for a move away, with everyone at the club fully focused on getting out of the Premier League bottom three, but agents and intermediaries will likely be starting to at least have informal discussions soon.

Pape Matar Sarr to seal major transfer?

For now, that does not mean the likes of Real, PSG, or Bayern have started any negotiations, and it may even be that Sarr will not end up being the top target for any of those teams.

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But the interest is genuine and it likely means there’ll be other names in the mix before too long, though I don’t have those for you at the moment.

What’s clear, though, is that Spurs know they face a fight to keep a lot of this squad together, and while much of the speculation so far may be about the likes of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, it’s also very likely that Sarr is someone they’ll also struggle to keep hold of this summer.

The post Sources: Tottenham “privately” preparing for £50m transfer as Real & PSG hover appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Languishing around 14th in the Premier League, stinging from a recent derby defeat to Sunderland, and still bruised by a brutal Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona, the mood on Tyneside is tense.

With the squad repeatedly throwing away points from winning positions, the spotlight is burning brightly on manager Eddie Howe.

Now, just when things couldn’t get any more dramatic, a massive name has been thrown into the ring.

According to talkSPORT, none other than Jose Mourinho has emerged as a genuine contender to take over the St James’ Park hotseat if the club decides to pull the plug on the Howe era.

Jose Mourinho to Newcastle United?

It’s no secret that Newcastle’s Saudi owners, the PIF, are incredibly ambitious.

While Howe has done phenomenal work taking the club from a relegation battle to winning a domestic cup and tasting Champions League football, there’s a growing feeling that the hierarchy might be craving a global figurehead to lead the club.

Enter Mourinho. Currently managing Benfica, the 63-year-old Portuguese tactician is practically royalty when it comes to blockbuster appointments.

He has an undeniable track record of managing massive budgets and delivering silverware, having done exactly that during his legendary, title-winning stints with Chelsea and Manchester United.

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The Special One come with controversies

However, linking Mourinho to Newcastle isn’t without its controversies. On one hand, the sheer box-office appeal of having the “Special One” in the St James’ Park dugout is undeniable.

He’s previously expressed deep admiration for the club, famously citing the influence of his beloved mentor, the late Sir Bobby Robson.

On the other hand, a vocal section of the Toon Army is understandably skeptical. Mourinho’s recent managerial stints have often ended in turbulence.

Furthermore, with the club needing to carefully navigate strict financial fair play rules, and potentially sell key assets just to fund a rebuild, Mourinho might not have the endless checkbook he historically relies upon.

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The post Ex-Premier League icon contender to replace Eddie Howe at Newcastle United appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool are looking to seriously shake up their attacking lineup this summer.

According to TEAMtalk, the Reds have set their sights on two highly impressive targets: Newcastle United’s electric winger Anthony Gordon and Everton’s dynamic forward Iliman Ndiaye.

With Liverpool continuing to evolve under their current tactical setup, the club’s recruitment team is believed to be prioritising attackers capable of operating in multiple positions.

Injuries, fixture congestion, and the demands of competing across domestic and European competitions have highlighted the need for greater squad depth, particularly in wide areas.

Anthony Gordon is a long term Liverpool target

Gordon has enjoyed a significant rise in form since joining Newcastle United, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most energetic and direct wide attackers.

The England international’s pace, pressing ability, and work rate have made him a key component in Newcastle’s attacking system.

His willingness to track back defensively and contribute during transitions mirrors the qualities historically valued in Liverpool’s wide forwards.

The 25-year-old attacker has scored 17 goals for the Magpies this season.

Newcastle are likely to resist any attempts to lure Gordon away, particularly given his importance to their long-term plans.

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Ndiaye offers versatility and Premier League experience

Alongside Gordon, Liverpool are believed to be evaluating Ndiaye, whose performances for Everton have attracted attention.

The Senegal international has demonstrated versatility across attacking roles, capable of operating as a winger, attacking midfielder, or central forward.

The Senegalese international brings a completely different flavor to the attack compared to Gordon. He is known for his close control, flair, and ability to weave through tight defensive blocks. Ndiaye could offer Liverpool a unique creative spark.

With Mohamed Salah leaving the club at the end of the season and the Reds looking to strengthen their wide attacking positions on both the right and the left side.

Adding a direct speedster and a technical dribbler would give the squad a wealth of tactical flexibility for the next campaign, something that the Reds desperately need.

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The post Premier League duo from rival clubs eyed by Liverpool to strengthen wide attacking positions appeared first on CaughtOffside.

France national team manager Didier Deschamps has sent a heartfelt message of support to Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike after a serious injury ended his World Cup hopes.

Ekitike has suffered a suspected Achilles injury, which could likely put him out of action for the next nine months, with Deschamps admitting it’s a “huge blow” for both the player and his team.

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The 23-year-old has shone since joining Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer, scoring 17 goals in all competitions for the Reds.

Ekitike would probably have been in contention for the France squad at this summer’s World Cup, with Deschamps releasing a statement to express his sadness at the news and his support for the player.

Didier Deschamps on Hugo Ekitike missing the World Cup

“Hugo suffered a serious injury on Tuesday evening against PSG. The severity of his injury will unfortunately prevent him from finishing the season with Liverpool and participating in the World Cup,” the Les Bleus boss said in a statement, as quoted by BBC Sport.

“Hugo is one of the dozen young players who have made their debuts with the national team in recent months. He had perfectly integrated into the group, both on the pitch and off it. This injury is a huge blow for him, of course, but also for the France team.

“His disappointment is immense. Hugo will regain his top form, I’m convinced of it. But I wanted to express all my support to him, as well as that of the entire staff. We know he’ll be fully behind the France team, and we’re all thinking of him very strongly.”

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Hugo Ekitike injury a blow for Liverpool and France

Liverpool really could have done without more bad news after such a disappointing season, with the Ekitike injury coming during the Reds’ Champions League exit this week.

Arne Slot’s side have also had other major injury concerns throughout the campaign, with Alexander Isak barely playing due to fitness issues, while Conor Bradley has also missed a lot of football in recent months.

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France, meanwhile, have a lot of other world class attacking options in their squad, though Ekitike could undoubtedly have been another fine option at the World Cup.

The former PSG youngster offers something a bit different from the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, so surely would have had a role to play in Deschamps’ side this summer.

LFC have concerns beyond the summer, though, as the seriousness of Ekitike’s injury means he surely won’t be playing again until midway through next season.

The post “Huge blow…” – Manager sends message to Liverpool star who’s set to miss World Cup appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Rui Borges left the Emirates Stadium with “infinite pride” despite Sporting CP’s Champions League elimination against Arsenal in the last eight. Sporting held Arsenal to a goalless draw in Wednesday’s second leg, though Mikel Arteta’s side progressed as 1-0 aggregate winners, thanks to Kai Havertz’s last-gasp winner in the team’s first meeting in Lisbon. Sporting […]

The post Sporting´s Champions League exit leaves Borges with ´infinite pride´ appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Sporting´s Champions League exit leaves Borges with ´infinite pride´ appeared first on Soccer News.