Legend Gianluigi Buffon joined the exodus in Italy FA after missing out the qualification to the 2026 World Cup, while Pep Guardiola has been reportedly linked to be the next head coach of the Azzurri.

Italy‘s latest failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup has sent shockwaves through the federation, triggering the resignation of the president and now the departure of icon Gianluigi Buffon. With a new rebuilding process underway, Pep Guardiola has emerged as one of the names being considered to lead the Azzurri.

Bosnia & Herzegovina secured their World Cup ticket at Italy’s expense in the UEFA playoffs, and within 48 hours of the elimination, heads had already begun to roll. Gabriele Gravina stepped down as president of the Italian Football Federation, with Buffon, who had served as head of delegation since August 2023, following suit shortly after.

“Submitting my resignation one minute after the end of the match against Bosnia was an urgent act, one that came from deep within me. It was as spontaneous as the tears and that heartache that I know I share with all of you. I was asked to wait to allow everyone time for proper reflection. Now that President Gravina has chosen to take a step back, I feel free to do what I consider an act of responsibility,” Buffon wrote in a statement posted to his social media.

Becoming the first World Cup-winning nation to miss three consecutive tournaments has dealt a severe blow not only to the federation, but to Italian soccer as a whole. Minister of Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi weighed in on the crisis, calling for a change in direction and insisting that a rebuild of the national game “must begin with a renewal of the FIGC leadership.”

Guardiola drawn into the conversation as potential Azzurri candidate

While a new federation president is set to be elected on June 22, no official word has been issued regarding the future of national team head coach Gennaro Gattuso. According to Fabrizio Romano, however, the former AC Milan midfielder is expected to depart his role, with one high-profile name standing out above the rest as a potential successor.

As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pep Guardiola has been put forward as a candidate for the Italy head coaching position. The Spanish manager has yet to make a decision on his future at Manchester City, with the club reportedly giving him the freedom to determine his own path despite his current contract running through June 2027.

The other two prominent names linked to the role are Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte. Both carry strong Italian credentials and prior experience with the Azzurri, though the federation would face significant challenges in either case, with Mancini currently at Qatari side Al-Sadd and Conte under contract at Napoli, where a compelling project is underway.

According to Romano, Manchester City are prepared to let Guardiola decide his own future, with Enzo Maresca remaining a credible internal option as a potential replacement. Guardiola has previously stated that the Citizens would be his last club job and that he would be open to managing a national team thereafter, and with Brazil now taken by Carlo Ancelotti, Italy could represent the ideal next chapter in his coaching career.

Former Atletico Madrid player Raúl García told his story with Cristiano Ronaldo in a derbi against Real Madrid after the famous "espaldinha."

Every time there is a derby in Madrid, high tension is expected. During Cristiano Ronaldo’s time at Real Madrid, this was no exception, especially when Atlético Madrid were also a frequent rival in the Champions League. Former player Raúl García told a story about the famous “espaldinha” incident.

In an interview with former Atlético Madrid midfielder Mario Suárez, who hosts the “El camino de Mario” podcast, García said he has always been respectful and that is the most important thing for him, but that time he lost his mind.

García said: “I hate losing. That day it came from my soul. I most likely said something like ‘I will rip your head off.’ It comes from inside. It’s a subject that is in the past. Every time I talked to him, respect was always there. What happens on the field must stay there.”

Ronaldo’s “espaldinha” context

The heated rivalry that has marked these clubs’ history never stops, but the 2010s may have been the best era for this matchup, partly because Atlético Madrid were a rival for Real Madrid like few before them.

The episode García recalled was from a La Liga match in the 2010-11 season. With Real Madrid leading 2-0, Ronaldo crossed from the left and goalkeeper David De Gea punched the ball high back toward the forward.

Ronaldo’s decision was not a conventional one, as he used his back to pass the ball to a teammate in a play that almost ended in a Sergio Ramos goal. Part of what García told him at the time was believed to be a complaint that the Portuguese would not have made if the score had been 0-0.

Real Madrid have the highest salaries in La Liga, ahead of Barcelona, with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior at the top.

It’s no surprise that Real Madrid and Barcelona dominate the La Liga salary rankings. What stands out, however, is the gap between the two clubs, with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior as the highest-paid players in Spanish soccer.

L’Equipe published an analysis this Wednesday of the highest salaries in Europe’s top leagues. When focusing specifically on La Liga, they created a top-five list that shows the dominance of one club: four of the five highest-paid players in the Spanish league play for Real Madrid.

At the top of the ranking, for now, are Mbappe and Vinicius, both with a gross monthly salary calculated at €2,670,000 (around $37 million per year). However, this parity between Real Madrid’s two stars could change soon, as Vinicius’ contract includes a raise starting next season.

It’s worth noting that when additional earnings beyond the fixed salary are included, Mbappe holds an advantage. “The French national team captain (27 years old) remains, however, the highest-paid player at the Madrid club, thanks to bonuses included in his contract, which runs until June 2029,” L’Equipe notes.

The top three in La Liga salaries is completed by another Real Madrid player: David Alaba, with a gross monthly salary of €1,880,000. Next is the first player from another club, Robert Lewandowski, who earns about €1,730,000 at Barcelona. Finally, tied for fifth are Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak, both at €1,670,000.

Salary rankings in other top European leagues

In addition to calculating the highest salaries in La Liga, L’Equipe performed the same analysis for Europe’s other top leagues. Across all of them, the only player approaching the numbers of Mbappe and Vinicius is Erling Haaland. The Manchester City striker has a reported monthly salary of €2,630,000 (around $36.4 million per year).

Haaland clearly leads the Premier League ranking, followed by Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (€2,000,000), Manchester United’s Casemiro and Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk (both €1,750,000), and finally Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka (€1,500,000).

In Italy, the numbers are more modest. Dusan Vlahovic leads with €1,850,000 at Juventus, followed by Lautaro Martinez with €1,390,000 at Inter Milan and Paulo Dybala with €1,080,000 at AS Roma.

Finally, France presents a unique case: the highest salary is not a player, but a coach. “With his upcoming contract extension worth around €20 million annually, PSG coach Luis Enrique will soon be the highest-paid figure in our league,” L’Equipe reports. Ousmane Dembele follows with €18 million per year.

Christian Pulisic’s situation has once again become a major talking point as uncertainty builds ahead of his club’s crucial second-place battle clash against Napoli in Serie A.

Christian Pulisic’s situation has once again become a major talking point as uncertainty builds ahead of his club’s crucial second-place battle clash against Napoli in Serie A. As one of the key figures at Milan, Pulisic’s form and availability are always under scrutiny, but recent developments have intensified the focus on him.

Ahead of the high-stakes clash against Napoli, questions are being raised about whether he will even be in the starting lineup. The context of a demanding season, combined with international duty, has added further complexity to the situation.

The timing could hardly be worse, with the Rossoneri needing consistency and decisive contributions in a critical stage of the campaign. Pulisic has long been viewed as a player capable of changing games, yet his 2026 performances have not reflected that expectation. This has only increased speculation about his current condition and role within the squad.

As discussions continue, Sky Italia and Pazzidifanta suggest that there is more to the story than meets the eye. The reasons behind his uncertain status are now beginning to emerge, pointing to deeper concerns beyond simple form or fitness issues, adding a layer of intrigue to his current situation.

Confidence concerns after international duty

Following his return from the United States, it has become increasingly apparent that Pulisic is dealing with a challenging period. According to Sky Italia‘s journalist Manuele Baiocchini, Pulisic displayed a lack of self-assurance upon his return from USMNT duty, perhaps as a result of criticism associated with his performances.

This dip in confidence comes at a time when expectations are particularly high. The American has gone over 90 days without scoring, with his last goal for Milan dating back to late December, and his international scoring drought extending even further, since 2024. These numbers highlight a rare dry spell for a player known for his attacking quality.

Despite this, Pulisic remains determined to turn things around. “I have to be more clinical… It’s been a tough patch,” he said, while maintaining optimism about his ability to recover. His words reflect a player aware of the situation but confident that improvement is within reach.

Struggles in front of goal and tactical challenges

Pulisic’s struggles have been visible both at club and international levels. In recent matches, including defeats against Belgium and Portugal, he has failed to make a decisive impact in the final third. Even tactical adjustments have not helped him rediscover his sharpness.

The issue is not simply a lack of effort or involvement. Pulisic continues to create chances and contribute to build-up play, but the final product has been missing. This inconsistency has raised concerns about his ability to deliver at the level expected of him.

With uncertainty surrounding Pulisic, Milan could be forced into changes for its clash with Napoli. Both Pulisic and teammate Rafael Leao are considered unlikely to be included in the starting XI, leaving the team’s attacking structure in question.

Spain’s early preparations for the 2030 World Cup have taken an unexpected turn, and for rising star Lamine Yamal, the latest developments could become a tough personal blow.

Spain’s early preparations for the 2030 World Cup have taken an unexpected turn, and for rising star Lamine Yamal, the latest developments could become a tough personal blow. The honor of staging soccer’s greatest final was widely expected to belong to Spain, but recent reports warn that the nation may now be at serious risk of losing that privilege. Morocco, one of the joint hosts, is suddenly emerging as a surprising frontrunner.

In a week marked by confusion and heated reactions across soccer circles, Spain’s long-standing confidence in hosting the prestigious match has been shaken. Organizers and officials have acknowledged mounting concerns, though the exact reason behind the shift has not been publicly addressed in full. This has opened the door for new speculation and new contenders to step forward.

With the final originally expected to take place at either the Santiago Bernabeu or the Camp Nou, Spain’s preparations seemed well on track. Yet behind the scenes, FIFA and other stakeholders are reportedly reassessing key criteria linked to the event. Those in Morocco sense a rare opportunity, and according to several reports, they are ready to seize it.

Disturbing episode casts a shadow on Spain’s hosting hopes

The reason behind Spain’s sudden vulnerability stems from shocking racist and anti-Muslim incidents during the national team’s friendly against Egypt, events that have drawn widespread condemnation. Chants from sections of the crowd targeted visiting players in Barcelona, and Spain’s institutions are now under scrutiny for their “inability to combat this phenomenon during matches”, according to Moroccan outlet Goud and Spanish Cadena SER.

The publications stated: “Numerous racist incidents have been witnessed in Spanish stadiums… Muslims in Spain are suffering racism in the stadiums. Curiously, the main star of the Spanish national team is a Muslim of Moroccan origin (Lamine Yamal).” These remarks underscore why Morocco believes it has gained an unexpected advantage.

FIFA is reportedly “aware of everything”, and insiders told Spanish media that the governing body views the situation seriously, particularly because Spain, Portugal, and Morocco are jointly hosting the 2030 tournament. The friendship match incident, which went viral internationally, placed Spain at the center of global criticism.

Morocco to seize the moment?

Morocco’s confidence has surged. Citing its lack of similar stadium controversies, it is positioning itself as the most stable and inclusive option to host the final. With the massive Grand Stade Hassan II under construction, expected to seat over 100,000, the country is presenting an image of modernity, safety, and unity.

The Moroccan argument is explicit: the 2030 final must represent soccer’s unifying spirit, free from discrimination. After the events in Barcelona, Morocco believes Spain’s image has been compromised.

England have strong competition at the attacking midfielder position, which could put Phil Foden’s place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup at risk, according to Thomas Tuchel.

Thomas Tuchel was candid in discussing Phil Foden’s chances of making the England national team squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, given the fierce competition in that area of the field.

“Phil tried everything. I would say he was excellent in camp but he struggles to show it on the pitch,” Tuchel admitted, according to The Guardian, following the March friendly matches against Uruguay and Japan. “He struggles to have the full impact.”

Tuchel was then asked whether a player going through this kind of period in their career could still be considered for the World Cup roster. “I can,” he responded, but then clarified: “The question would be if we will. It’s not a guarantee that he will come.”

On Foden’s recent club performances, the coach offered his analysis: “He didn’t have a lot of minutes for City recently.” Yet he praised the midfielder’s attitude: “Then he came to camp with the brightest smile and was so good in training, and I thought he would just surprise us and play with the same verve and excitement.”

Foden not at his best

At Manchester City, Phil Foden appears to have lost some of the prominence he had until a few months ago. He has 10 goals and 5 assists in 41 matches this season, but in the last 10 games he has started only twice. He even remained on the bench without playing in four of those matches.

That did not stop Thomas Tuchel from calling him up for the March FIFA break and giving him minutes in both England games. Foden started against Uruguay and played 56 minutes before being replaced by Cole Palmer. A similar situation occurred against Japan, with Dominic Solanke coming on for him in the 59th minute.

England have plenty of options in that area

Questions about Foden’s inclusion in the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad are not only related to his current form at Manchester City but also to the wide array of options Tuchel has at the position.

In recent call-ups, the attacking midfielders included Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Eberechi Eze. Tuchel has even left the door open for 16-year-old Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman.

It’s clear that England will not have room for everyone. In fact, the coach was asked months ago about the possibility of including five No.10s in the roster. “I don’t see how this will help us,” he replied, making it clear that some players will inevitably be left out of the World Cup. That makes the next two months of club competition crucial in determining who claims the coveted spots.

Enzo Fernández had nice words for Madrid and Real Madrid legends Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, with his Chelsea future in doubt.

The summer has not even started, but talk around potential signings in the transfer window keeps Real Madrid fans alert. Rumors about Enzo Fernández’s possible departure from Chelsea are now in focus after the midfielder gave an interview in which he praised Madrid, Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić.

Fernández said on Luzu TV when asked which city he would like to live in: “I always tell my wife that if I had to choose a European city, it would be Madrid. It’s like Buenos Aires, the food, everything…”

His form at Chelsea has not been the same since Enzo Maresca was fired. That, along with reports that the dressing room does not like some of his complaints with teammates on the field, could open the door for him to leave the club, according to Marca.

Fernández on Kroos and Modrić

Speaking well about Madrid could also be seen as a nice gesture toward Atlético Madrid, not just Real Madrid. However, when he had to choose the best players he has faced, the names he picked are icons of one club.

As a midfielder, it was not just another match for Fernández when he faced perhaps the best duo of the last few years. His style of play also resembles some of the things they do, so his choice was an easy one.

Fernández said: “Because I play in the same position, I always try to watch the midfielders on the other team and I choose Kroos. I play against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu and he and Modrić are incredible. They have a lot of quality.”

Fernández’s contract

Even if Fernández would like to leave Chelsea, it will not be easy. The club has been known for signing very long contracts with young players, and he is no exception. His deal does not expire until 2032. His price also will not be low, as 100 million euros seems to be the floor, with Chelsea having invested 120 million euros to sign him from Benfica.

Liverpool are interested in signing the AS Monaco attacker Maghnes Akliouche at the end of the season.

The 24-year-old French international is highly rated across Europe and regarded as one of the finest young attacking talents in Ligue 1.

According to reports from Spain, Liverpool have identified him as a replacement for Mohamed Salah. Akliouche is a naturally right-sided winger, and he would fit right in. The player is valued at €70 million, and Liverpool are prepared to negotiate a reasonable deal for him. The player’s representatives have indicated that he could be open to a move to the Premier League. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool can get the deal done.

The Monaco star has 15 goal contributions this season, and he is a young player with a lot of potential. He could improve with coaching and experience in future. Liverpool have done well to groom young players, and they could play a key role in his development.

The opportunity to join one of the biggest clubs in the world will be quite exciting for the French attacker. It would be a major step up in his career. Regular football in the Premier League could bring out the best in him and help him fulfil his potential.

Even if Liverpool have to pay a premium for him, the deal could be worth it in the long-term. He is a young player with a lot of promise, and he could develop into a future star.

It is no secret that Liverpool need more quality on the flanks. The 24-year-old is capable of operating on either flank, and he will add pace, flair, and unpredictability to the team.

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Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing the Atalanta defender, Marco Palestra at the end of the season.

The 20-year-old full back is currently on loan at Cagliari, and he has done exceedingly well for them. The player could cost around €45 million in the summer, according to reports via SportWitness, and it will be interesting to see if Liverpool decides to make a move for him.

He can operate as a full back on either flank, and he could prove to be an excellent addition for Liverpool. It is no secret that Liverpool needs more depth at full-back. They have struggled due to persistent injury problems at right back, and Palestra would be a superb option.

He has shown he can be a reliable defender and influence games going forward. His ability to slot into the left-back role would be a bonus. Andrew Robertson is expected to leave the club at the end of the season, and the 20-year-old Italian could fill the void left by him.

The asking price is quite steep for a young talent like him, and it remains to be seen whether Liverpool is prepared to break the bank for him. The player has the quality and the potential to justify the investment in future, and the deal could look like a shrewd investment in the long term.

Atalanta are hoping that he can return to the club in the summer and play for them next season. However, turning down a lucrative proposal could be difficult for them. It remains to be seen how the situation develops over the next few weeks. The opportunity to join Liverpool will be tempting for the young defender as well. Regular football in England could accelerate his development and bring out the best in him.

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Raphinha suffered an injury while playing for Brazil, prompting a response from Barcelona president Joan Laporta directed at FIFA.

Raphinha sustained a right hamstring injury during the match between Brazil and France a few days ago, which will sideline him for several weeks. The situation was not well received at Barcelona, and president Joan Laporta has now addressed FIFA over the issue.

“Raphinha’s injury is a shame,” Laporta said during a recent interview with Mon Esport. “It’s a friendly match, and one of the team’s best players suffers an injury. Of course it’s annoying… It’s infuriating!”

The Barcelona president was quick to make clear that Raphinha was not at fault. “You can’t blame the players. They are professionals and they give their all for their country,” he explained.

Instead, Laporta pointed to where he believes the main responsibility lies in these situations. “The problem is the crowded schedule, in the time of the season where we are playing for everything,” he said. “FIFA must make their calendar considering that these players play for big clubs.”

Raphinha will miss key Barcelona matches

Barcelona’s complaints are understandable given, as Laporta noted, the timing of Raphinha’s injury. This Saturday, they will face Atletico Madrid in a crucial La Liga clash that could be decisive in maintaining their lead with nine matches remaining.

And that’s not all: just four days later, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will meet again in an even more significant matchup. They are set to play the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals at the Camp Nou, with the decisive second leg scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, in Madrid.

By then, Raphinha will have been recovering from his hamstring injury for just over two weeks—a timeframe typically insufficient for a full recovery from this type of issue. As a result, Barcelona are effectively ruling out the winger for the entire series against Atletico Madrid, representing a major setback for Hansi Flick.

The FIFA calendar

While Joan Laporta’s complaints are understandable given the impact on Barcelona, his criticism does not fully reflect how the FIFA calendar is structured. Most leagues around the world run from September through May, with the early months of the year typically representing the most decisive stretch of the season.

During that period, FIFA schedules only one international break—the March window. It is the first of the year, with the next not coming until June, after club competitions have concluded. In contrast, the bulk of international fixtures takes place in the second half of the year, aligning with the early stages of the club season, when overall demands are lower.

Although Barcelona are already dealing with Raphinha’s injury, Hansi Flick could face yet another absence. Ahead of the match vs. Atlético Madrid, Frenkie de Jong’s availability remains uncertain, worrying the fans.

In the midst of a season marked by injuries, Barcelona have managed to stay among the best teams in Spain, remaining as LaLiga leaders and competing in the Champions League quarterfinals. However, they face a difficult challenge, as they take on Atlético Madrid. Ahead of this game, Hansi Flick could face an important setback, since Frenkie de Jong’s presence is completely uncertain due to his thigh injury.

According to reports from Carlos Monfort and Dídac Peyret in Diario Sport, Frenkie de Jong trained individually with Barcelona today, and his presence in Friday, April 3’s group session remains highly uncertain. As a result, the Dutchman could miss the match against Atlético Madrid, forcing coach Hansi Flick to adjust his starting lineup. Moreover, he is expected to make a comeback in the Champions League clash.

Alongside Frenkie, the Blaugranas will also be without Raphinha and Andreas Christensen, impacting the team’s overall performance. As a replacement for the Dutchman, Flick could turn to Marc Bernal, who has proven to be a difference-maker throughout the season. In the case of the Brazilian’s absence, Dani Olmo could take his place in the starting lineup, aiming to create space in Los Colchoneros’ rigid defense.

Report: Barcelona recover Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé

Despite the tough absences of Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong, Barcelona have received some good news. After suffering injuries in early March 2026, Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé have taken part in the most recent group training session. With this in mind, the Blaugranas expect to receive medical clearance before the match vs. Atlético Madrid, giving a solid boost to Flick.

With the return of both players, Hansi Flick gains much-needed consistency, as the team has been struggling significantly on a defensive level in their absence. However, they might not be able to play the full 90 minutes, instead having managed playing time to avoid relapses. Because of this, the presence of João Cancelo and Xavi Espart could still be vital in securing the much-needed victory.

Barcelona face unusual fixture timing vs Atlético Madrid

Barcelona and Atlético usually face each other around two or three times per season, but this time they will meet six times—an unusual occurrence. The Blaugrana are entering one of the most important months of their entire season. On April 4, they face off in LaLiga, aiming to secure their top spot. Then, they have two more matches on April 8 and 14 in the Champions League quarterfinals.

Lamine Yamal's father commented on the discrimination incident that happened in Spain vs Egypt.

This week has centered on the discrimination scandal from Tuesday’s international friendly between Spain and Egypt. Lamine Yamal was very critical of the people who sang the controversial chant, and his father also spoke about the issue.

During a live broadcast on TikTok, Mounir Nasraoui said: “I don’t like what happened. Viva Spain. Viva the Muslims, the Catholics, the Jewish, and the entire world equally. What’s the problem? If you respect, you will be respected.”

Mounir sent a message of unity after an incident in which his religion was mocked. Yamal’s father was born in Morocco, while the player was born in Barcelona and follows the Muslim faith.

The context of the incident

During the international window, one match in particular sparked controversy. Spain was supposed to play the Finalissima against Argentina, but instead organized friendlies. Serbia and Egypt were the rivals, with the latter becoming the target of the incident.

The match was played at RCDE Stadium, home of Espanyol. Unlike isolated moments where individual fans insult a player, this was a widespread show of disrespect.

During the match, a discriminatory chant was heard that said, “the one who does not jump is a Muslim.” This sparked anger, especially from Yamal, who left the field without taking part in the usual lap of applause to the fans.

Espanyol’s statement

The episode prompted criticism from many sides. Some pointed to Espanyol fans as responsible for the chant, which led the club to respond in a statement: “RCD Espanyol also wants to express its deep concern over the gratuitous and widespread smear campaign that has been affecting its fans in recent hours.”

There are reports Lazio have decided not to offer Toma Basic a new contract after all, despite previously seeming to agree a deal until 2030, so he’ll leave for free.

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The midfielder is one of several players whose contracts are running down at the Stadio Olimpico, but the club is pulling the purse strings tight and trying to lower the wage bill.

That means quite a few of them are going to be allowed to just walk away at the end of the season.

Lazio cool on Basic idea

Basic had been the one most likely to sign an extension, with multiple rumours an agreement until June 2030 had been worked out with the salary at €2.5m per season.

However, LaLazioSiamoNoi report that the club hierarchy changed their minds and are now ready to let the 29-year-old’s deal expire on June 30.

An injury in February saw him drop out of the squad and that lost the momentum he was building under coach Maurizio Sarri.

Basic joined Lazio in 2021 from Girondins de Bordeaux for €7.1m and so far this season had made 17 competitive appearances, scoring one goal and providing two assists.

An audacious name has been suggested for the Italy job next summer, because Pep Guardiola is expected to leave Manchester City and has a love for Italian football.

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Gennaro Gattuso is widely expected to leave the role after failing to secure World Cup qualification, after FIGC President Gabriele Gravina and delegation chief Gigi Buffon both tended their resignations today.

The names mentioned as potential candidates are current Milan boss Max Allegri, plus former Azzurri coaches Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte, who are at Al-Sadd and Napoli respectively.

Guardiola dream for the Nazionale

An intriguing alternative was put forward by the Gazzetta dello Sport, specifically that of Guardiola, who is likely to walk away from Manchester City at the end of the season.

The Spaniard has been in that job since 2016, before that winning silverware with Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

It would be an interesting challenge for a coach with a very specific style of football that is in many ways the antithesis of Calcio tradition.

However, that doesn’t mean Guardiola is a stranger to Italy, far from it.

He played for two Serie A clubs, Brescia and Roma, still speaks excellent Italian, and regularly returns to these shores as a tourist.

Guardiola is also full of praise for several Italian coaches, such as Gian Piero Gasperini of Roma and Lazio’s Maurizio Sarri.

The last time Italy had a foreign CT was Helenio Herrera, but that was sharing the role with Giulio Valcareggi for only four games in the 1960s.

If Carlo Ancelotti can leave Real Madrid to take on the Brazil job, why not Guardiola in charge of the Azzurri?

Fabio Capello has urged Gennaro Gattuso to ‘wait for the next two games’ before deciding if he will quit as Italy coach. ‘We paid the price for an individual player error.’

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The failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup has seen an inevitable run of resignations at the top of Italian football, starting with FIGC President Gabriele Gravina and delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon.

Gattuso is widely expected to follow suit, but former England and Russia national team manager Capello is encouraging him to postpone that decision until June.

Capello would like to see more of Gattuso

“I would wait for the next two games before making any decision on Gattuso,” Capello told Sky Sport Italia.

“Let us not forget he took over the team with the qualifying campaign already begun under Luciano Spalletti, and he managed to bring character and determination to the side.

“Unfortunately, and it is sad to say this, but we paid the price for an individual player error that was elementary, otherwise we probably would’ve taken home the result.”

Italy were leading 1-0 in the World Cup play-off final against Bosnia and Herzegovina when Alessandro Bastoni was sent off for an ill-timed lunge.

When down to 10 men for over an hour, they scraped a 1-1 draw after extra time, losing the penalty shoot-out.

Gattuso had only eight games in charge for Italy, overseeing six victories, one defeat, and one draw with loss on penalties.

There are several names being mentioned to take over from Gattuso, including Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini, who had the job before.

“We’ll have to see not just what they won in the past, but also the way that some of them left the role. There are many things to be evaluated here,” warned Capello.

Buffon confessed he wanted to resign on the night in Zenica, but was asked to stall for time by Gravina.

“Gigi is very direct and is not someone who will lead you down the garden path. As they didn’t achieve their objective, he stood up and handed in his resignation. That is to be respected.”

Liverpool defender Jeremie Frimpong has had an unfortunate debut campaign with the club so far.

