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.

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.

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.

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.

Despite Nico Schlotterbeck appearing close to renewing his contract, negotiations with Borussia Dortmund have suffered a setback. As a result, Manchester United and Liverpool are reportedly pursuing his signing ahead of the 2026–27 season.

Throughout the 2025–26 season, the future of Nico Schlotterbeck has been one of the most active topics. While the German appeared to be close to renewing his contract with Borussia Dortmund, the defender has stated that an agreement is not yet close. As a result, Manchester United and Liverpool are reportedly battling for his signing, playing a key role in delaying his renewal.

“I have to flatly deny it (that his renewal with Dortmund is close to taking place). Unfortunately, we haven’t reached that point yet… I negotiated with Sebastian for a long time. Sebastian is no longer here. Now Ole will be my contact person, along with Lars… I have already talked to him, but we have not reached the point where the renewal is imminent,” Schlotterbeck, said after Germany vs. Ghana game.

According to Christian Falk, via CaughtOffside, Nico Schlotterbeck has paused his contract renewal with Borussia Dortmund not only due to the change of sporting director. Manchester United and Liverpool have reportedly played a key role in this setback, as both clubs have shown strong interest in him. As a result, the German side believe the negotiations have stalled as the player looks a move to a Premier League side.

Liverpool may have the upper hand in securing Schlotterbeck’s signing

In case Nico Schlotterbeck decides not to renew and leave Borussia Dortmund, he could target a key condition in his next move: A winning project. Not just qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, but also being able to compete for multiple titles over the coming years. Because of this, Liverpool could have an advantage over Manchester United, as they have won the Premier League and the Champions League in recent years.

Coupled with this, Schlotterbeck could emerge as a natural replacement for Virgil van Dijk, whose contract expires in 2027 and who is expected to leave as a free agent. This would guarantee him a key role at Liverpool, which has been one of the most dominant teams in the Premier League in recent years. Furthermore, the Reds have proven to be a more consistent team than Manchester United.

Manchester United could lure Nico Schlotterbeck with ambitious project

Manchester United are no longer a dominant force in the Premier League. Following Sir Alex Ferguson’s golden era, they have failed to recapture their former glory, a fact that might give Nico Schlotterbeck pause. However, the arrival of Michael Carrick has transformed their fortunes, turning it into one of the most promising sides in England.

Nico Schlotterbeck could become a key pillar for the Red Devils in their new sporting project. With his arrival, they would gain much greater defensive consistency, as he would join Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martínez, and Leny Yoro. In addition, they could look to convince him by showing that their youth-driven project has immense potential, but securing a place in the UEFA Champions League could be key to achieving these ambitions.

Marcus Rashford's future at Barcelona appeared to be uncertain, as his buyout clause had reportedly expired. In response, the Blaugranas reportedly denied this report, providing details of their timeline for deciding the Englishman's future.

Marcus Rashford managed to surprise with his impact at Barcelona. After a solid loan spell at Aston Villa, the Englishman earned a place in the rotation, scoring 10 goals and providing 13 assists. In light of this, the Blaugrana became open to his continuity, but the deadline to trigger the purchase option had reportedly expired. However, they have supposedly denied this information, making clear the timeline to decide his future.

According to Cadena SER, Barcelona may have lost the option to sign Marcus Rashford for €30 million from Manchester United. In the agreement signed at the start of the season, they had until March to trigger the purchase option, which did not happen. Because of this, they must now sit down to negotiate with the Red Devils in an attempt to reach a deal, something far from simple as a higher fee would be demanded.

In response to this information, the Blaugranas have supposedly stated that they still have more time to exercise the option. According to Mundo Deportivo, the agreement with Manchester United is to make a decision at the end of June. With this, the Blaugranas remain open to his continuity, but will continue evaluating his development toward the end of the season.

If the Blaugranas decide to trigger the purchase option for Rashford, they already have structured payment terms in place. According to Samuel Marsden via ESPN, they have reached an agreement with the Red Devils to make three payments of €10 million: July 2026, July 2027, and July 2028. With this structure, Barcelona could better accommodate the transfer, opening the door to his continuity.

Rashford still needs to convince Hansi Flick at Barcelona

Marcus Rashford has gone from being a revelation at Barcelona to experiencing a notable drop in performance. Following his knee injury, the Englishman has not managed to score a goal since January 31, 2026. In addition, he has not played a full 90 minutes since December 16, 2025, when he featured against CD Guadalajara in the Copa del Rey. However, he has a golden opportunity to convince Hansi Flick regarding his continuity.

The Blaugrana suffer a major setback, as Raphinha picked up an injury while playing with Brazil. As a result, Marcus Rashford emerges as the main candidate to replace him in the starting lineup. With important matches ahead, such as against Atlético Madrid in LaLiga and in the UEFA Champions League, the Englishman will need to deliver strong performances to convince Hansi Flick, who still has doubts due to his inconsistency.

Barcelona reportedly consider alternatives to Rashford

Looking ahead to the 2026-27 season, Barcelona appear determined to sign a left winger as a backup for Raphinha. Given the uncertainty surrounding Rashford, they are already considering two options: Jan Virgili and Abde Ezzalzouli, according to Diario Sport. Additionally, they retain 40% of any future sale of Virgili and 20% of any future sale of Abde, so they would be quite affordable.

While Italy are one of the most storied national teams in World Cup history, they have set an unwanted World Cup record. After losing their match against Bosnia Herzegovina, they become the first champion team to miss out on three consecutive tournaments in a row.

Italy have established as one of the most important national teams in soccer history. Not only have they produced legendary players such as Paolo Maldini, but they have also won four FIFA World Cup titles. However, they are not at their best moment, as their defeat to Bosnia Herzegovina have made them the first World Cup-winning nation to miss three consecutive tournaments in a row.

After being overtaken by Norway in the UEFA World Cup qualifiers, they were relegated to the playoffs, hoping to secure their spot in the tournament. Even though they defeated Northern Ireland, they were surpassed by Bosnia Herzegovina, losing any chance of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. As a result, they have set a dismal record that reflects their current reality.

Italy become the first FIFA World Cup-winning national team to miss three consecutive tournaments: 2018, 2022, and 2026. This marks twelve years since their last qualification, when they were eliminated in the group stage. Furthermore, they have not reached the final stages tournament since the 2006 edition, when they won the title, showcasing their growing problems.

The Azzurri were eliminated by Sweden in the playoffs in the 2018 edition, despite being clear favorites. Later, Roberto Mancini also failed to get Italy back on track for the 2022 tournament, as they were eliminated by North Macedonia again in the playoffs. Now, the surprise firing of Luciano Spalletti and the short time Gattuso had at the helm led to their third consecutive elimination.

Not only Italy: Three other World Cup-winning join the list

Italy are the first World Cup-winning national team to miss three consecutive tournaments, they are not the only ones on the list. England was the first national team to make the list by failing to qualify for the 1974 and 1978 tournaments. Then, Uruguay joined the list after missing the 1978 and 1982 tournaments, and did so again in 1994 and 1998.

While France are also champions and missed the 1970 and 1974 editions, and then again in 1990 and 1994, they were not yet World Cup-winners at that time, as their first title came in the 1998 edition. Because of this, they join Brazil, Germany, Argentina, and Spain as the only national teams that have not failed to qualify after winning the tournament.

Gennaro Gattuso didn’t have time to build a strong project in Italy

After leading the team to the UEFA Euro 2021 victory, Roberto Mancini appeared to be building a promising project. Despite this, he was fired in August 2023, as the generational overhaul did not go as expected. While Luciano Spalletti seemed like the ideal choice given his impact in Serie A, he was fired in June 2025, leaving Gennaro Gattuso to lead the project with only a few months to consolidate it.

With no players in top form on offense, Gattuso has struggled to make a real impact, with only Retegui and Pio Esposito standing out. On top of that, the midfield hasn’t contributed much in terms of scoring either. Furthermore, he took over the team with only three months to prepare, so he never had a real chance to adjust the system or make drastic changes.

In addition to the challenges of the project, Gattuso took over as Italy’s coach without much experience. Although he has managed AC Milan, Valencia, Napoli, and more teams he has won only one Coppa Italia. In comparison to Mancini and Spalletti, who have built highly successful teams; consequently, their dismissals may have been Italy’s first mistakes.

Although Italy managed to dominate in the first half, the red card shown to Alessandro Bastoni changed the entire game. As a result, they were defeated by Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout, eliminating them for the third consecutive time.

Italy came in as clear favorites to defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina, as they boast a roster full of world-class stars. While they managed to dominate in the first half, the red card shown to Alessandro Bastoni disrupted the entire team. As a result, the Azzurri were dominated for more than 45 minutes, taking the match to a penalty shootout. There, they were defeated, marking their third consecutive elimination from a FIFA World Cup.

Bosnia and Herzegovina went from being dominated to controlling the match. In the first half, they were constantly pushed back into their own area by Italy. While they remained active on the counterattacks, they were unable to impose themselves against their opponent. However, the sending off of Alessandro Bastoni gave them a major advantage, as they managed to dominate the Azzurri throughout the entire second half and extra time.

