GOAL runs the rule over the British players earning a living away from their homeland, with plenty more stars deciding to leave their comfort zones in search of a better footballing life elsewhere. The Premier League is still obviously one of the world's most entertaining divisions and the Championship can prove fantastic for development, but there are more options out there.
It's that time of year where leagues around Europe begin to wind down for their winter breaks. Some countries allow their top-flight teams an extended period off around Christmas, while others will only be missing from the schedules for a week or so. All the while, the Premier League will continue throughout the festive period as the title race continues to hot up.
Real Madrid are reportedly set to join Manchester City in the race for Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, with Europe’s elite circling one of the Bundesliga’s standout performers. However, Die Roten have made their stance clear as they view the France international as untouchable amid plans to secure his long-term future at the Allianz Arena.
Harry Kane's incredible season continued on Sunday as the Bayern Munich striker made more history with a goal in their 4-0 win over Heidenheim in the Bundesliga, captaining the club for the first time. This was the England captain's 100th Bundesliga goal contribution. The 32-year-old has also been named German Footballing Personality of the Year by kicker for a phenomenal 12 months.
Manchester United have been told to sign Borussia Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi to replace Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo during their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) absence. The Red Devils are bracing themselves for a difficult festive period as the AFCON threatens to strip Ruben Amorim of a crucial spine on the right side of his team. With the tournament in Morocco beginning over Christmas and running until mid-January, the absences of three key squad members, including Noussair Mazraoui, are expected to leave a significant dent in their resources.
Arsenal have been warned that they face the threat of enduring a bleak Harry Kane-esque scenario if major silverware is not captured soon. The Gunners have remained in contention for top honours across recent seasons, only to be left empty-handed. Frank Leboeuf has told GOAL why that lack of tangible success could lead the likes of William Saliba to explore transfer opportunities elsewhere.
Micah Richards has backed Manchester City to take the Premier League title race with Arsenal to the wire largely thanks to the efforts of Erling Haaland, while he also claimed to have predicted former team-mate Vincent Kompany becoming a leading manager amid the Belgian's fine work with Bayern Munich. Richards was speaking exclusively to GOAL as part of Specsavers' Best Worst Team campaign.
With all the data and all the video footage you could ever hope for, there really shouldn't be many secrets left in the world of youth football. Sure, progress isn't linear and some players' attributes translate better to the adult game than others, but for most teams, picking and finding the best young talent still feels like a bit of a lottery, at least from the outside looking in.
Lennart Karl the 17-year-old attacking midfielder, has experienced a remarkably rapid ascent at Bayern Munich, quickly transitioning from the academy to the first team and earning significant praise from superstar team-mate Harry Kane who has hailed the youngster’s positive impact with the Bavarian giants. The England captain has also offered some advice to his young colleague.
GOAL U.S. writers take a look at some of the biggest storylines in European soccer, including Mo Salah's future, Vinicius Jr's exit rumors, and the Premier League title race
Harry Kane is considered to be operating in the shadow of Bayern Munich wonderkid Lennart Karl, with the 17-year-old sensation being likened to Lionel Messi. He is, having made a stunning senior breakthrough at the reigning Bundesliga champions, also being challenged by Dietmar Hamann to match the levels of Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
Arsenal have identified Real Madrid teenager Victor Valdepenas as a serious long-term target, with plans reportedly forming for a move in 2026 that could test the resolve of the Spanish giants. Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta view the 19-year-old defender as an ideal fit for their evolving squad, with the north London club prepared to play the long game in their pursuit.
Harry Kane has revealed his highlight of 2025 as well as his New Year’s “wish”. The Bayern Munich and England striker has lifted his fabled trophy curse, with the Bundesliga title being secured, and is eager to land more major silverware with club and country. There will be plenty of opportunities for him to do just that in 2026, with Champions League and World Cup crowns up for grabs.
Alexi Lalas has praised Giovanni Reyna’s recent surge in playing time and form, calling it “rarified air” for the young midfielder. The former USMNT star and current analyst said this is the context in which Reyna should be judged - consistent, impactful performances - rather than sporadic appearances or distractions away from the field.