Even though he has impressed with his performance at times, he has had persistent injury problems. The defender was taken off in the midweek while playing for his country with an injury. There were rumours that the player could be sidelined for the upcoming matches, but the player has now allayed such fears with a social media post.

The defender shared pictures of himself training with the Liverpool players, captioned “All good”. The post clearly suggests that it was a minor problem for the player during the international break, and he is unlikely to miss the upcoming matches.

Liverpool is in the business end of the season, and they need their top players fit and ready. Losing the right back would have been devastating for them. Conor Bradley is already sidelined with a serious injury.

They will need the Netherlands international fit and ready for the remainder of the campaign. He has been a useful player for Liverpool and has shown he can influence the game at both ends of the pitch. He could be an important option for Liverpool in the remaining matches of the season.

His social media post will certainly delight the Liverpool fans, and it remains to be seen whether Freon can help Liverpool finish the season strongly. The Reds will face Manchester City in the FA Cup this weekend, and they will feel the competition is their best chance to win a trophy this season.

It has been a disappointing Premier League campaign for them, and they are fighting for a place in the top four.

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Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the Fulham attacker Harry Wilson at the end of the season.

The 29-year-old will be out of contract in the summer, and the London club is hoping to secure his signature on a bargain. According to TEAMtalk, they will also face competition from Liverpool and Manchester United.

Spurs have struggled to create opportunities in the final third and find the back of the net regularly this season. They need more quality in the final third, and Wilson could be a useful acquisition.

Liverpool is open to bringing the player back to the club, and it will be interesting to see if they can convince the Welsh International to return. Signing him for free could prove to be a wise decision. They need more quality on the flanks, especially after the departure of Mohamed Salah in the summer. Wilson has been outstanding for the Premier League side this season, and he has 18 goal contributions to his name in all competitions.

He is a right-sided winger who is versatile enough to operate on either flank. He will help create opportunities for his teammates and find the back of the net as well.

On the other hand, Manchester United are monitoring his situation as well. It is no secret that they need more quality on the flanks. The 29-year-old could be a useful acquisition for them. The fact that he is available for free makes him an attractive option for most clubs. It remains to be seen what the player decides.

He could be attracted to the idea of joining a big club in the summer. Spurs, Liverpool and Manchester United will be exciting opportunities for the player. It remains to be seen which of the three clubs can convince him to join in the summer. Meanwhile, Fulham are still hoping to keep him at the club beyond this season. It remains to be seen whether they can convince the player to sign an extension.

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Archie Gray has been very impressive since joining Tottenham Hotspur from Leeds United at the start of the season.

He is already being linked with a potential move away from the club in the summer. Liverpool has been mentioned as a potential destination, and the player is likely to cost a significant sum.

The 20-year-old has been an important player for Tottenham, and he has shown the ability to play in multiple roles across the pitch. His versatility makes him a massive asset for any team, and it will be interesting to see if Liverpool is willing to pay big money for him in the summer. According to John Wenham, the player is likely to cost around £70 million.

Wenham said: “Spurs paid £40m for him, and he is likely to be the club’s Player and Young Player of the Year as well as the Supporters’ and Players’ player.

“Spurs should be looking to build the side around Archie rather than entertain any offers to sell, but I estimate a starting price point would be north of £70m.”

It remains to be seen how the situation develops. Tottenham is fighting for survival in the Premier League, and they must remain in the top flight if they want to keep their top players at the club. Going down to the Championship could be devastating for them, and they could lose multiple players in the summer.

If they manage to stay up, it is fair to assume that they will be able to hold onto the young midfielder beyond this season. Gray is enjoying his football with the London club, and he has an important role in the side. He has no reason to leave them just yet. However, relegation could change everything.

Liverpool needs more quality and depth in the middle of the park, and the 20-year-old could be the ideal long-term investment. His ability to slot into multiple roles would be ideal for the Reds.

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Arsenal are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Garcia at the end of the season.

The 22-year-old is highly rated across Europe, and he has impressed with his performances for the Spanish club. However, he is not a guaranteed starter for them, and he might need to move on in the summer in order to play more often.

Arsenal need more depth in the attacking unit, and Garcia would be a solid long-term acquisition. They are prepared to sell Gabriel Jesus for €25 million and replace him with the Real Madrid striker.

According to a report from SportsBoom, Newcastle United is also keen on the player. However, any move for the player will depend on their ability to offload Nick Woltemade. The German joined Newcastle at the start of the season, and he is already being linked with an exit. It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds.

Garcia will be desperate for regular opportunities, and the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle might be able to provide him with the platform he needs. He has played just 1184 minutes of first-team football this season, scoring six goals in all competitions.

Arsenal signed Viktor Gyokeres at the start of the season, but the Swedish international has not been prolific enough for them. They need someone to share the goal sc with him, and the report describes Garcia as an “elite-level finisher”. 

There is no doubt that the 22-year-old has the physicality and technical attributes for English football, and he could be a future star with the right guidance. However, Real Madrid is unwilling to lose him, and they rate him highly. The report claims that any potential sale will come with a buyback clause. It will be interesting to see if clubs like Arsenal or Newcastle would be willing to accept a condition like that.

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Arne Slot described his overriding emotion as one of excitement when questioned about his feelings over Liverpool’s potentially season-defining fixtures. Liverpool are back in action following the international break this Saturday against Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals, before they return to the European stage. Paris Saint-Germain are the Reds’ opponents in the last […]

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Following the departure of Mohamed Salah, Liverpool will be forced to look for a replacement in the summer transfer market. Because of this, the Reds are reportedly targeting Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig in a €100 million move.

After a season full of controversies, Mohamed Salah has decided to leave Liverpool at the end of the season, following a historic tenure at Anfield. Because of this, the Reds will be forced to look for a replacement in the summer. While he is still a young prospect, they have supposedly decided to pursue Yan Diomande. However, they would have to pay a €100 million transfer fee to RB Leipzig.

According to Florian Plettenberg, via X (formerly Twitter), Liverpool are closely monitoring the development of Yan Diomande, maintaining constant contact with his agents. Despite this, RB Leipzig remain determined to keep the 19-year-old star, aiming to offer him a new contract along with a performance-based salary increase. However, they would be open to his departure for offers exceeding €100 million.

Yan Diomande has managed to impress with his performances in the Bundesliga. In the current season, the Ivorian has scored 11 goals and provided 8 assists in 29 matches, making him the second top scorer and the top assist provider. His impact goes beyond the statistics, as his pace and dribbling are decisive, creating space for his teammates. Moreover, he is only 19 years old, so he could lead the Reds for more than a decade.

Despite his huge impact, Diomande is still far from being one of the best players in the world. If Liverpool sign him, they will be betting on his room for growth, which points to world-class potential. However, the Cameroonian does not surpass the impact that Salah has had, having scored 10 goals and provided 9 assists in 34 games in one of his ‘worst’ seasons with the team. Because of this, the Reds would need to be patient.

Jeremie Frimpong could also be key at Liverpool’s right wing

Targeting a replacement for Salah, Liverpool appear determined to sign a promising right winger, also with an eye on long-term performance. In addition, Federico Chiesa is also expected to leave the team, leaving Harvey Elliott on the way out as well. Given this situation, Jeremie Frimpong could play a key role as a right winger, serving as direct competition for Yan Diomande.

Throughout the current season, coach Arne Slot has chosen on several occasions to deploy Frimpong as a right winger. Taking advantage of his pace and excellent dribbling, the Reds have had a strong alternative to open up space in the opposition’s defense. The Dutchman may not score many goals, but he does have great vision and passing ability, which adds different dimensions to the team’s play.

Javier Mascherano spoke about Lionel Messi ahead of the clash between Inter Miami and Austin FC.

Inter Miami are set to face Austin FC this Saturday in the opening of the Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park, for Matchday 6 of Major League Soccer. Lionel Messi’s availability was addressed by coach Javier Mascherano.

The Argentine forward did not join Thursday’s training session with his teammates, raising concerns about his participation in Saturday’s game. However, the coach offered a reassuring explanation.

“We had it already planned that way,” Mascherano began during the press conference, shared by reporter Jose Armando on X. “Leo is fine. We’re simply taking the usual care with him, as we do with everyone.”

Mascherano then explained that the differentiated exercises Messi completed during training, alongside Noah Allen and Alex Shaw, were due to their recent game load during the March FIFA break: “They are the three players who played on Tuesday and had the most minutes. Less than 48 hours have passed since they finished playing; we just wanted them to move a little in a regenerative way.”

Inter Miami receive good news

The situation with Messi, as well as Allen and Shaw, does not raise any concerns for Inter Miami ahead of upcoming matches. Additionally, the other players who represented their national teams during the FIFA break in recent days are also in perfect condition.

“The rest of the players who played had fewer minutes. Or, like in the case of Telasco (Segovia), they played on Monday,” Javier Mascherano explained in the same press conference. “All of them are in good condition.”

With that in mind, the Herons have positive prospects ahead of Saturday’s clash against Austin FC. According to reporter Jose Armando, two of the players who had recent physical issues—Maximiliano Falcon and Sergio Reguilon—participated in Thursday’s session alongside the rest of the squad. The only player missing full training was Facundo Mura, who completed differentiated exercises.

Falcon has been out of action since March 11, when he was substituted in the opening minutes of the first leg against Nashville SC in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Reguilon, meanwhile, had to leave in the first half of the second leg on March 18 and had not played since.

As different names are put forward to take over from Gabriele Gravina as FIGC President, a big problem becomes self-evident in Italian football.

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Gravina has tended his resignation as President of the Italian Football Federation following the third consecutive failure to qualify for a World Cup.

New elections will be held on June 22 to find his replacement, ending a tenure that had lasted since October 2018, the wake of the first time the Azzurri lost the play-offs.

Italy coach will be chosen by new FIGC President

Gravina is 72 years old, and has been in and around Italian football for several decades, as he was also the Lega Pro President from 2015 to 2018.

He replaced Carlo Tavecchio, who died in January 2023 at the age of 79.

The President of the Italian Coaches Association (AIAC) Renzo Ulivieri confessed he had wanted Gravina to remain at the helm, and he is just turned 85.

The favourite to take over as FIGC President is Giovanni Malagò, who is a sprightly 67 and has been President of the CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) since 2013.

Another likely option is current Lega Nazionale Dilettanti (Amateur League) President Giancarlo Abete, who will be 76 in August.

Only today, Italy legend Gianni Rivera announced he was putting his name forward as a candidate to lead the FIGC, and he is 82 years old.

Dusan Vlahovic will be a free agent on July 1 unless he agrees a new contract with Juventus, but there are two big problems stalling negotiations.

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The striker recently returned from a long injury lay-off and remains eager to extend his stay in Turin, despite no shortage of other clubs interested in his services.

Those include Milan, where he’d reunite with Max Allegri, Arsenal and potentially also teams in Spain.

What Vlahovic wants from Juventus

According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, initial talks are on the right track, but there are still some significant blockages in the process, with another meeting planned next week.

It is hoped they can do a deal for a reduced salary of €6-7m per season from the current €12m including add-ons.

The biggest issue seems to be that agent Darko Ristic wants a significant commission if he is to organise this contract, seeing as he would earn a lot more if shopping Vlahovic to other clubs.

Juventus hope that the arrival of father Milos Vlahovic at the negotiating table will help smooth things over and reach a compromise.

Gianni Rivera has thrown his hat into the ring to become the next FIGC president, making an informal declaration of candidacy on the same day that Gabriele Gravina finally tendered his resignation following Italy’s third consecutive World Cup elimination.

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The 82-year-old, who in 1969 became the first Italian to win the Ballon d’Or, announced his interest during the radio programme Caffè on Rai Radio 1 Sport, via CalcioEFinanza.

“I am ready to become FIGC president because I have a very specific programme that I have developed with friends, including the son of Angelo Sormani,” Rivera said. “It is a model we are studying and preparing that could perhaps be useful for the federation.”

Rivera: ‘No surprise that Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup’

The former AC Milan legend was candid about the scale of the problems facing Italian football.

“There is no reason to be surprised about failing to qualify for the World Cup, I have to say that honestly,” he said. “At this moment there are serious problems that are difficult to overcome. We have shown that we have not overcome them.”

Any candidate wishing to stand in the election must submit formal documentation by 7 June, with the vote itself scheduled for 22 June.

The FIGC presidency is decided by an assembly of 516 weighted votes spread across Italian football’s various stakeholder groups.

The Lega Nazionale Dilettanti hold the largest share at 34%, followed by the players’ association at 20%, Serie A clubs at 18%, coaches at 10%, Lega Pro at 12% and Serie B at 6%. A candidate requires an absolute majority of validly cast votes, including blank ballots, to be elected.

Rivera’s candidacy is not yet official, but the intervention of one of Italian football’s most iconic figures adds a fascinating dimension to what promises to be a hotly contested race to reshape the game’s governing structures.

Arsenal and Liverpool are interested in signing the Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor at the end of the season.

The 18-year-old is highly rated across Europe, and several clubs are monitoring his progress. The two Premier League clubs will be hoping to secure his signature in the summer, and he could cost around €50 million, according to FussballDaten.

Ahanor can operate as both a central defender and a fullback. He is a versatile player with significant potential, and he could develop into a key player for Liverpool or Arsenal with the right guidance. It is no secret that Liverpool needs more quality and depth in the defensive unit. A versatile player like Ahanor would be a superb investment.

The young defender is already impressing with the Italian club, and he has clocked over 1,000 first-team minutes in the league this season.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have a well-stocked defensive unit, and it will be interesting to see if they are prepared to invest in another defender this summer. The 18-year-old needs to join a club that offers regular opportunities. Even though Arsenal is among the biggest clubs in the world and has a quality team, they might not be able to provide the young defender with regular opportunities. Sitting on the bench at a big club would be detrimental to his development.

Perhaps a move to Liverpool would be ideal for him. They are likely to lose Ibrahima Konate in the summer when his contract expires. Joe Gomez has also been linked with an exit. He needs more opportunities, and he could look to move on in the summer. Ahanor could be an important option for next season.

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Manchester United are interested in signing the Borussia Dortmund defender Waldemar Anton at the end of the season.

The 29-year-old has done well for the German club, and he is on the radar of clubs like Atletico Madrid as well, according to BILD via SportWitness. It is no secret that Manchester United could use more depth in the defensive unit. Anton could be a useful acquisition for them.

He is at the peak of his career, and he has the experience and leadership qualities as well. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United follows up on their interest with an offer to sign the player.

The opportunity to move to the Premier League at this stage of his career could be quite exciting for Anton. Manchester United are among the biggest clubs in the world, and they might be able to provide him with the platform to fight for trophies next season. Manchester United have shown significant improvement in recent weeks and are expected to secure Champions League qualification for next season. They need to keep improving the team if they want to compete with elite clubs next season.

Players like Matthijs de Ligt have suffered from persistent injury problems, and Manchester United need more depth in the defensive unit. Harry Maguire is in his 30s as well. Anton could be a very handy option for Manchester United. It remains to be seen whether the German club is willing to sanction his departure for a reasonable fee.

For now, the player will focus on finishing the season strongly with Dortmund and securing his place in Germany’s World Cup squad.

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Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing the Real Madrid youngster, Diego Aguado. 

The 19-year-old defender has attracted the attention of multiple clubs across Europe, and a report from AS claims that the Premier League club is hoping to secure his signature in the summer. They could use more quality and depth in their defensive unit, and Aguado would be a long-term acquisition.

The player is highly rated across Europe, and he has a big future ahead of himself. He needs regular opportunities at a competitive level in order to continue his development and fulfil his potential. The move to Newcastle could be an exciting opportunity for him.

Newcastle have an ambitious project, and they are looking to build a formidable team for the future. Investing in talented young players is a sustainable way of growing the team. The 19-year-old can operate as a central defender or a fullback. He could be the ideal utility man for Newcastle. They have looked vulnerable at the back this season, and they need to improve defensively. Investing in quality defenders would be a wise decision.

Real Madrid may not be able to provide the young defender with regular opportunities at this stage of his career, and leaving them could be ideal for the player. Aguado is likely to get more opportunities at Newcastle, and it could help him develop further. Regular football in England could accelerate development.

It will be interesting to see if Newcastle follow up on their interest with an official offer to sign the 19-year-old. The defender could certainly be tempted if there is a concrete proposal on the table.

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Barcelona president Joan Laporta believes FIFA are to blame for Raphinha’s hamstring injury, which will sideline the winger for the Champions League quarter-finals. Raphinha sustained the issue while playing for Brazil in a friendly against France in Foxborough last week, which the Selecao lost 2-1. It was subsequently confirmed that he will be absent for […]

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With his current contract with Manchester City expiring at the end of the season, John Stones is not expected to be offered a new one to remain at the Etihad, according to Talksport. Several clubs are watching the situation closely, and one of them is Everton, which the defender left to join City in a […]

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With his current contract with Manchester City expiring at the end of the season, John Stones is not expected to be offered a new one to remain at the Etihad, according to Talksport. Several clubs are watching the situation closely, and one of them is Everton, which the defender left to join City in a […]

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Eduardo Camavinga’s future at Real Madrid appears increasingly uncertain, as Los Blancos are looking to reinforce the midfield. As a result, the Frenchman has caught PSG’s attention as they aim to strengthen their midfield ahead of next season.

Following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti, Eduardo Camavinga has ceased to be an undisputed starter for Real Madrid. While he still sees a fair amount of playing time, it usually comes off the bench, as a regular part of the rotation. However, Los Blancos are looking to reinforce the midfield, leaving the Frenchman’s future in doubt. In response, PSG are reportedly interested in the midfielder.

According to Diario AS, Paris Saint-Germain are closely monitoring the future of Eduardo Camavinga, as he has lost prominence at Real Madrid. Rather than actively negotiating a transfer, the French side are simply keeping track of his situation, as neither the midfielder nor the Spanish club have made a decision regarding his continuity. However, the 23-year-old star is no longer an undisputed starter, opening the door to any possibility.

Coach Luis Enrique currently relies on world-class midfielders such as Vitinha, João Neves, Warren Zaïre-Emery, and Fabián Ruiz. Still, a potential move for Camavinga would represent a clear step up in quality, as he would bring valuable versatility—something key to Paris Saint-Germain’s project. Moreover, he would arrive as an established star, making it a high-profile signing.

PSG may not have a straightforward path to securing the signing of Eduardo Camavinga. According to CaughtOffSide, Liverpool have remained one of the Frenchman’s main suitors for several months. With his versatility, Eduardo could slot in alongside Alexis Mac Allister or Ryan Gravenberch, giving the Reds more options. On top of that, he could take on a more advanced role—something the team still lacks.

Real Madrid midfield rebuild puts Camavinga role at risk

Throughout the 2025–26 season, Real Madrid have struggled to find balance in midfield. Following the departures of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, they have been battling to find a player capable of organizing the team. In response, Los Blancos are aiming for a midfield rebuild, keeping several players on their radar. As a result, Eduardo Camavinga may not have as much space in the starting lineup.

According to Daniel L. Peinado, via Diario AS, Los Blancos are targeting Vitinha and Enzo Fernandez as the main candidates to reinforce the midfield. However, Kees-Smith is emerging as the top favorite, as he offers significant potential and could arrive for €50–60 million. Alongside them, Nico Paz is expected to return, with Real Madrid set to trigger the €9 million buy-back clause. With this, they aim to find competition for Thiago Pitarch.

With Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni ahead of him, Camavinga would become one of the last options in the rotation, as he does not fully offer something different from what those two provide. Because of this, the Frenchman could once again remain out of the starting lineup, although he would still see regular playing time as more of a rotational player than a key starter.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s manager, Jorge Jesus, has become unexpectedly connected in a growing wave of speculation surrounding the Saudi national team, as the build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s manager, Jorge Jesus, has become unexpectedly connected in a growing wave of speculation surrounding the Saudi national team, as the build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies. Rumors around the future of the managerial position continue to swirl, leaving the Portuguese star and his Al-Nassr coach at the heart of a story that stretches far beyond the Saudi Pro League.

The Saudi national team has been under pressure following a recent dip in performances, with the position of French coach Herve Renard becoming increasingly unstable. Reports indicate negotiations are underway about Renard potentially departing to take charge of Ghana ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The instability has opened the door to speculation linking top domestic managers, including Jorge Jesus and Simone Inzaghi, to the role.

According to Okaz, both managers have made it clear they are committed to their clubs at this critical stage, as Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal remain separated by only three points with eight matches left to play. Their focus remains firmly on the title race, but Jesus has subtly left the door open for future national team involvement. The Portuguese tactician has reportedly given preliminary approval to the idea, just not for now.

What did Jorge Jesus say about his future?

Halfway through the debate, Jorge Jesus finally addressed the rumors linking him directly to taking over ahead of the World Cup. Media outlets revealed that, despite speculation, Saudi Football Federation (SAFF) president Yasser Al-Misehal had not opened official negotiations with the Al-Nassr coach. Instead, Okaz confirmed that Jesus is prioritizing his project in Riyadh, where he is pushing for success in both the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League Two.

Jesus ended the uncertainty with a clear personal stance. He stated, “In my opinion, I know Saudi football very well… the national team is better than before, and I believe it will deliver a good performance in the World Cup, but it will be difficult to win the title.” His answer to whether he would accept the job was equally telling. “In football, there is no ‘if’… Now, my focus is on winning the league with Al-Nassr.”

Jesus reportedly designed Saudi Arabia’s latest match plan

In one of the most dramatic twists, Saudi journalist Falah Al-Qahtani claimed on the Hajma podcast that it was actually Jorge Jesus who created the tactical plan that secured Saudi Arabia’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Al-Qahtani stated, “It was Jesus who devised the national team’s plan for the match against Iraq, from which we qualified.” He added that the coach even visited the camp on match day, sharing tactical instructions before quietly leaving.

This revelation has intensified speculation about Jesus’ deeper influence and long-term relationship with the national team. It also raises questions about how closely Cristiano Ronaldo may be following developments, given the impact such changes could have on his World Cup preparation.

The situation surrounding Christian Pulisic and his Milan coach, Massimiliano Allegri, has taken a dramatic turn as multiple reports in Italy confirm an imminent change on the bench of the Italy national team.

The situation surrounding Christian Pulisic and his Milan coach, Massimiliano Allegri, has taken a dramatic turn as multiple reports in Italy confirm an imminent change on the bench of the Italy national team. News of Gennaro Gattuso’s likely resignation has placed Allegri in pole position for one of the most scrutinized roles in world soccer. While the shift concerns Italy, rumblings inside the Milan dressing room suggest the ripple effects could reach beyond Coverciano and directly touch Pulisic.

The Azzurri’s failure to qualify for the World Cup once again has triggered calls for a total restructuring, beginning with the head coach. Gattuso, who took charge in a difficult moment, is prepared to step aside after a heartbreaking exit to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final. According to Sky Italia and other outlets, both Allegri and Antonio Conte are being viewed as primary contenders for the role.

As the speculation intensifies, Allegri’s name stands out above the rest, with various Italian publications describing him as the “dream hire” for the national team. Yet his current contract with Milan complicates the scenario, as the Rossoneri face growing uncertainty over their long-term project. That uncertainty forms the foundation of a question many at Milanello are quietly asking: what would Allegri’s potential departure actually mean for Christian Pulisic?

How Allegri’s potential exit could affect Christian Pulisic

Under Allegri, Pulisic has undergone a transformative period in his Serie A career. The American has thrived in a system built around discipline, spatial control, and the freedom to attack in transition; all principles Allegri has reinforced since returning to the Rossoneri. Pulisic’s renaissance is one of the standout successes of Allegri’s second Milan era.

A managerial change could disrupt that dynamic. A new coach may alter the American’s position, tactical role, or priority within the squad. Even more importantly, the Italian boss’ departure could trigger a broader reshuffle of Milan’s project, including squad turnover, formation changes, or different expectations in forward areas.

Should Allegri take over Italy, Milan might be forced into a rapid appointment process, potentially selecting a manager whose philosophy does not align with Pulisic’s strengths. As La Gazzetta dello Sport put it, “Allegri leaving would change everything at Milan: the style, the priorities, the market”.

Why Allegri is seen as the perfect fit for Italy

Multiple Italian analysts have made a compelling argument for Allegri as the ideal replacement. Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio described him as bringing “reliability, experience, wit, and brilliance… probably the ideal choice right now.” His reputation for pragmatism, knockout-match intelligence, and exceptional man-management makes him highly compatible with the demands of international soccer.

But Allegri’s position at San Siro has grown increasingly fragile. Previous reports from Corriere dello Sport and Sportitalia indicate he is dissatisfied with the club’s transfer strategy, with Real Madrid monitoring his situation closely.

Despite Milan having only two league defeats and one of the strongest tactical structures in the country, Allegri’s willingness to continue depends on receiving significant reinforcements, including a creative midfielder and a proven goalscorer. That uncertainty has raised deeper concerns within the Milan squad. If Allegri leaves abruptly, Milan faces a total tactical and developmental reset, which directly affects Christian Pulisic.

Amid growing rumors about his possible departure, Manchester City have reportedly asked Pep Guardiola for clarity regarding his future. However, the Citizens are said to be targeting Enzo Maresca as a potential replacement for the Spaniard.

Pep Guardiola has established as a legendary figure at Manchester City, transforming the club’s history. Despite his impact, the Spaniard’s future at the team remains uncertain. Because of this, the Citizens have reportedly asked the head coach for clarity regarding his professional plans. Meanwhile, they are considering Enzo Maresca as a potential candidate to replace him.

According to Ben Jacobs, the Citizens have asked Pep Guardiola for clarity regarding his professional intentions, as they want to have a plan in place in case he decides to leave the club. In fact, they are expecting the Spaniard to give a final answer before the 2026 World Cup. In addition, many transfer targets are weighing the future of the head coach when deciding whether to join the team, impacting the club’s planning.

Due to the uncertainty surrounding Guardiola, Manchester City are already exploring options to cover for his spot. According to Nicolò Schira, they are looking at Enzo Maresca as a leading candidate to take the reins. Furthermore, he has already had stints with the club, managing the U-23 team and serving as assistant coach. With this, he would represent a continuation of the project, as he knows the Spaniard’s working methods.

Although Enzo Maresca was fired by Chelsea, he has already proven to be a difference-maker in England. Not only did he earn promotion with Leicester City, but he also led the Blues to two titles in his first season: the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. In addition, he implemented a dominant style of play. Because of this, the Italian emerges as a strong option, currently available as a free agent.