Coach Gennaro Gattuso decided to substitute Mateo Retegui, bringing on Federico Gatti in order to cover the space left by Alessandro. With this, the Azzurri adopted a fully defensive mindset, allowing Esmir Bajraktarević and Kerim Alajbegović of Bosnia and Herzegovina to shine. After conceding a goal from Haris Tabaković, Italy seemed to lose their attacking identity, being constantly disrupted and pinned back inside their own box.

Unlike in the previous match, Sandro Tonali was completely shut down throughout the game. Not only did he fail to organize the play, but he also failed to make an impact on offense. Running out of ideas, Italy failed to overcome the tie, going to a penalty shootout where they were eliminated after misses by Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante. With this, they become the only FIFA World Cup-winning national team to miss three consecutive tournaments.

⏱️ 𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐎 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐄

🇧🇦🇮🇹 #BosniaItalia 1-1 (5-2 d.c.r.)
15’ #Kean; 79’ Tabakovic#Nazionale #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/NSipsUQdrj

— Nazionale Italiana ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri) March 31, 2026

Moise Kean and Haris Tabaković led the game’s scoring effort

Despite being dominated in the second half, Italy were the more dominant side in the first half. Led by the high pressing of Mateo Retegui, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s goalkeeper, Nikola Vasilj, misplaced the ball, which fell to Nicolò Barella. After receiving it, he played a pass to Moise Kean, who finished first-time to score the opening goal.

MOISE KEAN GIVES ITALY THE LEAD OVER BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA! 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/isVmndd3jO

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 31, 2026

Bosnia and Herzegovina went on to dominate the Italy after the sending-off of Alessandro Bastoni. Because of this, they had more space for Amar Dedić to shine. After a great cross from him, Edin Džeko managed to head it, but Gianluigi Donnarumma made a miraculous save. However, Haris Tabaković took advantage of the rebound to finish it, leveling the match.

PURE CHAOS AS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA EQUALIZES VS ITALY! 🇧🇦🤯 pic.twitter.com/7myTpLfNhS

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 31, 2026

After two 15-minute extra-time periods, Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina were unable to break the deadlock on the scoreboard. As a result, they had to decide the winner via a penalty shootout. There, the Azzurri looked quite weak, as Esposito and Cristante missed their attempts, allowing Esmir Bajraktarević to seal the match with a great strike, sending his national team back to a World Cup after 12 years.

🇧🇦 ✅✅✅✅
🇮🇹 ❌✅❌

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA TO THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP! 😱 pic.twitter.com/9KLVVPIUfI

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 31, 2026

Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina face off in a closely contested match in the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. While the Azzurri are expected to play a fairly direct style, the Dragons will look to cause damage with their aerial game. Here are the predicted lineups for both sides.

Italy face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers for 2026, looking to secure direct qualification after missing two consecutive editions. With an impressive roster, the Azzurri come in as clear favorites to take the win. However, the Dragons will look to enhance their attacking play, targeting their opponent’s defensive weaknesses.

Watch Italy vs Bosnia and Herzegovina live on Fubo

Bosnia and Herzegovina are not a historically dominant national team, but they have grown significantly in recent years in UEFA competitions. Led by Edin Džeko, they have improved their performances, relying on aerial play as one of their main strengths. In addition, coach Sergej Barbarez has managed to make their defensive structure shine, meaning the Azzurri could face a tough challenge.

Despite not being in their best form, Italy still arrive as clear favorites to secure their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Coach Gennaro Gattuso has implemented a strong attacking setup, led by Federico Dimarco and Matteo Politano on the wings. Additionally, Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Barella support the attack, acting as ideal partners for the forwards. With this, the Azzurri are aiming for a strong return to the tournament.

Bosnia and Herzegovina confirmed lineup vs Italy

Unlike Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina do come into the match with one absence: Amar Dedić. Because of this, coach Sergej Barbarez could turn to Armin Gigović. However, he may keep a fairly similar lineup, with Tarik Muharemović and Nikola Katić leading the defensive line. Looking to make the difference in attack, Edin Džeko will serve as the undisputed leader of the national team aiming for a historic victory.

Bosnia and Herzegovina will play as follows: Vasilj, Memić, Muharemović, Katić, Kolašinac, Dedić, Šunjić, Bašić, Demirović, Bajraktarević, Džeko.

Italy confirmed lineup vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

After recovering Sandro Tonali, Riccardo Calafiori, and Moise Kean, Italy arrive with their full roster available to face Bosnia and Herzegovina. With this, coach Gennaro Gattuso has kept Manuel Locatelli as a key figure to balance the team’s midfield.

With this, Italy’s confirmed lineup is as follows: Donnarumma: Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori: Politano, Barella, Locatelli, Tonali, Dimarco: Retegui, Kean

After defeating Northern Ireland, Italy secured a place in the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers playoffs finals. As a result, the Azzurri now face Bosnia and Herzegovina, aiming to book their spot in the anticipated tournament. Here, we will analyze the three possible outcomes of today’s match.

While they are not in their best form, Italy managed to defeat Northern Ireland, thanks to a brilliant performance by Sandro Tonali. With this win, they secured their spot in the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers playoffs, but they face a tough challenge ahead. The Azzurri will take on Bosnia and Herzegovina, aiming to return to the 2026 World Cup after missing the last two tournaments, with a win, draw, or loss changing the whole picture.

Bosnia and Herzegovina arrive as a well-established and solid UEFA side, going five matches unbeaten. Not only have they impressed defensively, but they also boast an effective attack, relying on quick counterattacks and strong aerial play, with Edin Džeko standing out. With this, they will look to defeat Italy for the first time in 30 years, securing their place at the 2026 World Cup.

Italy have managed to enhance their attacking qualities, with the performances of Federico Dimarco and Matteo Politano being key to this. In addition, coach Gennaro Gattuso is opting for a different midfield setup, as only Manuel Locatelli remains a fixed presence. Because of this, Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Barella become ideal partners for Moise Kean and Pio Esposito in attack, creating numerical superiority.

Despite their attacking quality, the Azzuri face a difficult challenge: Their defense. Coach Gennaro Gattuso has world-class players such as Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori, and Gianluca Mancini. However, they do not excel in aerial play, something that exposes them against Edin Džeko. In addition, their high pressing leaves space in behind, meaning counterattacks from Bosnia and Herzegovina could be key.

How could Italy’s win affect the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers?

In case Italy secure a victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina, they will earn a direct spot in the 2026 World Cup. With this, the Azzurri have ended their two-tournament drought of failing to qualify for the highly anticipated tournament. However, coach Gennaro Gattuso faces a tough challenge: To restore the team to prominence, as they have failed to reach the final stages since their 2006 victory—a stage they have historically dominated.

How could Italy’s draw affect the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers?

Unlike the group stage, Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina meet in a single-leg knockout match. Therefore, a draw in today’s game would lead to two 15-minute extra-time periods, aiming to determine a clear winner. In case it remains undecided, they would settle it through a penalty shootout, with the winner securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup.

How could Italy’s defeat affect the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers?

If Italy are defeated in today’s game, the Azzurri would become the first FIFA World Cup-winning national team in being absent in three consecutives editions. Moreover, Bosnia and Herzegovina would secure a direct spot in the tournament, attending for their second time as 2014 edition was their last one. Nonetheless, coach Sergej Barbarez holds a key task: Advancing past the group stage for the first time in its history.

Jamaica and Congo DR face off in a crucial match, as they will decide who secures a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the outcome of the match—whether a draw, a win, or a loss—will completely change the picture. Here, we will analyze these possibilities.

Despite Jamaica struggling to shine in recent years, they managed to secure a spot in the playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification. After defeating New Caledonia, the Reggae Boyz now face Congo DR, aiming to book their place in the tournament. Far from being a simple matchup, both teams have shown defensive solidity and could keep the game very evenly contested.

Congo Democratic Republic come off a solid performance in the Africa Cup of Nations, reaching the Round of 16, where they were defeated by Algeria. Relying on a solid defense and quick counterattacks, they aim to defeat Jamaica and secure their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time in 52 years. For this, the scoring impact of Yoane Wissa could be key.

Unlike Les Léopards, Jamaica come off a disappointing performance in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, being eliminated in the group stage. Despite this, the Reggae Boyz have proven to be a very solid team collectively, with players like Leon Bailey and Demarai Gray capable of making the difference. Moreover, coach Rudolph Speid has imposed a solid defense, complicating Congo Democratic Republic chances.

How could Jamaica’s win affect the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers?

If Jamaica secure a victory vs Congo DR, they will secure a direct spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as it is a single-leg knockout match. With this, the Reggae Boyz would return to the tournament after 28 years, marking only their second appearance in history, where their only victory came against Japan, while they were defeated by Croatia and Argentina.

How could Jamaica’s draw affect the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers?

Unlike the group stage, Jamaica and Congo Democratic Republic meet in a single-leg knockout match. Therefore, a draw in today’s game would lead to two 15-minute extra-time periods, aiming to determine a clear winner. In case it remains undecided, they would settle it through a penalty shootout. The winner will secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.

