Emi Martinez is seemingly eager to form part of the mass exodus at Aston Villa, but the World Cup-winning goalkeeper has avoided criticism for that transfer push from former Villans star Ray Houghton - who has been speaking exclusively to GOAL. The Argentina international has been seeking a move for over 12 months now, as he attempts to “make a lot of money” before hanging up his gloves.
The match ball used in Argentina's infamous 1986 World Cup quarter-final win over England has sold for $3.35 million (£2.6m) at auction. Despite initial pre-sale estimates reaching up to $10m, the artefact from Diego Maradona's legendary "Hand of God" performance drew substantial interest before the hammer fell on Saturday evening.
Ferran Torres proved his immense worth immediately for Paris Saint-Germain, coming off the bench to score twice and salvage a 2-2 draw against Rennes in their dramatic Ligue 1 opener. The former Barcelona forward was introduced at half-time and quickly sparked a vital comeback for Luis Enrique's struggling side.
Raphinha has quickly clarified his intention following suggestions that his Spider-Man celebration against Elche was a secret nod to Barcelona transfer target Julian Alvarez. The Brazilian forward struck twice in a dominant victory and has now revealed a heartwarming, family-oriented reason behind his viral post-match gesture, putting an end to the swirling social media speculation.
Dominik Szoboszlai felt Liverpool should have claimed all three points despite needing his dramatic 99th-minute penalty to rescue a 2-2 draw against Newcastle on Sunday. The midfielder held his nerve from the spot in front of a hostile St James' Park crowd after strikes from Anthony Elanga and Joe Willock put the hosts on the brink of an opening-day win.
Barcelona midfielder Gavi was forced off in tears during his team's 5-0 victory over Elche in their La Liga opener, raising immediate fears of another serious problem. Head coach Hansi Flick has offered an update on the young Spaniard's condition after he injured the very same right knee that previously sidelined him for almost a year.
Santos head coach Cuca has admitted he is uncertain whether Neymar will feature in Wednesday's Copa do Brasil quarter-final first leg against Palmeiras due to the synthetic pitch at Nubank Parque. The Brazil international is an outspoken critic of artificial surfaces, leaving his availability in doubt ahead of a crucial cup encounter in Sao Paulo.
Palmeiras boss Abel Ferreira has told Manchester City they must trigger Allan Elias' €100 million release clause to complete a summer move. The Premier League side are actively chasing the versatile 22-year-old winger as Enzo Maresca revamps his attack, but the Brazilian outfit have no intention of selling for anything below their asking price.
Hull City executed a flawless tactical game plan to shock Manchester United with a 2-0 victory on the opening weekend of the Premier League season. Manager Sergej Jakirovic kept his five-man defence plan a closely guarded secret, ultimately overwhelming Michael Carrick's side on their long-awaited top-flight return.
AC Milan teenager Alphadjo Cisse admitted he never imagined scoring on his senior debut after netting the opening goal in Sunday's 2-1 victory away at Torino. Handed a starting role in place of the injured Rafael Leao, the 19-year-old struck midway through the second half to set up a winning start to Ruben Amorim's tenure in Serie A.
Man City remain interested in Enzo Fernandez despite agreeing an £86m deal for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Enzo Maresca wants further midfield reinforcements after Rodri's departure to Barcelona, but Chelsea's £120m asking price remains a major obstacle to any deal.
Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti has urged Randal Kolo Muani to rediscover his best form after expressing frustration with the striker's display against Frosinone. Despite securing a 1-0 victory courtesy of Bremer's first-half goal, the Italian coach warned that the French forward must raise his level as the club searches for attacking reinforcements.
Alejandro Balde was left out of Barcelona's squad for their 5-0 win over Elche after Hansi Flick questioned his focus. Following reports that the left-back has made the decision to leave Camp Nou, interest from Manchester United has quickly surfaced, casting a shadow over the start of Barcelona's La Liga title defence.
Aston Villa captain John McGinn has issued an apology to supporters after Unai Emery's side suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat at Brighton on Sunday. A nightmare first-half collapse saw Villa concede four goals, score an own goal, and have Joao Gomes sent off before the interval, leaving the visiting skipper furious with the opening-day capitulation.