Report: Guardiola could be tempted by Italy as head coach

After failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Italy became the first champion to fail to qualify for three consecutive tournaments. In light of this, Gennaro Gattuso, Gianluigi Buffon, and president Gabriele Gravina have decided to leave the national team. With this, Sports Minister, Andrea Abodi, revealed that a rebuild of the project is needed. For this reason, Pep Guardiola emerges as a clear candidate to lead the new era, in case he leaves Manchester City.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) are looking to tempt Pep Guardiola to take charge of Italy, with the aim of rebuilding the entire foundation of the project. While this would be difficult from a financial standpoint, they are already seeking sponsors to make his arrival a reality. With the experienced head coach, they would aim to build a promising long-term project for the 2030 World Cup.

After becoming one of the owners of Almeria, Cristiano Ronaldo now faces a claim from Flamengo.

In February of this year, Cristiano Ronaldo announced the purchase of a stake in Union Deportiva Almeria, a second-division club in Spain. That move could now cause a headache for the forward, following a claim from Flamengo.

“Almeria owes Flamengo around €1.8 million for 590 days. In February, the athlete Cristiano Ronaldo acquired 25% of the Spanish club,” Flamengo said in a statement published on its official website this week.

According to the Brazilian giants, the situation stems from the transfer of Lazaro in August 2022. The left winger was transferred at the time from Flamengo to Almeria in a deal reported to be around $8 million. As part of that transfer, the Brazilian side had to cover taxes applied in Spain and has since been seeking reimbursement from Almeria for those expenses.

“Even after Flamengo was compelled to bear such amounts — totaling over €1.5 million — and following a formal FIFA decision fully recognizing its right to reimbursement, Almeria chooses not to fulfill its obligation,” the statement added. “The debt after 590 days of default exceeds €1,800,000.00.”

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

ALMERÍA HAS OWED FLAMENGO AROUND € 1.8 MILLION FOR 590 DAYS

In February, the athlete Cristiano Ronaldo acquired 25% of the Spanish club

Clube de Regatas do Flamengo hereby publicly expresses its vehement repudiation of the conduct adopted by the Spanish…

— FL4MEN9O (@Flamengo_en) April 1, 2026

Flamengo outline next steps

After providing context for the claim against Almeria, Flamengo detailed the steps it plans to take in its attempt to recover the more than $2 million it had to pay at the time for Lazaro’s transfer.

“Flamengo trusts that the competent bodies, particularly the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), will provide the appropriate response to this behavior, ensuring compliance with the decisions already issued within FIFA and the observance of the commitments undertaken,” the official statement said.

Almeria’s debt predates Ronaldo’s arrival

As made clear by Flamengo’s account of events, the claim originated long before Cristiano Ronaldo became one of the owners of Almeria. Between Lazaro’s purchase in August 2022 and Ronaldo’s appearance as the owner of 25% of the Spanish club, three and a half years elapsed.

Nevertheless, Ronaldo’s new role in Almeria’s structure necessarily makes him involved in this conflict, which could become a headache for him in his first foray into this type of ownership activity.

New Tottenham Hotspur coach Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that he will stay at the club if they are relegated to the EFL Championship, after signing a five-year contract that he describes as the ‘most important challenge’ in his career.

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Speaking to the club’s official X account, the Italian gave a lengthy interview where he discussed why he chose to join Tottenham and what needs to happen to get the club out of their ‘difficult moment.’

“I’m very very happy and very proud to be here. I consider Tottenham one of the most important clubs in the world and so I’m very happy. I have a big responsibility but it’s a big challenge for  me and I look forward to start, work with the players and win some games.”

De Zerbi did not sugarcoat the challenge on his hands, making no light of the difficult predicament the North London club find themselves in.

Spurs are just one point above the relegation zone with seven games to play, and De Zerbi has been brought in expeditiously in order to help boost their survival chances.

“I watched a lot of games, especially in the last period. I know very well the players. I love football, so I watch many games per week. I know everything, I know its a tough moment for Tottenham. But I know very well it’s a tough moment. It’s a difficult moment for everyone in Tottenham. I think we have the right qualities to come out from this moment.”

De Zerbi: ‘I believe in the players’

One frequently recurring message of De Zerbi’s interview was the undeniable faith he holds in the squad.

“I believe in the players. I think we have to remember who we are, and who the players are because we have very big players. And we have to work with confidence in them and their qualities. They have to show what they are what they are used to playing.”

He then stressed the need to take it a game at a time, and not get too caught up with hypotheticals at this stage.

“I think we have to be focused just on the Sunderland game,  I don’t want to speak about the schedule or the Brighton game or the Wolves game. Game by game, we have to prepare the players to win the game and to be focused just on the game.”

Last time we heard an Italian talking about the ‘history of Tottenham’, Giorgio Chiellini became meme immortal. This time, De Zerbi was a little more serious.

“We have to play with courage. We have to play with the qualities of the players, because if I accepted this challenge, it is because I have a lot of confidence in the players and the history of Tottenham football is a very clear style of play.

“The fans in the last seven games, especially in this moment, are crucial. We have to be together, they have to stay close to the players and the players have to give the right mentality and the right attitude to give back to the fans satisfaction and what they want to see on the pitch.

“Because after this part of the season, I think we can become great in the future.”

De Zerbi talks footballing philosophy & confirms he will coach Spurs next season

De Zerbi was asked about his philosophy and what Spurs fans can expect from his style of play.

“I think it’s not the right moment to speak about my philosophy in football. I’m here now, at the end for the season because we have to win games. And in football, the style of play, the tactical disposition are important.. But it’s a mentality and I would like to help the players reach the best mentality we can show.”

He then confirmed that he will be in charge next season, even if the club are relegated.

“I signed 5 years of contract because for me it’s a big challenge and I will be the coach of Tottenham next season, no matter what.”

The Italian did briefly touch upon his outlook on play and what he expects from his players, but stressed the need to tailor and adapt to what he has available to him in terms of players.

“I love keeping the ball, I love ball possession. I love creating chances, the chance to score. But in the same time, I love 11 defenders when we don’t have the ball because in this time of football we have to attack with 11 players, the keeper as well, and we have to defend with 11 players when the ball is not with us.

“I think in this moment we do not have time to work too much in more principles, but we have to know what we have to do on the pitch. We have to have good organisation with and without the ball. 

“We have to consider the qualities of the players.We are lucky, I am lucky because I have big players with big talent and my work is to help the players to show their qualities.”

Finally, De Zerbi concluded with a touching homage to the sport

“Many times I’ve said football is my life and my life is football. But it’s true because football is my work. I respect football because football gave me everything. And for me, it’s not real work, it’s a passion.

“If I stay at home I watch football, If I work I watch football and nothing changes. For me, Tottenham, especially in this moment, it’s maybe the most important challenge in my career. I’m ready to start this challenge and I go to work with my characteristics, passion, vision of football and knowledge as well.

Lega Serie A President Ezio Maria Simonelli warns the top flight clubs ‘must have a primary role’ in reforms after Italy’s World Cup flop and Gabriele Gravina’s resignation.

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The failure to beat Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off and therefore miss a third consecutive edition of the World Cup is prompting an inevitable earthquake in the Italian football authorities.

Federation President Gravina resigned today, followed by Italy delegation chief Gigi Buffon, and coach Gennaro Gattuso is expected to follow.

An election has been scheduled for June 22 to appoint a new FIGC President, and the 274 delegates will vote with a system that gives Serie A 18 per cent of the power in this decision.

There is also 6 per cent to Serie B, 12 per cent Lega Pro, 34 per cent for the Amateur League (LND), 20 per cent the Players’ Association, and 10 per cent the Coaches’ Association.

Lega Serie A wants to take charge

“As the Lega Serie A, we must have a primary role, acting as a guide for all the teams,” Simonelli told reporters.

“Like all fans, we are disappointed, but we need to work on reforms, youth, reinforcing the governance and patrimony of the clubs, so we can get back to the past glories.”

The Lega Serie A had fought the main reform proposed by Gravina, which was to reduce the top flight from 20 clubs to 18.

Several names have been mentioned to become the new FIGC President, but the favourite would seem to be ex-CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) chief Giovanni Malagò.

“We didn’t even talk about names during the meeting,” insisted the Lega Serie A President.

Gabriele Gravina resigned as FIGC President today and assured it was ‘a personal, convinced and carefully meditated’ decision after Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

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The head of the Federation had been expected to hand in his resignation straight after the penalty shoot-out defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday night, but he waited until today’s emergency meeting of the Italian football authorities.

He was swiftly followed by delegation chief Gigi Buffon, and coach Gennaro Gattuso is widely expected to follow, as the failure to reach a third consecutive World Cup inevitably sparks an earthquake in Calcio.

Gravina explains resignation

“After many years, there is a feeling of sadness, but also of calm,” Gravina told reporters as he left the Federation headquarters.

“I have to thank all the elements of the Federation, who again today showed great support, great respect, affection, and also insisted that I should continue, but I made my decision, it was a personal and carefully meditated one.

“You will be able to read the rest in a statement. We’ll see each other over the next few days, Happy Easter to everyone.”

Gravina had been the FIGC President since October 2018.

There was also a great deal of confusion, as just minutes after the FIGC announced that a planned presentation to the Government would go ahead on April 8, the Commission for Sport instead confirmed that the event had been cancelled.

Elections will be held on June 22 to elect a new President of the Federation, and only after that will Italy likely choose a new coach too.

There are 274 delegates who choose the new President, with 18 per cent of the vote going to Serie A representatives, 6 per cent Serie B, 12 per cent Lega Pro, 34 per cent for the Amateur League (LND), 20 per cent the Players’ Association, and 10 per cent the Coaches’ Association.

Roberto De Zerbi has given his first interview as the new head coach of Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur today, after he was announced as Igor Tudor’s replacement on a five-year deal.

Speaking to the club’s official social media accounts, De Zerbi broke his silence on the backlash he has received after his handling of Mason Greenwood at Marseille.

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Reports this week revisited comments the Italian coach made at the end of last year, where he praised Mason Greenwood’s character and sympathised with the former Manchester United forward.

Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, assault, occasioning actual bodily harm and controlling and coercive behaviour in 2022. All charges were dropped the following February.

De Zerbi: ‘I never wanted to downplay the issue of violence against women’

Speaking in Italian, to make himself as clear as possible on the issue, which has caused Tottenham Hotspur supporters groups to express concern with his appointment, De Zerbi said:

‘I have never wanted to downplay the issue of violence against women, or violence against anyone more broadly. 

‘In my life, I’ve always stood up for those who are more vulnerable, more fragile. I’ve consistently fought and taken a stand to be on the side of those who are most at risk. 

‘Those of you who know me well will know that I’m not the kind of person who makes compromises to win more games or to win an extra title. Im sorry if I offended anyone’s feeling with this subject matter. 

‘I have a daughter and I’m very sensitive to these things, and I always have been. I hope that over time people will get to know me better and will understand that at that moment I didn’t mean to take a stance.’

 

There are growing reports that Al-Sadd tactician Roberto Mancini is confident he’ll be called back as Italy coach, especially if Giovanni Malagò becomes FIGC President.

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The failure to qualify for a third consecutive edition of the World Cup is prompting a radical reshuffle of the authorities in Italian football, with Federation President Gabriele Gravina and delegation chief Gigi Buffon tending their resignations today.

Gennaro Gattuso is widely expected to follow suit, so the search is on for both a new coach and a new President of the FIGC.

Mancini eager for Italy return

According to Calciomercato, figures close to Mancini say he is confident of being at the top of the list, especially if Malagò is chosen to lead the Federation.

Currently under contract with Al-Sadd after a brief experience as coach of the Saudi Arabia team, Mancini had won the EURO 2020 tournament during his spell with Italy.

That ran from 2018 to 2023, when he abruptly resigned just a couple of weeks before the EURO 2024 qualifying campaign began.

The presence of Malagò would be crucial, as he was President of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) when he had to take temporary control over the FIGC because it was unable to elect a new President in 2018.

Massimiliano Allegri faces a significant attacking headache ahead of Sunday’s crucial Serie A clash with Napoli, with both Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic serious doubts for a fixture that could have major implications for Milan’s second-place finish and their fading title hopes.

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According to Pazzidifanta, Leão has been managing a pubic inflammation that forced him to train separately in the days before the international break.

The Portuguese winger spent much of the break in Portugal, with the club’s agreement, undergoing specialist medical assessments, and his availability for Sunday remains uncertain.

Pulisic, meanwhile, endured a difficult spell with the United States national team and is considered unlikely to start even if he is passed fit.

Fullkrug & Nkunku could partner up for Milan against Napoli

The absences of two such important and distinctive attacking players represent a considerable challenge for Allegri, who must find a way to unlock Conte’s well-organised Napoli defence without his most creative wide options.

Niklas Füllkrug is the most likely candidate to lead the line, having started against Torino in the last Serie A fixture.

Should Pulisic miss out entirely, Christopher Nkunku, who has not started since February’s match against Como, could come in alongside the German, offering greater movement and quality between the lines.

Santiago Gimenez is another option after the Mexican made his return from injury as a substitute against Torino, though his fitness levels after months on the sidelines make a starting role a stretch.

The most probable outcome is Nkunku partnering either Füllkrug or Gimenez, two players more comfortable linking play with their back to goal than the dynamic, direct duo they would be replacing.

Arsenal remain interested in signing the Real Madrid defender Victor Valdepenas at the end of the season, and they will face competition from AC Milan.

The 19-year-old is highly rated in Spain and has a bright future ahead of him. He has impressed with his opportunities for Real Madrid, and Arsenal continue to monitor him ahead of the summer transfer window.

Arsenal want Victor Valdepenas

According to Spanish publication AS, they are in the running to secure his signature, and it remains to be seen whether they follow up on their interest with an official offer in the summer. The player could cost around €50 million, and Arsenal certainly have the financial muscle to get the deal done.

However, they have multiple quality defenders at their disposal, and it would be quite surprising if they decided to invest in the 19-year-old. There is no doubt he is a talented player with a bright future, but they might not be able to offer him regular opportunities.

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Valdepenas needs to play regularly

Valdepenas needs regular opportunities at this stage of his career in order to improve further and fulfil his potential. Joining a big club only to sit on the bench would be detrimental to his development. The move might not be ideal for the young defender either.

Also, Real Madrid will not want to lose a talented player like him anytime soon. A move to Arsenal in the summer seems complicated for now.

On the other hand, AC Milan could represent an exciting opportunity for the young defender. They will be able to provide him with regular gametime, and they have an excellent track record of nurturing young players.

The post €50 La Liga gem attracting serious attention as Arsenal weigh summer move appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle United are interested in signing the Palmeiras attacker Eduardo Conceicao. 

The 16-year-old is a youth player for the Brazilian club, but he is highly rated in South America. He has been linked with Arsenal in the past. Newcastle have already submitted an offer of around €25 million to get the deal done, but their offer has been turned down, according to RTI Esporte. The Brazilian outfit is holding out for a fee of €40 million for the young attacker.

The report claims that Liverpool and Barcelona are monitoring his progress and have been in contact with his representatives.

Eduardo Conceicao could be a future star

It is a lot of money for an unproven player at the highest level. It will be interesting to see if Newcastle is prepared to break the Bank for him. He would be a long-term investment for them. Conceicao has the potential to develop into a quality player with the right guidance, and he might be able to justify the outlay in future. The 16-year-old is a left winger who can operate on either flank.

Conceicao has yet to make his mark for Palmeiras’ first team, and moving to England might be too soon for him. He is unlikely to get any first-team opportunities with Newcastle if he joins the club in the summer. He should look to continue playing regularly at the youth level for now and continue his development. If Newcastle end up signing him in the summer, they should look to send him out on loan so that he can play at a competitive level regularly.

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Newcastle need attacking additions

It is exciting that Newcastle are looking to build for the future by signing some of the top talents around, but they also need to invest in players who can make an immediate impact. They have looked mediocre going forward this season, and signing a quality attacker should be an absolute priority for them in the summer.

The post Newcastle chase heating up after opening bid, club could sell player for €40m appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Alessandro Bastoni has gone from being untouchable at Inter Milan to a potential transfer candidate. Following his inconsistent performances, the Nerazzurri are reportedly open to his departure, bringing the Italian closer to an €80 million move to FC Barcelona.

Throughout the 2025–26 season, Barcelona have targeted Alessandro Bastoni as one of their main objectives to strengthen the defensive line. While his arrival initially seemed difficult, the Italian is now reportedly close to the Blaugranas. Following inconsistent performances, Inter Milan have supposedly opened the door to negotiations for the defender, requesting around €80 million for his transfer.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter Milan executives have given their approval for contacts to begin between Barcelona and Alessandro Bastoni. Despite this, the Blaugrana have not yet made an offer that fully convinces the Nerazzurri, as they are proposing €40–45 million plus add-ons, while Inter are asking for €70–80 million. However, negotiations are reportedly moving in a positive direction.

The Blaugranas would not have issues reaching an agreement on personal terms with Bastoni, as they have been in talks with his agents for several months. However, they need to offload some players in order to fit the deal financially, reports Florian Plettenberg. Despite this, coach Hansi Flick continues to view him as the top priority to strengthen the defensive line.

Barcelona might let some players leave to make room for Bastoni

Hansi Flick has managed to keep Barcelona as one of the most competitive teams. Despite this, they have not stood out defensively, making the arrival of Alessandro Bastoni a necessary move. However, the signing of the Italian could lead to the departure of some players, as they look to create room within the salary cap. In light of this, Ronald Araújo and Marc Casadó could be the most likely candidates.

The Blaugranas have not relied on Ronald Araújo or Marc Casadó as key figures, with several players ahead of them in the rotation. Despite of this, both stars have made it clear that they have no intention of leaving Barcelona. For this reason, they might find it quite difficult to convince them to leave, so they might opt to free up space by making other departures.

After failing to shine at AS Monaco and losing Flick’s backing, Ansu Fati is looking to leave the team permanently. Along with him, Marc-André ter Stegen and Wojciech Szczęsny could also leave the team, as Barcelona are reportedly looking to pursue a younger goalkeeper. Furthermore, Marcus Rashford’s future at the club is also unclear. With these departures, they could free up space in the salary cap and make room for Bastoni.

Politician Ignazio La Russa has a revolutionary idea to revive the Italy squad. ‘If Brazil can hire Carlo Ancelotti, why can’t we get a foreign coach like Jose Mourinho?’

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The failure to qualify for the third consecutive World Cup means that there will be a transformation of the Nazionale behind the scenes.

We have already seen FIGC President Gabriele Gravina and delegation chief Gigi Buffon hand in their resignation, with Gennaro Gattuso widely expected to follow suit.

Mourinho thrown into mix for Italy coach

Now the search is on for who will start the new era of the Italy squad, with names like Antonio Conte, Max Allegri, Roberto Mancini and Simone Inzaghi all mentioned.

“If Brazil can hire a great and foreign coach like Ancelotti, why can’t we get someone like Mourinho?” asked politician and Inter supporter Ignazio La Russa in the Corriere della Sera newspaper.

Mourinho has been linked with the Portugal job over the years, but is currently the coach of Benfica, having split with Fenerbahce in August 2025.

He had two experiences in Serie A with Inter and Roma, but was sacked from the latter role in January 2024.

La Russa was extremely critical of the ‘incredible’ failure to get past Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-offs, losing on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

The fact they were down to 10 men for much of it due to Alessandro Bastoni’s red card was also blamed on Gattuso.

“How can you let a youngster like Pio Esposito take the first penalty, when he doesn’t even take them for Inter? And why was Bastoni played out of position to accommodate Calafiori in centre-left of defence? This in turn penalised Dimarco on the same flank.”

Atletico Madrid have agreed personal terms with Atalanta midfielder Ederson, claims transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano, with a reported €40m fee wanted for the Manchester United and Manchester City target.

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The Brazil international has gone from strength to strength since the move from Salernitana to Atalanta in 2022, as he was instrumental in the Europa League triumph, and sorely missed this season during an injury lay-off.

His contract only runs to June 2027, so for some time it has seemed inevitable that a sale would arrive this summer, when the player will mark his 27^th birthday.

Ederson expected to leave Atalanta

There is no shortage of interested clubs, as Inter and Juventus had seen offers rejected in the past, while Manchester United and Manchester City both remain ready to make a bid.

However, Romano claims that Ederson considers Atletico Madrid to be his favoured destination, and has already agreed personal terms.

The Colchoneros still need to work out a deal with Atalanta, but the contract situation means the fee is going to be no more than €35-40m.

These two clubs already did business several times in recent months, doing deals for Ademola Lookman, Giacomo Raspadori and Matteo Ruggeri.

Gianluigi Buffon has confirmed that he has resigned from his role as the delegation chief of the Italy national team following the departure of Gabriele Gravina as FIGC President. 

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Heads are rolling within the Italy national team set-up. FIGC President Gabriele Gravina officially resigned on Tuesday, Buffon has confirmed that he has stepped down and head coach Gennaro Gattuso is expected to follow as well. 

The departures of the senior figures of the Italy national team are leaving in the wake of the penalty shoot-out defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Tuesday night’s World Cup play-off final, which cost the Azzurri a place at the World Cup for the third time in a row. 

Buffon, in a long statement posted to his Instagram story, confirmed that he offered his resignation immediately after the Bosnia defeat on Tuesday night, but was asked to hold off from making any formal announcements. 

Now that Gravina has officially resigned, Buffon has made his decision public as well. 

Buffon had served as the head of the delegation of the Italy national team from the summer of 2023. 

What Buffon said about Italy resignation

“Resigning just after the end of the match against Bosnia was an urgent act, one that came from deep within me. As spontaneous as the tears that ache in my heart, and which I know I share with all of you,” Buffon wrote in a statement on Instagram. 

“I was asked to stall until everyone had the time to reflect. Now that President Gravina has chosen to step back, I feel free to do what I feel is the responsible act. Despite my sincere belief that I have built so much in terms of team spirit with Rino Gattuso and all of my collaborators in the very short time available to the national team, the main objective was to bring Italy back to the World Cup. And we didn’t succeed.

“It’s right to leave those who will follow me to choose the person they deem best to fill my role. 

“Representing the national team is an honor for me and a passion that has consumed me since I was a boy. 

“I have tried to do my role by putting all my energy into it, wanting all sectors to be linked, a link for dialogue and synergy between various youth teams, striving to structure a project that starts with the very young lads and reaches all the way up to the U21 national teams. This was to rethink the way in which the talents of the future senior national team are developed. 

“I requested and obtained the inclusion of a few key, highly experienced figures, who are bringing out these necessary chances with a medium and long-term vision. This is because I believe in the policy of meritocracy. It will be up to those in charge to judge the wisdom of these choices.

“I hold everything in my heart, with gratitude for the privilege and the lessons learned, even if it is a painful epilogue. 

“Forza Azzurri sempre.” 

The representatives of the Players’ Association (AIC) and Coaches’ Association (AIAC) express hope Gabriele Gravina’s resignation can finally spark reforms to revive the Italy squad.

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Gravina handed in his resignation this afternoon during the emergency meeting, which was organised in the wake of Italy’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.

Coach Gennaro Gattuso and team manager Gigi Buffon are widely expected to follow suit, prompting a radical overhaul of the way Italian football is run, with elections for a new President of the Federation (FIGC) on June 22.

Meanwhile, Gravina will be heard in the Commission for Culture, Science and Instruction to give the Government an update on the health of Italian football.

Italy reforms expected after new election

“Finally there is talk about something we’ve been pushing for a long time, which is that Italians don’t get much playing time,” President of the Italian Players’ Association Umberto Calcagno told reporters outside the meeting.

“The Federation does not have the legal groundwork to impose a number of Italians on the field, so we hope politicians can study suitable norms to relaunch Italian football.”

Not everyone was entirely happy about Gravina’s resignation, even if it seemed inevitable after these failures.

“Gravina still has the trust and respect of the federal components, but we are aware of the difficult moment and that we must all roll our sleeves up. We’ve got to transform disappointment into positivity,” insisted Calcagno.

“Football is the biggest sport in Italy, but we are not able to get sufficient value out of all that we do. This is not a war against foreign players, as other countries with the same rules like Spain still manage to get homegrown players making up 60 per cent of the team.

“We must also teach football in a different way to kids, but ultimately the refinement of talent is not the job of the Federation, but of the clubs.”

Renzo Ulivieri, former Bologna coach and President of the Italian Coaches’ Association (AIAC) also commented that he was sad to see Gravina go.

“It was his personal decision, we expressed our solidarity, now we will try to start fresh with the elections on June 22. It is too early to say who will take over, the same goes for Gattuso and the Italy coach. If asked, we’ll give our opinion.

“It was a very sad meeting, because it’s the end of an era, but also the results were disappointing. We’ve been struggling since 2006, it’s not a new problem, so we’ll see what can be done.”

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has offered his full support to the recently-resigned FIGC chief Gabriele Gravina, and says that politicians are the ones who should take most of the responsibility for Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup three times in a row.

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Gravina has officially resigned from his position as President of the FIGC following Tuesday night’s penalty shoot-out defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which cost Italy a place at the World Cup for the third tournament cycle in a row. 

Ceferin was in the stands alongside Gravina in Zenica for the play-off final against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The pair have worked closely alongside each other as part of UEFA’s executive committee, of which Ceferin is the President and Gravina the first vice-President. 

Ceferin gave his thoughts on the current situation surrounding Italian football and the calls for Gravina’s head in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, which was published on Thursday morning, a few hours before Gravina’s resignation was announced.

UEFA President defends Gravina and slams Italian politics

Ceferin found it difficult to decide whether or not it was a ‘surprise’ that Italy failed to get past Bosnia and Herzegovina in Tuesday night’s World Cup play-off final.

“In one way yes, but on the other hand, Bosnia have a young and strong team that played at home,” he said. “There was much more pressure on Italy. Bosnia deserved to go to the World Cup, Italy lost after having a man sent off.” 

Ceferin admits that it is no surprise that fans had called for Gravina to step down in light of Italy’s third consecutive World Cup failure.

“When I was the President of the Slovenian federation, I always said to the coach: ‘If you win, you and the players will be the heroes. If you lose, the blame will fall on the two of us’. 

“It is absolutely not Gabriele’s responsibility and I wouldn’t allow myself to attack either the players or the coach. Perhaps it is the Italian politicians who should ask themselves why Italy has one of the worst footballing infrastructures in Europe.” 

