Neymar’s decision to sign a new deal with Santos was driven by his plan to regain full fitness and push for a return to the Brazil national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. While acknowledging that the final roster is still not set, head coach Carlo Ancelotti made clear that there are firm conditions Neymar must meet to be included in Brazil’s plans.

Since Ancelotti took over as Brazil’s head coach, Neymar’s potential return to the national team has remained a constant topic of discussion. However, a combination of recurring injuries and frank conversations between the star and the Italian manager has delayed that comeback, raising questions about Neymar’s availability for what he hopes will be his final World Cup.

Speaking Monday at a CBF event in Rio de Janeiro announcing a new sponsor, Ancelotti addressed whether the World Cup list has already been defined: “It is not decided. At the first press conference, I said that Brazil is fortunate to have many good players. The list is not closed, but we are close to the final squad. There are some positions that are not completely defined.“

That statement immediately fueled speculation about Neymar’s chances, particularly after Ancelotti described him as “the most talented player in the country.” Still, the coach drew a clear line regarding the forward’s physical condition. “If he’s 100 percent physically, not 80 percent,” Ancelotti stressed.

Neymar’s last appearance for Brazil came on Oct. 17, 2023, against Uruguay in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, when he suffered a torn ACL that sidelined him for more than a year. Since then, four different head coaches have occupied Brazil’s bench, including Ancelotti, yet the former Barcelona star has not been recalled.

At present, Neymar continues his recovery with Santos after undergoing knee surgery last year to repair a meniscus injury. The forward has returned to training with Peixe, and expectations are that he could make his return to the pitch next Wednesday in the Brasileirão clash against São Paulo.

Brazil’s preparations before 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup could mark the final appearance for a core group of Canarinha veterans, including Casemiro (33), Alex Sandro (35), Alisson (33), Marquinhos (31) and, of course, Neymar (33). As part of the buildup, Brazil face a challenging schedule designed to help Ancelotti refine his squad.

Brazil’s next matches will come during the March international window, beginning with a showdown against France on the 26th, followed by a clash with Croatia on the 31st. Additional friendlies ahead of the tournament have yet to be confirmed, with Brazil set to open their World Cup campaign on June 13 against Morocco, a match many fans hope will feature Neymar back in the Seleção lineup.

Match Overview

A marquee CONCACAF Champions Cup matchup is set as Liga MX contender Pumas UNAM collides with MLS newcomer San Diego FC in a game that promises early-tournament drama. Pumas bring proven international experience and strong early form.

On the other hand, will be San Diego, who came to this game with confidence after a standout 2025 season that carried the club to the MLS semifinals. With contrasting styles and plenty at stake, this is a must-watch showdown—don’t miss it.

Most players are currently under fire in Real Madrid amid a disappointing season. While much of the criticism targets the stars, promising youngster Franco Mastantuono has also come under scrutiny. Argentina legend Mario Kempes has offered his view about the player, using Lamine Yamal as an example.

Advice comes from all directions, but one voice with the experience to guide young players is Kempes. The World Cup winner in 1978 recently compared what Mastantuono should do with what the Barcelona star has been doing.

In an interview with Argentinian streamer Rodrigo Rea, Kempes said: “He must be more aggressive. Play like he did on River Plate. Look at Yamal. He dribbles, he shoots on goal. He makes mistakes, a few, but he continues trying. If he doesn’t do that, he won’t last much”.

The first few months of Mastantuono with his new club have not been good. The expectations were high for the $60 million transfer, but his role in the team is now being questioned. So far, he has appeared in 23 matches, scoring three goals, leaving his spot in the starting eleven uncertain each week.

Kempes on Real Madrid’s pressure

Something very noticeable about Kempes statements on Mastantuono regards the club he is in. The Valencia legend knows very well the pressure that fans can put onto the players if the results aren’t coming their way.

Despite having played in a famous club in Argentina, Kempes remarks this is even more difficult. “It’s not River or Boca. This is Real Madrid. In this club you must win even in the training sessions.”

Lastly, he referred to Mastantuono’s effort. “He has to make more sacrifices than the rest of his teammates. He has to run more than Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius, even Rodrygo. He’s mature but he has to demonstrate his talent on the field”.

Marcus Rashford has exceeded expectations in his first months at Barcelona, prompting the Spanish club to consider keeping him beyond this season. His strong performances have also reignited Manchester United’s interest in re-signing him.

A few days ago, Telegraph Sport reported that Michael Carrick intends to bring Rashford back if he becomes Manchester United’s permanent head coach, impressed by what he has seen from the forward in Spain this season.

That possibility, however, depends on several factors. The first is whether Barcelona exercise their purchase option for Rashford, reportedly around $40 million. The second, of course, is the player’s own willingness—and that is where one of the main hurdles lies.

“Marcus Rashford has no intention of returning to Manchester United from Barcelona this summer,” The Mirror reported Tuesday. “And Rashford wants his long-term future resolved before England head to the 2026 World Cup in North America.”

But that’s not all. Knowing Barcelona’s financial challenges, which could complicate a permanent move, the English forward is even ready to make a personal sacrifice to help the deal go through. “Rashford is willing to renegotiate his annual wages and accept reduced terms, if it helps seal a deal with Barca,” the report adds.

Manchester United not an option for Rashford right now

Marcus Rashford’s future has been the subject of speculation in recent months, with all kinds of rumors circulating. However, there is one point on which all reports agree: the forward wants to stay at Barcelona beyond the one-year loan. “Rashford is loving life in Spain—and has told Barca he wants to remain at the Nou Camp,” The Mirror reports.

Still, the English star is aware that this desire may not become reality, especially given Barcelona’s financial constraints. Even in that scenario, a return to Manchester remains unlikely.

“It’s understood that even if Barca failed to meet the asking price, Rashford would look to join another club, rather than go back to United,” The Mirror adds, making it clear that Marcus has no intention of rejoining the Red Devils at this stage of his professional career.

Massimiliano Allegri believes that there is still room for improvement for his Milan side, despite picking up a 3-0 victory away against Bologna in the absence of Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic and Alexis Saelemaekers on Tuesday night. 

The Rossoneri extended their unbeaten Serie A run to 22 matches thank to goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Christopher Nkunku and Adrien Rabiot in an eventual 3-0 romp at the Dall’Ara on Tuesday evening. 

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

Allegri reacts to Bologna 0-3 Milan 

Speaking to DAZN after full-time, Allegri explained that Milan played well because they were able to get the best out of their makeshift strike partnership of Nkunku and Loftus-Cheek, who had never previously started up front together before Tuesday night. 

“Nkunku and Loftus-Cheek are players of enormous quality,” Allegri told DAZN after full-time.

“It was always going to be a game that we needed to take seriously, because they have been very decent at the back. Bologna are a dangerous team that plays well. The boys did well defensively and offensively.”

Despite the scoreline, Allegri feels that there is still room for improvement among the current Milan squad.

“It was a good game tonight. In my opinion, we have to do better in ball management. We played well because Nkunku and Loftus-Cheek did well, allowing us to play with the ball and giving us depth.”

And when asked which parts of Milan’s performance he enjoyed the most, Allegri said: “It was important for us to get to 50 points for the season because our goal has always been to reach the top four.

We defended very well from 3-0, not conceding is always good. It’s more important to look ahead, because it’s a long season and we still need a lot more points to qualify for the Champions League. We’ll enjoy this break, because we’re not playing on Sunday, and will hope to have all our players available again.”

Vincenzo Italiano was left bemused and questioning why his Bologna side do not seem able to put in a decent performance for two matches in a row after falling to a disappointing 3-0 defeat at home against Milan on Tuesday night. 

The Rossoblu were a defensive mess on the night and were soundly beaten after goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Christopher Nkunku and Adrien Rabiot, two of which were of their own doing. 

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

Italiano: ‘Bologna conceding at every slightest mistake’ 

Speaking to DAZN after full-time, Italiano said that he thought his players were looking confident in the build-up to the Milan clash, but believes that costly mistakes at the back are hurting his side, who have slipped down to 10th place in the table. 

“My analysis is that we were very confident. We approached it well, but we don’t seem to be able to put in two consecutive top-level performances,” Italiano told DAZN after full-time.

“Unfortunately we’re conceding goals at every slightest mistake. We’re paying for every blunder. We were light at the back and they hurt us. We stayed in the game and tried to put them in difficulty, but we can’t play well one game after the other and we have to work on that.”

The Rossoblu admits that for one reason or another, Bologna haven’t been the same since their appearance in the Supercoppa Italiana final in December.

“We’ve lost a bit of brilliance and a bit of solidity from there. We’ve been ourselves at times, but we can’t have this lack of continuity in our performance or concentration. We have to be more careful.

“We had a lot of enthusiasm for this game after the match against Maccabi, thanks also to the arrivals of the new players. We have time to put things back to how they should be, If we can find the key in these next three months, everything will be back in order.”

Italiano was also asked if he expected to see more from the likes of Riccardo Orsolini or Santiago Castro.

He replied: “It’s normal that every team has its key players to unlock games. Quality players make the difference and fix things for you when things aren’t going well. We’re playing in flashes, showing ups and downs, which isn’t good. We have to find the balance and that is what makes the difference.”

A combination of Milan’s French stars and Englishman Ruben Loftus-Cheek were among the best players during Tuesday night’s comprehensive 3-0 victory away against a defensively poor Bologna side at the Dall’Ara in Serie A. 

The Rossoneri extended their unbeaten Serie A run to 22 matches thanks to goals from Loftus-Cheek, Christopher Nkunku and Adrien Rabiot in Emilia Romagna on Tuesday evening. 

Bologna will be left feeling disappointed with themselves, however, after giving away a first-half penalty and then gifting Milan their third less than three minutes into the second period. 

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

Bologna 0-3 Milan: Player ratings! 

Bologna: Ravaglia 5.5; Zortea 5, Heggem 4.5, Casale 4.5, Miranda 4 (Lykogiannis 6); Freuler 5.5 (Moro 5.5), Ferguson 5.5; Orsolini 5 (Bernardeschi 6), Odgaard 5.5, Rowe 5 (Cambiaghi 6); Castro 5 (Dallinga 6)

Best Bologna player: Ravaglia 5.5 – Slim pickings on what was another poor night on home soil for the Rossoblu. Somehow, despite giving away a first-half penalty, goalkeeper Ravaglia was probably Bologna’s best performer on the night. After getting it wrong one-on-one with Nkunku in the first half, the stopper timed his saves well from there on in and prevented the scoreline from being even more severe. 

Coach: Vincenzo Italiano 4 – Bologna’s poor start to 2026 is now turning into a major issue. Only one win from seven league matches since the start of the calendar year and just two points picked up at home from their last five matches across all competitions. Bologna were a defensive mess on Tuesday night, from the penalty they gave away to the ludicrous throw-in that gifted the Rossoneri their third straight after half-time. Milan, had they been a bit more effective in the final third, could have made it five or six: Loftus-Cheek, Nkunku and Fullkrug all ended up one-on-one with Ravaglia at various stages. 

Milan: Maignan 6; De Winter 6.5, Gabbia 6, Pavlovic 6; Athekame 6.5 (Tomori 6), Fofana 6, Modric 7 (Jashari 6), Rabiot 7.5, Bartesaghi 6 (Estupinan n/a); Loftus-Cheek 7 (Ricci 6), Nkunku 7.5 (Fullkrug 6.5).

Best Milan players: Rabiot and Nkunku 7.5 – Not much to separate the two Frenchman, who both ended up on the scoresheet and both combined for Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s first-half opener. Five goals from his last seven Serie A matches for Nkunku: Trying his best to prove why Milan can live without Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta. Another goalscoring performance from Rabiot, who has three in his last four league matches. No wonder Allegri wanted him so badly over the summer. 

Coach: Massimiliano Allegri 6.5 – This was a victory that sums up the way Mian have been playing for much of this season. It was a convincing scoreline, the likes of Rabiot and Modric were on fine form, but the Rossoneri still let their opponents see a lot of the ball, even before they went 3-0 up early in the second half. Allegri will be delighted with the fact that Milan have scored three without either of their star attackers – Leao or Pulisic – and with the clean sheet away from home.

Arsenal have officially booked their place at Wembley for the Carabao Cup final after a pulsating 2-1 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, securing a 4-2 aggregate win.

While the night ended in celebration, the closing stages were defined by a moment of pure tactical tension that saw Mikel Arteta lose his composure just seconds before the decisive blow was landed.

Mikel Arteta was going ‘mad’ before Kai Havertz winner

As Chelsea pushed for a late equaliser to force extra time, the atmosphere in North London reached a fever pitch.

With Arsenal clinging to a narrow lead, the ball appeared to drift out of play during a frantic Chelsea buildup, yet play was allowed to continue.

Former England international Matt Upson, commentating for BBC Radio 5 Live, reported the frantic energy on the touchline.

“Well, 30 seconds ago Mikel Arteta was going mad that the referee had not blown his whistle.

“It has been a high-pressure last 10 minutes.” Arteta was seen frantically gesturing at the fourth official, convinced his side was being denied a blatant stoppage.

However, that frustration leftin an instant. Arsenal intercepted the resulting play, launching a lightning-fast counter-attack while the Chelsea defense was still over-committed in the final third.

Arsenal likely to face Man City in final Wembley showdown

The win means Arsenal will now face one of Manchester City or Newcastle in the final of the competition.

Their most likely opponents are going to be Pep Guardiola’s side who lead 2-0 on aggregate.

The return fixture is at Etihad where the home side are favourites to beat the defending champions and book the place in the final.

Mikel Arteta has a chance to win his first trophy for Arsenal in five years.

Man City have not been at their usual best this season. In contrast, Arsenal look their strongest self and are full of confidence at the moment, with Arteta doing an incredible job at the club.

Could the League Cup be the first of multiple trophies Arsenal will win this season?

The post What Mikel Arteta was seen doing seconds before Kai Havertz’s winner vs Chelsea appeared first on CaughtOffside.

According to the Mirror, Marcus Rashford is absolutely determined not to return to Manchester United when his loan at Barcelona expires at the end of the season. So much so, that he’s willing to accept reduced wages if it helps Barcelona meet the €30million clause set in the loan agreement as the option for the […]

The post Rashford determined not to play for Manchester United again appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Rashford determined not to play for Manchester United again appeared first on Soccer News.

Robert Lewandowski’s arrival at Barcelona has been an undeniable success. Despite criticism of his €45 million signing due to his veteran status, he has established himself as a top performer, scoring 113 goals in 173 matches. However, the Polish striker has lost his starting position to Ferran Torres, leaving his future uncertain. While the Blaugrana have supposedly decided on his continuity, Lewandowski has set a deadline to determine his own future.

With his contract set to expire at the end of the 2025–26 season, Lewandowski has shown strong interest in extending his deal and is reportedly willing to take a pay cut. However, Barcelona have begun planning for next season without the Polish striker in their plans, reports RAC1. As a result, the Blaugranas have turned their attention to signing a new forward, aiming to rejuvenate the competition up front.

According to Polish journalist Tomasz Włodarczyk, Robert Lewandowski has set April 2026 as the deadline to make a definitive decision about his professional future. In that context, Chicago Fire have emerged as the frontrunners to secure his services, having held a meeting with him in December 2025. However, the veteran has also received inquiries from Saudi Arabia, keeping all options open.

Lewandowski’s possible departure from Barcelona will be quite difficult for coach Hansi Flick. Despite betting on Ferran, the Polish striker remains crucial to the team, scoring 12 goals in 26 games and proving instrumental in key matches like the Champions League and El Clásico. If they wish to prioritize the Spaniard, finding a substitute capable of matching the veteran’s goal-scoring ability from the bench or in select games will be challenging.

Barcelona reportedly have two forwards on their list for 2026-27

Following the possible departure of Lewandowski, Barcelona have decided to enter the summer 2026 market in search of a world-class center forward. While betting on the versatility of Ferran Torres, they are reportedly looking for a specialist in attack, capable of providing a guaranteed goal output. As a result, they are said to have two forwards at the top of their priority list as they look for a replacement for Robert and his scoring power.

According to Diario Sport, Julián Álvarez remains Barcelona’s absolute top priority to strengthen the attack. However, Atlético Madrid would not make his exit easy, which could force Barcelona to pay more than $100 million for his transfer. Meanwhile, Dušan Vlahović has also emerged as the alternative option, as he would arrive as a free agent from Juventus and talks have reportedly already begun, according to Diego Pico of Marca.

In case the arrival of the Argentine star is secured, Ferran Torres would move into a backup role in the attack and remain an option on the wings. However, the arrival of Vlahović would allow for much greater opportunities for him to gain minutes, as the Serbian is not arriving in peak form compared to the Spaniard, who is the team’s top scorer in the current season. With this in mind, Barcelona may already have clear plans in place for the post–Robert Lewandowski era.

Match Overview

A marquee CONCACAF showdown is set to grab attention as two regional powerhouses collide, with Club America stepping onto the continental stage carrying championship expectations. The Liga MX heavyweights enter the contest as a leading Champions Cup favorite, leaning on their experience, depth, and big-game DNA even as they search for consistency at home.

Standing in the way is Honduras’ Olimpia, a proud club eager to test itself against elite opposition, embrace the underdog role, and prove it belongs among the region’s best with a statement performance. With contrasting narratives and plenty on the line, this is the kind of international matchup fans won’t want to miss—make sure you tune in when the whistle blows.

Kylian Mbappé has been enjoying an outstanding 2025-26 season on an individual level, but Real Madrid have fallen short of expectations as a collective. Amid the contrast between elite personal production and inconsistent team results, France head coach Didier Deschamps has stepped in to defend the star forward’s perceived “selfishness.”

Mbappé’s numbers alone place him firmly in the Golden Boot conversation, with 37 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions for Real Madrid. Still, one of the most persistent criticisms of his game has centered on his limited defensive work rate, particularly his lack of high pressing when the team is out of possession.

That criticism prompted a response from Deschamps, who spoke at the Sports Journalism Festival in Laval, France. “We have this image of someone who is very selfish and individualistic,” he stated. “Of course, he is a striker; it would be a problem if he didn’t have a certain level of ego… I assure you that, in terms of how things work and everything else, he is someone who knows that since becoming captain, his word carries weight with the entire group.“

Similar concerns were raised during Mbappé’s final seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, where his defensive effort was often questioned under coach Luis Enrique. A widely shared clip from a 2024 Movistar+ documentary showed Enrique scolding Mbappé over his pressing responsibilities, reinforcing the idea that defensive intensity was never a defining trait of his game and contributing to tensions before his eventual departure.

In that context, Deschamps emphasized that the focus should remain on what Mbappé brings offensively: “If you want to judge Kylian by saying he has to run at least 11 kilometers per match… don’t bother, he won’t do it. But, on the other hand, he has many other important and decisive qualities.“

Mbappé’s production with the France national team further supports Deschamps’ stance. He has scored 55 goals in 94 appearances for Les Bleus and now sits just two goals shy of Olivier Giroud’s all-time scoring record. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Deschamps appears unconcerned about anything beyond Mbappé’s ability to deliver goals.

Mbappé on pace for his best goalscoring season

High pressing became a hallmark of Luis Enrique’s PSG during last season’s Champions League run, but Mbappé’s departure has not slowed his scoring output. Despite Real Madrid’s instability following Xabi Alonso’s dismissal and Álvaro Arbeloa’s appointment, the Frenchman remains on track for the most prolific season of his career.

Mbappé’s personal best for goals in a single club season stands at 44, a mark he has reached twice: once at PSG and once during his debut campaign with Real Madrid. He currently sits at 37 goals in the 2025-26 season, with at least 18 matches remaining and three months still to play. With just eight goals needed to set a new benchmark, expectations are high for Mbappé to continue rewriting his own record books.

Cristiano Ronaldo has managed to stay in top form with Al Nassr, emerging as the team’s top scorer in the 2025-26 season. However, the Portuguese player is reportedly quite unhappy with the team’s lack of reinforcements. Given this, the veteran’s future with the team has been called into question, leading to speculation about a possible return to Manchester United. In response, the Red Devils have reportedly made a clear decision.

Far from easing, the situation between Cristiano Ronaldo and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) has intensified, as he decided to skip Al Nassr training. As a result, the veteran’s future is now under scrutiny, as he appears increasingly unhappy with the club’s management, opening the door to a potential exit. Because of this, he has been linked with a possible return to Manchester United, and the team seems to have already made a decision.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Manchester United have decided not to pursue Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford in the summer of 2026. Despite the veteran reportedly being open to a significant wage reduction, the English side have chosen to stick with INEOS’ strategy, focusing on young players with potential and prioritizing the club’s long-term sustainability.