How could Jamaica’s defeat affect the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers?

If Jamaica are defeated in today’s match, Congo DR will secure their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup directly. With this, the Reggae Boyz would go another four years without returning to the tournament, while Les Léopards would make their long-awaited comeback after 52 years. In their last appearance, they even competed under the name Zaire. In this edition, they would aim to progress beyond the group stage, something they have never achieved in their history.

Given Rodri Hernández’s uncertain contractual situation at Manchester City, Real Madrid reportedly emerged as the main suitor for his services. However, Florentino Pérez supposedly rejected the move, setting his sights on Enzo Fernández instead.

Rodri Hernández has established as one of the best players at Manchester City, playing a key role in their historic UEFA Champions League title. Given his contractual situation, the Spaniard had been linked as a potential reinforcement for Real Madrid. However, president Florentino Pérez has reportedly rejected the veteran midfielder, turning his attention instead to Enzo Fernández.

After going through several seasons marked by injuries, Rodri Hernández now appears to be regaining physical consistency at Manchester City. In response, they are reportedly prioritizing a contract renewal, as his current deal runs until 2027. However, the Spaniard has made it clear that he remains open to a return to Spain, publicly opening the door to Real Madrid. As a result, his future remains uncertain.

According to Radio Marca, Florentino Pérez, president of Real Madrid, has decided to rule out the signing of Rodri Hernández. Instead, Los Blancos have turned their attention to Enzo Fernández from Chelsea. With a contract running until 2032 and having cost €120 million, the Blues could demand a very high transfer fee, as at 25 years old he is already one of the best midfielders in the world.

Enzo Fernández has hinted that he could leave Chelsea in the summer, stating that it will be ‘seen after the World Cup.’ Alongside this, the Argentine spoke live with influencer Marcos Giles, giving another nod to Real Madrid: “I would like to live in Spain. I really like Madrid, it reminds me of Buenos Aires. I would live in Madrid… I manage in English, but I would be better with Spanish.”

As an undisputed starter and captain of Chelsea, Real Madrid would need to engage in a strong negotiation. However, Enzo Fernández has revealed that there are still no talks with Los Blancos. Therefore, the Blues remain confident in retaining the Argentine, who is a structural pillar of the project, balancing the team both offensively and defensively.

Not only Enzo: Real Madrid reportedly chases two midfielders

While Real Madrid boast several stars in midfield, they have struggled to maintain organization within the team. Because of this, they have reportedly decided to remain open to reinforcements, with Enzo Fernández as one of the main candidates. However, Los Blancos are also said to have two midfielders high on their priority list: Nico Paz and Kees Smit.

According to Francisco José Delgado via Cadena SER, Real Madrid are aiming to activate the €9 million buy-back clause for Nico Paz from Como 1907. After impressing in Serie A, the Argentine could have the opportunity to earn his place in the starting lineup. Alongside this, they are targeting Smit from AZ Alkmaar, who could arrive for around €50 million.

With this in mind, Real Madrid may not feel pressured to complete the signing of Enzo Fernández. As a result, they could look for the Argentine to push Chelsea for a move, lowering his transfer fee. If the English side hold firm, Los Blancos still have multiple options, ensuring they will secure reinforcements one way or another.

Facing offensive issues, Christian Pulisic could be an attacking reinforcement for next season. With this in mind, AC Milan are reportedly closing in on an agreement for Andrej Kostić, betting on his high potential.

Throughout the 2025–26 season, AC Milan have struggled with serious attacking issues, finding it difficult to convert chances into goals. Amid Christian Pulisic’s drop in scoring form, the midfield has had to step up, leading the offensive efforts. Looking to improve their goal-scoring output and build for the future, the Rossoneri have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Andrej Kostić.

According to Matteo Moretto, AC Milan have reached an agreement with FK Partizan Belgrade to secure the signing of Andrej Kostić. Backing his youth, the Rossoneri will pay a €3.5 million transfer fee, along with €4.5 million in bonuses and a percentage of a future sale. With this, Christian Pulisic could gain a promising attacking partner, as the club looks to improve its scoring output.

At just 19 years old, Andrej Kostić has already impress at FK Partizan Belgrade. After scoring 11 goals in 34 games, the Montenegrin has established as the team’s second-leading scorer. Despite this, he wouldn’t be an immediate solution to the Rossoneri’s problems as he will be move back and forth repeatedly between the U23s and the senior squad, reports Matteo Moretto.

Christian Pulisic could play a key role in Filip Kostić’s adaptation at AC Milan. As one of the team’s leaders, the USMNT star could look to ease his integration during preseason, helping him adjust to Massimiliano Allegri’s overall system. Because of this, the Montenegrin could still earn a spot in the rotation, showcasing his scoring ability and versatility in attack.

Andrej Kostić! 👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/XS5DEMhdEA

— FK Partizan (@FKPartizanBG) August 30, 2025

Kostic could face off against Francesco Camarda for a spot at AC Milan

Despite Andrej Kostić potentially arriving as a highly promising young talent, he may not have his place at AC Milan fully secured. Like the Montenegrin, the club also have Francesco Camarda, who is considered a long-term project by the front office. Therefore, the 19-year-old striker could compete directly with the young Italian during preseason, aiming to earn a role in Massimiliano Allegri’s rotation.

With this in mind, Kostić or Camarda could be sent out on loan from the Rossoneri, seeking minutes and prominence they might not get under Allegri. While the Montenegrin could face difficulties finding a destination, the Italian striker is already attracting interest from Parma, where he could have significant playing time in Serie A, as per Nicolò Schira.

Pulisic may still receive a stellar striker in AC Milan

Christian Pulisic could still receive a reliable reinforcement in attack. While Filip Kostić and Francesco Camarda are bets for the future, they may not become immediate starters. Looking to boost the USMNT star’s performances, AC Milan are targeting Santiago Castro of Bologna, Mateo Retegui of Al-Qadsiah, or Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina, all players with Serie A experience, reports Nicolò Schira.

Liverpool are pursuing the renewal of Ibrahima Konaté, but the Frenchman does not appear likely to reach an agreement, leaving his future in doubt. In response, the Reds have reportedly set their sights on Maxence Lacroix, competing with Chelsea for his signing.

Throughout the 2025-26 season, Liverpool have continued to pursue a contract extension for Ibrahima Konaté, whose current deal expires at the end of the season. Despite their efforts, the Frenchman has yet to sign the extension, prompting the Reds to look for a replacement. In light of this, Maxence Lacroix has emerged as the clear favorite to bolster the Reds’ defense, competing with Chelsea for his arrival.

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool remain focused on renewing Ibrahima Konaté. Despite growing interest from Real Madrid and other teams, the Reds remain optimistic, making gradual progress in negotiations with the Frenchman. They have also submitted a lucrative renewal offer, aiming to secure his long-term future. However, they are already looking at Maxence Lacroix as a reliable alternative.

After establishing at Crystal Palace as an undisputed starter, Maxence has attracted attention not only from Liverpool, but also from Chelsea and Aston Villa. Moreover, the Reds will not find it easy to secure his signing, as the Eagles have also lost Marc Guéhi and could be very reluctant to let the Frenchman leave. Because of this, the 25-year-old defender could be involved in a high-value transfer.

Maxence Lacroix has managed to impress with his performances in the Premier League. With his pace and physicality, the Frenchman is already one of the most eye-catching defenders in Europe. With only 25 years old, Liverpool could look to prioritize his signing, as he would be an ideal complement to Virgil van Dijk and compatible with Micky van de Ven and his potential arrival.

Not only Lacroix: Liverpool reportedly chase Luka Vuskovic

Due to constant injuries, Liverpool have struggled to perform defensively, lacking depth in rotation. For this reason, they are looking to make several changes, casting doubt over the futures of Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konaté. While Maxence Lacroix emerges as a strong option to reinforce the backline, the Reds are also reportedly considering the arrival of Luka Vušković.

According to BILD, the Reds are closely monitoring Vušković’s development, as he has impressed during his loan spell at Hamburger SV. At just 19 years old, the Croatian is already one of the best young defenders in the world. For that reason, Tottenham Hotspur could demand a significant fee for his transfer as he holds a contract until 2030. However, if the player pushes for a move, Liverpool would be open to signing him, willing to make a significant financial outlay.

Having established as one of the top players in Serie A, Nico Paz has caught the attention of several European clubs. As a result, the Argentine is reportedly at the top of a list of three players that Real Madrid are looking to sign for the 2026–27 season.

After establishing as one of the best players in Serie A, Nico Paz has attracted the attention of numerous clubs such as Inter Milan. Given his strong performances, the Argentine has reportedly caught the eye of Real Madrid, who are seeking a return. Alongside him, two other players have joined the list of potential returns that Los Blancos are targeting ahead of the 2026–27 season.

According to Francisco José Delgado via Cadena SER, Real Madrid have decided they will count on Nico Paz, Endrick, and Víctor Muñoz ahead of the 2026–27 preseason. While the Brazilian is on loan and would not require a fee, they would need to trigger the buy-back clauses for the Argentine, valued at €9 million, and the Spaniard, valued at €8 million. Despite this, their continuity in the squad would not be guaranteed.