Ceferin hinted that he thinks members of the Italy national team set-up were effectively hoping for Gravina’s downfall.

“It makes me angry and sad that there are people who stay ‘hidden’ and wait for something to go wrong and then jump out and start criticising. They don’t support Italy, they just support themselves. 

“Tell me one Italian player who wasn’t called up that should have been? It’s football, and even with the best players on the pitch, anyone can lose a game.

“Gabriele is my first vice-President and he’s very important to me. But the biggest loss would be for the FIGC. It won’t be easy to find a gentleman who loves football and Italy as much as he does. But I’m not so naive as to believe that some of these self-centred people, who were just waiting for something to go wrong, will be thinking about it. They don’t care.” 

Ceferin has previously accused Italy of having insufficient infrastructure in place, which is a concern ahead of EURO 2032, which will be co-hosted by Italy and Turkiye.

“Euro 3023 is scheduled and will take place. I hope the infrastructure will be ready, otherwise the tournament will not be played in Italy.” 

And giving his final comment, Ceferin said: “Italy is one of the biggest footballing nations and will return to the top. The biggest problem in Italian football is the relationship between football politics and ‘normal’ politics. If everyone fell into line, they’d soon become European and world champions again. And if the negativity continues, then things in football will go terribly wrong.” 

The contents of a 900-page report presented by the legendary Roberto Baggio have cropped up in conversations among supporters in the wake of Italy’s third consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup. Here is what we know about the report and the changes that were recommended over 15 years ago. 

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Back in August 2010, Baggio was appointed as the head of the technical sector within the FIGC set-up and in December of 2011, presented a 900-page report that proposed a major overhaul of the federation’s training methods and its pathway for young talents. 

Baggio resigned from his position in 2013, claiming that the recommendations that he brought forward had been completely ignored. 

What was in Baggio’s 900-page Italy report?

As per La Gazzetta dello Sport, Baggio had called for ‘adequate’ sporting facilities and wanted 100 different training centres to be operated by the FIGC.

Baggio also wanted to change the approach that the FIGC had to training coaches and managers. He wanted to focus on coaches who were well educated, preferably with degrees and with different professional experiences, not necessarily within football. 

He also wanted to implement a permanent study group, made up of FIGC members and university researchers, that would have been in ‘constant contact’ with coaching and backroom staff. 

Baggio also called for a vast improvement of data collection within the youth sector. 

He wanted 100 different training centres in 100 different districts of Italy, with three FIGC coaches assigned to each one. His aim was to have 50,000 matches per year for young Italian talents to prove themselves. 

Baggio also felt that there was too much attention being paid to tactical approach rather than technique, which is a topic that continues to come up in 2026. 

These suggestions were completely ignored 15 years ago, but now, with a major overhaul of the FIGC and national team set-up expected, Italy might be wise to revisit some of the topics that Baggio addressed all the way back in 2011.

 

AS Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar has been linked with a move away from the club at the end of the season.

According to reports from Italy (h/t SportWitness), Chelsea and Newcastle United are interested in signing the 26-year-old goalkeeper in the summer. The player will cost around €50 million, and the deal could prove to be expensive for the two English clubs.

Chelsea need Mile Svilar

It is no secret that Chelsea needs a reliable goalkeeper in the summer. Robert Sanchez has not met expectations, and they will need to replace him. The Roma goalkeeper has been exceptional in Italian football, and he has the quality to succeed in England as well. He could prove to be an upgrade on the Spanish goalkeeper. Svilar has been hailed as “one of the best in Europe“.

On the other hand, Newcastle are looking to bring in a quality replacement for Nick Pope. It remains to be seen whether they follow up on their interest with an official offer to sign the 26-year-old goalkeeper. The opportunity to move to the Premier League could be exciting for him.

An offer of €50 million will make it difficult for Roma to hold onto him, and the two clubs certainly have the financial muscle to afford him. Svilar has also been linked with Manchester United and Tottenham.

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Svilar could be open to a big move

Svilar is entering the peak years of his career, and this could be the right time for him to take on a new challenge. Regular football in the Premier League could help him improve further and fulfil his potential. He has been hailed as a “superhero” by Jose Mourinho.

Chelsea is among the biggest clubs in the world, and they might be able to provide him with a platform to fight for trophies in the near future. On the other hand, Newcastle have an ambitious project, and the Roma star could be tempted to join them.

The post Chelsea & Newcastle enter £44m battle for star hailed as a “superhero” by Mourinho appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newly appointed Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi wants the club to sign Manuel Locatelli at the end of the season.

The 28-year-old has done quite well for Juventus, and he could prove to be a very useful acquisition for the north London club. They need more quality in the middle of the park, and the Italian International would be ideal for them.

Locatelli has previously been linked with Newcastle.

Manuel Locatelli is a quality player

He is excellent at controlling the tempo of the game from the deep, and he will add creativity to the team as well. Tottenham have struggled to dominate in the middle of the park, and they need someone who can recycle the ball and drive the team forward.

The Italian international has played under De Zerbi during their time together at Sassuolo. The Italian manager is keen on a reunion, and he has already informed the club hierarchy of his desire to sign the midfielder in the summer, according to Calciomercato.It. It remains to be seen whether Tottenham can deliver the signing at the end of the season.

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Locatelli could fancy Spurs move

The opportunity to compete in the Premier League could be exciting for the Italian international. He has proved himself in Serie A, and he could be open to taking on a new challenge. He is at the peak of his career, and he will look to prove himself in English football.

There is no doubt that the midfielder has the physical and technical attributes to play in the Premier League, and he is well-suited to De Zerbi’s style. He will be hoping to settle in quickly and make an immediate impact next season.

It remains to be seen whether Juventus will sanction his departure in the summer. Chelsea wanted to sign Locatelli a few months ago.

The post De Zerbi makes first big Tottenham transfer request to reshape the team instantly appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Iliman Ndiaye has been linked with a move away from Everton at the end of the season.

The 26-year-old has been an important player for club and country, and Manchester United have been mentioned as a potential destination. According to reports via StrettyNews, the player dreams of a move to Old Trafford in the summer.

Iliman Ndiaye admires Man United

Ndiaye has previously been vocal about his admiration towards Manchester United and the atmosphere at Old Trafford. It will be interesting to see if Manchester United decide to make a move for him in the summer.

The player has been linked with clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool in recent weeks. There is no doubt that he has the quality to play for a bigger club, and it remains to be seen whether Everton is prepared to sanction his departure. He has been an indispensable asset to Everton, and his departure would be a huge blow to them.

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Ndiaye could be a handy option

The 26-year-old can operate on the flanks as well as centrally. He will help create opportunities for his teammates and find the back of the net as well. Manchester United need more quality in the final third, and the Senegal International would be ideal for them. He is well settled in the Premier League, and he could adapt quickly and make an immediate impact at Old Trafford.

Manchester United is pushing for Champions League qualification and needs quality additions in the summer. They have done well to improve the attacking unit this season, but they should look to invest in another wide player and a striker.

The 26-year-old has six goals and three assists in the league this season. He has been described as ‘top drawer’ in the past.

The post ‘Top drawer’ forward from rival club dreams of Man United switch appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea and Newcastle United were reportedly interested in signing Lucas Bergvall from Tottenham Hotspur during the January transfer window.

The Swedish International has been outstanding for the London club since joining them, and he is highly rated in the Premier League. Chelsea and Newcastle were prepared to pay around £40 million for the player during the winter transfer window, but Tottenham turned down their approaches, according to Sportbladet.

Will Chelsea revive their interest in Lucas Bergvall?

It will be interesting to see if Chelsea or Newcastle decide to come back for the Swedish International midfielder in the summer. They could use more creativity and control in the middle of the park, and the 20-year-old would be a solid long-term investment. Bergvall has a goal and four assists this season. He can operate as a central midfielder as well as in the number ten role.

Enzo Fernandez has been linked with an exit from Chelsea, and the 20-year-old midfielder could fill the creative void after him.

He is a promising young player with a bright future, and he could develop into a star with the right guidance. Tottenham are fighting for survival in the Premier League, and it remains to be seen whether they can secure safety in the top flight. If they go down at the end of the season, it will be difficult for them to keep their best players. Top players will not want to compete in the second division, and they could look to move on.

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Bergvall will have his ambitions

Bergvall is a top talent, and he will look to fight for major trophies regularly. It remains to be seen whether Tottenham can provide him with that platform. The opportunity to join clubs like Chelsea could be exciting for most young players. The Blues are pushing for UEFA Champions League qualification, and that could make them an attractive destination in the summer.

Meanwhile, the player has a contract with Tottenham until 2031, and it is highly unlikely that they will sell him for £40 million anytime soon. Bergvall has also been linked with Liverpool.

The post Report shares behind-the-scenes push from Chelsea as Tottenham make £40m decision appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Inter have confirmed that Yann Bisseck will miss Sunday’s Serie A clash with Roma after sustaining a muscular injury during the international break.

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The German defender underwent clinical and instrumental examinations at the Humanitas Institute in Rozzano on Thursday morning, with results revealing a mild muscle strain in the flexors of his right thigh.

Inter’s official statement confirmed the injury is not serious.

However, Bisseck will not be available for selection against Roma and will not even be named in the squad.

Bisseck absence a blow for Chivu & Inter ahead of must-win Roma match

The news is a blow for Cristian Chivu, for whom Bisseck has become an established starter in the back three this season.

With the Italian title race entering its decisive phase and Inter holding a six-point lead over Milan, the coach will need to reorganise his defensive options for a fixture that carries significant weight.

Inter’s statement added that Bisseck’s condition will be reassessed in the coming days, suggesting the club are hopeful the injury will not keep him sidelined for an extended period beyond Sunday’s match.

The timing of the setback, coming just days before one of the season’s most important fixtures, is nonetheless far from ideal for a squad that has also had to manage the emotional fallout of Italy’s World Cup elimination, with several Nerazzurri players heavily involved in the playoff defeat to Bosnia.

Gabriele Gravina has officially resigned from his position as President of the FIGC following Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third tournament cycle in a row. 

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Official: Gravina is no longer FIGC President

Gravina has tendered his resignation at an emergency meeting of the FIGC general council following Italy’s World Cup play-off final defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday evening.

An election to appoint his replacement will take place on June 22.

Present at the emergency FIGC meeting were Serie A President Ezio Simonelli, Serie B President Paolo Bedin, Serie C President Matteo Marani, President of the amateur leagues Giancarlo Abete, head of the players’ association Umberto Calcagno and head of the coaches’ association Renzo Ulivieri.

Gravina has held the highest position within the Italian football association since October 2018. The Nazionale won Euro 2020 during his tenure, but also failed to qualify for the 2022 and 2026 World Cups while he was in charge. Italy had also failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup prior to Gravina’s appointment. 

Gravina was in charge of the Italian federation for the appointments of Luciano Spalletti and Gennaro Gattuso as head coaches in 2023 and 2025 respectively.

There had been calls from fans and senior figures within Italian football for Gravina to step down from his position as FIGC President in the wake of the latest failure to qualify for the World Cup. 

Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi said on Wednesday that: “it’s evident that Italian football needs to be rebuilt, and this process must start with a renewal of the FIGC leadership.” 

It remains to be seen who will take over the position as the head of the Italian football association. 

Former CONI chief Giovanni Malago is among the early frontrunners, as are the aforementioned Abete and Marani.

What FIGC said about Gravina resignation

“The meeting between President Gabriele Gravina and the presidents of the federal components took place today at the FIGC headquarters in Rome,” began a statement from the FIGC.

“At the beginning of the work, Gravina informed the top representatives of the Serie A Football League Ezio Maria Simonelli, the B League Paolo Bedin, the Pro League Matteo Marani, the National Amateur League Giancarlo Abete, the Italian Footballers Association Umberto Calcagno and the Italian Football Coaches Association Renzo Ulivieri, that he had resigned from the position entrusted to him in February 2025 and that he had called the Extraordinary Elective Assembly of the FIGC for the June 22 in Rome.

“The date was identified in full compliance with the Federal Statute and to ensure that the new governance can complete the registration procedure for the next professional championships.

“During the meeting, Gravina thanked the members for renewing, in public and private, the closeness and support to himself and informed the presidents that he had gladly made himself available to speak at a hearing on 8 April (11 am) in the VII Commission for Culture, Science and Education of the Chamber of Deputies to report on the state of health of Italian football.

“It will be there that President Gravina will expose, in the most complete and exhaustive way possible, a report on the strengths and weaknesses of the movement, also touching on some of the issues already addressed in the press conference held after the national team match played in Zenica last Tuesday 31 March.

“In this regard, Gravina said he regretted the interpretation of his words on the difference between amateur and professional sports, which were absolutely not intended to be offensive to any sporting discipline, but were a reference to the different internal laws and regulations (for example, the presence in the governance of some Federations of Leagues with their relative autonomy) and external (with express reference to the corporate nature of the Clubs professional football clubs that must be subject to national and international legislation different from amateur clubs).”

Manchester United are reportedly making Nottingham Forest central midfielder Elliot Anderson their number one target for the summer.

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According to Ben Jacobs, speaking to The United Stand, Anderson is the priority for Man Utd, while it’s also not clear if the links with Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali are actually as strong as some have made out.

See below for details as Jacobs talked up the Red Devils’ interest in signing Anderson whilst adding that Tonali looks likely to be hugely expensive at around £100m…

?? @JacobsBen: "Elliot Anderson is the number one target for Manchester United. I am not aware that United are poised to make a bid for Sandro Tonali.

Even if Newcastle didn't sell anyone other than Tonali, he will still be incredibly expensive, in excess of £100m. Plan A is… pic.twitter.com/1rxWOQ1XJR

— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) April 2, 2026

“Elliot Anderson is the number one target for Manchester United,” Jacobs said. “I am not aware that United are poised to make a bid for Sandro Tonali.

“Even if Newcastle didn’t sell anyone other than Tonali, he will still be incredibly expensive, in excess of £100m. Plan A is Elliot Anderson.”

Elliot Anderson better than Sandro Tonali for Manchester United

Anderson is one of the most exciting talents on the market at the moment, and it makes sense that MUFC would want him over any of the other names out there.

We previously ranked the England international top ahead of United’s other midfield targets, with the help of our Transfer Fit rating system.

Tonali’s price and age mean he loses points, and there can also simply be no doubt that Anderson has looked the more impressive performer in the Premier League this season.

The stats also back that up, as you can see below…

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United will surely face competition for Anderson, though, with BBC Sport recently claiming Manchester City were looking the frontrunners for the moment.

Forest are surely going to struggle to keep Anderson, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up.

For what it’s worth, our information is also that Arsenal and Chelsea moving for Anderson also can’t be ruled out at this stage.

The post Ben Jacobs names Man United’s “Plan A” in midfield as one transfer rumour played down appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United and Liverpool are reportedly both preparing a serious effort to sign Juventus central midfielder Khephren Thuram.

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The France international has impressed during his time in Serie A, and this is not the first time we’ve seen transfer rumours about him possibly moving to the Premier League.

Thuram has also recently been linked with Man Utd and Liverpool by Calciomercato, and there’s now been a further update from Tutto Juve, as cited and translated by Sport Witness.

Their report states that Thuram joined Juventus for €20m but is now valued at around €40m, showing just how much he’s improved during his time in Turin.

Khephren Thuram the latest midfielder linked with Manchester United

Thuram could be a good option for United, and he’s far from the only name on their list, with Manchester World also claiming that big names like Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, and Carlos Baleba are also being looked at.

Thuram doesn’t have Premier League experience, which might count against him, but he’s shown plenty of promise throughout his career so far, so could be worth a punt.

Liverpool don’t look as much in need of a midfielder signing of that profile, but we’ve given Thuram to MUFC the following score with our Transfer Fit rating system…

Khephren Thuram	TOTAL SCORE: 15/25
Transfer fee	***
Performance	***
Achievements	***
Career phase	**
Squad need	****

Thuram gets a 15/25, which is a slightly higher-medium score – he ticks a lot of boxes but isn’t the most outstanding player out there right now.

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United need a midfielder, though, and Thuram would probably be a lot cheaper than some of the other names they’ve been linked with.

The 25-year-old has a decent amount of experience, which is useful, but at the same time he also seems unlikely to improve much at this phase in his career.

The post Man Utd & Liverpool ready serious transfer move for star whose value has doubled in two years appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves Best Odds: 4/7 Bookmaker: Luckster In what is a heavyweight La Liga battle on Saturday night, Atletico Madrid will welcome Barcelona to the Spanish capital this weekend. Atletico Madrid Starting with the hosts, heading into March’s international break with major heartbreak away at arch-rivals Real Madrid as […]

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

Barcelona face Real Madrid in the second leg of the 2025–26 Women’s Champions League quarterfinals. Check here for kickoff times, plus full details on how to watch the match on TV or via streaming in the United States.

Match Overview

With a commanding 6-2 result already in hand from the opening leg, Barcelona returns home in full control of this high-stakes quarterfinal showdown in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, needing only a composed performance to punch their ticket to the semifinals.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid enters enemy territory with a steep hill to climb, aiming to deliver a spirited response in one of Spanish soccer’s fiercest rivalries. While Barcelona holds a clear edge, Madrid will be eager to show resilience and pride on the big stage—making this second leg far from a formality.

Gennaro Gattuso is widely expected to leave his position as head coach of the Italy national team following his failure to guide the Nazionale to the 2026 World Cup, and according to the latest updates, there are three main candidates to replace him. 

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Who could replace Gattuso as Italy national team head coach?

Gattuso and his players fell short in the World Cup play-off final away against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday night. The 10-man Azzurri lost on penalties away in Zenica, which means that they have now failed to qualify for the last three World Cup tournaments. 

As a result, Italian football is set for a major overhaul, with Gattuso expected to leave his position in the imminent future, Gianluigi Buffon expected to leave his role as delegation chief, and Gabriele Gravina to depart the position of President of the FIGC. 

According to reports from Sky Sport Italia and others, there are three early options to replace Gattuso as head coach. 

The ‘dream’ option for many Azzurri supporters would be Massimiliano Allegri, who is less than a year into his two-year deal with Milan, which also includes an option to extend for a further 12 months. 

The former Juventus head coach has never previously coached the national team, but is the second-most successful Serie A coach of all time with 6 Scudetti to his name. 

There have also been reports of a potential return to the Italy set-up for Antonio Conte, who previously held the position between 2014 and 2016. 

Conte went 10 matches unbeaten at the start of his Italy spell and comfortably secured qualification for Euro 2016, but left to join Chelsea in the Premier League after guiding the team to a quarter-final finish at the tournament.

Another former Italy CT who could potentially return to the role is Roberto Mancini, whois currently under contract with Al-Sadd in 2027. Reports from Sky indicate that he would ‘gladly’ return to the position.

Italy won EURO 2020 under the stewardship of Mancini in the summer of 2021, but also failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup during his tenure.

There have also been suggestions of Simone Inzaghi and Stefano Pioli, who are currently considered outsiders for the role.

Gabriele Gravina has arrived at the FIGC quarters ahead of an emergency meeting of the federation’s general council, and the head of the Italian FA is expected to tender his resignation once the session gets underway, according to various reports in Italy. 

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Italy set for major overhaul with Gattuso, Gravina and Buffon departures

The Italy national team and the nation’s football association is set for a major overhaul following the World Cup play-off final defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday night, which means that the Azzurri will miss out on the final tournament for the third time in a row. 

Head coach Gennaro Gattuso is expected to leave his position, as is delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon, who has been part of the national team set-up since the summer of 2023. 

According to reports from Sky Sport Italia and various others, Gravina arrived at the FIGC headquarters in Rome on Tuesday morning and will speak to the federation’s council at around 13.30 BST (14.30 CET).

He is expected to offer his resignation from his position as President of the Italian football association.

Part of the meeting will be Serie A President Ezio Simonelli, Serie B PResident Paolo Bedin, Serie C President Matteo Marani, Amateur League President Giancarlo Abete, players’ association chief Umberto Calcagno and coaches’ association head Renzo Ulivieri.

 

Multiple outlets are reporting that Gennaro Gattuso will step down from his position as head coach of the Italy national team and that Gianluigi Buffon will also depart following the failure to reach the World Cup for the third tournament cycle in a row.

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Gattuso and Buffon to step down from Italy roles

Italy missed out on a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after finishing second in their qualification group and then losing on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their play-off final on Tuesday evening. 

The Azzurri have not qualified for the World Cup since 2014 and have not won a knock-out game at the tournament since beating France in the final in 2006. 

Gattuso was called in to replace Luciano Spalletti as head coach of the Italy national team after two games of qualification for the 2026 World Cup last summer. 

According to reports from various outlets in Italy, including Sky Sport Italia, La Gazzetta dello Sport and others, Gattuso is now expected to step down from his position as CT in the imminent future. 

Buffon, who has been working with the national team set-up since August 2023, and had a large say in the decision to appoint Gattuso, is also expected to leave his position as delegation chief. 

According to the initial reports, there are two clear first-choice favourites for the Italy national team head coach, however, both are currently under contract with Serie A clubs. Those managers are Antonio Conte, who has already had a stint in charge of the Nazionale, and Massimiliano Allegri,  who is less than a year into his second stint in charge of Milan.

 

La Gazzetta dello Sport 

The shock 

Italian football changes after the latest failure

Gravina heading for farewell, then goes Gattuso

The government pushes for a change: The President ready to resign today. Serie A clubs consider Malago. The right choice. The dismissals require courage

Bastoni, the sending off is a shock. Inter, the sale is getting closer 

Ceferin: ‘Politics should think about the stadiums. Italy is among the worst in Europe.

Corriere dello Sport 

Italy backs Allegri 

But Mancini is strongly re-emerging. FIGC, Abete as the ruler

Everyone at home | Refounding after the latest disaster: 3 missed World Cups in a row, Gravina and Gattuso heading for goodbyes 

Max as the new CT: It’s the fans’ big dream. Roberto ready to return. Conte also liked. Abodi: ‘The President should resign’. The head of the Lega Dilettanti could become the caretaker while waiting for the elections. Malago in pole.  DeLa: ‘He’s the right man’

Inter block, the flop

From the nightmare in Zenica to the Scudetto fight 

Bastoni stumbling, Dimarco struggling and Barella is in reserve. Pio’s performance also disappointing. Chivu has a lot of issues to unravel ahead of the Roma match in San Siro on Sunday evening: Eight games until the end and challenges from Milan (-6) and Napoli (-7). Cristian makes his moves 

Alajbegovic, Roma prepare for the blitz 

The Bosnian talent 

Playing for Salzburg but is owned by Bayer. Bruno Conti thinking of leaving

Juve awaiting the Yildiz gift 

Champions League race

Kenan has taken Turkiye to the World Cup: Now for fourth place for Spalletti

Napoli, mission De Bruyne: Quota 100 

99 goals scored until now 

Pulisic mystery: Awaited in Milan 

No goals at all in 2026 

Last scored on December 28: ‘But now I feel on top again’ 

Tuttosport 

‘He can’t stay’ 

Everyone against Gravina: Expecting the dismissal today 

The gaffe about the ‘amateur’ opponents backfires on the federation President. Sporting champions and fans are up in arms. Minister Abodi lashes out: ‘Change is needed’. Emergency meeting of the FIGC. Rumours regarding Abete, Malago and Marani. Gattuso also heading towards a goodbye: Conte return draws interest. The lesson from Palestra and the U21s 

Yildiz, a World Cup boost for the Champions League race 

He transcended Turkiye in the play-offs: Now the mission with Juve 

He’s in overwhelming form: Montella thanks him again, Spalletti hopes to do the same. Meanwhile, Kenan ‘blesses’ his compatriot Deniz, currently impressing with the Bianconeri U16s. Interview with Nicolaas Fonseca, Oviedo and Uruguay midfielder: ‘My father Daniel, a real Juventino. Turin is in my heart. I recommend Ugarte’

Interisti in disarray, Scudetto alarms 

From Bastoni to Pio, morale at zero 

From Juve to Bosnia, the defender in turmoil: Can Barca be the saviour? Chivu fears repercussions, especially for Esposito. And Zielinski, too

Livakovic winks at Toro 

On loan to Dinamo Zagreb and leaving Fenerbahce in June: The prospect of joining Torino intrigues him, and a direct link to Vlasic from the national team 

 

Manchester United are reportedly prepared to break their transfer record when it comes to signing a new midfielder this summer.

As many as eight players are said to be on Man Utd’s list, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson described as the dream target in a report from Manchester World.

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The Red Devils are also eyeing Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, Sandro Tonali, Angelo Stiller, Joao Gomes, Mateus Fernandes, and Alex Scott.

We recently ranked Man United’s midfield targets, but the lists that are reported change slightly from time to time.

Overall, though, it seems clear that Anderson and Wharton would surely be the best options for the club’s needs right now.

Manchester United set for a busy summer

It will be interesting to see how much MUFC can end up spending this summer, but it looks like they’d be prepared to go all out for a real game-changer in midfield.

This will likely be funded by major sales as well, with Sky Sports recently reporting that the club were aiming to bank around £100m from letting the likes of Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee, and Rasmus Hojlund go.

We saw United spend big on an entire new front three last summer as Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko all joined, and now it looks like that kind of big investment could go on a new-look midfield.

Manchester United’s new-look midfield

United have Casemiro coming towards the end of his contract, so he’ll be heading for the Old Trafford exit this summer, while Manuel Ugarte’s poor form surely means he could also move on.

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It may be that that means United end up needing to sign more than one of the names on their list, though that could be difficult when other clubs are also in the market for many of the same players.

Our understanding, for instance, is that Anderson is also wanted by Arsenal, Chelsea, and Man City, while Wolves’ likely relegation has Chelsea, Tottenham, Newcastle and more eyeing up Gomes.

The post Report: Man United prepared to break transfer record as eight exciting targets named appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea are reportedly one of the top clubs “chasing” the potential transfer of Bayer Leverkusen forward Christian Kofane this summer.

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That’s according to journalist Ekrem Konur, who says the Blues are alongside other Premier League clubs such as Newcastle United in pursuing Kofane, as well as Leverkusen’s Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich.

See below for more details as Chelsea are linked with Kofane, who could cost as much as €70m to prise away from Leverkusen this summer…

?? #Bayer04
Top clubs chasing Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane.

? FC Bayern, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle, Everton, Brentford & Barcelona ? monitoring.