Having a valid contract until 2027, Cristiano Ronaldo might not have an easy task leaving Al Nassr. Unlike Benzema, the Portuguese player may not secure an agreement to release his contract. While he reportedly holds a €50 million clause to leave the team, being 40 years old makes him a difficult player for many teams to pursue. For that reason, the veteran striker may still be forced to remain with the Saudi Arabian team.

Ronaldo supposedly has no issues with Al Nassr, but rather with PIF

Cristiano Ronaldo’s future remains uncertain, but his issues stem not from Al Nassr, but from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF). While Al Nassr have actively sought to strengthen their squad throughout the transfer window, that PIF and the league have reportedly blocked these moves. With this in mind, the Portuguese striker supposedly believes that his team has been mistreated compated to its rival, Al Hilal.

Unlike Al Nassr, Al Hilal were given the opportunity to sign top-level players such as Mohamed Meïté, Saïmon Nadélia Bouabré, and Karim Benzema. After this moves, they strengthen their position as favorites to win the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League Elite. However, Cristiano Ronaldo lost Wesley Gassova and Haroune Camara in the offense, and they only reinforced themselves with local talent, which leaves them behind their direct rival.

Despite being one of the best players in the world, Vinicius Junior has seen his role at Real Madrid diminish in recent months. This is partly due to Kylian Mbappe, who has emerged as the team’s undisputed star and pushed the Brazilian into a secondary role. In that context, Flamengo have emerged as an unexpected option.

This week, the Brazilian club officially presented Lucas Paqueta, who returned to Flamengo after eight years following his transfer from West Ham United. During his introductory press conference, Vinicius’ name was brought up as a potential future target.

“Now, what comes next is to talk about Vinicius Junior,” Flamengo sporting director Jose Boto said, according to ESPN, before addressing Real Madrid president Florentino Perez directly. “When does his contract end, president? We won’t have to pay anything to Real Madrid.”

Those remarks, while delivered in a joking tone, reflect a genuine ambition from the Brazilian giants: to continue strengthening their squad with top-level signings in order to move closer to competing with Europe’s elite clubs.

When does Vinicius’ contract with Real Madrid expire?

The idea of Flamengo seriously pursuing Vinicius may seem far-fetched, but in the not-so-distant future it could become more realistic. The Brazilian winger is under contract with Real Madrid until June 30, 2027, with a release clause set at €1 billion (approximately $1.18 billion).

That figure makes an early departure virtually impossible unless Real Madrid are willing to negotiate his exit for a lower fee. However, if uncertainty continues over time, anything could happen. While there have been reports of potential contract extension talks, no agreement has been reached so far.

As the deadline approaches, Real Madrid will likely move decisively in one of two directions: either convincing Vinicius to sign an extension or actively negotiating a transfer to another club in order to secure a significant fee. But if the player holds firm, he could leave as a free agent in mid-2027.

Flamengo excited about Paqueta’s return

Beyond the speculation surrounding Vinicius, Flamengo have plenty of reasons to be optimistic. The club has secured the return of Lucas Paqueta, another homegrown star who remains in his prime and is aiming to be part of Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“Without Paqueta’s willingness, this transfer would have been impossible, no matter how strong our financial situation is,” Boto said at the same press conference. “Everything he did with his staff to be here was crucial. That shows how much he loves Flamengo. At this price, there were 10 or 15 European clubs that wanted him.”

Milan were unable to seal a deadline day transfer for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, but the Rossoneri were still celebrating after the window closed thanks to a 3-0 victory away against Bologna in Serie A in the absence of Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic on Tuesday night: Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Christopher Nkunku and Adrien Rabiot with the goals at the Dall’Ara.

Bologna had only won one of their six Serie A matches in 2026 before kick-off, while Milan, coming off the back of a 1-1 draw with Roma last week, required a victory if they were to continue applying the pressure on Inter at the top of the league table. 

Bologna were without suspended goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski, and were also without star centre-back Jhon Lucumi through injury. There was no Pulisic, Alexis Saelemaekers or Santiago Gimenez in the Milan squad through injury. Leao was only fit enough for a spot on the bench, and with Niclas Fullkrug also named among the substitutes, there was a new Rossoneri strike partnership of Nkunku and Loftus-Cheek.

Click here to see how the action unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Bologna started proceedings encouragingly through Juan Miranda and Jonathan Rowe and earned a series of free-kicks and corners which they were unable to capitalise from. 

Milan started to grow into things after a quarter of an hour and came close to finding the back of the net after Zachary Athekame found the head of Youssouf Fofana with his cross in from the right flank. The Frenchman glanced his header just wide of the upright. 

Milan found their opener two minutes later. Nkunku was allowed a free header in the area, which was initially saved by Federico Ravaglia. The goalkeeper parried the rebound into the feet of Adrien Rabiot, who tapped to Loftus-Cheek to finish from 10 yards out. 

Nkunku and Loftus-Cheek combined again to double the Rossoneri advantage 10 minutes before the interval. The Englishman slipped his strike partner into the area, Ravaglia came out in an attempt to stop him, but got the timing wrong and tripped Nkunku up in the box. 

A penalty was awarded, a VAR check confirmed the correct decision was made, and Nkunku converted the spot kick low and to his right, sending Ravaglia the wrong way in the process. 

Moments after the second half kicked off, Juan Miranda sent a ludicrous long throw right into no-man’s land from within his own half. Rabiot spotted the opportunity, nicked the ball, raced through on goal and made no mistake one-on-one for 3-0. 

Clear-cut opportunities began to dry up from that point onwards: Bologna were afforded plenty of possession in the second half, but were unable to do much to break down Milan’s block. 

Niclas Fullkrug was sent through on goal after a long ball over the top after being introduced as a second half substitute. He chopped back inside Torbjorn Heggem, but ended up running straight into goalkeeper Ravaglia. 

Realistically, the job was already done for Milan when Rabiot made it three just a few minutes into the second half. Their unbeaten run in Serie A is now up to 22 matches. They find themselves five points shy of league leaders Inter. Bologna, meanwhile, are stuck in 10th and could now drop into the bottom half of the table if they fail to win next weekend. 

Bologna 0-3 Milan

Loftus-Cheek 20’, Nkunku 39’, Rabiot 48’.

03-02-2026 19:45

MatchDay 23

Renato Dall'Ara Stadium

Bologna

Milan

0 - 3

Player statistic

1st half

		20'		Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Assist: Adrien Rabiot)
		39'		Christopher Nkunku

2nd half

		48'		Adrien Rabiot
Federico Ravaglia		51'
Remo Freuler		58'
Lewis Ferguson		64'

Match statistic

54

Possession %

46

13

Total shots

10

2

Shots on target

7

9

Shots off target

2

2

Blocked shots

1

5

Corners

Offsides

1

14

Fouls

10

Bologna

Milan

Starting lineups

13

Federico Ravaglia

Goalkeeper

33

Juan Miranda

Defender

78'

20

Nadir Zortea

Defender

16

Nicolò Casale

Defender

14

Torbjørn Heggem

Defender

11

Jonathan Rowe

Midfielder

78'

19

Lewis Ferguson

Midfielder

8

Remo Freuler

Midfielder

65'

21

Jens Odgaard

Attacker

7

Riccardo Orsolini

Attacker

53'

9

Santiago Castro

Attacker

54'

16

Mike Maignan

Goalkeeper

33

Davide Bartesaghi

Defender

83'

5

Koni De Winter

Defender

46

Matteo Gabbia

Defender

31

Strahinja Pavlovic

Defender

24

Zachary Athekame

Defender

67'

12

Adrien Rabiot

Midfielder

14

Luka Modric

Midfielder

72'

8

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Midfielder

67'

19

Youssouf Fofana

Midfielder

18

Christopher Nkunku

Attacker

72'

Substitutes

4

Tommaso Pobega

Midfielder

23

Simon Sohm

Midfielder

41

Martin Vitik

Defender

17

João Mário

Defender

30

Benja Domínguez

Attacker

25

Massimo Pessina

Goalkeeper

5

Eivind Helland

Defender

82

Matteo Franceschelli

Goalkeeper

10

Federico Bernardeschi

Attacker

53'

24

Thijs Dallinga

Attacker

54'

6

Nikola Moro

Midfielder

65'

22

Charalampos Lykogiannis

Defender

78'

28

Nicolò Cambiaghi

Attacker

78'

1

Pietro Terracciano

Goalkeeper

10

Rafael Leão

Attacker

96

Lorenzo Torriani

Goalkeeper

27

David Odogu

Defender

23

Fikayo Tomori

Defender

67'

4

Samuele Ricci

Midfielder

67'

30

Ardon Jashari

Midfielder

72'

9

Niclas Füllkrug

Attacker

72'

2

Pervis Estupiñán

Defender

83'

Simon Adingra has struggled for regular gametime at Sunderland since joining the club.

The player has started just nine Premier League games for the Black Cats, and he needs to leave the club in order to play more often. He has been urged to leave the English club for his own good.

Simon Adingra needs games

The young attacker needs to play regularly to further develop. Sitting on the bench at the English club will not benefit him. It is clear that Sunderland does not consider him a key player, and it would be ideal for him to seek a summer exit.

Adingra has been linked with Real Madrid and Juventus.

It will be interesting to see where he ends up. The former Brighton attacker is a technically gifted player with a bright future. Joining the right team could bring out the best in him. He will add peace and flair from the flanks, and he is versatile enough to operate on either wing.

As quoted by Sport News Africa, La Nouvelle Chaine Ivoirienne reporter Alex Payne said: “Simon Adingra is a technically gifted player, but not explosive. He’s also not very involved in defensive efforts, which is what you need to succeed in the Premier League. There, they no longer want simply talented players, but complete athletes who give their all match after match. It’s very intense.

Journalist Izoudine Ilupeju added: “For his own good, he needs to leave the English league as soon as possible. He hasn’t been able to find his feet even though he has the ability, but when things aren’t working out, you have to look elsewhere. [Roberto] De Zerbi, in particular, wanted to bring him to Marseille, but unfortunately, no such luck. He could look at the French, German, Belgian, or Dutch leagues to get in shape and shine.”

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Sunderland should upgrade on Adingra

Sunderland have had an impressive season so far, and they are pushing for a place in the top half. It remains to be seen whether they can finish the season strongly. It would make sense for them to sell that African attacker in the summer and bring in an upgrade. Keeping him on the bench will not benefit them. They should look to bring in someone who can make an immediate impact on the first team. A summer exit would be ideal for all parties.

The post “He needs to leave”: Sunderland ace told to leave “very intense” Premier League appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Bruno Guimaraes has been exceptional for Newcastle United since joining the club, and he has been linked with a move away in recent seasons.

Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has now suggested that the Brazilian could be on the move soon. He believes that Guimaraes will want to compete at the highest level and that the opportunity to join elite European clubs will be hard to pass up.

However, the German explained that the player is quite settled at Newcastle and would not be surprised if he decided to stay for a season or two.

A player of his quality will want to win major trophies regularly. Newcastle have an ambitious project, but they are not quite at that level yet.

Hamann on Bruno Guimaraes

Hamann said (h/t Chronicle Live): “Without a question, the best players want to play in the Champions League. Money is important too but it’s not the deciding factor. He will be getting paid well up in the North East.

“But the Champions League is the trophy along with the World Cup that all players want to win. If you’re not in the Champions League, you can’t win it, and every single Champions League club in England would be interested in Bruno Guimaraes if he decides that he can see himself elsewhere. The two Spanish giants would be interested too.

“I think Bruno can pretty much pick his club depending on how much Newcastle would want for him but he seems to be very settled in the North East.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he plays at least one more season or even a couple more seasons at Newcastle even if they don’t get into the Champions League.”

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Newcastle cannot lose Guimaraes

Newcastle are looking to build a formidable team for the future, and losing their best midfielder would be a huge blow. It will be interesting to see if they can convince the player to stay at the club for the foreseeable future.

The Brazilian is certainly good enough to play for the biggest clubs in the world, and it will be interesting to see whether any team is willing to offer him an exit route in the summer.

The post “I wouldn’t be surprised…”: Newcastle sent warning over future of key star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham’s defensive linchpin Cristian Romero is ‘going to leave’ the club in the upcoming June transfer window, according to Argentinian journalist and reliable South American insider Gaston Edul.

Taking to X, Edul revealed that the 27-year-old World Cup winner has already attracted concrete interest from La Liga giants and at least one other major European league.

“Cristian Cuti Romero has interest from La Liga in Spain and another league as well. He had already had interest in the previous transfer window and they came very close to making a formal offer. He is going to leave Tottenham in the next June transfer window.”

Cristian Cuti Romero tiene sondeos de de La Liga de España y otra liga más.
Ya los había tenido en el mercado de pases anterior y estuvieron a un paso de la oferta formal.
Va a salir de Tottenham en el próximo mercado de junio. pic.twitter.com/OWrjDpQgf5

— Gastón Edul (@gastonedul) February 3, 2026

Cristian Romero blasts ‘disgraceful’ Tottenham after deadline day

The news of a summer exit comes amidst a period of high tension between the player and the club.

Tottenham came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 against Manchester City on Sunday, despite playing with a depleted Spurs side struggling with an injury crisis.

The Tottenham captain waited for the transfer window to shut before launching a subtle attack on the Spurs hierarchy’s lack on transfer activity, labelling the squad shortage as ‘unbelievable but true and disgraceful’.

With only 11 senior players fit for the fixture, Romero’s public outburst suggests a deep-seated frustration with the club’s current direction under Thomas Frank.

Real Madrid want to sign Romero

This isn’t the first time Romero has voiced his discontent. He has voiced his frustration towards the Tottenham hierarchy in the past as well for their perceived lack of accountability and ambition.

The latest comments have further fuelled talks of an exit. Real Madrid have had a long standing interest in the World Cup winner and as per a recent report, Madrid are prepared with a mega offer for Romero.

Micky van de Ven also linked with Liverpool

To make matters worse for the North London side, Romero’s partner in central defense, Micky van de Ven, is also a target for rivals.

Reports suggest Liverpool are weighing up a move for the Dutch defender, as Arne Slot looks to bolster his backline.

Losing both starting center-backs in a single window would represent a catastrophic blow for Tottenham as they look to navigate an increasingly turbulent 2026 campaign.

The post Major Tottenham update: Reliable insider confirms star player will leave Spurs this summer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Leeds United crashed to a comprehensive defeat against Arsenal in the Premier League, and manager Daniel Farke has criticised Karl Darlow for his poor goalkeeping.

Arsenal scored their second goal of the game when Darlow put the ball into his own net from Noni Madueke’s corner.

Farke claimed after the game that his team should have defended set pieces better and that there was no need to concede an own goal in a game already difficult for the team.

Farke on Karl Darlow error

He said (h/t Leeds Press): “Wouldn’t praise (Arsenal) too much for this goal, for their set-piece routine, I think we should defend this situation better, not even one Arsenal player was close.

“Overall, I would have wished to reduce their number of set-pieces in the first half, that would have made our life easier, but in this situation, I think there’s no need to score an own goal.”

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Leeds need an upgrade on Darlow

The goalkeeping situation has been a problem for Leeds United. They signed Lucas Perri during the summer transfer window, but the Brazilian has been unconvincing. Darlow has been given an opportunity to establish himself as the first-choice goalkeeper at the club, but he has shown that he is not a Premier League-level goalkeeper.

Darlow was linked with a move away from the club in January.

It will be interesting to see if Leeds United can get through the season with their current options and secure Premier League safety. It will be their top priority to improve the goalkeeping department in the summer. They need to bring in someone who can dominate the box and add more stability at the back.

It remains to be seen whether Perri and Darlow can raise their performance levels for the coming weeks and help their team secure safety in the top flight. Leeds are fighting for survival, and they simply cannot afford silly mistakes from their goalkeepers.

The post “There’s no need”: Unhappy Farke sends message to Leeds ace after Arsenal game appeared first on CaughtOffside.

There was plenty of drama at Old Trafford on Sunday, when Manchester United fumbled a two-goal advantage over Fulham before Benjamin Sesko struck a very late winner. Fulham’s first goal was an 85th-minute penalty scored by Raul Jimenez, and the Mexican striker hit it so well that United goalkeeper Senne Lammens had to show his […]

The post Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens congratulates Fulham striker Raul Jimenez on well-taken penalty (Video) appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens congratulates Fulham striker Raul Jimenez on well-taken penalty (Video) appeared first on Soccer News.

According to the Mirror, Marcus Rashford is absolutely determined not to return to Manchester United when his loan at Barcelona expires at the end of the season. So much so, that he’s willing to accept reduced wages if it helps Barcelona meet the €30million clause set in the loan agreement as the option for the […]

The post Rashford determined not to play for Manchester United again appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Rashford determined not to play for Manchester United again appeared first on Soccer News.

According to the Mirror, Marcus Rashford is absolutely determined not to return to Manchester United when his loan at Barcelona expires at the end of the season. So much so, that he’s willing to accept reduced wages if it helps Barcelona meet the €30million clause set in the loan agreement as the option for the […]

The post Rashford determined not to play for Manchester United again appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Rashford determined not to play for Manchester United again appeared first on Soccer News.

Lionel Messi has dramatically raised Major League Soccer’s profile since his arrival in 2023, fueling league-wide growth and increasing its global competitiveness. Now, James Rodríguez could become the latest South American star to follow that path, as one MLS club is reportedly exploring a move for the Colombian midfielder ahead of the 2026 season.

Rodríguez’s club situation has become a growing concern for the Colombia national team. Since his stint with Liga MX side Club León ended, the veteran midfielder has struggled to secure a new destination. Currently training individually as he prepares for the 2026 World Cup, Rodríguez could receive a timely boost with interest emerging from North America.

According to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, Minnesota United are targeting Rodríguez for the 2026 MLS season. After a playoff run that ended in the Western Conference semifinals, the Loons are reportedly looking to add a high-profile piece to elevate their roster and push deeper into contention.

Recent reports indicated that Rodríguez had also been offered to two Argentine clubs, though financial concerns quickly surfaced as a major hurdle. Minnesota United have now emerged as the leading candidate to land the Colombian, positioning themselves ahead of other suitors following his departure from León.

Over the last few hours, the Colombian star shared a photo of himself on a plane with the caption “Here we go.” Amid growing rumors regarding his future, this cryptic message is being interpreted as a sign that his move to MLS is nearing completion.

Minnesota United are set to begin preseason friendlies in the coming days, with their MLS opener scheduled for Feb. 21 against Austin FC. Rodríguez, meanwhile, has not appeared in a competitive match since Nov. 8 against Puebla, raising questions about his match fitness ahead of a potential move.

Could Minnesota United afford James Rodríguez?

One of the primary obstacles in Rodríguez’s recent transfer discussions has been his financial demands. Barcelona SC president David Álvarez previously confirmed that the midfielder was offered to the Ecuadorian club, but the deal was abandoned due to concerns it would strain the team’s finances.

Minnesota United, however, have been relatively quiet in the transfer market. Their most notable addition has been Mauricio González, signed from Deportes Tolima for approximately $1.2 million. While Rodríguez would significantly raise the team’s ceiling, MLS roster and salary restrictions could complicate any potential deal.

Currently, Minnesota’s Designated Player slots are occupied by Joaquín Pereyra, Tomás Chancalay, and striker Kelvin Yeboah. With all three slots filled, it remains unclear whether the Loons can realistically meet Rodríguez’s financial expectations under league rules, making his MLS future far from certain.

Neymar has been one of the greatest players of the past decade. His highs have been spectacular and frequent, but his lows have become increasingly common in recent years. This time, however, something positive may be on the horizon for Santos fans.

After being out since December with a knee injury, the Brazilian star is nearing his return. According to Diario Do Peixe, Ney was part of Santos training on Monday without any setbacks, completing a full session that included ball work.

While the exact comeback date remains uncertain, there is a chance he may suit up again soon. Per the Brazilian outlet, Neymar could be back on Wednesday’s Brazilian Serie A match against Sao Paulo, in front of his home fans at Urbano Caldeira Stadium.

What was Neymar’s injury?

Neymar is getting ready to play his first match of the year, if he finally gets the green light from Santos’ coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda. The Brazilian forward has been recovering from an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee to repair a meniscus injury.

The injury doesn’t require much time to heal, but his history with these types of problems may force the team to take a cautious approach. ESPN reported that he has been focusing on strengthening his left knee with specific exercises.

But that may not be the case entirely for Neymar if he wants to be in World Cup. He hasn’t played for the national team since 2023 mostly because of a torn ACL. While Carlo Ancelotti probably considers him an important piece, the competition he has is very good.

Neymar won’t have margin for error with Ancelotti

Ancelotti was brought in to correct course in a turbulent time for Brazil. Their standard must always be to win the World Cup, but the qualifiers suggested that a change was needed.

The Italian manager has won almost everywhere he has coached and has led star-studded squads throughout his career, giving him the experience to manage players at the highest level. Under his leadership, Neymar will have little margin for error.

