Tottenham have significantly stepped up their efforts to appoint a new sporting director, as they look to finally fill the long-standing leadership vacuum in the club’s football department following the departure of Fabio Paratici. Spurs have been operating without a permanent global head of football since Paratici’s exit, with internal structures managing recruitment on an interim basis. However, the London side are now determined to install a long-term specialist capable of shaping the club’s strategic direction both on and off the pitch.

Julian Nagelsmann has given his assessment of why Ryan Gravenberch failed to make an impact during his single season at Bayern Munich. The current Germany manager revealed in a recent interview that the Dutch midfielder struggled to adapt to a substitute role, lacking the rhythm needed to change games in the final 20 minutes before his successful move to Liverpool.

With relegation from the Premier League very much a possibility, GOAL looks at the last time Spurs suffered the drop.

Lionel Messi bagged a brilliant brace for Inter Miami as the Herons secured their first competitive victory of 2026 and got the defence of their MLS Cup crown up and running. The Argentine GOAT helped to inspire a 4-2 derby victory over Florida neighbours Orlando City, with Javier Mascherano’s side rallying from a two-goal deficit to pick up three precious points at Inter & Co Stadium.

German striker Timo Wener came off the bench to assist on his San Jose debut, as the Quakes saw off Atlanta United with a comfortable 2-0 win. Werner, who penned a multi-year Designated Player deal with San Jose, did not start in his first available game after moving from RB Leipzig. However, his impact was immediate, as he needed little time to grab his first goal involvement.

How to watch the Major League Soccer match between Philadelphia Union and New York City FC, as well as kick-off time and team news

Bayern Munich are already intensifying their efforts to reshape the squad for the upcoming season, despite the current campaign reaching its most critical stage. The perennial Bundesliga champions have identified the right-back position as a priority area for reinforcement, leading them to scour European football for the brightest defensive talents. While the club have been linked with several high-profile names, the focus is now shifting toward youth and potential longevity at the Allianz Arena.

Cristo Fernandez, who played Dani Rojas in the hit Apple TV series Ted Lasso, appeared in a preseason friendly for USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive on Saturday, a club source confirmed. They are expected to make a decision on a professional contract early this week. Fernandez, who appeared in the first three seasons of the show, played youth soccer in Mexico until he was 15.

Manchester City have emerged as surprise suitors for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha, with Pep Guardiola reportedly keen on a reunion with the former academy graduate. The 25-year-old has enjoyed a transformative campaign in the Bundesliga, establishing himself as a vital cog in the BVB machine and earning a regular spot in the German national team. His dominant performances have not gone unnoticed back in Manchester, where City are beginning to plan for a potential midfield refresh in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Lionesses star Georgia Stanway has revealed that she is "very close" to signing for her new club after announcing that she will be leaving Bayern Munich at the end of the season. It has been widely reported that the midfielder is primed to return to England and sign for Arsenal, with the confirmation of as much clearly not far away now.

As soon as Jess Park received the ball on the edge of the Atletico Madrid box, Marc Skinner knew. She took one touch, then another to get it out of her feet and set herself up for a perfect strike with her right foot, which would send the ball over the heads of every Atleti defender, out of the reach of goalkeeper Lola Gollardo and into the top corner, giving Skinner's Manchester United an unassailable 5-0 lead on aggregate, one that secured their place in the Women's Champions League quarter-finals for the first time.

No uncapped players for once, a sister-sister reunion between Alyssa Thompson and Gisele Thompson, and five keys for the USWNT as they take Argentina in the first game of the 2026 SheBelieves Cup.