? Leverkusen asking: €60-70M. pic.twitter.com/tpwTm8Uc3M

— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) April 1, 2026

Still, other sources suggest Arsenal have the most advanced interest at the moment, having already had contacts with Kofane’s agent.

Arsenal in talks over Christian Kofane transfer

See below as Florian Plettenberg has provided an update on Kofane, having been the first to report on the Gunners monitoring the highly-rated 19-year-old…

?? Revealed exclusively today: Arsenal are interested in Christian #Kofane. They are monitoring him closely.

His agent Eric Depolo confirmed via @DTalkingArsenal: “Yes, Arsenal’s interest is genuine. Mikel Arteta
likes him very much (…) There is contact between me and… pic.twitter.com/BdbRNcB0XA

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) April 1, 2026

His agent Eric Depolo also told Daily Talking Arsenal: “Yes, Arsenal’s interest is genuine. Mikel Arteta likes him very much. There is contact between me and Arsenal. But their focus right now is on winning the league. After that, everything will start to move.

“He is a €100 million player. With Kofane, Arsenal will have a top striker for the next 10 years.”

Should Christian Kofane join Arsenal or Chelsea?

Kofane looks like a player with a big future, so he could do well to choose Chelsea, who are known for investing a lot of time and money in developing elite young players.

Kofane might well play more regularly at Stamford Bridge than at the Emirates Stadium, though there could also be a role for him in Mikel Arteta’s squad.

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Arsenal have some issues up front at the moment, with Viktor Gyokeres proving slightly inconsistent in his first season in north London, while Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have both struggled with fitness and form.

Kofane could clearly have a positive impact at both clubs, so it will be interesting to see if Arsenal can maintain their advantage in this battle with Chelsea.

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Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has admitted he would love to have the opportunity to be Reds manager at some point in the future.

The former England international is one of Liverpool’s all-time great players, but it would also be fair to say that management hasn’t quite gone as smoothly for him so far.

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Gerrard did well in his first managerial job at Rangers, but has struggled in subsequent jobs at Aston Villa and Al Ettifaq, so it remains to be seen if he’ll ever realistically be a contender for a big job like Liverpool.

Still, speaking on The Overlap today, Gerrard insisted his connection with his old club is still really strong, and it would be a dream for him to be manager at some point.

Steven Gerrard on Liverpool manager “dream”

When asked by his old teammate Jamie Carragher about his ambitions to manage Liverpool, Gerrard said: “I’ve got a brilliant connection with the club, I always have. Probably a stronger connection since I left.

“Any area I could help in I’d always try and do it. But I suppose what you want to know is do you want to manage Liverpool at some point in my life? Of course that would be a dream.

“But I think would I be ready for it right now to take it over a period of time? Probably not.”

Gerrard also wouldn’t rule out coming back to LFC to be someone else’s assistant manager, but insisted it would depend on who it is.

Gerrard managerial record	Wins	Draws	Losses	Win %
Rangers	125	42	26	64.8%
Aston Villa	13	8	19	32.5%
Al Ettifaq	23	16	20	39.0%

Will Liverpool change manager this summer?

Gerrard probably isn’t going to become Liverpool manager any time soon, but we could perhaps see a change this summer after a poor campaign under Arne Slot.

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Although Xabi Alonso has been linked with the job, according to the Times, there is some uncertainty about hiring the Spanish tactician due to his preference for playing with a back three.

That could perhaps buy Slot more time, but it will be interesting to see which names could be in the mix if the Dutch tactician does end up moving on.

The post “Of course” – Legend admits “dream” of becoming Liverpool manager appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool are reportedly unsure about hiring former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso to replace Arne Slot.

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Alonso is a former Liverpool player and has shown plenty of promise in his relatively short managerial career so far, particularly when he won the Bundesliga with Leverkusen.

Things didn’t quite work out for the Spanish tactician at Real Madrid, where he was sacked earlier this season, though that hasn’t stopped him being linked with Liverpool after Slot’s recent struggles.

Still, the Times report that Alonso’s preference for playing three at the back could count against him, just as it did when Ruben Amorim was previously considered for the LFC job.

Is Xabi Alonso the right man for Liverpool?

Alonso had a lot of success with his wing-backs system at Leverkusen, but it is not, in fairness, a system which has had a great history of success in English football.

It would also mean a big period of adaptation for Liverpool, who have mostly played the same way for many years now and signed players to fit that system.

Still, Alonso’s record is impressive and it could be a good decision to replace Slot this summer after such a dramatic drop-off in form this season…

Slot LFC PL record	Games	Wins	Draws	Losses	Win %
2024/25	38	25	9	4	65.79%
2025/26	31	14	7	10	45.16%

It will be interesting to see if Slot can end the season strongly and keep his job, with the Dutch tactician surely buying himself some time after leading the club to the Premier League title in his first season in charge.

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Alonso might be a popular choice to replace him, but it’s clear that inside Liverpool they are less sure about the move, and in a way that has to be admired as the directors clearly have a strategy in place that they want to stick to.

That might mean occasional dips, but in general it should mean Liverpool are well-primed for long-term stability and success instead of chasing quick fixes.

The post Why Liverpool are internally unsure about hiring Xabi Alonso despite Arne Slot struggles appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Barcelona reportedly have a serious transfer interest in Chelsea forward Joao Pedro, according to Simon Phillips on his Substack.

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Pedro is only in his first season at Chelsea and he’s impressed since moving to Stamford Bridge from Brighton, with Barca now looking at him.

The Catalan giants are perhaps set to be short of options up front next season, with veteran front-man Robert Lewandowski nearing the end of his contract.

Pedro could be a good replacement for Barcelona, though it remains to be seen if Chelsea would realistically let the Brazil international go so soon after signing him.

Joao Pedro transfer would surely be a mistake

Pedro has started well at Chelsea, contributing 18 goals and six assists in all competitions so far, and it’s easy to imagine he could be a hit at the Nou Camp.

Still, CFC surely need to do everything they can to fight off interest in Pedro, who is one of their more successful signings in recent times.

Joao Pedro	Games	Goals	Assists
Chelsea 2025/26	43	18	6

The west London giants have invested a lot in young players who’ve mostly been a bit underwhelming, with Pedro one of the exceptions.

Liam Delap, Alejandro Garnacho, and Jamie Gittens were among the high-profile signings in attack for Chelsea last summer, and they’ve all been majorly disappointing.

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It could make sense for Chelsea to cash in on some of their young players for a profit, but they also need someone like Pedro to stick around if this is to turn into a serious winning project.

The 24-year-old might make sense as a Barcelona target for the future, though, as he’ll surely be open to a move away if Chelsea continue to struggle to get their hands on major trophies and regular participation in the Champions League.

The post Serious interest from Barcelona in surprise Chelsea transfer raid appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool dressing room sources are reportedly now suggesting Ibrahima Konate is more likely to stay than leave this summer.

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That’s according to a report from the Athletic on Konate’s future, with the Reds undoubtedly hoping they can avoid such an important player leaving on a free transfer.

Still, it remains to be seen how clear Konate’s situation is, with the Athletic also suggesting there’s been no breakthrough on the France international’s new contract.

Will Liverpool keep Konate or sign a replacement?

We’ve previously been informed that Castello Lukeba is a target for Liverpool to replace Konate, and he’s expected to leave RB Leipzig this summer.

Meanwhile, Konate has plenty of interest as he’ll be one of the most exciting free agents on the market this summer.

The 26-year-old has been a key player for LFC and keeping him would surely be the better option, even if there are some other fine options out there who could plug that gap in Arne Slot’s squad.

Konate wants pay rise to stay at Liverpool

The Athletic are reporting that the main issue with Konate is a desire to improve on his current £150,000 a week wage.

The former Leipzig man would ideally like to earn a salary closer to the club’s highest earners, with the Athletic using Florian Wirtz as an example, with the Germany international on £250,000 per week.

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It will be interesting to see if Konate ends up staying at Anfield, but it seems like a slightly unpredictable situation at this stage.

There’s some suggestion that Real Madrid have cooled their interest in Konate, so there might not be that many options out there for him, making staying at Liverpool perhaps his best choice.

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Liverpool are reportedly maintaining contacts with the representatives of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande ahead of a potential summer transfer.

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The highly-rated 19-year-old has shone at Leipzig and they’d ideally like to keep him, though Florian Plettenberg reports that they’d sell for €100m.

Liverpool are mentioned as suitors for Diomande, with Plettenberg adding in his X post below that the Reds are in contact with the player’s agents…

?? RB Leipzig are planning to reward Yan #Diomande with a new deal and performance-based pay rise, without adding a release clause.

RB want to keep their 19 y/o gem for another season, but would consider offers starting at €100m.

Liverpool are closely monitoring him and… pic.twitter.com/pBiLY891gZ

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) April 2, 2026

However, one potential obstacle seems to be Leipzig working on a new contract for Diomande, who may well opt to accept the club’s wishes for him to stay one more year.

Yan Diomande could do well not to rush Liverpool transfer

Diomande looks like he could be ideal for Liverpool to replace Mohamed Salah next season, with the ageing Egypt international recently confirming he’ll be leaving Anfield.

It won’t be easy to find anyone who can replicate what Salah has brought to LFC, but Diomande is undoubtedly up there with the most exciting young talents in Europe’s big five leagues at the moment.

Still, the Ivory Coast international also has to think carefully about his development, and it might serve him well not to rush into a move.

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Leipzig are a good club for developing young players and giving them a chance to play and gain experience at the highest level.

Liverpool could also be a good destination for Diomande, but there’s also no question the pressure would be higher there.

Yan Diomande Transfer Fit

Using our Transfer Fit rating system, we’ve scored Diomande a strong fit as a potential signing for Liverpool.

Yan Diomande	TOTAL SCORE: 17/25
Transfer fee	*
Performance	*****
Achievements	**
Career phase	****
Squad need	*****

He’d be expensive, which is one weakness, while he’s also inexperienced, but that means there’s a huge amount of potential for him to improve as he gets older.

How happy would you be with Diomande joining Liverpool? Give us your thoughts in the comments!

The post Liverpool “in contact” with agents of star cleared for €100m transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham’s new manager Roberto De Zerbi could reportedly get the chance to work with one of his former players again.

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Spurs are being linked with a new goalkeeper this summer, with Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen reported to be one of their top targets in that position, as per talkSPORT.

Verbruggen has impressed during his time at Brighton and it seems De Zerbi remains a big fan of the Dutch shot-stopper.

It’s also suggested in talkSPORT’s report that Brighton are relaxed about the situation as they have another ‘keeper ready to come in as number one in the form of Carl Rushworth, who has impressed on loan at Coventry City.

Tottenham to bring in a new goalkeeper?

Tottenham surely need an upgrade on Guglielmo Vicario in goal, and Verbruggen looks like a strong candidate to be their new number one.

It has previously been reported by TEAMtalk that Vicario could be replaced this summer, with Manchester City’s James Trafford mentioned as another option Spurs could look at.

Trafford has struggled for playing time at Man City this season, however, so might be a bit more rusty by the time next season comes around.

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Verbruggen, by contrast, has continued to play regularly for Brighton, so would be arriving in north London in good condition.

One imagines we’ll see a busy summer for THFC, with Gabriel Sara targeted as a potential addition in midfield if they stay up.

The post New Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi eyeing transfer raid on his former club appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester City centre-back John Stones is reportedly a transfer target for his former club Everton as he’s not expected to sign a new contract at the Etihad Stadium.

The experienced England international has enjoyed a terrific career at Man City, spending ten seasons at the club and helping himself to six Premier League titles, the Champions League, and other major honours in that time.

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Still, we’ve previously reported on Stones being set to leave City as he won’t be signing a new deal, and there’s now been another update.

According to talkSPORT, the 31-year-old is being monitored by Everton ahead of his likely MCFC exit this summer, though we’ve previously been told they can’t afford his wage demands.

Could John Stones return to Everton?

It would undoubtedly be an emotional return if Stones were to go back to Everton after all these years, but he might get better offers elsewhere.

Our information was that Stones had interest from Bayern Munich and other European clubs, so it remains to be seen if EFC can realistically compete with the kind of money they can offer him.

Everton are building an exciting project, however, with the Merseyside giants improving since David Moyes returned as manager.

Jack Grealish is currently on loan at the Toffees from City, so it will be interesting to see if these clubs do business again.

More Man City exits

The report from talkSPORT also casts doubt over Bernardo Silva’s future at City.

As we reported earlier this week, the Portugal international is understood to have informed City of his decision to leave this summer at the end of his contract.

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Meanwhile, there’s also some doubt over Rodri’s future, with TEAMtalk claiming he’s put contract talks on hold amid interest from Real Madrid.

Backup goalkeeper James Trafford also seems likely to leave after a lack of playing time, with iNews linking Newcastle with the former Burnley shot-stopper.

The post Report: Manchester City star won’t sign new contract as PL club eye ambitious move appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Palmeiras have reportedly rejected bids for exciting wonderkid Eduardo Conceicao, with Arsenal and Liverpool among his suitors.

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That’s according to a report from UOL Esporte, which also mentions the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City as clubs eyeing up the talented teenager, who has been compared with Vinicius Junior.

The report also adds that his club expect him to end up moving for a fee of around €60m, similar money to Endrick and Estevao Willian.

Conceicao looks like a huge prospect to be attracting so much serious interest when he’s still only 16 years of age, and it will be intriguing to see how this saga unfolds.

Eduardo Conceicao transfer interest hots up

It seems Palmeiras have already had offers coming in for Conceicao, with UOL’s report mentioning that the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Man City have also contacted the player.

It is surely inevitable that this Brazilian wonderkid will be on the move soon, and his suitors from the Premier League will no doubt hope he can live up to his potential as the next Vini Jr.

Vinicius has become a world class player during his time at Real Madrid, and it’s easy to forget that he joined as a relative unknown when he was a youngster.

Endrick is yet to repeat that kind of success at the Bernabeu, but Estevao has shown huge promise in his first season at Chelsea.

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Arsenal could do well to land an elite young talent like that, and they’ve had similar success in the past with Gabriel Martinelli.

Liverpool, meanwhile, might also do well to find the next Mohamed Salah with a move like this rather than signing an established big name for huge money.

The post Bids made: Arsenal & Liverpool trying to sign next Vinicius Jr, teenager will already cost €60m appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool reportedly look to have been given a boost as Castello Lukeba could leave RB Leipzig for below his release clause this summer.

As previously reported, Lukeba has interest from Liverpool and there has long been the sense that Leipzig would accept an offer below his €80m release clause.

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We understood that to be a fee in the region of €60m, and now Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany is reporting similar.

See below as the journalist has posted about Lukeba possibly leaving Leipzig this summer for roughly €65-70m, with the French defender also said to be keen on a new challenge…

?? Castello #Lukeba could leave RB Leipzig this summer after three years, with both sides open to a move. The club would accept around €65-70m, below his €80m release clause.

23 y/o Lukeba is keen on a new challenge, and his future now depends on incoming offers.… pic.twitter.com/P2b6dxvZCq

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) April 2, 2026

“Castello #Lukeba could leave RB Leipzig this summer after three years, with both sides open to a move,” Plettenberg posted. “The club would accept around €65-70m, below his €80m release clause. 23 y/o Lukeba is keen on a new challenge, and his future now depends on incoming offers.”

Castello Lukeba looks ideal to replace Ibrahima Konate

Lukeba has shone in the Bundesliga and looks like the latest talented young player to develop well at Leipzig before likely being sold for a significant profit.

The 23-year-old may well end up following a similar path to that of Ibrahima Konate, who also joined Liverpool from Leipzig a few years ago.

Now, however, the LFC defender is coming towards the end of his contract, with little sign that he’s prepared to extend his stay.

That could mean a replacement is needed, and it looks like Lukeba will be available for money which should be perfectly affordable for Liverpool.

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Who else could sign Castello Lukeba?

If Lukeba really is set to move this summer, then other clubs will also surely get involved.

Arsenal have recently been linked with Lukeba by French outlet L’Equipe, while Manchester United have been mentioned as suitors by TEAMtalk.

Liverpool surely need a centre-back more than either of those two clubs, though, so Reds fans will hope their club can move into pole position to take advantage of this exciting market opportunity.

The post “Could leave…” – Liverpool given boost in pursuit of ideal transfer to replace Konate appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea are reportedly among the clubs to be offered the transfer of Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries.

The experienced Netherlands international has had a fine career at the San Siro, but it seems he’s now available for just £21m this summer.

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That’s according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states that Dumfries’ availability has clubs on alert, with the likes of Liverpool, Man Utd, and Chelsea informed on his situation.

Dumfries could be a decent option for clubs to consider even if he’s not getting any younger, as he’s been a top right-back for many years and it’s not often players of his calibre are available for as little as £21m.

Will Liverpool move for Denzel Dumfries?

The report from TEAMtalk states that LFC are long-time admirers of Dumfries, but it’s not clear that a right-back is currently a priority for them.

The Reds signed Jeremie Frimpong last summer, and though he hasn’t had the most convincing first season at Anfield, it surely makes sense for them to stick with him for a bit longer.

It will be interesting to see, however, if they could be tempted into the market for someone in that position, as Arne Slot might do well to bring in someone who could at the very least give him an alternative to Frimpong if his form doesn’t improve.

Denzel Dumfries transfer looks an exciting opportunity

It also remains to be seen if other clubs might take up the opportunity to sign Dumfries, with Chelsea perhaps in need of someone more experienced in their squad.

The Blues’ current policy revolves around signing the best young players for a long-term project, but it also seems fair to say that that strategy hasn’t yet produced the kind of results fans would expect.

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Occasionally moving for an opportunity like Dumfries could be smart business, and other clubs could also surely benefit from bringing him in.

Man Utd might do well to look for an upgrade on Diogo Dalot, while Newcastle are also mentioned and could do with replacing veteran full-back Kieran Trippier as he nears the end of his contract.

The post £21m star offered to Liverpool, Man United & Chelsea in exciting transfer opportunity appeared first on CaughtOffside.

After the friendlies in the March international break, Lionel Messi is now reportedly waiting to confirm his participation in the 2026 World Cup with Argentina.

Lionel Messi is widely expected to compete in what would be his final World Cup in 2026, though the Inter Miami star has been notably reluctant to make it official with fewer than 80 days to go. Following the final round of friendlies before squad lists are due, reports suggest Messi is holding off on a formal confirmation of his participation with Argentina.

The March international window closed with Argentina posting two wins, including a 5-0 rout of Zambia in which Messi scored and assisted. Yet the team’s captain has not spoken to the media throughout the break, despite being visibly emotional in what could prove to have been his last appearance on home soil in an Argentina jersey. According to journalist Fernando Czycz of Doble Amarilla, Messi will be at the World Cup, but an official announcement will have to wait a little longer.

As Czycz reported, Messi’s primary focus is on arriving at the tournament in peak physical and competitive condition, particularly with Argentina entering as defending champions. With that in mind, the forward intends to assess his form and fitness over the coming months before going public with his decision.

Another factor in the timing involves Inter Miami, who are set to inaugurate their new home, Miami Freedom Park, now known as NU Stadium, in a landmark moment for the MLS franchise. With the club’s first match at the new venue against Austin FC coming up on Saturday, April 4, Messi has no intention of making any announcement that could overshadow that occasion.

Finally, the announcement itself is being carefully managed, with the Argentina FA reportedly preparing a full communication campaign to accompany the moment Messi officially confirms his place in the squad. The federation is said to be waiting for the right moment to make the most of the news when it comes.

Messi’s footwear for the 2026 World Cup reportedly revealed

Even as fans await an official word, the general expectation is that Messi will be suiting up for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, and even his boots for the tournament have reportedly been revealed.

According to Footy Headlines, Messi will be wearing a highly special edition of Adidas’ F50 boots. Featuring white, gold and sky blue details, the company has named the boot “El Último Tango,” or “The Last Tango,” a nod to what is widely anticipated to be Messi’s final appearance on soccer’s grandest stage.

What did Scaloni say about Messi’s presence?

Following Messi’s lead, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has also stopped short of confirming the captain’s inclusion in the World Cup squad. Still, after the friendly against Zambia, he left no doubt about how much he wants Messi to be part of it.

“It will be a privilege if he decides that it will be his last because you never know; everyone wants to see him and enjoy him, and I will do everything possible to ensure the team can support him,” Scaloni said. “When the time comes, if he decides to come, we will sit down and chat because he wants the same thing we do. If he comes, he is always going to want to be there and to compete. Let’s hope to enjoy him, that he decides to come, and then we’ll see what happens,” he added.

Tottenham have looked to position themselves as favourites for the potential transfer of Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara this summer.

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Spurs have had initial contacts with those close to Sara to register an interest, with the 26-year-old understood to be keen on a move back to the Premier League.

Other clubs are also monitoring Sara’s situation, and you can find out the full list in my Daily Briefing report here.

Sara has previously been a target for Aston Villa but that didn’t materialise and it no longer seems to be a priority for Unai Emery’s side.

Gabriel Sara transfer situation explained

Although Galatasaray would rather not sell Sara this summer after his fine form this season, it’s generally felt that they would let him go for around €45m.

It’s not yet clear if that’s the kind of price Spurs would want to sign him for, but they have started to explore a deal for the former Norwich man.

The feeling seems to be positive, with Sara understood to be keen on returning to England even if it means sacrificing Champions League football at Galatasaray for a club like Tottenham, who won’t be in Europe next season.

For now, it’s not even guaranteed that THFC stay up as they sit dangerously close to the relegation zone.

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Tottenham assessing transfers

Still, Tottenham are planning targets for if they stay up, with the north Londoners perhaps now increasingly confident of avoiding the drop after the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as manager.

One imagines Spurs might also have targets in mind in case they are playing Championship football next summer, but for now Sara is one of the main players they’re focusing on, and that signals some ambition and confidence about what they can do this summer.

The post Sources: “Contacts” held as Tottenham look to beat rivals to €45m transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

The Sandro Tonali transfer speculation continues as latest reports state that Real Madrid have been contacted about the Newcastle United midfielder.

The Italy international’s representatives clearly seem to be working hard to find him a new club this summer, with Real Madrid the latest club to be approached.

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Arsenal and Manchester United also remain in the mix, while Tonali also seems to have been offered to the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea, according to TEAMtalk.

There is said to be a varying degree of interest from these teams, with the report adding that Manchester City are perhaps showing the strongest interest right now.

Which club will Sandro Tonali join this summer?

Tonali’s future has been dominating headlines for weeks, and at this stage it’s hard to know if there is a clear frontrunner in the race for the 25-year-old.

Even if City are being strongly linked with Tonali in TEAMtalk’s report, Fabrizio Romano has spoken on his YouTube channel about Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson being their priority.

Real Madrid could end up being an interesting option for Tonali, especially as Newcastle will surely favour selling the former AC Milan man abroad instead of to one of their Premier League rivals.

Do Arsenal and United need Tonali?

Tonali has shone during his time at St James’ Park, but given that he’d cost £100m, according to the Telegraph, it’s hard to see him being an ideal option for the likes of Arsenal and Man Utd.

The Gunners already have Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi and it’s not clear Tonali starts over either of them, while United might need two new midfielders this summer so surely cannot spend so much on one.

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Casemiro is set to leave at the end of his contract, while Manuel Ugarte has been poor and could surely also be on his way out.

Tonali simply looks too expensive for a player who’ll turn 26 next month and who is unlikely to improve much further at this stage of his career.

The post Talks held: Real Madrid contacted over transfer that impacts Arsenal & Man United appeared first on CaughtOffside.

FIFA has reached an agreement with the Canadian Premier League to make a pilot test of the Arsene Wenger’s offside rule.

Arsene Wenger‘s proposed offside rule has been one of the most debated potential changes in soccer over the past several years, ever since the former Arsenal manager joined FIFA. Now, the governing body has given the green light for the rule’s first pilot test in a major competition, set to take place in the Canadian Premier League.

In a statement released on Tuesday, FIFA confirmed that an “alternative offside law” will be tested during the 2026 Canadian Premier League season, which is scheduled to kick off on April 4. After years of discussion, this will mark the first time the Wenger rule has been put to the test at a professional level.

Wenger himself, who currently serves as FIFA‘s Chief of Global Football Development, spoke to the significance of the announcement in the statement: “This is an important pilot. By testing this new interpretation in a professional competition, we can better understand its impact, including in terms of improving clarity and the flow of the game and promoting attacking play. We look forward to analysing the results of the trial phase.“

The CPL will also introduce Football Video Support, or FVS, better known as the “challenge” system familiar from other sports, which will allow coaches to hand a card to the fourth official and request a video review of a specific play. The system was already trialed at the most recent U-20 World Cup and will now be implemented at the professional level for the first time.

How does Wenger’s offside rule work?

Under the current offside rule, an attacking player must keep every part of their body that can legally play the ball behind the second-to-last defender, typically the goalkeeper and one outfield player, or behind the ball. In practice, a line is drawn from the defender closest to the goal line, and if any part of the attacker’s body capable of playing the ball crosses that line, they are ruled offside.

Wenger’s proposed rule would turn that logic on its head. Rather than penalizing any overlap, the new interpretation would only call a player offside if there is a clear and visible gap, referred to as “daylight,” between the attacker and the second-to-last defender. If the attacker is level with or only marginally ahead of that line, play would be allowed to continue.

Wenger’s rule could have been in place for the 2026 World Cup

The International Football Association Board, the body responsible for the laws of the game, spent much of the early part of 2026 debating potential rule changes, most notably during its 140th Annual General Meeting. Wenger’s offside proposal was among the topics on the table, and through cooperation between FIFA, IFAB and the CPL, it has now been cleared for a real-world trial.

While FIFA and IFAB have already confirmed several rule changes that will debut at the 2026 World Cup, the new offside interpretation did not make the cut. Without pilot test data to support its effectiveness, implementing such a fundamental change to the game risked significant backlash from players, coaches and fans alike.

After sitting out the 1-0 defeat against Japan, head coach Thomas Tuchel compared England's reliance on Harry Kane with Argentina's dependence on Lionel Messi and Portugal's on Cristiano Ronaldo.

Harry Kane‘s absence proved costly for England in their final friendly of the March window, as the Three Lions were stunned by Japan in a 1-0 defeat. In the aftermath, head coach Thomas Tuchel drew a bold comparison, arguing that England’s dependence on their striker is no different from Argentina’s reliance on Lionel Messi or Portugal’s on Cristiano Ronaldo.