“There are many players who are very good, I need to choose players that are 100%. It’s not just Neymar, it could be Vinícius. If Vini is at 90%, I’ll call up another player who is at 100%. It’s a team that has a very high level of competence, especially up front. We have really many good players”, he said to Esporte Record.

Match Overview

CONCACAF’s top club tournament gets underway with a first-round showdown that pairs experience, history, and plenty of intrigue. Tigres UANL, the 2020 champions, enter the competition looking to reset the narrative after a sluggish start to their Liga MX season.

Meanwhile, Forge FC arrive with confidence and the belief they can spring an early surprise against one of the region’s heavyweight clubs. With two well-known sides colliding at the very start of the tournament and a place in the next round on the line, this opening matchup has all the ingredients for must-see soccer.

Following several years, Lionel Messi has managed to lead Argentina into becoming one of the best national teams in the world. Beyond the veteran’s impact, coach Lionel Scaloni has built a very complete squad. With most of the players expected to be in peak form heading into the 2026 World Cup, one of the national team’s most important figures has reportedly offered himself to Real Madrid for a move after the anticipated tournament.

According to Eduardo Inda of OK Diario, Enzo Fernández has decided to take a step forward and offer himself to Real Madrid. Despite being a key figure and captain at Chelsea, the Argentine is willing to leave the English club, as playing for Los Blancos is a deeply personal dream, which he has reportedly made clear to the club. However, the two parties have not yet entered into formal negotiations for the midfielder.

Enzo’s potential transfer to Real Madrid would be anything but straightforward. As captain of the Blues, and having transferred for €121 million in 2023, Los Blancos might have to match or exceed that fee to bring him in after the 2026 World Cup with Argentina. Even though he is a standout player on Lionel Messi’s squad, investing such a significant sum would place him in the company of signings like Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.

In case Real Madrid fail to secure his arrival before the 2026 World Cup, they could face an uphill battle to sign him. As a cornerstone in Lionel Messi’s Argentina, Enzo Fernandez could again shine in the tournament, making Chelsea reluctant to sell him or even increase his value, complicating his arrival to the Spanish side. With a priority settled on chasing an organizing midfielder, the 25-year-old star could emerge as a key solution for their current problems.

Real Madrid’s serious midfield problems raise doubts for the 2026-27

After the departures of Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos, Real Madrid remained relatively calm in the transfer market, as they have six midfielders and expected them to step up. However, they found themselves with several box-to-box–type midfielders who are quite similar to one another, leaving a clear lack of an organizing profile. While Enzo would be the ideal solution, the club could be forced to part ways with one of their current midfielders.

With Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham being a cornerstone in Real Madrid project, both stars are expected to remain in the team, but the Englishman could take a right winger role. Moreover, Aurelien Tchouameni remains as the sole defensive midfielder in the roster, potentially keeping his spot. With this in mind, Eduardo Camavinga could be forced to leave the team, leaving a gap for Enzo Fernandez and holding Arda Guler as his backup.

In case any midfielder leaves Real Madrid, they could have seven midfielders for just three spots with Enzo’s arrival. For that reason, some players might be forced to readapt their positions, such as Camavinga in the left back. Nonetheless, Franco Mastantuono could be left in a secondary role, as Bellingham could take a more offensive role with Brahim as his backup. For that reason, the Spanish side may face a difficult task to compound the midfield.

The individual who threw a firework that hit goalkeeper Emil Audero during the Serie A match between Cremonese and Inter on Sunday evening has been identified as a 19-year-old Nerazzurri supporter, who has now been arrested. 

Inter fan arrested after Audero firework incident

Inter’s 2-0 win over Cremonese this weekend was temporarily brought to a halt when a firework was thrown onto the pitch from the section of the ground housing the travelling Nerazzurri supporters. 

That firework exploded right next to Cremonese goalkeeper Audero, who was struck by the sparks. He was later spotted with a small cut and burn mark on his knee, but decided to continue playing. 

Nerazzurri officials have strongly condemned the incident, but this was not enough to prevent a ban on travelling supporters for the next three away Serie A matches. 

Now, according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, the individual responsible for throwing the firework onto the pitch has been identified and arrested, all within 48 hours of the incident taking place. 

The individual responsible is a 19-year-old Inter supporter, who is understood to be involved with the club’s ultras. 

The teenager was not, however, the person who reportedly lost three fingers in a separate firework-related incident during the Cremonese-Inter match.

Reports in Italy claim that Juventus star Kenan Yildiz is all set to sign a new and improved long-term contract extension with the Old Lady, which will see him tied to the club until the summer of 2030. 

Yildiz’s new Juventus contract described as ‘imminent’

Yildiz is already under contract until the summer of 2029, but the Bianconeri are hoping to reward him with an increased salary that reflects his star status within the squad.

Currently, he earns a reported €1.7m per season in wages, which doesn’t even place him in the top 15 highest paid players in the squad. 

Given that there has been plenty of interest in Yildiz since he burst onto the scene in 2023, Juventus are keen to hand him a new and improved contract in the hope that he stays on at the Allianz Stadium long into the future. 

There have been suggestions that Yildiz will become one of, if not the highest paid player in the squad, assuming that Dusan Vlahovis is moved on in the summer. Recent updates claim that Yildiz will be given an annual salary in the region of €6m. 

Now, according to reports from Romeo Agresti and Ilbianconero.com, the relevant parties are now discussing the final details of Yildiz’s new contract, and the signing now appears to be ‘imminent’. 

Tuesday’s report claims that the deal could be wrapped up later on this week. 

Reports in Italy claim that three different medical experts advised Milan against signing Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta on the final day of the January transfer window. 

Why did Milan’s deadline day deal for Mateta fall through?

Among the biggest stories on deadline day was Milan’s attempted signing of Mateta, who has scored 10 goals from 34 appearances across all competitions for Crystal Palace this term. 

The Rossoneri agreed a fee with Crystal Palace, understood to be in the region of €35m, and the South London club gave the green light for the Frenchman to have his medical over the weekend. 

Palace have also brought in a replacement for Mateta in Jorgen Strand Larsen, who arrived in a deal worth around €50m from fellow Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers. 

However, Mateta’s move to Milan eventually fell through on the final day of the January transfer window. This was due to the fact that there were concerns surrounding the striker’s knee and fears that he would need surgery and then several months of recovery to amend the issue. 

According to Tuesday’s reports, Milan and Crystal Palace were always aware of the fact that there was a possibility of the Mateta deal falling through as a result of his physical condition. 

Crystal Palace were reportedly fully compliant with Milan, sending detailed medical reports of Mateta’s condition. However, Palace were also aware that if the Mateta deal fell through on medical grounds, he would be unlikely to be able continue playing for them either, which is why they went ahead with the Strand Larsen transfer anyway. 

According to reports in Italy, three different doctors recommended against Milan’s signing of Mateta, who now faces a spell of around three to four months on the sidelines after taking the decision to have surgery on his knee. 

Manchester United are looking to improve the attacking unit with the signing of Aleksandar Stankovic from Belgian club Club Brugge.

The 20-year-old has impressed with his quality and leadership in Belgium, and Manchester United have set their sights on signing him. It remains to be seen whether they follow up on their interest with an official proposal at the end of the season. The 20-year-old is a tremendous talent with a bright future, and he could develop into a player for Manchester United.

Stankovic was also linked with Arsenal recently.

Spurs are also keen on Aleksandar Stankovic

Meanwhile, Fichajes claims the player is also on Tottenham Hotspur’s radar. The report claims that there could be a big money battle between the two English powerhouses for the Serbian youth International.

Club Brugge would certainly welcome interest from multiple clubs, creating a bidding war for his signature. It would allow them to recoup a significant amount of money for the youngster.

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Stankovic to replace Casemiro or Palhinha?

Manchester United need a quality replacement for Casemiro, and the Serbian could be ideal. He could anchor their midfield and help them control games better. Similarly, Tottenham need a player with his skill set. Joao Palhinha will leave the club at the end of the season, and they need to fill the void he leaves.

It will be interesting to see which of the two clubs can get the deal done. The 20-year-old will be attracted to the idea of moving to the Premier League. It would be a step up in his career, and he will look to prove himself at the highest level.

Whichever club manages to get the deal done, could have a future star on their hands.

The post Man United and Tottenham set for big-money fight over 20-year-old wonderkid appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has sparked intense transfer speculation after refusing to dismiss the possibility of re-signing former Gunners star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Speaking during Monday’s pre-match press conference ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea, Arteta admitted the club is “exploring every option” to bolster a depleted midfield.

Arsenal could re-sign Alex Oxlade Chamberlain

The 32-year-old free agent, who has been training with Arsenal since November to maintain his fitness, is legally available to sign outside the transfer window.

When asked directly if the Oxlade-Chamberlain could be handed a short-term contract, Arteta offered a cryptic but open-ended response.

He said: “We need to do everything that we possibly can to see if we have a player that is available. If we don’t, we keep what we have.”

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Feb 3 2026, 22:51

“He needs to leave”: Sunderland ace told to leave “very intense” Premier League

Feb 3 2026, 21:45

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Feb 3 2026, 21:30

The transfer speculations comes as a direct result of a significant injury to Mikel Merino.

The Spanish international is set to undergo surgery on a fractured bone in his right foot sustained during the recent clash with Manchester United.

With the winter window now closed, the free-agent market, and specifically a player already integrated into the training environment, presents a rare lifeline.

Why Oxlade-Chamberlain could be a masterstroke signing for Arsenal

While injuries have plagued Oxlade-Chamberlain since his departure from Liverpool and a brief stint at Besiktas, his return would offer Arsenal much-needed tactical flexibility.

Having played nearly 200 games for the club between 2011 and 2017, his familiarity with the “Arsenal way” is a significant advantage.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain stats for Liverpool and Arsenal

Beyond sentiment, his experience in high-pressure title races and Champions League nights with Liverpool provides a experienced presence for a young squad in a crucial period.

With interest also brewing from Martin O’Neill’s Celtic, Arsenal may have to act quickly if they want to secure the midfielder as an emergency depth option for the season’s final four months.

The post Mikel Arteta refuses to rule out signing Champions League winner appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham Hotspur are struggling with injuries in their attacking unit and have been advised to sign Raheem Sterling on a free transfer.

The England International recently terminated his contract with Chelsea, and Paul Merson believes that Tottenham should sign Sterling.

Spurs could use Raheem Sterling

Mohammed Kudus, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are currently on the sidelines with injuries. Tottenham need someone who can operate anywhere in the front three and create opportunities for his teammates in the final third. They will also need goals, and Sterling could be the dynamic attacker they are looking for.

Signing him on a free transfer could prove to be an interesting opportunity for the north London club. Unless his financial demands are significant, the move would make a lot of sense for Spurs.

Merson told Sky Sports: “They need players in. Thomas Frank and Tottenham have been unlucky with Solanke, Kulusevski and Maddison all out.

“I would bring Sterling in. I think it’s a no-brainer on a free transfer. I really do.

“You don’t want to start bringing every Tom, Dick and Harry in to try and stay up.

“They just need one or two players in and get their players fit.”

It will be interesting to see how the situation develops. Tottenham have been mediocre this season, and they need quality players to bounce back. They improved in midfield and defence in January, but failed to plug the gaps in the attacking unit.

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Feb 3 2026, 22:51

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Feb 3 2026, 21:45

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Feb 3 2026, 21:30

Sterling eyeing a move

Sterling will be desperate to get his career back on track with regular football as well. He was a quality player in the Premier League during his time at Liverpool and Manchester City. He will look to get back to that level. His desire to succeed could be a bonus for Tottenham if they manage to sign him.

Sterling recently failed to make his mark at Arsenal or Chelsea. But he remains a quality player with extensive experience.

The post Tottenham told to seal “no brainer” move for ex-Arsenal man to save their season appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle United and Aston Villa have submitted an offer to sign the Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen. 

The talented young defender recently joined Real Madrid from Bournemouth, and the Spanish club has no intention of sanctioning his departure. They will not enter into negotiations with the English clubs, and it remains to be seen whether Newcastle or Aston Villa move on to other targets.

Newcastle and Villa want Dean Huijsen

They could use a quality central defender, and they were preparing to spend €40 million (£34.5m) on the Spaniard, as per Fichajes. However, the 20-year-old is a key part of Real Madrid’s plans, and it is no surprise that they are not prepared to consider any move.

Aston Villa are pushing for Champions League qualification, and they are likely to be an attractive destination for players if they finish in the top four. However, Huijsen is unlikely to leave Real Madrid for them. They will have to look at other options as they look to tighten up at the back.

Newcastle are also looking to put together a formidable team. They need quality long-term alternatives to players like Dan Burn and Fabian Schar. There is no doubt that the Spanish defender would have been ideal for them, but the move seems unrealistic.

Newcastle United have the chance to sign ‘one of the most lethal strikers in Europe’

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What Mikel Arteta was seen doing seconds before Kai Havertz’s winner vs Chelsea

Feb 3 2026, 22:51

“He needs to leave”: Sunderland ace told to leave “very intense” Premier League

Feb 3 2026, 21:45

“I wouldn’t be surprised…”: Newcastle sent warning over future of key star

Feb 3 2026, 21:30

Huijsen is not for sale

Real Madrid are looking to build a team for the future, and they will not want to lose one of the most talented young defenders in Europe and football right now.

Newcastle and Aston Villa have exciting projects, and they will be attractive destinations for quality players in the summer. It remains to be seen whether they can plug the gaps in their defence and launch a strong push for trophies next season.

Harvey Elliott future sorted amid struggles at Aston Villa this season

The post What La Liga club plans to do as Newcastle and Aston Villa plot £34.5m heist appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Mohamed Salah has been linked with a move away from Liverpool in recent weeks.

The 33-year-old Egyptian international has not been at his best for the English club. Al-Ittihad are interested in signing the player at the end of the season.

Mohamed Salah to Al-Ittihad?

According to a report from Win Win Sports, the club is set to make contact with Liverpool in the coming weeks. Karim Benzema recently left the Saudi Arabian club, and they want Salah to replace him. The 33-year-old has also been linked to a move to Saudi Arabia in the past.

It seems highly likely that the Egyptian will leave Liverpool in the summer, and moving to Saudi Arabia could be an interesting opportunity for him. He is one of the best players in the world when in form, and he could prove to be an exceptional acquisition for Al-Ittihad.

More Stories / Latest News

What Mikel Arteta was seen doing seconds before Kai Havertz’s winner vs Chelsea

Feb 3 2026, 22:51

“He needs to leave”: Sunderland ace told to leave “very intense” Premier League

Feb 3 2026, 21:45

“I wouldn’t be surprised…”: Newcastle sent warning over future of key star

Feb 3 2026, 21:30

Liverpool likely to sell Salah

Meanwhile, the player is valued at €30 million. He has a contract with Liverpool until 2027, and it remains to be seen whether the Saudi outfit is prepared to pay up. It seems unlikely that Liverpool will stand in his way at the end of the season. They will look to cash in on the player while he still retains some value. It remains to be seen whether they can replace him properly.

Salah has been a club legend, and he has helped Liverpool win several trophies. This is the right time for him to move on and take on a different challenge. Moving to a lower-intensity league could prolong his career. He would also earn a significant amount of money in Saudi Arabia, which could prove attractive in the twilight stages of his career.

The post Report: Club set to contact Liverpool in coming weeks to sign €30 million-rated star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Verdict: Manchester United win Best Odds: 7/10 Bookmaker: Dachbet In what is a heavyweight Premier League battle on Saturday lunchtime, Manchester United will welcome Tottenham to Old Trafford. Manchester United Starting with the hosts, while Michael Carrick might have only completed a shock return to the Old Trafford dugout last month, Manchester United are clearly […]

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

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

Arsenal host Chelsea in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal after edging the first meeting 3-2, giving the Gunners a narrow advantage heading into the return fixture. With a spot in the season’s first major final on the line, both London rivals are going all out at Emirates Stadium.

The hosts enter the match in strong form following a dominant 4-0 win over Leeds United, a result that kept them top of the Premier League with 53 points from 24 matches. Chelsea, meanwhile, have built momentum since the first leg, riding a five-game winning streak under new head coach Liam Rosenior.

On the other side of the Carabao Cup bracket, Manchester City and Newcastle United are battling for the second place in the final, with City holding a 2-0 advantage ahead of Wednesday’s second leg. While Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are aiming to end their trophy drought dating back to the 2023 Community Shield, Chelsea are looking to launch a new era under Rosenior following Enzo Maresca’s dismissal.

Bukayo Saka a major doubt for Arsenal

One of Arsenal’s biggest concerns surrounds Bukayo Saka, who was ruled out of the win over Leeds United after suffering an unexpected injury. The England international picked up a muscle issue during warm-up prior to that match, casting doubt over his availability for the crucial clash against Chelsea.

Speaking at Monday’s press conference, Arteta addressed Saka’s status ahead of the semifinal: “We have to wait. Today he was better but we have to wait and see how he responds, and then make the decision. It doesn’t look like something too serious. Whether he’s going to be available for tomorrow or the weekend, we’ll see.“

Arsenal and Chelsea’s confirmed lineups

Arsenal’s confirmed lineup (4-3-3): Kepa Arrizabalaga; Jurrien Timber, William Salibá, Gabriel, Piero Hincapie; Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice; Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel Martinelli.
Head coach: Mikel Arteta.

Chelsea’s confirmed lineup (3-5-2): Robert Sanchez; Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Jorrel Hato; Malo Gusto, Moses Caicedo, Andrey Santos, Enzo Fernandez, Marc Cucurella; Liam Delap, Joao Pedro.
Head coach: Liam Rosenior.

With more than half the season already gone, Barcelona are one of the few teams in Spain still competing on all three fronts: La Liga, UEFA Champions League, and Copa del Rey. The latter is reaching its decisive stages, and this Tuesday the Blaugranas will aim for a spot in the semifinals when they take on Albacete. Despite the importance of the match, Raphinha will be absent.

“Raphinha is suffering from an overload in the adductor muscle of his right leg,” Barcelona announced Monday in a statement on social media. “As a precaution, he will miss tomorrow’s match against Albacete, and his recovery period is expected to be one week.”

This leaves Hansi Flick without one of his most decisive players. The Brazilian winger has been a key part of the team since the German coach’s arrival in 2024, forming a fearsome attacking trio alongside Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski.

In fact, this season Raphinha has stood out with 13 goals and 5 assists in 22 matches across all competitions. However, physical issues—especially a hamstring injury—have sidelined him for 10 games this campaign.

Other injured Barcelona players

Raphinha’s absence is a big blow for Barcelona, considering the winger’s importance to the team and his goal contributions. However, he is not the only key player missing for the Albacete clash.

Another star of the squad, Pedri, will also be unavailable for the Copa del Rey match. The Spanish midfielder has been recovering for 14 days from a right hamstring injury sustained on January 21 against Slavia Praha in the Champions League. Joining him on the sidelines are Gavi and Andreas Christensen, both out with more serious injuries.

Who will replace Raphinha against Albacete?

As has happened in previous matches without Raphinha, his spot on the left wing will be taken by Marcus Rashford. The English forward has adapted well in his first year at the club and has stats that would make him a guaranteed starter on almost any other European team, giving coach Flick full confidence in him.

Barcelona’s confirmed lineup against Albacete in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals is: Joan Garcia; Joao Cancelo, Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, Gerard Martin; Marc Bernal, Frenkie de Jong, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Marcus Rashford.

Milan will have to do without Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic and Alexis Saelemaekers in their starting line-up for Tuesday evening’s Serie A clash away against Bologna at the Dall’Ara. 

The Rossoblu only have one win from six matches in Serie A in 2026, and have slipped down to 10th place in the standings as a result.

The Rossoneri are coming in off the back of a 1-1 draw with Roma last time out in the league, and require three points if they are to continue applying the pressure on Inter at the top of the league table.

Vincenzo Italiano is without suspended goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski on Tuesday night, and will also have to do without Jhon Lucumi through injury. Joao Mario arrived on loan with an option to buy from Juventus on Monday’s transfer deadline day, but the Portuguese stats on the bench on Tuesday evening. 

Milan, meanwhile, have named a new combination of forwards, as Ruben Loftus-Cheek is set to support Christopher Nkunku in attack this evening. That means no Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leao or Niclas Fullkrug in tonight’s starting line-up. 

Alexis Saelemaekers has also been ruled out and is replaced by summer signing Zachary Athekame at right wing-back. Massimiliano Allegri is able to call upon his preferred midfield trio of Youssouf Fofana, Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot, though. 

Leao and Fullkrug have been named among the substitutes, but Pulisic and Saelemaekers miss out altogether. 

Kick-off is due at 19.45 GMT. 