Although Endrick, Paz, and Víctor have been shining with their respective teams this season, they will have to prove themselves at Real Madrid, where a final decision will be made on their futures. However, the Argentine arrives established as one of the best players in Serie A, meaning he could directly compete with Thiago Pitarch for a starting spot. Alongside him, the Brazilian could remain in the squad, serving as rotation for Kylian Mbappé or Vinícius Jr.

Víctor Muñoz may find it harder to stay at Real Madrid. He could be a natural replacement for Vinicius Jr. However, coach Álvaro Arbeloa has decided to adjust his lineup, leaving room for only two forwards. Furthermore, the presence of Franco Mastantuono, Rodrygo Goes, and Brahim Díaz could close the door on him. Given this, the Spaniard could leave again, but on loan to control his future.

Real Madrid could make significant changes to their offense

Throughout the 2025–26 season, Real Madrid have struggled to maximize the level of several of their players. Because of this, the potential returns of Víctor Muñoz and Endrick open the door to possible departures. Neither Rodrygo Goes nor Franco Mastantuono have managed to establish themselves as regular starters. In addition, Brahim Díaz and Gonzalo García could also be affected, so the upcoming preseason may open the door to exits.

As young players, Gonzalo García and Franco Mastantuono could be the most likely to leave Los Blancos, as they still need to prove their potential. With this, Víctor Muñoz and Endrick would gain more space in the rotation. Despite this, the continuity of Álvaro Arbeloa or the arrival of a new coach could reshape all plans. Therefore, the only certainty is that several players will define their future during the next preseason.

Looking ahead to next season, Manchester United appeared to be targeting Roberto De Zerbi as a strong candidate for the head coach position. However, they seem to be on the verge of losing him, as the Italian is reportedly close to joining Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite Michael Carrick’s impressive performance, Manchester United are reportedly still searching for candidates to become the new head coach. In light of this, Roberto De Zerbi emerged as a strong contender. However, the Red Devils appears to be on the verge of losing him, as the Italian is reportedly close to joining Tottenham Hotspur on a lucrative contract to take over this season.

According to reports by Ben Jacobs and Alex Crook on X (formerly Twitter), Tottenham Hotspur have decided to prioritize the imminent arrival of Roberto De Zerbi. After leaving Olympique Marseille as a free agent, the Italian is reportedly on the verge of joining the English club, as he has been offered a five-year contract with a high salary. As a result, the Red Devils have lost their supposed top choice for the new head coach position.

Amid Spurs crisis, the decision to back Roberto De Zerbi is generating more concern than relief. Throughout his professional career, the Italian has not faced a challenge like pulling a team away from relegation, something Tottenham are experiencing this season. In addition, he has not managed to last more than two seasons at his last three clubs, which makes the long-term contract a source of concern.

While Roberto De Zerbi was a highly regarded option at Manchester United, they weren’t looking to get into a bidding war to secure his signing either. The Italian coach has yet to win titles in Europe’s top leagues, so his arrival reportedly didn’t generate widespread support. Consequently, his move to Spurs appears to be a smart move for his career, but a risky one for the team’s survival in the Premier League.

Carrick continued tenure at Manchester United could be real

Michael Carrick has had a positive impact at Manchester United. Since his arrival, the team has put in solid performances and secured a spot in the UEFA Champions League. In addition, he has helped improve the performance of several players, including Kobbie Mainoo, Benjamin Sesko, and others. Given the difficulty in securing a highly experienced head coach, Carrick’s continued tenure as head coach could become a reality.

According to ESPN, the Red Devils are considering Julian Nagelsmann, Andoni Iraola, Unai Emery, and Oliver Glasner as leading candidates for the head coaching position. Despite this, Carrick stands out as the top candidate, as he has had a positive impact not only on results but also on the team’s play and the development of the roster.

While Carrick does not have solid experience as head coach, he has reshaped the Red Devils roster into a highly competitive one. Coming from several wrong bets in the coaching spot, Manchester United may look to build on their current success, as several of the team’s stars seem quite comfortable and the results are promising.

Since his knee injury, Christian Pulisic has been unable to regain his impressive scoring form at AC Milan, going nearly three months without scoring a goal. Despite this, the USMNT star remains positive, sharing details about his physical condition.

At the start of the 2025-26 season, Christian Pulisic established as AC Milan’s undisputed leader, topping the team in both goals and assists. However, he has yet to regain his offensive impact after his knee injury, going three months without scoring. Far from feeling the pressure, Pulisic remained quite positive about this difficult period, revealing key details about his current physical condition.

“I need to be more clinical in those moments. It’s a difficult period, but I feel physically fit and I’m creating chances. I just need to stay positive. I know that at some point the ball will hit my knee and go in, and then everything will change. I’m not panicking. Better now than in the summer. Things will change,” Pulisic said, via The Athletic.

Despite his goal drought, Pulisic has already regained his offensive impact with the Rossoneri. Not only has he remained an undisputed starter for coach Massimiliano Allegri, but he also provided an assist in the previous match against Torino. Furthermore, he has remained a key part of the team’s play, distributing the ball and contributing defensively.

Christian Pulisic has regained his top physical form, playing more than 75 minutes in AC Milan’s last three games. As a result, Coach Allegri has regained more versatility on offense, though Rafael Leão, Niclas Füllkrug, and Christopher Nkunku have failed to convert those opportunities into goals. For this reason, the USMNT star should regain his scoring touch heading into the end of the season.

Pulisic shouldn’t have to shoulder all the scoring burden at AC Milan

Massimiliano Allegri has restored competitiveness to AC Milan, consistently keeping them among the top sides in Serie A. However, Christian Pulisic’s drop in form exposed their main issue: A lack of scoring prowess. While the USMNT star’s scoring output has declined, the Rossoneri should not place all their focus and efforts solely on him, and instead need to adjust certain aspects.

The Rossoneri may be open to selling several stars such as Nkunku, Santiago Gimenez, and even Leão. With this, they are reportedly looking to chase a Serie A-experienced striker, such as Santiago Castro of Bologna, Mateo Retegui of Al-Qadsiah, or Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina. Far from removing Pulisic’s importance, AC Milan could be looking to redistribute the scoring burden and hold more options.

Colombia and France delivered an exciting attacking showdown. While Los Cafeteros created plenty of chances, they failed to convert them. It was a very different story for Les Bleus, as a brace from Désiré Doué led their victory, capping off a strong international break.

After a defeat against Croatia, Colombia came into the match needing a win over France. However, Les Bleus managed to prevail with an exciting attacking display, showcasing the impressive offense led by Désiré Doué and his first brace with the national team. As a result, Los Cafeteros conclude a worrying set of friendlies that raise serious competitive doubts ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Led by Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez, the Cafeteros aimed to dominate the game through quick counters and pace. However, neither managed to shine, being overshadowed by Johan Mojica, Daniel Muñoz, and Jhon Arias. In addition, Luis Suárez raised several concerns, as he failed to adapt to the attack throughout the match. Nevertheless, the second half and a few tactical adjustments helped restore their competitiveness.

After Jhon Córdoba and Juan Fernando Quintero entered the game, Colombia gained more presence in attack, as their offensive plays became more effective and ball distribution improved. Jaminton Campaz even scored a valuable goal that reflected the improvement. However, France remained solid defensively, consolidating a narrow and compact midfield that narrow gaps through numerical superiority.

¡Campaz descuenta para Colombia! 🇨🇴 pic.twitter.com/vaqUEC3FKr

— ESPN Deportes (@ESPNDeportes) March 29, 2026

Despite fielding several substitutes, France remained the more dominant side throughout the match. Not only did they control the midfield, but they were also more efficient in attack. Taking advantage of spaces and defensive marking errors from Colombia, they made the difference, scoring three goals to close out the game. In addition, Marcus Thuram and Désiré Doué stood out collectively, making a clear impact.

Desire Doue and Marcus Thuram power France’s dominant attack

Taking advantage of their physical dominance, France managed to make the difference both offensively and defensively, maintaining numerical superiority in all areas. After a team move initiated by N’Golo Kanté, Marcus Thuram received the ball and found Rayan Cherki. After failing to kick the ball, Désiré Doué intercepted the ball and struck it first time, scoring a powerful goal past Álvaro Montero.

¡Llegó el gol de Francia! 💥

Doué remató al arco y con un rebote el balón terminó en las redes. ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/F3qfIcQ4iS

— ESPN Deportes (@ESPNDeportes) March 29, 2026

After a powerful counterattack led by Pierre Kalulu, he found Maghnes Akliouche alone on the right flank, playing him the ball. From there, the Frenchman delivered a precise cross, finding Marcus Thuram, who beat Davinson Sánchez and Juan David Cabal in the air, heading home to score the second goal and beat Álvaro Montero once again.

¡Thuram de cabeza pone el 2-0 sobre Colombia! 💥 pic.twitter.com/33TxrrHLwJ

— ESPN Deportes (@ESPNDeportes) March 29, 2026

While Colombia improved in the second half, they continued to leave significant gaps in defense. Taking advantage of this, Rayan Cherki initiated a quick counterattack, passing the ball to Marcus Thuram running down the right wing. He then played an effective pass to the left side, where Désiré Doué was unmarked. As a result, the young Frenchman was able to finish first-time and alone, securing his first brace with the national team.