England had opened the March window with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Uruguay, a game that felt anything but a friendly given the intensity on display from both sides. But on Tuesday, with Kane sitting in the stands due to a minor injury, the Three Lions were beaten at Wembley Stadium, with Kaoru Mitoma scoring the only goal to hand Japan a 1-0 victory in a result that fell well short of home fans’ expectations.

In a post-game interview with ITV, Tuchel was asked whether the team had become too dependent on Kane, and the German responded with a pointed comparison. “Well, why would Argentina not rely on Messi or Portugal not rely on Cristiano Ronaldo? This is totally normal. Key figures left camp for us, and we saw that a bit. We lacked a punch.“

Pressed on the same topic during the post-match press conference, Tuchel doubled down on his striker’s importance. “In the absence of Harry Kane, we don’t have the same threat. Bayern Munich, in the absence of Harry Kane, don’t have the same threat. For top teams and top nations, it’s normal to rely on top players. We can win without Harry, but it’s easier to win with him, of course,” he said.

Is England too dependent on Kane?

As Tuchel suggested, the quality of a player like Harry Kane can only be measured against that exclusive tier of the world’s best, particularly given his current form. The all-time leading scorer for England with 78 goals in 112 appearances, Kane has also been in devastating club form, tallying 48 goals and five assists in 40 games for Bayern Munich in the 2025-26 season while leading the Golden Boot race.

The numbers over the past two years further underline how central Kane has been to England’s success. In that stretch, the Bayern striker featured in 23 matches, during which the team posted 18 wins, two draws and three defeats, including the landmark victory in the Euro 2024 final, with Kane contributing 16 goals across those games.

In that same period, Kane was absent from the squad for just five matches, and the results paint a stark picture. England lost to Brazil, drew with Belgium, fell 2-1 to Greece in the UEFA Nations League, and now have added defeats to Uruguay and Japan to the tally, producing a record of three defeats, two draws and zero wins without their captain, troubling numbers that speak to a genuine dependence on the striker.

Are Argentina and Portugal equally reliant on Messi and Ronaldo?

No players have shaped their national teams quite like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, both of whom sit at the top of the all-time international scoring charts. Yet in recent years, both Argentina and Portugal have shown they can manage when their talisman is unavailable.

Over the past two years, Argentina played eight games without Messi, winning six and losing just two, both in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. In that same window, Portugal played six games without Ronaldo, picking up four wins and two draws, with both nations demonstrating enough depth to cover for the absence of their respective legends.

Espanyol defended themselves after fans were blamed for chants in Spain vs Egypt that angered Lamine Yamal.

This week has been marked by a discrimination incident involving Spain. In the match against Egypt, fans chanted a song, which led Lamine Yamal to post a strong statement after his religion was targeted. It was also time for Espanyol to defend itself.

The match was played at RCDE Stadium, home of Espanyol. Criticism spread everywhere, from the country as a whole to those who pointed at the Espanyol fans as the only ones singing. Many also speculated that the chants against Muslims were aimed at Yamal, something the club condemned.

The statement read: “RCD Espanyol also wishes to express its deep displeasure at the gratuitous and widespread smear campaign that has targeted our fans in the past few hours. It is worth remembering that the match, organized by the RFEF, brought together supporters of the Spain national team from very diverse geographical and footballing backgrounds.”

It then addressed the criticism the club received: “Therefore, it is profoundly unfair, excessive, and disproportionate to attribute these behaviors to the RCDE Espanyol fanbase, which, throughout its more than 125-year history, has been characterized by its diversity, respect, and commitment to the values of sport. The club does not and will not accept having its reputation called into question by the isolated actions of a small group of people who represent neither the club nor our fanbase.”

Egypt will not complain about Spain to FIFA

The unfortunate act by the Spanish fans mainly affected the Egyptian team. This has led to criticism from different sides, with Egypt being the most important voice as the one targeted by discrimination.

While the Egyptian embassy released a statement condemning these acts, the federation also issued a long communication expressing its thoughts. The curious thing is that it will not file a formal complaint.

The report said: “The Egyptian Football Federation wants to emphasize that what happened by a minority of fans in the stands at Espanyol’s stadium will not affect in any way the strong relationship between the Egyptian and Spanish football federations.”

Premier League clubs in recent years have taken advantage of selling unwanted players to Saudi Arabian clubs for inflated transfer fees in order to balance the books and raise funds for quality signings.

However, that has not been the case with Newcastle United, despite their strong Saudi connections. The Premier League side shares direct ownership with four top Saudi Arabian clubs, like Al Hilal, Al Ahli, Al Ittihad and Al Nassr. However, they have not been able to capitalise on the situation and sell some of their players to those clubs for lucrative fees.

This is because Newcastle has been limited by UEFA rules that prevent them from making a profit from all associated-party player sales.

Newcastle hit by UEFA regulations

Chief financial officer, Simon Capper, told The Gazette: “It doesn’t stop us doing business. What it means is if we make a profit, it doesn’t count.

“We sell a player that’s worth a pound for £10million and make a profit of £9.999million in the Premier League but make a profit of zero in UEFA. We just don’t get a profit.

“[Other clubs doing lucrative business with Saudi clubs] is some frustration for us. Our competitors can sell a player to a Saudi club for massive profit and bank that for their various compliance calculations.”

“I really want to…” – Bruno Guimaraes names two potential clubs he’d sign for after Newcastle

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Can Newcastle sort out their transfer business?

The UEFA rules have certainly hurt Newcastle in the transfer market, and this has been echoed by manager Eddie Howe in the past as well. It is clear that they would like to put together an ambitious team, but the regulations have not made it easy for them to send their unwanted players to Saudi Arabia or to bring in top-quality players at high fees.

It remains to be seen whether Newcastle can find a way to circumvent these regulations in future and build a formidable team.

Newcastle beat competition to land elite talent in early agreement

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Leeds United are looking to improve their attacking unit in the summer and have identified Troy Parrott as a target.

The 28-year-old has done quite well for AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie, and he has impressed with the Irish national team as well.

Leeds keen on Troy Parrott

The former Tottenham Academy graduate has also been linked with a return to the Premier League. It remains to be seen whether Leeds will be prepared to provide him with an exit route in the summer. It is no secret that they need a reliable goal scorer, and the 28-year-old could be ideal for them.

He could share the goal-scoring burden with Dominic Calvert-Lewin next season. Parrott has 28 goals and 10 assists this season.

The opportunity to move to England could be exciting for him. This is the right time for him to take the next step in his career and prove himself at a higher level. He might feel that he has unfinished business in English football. Parrott has been linked with a Spurs return as well.

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Parrott set for England return?

“Troy Parrott deserves a lot of praise for what he’s done with his career”, Mick Brown told Football Insider.

“It was a brave move to leave Tottenham and the Premier League, to go to Europe and focus on developing his game and becoming a better player.

“Now he’s proving himself as a top player not just for his club but on the international stage as well, and that always attracts interest from Premier League clubs.

“Every club in the Premier League will have scouts over in the Netherlands keeping an eye on the talent there, and he’s certainly going to be on their radar.

“Leeds, for example, are in desperate need of a striker and have been keeping tabs on him.

“They want somebody to compete with Calvert-Lewin or to play alongside him.

“If there’s any indication that Parrott could be available this summer, I’d expect them to be all over it, because it looks like he’s ready for a move to the Premier League.”

Leeds United are currently fighting for survival in the Premier League. It remains to be seen whether they can secure safety in the top flight. They need to stay up if they want to attract quality players like Parrott in the summer.

The post Leeds United “keeping tabs” on 38-G/A sensation to fix attacking woes appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Crystal Palace have agreed on a deal to sign the Scottish defender, Harris Afzal, at the end of the season.

The 16-year-old is highly rated in Scotland, and he has attracted comparisons with Andrew Robertson because of his playing style. Multiple clubs were interested in securing his signature, but a report from TEAMtalk claims that Crystal Palace have agreed terms to sign the youngster. It remains to be seen whether they can get the deal across the line.

Harris Afzal will be excited about the Palace move

The opportunity to join the Premier League club will be exciting for the 16-year-old. It would be a major step up in his career, and he will look to establish himself as a first-team player for the Eagles in future. For now, he is expected to join up with the youth team at the London club.

The defender has a promising career ahead of himself, and Crystal Palace could nurture him into a quality player in future.

Crystal Palace have done well to groom young players in recent years, and they are likely to play a key role in Afzal’s development as well.

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Afzal could be a bargain in future

The report claims that Crystal Palace will pay around £40,000 to sign the talented young defender. Meanwhile, Southampton are hoping to sign the young defender as well, and they have an agreement in place with Queen’s Park as well.

If the 16-year-old manager fulfils his potential in the future, the deal could prove to be a huge bargain. The defender will certainly be excited about the next chapter in his career, and it remains to be seen where he ends up.

Crystal Palace considering surprise move for Premier League manager as Oliver Glasner replacement

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Leeds United defender Isaac Schmidt is on loan at Werder Bremen, and they have an option to sign him permanently at the end of the season.

However, the 26-year-old right back has struggled for regular opportunities at the German club, and they do not plan to be up for him. Schmidt is now expected to return to Leeds United at the end of the season.

Can Isaac Schmidt revive his Leeds career?

It will be interesting to see if they are prepared to provide him with opportunities in the Premier League next season. They could use more quality and depth in the defensive unit, and the defender could be a handy option for them.

The German outfit had the option to make the move permanent for just €3 million, as per DeichStube. However, he has not been a key player for them, making 16 appearances, most as a substitute.

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Schmidt needs to sort out his future

The defender will be desperate to get his career back on track, and it will be interesting to see if he is prepared to continue at Leeds United. He was unwanted at the club before his loan exit, making just 14 appearances. Perhaps, leaving the English club permanently would be ideal for him. It remains to be seen whether any club is prepared to provide him with an exit route.

The player is still very much at the peak of his career, and he should look to join a club that will offer him regular opportunities.

Leeds United paid €2.5 million to sign the player, and they will look to recoup that in the summer. It is clear that Schmidt is not an important option for them, and they will prefer to cash in on him.

The post €3m option snubbed as 26-year-old wide man faces uncertain future at Leeds appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool will be buoyed by Alexander Isak’s impending return to training after a lengthy injury lay-off. Isak, the British record signing, sustained a broken ankle and fibula as he scored for the Reds against Tottenham on December 20. The Sweden international required surgery, and has subsequently been out of action since then. However, Arne Slot […]

The post Isak back in Liverpool training after injury lay-off appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Isak back in Liverpool training after injury lay-off appeared first on Soccer News.

Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez could be the chosen replacement for Antoine Griezmann at Atletico Madrid following his move to MLS.

Antoine Griezmann will join Orlando City in Major League Soccer once the 2025–26 European season concludes. That will force Atletico Madrid to find a replacement, with Argentina star Lautaro Martinez emerging as one of the leading candidates.

According to Diario AS, the consolidation of Apollo Sports Capital as Atletico Madrid’s majority shareholder this year will allow the club to make a major investment to strengthen the squad. In that context, signing a forward to replace Griezmann has become a top priority.

Martinez has been on Atletico Madrid’s radar since his days at Racing Club in the Argentine league. At the time, negotiations were advanced, but in 2018 Inter Milan completed his signing for $25 million.

Since then, Lautaro has developed into one of Serie A’s top stars, scoring 171 goals in 370 appearances for Inter, but Atletico Madrid’s interest has never faded. Now, with his Argentina teammate Julian Alvarez already in the squad, the two could form a formidable attacking partnership.

However, any move for Lautaro Martinez will not be easy, given his importance to Inter and his high market value, estimated at €85 million ($98 million) by Transfermarkt. “An insatiable goalscorer, but very difficult to prise away from Inter, where he is captain and under contract until 2029,” Diario AS reports.

Other alternatives to replace Griezmann

If a deal for Lautaro Martinez does not materialize, Atletico Madrid have reportedly been monitoring another Argentina forward: Joaquin Panichelli, who plays for RC Strasbourg in France.

Panichelli has impressed this season, scoring 20 goals in 39 appearances across Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the UEFA Europa Conference League. Those performances earned him call-ups from Lionel Scaloni for the FIFA international breaks in November 2025 and March 2026.

That had put him in strong contention to be Argentina’s third striker at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, behind Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez. However, a serious knee injury has ruled Panichelli out, something that likely also impacts any potential move to Atletico Madrid.

The Spanish side could also opt for players with different profiles and, instead of a traditional striker, target more versatile options. Among them are 20-year-old Bayer Leverkusen star Ibrahim Maza, an attacking midfielder, as well as Olympique Marseille forward Mason Greenwood and Paris Saint-Germain winger Lee Kang-in.

Barcelona could get Andreas Schjelderup for less after a potential ultimatum from Benfica.

As the international break continues, Barcelona are still searching for titles. Looking ahead, there has been some news around transfer target Andreas Schjelderup, with Benfica reportedly set to give him an ultimatum soon.

Benfica are expected to offer the player a new contract that would include a higher release clause or they will sell the player in the next window, according to the newspaper A Bola. If Schjelderup agrees, his price would go up. With his contract running until 2028, the club does not have much room to maneuver.

What Barcelona want is for Schjelderup not to accept this renewal. With that decision from the player, pushed by agent Rafaela Pimenta according to Sport, the price could go down as Benfica are not ready to extend this negotiation for long.

Schjelderup’s price

Rejecting a higher release clause would make negotiations easier for Barcelona. The counterpoint to getting a better price is how highly the player is regarded by others, so what could drive his price up are the clubs that may try to sign him this summer.

The Spanish club have not been able to make major investments for a long time because their financial situation is still not ideal. They would not be able to pay the release clause, so waiting is their best option.

Benfica set a 100 million euros release clause in Schjelderup’s contract. On the other hand, local reports say Benfica may even accept 20 million for him. While that does not seem very likely given the player’s valuation, they have already received a 12 million euro offer from Brugge.

Schjelderup’s playstyle

Schjelderup would be a bet for the future, not just an immediate boost to the team. He has not played too much for Benfica, with fewer than 100 matches there, but his profile could be ideal to replace Marcus Rashford. If the English forward does not improve in the final stretch of the season with Barcelona, they may decide not to buy him from Manchester United.

That would be a better role for someone younger like the Benfica player, who is only 21 years old. The winger could bring even more fresh energy to a team that already has talented young players. Despite his age, he is already part of the Norway national team, so his upside could make him a perfect fit looking toward the future.

Despite the USMNT suffered back-to-back defeats against Belgium and Portugal, star Christian Pulisic and head coach Mauricio Pochettino remain positive ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The USMNT wrapped up the highly anticipated March international break, the last before the 2026 World Cup, with back-to-back defeats against Belgium and Portugal. Despite those setbacks, head coach Mauricio Pochettino and team captain Christian Pulisic remain confident in the team’s chances heading into the tournament.

After a strong November window that featured wins over Paraguay and Uruguay, the March tests came against two top-ten European sides. Following a promising first half, the match against Belgium ended in a 5-2 defeat, and against Portugal, the Americans struggled to create clear-cut chances in a 2-0 loss.

Despite the results, Pulisic said he has been able to draw positives from both performances. “Obviously we’re disappointed with the results, but, to be honest, I’m taking a lot of positives from it. I think we’re a lot closer than it might’ve seemed. I still feel positive, and I still believe in this team. We put a lot of pressure on both games during the first half. We were able to create chances,” he told TNT Sports after the Portugal match.

Now operating in the No. 9 role for the USMNT, Pulisic acknowledged his recent scoring drought but insisted he is in good physical shape and confident in what lies ahead: “If I finish a couple of chances, which I know I’m going to, things are going to be a bit different. There were a couple of moments where we lacked concentration and gave up goals, but I feel we’re right in the game, and that good things are coming.“

Pochettino, meanwhile, described the March camp as “very positive,” pointing to the clear areas of improvement it revealed, particularly as he works through the process of trimming a 55-man pool down to a 26-man World Cup roster. As for the results themselves, the Argentine made clear that both games were ultimately decided by fine margins.

While also framing Pulisic’s frustration as a sign of commitment and desire, Pochettino remained firm in his belief that the USMNT is capable of competing with the world’s best. “I am more positive now than before because seeing the team compete, we are not far away. It’s only details that we need to improve.“

USA doesn’t have ‘top 100 players,’ says Pochettino

While Pochettino’s tenure has delivered mixed results in the CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup, recent months have seen growing optimism around the USMNT, fueled in part by the coach’s evident belief in the team’s World Cup potential. The March games served as something of a reality check, while also raising questions about how the side might fare against elite opposition in the tournament itself.

When asked whether he could iron out those “small details” in the team’s favor, Pochettino made a candid admission about where the USMNT currently stands. “We are USA, and we are competing against Belgium, Portugal. I think for sure Belgium and Portugal have, in the top 100 players, a few or some players playing in that top 100. I think we don’t. That is why it’s good to play against these types of teams.“

Far from using the assessment to undermine his players, Pochettino sees these experiences as essential fuel for their development, exposing them to elite competition so they can learn how to make the right decisions when it matters most. “We should play more games. Even though this is painful, it is the only way to improve, it is the only way to learn, it is the only way to see how the top players and teams compete,” he concluded.

Chasing more scoring impact in the 2026–27 season, Barcelona have reportedly decided to enter a bidding war with Arsenal for a €70 million-rated striker: Christian Kofane, who is shining at Bayer Leverkusen.

Looking toward the 2026–27 season, Barcelona have targeted signing a center forward to bolster their scoring capabilities. Julián Álvarez is their top priority, but securing his transfer may prove challenging. Consequently, the Blaugrana are reportedly prepared to enter a bidding war with Arsenal for Christian Kofane, the standout player at Bayer Leverkusen, who is valued at €70 million.

According to Christian Kofane’s agent, Eric Depolo, as reported by Daily Arsenal, the Gunners remain quite interested in the 19-year-old striker: “Yes, there is contact between me and Arsenal. But their focus is currently on winning the league – everything will fall into place from there. He is a player worth 100 million euros. With Kofane, Arsenal will have a top striker for the next 10 years.”

While Arsenal are emerging as the clear favorite to sign Kofane, Barcelona are also reportedly interested in signing him, according to Adrián Sanchez via Más Que Pelotas. They would be preparing for the possibility that Julián Álvarez might not join them, after Atlético Madrid’s contract renewal offer. Despite this, they would have to pay a transfer fee of around €60-70 million, reports Florian Plettenberg.

Christian Kofane shines in his first season with Bayer Leverkusen

After shining at AS Nylon, Christian Kofane caught the attention of Albacete, from Spain’s second division, for their Juvenil A side. In just over two months, the Cameroonian impressed, earning a move to the first team where he scored eight goals in 20 matches. At the end of the season, Bayer Leverkusen decided to pay €5.25 million to secure his future, where he has managed to earn a role in the rotation under coach Kasper Hjulmand.

In his first season at Bayer Leverkusen, Kofane has managed to play 1,745 minutes, becoming one of the most used young players of the campaign. In addition, he has scored 7 goals and provided 8 assists in 39 matches. Not only do his stats stand out, but he also brings impressive associative quality, which has caught the attention of Arsenal and Barcelona in just his first season.

Bayer Leverkusen could multiply Kofane’s value by 13.3 times compared to his purchase price. While he is not yet an immediate-impact player, the Gunners and the Blaugrana would be targeting his signing with his growth potential in mind. However, they could have doubts about paying €60–70 million for his transfer, as he has not yet fully established himself at the elite level.

Alessandro Bastoni could arrive at Barcelona after Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This week, Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time, and Alessandro Bastoni played a regrettably pivotal role in that failure. The fallout from it could help Barcelona in negotiations for the defender.

Italy’s elimination in the European playoffs came via penalties after a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, things had started well for the Azzurri, who took the lead through a goal from Moise Kean. Bastoni, though, was sent off in the 41st minute of the first half, severely hurting the team’s chances.

With the result decided, Bastoni became the focal point of criticism. The Italian press singled him out as one of the main culprits, labeling his red card as “stupid.” In addition, La Gazzetta dello Sport wrote: “Bastoni and a disastrous 2026.”

Italian fans also made their frustration clear, flooding his social media posts with aggressive comments. According to Mundo Deportivo, the player’s latest post received more than 13,000 comments, prompting Bastoni and his wife to restrict interactions on their Instagram accounts to stop the harassment.

Barcelona are interested in Bastoni

The difficult situation surrounding Alessandro Bastoni, amid widespread criticism from both media and fans in Italy, could prove decisive for his future. In that context, Barcelona are circling, waiting for the right opportunity to open negotiations.

“At the club, they believe they can land Bastoni for a fee capped at €55–60 million, and Italy’s elimination along with the public backlash could ease the player’s exit,” Mundo Deportivo report.

It is well known that Barcelona are in the market for a left-footed center back to fill the void left by Inigo Martinez, who joined Al Nassr at the start of the season. Bastoni is considered one of the top priorities, although he faces competition from other targets such as Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck and Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi.

Bastoni left out of the World Cup again

Despite being one of the most sought-after defenders in the world, Alessandro Bastoni’s international career has been far less accomplished than expected. At 26, he has yet to play in a World Cup, with Italy having missed the tournament since 2014.

Bastoni made his international debut in 2020 and, a year later, won the UEFA Euro 2020 with Italy, defeating England on penalties. However, in World Cup qualifiers, he has been unable to help his national team secure qualification for 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups.

At best, Bastoni could make his World Cup debut in 2030 at age 30, a situation similar to that of other stars from the country such as Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sandro Tonali, Nicolo Barella and Moise Kean.

The agent of Bayer Leverkusen sensation Christian Kofane has confirmed that Arsenal’s interest in signing the young centre-forward is “genuine,” giving the Gunners a massive boost.

The news broke following an exclusive update from Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, which revealed that Mikel Arteta’s side has been monitoring the Cameroon striker closely for several months.

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Kofane’s representative, Eric Depolo, has now validated these reports, providing a candid insight into the ongoing dialogue between the North London club and the player’s camp.

Christian Kofane agent confirms talks with Arsenal

Speaking via Daily Talking Arsenal as reported by Florian Plettenberg, Eric Depolo confirmed the contact with the Premier League leaders.

Depolo stated:

“Yes, Arsenal’s interest is genuine. Mikel Arteta likes him very much. There is contact between me and Arsenal. But their focus right now is on winning the league. After that, everything will start to move.”

Depolo went even further, making a bold claim regarding Kofane’s potential and price tag:

“He is a €100 million player. With Kofane, Arsenal will have a top striker for the next 10 years.”

?? Revealed exclusively today: Arsenal are interested in Christian #Kofane. They are monitoring him closely.

His agent Eric Depolo confirmed via @DTalkingArsenal: “Yes, Arsenal’s interest is genuine. Mikel Arteta
likes him very much (…) There is contact between me and… pic.twitter.com/BdbRNcB0XA

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) April 1, 2026

Kofane’s impressive stats at a young age

The hype surrounding Kofane is backed by a clinical debut season in Germany.

Despite only turning 19 last July, the Douala-born striker has registered 7 goals and 8 assists in 39 appearances across all competitions for Bayer Leverkusen.

His ability to lead the line with both physicality and technical grace was particularly evident during the Champions League Round of 16, where he reportedly left a lasting impression on Arteta’s coaching staff.

Having already earned six caps for the Cameroon national team, Kofane is garnering attention from top clubs including Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Interest from these elite clubs shows that Arsenal could really be signing a gem if they can secure his signature.

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Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that the club will be without first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker for Saturday’s high-stakes FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City.

The Brazilian shot-stopper, who withdrew from international duty last week, remains sidelined with a muscle injury.

Speaking to club media on Wednesday, Slot provided a somber update on his number one, while also addressing the fitness of several other key stars ahead of the trip to the Etihad Stadium.

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Arne Slot delivers update on Alisson Becker and Jeremie Frimpong

While Alisson’s absence is a major blow, there was a mix of relief and caution regarding right-back Jeremie Frimpong.

The Dutchman was forced off just 12 minutes into his appearance during the Netherlands’ 1-1 draw with Ecuador on Tuesday, sparking fears of another long-term layoff.

Arne Slot on Frimpong and Alisson out (via Fabrizio Romano): “Jeremie, the national team doctor of the Netherlands tells us that it was precautionary that they took him out”.

“Alisson will be out for a bit longer”.

? Arne Slot on Frimpong and Alisson out: “Jeremie, the national team doctor of the Netherlands tells us that it was precautionary that they took him out”.

“Alisson will be out for a bit longer”. pic.twitter.com/2UbDXmIoRt

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 1, 2026

The update follows a frustrating run for Frimpong, who has struggled with four separate muscle injuries during his debut season at Anfield.

Liverpool fans will be holding their breath for the scan results, as the defender has already missed 25 games for club and country this term.

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Liverpool to be without several star players against Man City

Despite the setbacks for Alisson and Frimpong, Slot was able to provide some positive news. Mohamed Salah, who missed the defeat at Brighton before the break, and Federico Chiesa are both expected to be available for the City clash.

Liverpool have also officially confirmed that Alexander Isak has returned to full training after suffering a nasty injury against Tottenham earlier in the season.

With Alisson out, Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to start in goal, while Dominik Szoboszlai may once again be asked to fill in at right-back.

The post ’Out for a bit longer’ – Liverpool suffer massive blow as Arne Slot confirms key star injury update appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde has been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent months.

According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool is keeping tabs on the 27-year-old French International and could look to make a move in the summer. They are looking to bring in a versatile defender like him who can operate centrally as well as on the flanks.

Jules Kounde is a top player

The 27-year-old has been a quality performer in La Liga, and he has the physical and technical attributes for English football as well. It will be interesting to see if Liverpool follows up on their interest with an offer in the summer.

The report claims that Manchester City have also expressed interest in securing his signature. They might need to replace players like John Stones and Nathan Ake in the summer, and the French International could be the ideal acquisition for them.

Finally, Chelsea is also keeping close tabs on the defender. Apparently, they have been following the player for quite some time and wanted to sign him before he moved to Barcelona. It remains to be seen which of the three Premier League clubs can get the deal done.

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Liverpool and Chelsea could use Kounde

Liverpool needs to tighten up defensively, and they could lose players like Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez in the summer. Kounde could prove to be an excellent option for them.

His ability to slot into multiple roles and perform at a high level could make him an asset to the club.

Chelsea have looked quite poor at the back, and they need to bring in a quality defender if they are serious about fighting for trophies next season.

The player has recently signed a new deal with Barcelona until 2030, and he could cost a lot of money. Any club hoping to sign him will have to pay a premium.

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Atalanta midfielder Ederson Dos Santos has been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent months.