Bologna vs. Milan: Confirmed line-ups

Bologna (4-2-3-1): Ravaglia; Zortea, Heggem, Casale, Miranda; Freuler, Ferguson; Orsolini, Odgaard, Rowe; Castro.

Milan (3-5-1-1): Maignan; De Winter, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Athekame, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Loftus-Cheek; Nkunku.

03-02-2026 19:45

MatchDay 23

Renato Dall'Ara Stadium

Bologna

Milan

0 - 3

Player statistic

1st half

		20'		Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Assist: Adrien Rabiot)
		39'		Christopher Nkunku

2nd half

		48'		Adrien Rabiot
Federico Ravaglia		51'
Remo Freuler		58'
Lewis Ferguson		64'

Match statistic

54

Possession %

46

13

Total shots

10

2

Shots on target

7

9

Shots off target

2

2

Blocked shots

1

5

Corners

Offsides

1

14

Fouls

10

Bologna

Milan

Starting lineups

13

Federico Ravaglia

Goalkeeper

33

Juan Miranda

Defender

78'

20

Nadir Zortea

Defender

16

Nicolò Casale

Defender

14

Torbjørn Heggem

Defender

11

Jonathan Rowe

Midfielder

78'

19

Lewis Ferguson

Midfielder

8

Remo Freuler

Midfielder

65'

21

Jens Odgaard

Attacker

7

Riccardo Orsolini

Attacker

53'

9

Santiago Castro

Attacker

54'

16

Mike Maignan

Goalkeeper

33

Davide Bartesaghi

Defender

83'

5

Koni De Winter

Defender

46

Matteo Gabbia

Defender

31

Strahinja Pavlovic

Defender

24

Zachary Athekame

Defender

67'

12

Adrien Rabiot

Midfielder

14

Luka Modric

Midfielder

72'

8

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Midfielder

67'

19

Youssouf Fofana

Midfielder

18

Christopher Nkunku

Attacker

72'

Substitutes

4

Tommaso Pobega

Midfielder

23

Simon Sohm

Midfielder

41

Martin Vitik

Defender

17

João Mário

Defender

30

Benja Domínguez

Attacker

25

Massimo Pessina

Goalkeeper

5

Eivind Helland

Defender

82

Matteo Franceschelli

Goalkeeper

10

Federico Bernardeschi

Attacker

53'

24

Thijs Dallinga

Attacker

54'

6

Nikola Moro

Midfielder

65'

22

Charalampos Lykogiannis

Defender

78'

28

Nicolò Cambiaghi

Attacker

78'

1

Pietro Terracciano

Goalkeeper

10

Rafael Leão

Attacker

96

Lorenzo Torriani

Goalkeeper

27

David Odogu

Defender

23

Fikayo Tomori

Defender

67'

4

Samuele Ricci

Midfielder

67'

30

Ardon Jashari

Midfielder

72'

9

Niclas Füllkrug

Attacker

72'

2

Pervis Estupiñán

Defender

83'

{rsn-live-v2}

Ademola Lookman was the most expensive Serie A sale of the 2026 January transfer window, but Napoli could match the same fee if Lorenzo Lucca’s loan move to Nottingham Forest is made permanent. Here is a reminder of the most expensive departures of the winter transfer window. 

The Serie A transfer window came to a close at 19.00 GMT on Monday, February 2. Lookman was the second most expensive deadline day transfer in the world with his €35m switch from Atalanta to Atletico Madrid (not including bonuses). 

•  Read more: Top 10 most expensive Serie A signings of January transfer window

Lazio were among the most active Serie A sides during the January transfer window, and raised just shy of €60m through their sales of Taty Castellanos to West Ham and Matteo Guendouzi to Fenerbahce. 

Lorenzo Lucca is an interesting case, as he was technically bought outright by Napoli from Udinese, and then sent out on loan to Nottingham Forest with an option to buy. His two moves this month could turn out to be worth in excess of €60m.

Here are the most expensive permanent sales of the January transfer window, and a list of the most significant loans with option to buy. 

Most expensive permanent sales of Serie A January transfer window 

1. Ademola Lookman: Atalanta → Atletico Madrid €35m
2. Taty Castellanos: Lazio → West Ham €29m
3. Matteo Guendouzi: Lazio → Fenerbahce €28m
4. Lorenzo Lucca: Udinese → Napoli €26m
5. Tammy Abraham: Roma → Besiktas €15m

Notable loans with options to buy

1. Lorenzo Lucca: Napoli → Nottingham Forest on loan with €35m option to buy
2. Noa Lang: Napoli → Galatasaray on loan with €28m option to buy
3. Douglas Luiz: Juventus → Aston Villa with €25m option to buy
4. Christos Mandas: Lazio → AFC Bournemouth on loan with €18.5m option to buy
5. Daniel Maldini: Atalanta → Lazio on loan with €15.5m option to buy
6. Marco Brescianini: Atalanta → Fiorentina on loan with €10m option to buy

Lorenzo Lucca, Giacomo Raspadori and Robinio Vaz were among the most expensive Serie A signings during the 2026 January transfer window, which saw the Italian top-flight sides spend a total of €243.49m over the last 31 days. 

The January transfer deadline struck at 19.00 GMT on Monday evening. Milan failed to get a deal over the line for Jean-Philippe Mateta, but there was still plenty of action on the final day of the window, including Juventus’s signing of Emil Holm from Bologna, Joao Mario moving in the opposite direction, and Roma’s acquisition of Bryan Zaragoza from Bayern Munich. 

The full month brought several new additions, including new Roma striker Donyell Malen, Napoli’s acquisition of Giovane and the return of Giacomo Raspadori from Atletico Madrid. 

Technically, Lorenzo Lucca, who left Napoli to join Nottingham Forest in January, was the most expensive Serie A signing this month. That is because the Italy international was still on loan with an option to buy at Napoli, and the Partenopei had to exercise that option to buy clause from Udinese before sending him to the Premier League. 

Coming in at joint-second are Giacomo Raspadori, who joined Atalanta after six months in LaLiga with Atletico Madrid, and Robinio Vaz, who joined Roma in a permanent deal from Olympique de Marseille. 

Below are the top 10 most expensive permanent signings from the 2026 January transfer window in Serie A. 

Top 10 most expensive Serie A signings in January 2026

1. Lorenzo Lucca: Udinese → Napoli €26m*

=2. Giacomo Raspadori: Atletico Madrid → Atalanta €22m

=2. Robinio Vaz: Olympique de Marseille → Roma €22m

4. Kenneth Taylor: Ajax → Lazio €16.85m

5. Petar Ratkov: RB Salzburg → Lazio €13m

6. Adrian Lahdo: Hammarby → Como: €11.94m

7. Darryl Bakola: Olympique de Marseille → Sassuolo €10m

8. Ismael Kone: Olympique de Marseille → Sassuolo €10m*

9. Rafiu Durosinmi: Viktoria Plzen → Pisa €9m

10. Alphadjo Cisse: Hellas Verona → Milan €8m

Fees according to transfermarkt.co.uk

* denotes pre-existing option to buy

According to a prominent source on X, the representatives for Liverpool center-back Ibrahima Konate are scheduled to hold crunch talks with club officials this Friday.

The meeting comes at a critical juncture for the Reds, as the French international enters the final months of a contract that has become a source of mounting anxiety at Anfield.

Konate’s contract stand-off: Liverpool running out of time

The 26-year-old defender is currently playing on the same terms he signed upon arriving from RB Leipzig in 2021.

Despite being a key part of Liverpool’s defence over the years, negotiations over an extension have hit a public impasse.

Reports suggest Konate previously rejected an offer that would have tied him to the club until 2030, citing frustrations over a performance-heavy salary structure.

With his deal set to expire in June 2026, Konate is already legally permitted to negotiate pre-contract agreements with overseas clubs.

Real Madrid have shown strong interest in the Frenchman while PSG have also been credited with an interest in the player.

Liverpool cannot afford to repeat Trent Alexander-Arnold mistake

The urgency surrounding Friday’s meeting is fueled by the ghost of last summer.

Liverpool fans are still reeling from the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who left for Real Madrid on a cut-price £10m deal just before his contract expired.

Losing a second world-class asset in successive years for free would be a significant blow to Sporting Director Richard Hughes’ reputation.

But there is a strong possibility that Konate could be on his way out and that would explain the club’s decision to go all in for another French centre-back.

Liverpool’s £60 million signing of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes is viewed by many as a direct replacement for Konate, suggesting that the club are preparing for a future without the ‘world-class’ centre-back.

The post Agent of ‘world-class’ Frenchman to meet Liverpool officials on Friday, says insider appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero created controversy with his explosive social media post after the January window closed. 

The South American defender seemed to criticise the lack of adequate signings, and he has now been slammed by Simon Jordan from talkSPORT.

Romero said: “Great effort from all my team-mates yesterday [against Manchester City], they were incredible. I wanted to be available to help them even though I wasn’t feeling well, especially since we only had 11 players available – unbelievable but true and disgraceful.

“We’ll keep showing up and taking responsibility to turn this around, working hard and staying together. All that’s left is to thank all of you for being there and for always supporting us, the fans.”

It is no secret that Tottenham needed more additions during the January window. They signed Conor Gallagher and Souza this winter, but they still need more depth in the attacking unit. They are without several key attackers and have struggled to create opportunities and regularly find the back of the net. The decision not to sign a quality attacker and to let Brennan Johnson leave the club could prove costly.

It is hardly a surprise that top-quality players like Romero are disappointed. He will want to fight for major trophies every season, and Tottenham have simply not shown the ambition required to challenge at the highest level.

Meanwhile, Jordan believes Romero has been “uncontrollable” in his social media outbursts and should be cautioned by the north London club. He also added that he feels the 27-year-old “will leave Tottenham” at the end of the season. The defender also wanted to leave at the start of the season.

The post Pundit slams “uncontrollable” star after what he did, believes he will “leave Tottenham” appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham Hotspur were looking to add to their attacking unit during the January transfer window and wanted to secure the services of Angelo Gabriel.

The former Chelsea winner has impressed in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr, and Tottenham made discreet enquiries to sign him in the final days of the window. However, they failed to get the deal done.

The Brazilian winger is highly rated and has a bright future ahead of him. The 21-year-old could have been a useful acquisition for Tottenham. They need to improve in the final third, and signing the Brazilian would have been a boost.

Tottenham ended up signing Souza and Conor Gallagher during the January window, but they failed to plug the gaps in the attacking unit. It will be interesting to see whether that proves costly in the second half of the season. Tottenham are dealing with multiple injury problems, and key attackers like Mohammed Kudus, James Madison, and Dejan Kulusevski are currently sidelined.

According to a report from TeamTalk, Tottenham did not make an official offer to sign Angelo Gabriel, despite gathering information on his availability and potential fee.

The young attacker has six goals and 16 assists to his name for the Saudi Arabian club, and there is no doubt that he would have been a useful option for them in the attack. The 21-year-old is quite young and has a bright future; with the right guidance, he could have developed into a key player for Tottenham.

It has been a disappointing season for the north London club, and it remains to be seen whether they can turn things around in the coming months.

The post Report confirms Tottenham’s secret attempt to snap up 22-G/A sensation late in the window appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Following several standout years at Chelsea, N’Golo Kanté made the surprising decision to join Al Ittihad as a free agent in 2023. Far from dimming his best version, the Frenchman has remained one of the team’s top players. Despite this, he was reportedly set to move to Fenerbahçe, but a curious error caused the deal to collapse. In response, the 34-year-old star has reportedly made a decisive decision at Al Ittihad.

According to Florian Plettenberg, Al Ittihad and Fenerbahçe reached an agreement for the transfer of N’Golo Kanté. The deal was closed at €4 million and included Youssef En-Nesyri moving to the Arab club. With this, the Frenchman was set for a triumphant return to European leagues, signing a contract through 2028. However, the entire operation collapsed due to an error reported by the Turkish club, which brought the case to light.

“The transfer process involving Al Ittihad Club, N’Golo Kanté, and Youssef En-Nesyri has been meticulously managed by our club in line with our plans and with utmost care in all respects… The documents regarding the transfer registration have been uploaded to the system correctly… However, due to the erroneous entry of the relevant TMS information by the opposing club, the procedures could not be completed within the transfer registration period,” Fenerbahçe announced, via X.

Given the advanced stage of the deal and Al Ittihad’s alleged mistake, N’Golo Kanté made a surprising decision. According to Ben Jacobs on X, formerly Twitter, he refused to train with the team today as he continues to pursue a move to Fenerbahçe. His departure would be a significant setback, as the team failed to secure Gustavo Sa and has already lost Karim Benzema. Additionally, replacing Kanté would be impossible now that the transfer window has closed.

Kanté still chases his arrival to Fenerbahce amid a FIFA complain

Although the transfer window has officially closed, N’Golo Kanté remains determined to secure a move to Fenerbahçe. According to L’Équipe, the Turkish club has decided to officially appeal to FIFA and is now awaiting a formal ruling. In light of this, the Frenchman has reportedly decided to explore all his options by skipping training, as he aims to ensure his return to European leagues.

Al Ittihad secured a young striker as Benzema’s successor

Following Karim Benzema’s departure, Youssef En-Nesyri had been tipped as the Frenchman’s successor, meaning his exit could represent a major blow for the club. However, they reportedly had an ace up their sleeve, as they moved to secure the arrival of a young striker. According to Fabrizio Romano, Georges Ilenikhena will become a new Al Ittihad player after the club agreed to pay €33 million to AS Monaco for his transfer, securing a replacement for the veteran Frenchman.

AC Milan started the 2025-26 season in top form, even becoming leaders of Serie A for several weeks. However, they have accumulated a series of inconsistencies, losing the top spot. In fact, the Rossoneri are coming off a draw against AS Roma, losing key points. They face Bologna today, looking for a victory that will allow them to return to their best form. Nevertheless, coach Massimiliano Allegri holds a big challenge as Christian Pulisic will be absent in today’s game.

Although Christian Pulisic has been a mainstay under coach Massimiliano Allegri in recent matches, the USMNT star will miss the Rossoneri’s game against Bologna, as he is not even in the bench. According to Gianluca Di Marzio and Antonio Vitiello, the 27-year-old has been diagnosed with bursitis, which sidelines him for the match. This setback marks his third injury of the season, hindering his otherwise impressive performance.

Pulisic once found peak scoring form with AC Milan, but the USMNT star has now gone five consecutive matches without a goal, drawing serious criticism from fans. However, he hasn’t fully reached his best physical condition yet, and the lack of attacking stars may have forced him to exert extra physical effort. Therefore, the 27-year-old’s absence might be crucial in restoring him to full fitness ahead of the final phase of the season.

In the absence of Christian Pulisic, coach Massimiliano Allegri will rely on Christopher Nkunku and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to make a significant impact. Additionally, Adrien Rabiot will play a crucial role in the attack, as his goal-scoring ability will be more important than ever to secure a win. Furthermore, Bologna have won only one of their last six Serie A matches, suggesting that AC Milan might not encounter too many difficulties in claiming victory.

Bologna lineup vs. AC Milan

Ahead of the match against AC Milan, Bologna remain without key goalkeeper Łukasz Skorupski,and without Jhon Lucumí due to physical issues. However, coach Vincenzo Italiano has a fairly competitive squad, with Riccardo Orsolini and Jonathan Rowe leading the attack. In addition, Santiago Castro could also play a key role in pushing for a victory against the Rossoneri.

Considering this, Bologna will play as follows: Federico Ravaglia; Nadir Zortea, Nicolò Casale, Torbjörn Heggem, Juan Miranda; Remo Freuler, Lewis Ferguson; Riccardo Orsolini, Jens Odgaard, Jonathan Rowe; Santiago Castro.

AC Milan lineup vs. Bologna

Although Christian Pulisic is AC Milan’s most notable absence, coach Massimiliano Allegri will also be without Alexis Saelemaekers and Santiago Giménez. As a result, they are expected to make significant changes to the starting lineup. Even so, the Rossoneri remain clear favorites to secure the win, as stars such as Christopher Nkunku and Adrien Rabiot are fully fit and ready to play a crucial role in the match.

With this in mind, AC Milan will start as follows: Mike Maignan; Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, Koni De Winter; Zachary Athekame, Samuele Ricci, Luka Modric, Adrien Rabiot, Davide Bartesaghi; Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Christopher Nkunku.

Match Overview

A spot in the final is on the line as London rivals meet in a tense second leg of this Carabao Cup with everything to play for. Arsenal arrive holding a narrow 3–2 first-leg advantage and the confidence that comes with leading the Premier League.

On the other hand, Chelsea return home encouraged by recent success and knowing a big performance is required to turn the tie around. With pride, momentum, and a place in the final at stake, this is a showdown fans won’t want to miss.

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Match Overview

Barcelona’s Copa del Rey journey reaches a crucial stage with a semifinal spot at stake, and the bracket has suddenly opened following Real Madrid’s shocking exit. That upset put Albacete in the spotlight after their historic Round of 16 win, setting up a high-profile meeting with the tournament favorites.

Barcelona arrive with momentum and heavy expectations, while Albacete carry confidence and the belief they can deliver another stunning result. With contrasting storylines colliding, this quarterfinal is one you won’t want to miss.

It has been on the cards for a while, but Ademola Lookman’s departure from Bergamo is a major blow. Giancarlo Rinaldi looks back on how he wrote his way into the club’s history.

There may have been more typical stories of how a player has had their career transformed at Atalanta, but surely not many. The Bergamaschi – especially during Gian Piero Gasperini’s reign – developed a happy knack of taking footballers that had failed to truly ignite elsewhere and turning them into pyrotechnic success stories. Few have burned brighter than Ademola Lookman.

The London-born Nigerian international first emerged with Charlton nearly a decade ago and went through a string of moves that never really worked out. At Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham and Leicester, there were always sparks of brilliance but never with the consistency that any of those clubs had hoped for. It was not until 2022 – with his 25th birthday just a few months away – that he would finally find the perfect place to let his talents shine.

Lookman’s Atalanta move

La Dea, we know, has a habit of performing this magic – particularly under their silver-haired coach now departed for Roma. Gasperini’s brilliance is both in the overall teamplay that his sides produce but also in elevating players who have perhaps been underachievers elsewhere. Nowhere was this more in evidence than with Lookman.

He quickly became a mainstay in the Atalanta attack and also a goal threat with much greater regularity than he ever found elsewhere. If the club became something of a cult hit in Europe, it owed much to his breathtaking displays. Defenders across Italy and the rest of the continent were left dizzy by his close control and thumping finishes. This was a devastating player at the peak of his powers.

His crowning glory, surely, was the Europa League final against a Bayer Leverkusen side which had previously looked invincible. Yes, it was a masterpiece of tactics from Gasperini and an epic team performance too, but at the heart of everything good was Lookman. Everything he touched turned into a goalscoring chance, and the hat-trick he eventually completed cemented his place in the club’s hall of fame. It is unlikely to be a more impressive display for the Bergamo club in Europe ever again.

Of course, that turned heads – perhaps even the player himself got a little distracted. Certainly, things did not run quite as smoothly after that, and there were constant rumours that he was on the way out. Still, when he was on song, he remained a key part of the Atalanta attack. That he finished with more than 50 goals in less than 140 games without being an out-and-out striker tells you all you need to know. Add to that nearly 30 assists, and you get some idea of how significant a contributor he was to the club. The fact that these totals eclipse the entirety of the rest of his career also underlines how important the Lombardy side was to him.

All good things, of course, must come to an end and the conclusion of the Gasperini era in the summer was always likely to be followed by a few departures. It is also in the nature of things at the New Balance Arena – or whatever their ground is called now – that their best talents will move on. Lookman will now test his talents in La Liga with Atletico Madrid.

That looks like a mouthwatering prospect, but he should be warned that moving away from the city, famously divided into its higher and lower sections, can also have its ups and downs. Although they have always been about the team more than any individual, he was undoubtedly a star of their European and Serie A exploits. He is just one star among many at the Spanish club.

Still, he has all the skills in the world to thrive in his new surroundings. After a more lengthy apprenticeship than most, he emerged as a huge talent in Italy and more than earned his African Player of the Year honour in 2024. There is every chance that more honours will come his way with the Colchoneros.

Back in Bergamo, they will be entitled to feel the odd pang of nostalgia whenever they see him play. Raffaele Palladino is building a new era at the club, but he will find it hard to match up to the house that Gasperini built. And, in its later stages, Ademola Lookman was an integral part of that project. Their talented scouts will undoubtedly be scouring the planet in the hopes of unearthing another footballer who can contribute even half as much to their cause.

@ginkers

Liverpool have been handed a blow in their pursuit of the Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano.

The 27-year-old French defender has been linked with a move away from the German club in recent weeks. Liverpool were interested in securing his signature, but a CF Bayern Insider report claims the player has now decided to commit his long-term future to the German champions.

