After a defining era in the Spanish capital, French star Antoine Griezmann is preparing for an unexpected mid-season departure to the United States. As negotiations reach their final stages, one of La Liga's most iconic figures is ready to embrace a fresh challenge across the Atlantic, leaving a massive void in Atletico Madrid, just as the European campaign hits its critical climax.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly intervened to ask Erling Haaland to ‘stop talking’ to Real Madrid amid growing concerns over his future. The Catalan coach is anxious that constant speculation regarding a move to Spain could destabilise the striker during a critical phase of the season. While the 25-year-old remains a key figure at the Etihad, Guardiola wants all negotiations shelved until the current campaign concludes.

Just seven weeks after his sudden dismissal from Manchester United, a surprise return to management could already be on the cards for Ruben Amorim. Having been out of work since his 14-month spell at Old Trafford ended, the Portuguese coach has reportedly emerged as a target for Brazilian giants Vasco da Gama to replace the recently sacked Fernando Diniz.

Jurgen Klopp is seeing questions asked of his future at Red Bull, with reports in Germany claiming that the former Liverpool boss could be axed from his role as Head of Global Soccer. The experienced coach has seen a return to the dugout speculated on, with La Liga giants Real Madrid said to have the Bundesliga and Premier League title winner on their managerial shortlist.

Former Manchester United and England star Lee Sharpe has told GOAL why struggles under Ruben Amorim may end up working in Kobbie Mainoo’s favour. The 20-year-old midfielder has returned to favour at club level under interim Red Devils boss Michael Carrick and is considered to be in contention for an international recall ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Manchester United are reportedly ready to sanction the departure of Altay Bayindir this summer as the club continue their aggressive strategy to streamline the first-team squad. The Turkish international, who arrived at Old Trafford with high hopes of challenging for the number one spot, is set to return to his homeland after struggling to break into Michael Carrick’s starting XI. According to the latest reports coming out of Turkey, the Red Devils have reached a formal agreement with Super Lig giants Besiktas to offload the goalkeeper in the upcoming transfer window, marking a significant step in United's mission to reduce their bloated wage bill and recoup funds for future reinforcements.

Honest Ahanor is just 17 years old - and yet on Sunday he started his fifth successive game for Atalanta, against Como. Unfortunately, Ahanor's afternoon came to an abrupt end - and quite literally by his own hand. Just eight minutes into the game at Sinigaglia, the defender was involved in an innocuous, off-the-ball clash with Maxi Perrone, who shamelessly collapsed to the ground as if Ahanor had struck him in the face.

Another transfer window and another highly-rated prospect is on their way to Chelsea. The club's youth policy has struck again, with the west Londoners landing 17-year-old full-back Yisa Alao from financially troubled Sheffield Wednesday. Despite his very limited experience at senior level, the teenager provoked a transfer tug-of-war between three Premier League giants, but it is the Blues who have emerged victorious.

Kazakhstan isn't a nation known for its love of football. That doesn't mean it's non-existent, however, and with a new teenage sensation emerging as one of the country's best players already, the nation sandwiched between Europe and Asia could be on the verge of a golden generation.

Real Madrid secured their place in the Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday night with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Benfica, progressing 3-1 on aggregate. However, the celebrations at the Santiago Bernabeu have been heavily dampened by a disgraceful incident involving a supporter that was broadcast to millions watching around the world. The club moved swiftly to address the situation, confirming that a fan was identified and removed from the premises after being caught on television cameras performing a Nazi salute.

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa has delivered a worrying fitness update on Blancos superstar Kylian Mbappe. The World Cup-winning Frenchman was forced to sit out the second leg of a Champions League knockout phase play-off clash with Benfica. Arbeloa is unsure when his leading goalscorer will be ready for a return to action, with a knee complaint holding him back.

Victor Osimhen has admitted that a potential Champions League round-of-16 showdown with Liverpool would feel "like revenge" for the Premier League giants. The Nigerian superstar was the hero once again for Galatasaray on Wednesday as the Turkish champions navigated a rollercoaster play-off tie against Juventus to secure their place in Friday’s highly anticipated knockout stage draw.

Michel Platini is undoubtedly one of the greatest footballers of all time. Playmaker, assister, goal-scorer: Platini was a complete player, capable of leaving an indelible mark on world football between the late 1970s and mid-1980s. He was the perfect No.10, embodying the true essence of the shirt number both then and now.

Modernising the role of a full-back 30 years ago, Roberto Carlos undoubtedly set the benchmark. A tactical genius and a physical specimen, the Real Madrid and Brazil legend won countless trophies at club and international level, contributing bucket loads of goals and assists. No one in the past, present or future can ever claim to be his equal - he was that good.

One of the best midfielders of his era, perhaps the greatest crosser of a football ever and a free-kick taker to rival the best the game has ever produced, David Beckham was a special player to say the least. And yet due to his off-field impact, one of the sport's great champions of the past 30 years is generally forgotten when it comes to referencing the true legends of the game.

Teddy Sheringham. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. "Football, bloody hell!" The 1999 Champions League final is one of the greatest dramas in the history of Bayern Munich. The German giants led for a long time in Barcelona before Manchester United snatched the trophy they thought was theirs in stoppage time. But according to one member of the Bayern team, he actually won that final. "Actually, I'm a Champions League winner," claims the latest member of GOAL's Rebel United, Mario Basler.

In 1969, at the age of 23, George Best wanted to focus solely on the essentials. Just football, just his job. So he turned his back on his two other great passions, alcohol and women. His sobering conclusion: "It was the worst 20 minutes of my life." A Manchester United legend, that quote sums up Bet's rebellious attitude towards football, and life in general.

Rebel United introduces players who prefer to swim against the tide, such as Barcelona and Spain legend Gerard Pique, who has achieved great significance beyond the pitch thanks to his Catalan pride and innovative spirit...

Robin Roefs' story reads like a fairy tale. The 22-year-old goalkeeper is only in his second season as a first-choice shot-stopper, and yet he is already considered one of the better No.1s in the Premier League. A place in the Netherlands' starting line-up at the World Cup is now not out of the question for the latest of GOAL's Hidden Gems.

On September 15, 2018, N'Golo Kante walked off the Stamford Bridge pitch, satisfied. As was often the case, the Frenchman had just covered every blade of grass over the course of the 90 minutes. And, as was so often the case, he was not one of the major speaking points at full-time. Not right away, at least.

Anyone that manages to carve out a career for themselves in professional football is ridiculously talented. The standard at the highest level is just so high that it is simply impossible to 'fake it 'til you make it'. However, not everyone is as prodigiously gifted as Lionel Messi or Lamine Yamal. Your average player will require some time to get to grips with the rigours of the elite game.