It appears that Arsenal are interested in signing the 26-year-old midfielder. According to a report from Marca via SportWitness, the Brazilian will cost around €50 million, and it remains to be seen whether Arsenal is prepared to pay up. They will compete with a Atletico Madrid for his signature.

Ederson has been linked with Manchester United and Newcastle United as well.

Ederson would improve Arsenal

Ederson has been a reliable performer for the Italian club in recent seasons, and this is the right time for him to take the next step and join a bigger club. Arsenal could use more control in the middle of the park, and the Brazilian would be an excellent acquisition. He could prove to be a huge upgrade on Christian Norgaard.

The 26-year-old will add control, defensive cover and composure in the middle of the park. He will also add creativity to the team. He is a complete central midfielder who is at the peak of his career. This is the right time for Arsenal to secure his signature.

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Can Arsenal win the race for Ederson?

Atletico Madrid would be willing to pay up to €40 million for the midfielder, and it remains to be seen. Whether Arsenal is prepared to outmuscle them financially.

The report further claims that Arsenal director Andrea Berta is an admirer of the South American midfielder. Arsenal certainly have the financial resources to win the race for the Brazilian, and they could offer him a lucrative contract as well.

Ederson earns around €5 million a season at the Italian club, and he is likely to earn significantly more if he moves to the London club.

The opportunity to join them will be tempting for the player. They are pushing for the league title and UEFA Champions League, and he will want to be a part of their ambitious project. Ederson has also been linked with Barcelona and Liverpool.

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Manchester United are now leading the race to sign Charlie Cresswell from Toulouse at the end of the season.

The 23-year-old is ‘very keen’ on a move to Manchester United, and it remains to be seen whether the Red Devils can get the deal done. He could cost around £26 million in the summer, as per TEAMtalk.

Manchester United have the finances to afford him, and he could prove to be a solid long-term acquisition for the club. Manchester United need more quality in the defensive unit, and Cresswell has impressed with his ability, composure, and leadership skills in Ligue 1.

The former Leeds United Academy graduate is ready for the next step in his career, and the move to Manchester United would be ideal for him. He will help them tighten up at the back. The 6’2″ Englishman will add presence and physicality at the back for the Red Devils. The asking price is quite reasonable for a player of his potential, and the deal could look like a bargain in future. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United submit an official offer for him in the coming weeks.

Crystal Palace and West Ham United are also keen on the defender. However, they will find it difficult to convince the player to join, especially if there is a concrete proposal from Manchester United on the table.

They are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and the opportunity to play for them will be hard to turn down. Manchester United is expected to secure Champions League qualification next season and will look to fight for major trophies. The defender will be attracted to the idea of joining them in the summer.

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Liverpool are looking to improve the defensive unit with the signing of Pierre Kalulu from Juventus.

The defender has been linked with a move away from the Italian club in recent months, and Liverpool have reportedly made enquiries for him. He has a book value of around €11 million, and it remains to be seen whether Liverpool can get the deal done. According to reports via SportWitness, Juventus will hold out for a substantial offer for him.

Liverpool is expected to lose Ibrahima Konate at the end of the season when his contract expires, and they need to replace the French international properly. Signing Kalulu could prove to be an interesting decision. He has shown his quality in Italy, and he has the physicality for English football as well.

The opportunity to join a club like Liverpool could be quite exciting for him. Meanwhile, Liverpool could part ways with Joe Gomez at the end of the season as well. He has struggled for regular opportunities at the English club, and he needs to move on to regular football.

It remains to be seen whether Liverpool can agree on a reasonable deal for the player. Kalulu is at the peak of his career, and this could be the right time for him to take on a new challenge and move to the Premier League. Liverpool could provide him with the platform to fight for trophies in the upcoming seasons.

It has been a disappointing season for Liverpool, and they will look to finish on a high. They will be hoping to fight for major trophies once again, and they need to tighten up at the back. They have looked vulnerable defensively this season. Investing in a quality defender should be a priority for them during the summer transfer window.

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Despite being in great form with Santos, the chances of Neymar participating in the 2026 World Cup are noticeably decreasing. Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly considering calling up Endrick or two other stars, complicating matters for the veteran.

After shining in his return to Santos, Neymar seemed to be edging closer to a return for the 2026 World Cup. Despite this, Brazil’s Carlo Ancelotti has decided not to count on him throughout his tenure with the national team. With only a few months left before the anticipated tournament, the veteran’s hopes appear to be fading, as Endrick and two other stars reportedly lead the race for a place in the squad.

According to Cahê Mota via GeGlobo, Carlo Ancelotti and his coaching staff view Neymar’s call-up to the 2026 World Cup as unlikely, dimming his hopes. Instead, they are reportedly considering Endrick, who impressed with his performance against Croatia and earned the benefit of the doubt. However, he faces competition from Lucas Paquetá and Igor Thiago for a place on Brazil’s roster.

Neymar reportedly disappointed Brazil’s coaching staff after missing the Santos vs. Mirassol match. Despite the veteran knew that Ancelotti would be attending the game, he stayed away due to workload management. As a result, he missed a great opportunity to make a case for his return to the 2026 World Cup roster. However, Cahê Mota reports that the coach remains open to calling him up, but it depends on his performance.

Unlike the 34-year-old, Endrick is in top physical condition, shining at Olympique Lyon. Because of this, he seems close to securing his place, as Ancelotti has called him ‘the future of the national team.’ In this context, Neymar Jr. would have to compete with Lucas Paquetá and Igor Thiago, who are already part of Brazil setup. Because of this, it looks quite difficult for him to make the 2026 World Cup.

Neymar Jr. keeps shining with Santos amid Ancelotti’s doubts

Following his knee surgery, Neymar has managed to shine with Santos FC, showing that he is in full condition. In the five matches he has played, he has scored three goals and provided two assists, standing out as the team’s most influential player. He is not only scoring goals, but also organizing the team, giving them ideas amid the chaos they are currently experiencing.

Despite his strong performances, coach Carlo Ancelotti remains full of doubts regarding his return. With the need to manage his workload to avoid further injury, the veteran raises questions about whether he will be ready to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Because of this, he has just over a month to convince the head coach of his return, as the final squad list will be announced on May 18 in Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil’s squad list for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is not yet finalized, Carlo Ancelotti admitted.

Carlo Ancelotti spoke after Brazil’s matches during the March international break and addressed the process of selecting the 26-player squad that will compete in this summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, acknowledging that he has increasing doubts about it.

After giving playing time in friendlies against France and Croatia to several players who had not previously been considered, the coach was candid in admitting: “The new players have contributed a lot, they’ve taken their opportunity and, obviously, it increases the doubt over the final list.”

These remarks only add to the uncertainty in Brazil, with just over two months remaining until the start of the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. And considering that the deadline to submit the roster is May 30, the timeline is even tighter.

Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with the team’s performances. “The idea was to play like this. There are things to improve, obviously, but we’re on the right track,” he said, according to TyC Sports. “Everyone contributed, which is a positive sign for the team.”

Regarding the next steps in the coming months, the coach was clear: “Now we will continue evaluating what happens in the European leagues and in the Brazilian league… We have a good team structure, a good atmosphere, we’re working very well; for now, we’re calm.”

Endrick fights for a place in Brazil

Among the players who were given their first opportunity under Carlo Ancelotti during this March FIFA international break is Endrick. The Real Madrid forward, on loan at Olympique Lyon, did not feature in Sunday’s 2-1 loss to France but did see minutes in the match against Croatia.

Endrick came on in the 76th minute to replace Luiz Henrique and played a key role: he won the penalty that led to the second goal and assisted Gabriel Martinelli on the third. “He played very well,” Ancelotti said when asked about the young forward.

In addition, other players also earned their first minutes in this cycle and made positive impressions. Botafogo midfielder Danilo Santos scored one of the goals against Croatia, while Brentford forward Igor Thiago featured in both matches during the international break and also found the net.

Legendary manager Fabio Capello was very critical with Italy's World Cup elimination against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

There were important matches during the last international window. However, no team drew more attention than Italy as they tried to qualify for the World Cup against Northern Ireland first and then Bosnia and Herzegovina, which they failed to do. Fabio Capello described the country’s feelings better than anyone.

Capello said in an interview with Marca: “I couldn’t sleep all night; I still can’t believe what happened. We are talking about a four-time World champion. It’s a sports tragedy. It’s embarrassing. It’s some of the worst that has happened to Italian soccer in its recent history.”

Italy had to go through two rounds to reach the World Cup again for the first time since 2010. They defeated Northern Ireland to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in their final match. Despite taking a 1-0 lead, they allowed the equalizer with a few minutes left after spending most of the match with 10 men following Andrea Bastoni’s red card. The penalties later decided that they would miss the event for the third straight time.

Capello wants a change

The manager has worked at clubs like Real Madrid, Milan and Juventus, so he knows well what should be expected in organizations of that level that aim for the biggest titles in their respective competitions.

For Capello, the blame should not fall only on the current manager Gennaro Gattuso or even the players. In his opinion, something must change at the highest levels of the federation.

Capello said: “Here nobody resigns, and that’s the most concerning thing. The first person that should take responsibility is the president of the Federation (Gabriele Gavrina) with the executive directors. The problem isn’t just results, it’s structural.”

Capello on what the elimination means for Italy

Even if this has happened recently as well, missing the World Cup is not taken lightly by the fans. Capello said: “Italy is mourning. For a country so tied to the sport, it’s very hard to accept.”

In the latest FIFA rankings update, Kylian Mbappe’s France has claimed the top, leaving Lamine Yamal’s Spain and Lionel Messi’s Argentina behind.

The FIFA rankings received their final update of the March international break ahead of the 2026 World Cup, bringing with it several significant changes. The most notable is that Kylian Mbappe‘s France have claimed the top spot, leapfrogging Lamine Yamal’s Spain and Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the process.

The previous ranking update dates back to late January, following the conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations, which saw Senegal crowned champions with a 1-0 win over Morocco. While that update had a limited impact, largely affecting African nations and leaving the rest of the table largely undisturbed, the March window brought far greater movement, driven by high-profile friendlies and the final rounds of World Cup qualifying.

After the first week of matches, changes were already beginning to emerge, with France overtaking Argentina for second place as the most notable early shift. Then on April 1, FIFA released the full updated rankings, with Les Bleus claiming the top spot for the first time since September 2018, just months after winning the World Cup in Russia.

Key changes in the FIFA rankings

Fueled by wins over Brazil and Croatia, Mbappé’s side now sits atop the rankings with 1,877.32 points, with Spain and Argentina close behind at 1,876.40 and 1,874.81 respectively. Yamal’s draw against Egypt and Messi’s side facing lower-ranked opposition in Mauritania and Zambia proved costly, giving France the opening it needed to claim first place.

England took a significant hit after their defeat to Japan but managed to hold on to fourth place, while Portugal, without Cristiano Ronaldo, overtook Brazil to move into fifth. Another notable development sees Mexico climb to 15th with 1,681.03 points, surpassing the United States, who dropped more than four points to sit 16th with 1,673.13.

This latest update also serves as a significant benchmark for national teams, as it will be the last ranking cycle with major movement before the 2026 World Cup kicks off in June. Between now and then, nations will be finalizing their squad lists and arranging pre-tournament friendlies, expected to take place just weeks before the competition gets underway.

FIFA ranking top 10 ahead of the 2026 World Cup

1. France — 1877.32 points.
2. Spain — 1876.40 points.
3. Argentina — 1874.81 points.
4. England — 1825.97 points.
5. Portugal — 1763.83 points.
6. Brazil — 1761.16 points.
7. Netherlands— 1757.87 points.
8. Morocco — 1755.87 points.
9. Belgium — 1734.71 points.
10. Germany — 1730.37 points.

Tarik Muharemovic was in a magnanimous mood after Bosnia’s World Cup playoff victory over Italy, offering warm words for a country where he has built his club career while celebrating the realisation of a lifelong dream.

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The Sassuolo defender, who plays his club football in Serie A, spoke to Swiss Italian channel RSI in the immediate aftermath of the penalty shootout win, carefully navigating the emotional complexity of eliminating a nation he clearly holds in genuine affection.

“My dream was to play at the World Cup with Bosnia, the greatest dream of all of us,” he said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“All my respect to Italy, my friends and brothers.”

Bosnia star Muharemovic: ‘I’m very happy in Italy, I never lost respect’

He was also keen to clarify comments from a previous interview that had apparently been misinterpreted.

“I hope they did not take it badly, because I have many friends and brothers there. I am very happy in Italy. I have never lost respect, I know where I come from and that I am humble. Italy is always in my heart.”

On the match itself, Muharemovic acknowledged how difficult the Azzurri had made things despite playing with ten men for the majority of the contest following Bastoni’s red card.

“They tried everything, even with one fewer player, and it was not easy to hold on for 120 minutes. I am sorry for them.”

His pride in Bosnia’s achievement, however, was unmistakable.

“Bosnia is back and making itself known, this is only the beginning. We can show much more.”

With the World Cup now on the horizon, his message was simple. “We are ready. Now we celebrate, then we think about the World Cup.”

Luciano Moggi has launched a scathing attack on the state of Italian football in the wake of the Azzurri’s third consecutive World Cup elimination, calling for Gabriele Gravina to resign and demanding that Sports Minister Andrea Abodi intervene to force genuine structural change.

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The former Juventus and Napoli director, speaking on Radio Tutto Napoli, drew a direct line between Italy’s current crisis and the fallout from the Calciopoli scandal of 2006, arguing that Italian football has been in terminal decline ever since its last major triumph.

“Remember that the last great result was in 2006, when we won the World Cup with a strong leadership structure,” he said, via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“From that point, with the dawn of Calciopoli, Italian football was finished.”

Moggi: ‘Italy broken at the core: the fish rots from the head, Gravina must step aside’

On Gravina, Moggi was unsparing. “The national team is a mirror of the system, if we have been eliminated three times, it means something is fundamentally broken at the base. The fish rots from the head, and therefore Gabriele Gravina should step aside. He has been neither lucky nor up to the task.”

His prescription for recovery was equally blunt. “We need to start from zero, a total clean-out. Minister Abodi should intervene seriously. Enough talk: what is needed is a real revolution.”

The suggestion that political intervention may be the only way to force meaningful change at the FIGC reflects a growing mood in Italy that the federation is incapable of reforming itself from within.

Moggi also backed Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis in his calls for a restructuring of Serie A.

“De Laurentiis is right, a general overhaul is needed because things cannot continue like this,” he said. “Today we have reached the point of being afraid of teams like Bosnia. That says everything.”

Gianfranco Zola has called for a fundamental rethink of how Italian football develops its young players, insisting the country must address deep structural problems if it is to avoid repeating the pain of a third consecutive World Cup absence.

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The former Chelsea and Italy forward, speaking in his role as vice-president of Lega Pro ahead of the Serie C Coppa Italia final between Latina and Potenza, was visibly affected by Tuesday’s penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia, and used his platform to deliver a message that went well beyond the result itself.

“The failure to participate in the World Cup is something we feel deeply,” Zola told Rai Sport, via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“Football here is very important, and what happened yesterday has hit me hard. We must take stock of the problem and work to address it, understanding that our young players are extremely important.”

Zola: ‘Italy must start again from the ground up’

Zola was clear that the solutions need to come from the bottom of the game upward rather than from any quick fix at international level.

“We must start from the ground up and think about recreating the conditions to give quality to our young players,” he said.

“There is a very important and far-reaching piece of work to be done.” He also highlighted the need for continuity in young players’ development, arguing that talented youngsters must be given consistent opportunities to compete rather than being sidelined at club level.

As Lega Pro vice-president, Zola has a direct stake in that process, and he was keen to emphasise that the third tier of Italian football has a meaningful role to play.

“We as Lega Pro continue to work to encourage clubs to invest more and more in growing our young players in the best possible way,” he said.

He concluded with a message aimed squarely at the next generation.

“Coaches and facilities are fundamental, but the players themselves will also need to work hard. Commitment, vocation and dedication are what it takes to become true sportspeople.”

Chelsea has officially avoided a Premier League points deduction despite announcing a staggering pre-tax loss of £262.4 million for the 2024/25 financial year, the largest annual loss in the history of English football.

While rivals like Everton and Nottingham Forest have faced sporting sanctions for smaller breaches in recent years, the Blues have navigated the league’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) through a combination of strategic accounting and unprecedented cooperation with regulators.

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Chelsea announce record financial loss

The club’s latest accounts, released on April 1, 2026, reveal a massive swing from the previous year’s profit of £128.4 million.

This record-breaking deficit eclipses the previous high of £197.5 million set by Manchester City in 2011.

Club officials attributed the downturn to a sharp rise in operating costs and a wage bill estimated to be the sixth highest in Europe at £390 million.

Despite generating the second-highest revenue in the club’s history (£490.9 million), the heavy investment in the squad, assembled at a cost of over £1.5 billion, has placed immense pressure on the balance sheet.

Chelsea escape points deduction due to smart move

Despite the eye-watering headline figure, Chelsea remain PSR compliant for the three-year monitoring period ending in 2025, as explained by the Guardian.

The club successfully avoided a points deduction because under Premier League rules, losses attributed to infrastructure, the academy, the women’s team, and community projects are deductible.

By maximising these “add-backs,” Chelsea pulled their “adjusted” loss back under the £105 million three-year limit.

Biggest pre-tax losses in Premier League history

Chelsea’s recorded loss goes down on top of the list for the biggest pre-tax losses in the history of the competition.

Rank	Club	Year	Pre-tax Loss (£m)
1	Chelsea	2025	£262.4
2	Manchester City	2011	£197.5
3	Chelsea	2021	£155.9
4	Chelsea	2023	£155.0
5	Manchester United	2022	£149.6
6	Chelsea	2005	£140.0
7	Everton	2020	£139.9
8	Manchester United	2006	£137.7
9	Manchester United	2024	£130.8
10	Arsenal	2021	£127.2

Biggest pre-tax losses in Premier League history via BBC

 

The post How Chelsea avoided a points deduction despite historic £262.4m loss appeared first on CaughtOffside.

While Ronaldo has now completed his rehabilitation with Al-Nassr, conversations around his durability and the demands of tournament soccer remain constant.

The situation surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo and his race toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup has sparked considerable attention, especially after Portugal’s recent squad selections. Roberto Martinez, the national team’s head coach, has faced persistent questions about his captain’s physical readiness and long-term prospects. While Ronaldo has now completed his rehabilitation with Al-Nassr, conversations around his durability and the demands of tournament soccer remain constant.

Even so, Portugal approaches this summer with a mix of caution and optimism. The 41-year-old veteran has already missed the March friendlies, prompting speculation over whether his absence hinted at deeper concerns. The national team, which prepares for North America 2026 as one unit, is functioning smoothly despite his temporary unavailability.

Yet the public narrative inevitably circles back to its most iconic figure. The early uncertainty created a sense of mystery, especially as Portugal tested alternative attacking options during the international break. For many supporters, unanswered questions about Ronaldo’s immediate future overshadowed the team’s routine preparations.

But as the dust settled, Martinez chose to clarify his position, offering insight into how Portugal views this phase of recovery. Only then did the conversation shift from speculation to reassurance. That reassurance arrived when the Spanish coach finally addressed the reality of Ronaldo’s condition and whether it would affect the veteran’s chances to make the final cut this summer.

What did Roberto Martinez say about Ronaldo’s appearance at 2026 World Cup?

Speaking after Portugal’s win over the United States, Martinez openly discussed the striker’s injury and future. His comments provided much-needed clarity: “Cristiano’s injury is similar to those of (Ruben) Dias and (Nelson) Semedo. He is recovering well, and this is not an issue that should raise doubts about his participation in the World Cup.”

The coach emphasized that Portugal has sixty days to monitor every player’s condition, insisting that “his injury is not something that threatens his presence in the World Cup.” This puts to rest weeks of speculation following Ronaldo’s hamstring issue, sustained during Al-Nassr’s 3-1 win over Al-Fayha in February.

The forward missed approximately four weeks of action, including the international break. During this period, Martinez gave starts to PSG striker Goncalo Ramos and used Toluca forward Paulinho as a substitute option.

What did Roberto Martinez say about Ronaldo’s retirement plans?

Ronaldo, now 41, still views the World Cup as the one trophy missing from his collection. Having played 22 World Cup matches and produced eight goals and two assists, the Portuguese captain continues to chase what may be his final opportunity.

When asked if he could predict Ronaldo’s soccer future, the manager responded with honesty. “It’s hard for me to say… he doesn’t make plans,” the coach told the Irvine Times. “He has that elite mentality focused on being the best he can be today.”

Ronaldo has indeed rejoined Al-Nassr training sessions, participating in tactical work ahead of the league clash against Al-Najma. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the superstar’s injury is no longer seen as a threat, but rather as a brief setback in a career defined by resilience.

Cristiano Ronaldo's comeback arrives amid a tense title race, yet the spotlight also falls on teammates such as Joao Felix and Inigo Martinez, whose situations add complexity to the buildup.

The anticipation surrounding Al-Nassr’s next league fixture after the FIFA break has intensified, with Cristiano Ronaldo finally returning to full fitness at a time when the club needs him most. His comeback arrives amid a tense title race, yet the spotlight also falls on teammates such as Joao Felix and Inigo Martinez, whose situations add complexity to the buildup. While Ronaldo’s presence restores confidence, early signs suggest that not everything is aligning smoothly for the league leaders.

The club now faces a mixture of optimism and uncertainty as it reaches a decisive phase of the season. Al-Nassr’s meeting with Al-Najma at Al Awwal Park comes at a moment where every point carries enormous weight. Ronaldo’s return has naturally dominated headlines, but whispers inside the dressing room hint at deeper challenges Jorge Jesus must navigate.

Even as the Portuguese captain steps back into full tactical sessions, the club hierarchy remains on edge about availability issues elsewhere. The introduction of further complications will only heighten the stakes surrounding Friday’s match. Al-Nassr is already balancing heavy expectations that come with leading the Saudi Pro League standings, and the contrast with Al-Najma’s struggles only sharpens the importance of fielding a stable lineup.

However, as the hours tick down to kickoff, attention has shifted to a different and unexpected storyline. The optimism generated by Ronaldo’s return is real. However, it will be tested immediately, because Al-Nassr will be without Joao Felix, Inigo Martinez, and six other key players, a blow that drastically reshapes the squad available for this crucial match.

Ronaldo to provide significant boost, but Al-Nassr suffers huge setback

Ronaldo rejoined full tactical training for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury after Al-Nassr’s 3-1 win over Al-Fayha. His comeback was confirmed after intensive work in Spain and Riyadh, with local reports, including Arriyadiyah, stating he is “fully fit and ready to return”. The timing is ideal for Jorge Jesus’s side, which sits firmly at the top of the league with 67 points, boasting a season of 22 wins, one draw, and only three defeats.

However, what began as Tuesday’s normal pre-match preparation shifted abruptly when multiple players were ruled out. Reports from Saudi journalist Ali Al-Anzi revealed that Kingsley Coman and Mohamed Simakan missed training and appeared in the club’s medical clinic due to muscle pains.

The newspaper Arriyadiyah later confirmed Coman’s hamstring and calf discomfort and Simakan’s quadriceps issue, both requiring scans. To make matters worse for the club, Spanish veteran Inigo Martinez has not recovered from the hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined.

Al-Nassr set to be without up to eight players

The full list of absences is one of Al-Nassr’s worst of the season:

• Joao Felix — suspension
• Inigo Martinez — hamstring injury
• Kingsley Coman — calf and hamstring injury
• Mohamed Simakan — hamstring injury
• Raghed Al-Najjar — ACL injury
• Mubarak Al-Buainain — ACL injury
• Ayman Yahya — suspension
• Al-Amri — doubtful due to international-duty injury

The 2026 FIFA World Cup now has all of its national teams confirmed, with notable absences including Robert Lewandowski.

The March international break brought confirmation of the final spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Robert Lewandowski is one of the biggest stars who will miss this summer’s tournament in North America.

Poland failed to overcome Sweden in one of the European playoffs, losing 3-2 at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm. This was their last chance to secure a spot in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia.

As a result, Robert Lewandowski missed the opportunity to take part in what would almost certainly have been his last World Cup. By 2030, he will be nearly 42 years old, making it unlikely he will still be competing internationally.

“It’s hard to say anything after a match like that. I don’t know if the words I find would reflect what we feel. Soccer can be cruel,” Lewandowski admitted after the defeat to Sweden. Asked about his future with Poland, he was completely honest: “I don’t know. I need to think carefully, reflect.”

North America 2026 would have marked Lewandowski’s third World Cup, having led Poland in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022. Alongside the Barcelona forward, other top stars will also miss this summer’s FIFA tournament.

Gianluigi Donnarumma

The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper was at the center of another disappointment for Italy, who lost on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European playoffs and failed for the third consecutive time to reach the World Cup. At 27, Donnarumma has yet to play in a World Cup, a situation shared by other Italian stars such as Sandro Tonalli, Nicolo Barella, and Alessandro Bastoni.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Another PSG star who has not yet found the same level of success with his national team. Kvaratskhelia was unable to help Georgia even reach the European playoffs, as they finished third in their group behind Spain and Turkey.

Victor Osimhen

One of the most surprising absences for the 2026 World Cup is Nigeria, one of Africa’s strongest teams in recent decades. They failed to secure a spot for the second consecutive time, having also missed the Qatar 2022 edition. Victor Osimhen, the national team’s star, has yet to play in a World Cup at 27 years old.

Dominik Szoboszlai

Despite being one of Liverpool’s top stars in the Premier League, Szoboszlai could not guide Hungary to the 2026 World Cup. They were eliminated in the early stage of the European qualifiers, finishing behind Portugal and Ireland in Group F. Although Hungary were twice runners-up (1938 and 1954), they have now gone 40 years without appearing in a World Cup.

Stars missing the World Cup due to injury

In addition to players whose teams failed to qualify for North America 2026, several stars will miss the tournament due to injury. This group includes Brazil’s Rodrygo Goes, who is sidelined with a serious knee injury. Also absent are England’s Jack Grealish, Japan’s Takumi Minamino, and Argentina’s Juan Foyth and Joaquin Panichelli.

Casemiro has established as one of Manchester United’s best players. However, the Brazilian has chosen to put the spotlight on Kobbie Mainoo. Following his outstanding performances, the veteran named the Englishman as the future of the Red Devils.