Bayern Munich offered the French defender a lucrative contract, but failed to secure an agreement with him. They ultimately decided to retract the offer, but the player has decided to stay at the club, and the two parties are set to complete the formalities.

Liverpool were hoping to sign him as a replacement for Ibrahima Konaté. The 26-year-old French International will be out of contract at the end of the season, and Liverpool have not been able to secure an agreement with him. They need to replace him properly, and the Bayern Munich star could have been ideal. He has been exceptional for the German club this season, and he is certainly good enough to play for the biggest club in the world.

It will be interesting to see if Liverpool moves on to another target now. They need to sign two quality central defenders, and they have already secured Jeremy Jacquet’s signature. Adding another quality central defender should be an absolute priority for them.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich will be delighted to have secured the long-term future of their star defender. He is an indispensable asset for them, and his departure would have been a huge blow.

It remains to be seen whether Liverpool can convince Konate to stay at the club. If they manage to do that, it would certainly offset the blow of missing out on his compatriot.

The post Liverpool’s Konate exit fears grow as Reds face setback in pursuit of replacement appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Leon Goretzka has been linked with a move away from German champions Bayern Munich.

Arsenal were very interested in signing the player before the January transfer window closed, but the player had already committed to the German club that he would stay until the end of the season. Now, Christian Falk has revealed to CF Bayern Insider that there is a strong chance the player could move to Arsenal at the end of the season if they decide to return for him.

Tottenham wanted Goretzka in January as well.

Leon Goretzka has excelled for club and country

The 30-year-old has shown his quality in Germany and has the physical and technical attributes to do well in the Premier League. Arsenal are looking to add more muscle and drive in the middle of the park, and the German international would be ideal for them. He has extensive experience and the quality to play for the biggest clubs in the world. He is at the peak of his powers, and this could be the right time for him to take on a new challenge as well.

He has won several major trophies throughout his career, and he knows what it takes to play for a big club and to regularly challenge for trophies. He has been a key player for club and country over the years.

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Goretzka would be a quality signing

The 30-year-old will be out of contract in the summer, and it remains to be seen whether Arsenal can get the deal done. Signing a player of his quality and experience on a free transfer would be a huge bargain.

Goretzka has been labelled as a player “highly respected” by his teammates. There is no doubt that he would be an excellent addition for Arsenal on and off the pitch. Arsenal need leaders like him in the squad if they want to compete at the highest level regularly.

The post Strong chance “highly respected” star could join Arsenal, reliable journalist claims appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Prediction: Chelsea to win 4-0 Best Odds: 22/1 Bookmaker: Zetbet Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea will lock horns with each other in the Premier League this coming weekend. The match between Rob Edwards’s side and Liam Rosenior’s team will be held at Molineux Stadium and is scheduled to kick off at 3pm UK time on Saturday. […]

The post Prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Chelsea appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Chelsea appeared first on Soccer News.

Argentina are entering a crucial period in their road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Next month, they will compete for a title when they face Spain in the Finalissima, the tournament that brings together the champions of Europe and South America. In this context, a key teammate of Lionel Messi could be sidelined due to injury.

“Giovani Lo Celso suffers a myotendinous injury to the rectus femoris muscle in his right thigh,” Real Betis reported on Tuesday in a statement published on their official website. “The Argentine player has suffered a moderate proximal myotendinous injury to the rectus femoris muscle in his right thigh as a result of an accidental collision during the match against PAOK.”

The injury occurred nearly two weeks ago during a UEFA Europa League match on January 22 in Greece. Initially, the expectation was that the 29-year-old midfielder would miss just a couple of games before returning to action, but medical tests revealed a much more complex situation.

“His return to the squad will depend on how the injury progresses,” Betis limited themselves to stating. However, reports suggest the timeline could be significantly longer. “Gio Lo Celso suffered a muscular injury that will take him at least a month to recover from,” Argentine insider Gaston Edul said on his X account.

“At Betis, they anticipated a possible absence of some duration for Lo Celso,” Diario AS reported, predicting an even more pessimistic timeline than the one shared by Edul: “His absence could last just over two months.”

Lo Celso almost ruled out for the Finalissima

The news of Giovani Lo Celso’s injury is far from ideal for Lionel Scaloni, as it inevitably casts doubt over the midfielder’s participation in Argentina’s next challenge: the Finalissima against Spain, scheduled for March 27 in Doha, Qatar.

If the most optimistic forecasts hold true, Lo Celso could recover by early or mid-March, giving him roughly two weeks to regain his best form and rejoin the Argentine squad. In other words, it would be a tight timeline.

If reality aligns more with the pessimistic forecasts and the midfielder needs at least two months to return, his presence in the Finalissima will be ruled out, and he would not play again until April.

Another injury complicates Lo Celso’s career

In recent years, injuries have been a nightmare for Giovani Lo Celso. In fact, this was one of the main reasons Tottenham let him go before his return to Real Betis. In Spain, he has struggled to maintain consistent performance for the same reasons.

The start of this injury streak came in the weeks leading up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. At that time, Lo Celso was a key player for Argentina and Messi’s main creative partner on the field. But a serious muscle injury while playing for Villarreal kept him out of that tournament, depriving him of the chance to become a world champion. Now, a similar situation again puts his future with Argentina in doubt.

Match Overview

Matchday 23 closes with a high-stakes clash at the top of the Serie A standings, as Inter Milan come in fresh off a 2-0 win over Cremonese and leading the table with 55 points, applying pressure on AC Milan.

The Rossoneri trail by eight on 47 points and need a victory to cut the gap to five, while Bologna, mired in a disappointing midtable season and outside the European places, look to spark a late push toward continental contention.

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Cristiano Ronaldo has managed to remain one of the top players in the Saudi Pro League, maintaining an impressive scoring pace. However, the veteran’s future at Al Nassr remains highly uncertain, as the club’s lack of reinforcements has reportedly caused frustration for the Portuguese star, leading to his absence from the previous match. Instead of easing tensions, the 40-year-old star has made a surprising decision that makes his intentions clear.

According to journalist Abdul Aziz Al-Tamimi via X (formerly Twitter), Cristiano Ronaldo was absent from today’s training session at Al Nassr as coach Jorge Jesus scheduled the workout for players who did not feature in the match against Al Riyadh SC. With this, the Portuguese star continues to strain relations with the club, making his frustration over the lack of investment to strengthen the squad clear.

Although Al Nassr have managed to remain among the most competitive teams in the Saudi Pro League, they have had serious problems within the roster this season. Despite this, Wesley Gassova and Haroune Camara have left the team, clearly weakening the offense. In response to this, Hayder Abdulkareem and Abdullah Al-Hamdan arrived, but it does not seem to have been enough for Cristiano Ronaldo, who believes that the team has not improved enough.

Unlike Ronaldo’s team, Al Hilal have managed to create a fully competitive roster, signing three top-level players in this transfer market: Mohamed Meïté, Saïmon Nadélia Bouabré, and even Karim Benzema. In addition, they have retained Theo Hernandez and Sergej Milinković-Savić, among others, making them the most complete team in the league and leaving Al Nassr behind, who have failed to win the Saudi Pro League since the Portuguese player’s arrival.

Aware of his influence, Cristiano Ronaldo is pressuring Al Nassr’s management and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), showing his clear frustration. Although he has stayed in top form since joining the Saudi Pro League, he considers any season without a league title a failure due to his competitive drive. Recognizing that the current roster might fail again, the Portuguese star is pushing for immediate changes within PIF.

Ex-Premier League star delivers blunt criticism of Ronaldo’s attitude

Cristiano Ronaldo’s stance toward the PIF and Al Nassr has been praised by several fans, who view him as the only player capable of influencing a change in the direction the club is taking, after struggling to reinforce the squad with top-level players. However, it has not all been praise, as a former Premier League star has decided to issue a strong criticism of the Portuguese player’s attitude.

“Maybe Ronaldo could give some of his earnings to the club to then help them get more players. I’ve never heard of something so ridiculous in all my life, self-indulgent nonsense… It is absolutely bizarre when you consider the earning capacity of Cristiano and Benzema. For either of them to be disillusioned, upset about the way their clubs are run, to put it mildly, is almost unthinkable,” Danny Murphy said, via talkSPORT.

Spain will be one of the favourites for this summer’s World Cup, so read on for our Spain World Cup tickets guide if you’re keen to find out how to buy Spain World Cup tickets.

BUY SPAIN TICKETS FOR 2026 WORLD CUP

La Roja’s only victory in this tournament came back in 2010, and they’ve often been seen as slight underachievers at this level.

Still, Spain will go into the 2026 World Cup as reigning European champions, having beaten England in the Euro 2024 final, and they’ll hope they can add another trophy to their collection this summer.

With the likes of Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Pedri, and Martin Zubimendi on their books, there’s no doubt Spain have one of the best squads out there, and their unique brand of football is almost always a joy to watch, so make sure you don’t miss out!

How to buy Spain World Cup tickets

Spain fans will likely be looking at FIFA’s website here to enter the ballot for tickets, but it’s quite literally a lottery against thousands of other fans!

Instead, we’d highly recommend our alternative here, which allows you to avoid the extra cost and hassle that can come with going down the official route.

BUY SPAIN TICKETS FOR 2026 WORLD CUP

Who are Spain playing in the group stage?

Spain have suffered group stage humiliation before, such as in 2014, but it’s hard to see them having much trouble with this set of teams.

Luis de la Fuente’s side are up against Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and Cape Verde in Group H, and barring a big surprise, they will surely win this group quite comfortably.

Uruguay have had some fine teams in the past, but this isn’t really a golden generation like we’ve seen in recent history when the likes of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani were at the peak of their powers.

Spain’s opening fixture is against Cape Verde on Monday, June 15th.

BUY SPAIN TICKETS FOR 2026 WORLD CUP

How Spain could line up at the World Cup

Spain have a big pool of talented players to choose from, including some familiar faces from the Premier League.

Arsenal trio Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, and David Raya will surely be involved if they’re fit enough, while young Gunners centre-back Cristhian Mosquera could also be an outsider to make it in.

Manchester City’s Rodri will also surely be there, as will Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella, plus former Premier League players like Ferran Torres and Dean Huijsen.

Picking a first XI won’t be that easy for De la Fuente, but we’d guess if everyone’s fit and available it’ll be something like this…

Spain predicted line-up: Simon; Carvajal, Cucurella, Le Normand, Huijsen; Rodri, Zubimendi, Merino; Williams, Yamal; Morata

Roma defender Gianluca Mancini underwent surgery to reduce a nasal bone fracture today and will play the next games wearing a protective mask.

Roma defender Mancini will be forced to wear a protective mask in the following matches after undergoing nose surgery on Tuesday.

Roma defender Mancini has nose surgery

The Italy international suffered an injury during the first half of Monday’s 1-0 loss against Udinese, but remained on the pitch for the entire game.

Sky Sport Roma correspondent Angelo Mangiante reports on X social media that the defender underwent surgery today, Tuesday, February 3, to reduce the nasal bone fracture.

Mancini will be discharged in the coming hours and will be able to resume competitive activity wearing a protective mask.

Roma’s next Serie A games

Mancini, 29, has scored one goal and provided one assist in 30 appearances across all competitions this season.

Roma’s next game is on Monday, February 9, at home against Cagliari.

The following Sunday, February 15, they’ll visit Napoli at the Stadio Maradona.

Former Italy international Alessandro Florenzi regrets not playing in the World Cup despite winning the Euros in 2021: ‘I failed to match expectations.’

Ex-Roma and Milan defender Florenzi spoke to Vivo Azzurro (via TMW) about his playing career, mostly focusing on his games with the Azzurri.

Florenzi: ‘Something magical happened’ at Euro 2020

“I won the Euros, but I never played at the World Cup and I hope I can experience it as a fan this year,” he said.

“We were not the best team [at Euro 2020], but something magical happened. There was joy, but also the utmost focus in the decisive moments. I think this was the mix that brought us to the victory.”

The late Gianluca Vialli was Italy’s delegation chief at the Euros and had built a solid bond with the entire team, especially Florenzi.

“I struggle to talk about Gianluca. Everyone knows how important he was to us,” Florenzi said.

“His speeches, his words, even his silences and how he faced the illness. He could only convey positivity to us.”

Florenzi was part of the Italy squad in 2018 and 2022, when the Azzurri failed to qualify for the World Cup.

They have a new chance later in March as they’ll face Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semifinal.

If they progress to the final, they’ll face Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“These lads are defending an entire nation, and must be supported. They’ll have so much pressure on them, just like I had,” Florenzi concluded.

“I failed to match expectations as I didn’t qualify for the World Cup twice. I hope with all my heart that they’ll go through these two rounds and bring us to the World Cup because they deserve it, just like the Italian fans.”

Florenzi is now a Sky Sport Italia pundit. He announced his retirement in the summer of 2025 after making 289 Serie A appearances. The ex-defender won the Scudetto with Milan in 2021-22.

Florenzi also played for PSG on loan in 2020-21.

He made his senior Italy debut in 2012 and scored two goals in 49 matches with La Nazionale.

Inter fans won’t be allowed to buy tickets for the next three away games against Sassuolo, Lecce and Fiorentina after that one of their supporters threw a firework that struck Cremonese goalkeeper Emil Audero on Sunday.

Inter fans won’t be allowed to travel to Reggio Emilia, Lecce and Florence for the Nerazzurri’s next three away games in Serie A.

Official: Inter fans banned for the next three away games

On Tuesday, the Italian Interior Minister announced (via Gazzetta) that Inter’s fans will be barred from the away sections for the team’s next three matches, with residents of Lombardy prohibited from purchasing tickets.

The ban is valid until March 23 and will leave the Nerazzurri without support from the away end against Sassuolo, Lecce and Fiorentina.

Inter will technically be the away team on March 8 against city rivals Milan, but the Nerazzurri supporters will be allowed at San Siro since there will be no fan travel outside the city of Milan for this match.

The decision came after Cremonese goalkeeper Audero was hurt by a firework thrown from the away end during Sunday’s game at Cremonese.

The match was suspended for a few minutes, and the goalkeeper continued the game despite a small cut and burn mark on his leg. Italian media have reported that the Inter fan who threw the firework has been identified and lost three fingers when throwing a second flare soon after.

Inter could receive further sanctions at a sporting level as decisions from the FIGC Judge will be announced tomorrow. According to Calciomercato.com, punishment could include a fine and restrictions for Inter fans, even for home games.

Roma reshaped their attack in the winter transfer window, welcoming Donyell Malen, Robinio Vaz and Bryan Zaragoza, sending a clear signal to Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk.

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini finally welcomed new players in attack during the winter transfer window as the Giallorossi completed three major deals to add depth and quality up front.

Three new Roma January signings in attack

Malen joined Roma from Aston Villa on loan with an option to buy that becomes mandatory if the Giallorossi qualify for the Champions League or Europa League. Robinio Vaz moved to the Olimpico on a permanent deal from Olympique Marseille, while Zaragoza arrived on deadline day, on loan with an option to buy from Bayern Munich.

Malen has quickly become a starter under Gasp, starting three games from three in Serie A and scoring in his debut against Torino.

Dovbyk and Ferguson are currently injured, but Malen is expected to be Gasperini’s primary option as a centre-forward in the second part of the campaign.

This also means that Ferguson, who is on loan from Brighton, will likely return to the English club at the end of the campaign, especially because Roma have an option to buy for €40m.

The Republic of Ireland international has scored five goals in 22 appearances across all competitions, but missed two of the last three Serie A games with ankle problems.

Dovbyk has only netted three times and won’t return to action until April after undergoing surgery last month.

Robinio Vaz is currently a backup option at the Olimpico, but his €25m transfer fee, combined with his young age, 18, suggests the Giallorossi see him as a potential starter in the coming years.

Zaragoza will add depth in the Giallorossi attack, replacing injury-prone Leon Bailey, who returned to Aston Villa in January after a troubled six-month loan spell in the capital in the first half of the campaign.

Inter President Giuseppe Marotta hopes the new San Siro will be ready in 2030 and insists Italian football must be ‘sustainable’ and look to young players like Chelsea and Arsenal.

Inter President Marotta spoke about the Nerazzurri’s plans for a new stadium during his last interview with DAZN.

Marotta opens up about Inter and Milan’s new stadium

“We’ve finally opened a pathway that will lead us far away. It’s not easy to act in Italy, where bureaucracy is often an obstacle,” Marotta said via TMW.

“We’ve taken on this new path with enthusiasm, and we’ll have a new home. It was very hard to buy San Siro, but thanks to Ralph and Scaroni’s tenacity, we reached the target. It will be a modern stadium that will firstly match the need for safety and hospitality.”

Inter and Milan have officially acquired the area of San Siro, including the iconic Stadio Meazza.

The new arena will be built near the existing stadium, the majority of which will be demolished. 

The Milanese sides hope the new stadium will be ready two years before Euro 2032, which Italy will co-host with Turkey.

“We want it to be ready in 2030, and I hope we’ll make it,” Marotta confirmed.

“I’m not saying it’s a dream, but the bureaucratic pathway is torturous. At the same time, I think Italy must be represented by Milan, and national politics must make sure the important games will be played in the new stadium.”

The new stadium will allow Nerazzurri and Rossoneri to close the financial gap with some of the wealthiest clubs in Europe.

“We earn €80m per season, same as Milan. Real Madrid and Barcelona reach between €250m and €300m,” Marotta noted.

“The Blancos’ target is to go beyond €500m. We can more than double matchday revenue, also with activities made during the week.”

Marotta was asked whether old infrastructures in Italy prevent the development of fresh talent such as Lamine Yamal in Spain.

“Surely yes. When we made an objective assessment of European stadiums, we didn’t talk about training centres, which we lack in Italy,” said the Inter president.

“We have old structures, but thanks to Oaktree’s foresight, and following our request, we have invested €100m in a new area. The structures play a key role in developing talent. If you play in a potato field, you won’t be inclined to accept suggestions from your coach.”

Are Inter looking at the examples of Chelsea and Arsenal in the recruitment of young players?

“The Blues have recently made changes; Arsenal had been doing it for some time,” concluded Marotta.

“At some point, the Gunners put their money into the stadium and not on the market, and it worked. Having this inclination towards young players is a concept of great sustainability, which all Italian clubs are forced to follow.”

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini raged at journalists after a 1-0 loss against Udinese on Monday: ‘If we don’t qualify for the Champions League, the coach will be changed, and that’s the end of the story.’

Roma slipped out of the top four last night, facing a 1-0 away loss at Udinese.

Gasperini held a post-match press conference with Italian reporters after his interview with Sky Sport, but lost his temper when asked about the many young players signed by Roma in January.

“You need to make up your mind. One of you asked me to talk about the Champions League, the other one about a U23 team,” Gasp said via TMW.

“You need to make up your mind, or you’ll always be unhappy, even about tonight’s performance. One always looks to the result. I’m very satisfied with the performance.

Gasp tells Roma: ‘Change coach’ without Champions League

“Then, if we don’t qualify for the Champions League, the coach will be changed, and that’s the end of the story. Failed target, end of the story.”

Gasperini stressed that reporters should focus on the team’s performance and long-term development rather than only on results, and his suggestion that he’d be sacked at the end of the season if he fails to qualify for the Champions League should, at this point, be regarded merely as a provocation.

The reporter asked once more whether the Roma boss expected to sign more experienced players in the winter transfer window.

“I work with what I’m given,” the Roma boss concluded.

Liverpool are working on plans to replace struggling manager Arne Slot after a disappointing season.

Having spent a massive amount on new signings last summer, Slot has struggled to keep the club competitive at the top level.

Since October, Liverpool have struggled to keep up pace with Arsenal and Manchester City at the top of the Premier League standings.

Although their performances have been impressive in the Champions League, they have failed to have the same impact in the Premier League.

The signings of Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and others have so far not completely lived up to expectations, possibly without the exception of Hugo Ekitike.

Liverpool identify Alonso as managerial target

Although nothing is decided at the moment, according to Fichajes, the Reds are interested in appointing Spanish manager Xabi Alonso as the next leader of the club.

Alonso was recently sacked by Real Madrid and despite his tough spell in Spain, he is still highly rated for his impressive work with Bayer Leverkusen where he ended the dominance of Bayern Munich.

The young manager has earned plaudits for his playing style and tactics and the hierarchy at Liverpool have now made up their mind to target the former Liverpool midfielder.

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Reds face competition from Premier League rivals Man City

It won’t be straightforward for the Reds though since Manchester City are expected to be in the race to appoint Alonso as Pep Guardiola’s successor.

Guardiola’s future at the Etihad Stadium is uncertain and a report has claimed that he is on the shortlist of Man City to replace the legendary manager.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has praised Alonso in the past, calling him ‘exceptional‘.