¡Llegó el tercero para Francia! ⚽️⚽️⚽️

Otra vez Doué y ya es goleada sobre Colombia. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/m6qTcG8SyL

— ESPN Deportes (@ESPNDeportes) March 29, 2026

Given his poor form, Ferran Torres’ future at Barcelona remains highly uncertain. With his contract set to expire in 2027, the Spaniard has caught the attention of two major Premier League clubs as a star signing.

Ferran Torres has gone from being an undisputed player at FC Barcelona to becoming a backup to Robert Lewandowski. With a contract running until 2027, the Spaniard’s future remains highly uncertain, as he has yet to renew and the Blaugrana would be open to a transfer. In this context, the 26-year-old striker is attracting interest from two major Premier League clubs, leaving his future unclear.

After starting the 2025-26 season in top form, Ferran has hit a significant slump in his performance. Having last scored on January 31 against Elche EF, the Spaniard has now gone two months without contributing a goal. As a result, Barcelona would be open to a transfer, reports Diario Sport. Given this situation, the 26-year-old striker is attracting interest from the Premier League.

According to TEAMtalk, Ferran Torres current situation at FC Barcelona has caught the attention of Manchester United and Arsenal. While his current form is not at its best, both clubs still have him on their radar since his time at Manchester City, as he can perform both as a striker and as a winger. In addition, the Blaugranas would be open to selling him if a strong offer arrives.

Red Devils are reportedly targeting Ferran Torres as the natural replacement for Joshua Zirkzee, who is expected to leave in the summer of 2026 after lacking playing time. Given his versatility and scoring ability, the Spaniard is a priority for Manchester United, alongside Iliman Ndiaye of Everton. This contrasts with Arsenal, who consider the 26-year-old star more as an option if he becomes available at a good price.

Barcelona may extend Ferran Torres deal amid Julián Álvarez uncertainty

Throughout the season, Barcelona have reportedly made Julián Álvarez a priority to strengthen their attack. However, Atlético Madrid are looking to keep him by offering a contract renewal. As a result, the Argentine’s potential move to the Blaugrana is at risk, meaning they could opt to renew Ferran Torres and rely on their current talents if they are unable to secure a top-level reinforcement.

After his re-election as president, Joan Laporta stated that the Blaugranas are in no rush to sign a striker: “We have two great center forwards, Ferran and Lewandowski, and I’m delighted with both of them,” he said, via Mundo Deportivo. With this perspective, they remain open to renewing Ferran Torres’ contract, as they do not appear ready to spend over €100 million on a new striker.

Although Cristiano Ronaldo’s inclusion on Portugal’s roster has drawn heavy criticism, his absence against Mexico was keenly felt. In light of this, José Mourinho has taken a subtle swipe at the national team, defending the veteran’s place in the starting lineup.

After securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup, Portugal scheduled a pair of friendly matches to maintain their form. However, they couldn’t rely on Cristiano Ronaldo, who is still dealing with physical issues. Consequently, they failed to defeat Mexico, prompting José Mourinho to deliver a strong critique of the national team’s performances, highlighting their dependence on the veteran striker.

“Take Cristiano Ronaldo out of the picture and Portugal look like any run-of-the-mill team… People keep asking us not to call him up. Well, he didn’t play today and you saw the result. No threat, no fear from the opposition. Just a team being put under pressure by Mexico… When Ronaldo is on the pitch, the opposition think twice. Without him, they don’t think at all,” José Mourinho said, as per TUDN Mexico.

Despite being 41 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the essential piece of the national team, standing as the top scorer in the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers. However, his absence against Mexico national team exposed a harsh reality: They do not have a promising goalscorer to replace the veteran, as Gonçalo Ramos and Paulinho have yet to truly shine.

Far from being a criticism of Cristiano, José Mourinho has consistently defended the veteran against fans calling for him to be dropped following the strong result against Armenia. Gonçalo Ramos has yet to take off in his career, as he remains a regular substitute at Paris Saint-Germain and with Portugal, without making a real scoring impact, but coach Roberto Martínez continues to call him up as a backup.

Joao Félix could emerge as Portugal’s scoring solution

Despite the fact that Portugal do not have many promising center-forwards, coach Roberto Martínez could still have a solution to their scoring struggles when Cristiano Ronaldo is absent. Amid the poor form of Gonçalo Ramos and Paulinho, João Félix could emerge as a strong alternative, but within a specific setup that could even boost Francisco Conceição and Rafael Leão.

Switching to a ‘false 9’ formation could position João Félix as the solution, given his impressive scoring form and peak performance with Al Nassr. This change would allow coach Martínez to grant more freedom to Leão and Conceição, enabling them to leverage their dribbling skills and pace to make a difference. With Cristiano Ronaldo now 41 years old, these adjustments may soon become a need for Portugal.

Cristiano Ronaldo may not retire after 2026 World Cup

With a contract with Al Nassr running through 2027, Cristiano Ronaldo may not retire from professional soccer after the 2026 World Cup. With this, he could extend his time with Portugal for a few more matches, in which he will undoubtedly play a pivotal role. The veteran could be instrumental in the transition up front, helping Joao Félix or even Gonçalo Ramos lead the way into a new era.

Colombia and France face off in their final friendly match of this doubleheader of international friendlies. While the Cafeteros are coming off a painful defeat, the Blues are in top form. As a result, the game is shaping up to be a close contest. Here are the predicted lineups for both sides.

Looking to be in top form for the 2026 World Cup, Colombia and France face off in their final match of doubleheader of international friendlies at FedEx Field. However, the two teams are in very different form. While the Cafeteros are coming off a loss and need a win to dispel any doubts, the Blues are riding an eight-game unbeaten streak and are in top form.

Colombia have established as one of the most solid national teams in CONMEBOL. However, they do not arrive in their best form, as they are coming off a loss to Croatia. In addition, the Cafeteros have struggled to be clinical in attack, facing serious issues converting their chances, despite the good form of Luis Suárez and Luis Díaz in European leagues.

Far from their problems ending there, the Cafeteros’ main figure, James Rodríguez, arrives lacking match sharpness after several months without a club and having only recently joined MLS. As a result, the team’s creative output takes a significant hit, which they will look to overcome by defeating France—something they achieved in their last meeting in 2018.

France enter the match as the clear favorite to defeat Colombia. Having racked up eight consecutive wins, they have managed to remain one of the most dominant teams in the world. Furthermore, Les Bleus boast impressive depth on the bench, meaning they don’t rely solely on Kylian Mbappé or Ousmane Dembélé; instead, they can adjust their play as they see fit and give their stars a rest.

Colombia confirmed lineup vs France

While Colombia are coming off a loss, they have managed to enter today’s match without any serious injuries. Given this, coach Nestor Lorenzo is sticking with a similar lineup, centered around James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz. Additionally, they might look to start Luis Suárez again, hoping he’ll showcase his top-tier talent. Along with this, Álvaro Montero could see some playing time as the goalkeeper, giving Camilo Vargas a rest.

The Cafeteros lineup as follows: Álvaro Montero; Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sanchez, Juan David Cabal, Johan Mojica; Jefferson Lerma, Richard Rios; Jhon Arias, James Rodríguez, Luis Diaz; Luis Suárez.

France confirmed lineup vs Colombia

After impressing against Brazil, France is making drastic changes to their lineup, leaving Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé on the bench. With this, coach Didier Deschamps gives to Marcus Thuram and Maghnes Akliouche. In addition, the presence of Adrien Rabiot is in doubt, as a knock kept him out of the last training session. Because of this, Warren Zaire-Emery is jumping to the starting lineup.

Les Bleus’ lineup to face Colombia is the following: Brice Samba; Pierre Kalulu, Maxence Lacroix, Lucas Hernandez, Lucas Digne; N’Golo Kanté, Warren Zaire-Emery, Maghnes Akliouche; Rayan Cherki, Marcus Thuram, Desire Doue.

Despite Marcus Rashford’s promising start at Barcelona, his form has dipped, raising questions about his future at the club. Against this backdrop, Aston Villa are reportedly emerging as a clear suitor for the English forward ahead of next season.

Marcus Rashford seemed to be establishing as one of Barcelona’s key players, contributing both as a scorer and a playmaker. However, his performance has dipped, which has reportedly led the Blaugranas to reconsider exercising his €30 million buyout clause, as they seek to lower that figure. Amid this, Aston Villa are reportedly emerging as a potential suitor looking to sign him back.

According to Diario Sport, the Blaugranas are no longer entirely convinced about exercising Marcus Rashford’s €30 million buyout clause. Given his dip in form, the club’s sporting department plans to assess his performance in the final stretch of the season. They are even considering loan options to keep him for another season, but Manchester United do not seem entirely on board with the idea.