Ruben Amorim started his reign as AC Milan head coach with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Torino on Sunday evening. Quick-fire second-half goals from teenager Alphadjo Cisse and substitute Adrien Rabiot secured all three points at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, keeping pace with title rivals Inter, Napoli, and Juventus on the opening weekend.
Manchester City survived a major scare against Bournemouth as Enzo Maresca secured his first Premier League win as Pep Guardiola's successor in dramatic fashion. Elliot Anderson's early exit threatened to add to City's problems, but Maresca has moved to ease concerns over the midfielder's fitness after his £116m move from Nottingham Forest.
Former Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah opened his Trabzonspor account in style with a match-winning brace in a 2-1 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir on Sunday. The Egyptian star struck in either half, overcoming Eldor Shomurodov's penalty equaliser, to secure his new club's first Turkish Super Lig win of the 2026-27 campaign.
Anthony Gordon marked his Barcelona debut in style by providing two assists in five minutes during a commanding 5-0 victory over Elche. The England winger replaced Lamine Yamal in the second half to set up Raphinha and Fermin Lopez, helping the reigning champions make a flawless start to their La Liga title defence on Sunday.
Brighton and Hove Albion have announced the tragic death of a 72-year-old supporter who passed away after falling unwell shortly after Sunday's victory over Aston Villa. The fan was preparing to board a supporters' bus when the incident occurred, casting a devastating shadow over the opening weekend of the Premier League season at the Amex Stadium.
Gary Neville has strongly criticised Liverpool attackers Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz following their underwhelming performances in a dramatic opening-weekend draw against Newcastle. Neville believes the expensive duo have had a free ride for the past year and must quickly start delivering in the final third if they want to avoid intense scrutiny this season.
Paris Saint-Germain sports advisor Luis Campos has insisted that the French champions' transfer window is "far from over" as the deadline approaches. The Ligue 1 giants remain active in both arrivals and potential departures, amidst growing interest from Liverpool in attackers Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye.
Marc Guehi has reflected on his unexpected mid-game tactical deployment in midfield after Manchester City secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The England defender proved instrumental in altering the momentum of the Premier League encounter after shifting into a central holding role.
Newcastle United manager Matthias Jaissle expressed deep frustration over a stoppage-time penalty awarded to Liverpool during a dramatic draw at St James' Park. The late decision allowed Dominik Szoboszlai to secure a vital point, prompting Jaissle to fiercely question the standard of officiating and suggest such soft fouls negatively impact the sport.
Gary Neville believes Arsenal are clear favourites to retain the Premier League title this season, stating they should win the league comfortably. His comments come after a dramatic opening weekend where title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool both delivered unconvincing performances in their respective matches, while Mikel Arteta's team secured a dominant victory.
Liverpool's high-octane start to the 2026-27 Premier League campaign descended into tactical chaos on Sunday afternoon at St James' Park as Andoni Iraola's first competitive game in charge ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw with Newcastle United. Despite rescuing a point deep in stoppage time, the Reds looked alarmingly vulnerable on the transition, drawing sharp criticism from club icon Jamie Carragher.
Andoni Iraola has shared his thoughts on Liverpool securing a dramatic 2-2 draw against Newcastle United on the opening weekend of the Premier League season. Despite falling behind twice, a stoppage-time penalty from Dominik Szoboszlai ensured the visitors avoided defeat, prompting Iraola to admit that scoring late in the game brings a uniquely satisfying feeling.
Diego Simeone has staunchly defended Julian Alvarez after the Argentina international suffered a hostile reception from Atletico Madrid supporters during Sunday's 2-2 draw with Villarreal. The forward faced loud jeers at the Metropolitano following a summer-long transfer saga involving Barcelona, prompting his manager to issue a firm vow of protection.
Enzo Maresca has insisted that Manchester City remain a work in progress despite securing a dramatic late victory over Bournemouth. The new manager praised the incredible impact of his substitutes while acknowledging the significant physical disparities in his squad, emphasising that much more time and preparation are required to reach their optimal level this season.
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