Liverpool’s marquee summer signing Bradley Barcola saw his highly anticipated Anfield debut end in frustration and concern on Wednesday night. The blockbuster £123 million arrival was forced to withdraw during the second half of the Reds' Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid, sparking immediate fears over a long-term layoff with head coach Andoni Iraola providing fitness update.
Dejan Kulusevski is finally nearing a return to competitive football after enduring a gruelling 16-month battle with a complex knee injury. Sweden manager Graham Potter hopes to include the Tottenham Hotspur forward in his upcoming Nations League squad, provided the club's medical staff grant approval.
The behaviour of Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta at Crystal Palace has Clinton Morrison puzzled, with the Eagles legend telling GOAL that the latter has been “badly advised” and the former must earn any transfer to Liverpool in the “right way”. Two proven Premier League performers have been pushing their way towards the exits at Selhurst Park.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick was without Luke Shaw for Wednesday's training session ahead of their Champions League return against Sabah FK. The defender's absence sparked immediate concern given the club's lack of left-back reinforcements, but supporters can safely breathe a sigh of relief.
Liam Delap has been billed as the “next Harry Kane” for some time, but former England striker Andy Cole has told GOAL why he is “not sure” that the £50 million ($68m) Nottingham Forest new boy can become the heir to that throne. The Three Lions are crying out for a suitable successor to their record-shattering captain to step up, with an iconic No.9 shirt set to become available at some point in the not too distant future.
Enzo Maresca has jumped to the defence of Gianluigi Donnarumma after the Italian goalkeeper endured a difficult night during Manchester City's Champions League victory over Porto. Despite the Premier League champions securing a 2-0 win, the former PSG man looked uncomfortable with the ball at his feet throughout the contest at the Estadio do Dragao.
The Premier League has officially admitted to a significant refereeing error during Arsenal's recent 1-0 victory against Aston Villa at Villa Park. Key Match Incident (KMI) Panel has now ruled that Mikel Arteta's side were incorrectly denied a stoppage-time penalty following a reckless challenge by Ian Maatsen, who should have been sent off.
Taiwo Awoniyi became something of a Premier League relegation specialist at Nottingham Forest and, following his transfer to Coventry City, Clinton Morrison has told GOAL why the powerful striker looks “hungry” in his bid to secure top-flight survival and rejoin Victor Osimhen in the Nigeria national team fold. A £9 million ($12m) move has taken him from the East to West Midlands.
Xabi Alonso has delivered a ruthless assessment of Chelsea’s squad depth by banishing one of the club's most expensive young prospects from first-team duties. The Spaniard, who has enjoyed a mixed start to life at Stamford Bridge, made it clear that certain players will have to look elsewhere for minutes as he refines his tactical project in west London.
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Manchester United icon Ryan Giggs has opened up about a desperate, failed attempt to persuade Elliot Anderson to snub a move to Manchester City in favour of a switch to Old Trafford. The former Welsh international revealed that he relentlessly "peppered" the midfielder during a chance encounter on a golf course, only to be told to mind his own business by the now-City star.
JJ Gabriel is playing a patient waiting game at Manchester United, with the 15-year-old wonderkid hoping to make his senior breakthrough at some point in the not too distant future. He did figure in a friendly fixture during the summer of 2026, but Red Devils legend Andy Cole has told GOAL that a competitive bow for the talented teenager “might not be this season”.
Gabriel Jesus has launched a scathing attack on the Arsenal hierarchy, detailing his frustration over the manner of his sudden departure to Barcelona. The Brazilian forward claimed he was left completely in the dark by the Premier League club before being forced to train away from the first-team squad during his final days in north London.
Wayne Rooney has delivered a chilling warning to his former team-mate Michael Carrick, suggesting the Manchester United manager is already skating on thin ice after a disappointing start to the season. The Red Devils legend believes the club’s hierarchy will not tolerate mediocrity despite the lack of defensive reinforcements during the summer transfer window.