While Barcelona hesitate, Manchester United receive interest from Aston Villa regarding a potential signing of Rashford. According to Sports Boom, the Villans are trying to convince Jadon Sancho, but Borussia Dortmund’s involvement has complicated the deal. As a result, they have turned their attention to Marcus, as his performances for the Blaugranas have been impressive.

Aston Villa do not have an easy task in convincing Marcus Rashford. Throughout the season, the Englishman has expressed his strong desire to continue at Barcelona. However, coach Unai Emery is reportedly confident he can tempt Marcus, but this will depend on whether the Blaugrana ultimately rule out signing him on a permanent deal.

Rashford has just few months to impress at Barcelona

Following Raphinha’s injury early in the season, Hansi Flick decided to give Marcus Rashford a chance, and he made a huge impact, scoring 10 goals and providing 13 assists. However, the Englishman suffered a knee contusion, leaving him without any offensive contributions for nearly two months. Despite this, the coach plans to give him more playing time, with just a few months left to prove himself.

Given his limited playing time, Flick revealed that Marcus has been dealing with some issues, which have limited his impact. However, the German has revealed that Rashford is now in top form. As a result, he has until the end of the season to regain his scoring touch and silence the Blaugranas’ doubts, as they are not entirely sure about exercising their purchase option and are eyeing Jan Virgili instead.

After failing to beat Norway in the 2026 UEFA World Cup Qualifiers, Italy face Northern Ireland in the playoffs, looking to secure their spot in the tournament. Here, we’ll provide minute-by-minute coverage of the game.

Italy entered the match as the clear favorite to defeat Northern Ireland in the 2026 UEFA World Cup Qualifiers. However, they struggled to make an impact on offense, as their opponents shone on defense, cutting off all their aerial options. In response, Sandro Tonali led the charge, scoring a goal and providing an assist to Moise Kean, turning the game around for the Azzurri.

Although Northern Ireland remained fairly solid defensively, they struggled to find openings on offense. Coach Michael O’Neil opted to build play through the midfield, taking advantage of the large spaces Italy was leaving open. However, they were overwhelmed throughout the game, leaving them little room to react. In fact, they managed just one shot on goal in the 90 minutes.

Looking to capitalize on the presence of Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui, coach Gennaro Gattuso opted for a fast-paced game down the wings, making the most of aerial play. However, Northern Ireland’s rock-solid defense thwarted Italy’s advances. In the second half, Sandro Tonali and Barella took on a more prominent role, supporting the forwards and creating more openings in the defense.

Faced with Italy’s physical game, Northern Ireland was relentlessly outplayed. They were pinned back in their own half for most of the match, clearly worn down by the sheer number of attacks. After Tonali’s opening goal, they lost their attacking momentum, allowing coach Gattuso to lead the Azzurri to the playoff final.

Tonali and Kean were Italy scorers vs. Northern Ireland

After a second half with increased attacking pressure, Italy managed to break the deadlock. From a cross by Matteo Politano, Isaac Price of Northern Ireland headed the ball clear, but it fell to Sandro Tonali. With no immediate pressure, the midfielder unleashed a powerful first-time strike, beating Pierce Charles.

SANDRO TONALI GIVES ITALY THE LEAD AND NEW BALANCE ARENA IN BERGAMO ERUPTS 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/es3AkNDUVl

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 26, 2026

Italy managed to regain their attacking spark, thanks to Sandro Tonali, whose goal unlocked the team’s best attacking form. Following a through ball from the Italian midfielder, Moise Kean received the ball, beat Ruairi McConville, controlled it, and fired a powerful shot into the left corner, leaving Pierce Charles without options.

COOL. CALM. COMPOSED. 🥶

Moise Kean doubles Italy's lead over Northern Ireland 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/UGPfSqpPWh

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 26, 2026

Barcelona have reportedly made the signing of Julián Álvarez a priority. However, they could face a major setback, as Atlético Madrid are reportedly seeking a substantial improvement to the Argentine’s contract.

Throughout the 2025–26 season, Barcelona have held with scoring issues, as Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski have seen a significant drop. In light of this, they are reportedly targeting Julián Álvarez as their top priority for the summer of 2026. However, the Blaugranas may face a tough challenge, as Atlético Madrid are supposedly seeking to renew his contract to prevent him from leaving.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Blaugranas have decided to pursue the signing of Julián Álvarez, but have set a transfer fee cap of €100 million. Considered a cornerstone of the Colchoneros, the Argentine could command a fee closer to €150 million. However, Barcelona remain optimistic about his arrival, though they could face an unexpected hurdle.

While Julián Álvarez is under contract with Atlético Madrid until 2030, they are looking to improve his current deal. As per Diario Marca, Los Colchoneros plan to increase the Argentine’s salary from €7 million to €10 million. With this, he would establish as the highest-paid player in the squad, alongside Jan Oblak, sending a clear message to FC Barcelona: the Argentinean is not for sale.

Despite this move from los Colchoneros, Barcelona remain focused on Julián Álvarez. They are even reportedly open to selling Ferran Torres to help facilitate the Argentine’s arrival. However, club president Joan Laporta has made it clear that any potential move for the 26-year-old would depend on him publicly positioning himself toward a departure towards the Blaugranas.

Griezmann’s departure paths Julián’s leadership at Atlético Madrid

Following Antoine Griezmann’s move to Orlando City SC, Julián Álvarez has positioned as the cornerstone of the project. As a versatile player, the Argentine can adapt to playing in a partnership with Alexander Sørloth or even as a lone striker. In addition, he can also contribute creatively, something that made the Frenchman irreplaceable for head coach Diego Simeone.

While Julián’s performance has drawn considerable criticism, he has managed to remain Atlético Madrid’s leading scorer with 17 goals in 44 games. Having now adapted to Simeone’s system, the Argentine has become an indispensable part of the team—a fact that the proposed contract extension aims to reflect. For this reason, Barcelona may face an uphill battle to secure his signing.

Report: Barcelona chase two alternatives to reinforce the striker

Ahead of the 2026–27 season, Barcelona supposedly have strengthening the attack as their absolute priority. Given the difficulty of securing Julián Álvarez, they have decided to expand their list of targets, while also pursuing the renewal of Robert Lewandowski. In an effort to guarantee at least one signing, the Blaugranas are now reportedly targeting Omar Marmoush and Victor Osimhen.

According to Diario Sport, Omar Marmoush would be open to leaving Manchester City, as he has not had much prominence since his arrival. For this reason, the Blaugranas could secure his signing for around €50 million, a figure that fits perfectly within the club’s budget. Additionally, the Egyptian appeals to Hansi Flick due to his versatility, pressing, and goal-scoring ability.

Alongside Marmoush, Barcelona have also set their sights on Victor Osimhen, who is shining at Galatasaray, as reported by Sergi Solé via Mundo Deportivo. With a contract running until 2029, the Nigerian could command a high transfer fee, but his impact and experience would be an ideal fit for Flick, having scored 56 goals in 70 matches.

Italy and Northern Ireland face off in the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, vying for a spot in the playoff final. Far from being an easy game, the Azzurri are looking to end an eight-year drought without qualifying for the tournament. Here are the predicted lineups for both sides.

After failing to remain as leaders of Group I in the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, Italy were relegated to the playoffs, facing Northern Ireland to chase a spot in the tournament. While the Azzurri arrive aiming to end an eight-year absence from the competition, the Green and White Army are chasing a comeback after 40 years.

Northern Ireland have managed to make their solid defense and stable midfield their greatest strengths. In fact, they were the second-lowest-scored-against team in their group. However, they continue to struggle to make an impact on offense, as Jamie Donley or Callum Marshall have been unable to make a difference. Furthermore, they will be without Conor Bradley, which is a significant loss.

Even though Gli Azzurri haven’t exactly wowed, they enter this match as clear favorites to take the win. Coach Gennaro Gattuso welcomes back Sandro Tonali, Riccardo Calafiori, and Moise Kean, providing a significant boost. Additionally, Mateo Retegui’s strong form promises to break through the Green and White Army’s tough defense.

Alongside their powerful offense, Italy aim to keep their midfield as their greatest strength, relying on Nicolo Barella and Sandro Tonali to make the difference. However, the main challenge will be breaking down Northern Ireland’s defensive structure, so their offensive contribution could be decisive in securing a return to the World Cup after eight years.

Italy confirmed lineup vs Northern Ireland

Italy are the clear favorite to beat Northern Ireland. Not only do they have a better offense, but they also have players like Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean who can make a difference. In addition, they have their starting defensive line back, with Alessandro Bastoni standing out. Combined with this and Retegui’s outstanding form, they are aiming to secure their spot in the final playoffs.

With this in mind, the Azzurri will play as follows: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Riccardo Calafiori, Alessandro Bastoni, Gianluca Mancini; Matteo Politano, Nicolo Barella, Manuel Locatelli, Sandro Tonali, Federico Dimarco; Mateo Retegui, Moise Kean.

Northern Ireland confirmed lineup vs Italy

Despite Italy’s ‘crisis,’ Northern Ireland do not have much of a chance to secure a victory. Their solid defense might hold promise, but their lack of scoring ability could get them into serious trouble. Additionally, coach Michael O’Neil will be without Conor Bradley, who suffered a serious knee injury. As a result, they will rely on Jamie Donley to make a difference.