Alonso knows the club well, he knows the sentiments of the fans and the type of football they want to see at the club.

He would be the ideal replacement of Slot at the club and players at Anfield would respect him due to his past success at the club as a player.

“Let’s see what the future holds” – Liverpool star casts doubt over Anfield future with concerning comments

The post Liverpool working towards appointing manager Jurgen Klopp called ‘exceptional’ appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Marcus Rashford’s future appears to be moving decisively away from Old Trafford, with the England forward reportedly having no plans to return to Manchester United once his loan spell at Barcelona comes to an end this summer.

According to The Mirror, the 28-year-old has already made his intentions clear, prioritising stability and clarity over a reunion with his boyhood club.

Rashford joined Barcelona on loan in search of a reset after a turbulent period at Man United, where form, confidence, and scrutiny combined to stall his momentum.

While his time in Spain has been closely monitored, the move has given Rashford a fresh environment and renewed sense of purpose, something he is keen to preserve as he enters a crucial stage of his career.

Barcelona option and World Cup timing

Barcelona hold an option to make Rashford’s move permanent for a reported €30 million, a figure that reflects both his pedigree and the challenges United faced in maximising his value.

Rashford is understood to be eager for his future to be resolved swiftly, with the 2026 World Cup looming large in his planning.

Regular football, tactical clarity, and a settled club situation are viewed as essential if he is to remain a key part of England’s long-term plans.

Sources suggest Rashford has already communicated to Barcelona his desire to stay at Camp Nou beyond the current season.

While financial considerations remain central to any permanent deal, particularly given Barcelona’s well-documented constraints, the player’s stance is clear, a return to Man United is not his preferred option.

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Man United position and Michael Carrick’s influence

At United, the door has not been fully closed from the club’s side.

Interim head coach Michael Carrick is believed to admire Rashford’s qualities and would attempt to convince the academy graduate to stay should he be appointed on a permanent basis.

Carrick’s relationship with Rashford and belief in his ability could yet have played a role in negotiations.

However, reports indicate Rashford is prepared to look elsewhere if Barcelona are unable to finalise an agreement.

Rather than returning to Old Trafford under uncertain circumstances, he would prefer to secure a fresh long-term project, whether in Spain or another major European league.

‘I’m not sure’ – Merson raises question about potential Casemiro replacement at Man United

The post Report: 28-year-old attacker ready to reject Man United in favour of Barcelona appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Former Milan and Juventus defender Mattia De Sciglio said he snubbed a move to Liverpool to move to Turin in 2017, but he felt ‘used’ by Vincenzo Montella at San Siro.

Former Italy international De Sciglio spoke about his career in an interview with Corriere della Sera.

A product of the Milan academy, De Sciglio has also played for Juventus and Empoli in Serie A and Lyon in the French Ligue 1.

The 33-year-old has collected 208 appearances in Serie A and 28 in the Champions League.

“I could have played for Inter as a kid,” De Sciglio said via Calciomercato.com.

“They had called me for a trial, but I was dropped because I was too short. Milan arrived shortly afterwards, and I went through the youth sector until my Champions League debut at 18.”

De Sciglio was a Milan first-team player in one of the darkest moments in recent history, but feels the way he was treated at San Siro was unfair.

“Some of the fans and the media identified me as the guilty one in that situation, and they were all waiting for a minimum error to criticise me,” he said.

“My social media accounts were filled with insults and nasty comments, but I had always behaved well, so I didn’t understand.”

During a Milan home game against Empoli in April 2017, he realised he had to leave the Rossoneri.

“We were down two goals at minute 70, and Montella decided to replace me. I was angry. It’s a substitution I’ve never understood. It seemed just a way to use me to hide a difficult moment for the whole team,” De Sciglio said.

“As I was leaving, a boos erupted all around me. That day, I realised I could no longer go on like that; my story with Milan was over.”

De Sciglio snubbed Liverpool move for Juventus in 2017

The following summer, De Sciglio joined Juventus from Milan.

“Liverpool also wanted me, but I picked Turin because Allegri was on the bench and the team was really strong,” he said.

“Finding myself in a dressing room of champions and playing European games as a protagonist was a nice revenge after a difficult period.”

De Sciglio is currently without a club as Juventus didn’t extend his contract when he returned from a loan spell at Empoli at the end of 2024-25.

New Roma signing Bryan Zaragoza says the opportunity to join the Giallorossi came ‘from one day to another’ and can’t wait to debut at the Stadio Olimpico: ‘Lazio games don’t even come close.’

Roma signed Zaragoza from Bayern Munich on loan with an option to buy on deadline day.

The Spanish winger, 24, had spent the first part of the campaign on loan at Celta Vigo.

Zaragoza’s first Roma interview

“It happened from one day to another. I was told Roma was an option, and I never had any doubt and said I wanted to come,” the Spaniard said in his first interview with Roma.

“I want to thank the club, the owners, and everyone for giving me this opportunity.

“I have high expectations; I want to be important in this club and win titles. I hope we can return to the Champions League.”

Scorer of two goals in 26 appearances across all competitions in the first half of 2025-26, Zaragoza can’t wait to play under Gian Piero Gasperini.

“I know Gasperini because I really liked how his team played last season. It seemed very attractive to me. They played the ball really well, and I can’t wait to start this journey and see what it can give me to learn with him,” he said.

“I’ve always liked to dribble, like street football. It’s one of my qualities.

“I don’t know much about Rome; I’ve never been there before, but people say great things about the city. I come with a great desire to know everything and stay a long time here.”

Zaragoza has already met Roma star Paulo Dybala at Trigoria.

“I met him as soon as I arrived at the training centre and spoke to him. He’s a great player, and I like the idea of sharing the dressing room with him,” he said.

Zaragoza has picked the No.97.

“In Spain and Germany, I couldn’t pick numbers higher than 25,” he explained.

“Here, I was attracted by the idea of getting a higher number. I liked the 97, and my family and I decided it was what we wanted to pick.

“I’ve played in the Liga and Bundesliga. I had not thought about coming to Serie A; it happened suddenly. I can’t wait to start and learn this league with great players and clubs. It’s a difficult league, but I’ll try to be successful.”

Zaragoza made his senior Spain debut in 2023 and has one goal in three appearances under his belt. Naturally, he hopes that his time in Roma will help him get a spot in the squad for the 2026 World Cup.

“Yes, last season I was quite involved, regardless of my injury,” he said.

“This season it hasn’t happened yet, but I hope the chance will come soon. To be at the World Cup is one of my targets.”

Zaragoza has already seen the Olimpico when he was at Bayern Munich, as he was an unused substitute in a Champions League match in 2024.

“It doesn’t even come close because that day I played against Lazio, but I think playing against Roma or Lazio doesn’t feel the same,” he admitted.

“I want to see the Olimpico full of Roma fans and feel their passion. I can’t wait to make my debut in this stadium, and my biggest desire is to debut with a win. If I even score, I’d be perfect.”

Juventus held talks with several strikers during the winter transfer window, but eventually failed to sign a new centre-forward for Luciano Spalletti. From Jean-Philippe Mateta to Randal Kolo Muani, here’s why the Bianconeri failed to sign a new No.9 last month.

Just a few days ago, following a 3-0 win over Napoli in Serie A, Spalletti openly admitted his Juventus side needed a new centre-forward with different skill sets from Jonathan David and Lois Openda.

David has become increasingly reliable for the Serie A giants, scoring four goals and providing two assists in the opening six Serie A games of 2026. Yet, Spalletti was looking for a new centre-forward who would hold the ball up front and create space for wingers and attacking midfielders.

Who did Juventus sign in the January transfer window?

The Juventus boss praised Napoli centre-forward Rasmus Hojlund after the Bianconeri’s win over the Partenopei at the end of January, suggesting his team needed a striker with similar characteristics.

Juventus tried to match their coach’s demands, but eventually ended up signing winger Jeremie Boga and right-back Emil Holm, not a new centre-forward.

Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta was Juventus’ first target in the January transfer window, but the Bianconeri failed to reach an agreement over the transfer package with the Premier League side.

Juventus tried to sign Mateta on loan with an option to buy that could become mandatory under certain conditions.

Why Juventus didn’t sign a new centre-forward in January

Palace, however, were looking for a permanent transfer, which they eventually secured with Milan. Yet the Rossoneri ultimately decided against signing the 28-year-old following unsuccessful medical tests, which highlighted a knee problem.

Fenerbahce’s Youssef En-Nesyri was Juventus’ second target last month, but while the Bianconeri had reached an agreement with the Turkish club, they failed to convince the Morocco international, who was not open to leaving his club on a temporary transfer.

Talks with Galatasaray for Mauro Icardi were never at an advanced stage, while Kolo Muani was the last striker in talks with the Bianconeri.

Juventus were interested in bringing him back to Turin six months after his return to PSG. Currently on loan at Tottenham, Spurs decided against cutting the striker’s loan spell short, ending Juventus’ hopes of signing a new centre-forward for the second part of the campaign.

David and Openda are currently the only central strikers available for the Old Lady, but the injured Dusan Vlahovic is expected to return to action in a month before leaving the Allianz Stadium at the end of his contract in June.

Exams undergone by Giovanni Di Lorenzo have ruled out a serious knee injury, and with his recovery time expected to be between 40 and 60 days, Italy and Gennaro Gattuso hope the versatile defender will be available for the World Cup play-off next month.

Napoli defender Di Lorenzo could be available for Italy’s World Cup play-off next month.

Di Lorenzo injury update

The Azzurri defender was subbed off during Napoli’s last Serie A match against Fiorentina.

The Partenopei initially feared Di Lorenzo had suffered a knee ligament injury, but exams undergone at Villa Stuart on Monday highlighted a second-degree sprain to the left knee.

This means Di Lorenzo will likely remain on the sidelines for 40 to 60 days as he won’t undergo surgery, but only follow a conservative treatment.

Will Di Lorenzo be available for Italy’s World Cup play-off?

According to Gazzetta, Italy coach Gattuso hopes the experienced defender will recover in time for the World Cup play-off scheduled for the end of March.

Italy will host Northern Ireland in the semifinal on March 26, and if they progress, they will then visit Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Final.

Sandro Tonali is once again emerging as a major talking point ahead of the summer transfer window, with several of the Premier League’s biggest clubs reportedly keeping a close watch on the Newcastle United midfielder’s situation.

According to The Sun, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea have all registered an interest in the Italy international, showing his growing reputation at the top level.

Tonali, 25, has steadily reasserted his value at Newcastle United, becoming a pillar of their midfield along with Bruno Guimaraes.

His performances have not gone unnoticed, particularly by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who is believed to be a long-time admirer.

Arsenal admire Newcastle midfielder Tonali

Reports suggest Arteta views Tonali as an ideal partner for Declan Rice, with the pair potentially forming a balanced and dynamic midfield core capable of competing at the highest level.

Arsenal were even alerted to the possibility of a move on Deadline Day, though the enquiry failed to develop into anything concrete.

Pep Guardiola is understood to be a strong admirer of Tonali’s game intelligence and positional discipline and along with his teammate Tino Livramento, the Spanish manager is keen on bringing the Newcastle duo to the Etihad Stadium.

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Gunners face intense competition from rivals

Chelsea, meanwhile, are taking a more cautious approach. The Stamford Bridge club are monitoring Tonali’s situation as part of their midfield review but have yet to make any decisive moves.

Despite the mounting interest, Newcastle remain relaxed. Tonali is viewed as a central figure in the club’s long-term project, and there is no desire to part with him unless an extraordinary offer is presented.

A report from Fichajes has claimed that the Magpies have set an asking price of €80 million for the Italian midfielder.

Football pundit Paul Scholes has described the Newcastle United midfielder as a “brilliant” player.

Transfer window 2026: Every done deal, including Man City signings & Arsenal exits

The post Arsenal, Man City & Chelsea to enter summer transfer battle for ‘brilliant’ Newcastle star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Real Madrid are once again casting a close eye over the Premier League’s emerging talent pool, with reports from Fichajes claiming the Spanish giants are closely monitoring Myles Lewis‑Skelly, one of the most highly rated young prospects currently on Arsenal’s books.

At just 19 years of age, Lewis-Skelly has already established himself as a special young talent within Arsenal’s academy system and first-team environment.

His development has not gone unnoticed beyond England, with Real Madrid now tracking his progress.

Real Madrid interested in Arsenal defender

Under the guidance of club president Florentino Pérez, Real Madrid have doubled down on a strategy focused on securing top young players before they fully establish themselves on the world stage.

This approach has already delivered significant success, with players such as Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga becoming central figures at the Bernabéu.

Lewis-Skelly is viewed in a similar bracket, a technically refined, tactically flexible player who could be moulded into Madrid’s next generation.

Madrid are particularly attentive to situations where young talents may feel blocked or uncertain about their immediate pathway.

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Feb 3 2026, 17:30

Would the Gunners let Lewis-Skelly leave the club?

Despite being tied down to a long-term contract at Arsenal, Lewis-Skelly’s current role under Mikel Arteta has inevitably prompted discussion.

While he is highly regarded internally and continues to train regularly with the senior squad, his lack of consistent match minutes has raised questions about how quickly he will be integrated on a regular basis.

That situation is not unusual for young players at title-challenging clubs, but it is precisely the kind of scenario Real Madrid have historically monitored closely.

In the past, the Spanish giants have been linked with Arsenal defender William Saliba.

From Arsenal’s perspective, there is little appetite to entertain any discussion over Lewis-Skelly’s future. Club sources maintain he is seen as a long-term asset and a player capable of playing a major role in the years ahead.

‘One to watch’ – Arsenal given hope of signing £80m midfielder in the summer window

The post Not Saliba: Real Madrid eyeing ambitous move for defensive Arsenal linchpin appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals Best Odds: 2/5 Bookmaker: Dachbet In what could prove to be a season-defining showdown from Elland Road on Friday night, Leeds will welcome Nottingham Forest to Yorkshire. Leeds Starting with the hosts, blown away at the hands of leading title contenders Arsenal last weekend as they eventually slumped to a 4-0 […]

The post Prediction: Leeds vs Nottingham Forest – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Prediction: Leeds vs Nottingham Forest – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts appeared first on Soccer News.

Lazio were the biggest spenders in Serie A during the winter transfer window, while Juventus were the only club not to spend a penny as they secured Jeremie Boga and Emil Holm on free loan deals.

The winter transfer window for Serie A clubs ended on Monday, February 2, so it’s time to review the activity of every team in Italy’s top flight, including how much they spent over the last month.

Serie A: Lazio the biggest spenders in 2026 winter transfer window

Lazio had been imposed a transfer embargo during the summer transfer window, so it is not entirely surprising to see the Biancocelesti spend more than any other club in Italy during the January window.

Furthermore, Maurizio Sarri saw two regular starters, Matteo Guendouzi and Valentin Castellanos, leave the Olimpico last month, so the Bianconcelesti had to sign replacements in central midfield and attack.

As reported by Transfermarkt, Milan spent €8m to sign promising Verona midfielder Alphadjo Cissè, 19, who was then sent to Serie B side Catanzaro on loan.

The Rossoneri also signed Niclas Fullkrug from West Ham, on loan with an option to buy.

Ranking: Biggest Serie A spenders in the 2026 winter transfer window

Lazio 36.5m

Napoli 31.5m

Roma 26m

Atalanta 22m

Sassuolo 20m

Pisa 18.3m

Como 17.4m

Verona 13.5m

Genoa 10m

Milan 8m

Cremonese 7.9m

Udinese 7.5m

Bologna 7m

Lecce 5.6m

Inter 3.5m

Cagliari 3.5m

Fiorentina 2.5m

Parma 2m

Torino 800k

Juventus 0m

Every winter, Italian clubs scramble to try to find the players who can make a mid-season difference. Giancarlo Rinaldi gives out the grades for their efforts this year.

Only a fool would try to assess the potential impact of acquisitions that have barely had a chance to play for their new employer,s but here we go again. It is worth remembering that it can sometimes be the players that you move on or keep who can be as important as the ones you bring in. With that in mind, here are the marks out of 10 for all 20 Serie A sides this winter window.

Atalanta 6/10 – In the end it probably boils down to whether you think Giacomo Raspadori plus a handsome profit is worth losing Ademola Lookman for. The ex-Napoli man looks sharp already while the departures of Daniel Maldini and Marco Brescianini may reduce the depth of the squad but should not cause major damage.

Bologna 5.5/10 – A bit of a bland market that looks unlikely to see an upturn in their midtable form. The effective swap of Emil Holm for Joao Mario with Juventus looks a balanced enough trade, while Simon Sohm will need to show an improvement on his Fiorentina form to convince that he was worth losing Giovanni Fabbian for.

Cagliari 6.5/10 – Sometimes it is not about who you buy or sell but who you keep and hanging on to a hot property like young Marco Palestra could be key to the Sardinians’ survival, which is looking more and more likely. The actual incomings and outgoings probably fall under the category of “time will tell” when it comes to their effectiveness.

Como 5/10 – On paper, at least, a little bit underwhelming for a side with such financial backing, but their eye for talent could well mean Swedish teenager Adrian Ladho is one to watch. Keeping hold of their best players – with Martin Baturina in particular attracting attention – was an achievement, but the club has sufficient wealth to say no to all but the biggest deals.

Cremonese 6/10 – None of their arrivals look like setting Serie A alight but they are all proven performers. Milan Djuric will give them a different option in attack while Youseff Maleh, Morten Thorsby and Sebastiano Luperto are well-known quantities who can surely ensure the work already done towards survival continues.

Fiorentina 5.5/10 – The best part of the Viola transfer market was probably getting rid of a number of the summer signings that did not work out including Simon Sohm, Edin Dzeko and Hans Nicolussi Caviglia. They have added width with Manor Solomon and Jack Harrison but there was no real big name to fire hopes of rocketing back up the table.

Genoa 7/10 – As a fully signed-up member of the Tommaso Baldanzi fan club, this mark is probably more in hope than expectation. Daniele De Rossi has already put the fight into the Grifone, but the talented Roma man could add that dash of quality which will make their survival fight a more stylish one than it has been so far.

Inter 5/10 – We have what we hold is an understandable approach from the Nerazzurri but not the kind of thing to get fans delighted. The purchase of Yanis Massolin is an exciting one but clearly one for the future as the young French midfielder will remain on loan at Modena, where he has shone in Serie B.

Juventus 5/10 – There was plenty of smoke but not much substance to the Bianconeri’s transfer window work with the arrivals of Emil Holm and Jeremie Boga hardly the stuff to get pulses racing. Maybe it could be argued that a recent upturn in form shows they did not need to force the issue but it will still disappoint the fans.

Lazio 5.5/10 – The Biancocelesti have been busy after having their transfer ban lifted with Kenneth Taylor already looking like a smart signing. The losses of Matteo Guendouzi and Taty Castellanos leave gaps to be filled but the biggest story was probably Alessio Romagnoli’s switch to Al-Sadd falling through due to a document mix-up, which is a bit embarrassing.

Lecce 5.5/10 – They will have to hope that they have found a couple of gems in a signing basket, including Omri Gandelman, Oumar Ngom and Sadik Fofana. The good news is that they have managed that in the past, so a repeat is not out of the question. Walid Cheddira is more of a known quantity and gives them options up front.

Milan 5/10 – Another one of Italy’s bigs to be linked with plenty of players but, in the end, they only managed a couple of arrivals. Niclas Fullkrug gives a focal point to their attack while teenager Alphadjo Cissè is definitely interesting. But the collapse of a deal for Jean-Philippe Mateta felt pretty much typical of their efforts.

Napoli 5/10 – Add their name to the list of top teams who will have left their fans feeling cheated this January. Lorenzo Lucca goes to England for a nice bundle of cash – at least potentially – while the problematic Noa Lang finds a new home. Young Verona forward Giovane and Alisson Santos from Sporting CP will at least enjoy a move up the table thanks to their transfers.

Parma 6.5/10 – It will be a battle to stay afloat but they have added some quality to their fight with Hans Nicolussi Caviglia likely to enjoy a better time than he did in Florence. Gabriel Strefezza adds a dash of unpredictability and excitement while the loss of Hernani and Mathias Lovik will hardly be felt much at all.

Pisa 4.5/10 – They had to roll the dice and they definitely have but what number will come up remains to be seen. Having got rid of Alberto Gilardino as coach, they have at least got a goal already from new man Rafiu Durosinmi. Samuel Iling-Junior knows Serie A well enough but seems unlikely to produce enough to drag them to safety.

Roma 7.5/10 – Donyell Malen may be the signing who has made the most immediate impact this winter with some eye-catching moments already. Robinio Vaz is one of the biggest investments of the window and certainly does not seem to lack character. Tommaso Baldanzi leaves having found little space while Leon Bailey was dogged by injury in his short spell in the capital.

