Manchester United will need to find a playmaking successor to Bruno Fernandes at some point and, amid links to Elliot Anderson, Rene Meulensteen has told GOAL that Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White may be the man to tick that box. One raid on the City Ground for an England international midfielder is already being mooted, but should the Red Devils be eyeing a different target?
Robbie Keane would be a “great addition” for Celtic, Michael Gray has told GOAL, with the former Hoops loanee being backed to bring a coaching quality to Parkhead that any return for Ange Postecoglou would lack. The Old Firm giants find themselves back in the market for a new head coach, with a couple of familiar faces figuring prominently in collective thoughts.
Former Chelsea and Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has told GOAL why Xabi Alonso would be taking a big risk by agreeing to fill “the hottest seat in world football” at Stamford Bridge. With strong ties to Anfield, the World Cup winner is said to be in contention for a Premier League return in west London. Rafa Benitez has previously trodden that path, and proved how difficult it can be to win over supporters that will demand immediate results.
Cristiano Ronaldo could grace the 2030 World Cup, former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has told GOAL, as a home finals in Portugal are “not too far” away for the history-making GOAT. The Al-Nassr superstar may be 41 years of age, but the evergreen frontman has proved over the course of his remarkable career that anything is possible and he likes nothing more than making a mockery of biological and sporting logic.
Cole Palmer would “want them to listen” if Chelsea were presented with an eye-watering, £150 million ($204m) transfer bid this summer, claims Glen Johnson. The former Blues defender has told GOAL why the England international playmaker may be considering a move elsewhere, with a return to his Manchester roots at United being heavily speculated on.
Leeds legend Tony Dorigo has assessed Facundo Buonanotte’s failed loan transfer during an exclusive interview with GOAL. The Whites had hoped to acquire Wales international Harry Wilson during the summer of 2025, but saw him remain at Fulham. They are still lacking a creative spark, with an Argentine playmaker that thrived at Leicester last season struggling to tick that box.
Jesse Lingard has been stepping a long way out of his comfort zone, heading to South Korea and Brazil, but a return to Britain - potentially at Wrexham - is not being ruled out. Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen worked with the ex-England international at Old Trafford and can see the obvious appeal of JLingz linking up with Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac.
Chelsea have been warned off appointing Cesc Fabregas as their next manager, with the former Blues star considered to be in need of more experience as his current Como side have a tendency to “fall apart” in big games. Tony Dorigo has explained to GOAL why an alternative option would be better at Stamford Bridge for now, allowing a familiar World Cup winner to retrace steps to west London at some point further down the line.
Cristiano Ronaldo is still hoping to become a team-mate of eldest son Cristiano Junior, with former Manchester United colleague Louis Saha telling GOAL that it is “easier” for CR7 to live that “dream” than it was for LeBron James in NBA circles. One GOAT has already made professional sport a family business, with it possible that another could follow that lead.
Liverpool will need to appoint a new club captain at some point in the not too distant future, but who should inherit the armband from Virgil van Dijk? Former Reds defender Glen Johnson has told GOAL that Dominik Szoboszlai is an ideal candidate to take on that responsibility as the versatile and passionate Hungarian boasts “characteristics that Steven Gerrard had”.
Manchester United have been urged to avoid the “excuse” of “next year’s too early” when it comes to a Premier League title challenge, with Rene Meulensteen explaining to GOAL why Michael Carrick can be the man to put the Red Devils back in contention. He remains in interim charge for now, but Sir Alex Ferguson’s former assistant believes the foundations are in place on which to build a bid for domestic supremacy.
Aston Villa have work to do in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final clash with Nottingham Forest, but Tony Dorigo has told GOAL why Unai Emery can be an “incredible” ace up the Villans’ sleeve. The Spanish tactician is looking to land a familiar trophy for the fifth time in his coaching career, with Dorigo saying “if anyone can, he can” when it comes to bringing a 30-year wait for tangible success to a close in the West Midlands.
Phil Foden and Morgan Gibbs-White have been warned to brace for World Cup heartache, with Chris Waddle telling GOAL which playmakers he would pick if stepping into Thomas Tuchel’s shoes as England boss. The Three Lions are blessed with an abundance of creative options, such as Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, meaning that some big names are going to be left disappointed.
Martin O’Neill has proved during a surprising return to management at Celtic that age is just a number, with Michael Gray explaining to GOAL why epic speeches are allowing the 74-year-old to flourish. The Northern Irishman has answered two SOS calls from Parkhead this season and may yet end the 2025-26 campaign with a fourth Scottish Premiership title to his name.
Gabriel Gudmundsson has become “one of the bargains of the season”, Michael Gray has told GOAL, with a fortune-changing tweak from Daniel Farke allowing the £10 million ($14m) left-back to thrive. Early doubts were raised regarding summer reinforcements at Elland Road following a slow start, but considerable value for money has been found while surging towards Premier League survival.
Harry Kane has been given a unique billing in the England squad, with Joe Cole explaining to GOAL why the Three Lions captain boasts an international standing that even Jude Bellingham cannot match. Kane continues to rewrite the history books with club and country and is considered to be integral to Thomas Tuchel’s plans ahead of a bid for World Cup immortality this summer.
Jose Mourinho rumours refuse to go away at Newcastle, as questions are asked of Eddie Howe’s future, and Chris Waddle has told GOAL why any club considering a move for the ‘Special One’ must mull over the “win trophies or entertain” conundrum. Mourinho boasts several major honours on his glittering CV, but the ex-Chelsea and Real Madrid boss has faced accusations of being “boring” at times.
Mateus Mane continues to generate plenty of interest at Wolves, with Michael Gray telling GOAL that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has already asked questions of the teenage wonderkid. Several other heavyweight outfits are said to be monitoring the talented 18-year-old, who faces some big decisions on his future at club and international level.
Tottenham may yet steer a course to Premier League safety, but transfer talk will rage on into the summer regardless - with Chris Waddle addressing Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven future questions during an exclusive interview with GOAL. He has suggested that certain individuals are looking for a way out, while Spurs have been told that they need to “change” their recruitment policy as a collective.
Thomas Tuchel has been urged to rethink his World Cup plans when it comes to Harry Maguire, with former England full-back Michael Gray explaining to GOAL why the Manchester United centre-half is worth his “weight in gold” to the Three Lions cause. German tactician Tuchel has some big selection calls to make ahead of a global gathering in North America this summer.
In the latest episode of the Beast Mode On Podcast, Wes Morgan, captain of Leicester City's historic title-winning side, shares the real story behind one of the greatest underdog achievements in football history. The conversation dives deep into the mindset behind the Foxes' impossible Premier League title win, a 5000-1 miracle that shocked the world. The ex-Nottingham Forest defender also discusses his battles with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, his pride at representing Jamaica and more.
The USMNT have been informed of the round they “need” to reach at the 2026 World Cup in order to help Christian Pulisic, Lionel Messi and MLS grow the game across America. Joe Cole spent time in the States towards the end of his playing career and the former England international has told GOAL why soccer is more appealing than American football to an ever-growing number of youngsters.
Cristiano Ronaldo could still star in the Champions League at 41 years of age, the Portuguese GOAT’s former Manchester United team-mate Louis Saha has told GOAL. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who is now plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, is considered to have “three things” that make him “unique” and capable of gracing any stage.
Michael Olise has been posting “crazy” numbers at Bayern Munich, leading to him reportedly having a £170 million ($229m) price tag placed around his neck, and Louis Saha has told GOAL why a return to the Premier League may not be the France international’s next move. Few teams on the planet could afford to put a transfer package in place for Olise, but that does not mean that the former Crystal Palace star is destined to head back to England.