Considering this, Northern Ireland will lineup as follows: Pierce Charles; Ruairi McConville, Brodie Spencer, Paddy McNair; Trai Hume, Shea Charles, Terry Devlin, Ethan Galbraith, Justin Devenny, Isaac Price; Jamie Donley.

Despite already returning from his knee injury, Kylian Mbappé has been surrounded by rumors of a misdiagnosis by Real Madrid. In response, the Frenchman has decided to deny these claims, revealing key details about his recovery.

Kylian Mbappé has already returned to the field with Real Madrid, seeing playing time against Atlético Madrid and Manchester City. However, the Frenchman’s recovery has been plagued by rumors of a serious knee injury. In addition, Real Madrid reportedly misdiagnosed his knee, drawing heavy criticism. Nevertheless, the 27-year-old striker has decided to come forward to deny these reports.

Following his return from a knee injury, Kylian Mbappé’s recovery was surrounded by several reports blaming Real Madrid for a misdiagnosis. Miguel Ángel Díaz even reported on Deportes COPE that Los Blancos had tested the wrong knee, examining the right instead of the left. In response, the Frenchman came out to deny this information in the latest press conference.

“The information that they examined the wrong knee is false. Perhaps I bear some indirect responsibility, because when you don’t communicate, rumors arise—it’s part of the game. With the club, we have always had very clear communication. We are at a key moment in the season, and I wanted the team to keep winning matches while I was out, and they have done so,” Mbappé said, as per Andres Onrubia.

Coupled with these statements, Mbappé revealed that he is now 100% recovered from his knee issues, making it clear that there would be no relapse. In addition, the Frenchman emphasized his main objective: To play every possible match with Real Madrid and the national team. With this, he aims to regain his scoring rhythm, which had positioned him as the clear favorite for the Ballon d’Or.

Mbappé acknowledges Real Madrid’s key role in his recovery

Dealing with knee issues since December, Kylian Mbappé decided to fully pause his activity, seeking solutions to reach the 2026 World Cup in peak condition. As part of this process, he continued his rehabilitation in Paris, which raised doubts about the club’s medical staff. However, he has now chosen to acknowledge the importance of Los Blancos in his recovery.

“With Real Madrid, we have always had a communication that was quite clear, whether it was when I started my rehabilitation in Madrid, or when I was in Paris, where I was accompanied by the doctor, a physiotherapist and the club’s physical trainer, where we worked from Paris, so there is no problem with that,” Mbappé said, as per TNT Sports.

Kylian Mbappé aims to silence the noise surrounding Real Madrid’s medical staff, which has even involved Eduardo Camavinga. However, the Frenchman now simply needs to regain his scoring form to dispel any doubts about his physical condition, as a relapse would only fuel further speculation around Los Blancos.

After announcing his departure from Manchester United, Casemiro has been linked with a move to MLS. However, the Brazilian is now edging closer to a reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo, as Al-Ittihad are reportedly interested in signing him—but only under one clear condition.

Despite his impressive level in the Premier League, Casemiro has announced his departure from Manchester United as a free agent. As a result, the Brazilian has been linked with a potential move to MLS. However, the 34-year-old star is reportedly close to reuniting with Cristiano Ronaldo, as Al-Ittihad are interested in signing him, but under a clear condition.

According to ESPN, Al-Ittihad are closely monitoring the potential arrival of Casemiro as a free agent, as he would be open to moving to Saudi Arabia. After shining with Manchester United, the Brazilian is seen as an immediate-impact signing. However, the 34-year-old star would only join the Saudi Pro League under one condition: The departure of Fabinho at the end of the season.

After arriving in 2023, Fabinho has established as one of Al-Ittihad’s most important players, becoming an undisputed starter. With his contract set to expire in the summer of 2026, the club are prioritizing his renewal over the 34-year-old midfielder. However, the Brazilian has not provided updates in negotiations, making Casemiro emerge as a world-class alternative.

While Casemiro would be open to a move to the Saudi Pro League, he may not be keen on arriving as merely an ‘alternative’ rather than a marquee signing. Due to his solid performances at Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr and Al Hilal are also interested on him, reports Ekrem Konur. For that reason, the Brazilian hold several offers to decide his future.

Casemiro keeps thriving at Manchester United

Amid the turmoil surrounding Manchester United’s sporting project, Casemiro has established as one of the team’s most important players. Although he started out as a substitute under Ruben Amorim, the Brazilian has earned his spot through strong performances. At 34, he remains a fixture in the lineup under interim coach Michael Carrick, prompting fans to call for a contract extension.

In light of this, Carrick has been candid about the Brazilian’s future: “I think it’s when something’s decided and in some ways the fact that it was decided makes things a little bit easier and everyone understands the situation really,” he said, as per Mirror. Despite this, he praised its impact: “I think the impact he’s had has been terrific, certainly since I’ve been here and working with him, and his influence in the team and big moments in goals.”

Casemiro could be a star signing for Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr

Throughout the 2025–26 season, Al Nassr have established themselves as the best team in the Saudi Pro League, excelling offensively. However, Marcelo Brozović’s future remains uncertain, as his contract expires in the summer and has not yet been renewed. In light of this, Casemiro could emerge as a transformative signing, potentially reuniting with Cristiano Ronaldo for the third time.

Although Marcelo Brozovic has put in solid performances at Al Nassr, he hasn’t managed to stand out and has been criticized for his lack of defensive impact, making his departure a solid possibility. Given this, Casemiro’s potential arrival would be a definite boost, as he continues to shine at Manchester United. Additionally, he has played 122 games with Cristiano throughout his career, so it would be a long-awaited reunion.

Lionel Messi ranks among the most iconic figures in Barcelona's history and is widely considers the greatest soccer player of all time. However, president Joan Laporta surprised fans by choosing to overlook the Argentine and instead mentioned Johan Cruyff.

Lionel Messi established as the most important player in FC Barcelona’s recent era. Through his impact on the pitch, the Argentine became the club’s all-time top scorer and its most decorated player in history. While many fans and players consider him the greatest soccer player of all time, president Joan Laporta chooses to pass on him, selecting Johan Cruyff instead.

“He has been the most aesthetically pleasing soccer player I have ever seen in my life… We praise Johan (Cruyff) the coach a lot because he was a revolution, but Johan the player, for those of us who saw him, has been the best player in history for me. With all due respect to figures like Pelé, Maradona, Ronaldinho or Leo Messi, Johan had it all. And he also had leadership,” Laporta said, via Esport3.

While Joan Laporta’s words may sound like a subtle dig at Lionel Messi, he is aiming to elevate the legacy of Johan Cruyff, who is often comparatively overlooked in soccer history. Throughout his professional career, the Dutchman led Ajax to three UEFA Champions League titles, earning three Ballon d’Or awards. In addition, he captivated fans with his elegance on the pitch, defining an era.

Even though Laporta’s arguments being well-founded, his remarks contradict his previous statements. Over the course of his tenure as Barcelona president, he has repeatedly referred to Lionel Messi as the GOAT, even describing him as the most impactful player in the club’s history. For this reason, his shift in narrative could indeed reflect his tense relationship with the Argentine.

Cruyff is the most influential figure in Barcelona’s history

Unlike Real Madrid, Barcelona have not been a dominant team since their founding, winning their first UEFA Cup in the 1991–92 season. Consequently, Johan Cruyff’s arrival in 1973 did transform the team’s fortunes, boosting its competitiveness. However, the real impact came when he became the Blaugranas’ coach in 1988, establishing a style that elevated the team’s global influence.

Cruyff transformed the ‘total football’ style pioneered by Rinus Michels, emphasizing control of the game, and introducing a new way of viewing the game. In doing so, he inspired legends such as Frank Rijkaard, and Pep Guardiola. While Lionel Messi is the most outstanding player, without the Dutchman’s impact, the Blaugranas would not be such a dominant team.

Throughout his career, Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that Johan Cruyff is the most transformative figure in soccer history over the last 50 years: “There is no one who has given as much to soccer as both a player and a coach… The Barcelona that has dominated Europe and the world could not be understood without his arrival,” he said, as per RTVE.

Lionel Messi took Barcelona’s impact to historic levels

Lionel Messi’s legacy does not compete with or seek to diminish Johan Cruyff’s legacy. Far from competing with him, the Argentine became the player who best embodied his style of play. Not only did he score 672 goals, but he also contributed 303 assists. Furthermore, he led the most successful era in Barcelona’s history, winning numerous titles that brought his legacy into sharper focus.

With his immense impact, the Argentine stands out as Barcelona’s GOAT, having led the team to legendary success. Not only is he the all-time leading scorer and assist provider in the team’s history, but he is also the most decorated player in the Blaugranas’ history. For this reason, Joan Laporta’s words came as a shock to the fans, as Messi’s arrival is equally historic.

Mohamed Salah has established as a Liverpool FC legend, also leaving a historic legacy in the Premier League. Even club icon Jamie Carragher ranks the Egyptian ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo among the greatest players in the history of the English league.