Bayern Munich ace Harry Kane admits he has Robert Lewandowski's sensational Bundesliga scoring record in his sights after a prolific start to the 2025-26 campaign with the Bundesliga giants. Lewandowski famously netted an incredible 41 league goals for Bayern back in 2021 to write his name into the history books but Kane, who already has 18 this season, is hoping he can break that record.
Fabio Silva’s nightmare stint at Borussia Dortmund appears destined for a premature conclusion, with the Portuguese forward reportedly in advanced negotiations to return to La Liga this January. Just months after his €27 million summer switch, the former Wolves record signing has admitted defeat in his battle for Bundesliga minutes, sparking a scramble for his signature that includes Real Betis and a host of Italian heavyweights.
Harry Kane has expressed his delight after welcoming Bayern Munich's "best player" Jamal Musiala back into the first team fold after a six-month injury layoff. The 21-year-old Germany international has been sidelined since July, when a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle cut short his Club World Cup campaign during Bayern’s quarter-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
The winner of The Best FIFA Men's Player award for 2025 has been announced, with Paris-Saint Germain attacker and Ballon d'Or holder Ousmane Dembele once again scooping the top prize after an exceptional season. The voting for the awards has also now been revealed, showing who the biggest names in the sport picked as their top choices, including Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, Virgil van Dijk, and England manager Thomas Tuchel.
Dayot Upamecano is literally 'on the move' in Munich, but his change of address could signal a major blow to his international suitors. While Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain circle the French defender ahead of the January window, Upamecano’s decision to relocate within the Bavarian capital offers the biggest hint yet that his long-term future lies at the Allianz Arena rather than the Bernabeu or the Parc des Princes.
Borussia Dortmund are preparing to break the bank to secure the long-term future of defensive lynchpin Nico Schlotterbeck, with the club reportedly tabling a historic contract offer that would see him become the highest-paid player at Signal Iduna Park. However, the German international is in no rush to sign, hinting that a final decision on his future will not be made until the summer amid circling interest from European giants.
Timo Werner could be set for a shock exit from European football as a new suitor emerges from the United States to end his Bundesliga nightmare. The former Chelsea and Tottenham forward has emerged as a concrete option for Major League Soccer side San Jose Earthquakes, with veteran coach Bruce Arena driving the move for the RB Leipzig outcast.
Borussia Mönchengladbach head coach Eugen Polanski has praised the development and professionalism of Giovanni Reyna as the American midfielder’s playing time increases. The U.S. international, who joined Gladbach from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, has been gradually integrated into the squad and has featured in 10 matches so far.
Bayern Munich’s hopes of securing the long-term future of Dayot Upamecano have hit a significant stumbling block, with reports emerging that the French defender’s camp is insisting on a massive salary hike and a release clause that could force the German giants into a difficult corner. As the January transfer window approaches, the 'contract poker' at the Allianz Arena is reaching a fever pitch.
Jamal Musiala has returned to first-team training at Bayern Munich after six months out with a fractured fibula. The 21-year-old Germany international stepped onto the grass at Sabener Strabe for an outdoor session, drawing a line under a painstaking rehabilitation process that began after he suffered a brutal injury against Paris Saint-Germain at the Club World Cup in July.
Alarm bells are ringing loud and clear at Signal Iduna Park as Borussia Dortmund external advisor Matthias Sammer has launched a stinging attack on the club’s culture. The former Ballon d'Or winner has backed Nico Schlotterbeck’s recent brutal assessment of the squad, claiming the Bundesliga giants are suffering from a debilitating 'addiction to harmony' and a distinct lack of genuine leadership.
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.
Barcelona have reportedly identified Borussia Dortmund defender Julian Ryerson as a shock transfer target to bolster their defensive options. The Catalan giants are scouring the market for reinforcements amid growing fears that Manchester City could launch a swoop for Jules Kounde, forcing Hansi Flick to draw up contingency plans for the right-back position.
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