Sassuolo 5.5/10 – Whatever the question was, can the answer possibly have been M’Bala Nzola? The Angolan was far from thrilling at Pisa but maybe he can thrive in surroundings where the pressure of potential relegation is a little bit less intense. Their other new faces are intriguing but not necessarily of immediate use.

Torino 6/10 – A decent window that will surely help the Granata to enjoy another season of survival – if not a lot more. Kristjan Asllani and Cyril Ngonge made little impression between them so it will be up to Matteo Prati and Luca Marianucci to surpass them which, in truth, should really not be too hard.

Udinese 6/10 – The revolving door at the Stadio Friuli is rarely still and there were more heading out than in this winter. Branimir Mlacic and Juan Arizala definitely fall into the players with potential category and will look to make their mark while Iker Bravo and Sandi Lovric leave due to a lack of playing time. Saba Goglichidze ensures another window sees a move between the club and Watford.

Verona 5/10 – Their coach is gone but for a club with a need of a jolt, was this transfer session sufficient? It will be exciting to see another Scot give Serie A a go in the shape of Hibs’ record sale Kieron Bowie but he will surely have his work cut out to turn things around. Sandi Lovric should do a job while Pol Lirola at least knows Italy even if he has never exactly impressed.

@ginkers

Christian Pulisic is not available for Milan, while Rafael Leao is expected to start on the bench in an away Serie A game against Santiago Castro’s Bologna.

It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT) at the Stadio Dall’Ara in Bologna. It’s the final game of Serie A, Round 23, which began last Friday with Lazio’s 3-2 win over Genoa.

The Rossoblu are without the suspended Lukasz Skorupski and the injured Jhon Lucumì and Lorenzo De Silvestri. New signing Joao Mario is available and expected to start on the bench.

Milan have travelled to Bologna without Santiago Gimenez, Alexis Saelemekers and Pulisic. Rafael Leao is not fully fit and will start on the bench, according to several Italian sources, including Sky Sport Italia and Gazzetta dello Sport.

Zachary Athekame will start as a right midfielder for Milan and Ruben Loftus-Cheek will play as an attacking midfielder behind the sole striker, Christopher Nkunku.

Bologna vs. Milan – where to watch on TV

The Stadio Dall’Ara clash will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and DAZN in the UK and Ireland, as well as on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.

Bologna vs. Milan – probable line-ups

Bologna (4-2-3-1): Ravaglia; Zortea, Heggem, Casale, Miranda; Freuler, Moro; Orsolini, Odgaard, Cambiaghi; Castro.

Milan (3-5-1-1): Maignan; De Winter, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Athekame, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Loftus-Cheek; Nkunku.

Speculation surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo is beginning to gather momentum once again, with interest from both Europe and Major League Soccer reportedly intensifying ahead of the next transfer window.

According to TEAMtalk, the 40-year-old forward’s situation at Al Nassr has sparked renewed debate over what could be the final major chapter of his illustrious career.

Ronaldo was notably absent from Al Nassr’s recent 1-0 Saudi Pro League victory over Al Riyadh, a decision that quickly attracted attention.

Sources cited by ESPN suggest the Portuguese icon has grown increasingly frustrated with how the league handled Karim Benzema’s high-profile move to Al Hilal, a transfer that has reportedly left Ronaldo feeling sidelined within the broader Saudi project.

Man United and MLS interested reignited

Ronaldo’s unease has inevitably triggered fresh interest abroad. Clubs across Europe are said to be closely monitoring his situation, with some reportedly willing to adapt their sporting plans to accommodate a player whose commercial and competitive impact remains significant, even at this stage of his career.

While few teams can realistically build around him tactically for the long term, his short-term influence, both on and off the pitch, continues to hold strong appeal.

In England, Manchester Evening News has reignited talk of a sensational return to Man United.

Although such a move would be complex and emotionally charged given his recent Old Trafford exit, the link shows how Ronaldo’s name still commands attention whenever uncertainty surrounds his future.

Across the Atlantic, MLS clubs are also believed to be exploring the feasibility of a move.

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Crisitano Ronaldo continues to dominate headlines

Despite turning 40, Ronaldo continues to defy conventional expectations. His goal output in Saudi Arabia has remained strong, and his professionalism and physical conditioning are frequently cited as evidence that he can still contribute at a high level.

Man United may not consider a move for him since they are now focusing on younger players who can contribute to the team for years to come.

Although Ronaldo is still an impressive goal scorer, his peak years have passed and he ay struggle with the pace of the Premier League at this stage of his career.

MLS seems more like a realistic destination for him if he decides to leave the Saudi Pro League.

Man United delay decision to sort out the future of team leader till the end of the season

The post The last dance: Seismic update on Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential return to Man United appeared first on CaughtOffside.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Audero recounts: ‘My big scare’

The Cremonese keeper, after being hit by a firework: ‘It could have been much worse. I still feel pain. I’d like to ask that fan: ‘Why did you do it?’

Mateta deal falls through

Milan drop him and must undergo surgery. Space for Nkunku (20:45) in Bologna.

Toro, Ebosse too. Rugani Viola, Verona sack Zanetti

What an Udinese, Gasp out of the Champions League spot

Corriere dello Sport

Spalletti wins again

Roma lose 1-0, Lucio remains in the fourth spot.

Gasperini is fifth, out of a Champions League placement, two points below Juve. Decisive Ekkelenkamp goal. Absences of Dybala and Koné had an impact. 8th season loss. Zaragoza is in Trigoria and can debut against Cagliari on Monday.

Empty Milan

Max’s uphill

Bologna at 20:45 to go -5 from Inter

Mateta deal collapses, Pulisic at home. Leao anxiety

The French forward stays at Crystal Palace: the extra medical tests gave negative results. The American must stop. The Portuguese will start on the bench. Saelemaekers surrenders: Loftus-Cheek near Nkunku.

Holm-Boga, how Juventus add depth

Golden Conte: today, he discovers Alisson

The new Rabiot to Inter

Tuttosport

Toro: Ebosse (three cruciate ruptures), the last ‘reinforcement.’ But the President’s math works.

Toh, Cairo even saves 4m

Juve, three coups not to fail

No centre-forward: move towards another front

Transfer market not complete, but it can be compensated with the renewals of Yildiz, Spalletti and the increasingly crucial McKennie. Holm’s Bianconeri dreams. The plan to recover Boga.

Allegri-Conte, new clash

‘Antonio, what do you say?’

Ekkelenkamp knocks Roma down: Juve stay 4th

Inter-Juve behind closed doors for the firework against Audero?

The knee didn’t convince, no Milan for Mateta

Football pundit Paul Merson has claimed that he is not totally convinced with midfieder Elliot Anderson, who is being chased by Manchester United.

The Red Devils will be looking for midfield reinforcements in the summer transfer window.

United needed a midfielder any way but their priority has now even become more crucial after Casemiro announced that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

The Brazilian midfielder has been brilliant for the Red Devils this season.

Under new manager Michael Carrick, Casemiro has found his form once again and in the last three matches, his contribution has been important.

Man United will have to look for Casemiro’s replacement

The midfielder scored and assisted a goal in the 3-2 win against Fulham. While United are happy with him, they know he is leaving and they are currently working behind the scenes to identify his replacement.

Nottingham Forest midfielder Anderson has been heavily linked with a move to United with Manchester City also expected to be a part of the race to sign him.

However, Merson has raised questions about Anderson and his ability to control the midfield.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, he said, as reported by United In Focus:

“I’m not sure, I like Elliot Anderson, but I’m not wow-factored over him.

“I like Elliot Anderson, but they’re fourth bottom of the league, fifth bottom of the league, Forest, so they’re not dominating all midfields, are they?

“And if you’re a midfield player, that’s where the engine is. Do you know what I mean? I don’t see him running the show in midfield at Nottingham Forest, and we’re talking about Man Utd.”

“I would go for Wharton ahead of him.”

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Red Devils are in the market for a new midfielder

Man United are expected to extensively search the market for a new midfielder and it remains to be seen what that will be.

The Red Devils have been linked with moves for Anderson, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and other midfielders.

It is possible that even two midfielders could arrive at the club considering the lack of depth in that position.

Anderson and Wharton are both England international and competition will be intense to sign him in the summer.

While City highly value the Forest midfielder, Liverpool have Crystal Palace midfielder Wharton on their radar.

Man United delay decision to sort out the future of team leader till the end of the season

The post ‘I’m not sure’ – Merson raises question about potential Casemiro replacement at Man United appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal’s transfer strategy has been forced into an unexpected turn after an injury to one of their midfielders.

The Gunners were left scrambling for cover on Deadline Day after Mikel Merino was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign, prompting internal discussions over whether to move aggressively in the market or wait until the summer.

Ultimately, Arsenal opted for restraint. Having already committed significant resources in the previous transfer window, the club were reluctant to sanction another major outlay.

That cautious approach led to widespread speculation, with attention briefly turning to Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United.

Arsenal considered a move for Tonali in the winter window

Reports surfaced suggesting Arsenal had made enquiries into Tonali’s availability late in the window, fuelling excitement among supporters eager for an elite midfield addition.

However, those claims were swiftly played down. Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, dismissed the idea entirely in an interview with Sky Sports, insisting there were no discussions with Arsenal and no intention from Newcastle to entertain a January exit.

“We never had any conversation with Arsenal. Newcastle were never going to let Tonali leave in January. There’s absolutely nothing into it,” Riso said.

While the January links appear to have been overstated, the episode has done little to quieten longer-term talk.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano added further clarity, stating that a winter move was never on the table but hinting that the summer could be a different story.

Romano noted on X that Tonali’s situation is one to monitor once the season concludes, with several clubs already attentive to his status.

He wrote:

“Sandro Tonali was never gonna leave Newcastle in January window, never been a possibility. Could be one to watch in the summer with several clubs already keen, but it will depend on Newcastle + not a topic now.”

Tonali offers elite-level experience, tactical intelligence, and the ability to operate in multiple midfield roles and it is easy to see that Arteta would love a midfielder like him in the team.

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Gunners could explore Tonali move in summer

With the Gunners hoping to mount another title challenge next season, adding a proven performer rather than a stopgap solution fits their plans.

Newcastle, however, see Tonali as a central figure in their project and are under no pressure to sell.

Only a substantial offer, combined with the right timing, would bring negotiations into play.

January was never the moment for such a deal, but the summer window could reopen conversations.

The Magpies would reportedly demand £80 million for the Italian midfielder, as per Telegraph.

Transfer window 2026: Every done deal, including Man City signings & Arsenal exits 

The post ‘One to watch’ – Arsenal given hope of signing £80m midfielder in the summer window appeared first on CaughtOffside.

James Rodríguez’s situation has raised concern within the Colombia national team, as the midfielder has struggled to find a club during the winter transfer window with less than 6 months for the beginning of the 2026 World Cup. Now, hope for the Cafeteros has been reignited, with reports claiming Rodríguez has been offered to two teams in Argentina.

After his deal with Liga MX side Club León expired at the end of last season, James became a free agent, searching for a new club to prepare for the World Cup. However, contrary to expectations, the Colombian legend was unable to secure a move, largely due to his financial demands. Still, a new opportunity has now emerged.

As reported by Argentine outlet 0221 and cited by Infobae, James Rodríguez has been offered to Estudiantes de La Plata, a club chaired by Argentine icon Juan Sebastián Verón. Additionally, transfer expert César Luis Merlo revealed that Rodríguez has also been offered to Platense, who are seriously evaluating the possibility of signing him.

Even so, bringing in Rodríguez on a free transfer would still require a significant financial commitment for Argentine clubs, whose wage structures are more limited than those of other South American leagues, particularly Brazil’s. Both Estudiantes and Platense, however, have the advantage of competing in the Copa Libertadores, offering Rodríguez the opportunity to maintain high-level competitive minutes as he continues his preparation.

There are also questions surrounding Rodríguez’s match fitness, as his last appearance came on November 8 with Club León against Puebla, and he has been training individually since leaving Mexico. Still, the Argentine league is familiar territory for the midfielder, who previously played for Banfield in 2008 and helped the club win its first league title in 2009.

Colombia preparing for the World Cup

With James Rodríguez serving not only as captain but also as Colombia’s leading scorer in the current CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the national team is eager to see him back on the field regularly. In the meantime, as his club future remains unresolved, Colombia’s path toward the tournament in North America is beginning to take shape.

In roughly six weeks, the March international window will begin, with Colombia heading to the United States for a pair of high-profile friendlies. The Cafeteros will first face Croatia on March 26 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, before traveling to Landover, Maryland, to take on France on March 29 at Northwest Stadium, two key matches where Rodríguez is expected to play a central role.

Andy Robertson’s future at Liverpool is increasingly under scrutiny, with the Scotland international now expected ‘assess his options’ when his contract expires this summer.

According to Football Insider, the long-serving left-back is open to a new challenge after seeing his role at Anfield diminish over the course of the season.

Robertson, 31, has been one of Liverpool’s most influential players of the modern era, but recent developments have shifted his standing within the squad.

The arrival of Milos Kerkez has altered the pecking order at left-back, and head coach Arne Slot, Robertson is no longer considered the automatic first choice.

That reduced involvement has prompted serious reflection as he approaches the final months of his deal.

January interest and Tottenham’s persistent monitoring

Robertson’s situation did not go unnoticed during the January transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur made a concerted effort to explore a move, viewing the experienced defender as an ideal addition to their back line.

Reports suggest Spurs initially had hopes of striking a deal, but Liverpool were firm in their stance, refusing to sanction any mid-season departure.

Despite that rejection, Tottenham are believed to have revisited the situation on Deadline Day, making further enquiries to understand whether Liverpool’s position had softened.

It had not. Liverpool made it clear that Robertson would not be leaving midway through the campaign, particularly with the club still competing across multiple fronts.

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A changing landscape at Liverpool

While Liverpool’s refusal to sell in January was unsurprising, the longer-term picture appears more fluid.

With Kerkez increasingly trusted and Slot implementing a system that demands different positional profiles, Robertson’s minutes have declined sharply.

For a player accustomed to being central to Liverpool’s identity, that shift has been significant.

Sources close to the situation suggest Robertson remains highly professional and respected within the dressing room, but he is also realistic about his stage of career.

Robertson’s contribution to Liverpool cannot be overstated. Since arriving from Hull City, he has been a cornerstone of the club’s most successful period in decades.

Deal approved: Liverpool transfer target’s big decision confirmed by Fabrizio Romano

The post Liverpool star to ‘assess his options’ in the summer after failing to secure winter exit appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero has delivered an honest and explosive assessment of the club’s situation following Spurs’ dramatic 2-2 Premier League draw with Manchester City, speaking out after the January transfer window closed with limited reinforcements arriving in north London.

The Argentine defender did not hide his disappointment, with sources close to the dressing room suggesting Romero feels Tottenham failed to adequately support head coach Thomas Frank during a critical period.

Tottenham’s resilience against Man City was undeniable. Trailing 2-0 late in the match, Spurs mounted an impressive comeback to secure a point, showcasing character and determination in the face of adversity.

However, the performance also showed how thin the squad has become.

At present, Tottenham are dealing with an injury list reportedly stretching to 13 players.

Key figures such as James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus, and Richarlison are all sidelined, leaving Frank to patch together line-ups with limited options.

Romero’s post-match comments have been interpreted as a direct challenge to the club’s hierarchy.

Cristian Romero’s honest assessment

He wrote on Instagram:

“Great effort from all my teammates yesterday ,they were incredible.

“I wanted to be available to help them even though I wasn’t feeling well, especially since we only had 11 players available — unbelievable but true and disgraceful.

“We’ll keep showing up and taking responsibility to turn this around, working hard and staying together.

“All that’s left is to thank all of you for being there and for always supporting us, the fans, @spursofficial.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cristian Romero (@cutiromero2)

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Pressure mounts on Frank and Tottenham

Tottenham’s form under Frank has dipped in recent weeks, and while injuries provide context, results have left the club drifting away from other top clubs.

The captain’s anger reflects not just the strain of injuries, but a belief that the squad needed greater backing when it mattered most.

As Spurs push through the remainder of the season with a depleted group, how the club responds, both on and off the pitch, may prove decisive for Frank’s project.

Why Tottenham have introduced extreme security measures to protect club officials

The post ‘Disgraceful’ – Tottenham star questions team’s depth after lack of signings in January appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched figures of the summer transfer window in 2026, with interest growing from across Europe’s elite.

Despite being under contract at Chelsea until 2032, the Argentine’s future is far from straightforward, as sporting ambition, financial reality, and outside interest begin to converge.

Fernández remains a central figure at Stamford Bridge, both in terms of on-pitch influence and long-term planning.

The World Cup winning midfielder has 11 goals and four assists for the Blues this season.

However, Chelsea’s picture means that even players tied down on lengthy contracts cannot be considered entirely untouchable.

That has opened the door for Europe’s heavyweights to quietly assess the situation ahead of the summer.

Real Madrid are interested in the Chelsea midfielder

One of those monitoring Fernández closely is Real Madrid, sources close to the agents indsutry have informed CaughtOffside.

Much of Madrid’s thinking is linked to the long-term outlook surrounding Jude Bellingham.

Should Bellingham move on at the end of the season, a scenario Madrid are not actively planning for but cannot ignore, Fernández is seen as a profile capable of stepping into a leadership role at the Bernabéu.

That said, Madrid’s midfield is currently well stocked, and sources close to the club suggest there is no urgency to act.

Any move would likely depend on significant outgoings, which naturally slows momentum.

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Paris Saint-Germain’s financial power play

The approach from Paris Saint-Germain is markedly different. PSG view Fernández as a flagship signing who could anchor their next cycle, and crucially, they possess the financial capacity to meet Chelsea’s valuation.

Chelsea’s stance remains firm in public. Head coach Liam Rosenior has repeatedly shown his desire to build around Fernández.

Internally, the Argentine is viewed as a reference point for both the present and the future.

Yet Chelsea’s financial obligations mean tough decisions may loom. If the club opt to sell, sources suggest a fee in the region of €100-110 million would be required.

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The post Sources: Chelsea set to demand €100m for influential 25-year-old in the summer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Cristiano Ronaldo has found himself at the center of growing tension at Al Nassr in recent days, largely due to his absence from the club’s most recent match against Al Riyadh. Amid reported discomfort with the league’s direction, the Portuguese star’s future at the club ahead of the 2026 World Cup has been thrown into doubt, with a release clause now emerging as a key factor.

While Ronaldo has remained silent publicly, multiple reports have suggested that his decision to miss the Al Nassr match stemmed from dissatisfaction with the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s role in the league. Central to that frustration is what has been perceived as preferential treatment toward Al Hilal, highlighted by the completion of Karim Benzema’s move to the rival club.

According to Record journalist Rafael Godinho, Ronaldo is now weighing the possibility of leaving Saudi Arabia altogether. Unhappy with the current situation, June has been identified as the month in which the forward could make a definitive decision, with Major League Soccer and a potential return to Europe cited as possible destinations.

More recently, Record CEO Pedro Sousa reported that Ronaldo’s contract—signed in June 2025 on a two-year deal—includes a clause that would allow him to leave Al Nassr in June 2026. The release clause is reportedly set at €50 million for any club interested in securing his services.

If the situation continues to escalate, Ronaldo’s stance could trigger a significant turning point in his career. With the 2026 World Cup set to kick off on June 11 with a match between Mexico and South Africa, there is a scenario in which the Portuguese forward could resolve his club future even before the tournament begins.

It is worth noting that Record is owned by Cofina Media, a media group in which Ronaldo is a major investor. Still, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner set to turn 41 in the coming months, questions remain over whether any club would be willing to activate such a release clause, or whether Ronaldo himself would ultimately choose to part ways with Al Nassr.

What’s next for Cristiano Ronaldo?

As the face of the Saudi Pro League since his arrival in December 2022, reports indicate that Ronaldo no longer feels fully backed by the PIF. With the winter transfer window now closed, Al Nassr added only two reinforcements, neither of them international stars, while rivals Al Hilal significantly strengthened their squad with the arrival of Benzema.

For now, the next step remains unclear. Al Nassr are set to host Al Ittihad in their next league match on Friday, February 6, with global attention focused on Ronaldo’s potential involvement. Given his role as an ambassador for Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup bid, how this episode ultimately shapes his relationship with the country remains an open question.

Karim Benzema has generated headlines in recent days as uncertainty surrounding his contract placed his future at Al Ittihad in doubt. With tensions rising across the Saudi Pro League, the French star has now broken his silence, issuing a farewell message to his former club after completing his move to Al Hilal.

The dispute between Benzema and Al Ittihad escalated this week when the striker requested to be left out of the club’s most recent match. According to reports, Benzema felt disrespected by a contract renewal proposal that would have extended his deal beyond the 2025-26 season with no base salary, leaving his earnings tied solely to image rights.