Has Jurrien Timber become the best right-back in world football? A man who once filled that position for Arsenal, Bacary Sagna, has explained the Dutch defender’s best qualities to GOAL - while admitting to seeing similarities with his own game. The Gunners are looking forward to welcoming another proven performer back into their ranks following a brief injury absence.
Massimiliano Allegri has warned his Napoli side that they are coming up against one of the best teams in world football as they prepare to host Arsenal in their Champions League opener. The Italian tactician identified a specific tactical evolution under Mikel Arteta that has transformed the Gunners into a formidable European force.
Marcus Rashford has become something of a prodigal son at Manchester United, but Red Devils legend Andy Cole has explained to GOAL why the 28-year-old forward will not be “desperate” to register his first goal back at Old Trafford. The England international has 138 efforts for the Premier League heavyweights to his name, but none for the best part of two years.
Former Liverpool and Rangers midfielder Ovie Ejaria has turned to professional networking platform LinkedIn in an unusual bid to find a new club following his departure from Real Oviedo. The 28-year-old free agent made a public plea to prospective suitors by highlighting his tactical versatility across several midfield and attacking positions.
Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca and talismanic striker Erling Haaland reserved high praise for teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi following their 2-0 Champions League win at Porto. Handed his first start in the heart of midfield, the 18-year-old delivered a composed display at Estadio do Dragao, prompting his team-mates to label him an exciting future prospect.
Enzo Fernandez expressed his delight following Manchester City's convincing 2-0 Champions League victory away at Porto, showering praise on team-mate Erling Haaland. The Argentina midfielder highlighted his burgeoning connection with the prolific Norwegian striker while also thanking manager Enzo Maresca for bringing him to the Etihad Stadium.
Erling Haaland netted a record-equalling brace to inspire Manchester City to a hard-fought 2-0 victory away at Porto in their Champions League opener. The Norwegian striker praised his team's resilience amid intense pressure at Estadio do Dragao, while moving level with Sergio Aguero as the club's joint-highest goalscorer in the competition.
With the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly presumably disappearing into the rearview mirror, the battle for the Ballon d'Or hasn't felt so open for the best part of 20 years, with countless players now beginning each campaign believing they have a chance of claiming the most prestigious individual prize football has to offer. Ousmane Dembele emerged from a career plagued by injuries and inconsistencies to win the Golden Ball in 2025, and he is among a crowded field of contenders again in 2026.
Mauricio Pochettino has revealed he will speak to Folarin Balogun in the coming days after the striker's deadline-day transfer to Everton collapsed. The United States men's national team boss wants to offer his support following a turbulent window for the 25-year-old.
Alexis Mac Allister has dropped a bombshell regarding his future at Liverpool, admitting he is "very, very sad" that the club have not offered him a new contract. The Argentine midfielder, who played a pivotal role in the club's recent Premier League success, also revealed that he had concrete options to leave Anfield during the summer transfer window.
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has delivered a scathing assessment of Michael Carrick’s current tactical setup, labelling the team "difficult to watch" without a recognised focal point. As the Red Devils prepare for a high-stakes Manchester derby against City, the former midfielder is demanding a major change to the starting XI.
Alisson, Gianluigi Donnrumma and David Raya generate plenty of goalkeeping headlines in the Premier League, but who are more unsung heroes in that department? Ex-Newcastle and West Ham star Shaka Hislop has picked out one “absolute gem” for GOAL, with a new arrival in English football - that starred at the 2026 World Cup - expected to make quite the impact.
France Football has officially revealed the shortlist for the 2026 Men's and Women's Coach of the Year awards, highlighting the tactical masterminds who defined the last season. The nominations for the Johan Cruyff Trophy are heavily dominated by Spanish talent, reflecting a golden era for the nation’s coaching exports across Europe’s top leagues.
The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or honors has officially heated up with the unveiling of the nominees for the prestigious Club of the Year awards. Back-to-back European champions Paris Saint-Germain are looking to defend their men's crown against a resurgent Arsenal and a dominant Bayern Munich side, while a treble-winning Barcelona enter the women's category on a fierce mission to reclaim their throne.
