With Mauricio Pochettino reportedly nearing a new deal through 2030, GOAL examines the player-pool decisions, expanded role and club links that could define his second USMNT cycle.
Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson could be about to give a whole new meaning to 'the Chelsea Pensioners'. In a staggering pivot away from the youth-driven transfer policy that has defined BlueCo's stewardship since their takeover in 2022, Chelsea are remarkably considering bringing in both the 35-year-old striker and 36-year-old midfielder this summer.
Arsenal are weighing up what would be one of the most sensational transfers of all time, but the odds are stacked against them in their bid to pull it off. Over the weekend, it emerged that the Gunners are considering an approach for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior, while Los Blancos were, in turn, intensifying their efforts to land RB Leipzig's €120 million-plus-rated breakout talent, Yan Diomande.
Chris Paul pulls up to The Late Run Show with Chad Ochocinco and Raheem Taylor-Parkes, and the 12-time All-Star came with stories nobody else can tell: the trade to the Lakers that went through and got killed within hours, the league rules that blocked him from becoming a part-owner of LAFC, and the day Wembanyama pointed at the Paris apartment where he lived alone at 15.
Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly close to agreeing a new contract that would see him be manager of the USMNT through the 2030 World Cup. Although nothing has been agreed, both parties are eager to get the deal over the line. Pochettino's initial contract ran out in August after he led the U.S. to their first World Cup knockout win since 2002.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has hit back at his detractors in extraordinary fashion, claiming that those who criticised the 2026 World Cup were "consumed by hate." In a lengthy and defiant statement, the head of world football’s governing body defended the tournament’s legacy and urged his opponents to "meditate or pray" instead of spreading negativity.
Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a move for Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams as they look to add a third engine-room addition to their summer business. The USMNT international has emerged as a key target for the Red Devils, who are prioritising value for money after already committing significant funds to a major midfield overhaul.
Arsenal's pursuit of Vinicius Junior always seemed like a stretch. It emerged in a bombshell revelation over the weekend that the Gunners were 'exploring' the possibility of striking a deal for the Real Madrid superstar as they seek to make a marquee left-wing signing, but at this stage it looks as though those explorations are going to come to nothing. So, where do they turn next?
Sam Kerr scores her first Gotham FC goal as the Bats draw Portland Thorns FC 2-2, while Sofia Cantore lifts Washington Spirit past Lindsey Heaps and Denver Summit FC 1-0. GOAL ranks all 16 NWSL teams in this week’s Power Rankings.
Michael Olise finds himself at the centre of one of the summer's biggest transfer stories after starring for France at the World Cup, but all is not as it seems. Various reports have claimed that the Bayern Munich dynamo is Real Madrid's priority target, with the move even endorsed by his compatriot and current 'Galactico', Kylian Mbappe. The reality, though, is that any deal is currently a non-starter.
It feels as though Marcus Rashford and Manchester United are back at square one. Both player and club must have been desperately hoping that Barcelona would take up what looked like a bargain £26 million ($35m) option to buy the attacker at the end of a productive loan spell in Catalunya in 2025-26, but, much to United's disbelief and anger, they turned in another direction. Now, Rashford faces limbo at Old Trafford.
Manchester United face a significant decision regarding their goalkeeping department as the summer transfer window enters its final stages. Despite a promising debut campaign from Belgian international Senne Lammens, questions are being raised about whether the youngster is truly ready to lead a title charge.
Liverpool defender Milos Kerkez has opened up on the whirlwind summer at Anfield that saw Andoni Iraola replaced Arne Slot in the dugout. The Hungarian international, who previously excelled under the Spaniard at Bournemouth, believes the new coaching regime is exactly what the Reds need to return to their best.
Premier League side Fulham are prepared to make a lucrative offer to secure Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Garcia. However, while the English outfit want to acquire all of the youngster's registration rights, the Spanish giants are determined to retain a percentage of his ownership to benefit from any future moves, creating a significant hurdle in the ongoing negotiations.
Bournemouth’s preparations for the new season have been rocked by the news that star forward Junior Kroupi is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The highly-rated French prospect suffered a significant foot injury during the club’s pre-season tour of Austria, casting a shadow over the Cherries' upcoming European campaign.
Robert Lewandowski sensationally turned down a staggering €200 million contract offer from Saudi Arabia to remain at Barcelona, according to his agent. The veteran striker eventually opted for a move to Major League Soccer with Chicago Fire this summer rather than taking the life-changing riches on offer in the Middle East.
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal broke records off the field after his rare rookie card sold for a whopping $707,600. The extraordinary auction result saw the Barcelona prodigy surpass memorabilia figures set by football legends Lionel Messi and Pele.
Former Tottenham striker Vincent Janssen is finally set to realise a long-held career ambition by securing a move to Major League Soccer. The Dutch international has reached an agreement to depart Royal Antwerp, bringing an end to his productive spell in Belgium to head across the Atlantic.
Lionel Messi's arrival in MLS has heightened his status as a global marketing icon, but Steve Carell has discovered that the Inter Miami captain is a man of incredibly few minutes when the cameras start rolling. While brands are desperate to land the Argentine GOAT for their campaigns, they must adhere to a strict protocol that leaves production teams in a total panic.
Liverpool are preparing an opening offer for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola after reaching an agreement in principle with the France international. The talented 23-year-old attacker has emerged as the primary option to replace Mohamed Salah at Anfield, but the two European heavyweights must now find a compromise over a monumental transfer fee to finalise the deal.
Roberto De Zerbi has spoken out on the future of Lucas Bergvall, insisting he wants the highly-rated midfielder to stay at Tottenham Hotspur despite strong transfer interest from Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest. The Italian manager addressed the situation after recent pre-season minutes, shedding light on the immense competition for places this year.
Manchester City have taken a significant step forward in their pursuit of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, overtaking Premier League rivals Arsenal in the race for his signature. The reigning champions are in advanced negotiations to secure the highly-rated 18-year-old, with personal terms already agreed as the two clubs work to bridge the financial gap.
Jordan Henderson has reached an agreement to terminate his contract at Brentford with immediate effect. The veteran midfielder, who only returned to the Premier League last summer, is now expected to complete a shock move to Chelsea as a free agent.
England international Hannah Hampton has committed her future to Chelsea by signing a new two-year contract with the Blues. The star goalkeeper's renewal provides a crucial boost for the club following a period of squad transition and fanbase anxiety.
Spain forward Salma Paralluelo has officially joined French powerhouses OL Lyonnes on a four-year contract following her departure from Barcelona. The 22-year-old free agent ends a glittering four-year spell in Catalonia, where she won 14 major trophies, to embark on her first career adventure outside of Spain under former manager Jonatan Giraldez.
Barcelona have reached an agreement with Manchester City for the transfer of Kerolin in a deal that would make the Brazil international one of the most expensive players in the history of the women's game. The two clubs have been in negotiations for several weeks and, after Barca had two previous bids rejected, a fee of €1.5m (£1.28m/$1.7m) has now been agreed.
Tottenham Hotspur Women have completed the marquee signing of France international defender Alice Sombath from Lyon for an undisclosed club-record fee. The highly-rated centre-back arrives in north London following a trophy-laden spell in France, providing a significant defensive boost to head coach Martin Ho's evolving squad ahead of the new campaign.