The situation quickly sent shockwaves through the Saudi Pro League, with Benzema determined to leave Al Ittihad during the winter transfer window despite only days remaining before its closure. Al Hilal then emerged as a destination, stepping in as the club finalized the sale of Marcos Leonardo to Atlético Madrid, a move that reportedly drew frustration from another league star.

According to multiple reports, Cristiano Ronaldo chose to sit out Al Nassr’s match against Al Riyadh amid growing dissatisfaction with the Public Investment Fund’s management. One of his concerns centered on what he perceived as preferential treatment toward Al Hilal, particularly in contrast to Al Nassr’s lack of international signings, with the push to sign Benzema cited as a key flashpoint.

Despite those objections, Ronaldo’s stance did not prevent the deal from going through. On deadline day, Benzema completed his transfer to Al Hilal, with Al Ittihad announcing the termination of his contract. The Ballon d’Or winner will now remain in Saudi Arabia through June 2027 after signing a reported 18-month deal with his new club.

Benzema’s message to Al Ittihad fans

With his contract at Real Madrid expiring, Benzema chose to join Al Ittihad in July 2023 as part of the Saudi Pro League’s ambitious project. Alongside stars such as N’Golo Kanté, Fabinho and Moussa Diaby, the striker helped the club lift both the Saudi Cup and the league title during the 2024-25 season, cementing his place in Al Ittihad history.

After two and a half years at the club, Benzema took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a farewell message addressed to Al Ittihad and their supporters: “Al Ittihad, this chapter comes to an end, but the respect and gratitude will always remain. Thank you to the club, the staff, my teammates, and especially the fans for the welcome, the love, and the energy you gave me every day.

“This journey gave me a lot, both personally and professionally. I leave with my head held high, proud to have worn these colors and of everything we shared. I wish you all the best for what’s next. Respect. KB9,” Benzema concluded his message.

Benzema, who wore the captain’s armband in his final appearances, leaves Al Ittihad with 54 goals and 17 assists in 83 matches, along with two major trophies. Still, his departure was met with backlash from sections of the fan base, with videos circulating on social media showing supporters burning his jerseys, a stark reflection of how abruptly his tenure came to an end.

Inter Miami remain in the midst of a roster rebuild during the winter transfer window, with less than one month remaining before the start of the 2026 Major League Soccer season. As the club continues to fine-tune its squad, the Herons have now officially confirmed the departure of an important teammate of Lionel Messi ahead of the upcoming campaign.

The club announced Monday that Inter Miami and goalkeeper Óscar Ustari have mutually agreed to terminate his contract. The 39-year-old, who spent a season and a half with the organization based in Fort Lauderdale, will now move on after his time with the Herons comes to an end.

After his contract with Audax Italiano expired, Inter Miami signed Ustari as a free agent in September 2024. He went on to be part of the squad that captured the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, setting a league record for the most points in a single regular MLS season.

During the 2025 season, Ustari stepped into the starting role after Drake Callender lost his spot due to injury, also serving as the team’s goalkeeper at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. By the end of the year, however, he had relinquished the starting job, finishing the season with 40 appearances, 61 goals conceded, and 9 clean sheets across all competitions.

Ustari previously shared the field with Messi in Argentina’s youth national teams, including the U-20 World Cup-winning squad in 2005 and the Olympic gold medal team in 2008. One of the veterans of the locker room, the Argentine departs Inter Miami with a Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup added to his trophy collection.

Who’ll cover the posts at Inter Miami now?

In the Eligible Player Lists for Offseason Roster Mechanisms published by MLS in December, Inter Miami placed Marcelo Weigandt, Rocco Ríos-Novo, and Óscar Ustari in Stage 1 of the Re-Entry Process. With William Yarbrough no longer on the roster and Ríos-Novo returning to Lanús, Ustari had been the club’s lone goalkeeper until Inter Miami secured a replacement.

That replacement is expected to be Dayne St. Clair. The Canadian international joined on a free transfer after his contract with Minnesota United expired following the 2025 MLS season, one in which he was named Goalkeeper of the Year and earned a spot on the league’s Best XI.

In addition, Inter Miami have bolstered their depth by re-signing Rocco Ríos-Novo, who impressed during the club’s MLS Cup run late last season. Most recently, the Herons also announced the signing of former New York City FC goalkeeper Luis Barraza on a deal through June 2027 with an option for 2028, giving the club three goalkeeping options and ultimately leaving Ustari without a role going forward.

Oscar Hiljemark has arrived on Italian soil, as the Elfsborg coach is ready to take over at Pisa from sacked Alberto Gilardino.

Sky Sport Italia had footage of the tactician landing at the airport in Bologna, where he will now travel to Pisa by car for the final negotiations.

.@PisaSC, Hiljemark è atterrato a Bologna pic.twitter.com/8uufRaxrfL

— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) February 2, 2026

Hiljemark chosen by Pisa for new era

The 33-year-old had been identified as the ideal replacement once Gilardino was dismissed, for amassing just one Serie A victory all season, 11 draws and 11 defeats.

Hiljemark must first terminate his contract by mutual consent with Elfsborg, having taken the job in June 2024 and with a deal that runs to December 2027.

Before that, he had a brief experience on the bench of Aalborg BK.

The Swede is no stranger to Italian football, as he played in Serie A for much of his career as a midfielder with Palermo and Genoa from 2015 to 2019.

He hung up his boots at Aalborg in 2021 and immediately went into management as an assistant, then taking charge in March 2023.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta gave the perfect response when asked about Manchester United legend Paul Scholes criticising his team’s style.

Speaking at his press conference on Monday, Arteta was asked about concerns over his tactics and how entertaining the style of football has been this season.

Arsenal have had their critics, though Arteta mainly insisted that he only hears good things from people he’s spoken to around Europe.

The Spanish tactician was then also asked about Scholes in particular, as the pundit has been particularly outspoken about finding Arsenal boring to watch.

See below as Arteta shrugged it off in pretty damning style, making it clear how little Scholes’ opinion meant to him!

? Mikel Arteta's brilliant reaction to hearing that Paul Scholes is not a fan of Arsenal's style of play! ? pic.twitter.com/I4shy7WBKM

— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) February 2, 2026

Arsenal fans won’t care about style as Arteta’s side close in on titles

Arsenal aren’t exactly playing the free-flowing attacking football that became their trademark under Arsene Wenger for so many years, but that approach didn’t exactly bring much success in the second half of the Frenchman’s reign.

Arsenal fans will just want to see their club get over the line as they chase the Premier League title and close in on the final of the Carabao Cup.

On top of that, Arteta’s approach also has the Gunners top of the Champions League table with eight wins out of eight.

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Plenty of teams have enjoyed success with a variety of different approaches down the years, and Arsenal under Wenger were often criticised for not being better at adapting their tactics to grind out results when needed.

Now that AFC are better at that, they seem to be attracting critics too, so Arteta will surely continue to shut out the noise from media figures like Scholes.

The post “Okay…” – Mikel Arteta gives perfect response to Paul Scholes’ bizarre criticism of Arsenal appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Lamine Yamal has been building his own legacy at FC Barcelona despite his young age, establishing himself as one of the club’s most important players at just 18 years old. Continuing to add milestones at his boyhood club, Yamal has now tied the Barcelona goalscoring record of an Argentina legend, and it isn’t Lionel Messi.

While often compared to Messi due to his playing style, Yamal has so far been more of a creator than a pure finisher, contributing more assists than goals and emerging as one of Barcelona’s primary playmakers. That said, last Saturday against Elche, he opened the scoring in a 3-1 La Liga victory when, after a perfectly timed through ball from Dani Olmo, the winger rounded goalkeeper Iñaki Peña and finished into an empty net with his right foot.

With that goal against Elche, Yamal reached 38 goals in a Barcelona shirt, tying Diego Maradona’s total during his time at the club. The Spanish prodigy reached that mark in his fourth season with the senior team, while the Argentine icon accomplished it across two campaigns.

Maradona joined Barcelona from Argentinos Juniors in 1982 at age 21 and, between 1982 and 1984, recorded 38 goals and 23 assists in 58 appearances before moving on to Napoli. Those numbers contrast sharply with Yamal’s output, as the teenager has already produced 38 goals and 40 assists across 134 matches for the Blaugrana.

Still, Yamal’s achievement stands out given his age and trajectory. Since making his debut during the 2022-23 season, he has steadily evolved, reaching this milestone at just 18 years old, five years younger than Maradona was when he hit the same mark. While he remains far from the top of Barcelona’s all-time scoring list, time is firmly on his side as he continues to climb the club’s historical rankings.

What about Lionel Messi’s record?

With Lionel Messi’s departure still lingering in the minds of Barcelona supporters, Yamal has emerged as a new symbol of hope and a potential long-term successor. However, Messi’s club-record 672 goals in 778 appearances remain a distant target, with Yamal currently nowhere near ten percent of that historic total.

Even so, Yamal’s pace offers encouragement when projecting future growth. Now 18 years old, he plays a central role under Hansi Flick this season, appearing in 28 matches while recording 13 goals and 13 assists, elite production for a player of his age.

By comparison, when Messi turned 18 in June 2005, he was still in his second professional season and largely used in rotation. During the 2005-06 campaign, injuries limited him to 25 appearances, in which he scored eight goals and added five assists. With roughly half the current season remaining, Yamal has already surpassed those numbers, sending a clear message about his extraordinary trajectory heading into the years ahead.

Xabi Alonso transitioned from being one of the world’s most promising coaches to facing dismissal from Real Madrid. In just a few months on the job, the Spaniard struggled to find the ideal balance in the team’s midfield, which led to his early departure. Despite concerns about how this might impact his future, Liverpool remain interested in having him lead their sporting project. Alongside the Reds, he stands as one of the top candidates for a top Premier League team.

While Pep Guardiola continues to shine as one of the best managers in world, some players believe he could leave the club at the end of the season. As a result, Xabi Alonso has emerged as one of the leading candidates to take over at Manchester City, due to his successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, reports Matt Law of The Telegraph. However, the Spaniard is not the only option, as two other managers have also joined the shortlist.

Despite Xabi Alonso is the most recent name to join Manchester City’s shortlist, the club is still considering other top-tier candidates. As a result, Enzo Maresca has also emerged as a clear favorite to take charge of the Citizens, reports Matt Law. Despite being recently dismissed by Chelsea, the Italian managed to lead the team to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 title, implementing a well-defined playing style. In addition, his Premier League experience could give him an edge.

Along with Alonso and Maresca, Cesc Fabregas joins Manchester City’s shortlist to replace Pep Guardiola. While he is the least experienced coach on the list, he is currently shining at Como in Serie A, propelling them to the UEFA Conference League. With a current deal until 2028, the Spaniard’s departure wouldn’t be as easy as the other names on the list. Moreover, he has yet to win his first title, leaving doubts about his capacity to lead such a project.

Xabi Alonso may face choice between Liverpool and Manchester City

Despite the alleged issues he had in the Real Madrid dressing room, Xabi Alonso remains one of the most highly rated coaches in the world. His impressive impact at Bayer Leverkusen made his ability to lead a sporting project clear. As a result, Liverpool and Manchester City have emerged as the leading candidates to bring him into their respective projects. Because of this, the Spaniard could be forced to make a difficult decision in the short term.

Although both Liverpool and Manchester City currently have managers in place, both clubs are targeting a change for the 2026–27 season. While the Reds could part ways with Arne Slot due to poor results, the Citizens may see Pep Guardiola depart for personal reasons. In this context, Xabi Alonso has attracted the attention of both clubs thanks to his proactive style of play and commitment to developing young players.

As a Reds legend, Xabi Alonso could have a preference for a move to Anfield, where he would immediately command the respect of the dressing room. However, Arne Slot’s departure is not yet fully defined, and if Liverpool decide to retain him, the Spaniard could accept Manchester City’s offer, where he would carry on Pep Guardiola’s legacy, pursue an iconic spell in the Premier League, and move away from Liverpool for several years.

Italian football is in mourning following the death of former SPAL captain Nicolas Giani, an Inter youth academy product, at the age of 39.

The central defender passed away today after a long illness, which had forced him to suspend his playing career in 2022.

He would’ve turned 40 next month.

Clubs remember SPAL captain Giani

Giani had started his career as part of the Inter youth academy, going on to play for Cremonese, Pro Patria, Vicenza, Perugia, SPAL, Spezia, Feralpisalò and Desenzano.

The centre-back was most closely associated with SPAL, who he represented from 2014 to 2017, becoming their captain during their climb to Serie A.

Giani never managed a single top flight game during his career, but had 181 in Serie B with five goals and four assists, plus over 200 in Serie C.

He had caps for Italy at Under-18 and Under-19 level.

Inter and Cremonese are among the clubs who expressed their condolences to his family, but SPAL went bankrupt in August 2025.

Gian Piero Gasperini felt ‘luck was not on our side’ as Roma capitulated 1-0 to Udinese, but he welcomes the arrival of Donyell Malen and Bryan Zaragoza amid ‘difficulties’ on the transfer market.

The Giallorossi were ultimately undone by a deflection off Donyell Malen in the defensive wall, which gave Jurgen Ekkelenkamp’s free kick an extra spin to surprise Mile Svilar at the far top corner.

“Undoubtedly, it is never easy to play against Udinese,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.

“We lacked precision in the final third, were unlucky by a few centimetres at the end and the goal we conceded showed luck was not on our side this evening.

“Nonetheless, we leave with our heads held high, and with the strength to keep improving ourselves.”

There were two big chances to equalise in stoppages, but Kostas Tsimikas was offside on the Bryan Cristante goal, then Maduka Okoye fingertipped the Gianluca Mancini toe-poke off the line.

However, there was precious little else upfront, so why the lack of scoring opportunities created?

“It was a very closed match, they too only had a couple of long-range attempts, otherwise it was difficult for both teams to build something. We were looking to do more and we didn’t manage it, but when you have five or six men in the box, that is a chance, even if we didn’t get the finish away. I feel like we did more in that sense.”

Gasperini expected fewer problems for Roma transfers

Roma have been busy in the transfer window, bringing in Malen, Robinio Vaz and today Bryan Zaragoza on loan with option to buy from Bayern Munich.

They also sent Leon Bailey back to Aston Villa midway through his loan spell.

“The transfer market is closed, now we have four months and I didn’t realise we’d have so much difficulty introducing players in roles that we had been trying to fill since the summer,” noted Gasperini when asked how happy he was with the club’s transfer strategy.

“Evidently there were a lot of difficulties. Now we have Malen and Zaragoza, who will certainly give us a hand, then some very young players. We’ll try to do our best.”

Are there any regrets or a player that he would’ve wanted to bring in at Roma?

“There were dozens of names mentioned in the media, but I’m glad we managed to get Malen and Zaragoza. I realise it’s never easy to do business in the January window, but these two players will certainly help. There are also youngsters like Venturino and Vaz who represent the future, but we cannot think they are competitive right now for such high ambitions.

“The most important thing is getting players like Manu Kone and Paulo Dybala back from injury, as this is a group that does not give up.”

This result means that Roma slipped out of the top four and into fifth place, now two points behind Juventus.

They have now amassed just two draws in the last three competitive matches, held 1-1 by Milan and in the Europa League by Panathinaikos.

“These are difficult places to play, you can win or lose, we’ve seen that throughout the season.”

Napoli coach Antonio Conte complained that there are now far too many matches and they are damaging the health of players, so how does Gasperini reflect on that?

“This is the football system now, there are more tournaments and therefore more games. The only negative aspect is that 90 per cent of the injuries happen during matches, rarely in training, and there’s probably a reason for that,” replied the Roma coach.

“There have always been injuries, but there are double now because there are double the number of matches. The big problem is that with technology we have not been able to shorten the recovery time, although the tests are more precise in identifying injuries early. When you play more, there is a greater risk of injury, that’s just statistical probability.”

Roma saw their positive run of Serie A games ended by a surprise 1-0 defeat to Udinese, as Jurgen Ekkelenkamp’s deflected free kick proved decisive.

The Giallorossi played for 75 minutes down to 10 men on Thursday, but still earned a 1-1 draw with Panathinaikos to enter the Europa League last 16. Mario Hermoso returned, but Paulo Dybala, Manu Kone, Evan Ferguson, Artem Dovbyk and Stephan El Shaarawy missed the trip. The Friulani lost Alessandro Zanoli for the rest of the season to a torn ACL, with Adam Buksa, Hassane Kamara and Jakub Piotrowski also injured. Ex-Roma man Nicolò Zaniolo was back on the bench for the first time since knee surgery.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Mile Svilar needed two big saves in the opening minutes, first on Arthur Atta’s long-range strike, then doing the same on Jurgen Ekkelenkamp from even further out, with Oumar Solet unable to keep the rebound down.

Gianluca Mancini sprinted back and at full stretch toe-poked the Keinan Davis roll across away from Ekkelenkamp, who was ready to tap in from six yards.

Donyell Malen had a weak effort saved by Maduka Okoye on the Matias Soulé counter-attack, as Udinese continued to have the better of the game with Liam Miller also blasting just over the bar and Evan Ndicka’s decisive interception to prevent Davis going clear.

Soulé floated a free kick off target and after the restart Wesley’s cross-shot was parried at the near post by Okoye’s legs.

However, it was Udinese who took the lead moments later when Ekkelenkamp’s free kick took a big deflection off Malen in the wall to loop up past a helpless Svilar into the far top corner. Roma were furious, as they felt Mancini had not committed a foul to give away that free kick.

The good luck did not last long, because moments later Davis pulled up clutching his left thigh and had to limp off, visibly distraught at this latest injury setback.

Malen’s free kick was straight into the wall, then his effort was deflected wide by Thomas Kristensen after a poor clearance.

Svilar had to palm a tricky Ekkelenkamp free kick out from under the bar, this time without a deflection, but Roma had the ball in the net at the 90^th minute with Bryan Cristante only after Kostas Tsimikas wandered offside for the acrobatic assist.

Roma threatened again at the 97th minute, Okoye at full stretch to fingertip the ball off the line after a Mancini toe-poke from six yards.

Udinese 1-0 Roma

Ekkelenkamp 49 (U)

02-02-2026 19:45

MatchDay 23

Friuli Stadium (Dacia Arena)

Udinese

Roma

1 - 0

Player statistic

1st half

		7'		Evan Ndicka
Keinan Davis		17'
Thomas Kristensen		34'

2nd half

		48'		Gianluca Mancini
Jurgen Ekkelenkamp		49'
		59'		Neil El Aynaoui
Jordan Zemura		62'
		67'		Lorenzo Pellegrini
Lennon Miller		69'
Idrissa Gueye		70'

Match statistic

36

Possession %

64

8

Total shots

10

4

Shots on target

3

3

Shots off target

2

1

Blocked shots

5

4

Corners

7

0

Offsides

2

18

Fouls

17

Udinese

Roma

Starting lineups

40

Maduka Okoye

Goalkeeper

33

Jordan Zemura

Defender

19

Kingsley Ehizibue

Defender

13

Nicolò Bertola

Defender

79'

28

Oumar Solet

Defender

31

Thomas Kristensen

Defender

14

Arthur Atta

Midfielder

8

Jesper Karlström

Midfielder

32

Jurgen Ekkelenkamp

Midfielder

90'

38

Lennon Miller

Midfielder

79'

9

Keinan Davis

Attacker

56'

99

Mile Svilar

Goalkeeper

5

Evan Ndicka

Defender

23

Gianluca Mancini

Defender

22

Mario Hermoso

Defender

70'

43

Wesley

Defender

19

Zeki Celik

Defender

79'

4

Bryan Cristante

Midfielder

7

Lorenzo Pellegrini

Midfielder

67'

8

Neil El Aynaoui

Midfielder

78'

14

Donyell Malen

Attacker

18

Matìas Soulé

Attacker

79'

Substitutes

93

Daniele Padelli

Goalkeeper

1

Alessandro Nunziante

Goalkeeper

29

Abdoulaye Camara

Midfielder

20

Juan Arizala

Defender

27

Christian Kabasele

Defender

79'

6

Oier Zarraga

Midfielder

79'

59

Alessandro Zanoli

Defender

90'

15

Vakoun Bayo

Attacker

90'

7

Idrissa Gueye

Attacker

3

Angeliño

Defender

95

Pierluigi Gollini

Goalkeeper

2

Devyne Rensch

Defender

32

Devis Vásquez

Goalkeeper

24

Jan Ziolkowski

Defender

68

Antonio Arena

Attacker

75

Mattia Della Rocca

Midfielder

20

Lorenzo Venturino

Attacker

67'

87

Daniele Ghilardi

Defender

70'

61

Niccolò Pisilli

Midfielder

78'

12

Konstantinos Tsimikas

Defender

79'

78

Robinio Vaz

Attacker

79'