Premier League heavyweights such as Arsenal and Liverpool gave Barcelona a free run at Anthony Gordon when exit doors opened up at Newcastle, with Chris Waddle explaining to GOAL why the England international ended up in Catalunya rather than north London. An €80 million (£69m/$92m) transfer has taken Gordon away from his homeland and onto the books of La Liga champions.

Rayan Cherki has been earning plenty of plaudits at Manchester City, with Frank Leboeuf telling GOAL why the mercurial playmaker deserves to be compared with Zinedine Zidane - the GOAT of French football. That is some billing, but two magical midfielders are considered to share a number of traits - including on-field skill sets and off-pitch ticket-selling qualities.

Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has told GOAL why he is “a little bit worried” about Alexander Isak, with the £125 million ($167m) striker under pressure to deliver during his second season at Anfield. The most expensive player in British football has been warned that his price tag will count for nothing if he offers little return on that record-shattering investment.

Colombia captain James Rodriguez believes international teammate Luis Diaz is a genuine contender for the upcoming Ballon d'Or following a spectacular European season. The iconic midfielder insists a deep run on the global stage would validate the winger's world-class status, sparking intense excitement ahead of the nation's return to the tournament.

It has long been assumed that North America will get a World Cup bump, and MLS clubs are figuring out how to take advatnage of the tournament

From Christian Pulisic to Mohamed Salah, there are plenty of global superstars who could find themselves in MLS after the 2026 World Cup.

Paris Saint-Germain's long-standing interest in Michael Olise has been firmly rebuffed by Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga giants reportedly have no intention of discussing a transfer for the France international, regardless of the size of any offer, as they prepare to reward him with a new contract and improved terms.

Brighton have reportedly lodged a £30 million bid for Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic, creating a fresh twist in dealings between the two clubs. The Seagulls remain firm in their stance over Jan Paul van Hecke after rejecting two Spurs approaches, while the 19-year-old defender is said to be open to a move to the south coast.

Como are exploring an ambitious move for Dani Carvajal as Cesc Fabregas looks to add experience and quality ahead of the club’s first Champions League campaign. The Italian side are also tracking Real Madrid youngsters Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios while preparing for the likely departure of Nico Paz.

Former England international Mary Earps will officially leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer upon the expiration of her contract on June 30. Following a two-season stint in the French capital, the 33-year-old goalkeeper is reportedly closing in on a return to the Women’s Super League, with Michele Kang’s ambitious London City Lionesses emerging as her most likely destination.

The Portugal legend broke Ali Daei's record, but he isn't the all-time international top scorer yet...

It's always hard for representatives of a team that did not succeed to make a point about issues with a qualifying format, but few could begrudge the frustration evident among the England squad on Tuesday after the Lionesses fell short of the one automatic qualification spot available to them for the 2027 Women's World Cup.