Lionel Messi has retired from international football with Argentina, but will he head in a similar direction at club level? The South American GOAT is tied to a contract at Inter Miami through 2028 and former MLS star Shaka Hislop has told GOAL why the evergreen 39-year-old is likely to honour that agreement before taking on a future ambassadorial role.
Alexis Sanchez will need to “adapt to the cold” in Quebec, former Montreal star Bacary Sagna has admitted to GOAL, but the ex-Barcelona, Arsenal and Manchester United forward is being backed to star in MLS alongside Lionel Messi and Co. The veteran Chilean attacker has become the latest household name to go chasing the dream in North America.
Julian Alvarez is set to make his return to the Atletico Madrid matchday squad this weekend following a turbulent period defined by a failed attempt to force a move to Barcelona. The Argentine forward has been reintegrated into Diego Simeone's plans after missing significant training time and the club's recent league fixture against Sevilla.
Newcastle have endured a tough summer of sales, as they comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), but former Magpies star Shaka Hislop is among those to have been left questioning why the billions of Saudi owners are not allowed to be spent. He has, during an exclusive interview with GOAL, suggested that the Premier League needs to revise its monetary model.
Leeds have been advised to take inspiration from Manchester City and Erling Haaland when it comes to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with Whites legend Gordon Strachan telling GOAL why he is concerned about the Elland Road No.9’s workload. No striking additions were made to Daniel Farke’s ranks during the summer transfer window, with another deadline having passed.
Chelsea are reportedly ready to dive back into the transfer market this January to secure a direct replacement for Enzo Fernandez. Following the Argentine's high-profile departure to Manchester City, manager Xabi Alonso has identified a Atletico Madrid star to restore balance to his midfield engine room.
The road to European glory has been mapped out following the UEFA Women's Champions League league phase draw in Nyon. England's elite representatives have discovered their fate, with several mouth-watering ties confirmed for this campaign.
Could the new tactical system implemented by Chelsea impact Brazilian wonderkid Estevao? Blues legend Gus Poyet has answered that question for GOAL, with the Uruguayan admitting that another exciting winger at Stamford Bridge could end up heading down a similar path to former academy graduate Callum Hudson-Odoi - as he is asked to fill an unfamiliar role.
Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery has left new £25 million signing Taylor Harwood-Bellis out of his 25-man Champions League squad. The 24-year-old defender, who is the son-in-law of Manchester United legend Roy Keane, joined from Southampton on deadline day but faces a waiting game for top-tier European action despite expressing his eagerness to perform on the continent's biggest stage.
AS Monaco vice-captain Eric Dier has warned that there is never a good time to face Paris Saint-Germain ahead of their trip to the Parc des Princes. The defender praised head coach Filipe Luis while embracing his growing leadership responsibilities within Monaco's squad.
Anthony Gordon has enjoyed a truly spectacular start to life at Barcelona following his blockbuster summer transfer from Newcastle United. The England international winger has not only dazzled supporters with his immediate impact on the pitch, but he has also rapidly earned the deep respect of his new team-mates behind the scenes through his grounded approach.
Turkish referee Ayberk Demirbas committed a glaring rules blunder by blowing for an offside offence directly from an Istanbulspor throw-in. The absurd call baffled both sets of players, who immediately united in protest and forced the embarrassed match official to quickly correct his error with a dropped ball.
Bradley Barcola was heavily linked with Arsenal during the summer transfer window, but ultimately ended up at Liverpool after completing a £123 million ($167m) move from Paris Saint-Germain. That deal has raised a few eyebrows, and concerns, with ex-Gunners and France defender Bacary Sagna discussing the financial state of football during an exclusive interview with GOAL.
Giuseppe Riso has opened up about the major summer transfer deals involving his prominent clients Sandro Tonali and Honest Ahanor. The agent revealed exactly why Italian midfielder Tonali felt compelled to join Tottenham, while also praising Chelsea's blockbuster acquisition of a top teenage defender.
Barcelona's pursuit of World Cup-winning defender Aymeric Laporte broke down after Athletic Club demanded a massive transfer fee. The Catalan giants hoped to secure the 32-year-old for under €15 million to solve their defensive problems. However, strained relations between the two Spanish clubs ultimately scuppered the late summer deal.
Ajax sporting director Jordi Cruyff has opened up about the club's intensive summer transfer window. The former Barcelona executive detailed how personal persuasion secured high-profile stars while dismissing claims of taking financial risks.
'De Topdrie' of Dutch football have executed major squad transformations during the summer transfer window. Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, and Feyenoord secured high-profile international talent, headline loans, and returning icons to bolster their title ambitions.
Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly rushing to agree a lucrative new contract with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ahead of next month's Ballon d'Or ceremony. Club officials fear that if the Georgian winger wins the prestigious award, his agent's wage demands will become significantly more complicated to navigate.
Slovan Ljubljana goalkeeper Som Kumar has received his first senior India call-up for an ambitious set of upcoming international fixtures. As the solitary overseas-based player in the squad, the Slovenian second-tier shot-stopper is in line for a dream test against South American heavyweights Brazil and Uruguay.
Jose Mourinho has finalised his Real Madrid squad for the new Champions League campaign, making a ruthless call to exclude experienced defender Ferland Mendy. The French left-back continues to recover from a long-term muscle injury and has subsequently lost his place in the European squad to a highly rated teenage midfielder.
Tottenham have taken a “big gamble” on Mykhailo Mudryk, Gus Poyet has told GOAL, with a man that is returning after almost two years out of action boasting just “one quality”. That searing pace has served the Ukraine international well over the course of his career, but can it be put to good use in north London after crossing the English capital on loan from Chelsea?
Gabriel Martinelli has completed a £60 million move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal after being frozen out of the Arsenal squad. The Brazilian winger posted a heartfelt farewell message to the Gunners, but conspicuously omitted manager Mikel Arteta following a reported rift between the pair.
Former Corinthians and Vasco da Gama striker Regis Pitbull is currently living on the streets of Sao Paulo while battling a severe addiction to crack cocaine. The 49-year-old former professional has become completely unrecognisable after years of substance abuse, leaving him isolated from his family and taking shelter in makeshift encampments.
Liverpool are implementing a major tactical shift under Andoni Iraola as they attempt to replace the legendary Mohamed Salah. By moving their primary attacking threat to the left flank with Bradley Barcola, the Reds are exploring a completely new dynamic to supply striker Alexander Isak.
Former Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has given his full backing to the club's acquisition of Rodri, believing the Spanish midfielder will bring essential experience and leadership to Hansi Flick's squad. The Polish veteran, who recently swapped Europe for Major League Soccer with the Chicago Fire, also reflected on his memorable four-year spell in Catalonia.