After nine years, Mohamed Salah has decided to leave Liverpool at the end of the season. While he had a contract through 2027, both parties reached an agreement for him to leave as a free agent. While his current season has drawn criticism, the Egyptian has left a historic legacy in the Premier League, prompting legend Jamie Carragher to rank him ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in the league’s history.

“In the pantheon of overseas attacking players to have excelled in England, only Thierry Henry eclipses Salah’s output and consistency. While many will argue the merits of players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Eden Hazard, Gianfranco Zola, Dennis Bergkamp or Eric Cantona, none of them produced the same devastating numbers as consistently, season-after-season, as the Egyptian,” Carragher said, via The Telegraph.

Cristiano Ronaldo has built a legendary career, playing a central role in the GOAT debate. While he has won a Ballon d’Or and multiple Premier League titles, he made a far greater impact in LaLiga with Real Madrid, netting 450 goals and contributing 131 assists. In his six-year tenure at Manchester United, he tallied 145 goals and 73 assists, being frequently overtaken by Wayne Rooney.

While Cristiano has made a significant impact on soccer history, Salah has been more influential in the Premier League. He has become the highest-scoring foreign player with 191 goals and ranks fourth among all-time Premier League scorers, behind Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane, and Alan Shearer. In addition to this, he led an historic era within Liverpool, winning multiple trophies.

Mohamed Salah reigns as a transformative figure at Liverpool

Mohamed Salah has become one of the most legendary figures in Liverpool’s history. Alongside Steve Gerrard, the Egyptian has emerged as the player with the greatest impact on the team’s recent modern era. He not only made his mark as a goal-scorer but was also part of the legendary attacking trio featuring Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané that competed with Manchester City for several years.

While Firmino and Mané left the team, the Egyptian remained with the Reds, continuing to shine for several more seasons. In fact, Salah was the top scorer in the most recent Premier League season with 29 goals. As a result, he has demonstrated impressive consistency that has led Liverpool for nearly a decade, cementing his status as a true legend.

Unlike Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Salah experienced his peak performance in the Premier League, making history as a goalscorer and at Liverpool FC. Moreover, the Egyptian played a key role in lifting the Reds from a difficult period to becoming one of the top teams in England.

Although Ferran Torres seemed to be a key player for Barcelona, the Spaniard could reportedly facilitate the arrival of Julián Álvarez. Given his contractual situation, the Blaugranas would be open to letting him go, with a LaLiga rival already interested in his services.

With Robert Lewandowski’s form on the decline, Ferran Torres has established as Barcelona’s starting striker. However, the Spaniard’s performance has dipped, and his contract renewal is now in doubt. Given this situation, his departure could potentially pave the way for Julián Álvarez to join the Blaugranas, as he could be transferred amid Atlético Madrid growing interest.

According to a report by Fernando Polo and Roger Torello in Mundo Deportivo, the Blaugranas have put Ferran’s renewal on hold, as they believe he is already earning a good salary and do not plan to offer him a higher one. With his current contract set to expire in 2027, the Spaniard could be transferred this summer. In light of this, Atlético Madrid are showing interest in his talent.

The Colchoneros have set their sights on Ferran Torres, as sporting director Mateu Alemany supports his signing, having already brought him to Barcelona in 2021, reports Mundo Deportivo. As a result, the Blaugranas would be open to his departure, aiming to raise funds to pursue Julián Álvarez. They are even considering including him as part of a deal for the Argentine.

As a cornerstone of Atlético Madrid, and after Antoine Griezmann’s move to Orlando City, they are reluctant to let Julián Álvarez leave, which could further complicate negotiations. Despite this, the possibility of signing Ferran Torres could help unlock talks, but it would still need to be accompanied by a significant transfer fee, as they reportedly value the Argentine at €150 million.

Report: Barcelona also keep Victor Osimhen as key target

Looking ahead to the 2026-27 season, Barcelona appear to have clarified their objectives for the striker spot. As per president Joan Laporta, they continue to view Robert Lewandowski’s contract extension as a priority, as they consider him essential. With Ferran’s potential departure and the difficulty in securing Julián Álvarez, the Blaugranas are reportedly keeping Victor Osimhen as an alternative.

According to Sergi Solé, via Mundo Deportivo, Victor Osimhen is emerging as the top candidate to bolster the attack. With a contract with Galatasaray running through 2027, the Nigerian could command a hefty transfer fee, meaning negotiations would not be straightforward. However, he has scored 56 goals in 70 games, so he would also be a signing with an immediate impact.

Álvaro Arbeloa's arrival gave Real Madrid a significant boost, but it wasn't entirely certain whether he would have a permanent role. However, the Spaniard reportedly has the squad's support due to the positive impact he has had on the locker room.

Amid a season full of injuries and inconsistencies, Real Madrid have managed to remain one of the best teams in the world under Álvaro Arbeloa. While his continuity is highly uncertain due to his limited experience, the Spaniard is reportedly gaining support from the squad for his permanent role due to his significant impact in the dressing room.

According to Diario Marca, Real Madrid squad supports Álvaro Arbeloa’s continuity as permanent head coach for next season. While the team has faced difficulties throughout the campaign, his leadership and playing ideas are highly appreciated within the dressing room. In addition, the Spaniard has managed to transform the locker room atmosphere, motivating the squad game after game.

Since his arrival, Arbeloa has even installed a grey sofa in his office, regularly inviting players in to get to know them better. Through this approach, he has earned the backing of key figures such as Vinícius Jr, Federico Valverde, Thibaut Courtois, Antonio Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni as he is defends them in public, but remains direct and honest in private, reports Diario Marca.

Despite this, Real Madrid’s front office have not yet decided whether they will back Álvaro Arbeloa for next season. However, he could gain further support if he leads the team to a UEFA Champions League title or a LaLiga title. While this seemed unlikely just a few weeks ago, the team has improved its competitiveness, securing a place in the quarterfinals of Europe’s top competition.

Report: Real Madrid lose two main head coach candidates

Following Xabi Alonso’s departure and Álvaro Arbeloa’s lack of experience, Real Madrid have reportedly made it a priority to bring in a coach with a proven track record and extensive experience. While several names have been mentioned, the focus has narrowed to two main candidates: Zinedine Zidane and Jürgen Klopp. However, both coaches appear to be heading elsewhere, paving the way for Arbeloa to remain in charge.

While Los Blancos explored a possible return for Zidane, he is reportedly aiming to become France’s head coach after the 2026 World Cup. Alongside him, Jürgen Klopp has denied any contact with Real Madrid, making it clear he wants to remain at Red Bull as Head of Global Soccer. As a result, names such as Unai Emery, Mauricio Pochettino, and Enzo Maresca have been mentioned, but none have gained consensus.

Despite midfield being one of AC Milan’s strongest areas, they are targeting Leon Goretzka as their main reinforcement. While Massimiliano Allegri reportedly considers the German as a ‘perfect fit,’ a growing issue could delay his arrival.

Throughout the 2025-26 season, AC Milan have been known for their solid midfield. However, they have set their sights on Leon Goretzka as the main target, looking for a definitive offensive and defensive boost. Amid criticism of his current form at Bayern Munich, the German is reportedly seen as the ‘perfect fit’ for Massimiliano Allegri, but one issue keeps jeopardizing his arrival.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Leon Goretzka is emerging as AC Milan’s top priority, as he fits perfectly the profile sought by Allegri and would arrive as free agent from Bayern Munich. However, they face a major issue, as the German is reportedly seeking a salary of €9 million plus bonuses, while the Rossoneri are willing to offer €6–7 million per season along with a signing bonus.

While salary differences remain, AC Milan remain hopeful of convincing the German to join. According to Christian Falk, via CFBayern, Goretzka remains quite tempted by the prospect of playing in Serie A, so the Rossoneri could continue to push for his signing. However, the 31-year-old star has also attracted interest from Arsenal, complicating matters for the Italian side.

Leon Goretzka’s potential arrival would not replace Luka Modric’s role, as he would instead take over Youssouf Fofana’s current position, contributing as a box-to-box midfielder. With this, the Rossoneri would look to gain much more presence in attack—something they have lacked since Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s absence due to injury.

Goretzka’s form at Bayern Munich could pose a risk for AC Milan

Leon Goretzka once established as one of Bayern Munich’s best players, becoming an undisputed starter. However, he has lost importance following Vincent Kompany’s arrival, being overtaken by Aleksandar Pavlović. In addition, the German is no longer that key offensive contributor, which makes a potential move to AC Milan a rather risky bet.

With 31 years old, the German would be expected to deliver an immediate impact at the Rossoneri—something he has not consistently provided at Bayern in recent seasons. Moreover, coach Allegri would likely have to bench either Ruben Loftus-Cheek or Fofana, both in strong form, to accommodate Goretzka, whose current level remains a significant question mark.

If Allegri manages to bring out the best in Leon Goretzka, Samuele Ricci would become the last option in the rotation, making his departure likely despite being one of Italy’s most promising talents. Only Modric’s departure could ensure playing time for the 24-year-old star, as he could compete with Jashari. Since renewing the Croatian’s contract is a priority, this option seems quite unlikely.