Manchester United have managed to surprise, establishing themselves in third place in the Premier League. In this, Casemiro has been key, providing balance to the team. However, the Brazilian has chosen to put the spotlight on Kobbie Mainoo, who has become undisputed under Michael Carrick. Moreover, the veteran identified the Englishman as the future of the Red Devils, leading the team into a new era.

In an interview with Manchester United, Casemiro had nothing but praise for Kobbie Mainoo’s performance, hailing his promising future: “Kobbie is the present and the future. I think that he is one of the best no.8s and can be for that for the next 12 years… He is a player I really like. He always wants the ball. It is true that soccer can’t change your mentality but Kobbie demonstrated that he hasn’t changed his focus once.”

Although it seemed he was destined to leave the Red Devils, Michael Carrick’s arrival transformed him into a cornerstone of the team. At just 20 years old, Kobbie has established as the Red Devils’ midfield playmaker, shining alongside Casemiro. Furthermore, Mainoo enhances the offensive side of the game, serving as a brilliant playmaker who creates spaces in opposing defenses.

Manchester United reportedly secure Kobbie Mainoo renewal

At the start of the 2025–26 season, Kobbie Mainoo was relegated to the bench under Ruben Amorim. Not fitting into his lineup, the Englishman was considered a third or fourth option in the rotation. Because of this, the 20-year-old star was pushing for a move, as he was seeking consistent playing time. Now, Michael Carrick has made him undroppable at Manchester United, leading to reports that his renewal has been secured.

According to Fabrizio Romano via X, the Red Devils are close to finalizing Kobbie Mainoo’s contract renewal. With a deal running until 2027 plus an optional additional year, the Englishman had attracted interest from several clubs. Because of this, Manchester United have offered him a new contract until 2031, fending off any transfer interest, while granting him a salary increase and a key role in the sporting project.

Report: Red Devils target Elliot Anderson as partner for Mainoo

Manchester United have successfully established a solid central midfield partnership with Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo. However, the Brazilian has decided to leave the team as a free agent. In light of this, the Red Devils are chasing midfield reinforcements ahead of the 2026–27 season. They have reportedly set their sights on Elliot Anderson, who has previously played alongside Mainoo in England.

According to Eduardo Burgos, via Diario AS, the Red Devils have considered signing Sandro Tonali or Bruno Guimarães. However, they believe that Elliot Anderson is the most straightforward option and the easiest to negotiate a transfer for. With this move, coach Michael Carrick would solidify a strong midfield, aiming to replicate his excellent performance from this season.

The pressure surrounding the forward has escalated as Brazil’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup remain clouded by doubt.

Neymar’s name echoed throughout Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, even though he never stepped on the pitch, a moment that captured both his global appeal and the mounting uncertainty surrounding his future with Brazil.

Fans held banners celebrating their No. 10, while Carlo Ancelotti’s absence of faith sparked louder discussions about his place in the team. The pressure surrounding the forward has escalated as Brazil’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup remain clouded by doubt.

Brazil’s friendly against Croatia spotlighted a national team searching for direction without one of its most iconic figures. Supporters made their message unmistakable, revealing how deeply the identity of the Selecao is still tied to Neymar. Yet behind the affection in the stands lies a more delicate story of exhaustion and personal struggle that the 34-year-old forward has only recently begun addressing publicly.

Ancelotti’s decision to leave Neymar out of the squad for the recent FIFA window intensified speculation about the forward’s future. Reports across the international media suggested that Neymar risks missing the 2026 World Cup, a scenario that has deeply split public opinion in Brazil. The debate now stretches beyond tactics, touching on identity, legacy, and emotional toll.

As the Santos captain continues working to reclaim form in the Brazilian Serie A, he is simultaneously confronting a battle far more complex than fitness alone. He has now chosen to open up about his state of mind, revealing the reality behind the pressure he carries, and his comments have provided a deeper, more vulnerable look into what lies beneath the spotlight.

Neymar shows form at Santos — But is it enough?

While speculation grows, Neymar is doing everything possible to prove his value. In an internal training match organized by Santos, he scored once and assisted another goal, a performance designed to show that he remains decisive. “It’s important… after so many days without games, it was good to get back into the rhythm,” he told the club’s media, as reported by ESPN Brasil.

His output illustrates why many still believe he deserves a World Cup place. Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, and though his injuries have been severe, his technical level remains high. Still, Ancelotti is prioritizing tactical evolution and long-term planning, a process that may not guarantee Neymar’s inclusion.

What did Neymar say about mental exhaustion?

In the middle of this uncertainty, the Brazilian veteran finally addressed the emotional weight he has carried for years. On his YouTube channel, he admitted that the pressure surrounding him has become overwhelming. “I’ve been in this situation for 20 years… in Brazil, it’s absolutely gruelling. People tear you to pieces and don’t understand you’re a normal person.”

He described himself as sensitive to criticism, revealing how deeply negativity affects him. “I suffer too, I feel pain, I wake up in a bad mood, I cry, I get angry… it’s normal. Why can’t I do normal things?” His words highlighted the mental fatigue that has shaped his recent years, extending beyond injuries and tactical debates.

Neymar also reflected on sacrifices from his youth, recalling the moments when he skipped school trips or movie nights because training came first. “There was a purpose… I’d get annoyed, but the next day I was over the moon because I was playing football.”

Manuel Locatelli has become the latest Italy player to break his silence following the Azzurri’s agonising World Cup playoff elimination, posting an emotional and unflinching message on social media that accepted collective responsibility while vowing to never stop giving everything for the national team.

The Juventus captain’s statement arrives as a wave of public grief continues to wash over Italian football in the days since Wednesday’s penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia in Zenica.

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Leonardo Spinazzola spoke in the immediate aftermath of the match, Gianluigi Donnarumma followed today, and now Locatelli has added his voice, each message reflecting a squad still struggling to process the enormity of a third consecutive failure to reach the World Cup.

Italy had gone into the match with genuine optimism following the victory over Northern Ireland, only for Alessandro Bastoni’s first-half red card to fundamentally alter the complexion of the contest.

A 1-1 draw after 90 minutes, no goals in extra time, and ultimate heartbreak in the shootout, a sequence that has left the entire country searching for answers.

Locatelli: ‘We failed, I’m devastated’

“I am devastated, drained, with tears in my eyes,” Locatelli wrote, before addressing the supporters who had backed the team throughout the campaign.

“We felt the responsibility towards the children, the families, the grandparents and all the Italians who supported us. We gave everything and I am proud of this group. We players, the manager and all the staff were united for this dream. We gave every last drop of energy, but we were not able to give you this World Cup.”

He did not shy away from the uncomfortable truth.

“We failed, that is the reality. And I feel the full weight of it.” Despite the pain, Locatelli struck a defiant closing note, mirroring Donnarumma’s call to move forward. “It is hard, incredibly hard, but let us get back up together. There will not be a single day when I do not give everything of myself on the pitch.”

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Former Italy goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano has delivered one of the more colourful verdicts on Gabriele Gravina’s refusal to resign following Italy’s World Cup playoff elimination, suggesting the FIGC president should be doing far more than simply stepping down.

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“It seems impossible to me that the federation president has not resigned,” Viviano told Radio Firenzeviola, via LLSN. “If I were in his position, I would emigrate.”

Speaking on Radio Firenzeviola, the former Serie A stopper did not limit his criticism to those at the top of the federation.

Vivano slams Italy academies: ‘Nothing is built, nothing is taught’

Drawing on his experience as a father of children currently playing youth football, Viviano pointed to a fundamental failure at grassroots level as a root cause of Italy’s repeated international failures.

“We are one of the best countries in sport, alongside the Balkan nations we have an incredible variety of talent and we are naturally predisposed to succeed in sport,” he said.

“But in football academies nothing is being built and nothing is being taught. It all comes down to ‘today I won, today I lost’, and nothing more.”

It is a damning assessment that echoes the broader frustration being expressed across Italian football in the 24 hours since Wednesday’s penalty shootout defeat in Zenica.

With Gravina yet to show any sign of stepping aside despite mounting pressure from politicians, former players and the public alike, the calls for fundamental change, both at the top and at the grassroots, show no sign of abating.

Franco Baresi has called for Italian football to conduct a collective examination of conscience following the Azzurri’s third consecutive World Cup elimination, while defending Gennaro Gattuso from the bulk of the criticism being directed his way.

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The Milan legend and former Italy captain spoke to Adnkronos in the aftermath of Wednesday’s penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb, acknowledging that key incidents on the night had worked against the Azzurri while insisting the deeper problems extend far beyond a single match or manager.

Baresi: ‘Italian football must do a ‘mea culpa’, Gattuso not to blame’

“Yesterday there were episodes that conditioned the match negatively for our team,” Baresi said, a reference to Alessandro Bastoni’s first-half red card, which left Italy with ten men for the majority of the contest.

“But Italy cannot keep arriving at the last stage just to play for qualification. The whole of Italian football must do a mea culpa, because the results of the last twenty years are there for everyone to see, with the isolated exception of the European Championship triumph.”

Despite that broad indictment of the system, Baresi was notably protective of Gattuso.

“In these months he gave everything, his soul, and in my opinion he also did a good job with the little time he had available,” he said. “Unfortunately it was not enough. It is not for me to say whether he should continue, but he is certainly among the least responsible for this defeat.”

It is a sentiment that contrasts sharply with some of the more sweeping criticism aimed at the coaching staff since Wednesday night, and one that reflects a broader view that Italy’s problems are structural rather than the product of any individual failure.

Marcus Rashford’s future has been cast into significant doubt following reports that Barcelona have allowed a crucial transfer deadline to pass, potentially opening the door for a dramatic return to Manchester United this summer.

The England forward joined the Catalan giants on a season-long loan last summer after a high-profile falling out with former United boss Ruben Amorim.

While Rashford has found his feet again under Hansi Flick at the Camp Nou, his permanent stay in Spain is uncertain.

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Barcelona’s buy option for Marcus Rashford expires

According to a report from Cadena SER, Barcelona’s option to trigger a permanent move for Rashford expired on March 31, 2026.

The clause, believed to be worth around €30m (£26m), would have given Barça total control over the transfer.

By failing to notify Manchester United of their intent to trigger the fee by the deadline, the La Liga leaders have lost their fixed-price advantage.

Conflicting reports suggest the clause might technically run until mid-June, but the consensus in Spain is that Barcelona are hesitant to commit to a permanent deal.

Despite Rashford’s 10 goal contributions in La Liga and the Champions League this season, his substantial wage demands, combined with La Liga’s strict salary cap, have proven a major stumbling block.

Barcelona are reportedly interested in a second loan deal, but Manchester United are understood to be against another loan move, preferring a definitive sale to fund their own summer rebuild.

Marcus Rashford might have a chance for redemption

If a permanent move to Barcelona collapses, Rashford could find a very different atmosphere awaiting him at Old Trafford.

The 28-year-old’s exit was largely attributed to a fractured relationship with Ruben Amorim, but with Amorim having departed in January, the landscape has shifted.

Under interim manager Michael Carrick, United have undergone a resurgence, winning seven of their last ten games.

Carrick, who played alongside Rashford for several seasons, has won over the dressing room and is the frontrunner to be named permanent manager this summer.

If Carrick is given the job full-time, the prospect of Rashford reintegrating into a thriving squad, rather than being sold to the highest bidder, cannot be completely ruled out.

 

The post Marcus Rashford return? Barcelona miss key deadline, opening door to Man United comeback appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has been officially charged with improper conduct by the FA following a controversial red card during the club’s recent 2-2 draw against Bournemouth.

The England international was sent off for a professional foul on Cherries striker Evanilson, which resulted in a penalty.

However, it is the aftermath of the dismissal that has landed the 33-year-old in significant disciplinary trouble.

Harry Maguire in hot waters with FA

According to a report from The Independent, the FA’s charge alleges that Maguire breached FA Rule E3.1 by using “abusive or insulting words and/or behaving in an improper manner” toward the fourth official, Matt Donohue, as he left the field.

Eyewitnesses at Old Trafford noted a heated exchange between the defender and the officiating crew after the VAR confirmed the straight red card.

The FA statement released on Wednesday morning confirmed that the center-back’s conduct was deemed “inappropriate” for a professional of his standing.

Maguire now has until April 2, 2026, to provide a formal response to the governing body regarding the allegations.

Also Read: Harry Maguire handed 15-month suspended prison sentence  

How many matches could Harry Maguire miss?

The standard punishment for a professional foul (denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity) is a one-match suspension.

However, an additional charge for improper conduct typically carries a further two-match ban and a significant fine if proven. This means Maguire is facing a potential three-match ban.

Date	Fixture	Venue
14 April	Man United vs Leeds United	Home
19 April	Chelsea vs Man United	Away
28 April	Man United vs Brentford	Home

Three games Harry Maguire could miss if handed extended ban

He is already guaranteed to miss the upcoming home fixture against Leeds, but a guilty verdict would rule him out of the blockbuster trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea, as well as the following home game against Brentford.

 

The post Harry Maguire ban explained: How many matches Man United defender could miss after FA charge appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Despite his strong performances, João Cancelo’s future at Barcelona remain uncertain, as Al Hilal are not expected to let him leave as a free agent. In response, the Portuguese has decided to open the door to a move to Benfica, making it clear he would be willing to lower his salary.

Despite arriving at Barcelona with a secondary role, João Cancelo has managed to impress with his performances. While it took him time to regain his physical condition, the Portuguese has already become key for Hansi Flick. Despite this, the Blaugranas reportedly face significant difficulties in securing his arrival as a free agent, complicating his continuity. Given this situation, the 31-year-old star has opened the door to a move to Benfica.

The Blaugranas have decided to consider signing Cancelo on a permanent basis. However, they would only do so if he manages to leave Al Hilal as a free agent. Since he is under contract with the Saudi club until 2027, they are reportedly asking for around €15 million for his transfer, a figure Barcelona would flatly reject. For this reason, they have reportedly opened the door to Benfica.

In a recent interview with Canal 11, João Cancelo revealed key details about his future, hinting at a return to Benfica: “I’ve already earned more than I expected, but playing for Benfica is like basketball; it’s for the love of the game. I’d be prepared to lower my salary.” While the 31-year-old star remains open to an emotive comeback, the Portuguese side still needs to negotiate his signing with Al Hilal.

Having regained his physical form, Cancelo’s potential arrival at Benfica would be a definite boost for the team. Under José Mourinho, they have regained their competitiveness in the Champions League. The 31-year-old star could boost the team’s performance, as he would contribute on both flanks and shines offensively. Given this, the Blaugranas are already considering two alternatives to João Cancelo.

Report: Barcelona target two left-back reinforcements

Throughout the 2025–26 season, Barcelona have repeatedly been without their starting left-back: Alejandro Balde. While the presence of João Cancelo helped ease the need, his continuity appears unlikely due to Al Hilal’s price tag. In response, they have decided to look for a reliable reinforcement capable of competing for a starting spot. For this reason, the Blaugrana reportedly already have two clear candidates.

According to Alfredo Martínez and Gianluigi Longari, Alejandro Grimaldo of Bayer Leverkusen and Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus have emerged as clear targets for Barcelona. While the Spaniard could leave for €15 million, the Italian could command a higher transfer fee as he is a key player for coach Luciano Spalletti. However, the Blaugrana are only holding talks for now, with no formal negotiations yet underway.

The story involving Cristiano Ronaldo and his son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., has taken an unexpected turn after sensational claims spread rapidly online.

The story involving Cristiano Ronaldo and his son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., has taken an unexpected turn after sensational claims spread rapidly online. Reports suggested that the 15-year-old delivered a stunning performance for Portugal’s U-16 side, scoring as many as five goals in a single match. The narrative quickly gained traction, fueled by social media posts and seemingly detailed match breakdowns.

At first glance, the claims appeared credible, with screenshots showing minute-by-minute goal updates attributed to the young forward. Given his growing reputation and soccer lineage, many fans found the story easy to believe. The idea of Ronaldo Jr. replicating his father’s prolific scoring feats added to the excitement surrounding the report.

However, questions soon emerged as observers looked more closely at the details. Discrepancies between official records and viral posts created doubt, prompting further investigation into what actually happened. The situation escalated as more users challenged the authenticity of the widely shared information.

As the dust settles, the reality behind the viral claim has become clear. It has been confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. was not called up to the Portugal U-16 squad and did not play in the match, revealing that the story was built on misinformation rather than fact.

What really happened in Portugal U-16 vs Mexico

Official records from the Montaigu Tournament confirm that Portugal U-16 secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Mexico, with Victor Bastianele scoring the only goal of the match. This directly contradicts the viral claims that Ronaldo Jr. scored four or even five goals in the game.

According to the match data, the young forward was not involved in the fixture at all, making the circulating reports entirely false. The fabricated story was further exposed when comparisons with official federation data showed no trace of his participation.

How the viral misinformation spread

The confusion appears to have originated from manipulated content shared on social media platforms. A widely circulated post included a fabricated screenshot designed to mimic a legitimate match report, complete with a breakdown of supposed goals.

Adding to the chaos, a community-driven feature on the live statistics platform, Sofascore, temporarily allowed users to alter match data. This led to a bizarre situation in which Ronaldo Jr. was briefly shown as a multi-goal scorer before corrections were made, further fueling the misinformation.

The altered statistics were eventually fixed, and community notes linked to reliable outlets highlighted the claims as fabricated, exposing the story as a deliberate attempt to generate engagement rather than report factual events.

As Friday’s match against Al-Najma approaches, the narrative becomes clearer and more intriguing.

The spotlight once again falls on Cristiano Ronaldo as anticipation builds around his comeback, with reports suggesting that his status for the upcoming clash has taken a decisive turn. The veteran forward has returned to training with Al-Nassr, raising expectations ahead of a crucial league fixture. For the Saudi club, his presence could reshape momentum at a defining stage of the campaign.

After weeks on the sidelines, uncertainty had begun to surround the Portuguese star’s condition following a muscle injury sustained in a key victory. Even though the club won two games without him, his absence disrupted the rhythm and forced Jorge Jesus to adapt without his main attacking player. However, recent developments indicate that the situation is evolving positively behind the scenes.

The recovery process has been meticulous, involving treatment abroad and a structured rehabilitation plan. Updates from training sessions hinted at steady progress, with the forward himself signaling optimism through brief but telling messages. His return to full training marked a critical step, suggesting that the final phase of recovery had been successfully navigated.

Now, as Friday’s match against Al-Najma approaches, the narrative becomes clearer and more intriguing. Cristiano Ronaldo will become a Saudi ‘centurion’ when he plays his 100th Saudi Pro League game for Al-Nassr, a milestone that adds extra significance to his long-awaited return.

Crucial comeback at a decisive moment

Ronaldo’s return to group training represents a turning point for Al-Nassr, confirming that his rehabilitation has been completed successfully. Having missed several matches, including fixtures against NEOM and Al-Khaleej, his reintegration provides a major boost both tactically and mentally.

According to multiple Saudi reports and club updates, the forward has now been fully cleared to resume competitive action, signaling confidence from the medical staff. This development arrives at a critical juncture, with the club pushing to maintain its position at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings.

What the milestone means for Al-Nassr’s ambitions

Reaching the 100-match mark in the Saudi Pro League highlights Ronaldo’s consistency and impact since moving to the Middle East. With 95 goals and 18 assists in 99 league appearances, his influence has been nothing short of transformative for the club.

The 41-year-old’s return now aligns perfectly with a crucial run of fixtures that could define the title race. Matches against direct rivals loom large, and the presence of a proven match-winner could be decisive in tight encounters.

There will still be an Italian presence at the 2026 World Cup, even if Gennaro Gattuso and the Nazionale failed to make it, as three former Azzurri players qualified as head coaches with other nations. 

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Italy crashed out at the World Cup play-off stage for the third tournament cycle in a row as Bosnia and Herzegovina beat the 10-man Azzurri on penalties in Zenica on Tuesday night. 

Which head coaches from Italy will be at the 2026 World Cup?

Despite the shortcomings of Gattuso and his players, there are only three nations, Argentina (6), France (6), and Spain (4) that will have more head coaches at the World Cup than Italy (3). 

That is because Carlo Ancelotti qualified as head coach of Brazil, Fabio Cannavaro as the head coach of Uzbekistan and Vincenzo Montella as head coach of Turkiye, who beat Kosovo in their World Cup play-off final at the same time as Bosnia vs. Italy on Tuesday evening. 

The 48 competing teams at the 2026 World Cup will be led by head coaches from 25 different nations. Those nations include Argentina (6), France (6), Spain (4), Italy (3), Germany (3), England (2), the Netherlands (2), Australia (2), Bosnia and Herzegovina (2), Morocco (2). 

Croatia, Norway, Czechia, Scotland, Switzerland, Egypt, Senegal, Cape Verde, South Korea, Japan, Iran and Mexico will all be led by head coaches from their own nations, while South Africa will be guided by the tournament’s only Belgian head coach in Hugo Broos and Canada by the only American head coach in Jesse Marsch.

Fabio Capello has delivered a scathing assessment of Italy’s third consecutive World Cup elimination, describing the defeat to Bosnia as a national disgrace and calling for the entire FIGC leadership to accept responsibility and step down.

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The former England, Milan and Real Madrid manager spoke to Spanish newspaper Marca in the immediate aftermath of Wednesday night’s penalty shootout defeat in Zenica, and made no attempt to soften his words.

“I could not sleep all night, I still cannot believe what happened,” he said, with quotes via LLSN. “We are talking about a four-time world champion. This is a sporting tragedy, a disgrace. It is one of the worst things to have happened to Italian football in its recent history.”

Capello questions lack of resignations after Italy disaster

Capello’s sharpest criticism, however, was reserved not for the players or the coaching staff but for those at the top of the game’s administration.

“Nobody is resigning here, and that is the most worrying thing,” he said. “The first person who should take responsibility is the president of the federation, along with the entire leadership.”

The 79-year-old was equally clear that the problem runs far deeper than a single bad result.

“This is not just about results, it is structural,” he said. “Italy needs to reinvent itself. We must bring together the experts, analyse what is happening and begin a reconstruction from the foundations. It will be very difficult to recover from this, but I trust it will serve as the beginning of a genuine renewal.”

With Gravina yet to signal any intention to resign despite growing pressure from all directions, Capello’s words add another prominent voice to what is becoming an overwhelming chorus of calls for change.

Tuesday night’s elimination against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final means that there is now only one Italy player currently in Serie A that has previously featured in the World’s biggest international tournament.

Italy were beaten on penalties in Zenica on Tuesday night after being held level at 1-1 after 120 minutes of football. The Azzurri played with 10 men for 80 minutes after Alessandro Bastoni’s red card just before the end of the first half. 

This is the third time in a row that Italy have fallen short at the World Cup play-off stage. As fans know all too well, the Azzurri have not qualified for the final tournament since 2014 and have not won a World Cup knock-out match since beating France in the final in 2006. 

Who is the only current Serie A player that has played for Italy at a World Cup?

This means that as things stand, there is only one Italian in Serie A that has previously played at a World Cup: Inter defender Matteo Darmian. 

The now 36-year-old played the full 90 minutes in all three of Italy’s group stage matches in 2014, against England, Costa Rica and Uruguay, but Cesare Prandelli’s side did not qualify for the round of 16 after finishing the group with just one win and three points to their name. 

There was one other current Serie A player in Italy’s 2014 World Cup squad, Juventus goalkeeper Mattia Perin, but he did not play in any matches at the tournament given that Gianluigi Buffon was the captain of the side. 

There are five other members of Italy’s 2014 World Cup who are still active, but are not currently playing in Serie A. They are Mario Balotelli of Al-Ittifaq in the United Arab Emirates, Salvatore Sirigu of Palermo in Serie B, Ciro Immobile of Paris FC, Lorenzo Insigne of Pescara in Serie B and Marco Verratti of Al-Duhail in Qatar.

Claudio Lotito has taken the remarkable step of launching a petition in the Italian Senate calling for FIGC president Gabriele Gravina to resign, in the fallout from Italy’s devastating World Cup playoff final defeat to Bosnia on penalties.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, the Lazio president and Forza Italia senator is using his political platform to pile pressure on Gravina, who has so far given no indication that he intends to step down despite overseeing a third consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup.

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Italy drew 1-1 after 90 minutes in Zenica, with Alessandro Bastoni’s red card in the first half leaving the Azzurri with ten men for the vast majority of the match. No goals in extra time saw the tie go to penalties, where Italy were ultimately eliminated.

Gravina days numbered as FIGC chief resists for now

The political pressure on Gravina is now considerable.

The Sports Minister has already publicly called on him to resign, and the FIGC president has convened an emergency meeting for tomorrow afternoon in Rome, bringing together representatives from Serie A, Serie B, Serie C, the amateur leagues, coaches’ and players’ associations, to assess the situation ahead of a full Federal Council meeting next week.

The mood outside FIGC headquarters has turned hostile, with protesters pelting the building with eggs following last night’s result.

Gravina, who was re-elected unopposed relatively recently despite the previous two World Cup absences, faces the biggest crisis of his tenure, and with Lotito now mobilising political opposition from within the Senate itself, the calls for his departure are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

Manchester United are interested in signing the Benfica defender, Samuel Dahl. 

The 23-year-old left back has impressed with the Portuguese club, and he has attracted the attention of Manchester United. According to a report from Record via SportWitness, Manchester United have scouted the player more than 10 times this season.

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Man United could use Samuel Dahl

It remains to be seen whether they follow up on their interest with an official proposal to sign the player. They need a long-term replacement for Luke Shaw, and the Swedish defender could be ideal. The 23-year-old is a young talent with a bright future, and a move to the Premier League could be exciting for him.

Manchester United have done well to nurture young players in the past, and they could help the Swedish defender fulfil his potential. If they can sign him for a reasonable amount, the deal could be a shrewd investment.

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Man United move could tempt Dahl

Dahl will look to take the next step in his development and compete at a higher level. Manchester United could provide him with the platform to compete in the UEFA Champions League next season and fight for trophies. They are among the biggest clubs in the world, and joining them would give him great exposure as a talent.

Meanwhile, the player has a contract with the Portuguese outfit until 2029. They are under no pressure to sell him at the end of the season, and Manchester United will have to meet their asking price in order to get the deal done.

Dahl has four goal contributions this season, and he could make an impact at both ends of the pitch for Manchester United. It remains to be seen whether the Red Devils can wrap up the move in the summer.

Man United in advanced talks to sign Premier League star, insiders also confident over another deal

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