Chris Burton

Robert Lewandowski is reluctant to leave Barcelona as a free agent and has reportedly set a goal target that will help him to earn a contract extension. The prolific Polish striker, who is now 37 years of age, is said to have a “very good” offer on the table from MLS side the Chicago Fire. He is ready to delay any move to the United States and remain in Catalunya.

USMNT star Weston McKennie has, according to reports in Italy, finally agreed a new contract with Juventus. Fresh terms will bring transfer talk to the close, as the United States international has been heading towards free agency. It is claimed that the versatile midfielder’s new deal will see him become one of the top earners with Serie A heavyweights.

Neymar has fans concerned that he will be in no fit state to form part of Brazil’s squad at the 2026 World Cup, with a viral clip of the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar in action for Santos leading to accusations of the 34-year-old playmaker being “done”. Neymar is still clinging to the dream of representing his country at another major international tournament this summer.

Wrexham have tied midfield duo Ollie Rathbone and George Dobson to new contracts. The energetic pair, who are full of running in the Red Dragons’ engine room, have seen their efforts in North Wales rewarded with fresh terms. With long-term future issues taken care of, they can now focus fully on a bid to reach the Premier League through a fourth successive promotion.

Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a classy message to Lindsey Vonn after seeing the American skier discharged from hospital on the back of her horror fall at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Italy. A legend of the slopes suffered a dramatic crash just a matter of seconds into her opening run of the downhill competition in Cortina, leading to her being airlifted to hospital.

Manchester City have been warned that a 60-point deduction would be “logical” if they are found guilty of multiple rule breaches in their 115-charge Financial Fair Play case. That saga has dragged on for several years, with a final verdict yet to be delivered. The Premier League cannot relegate City into the EFL, but various alternative outcomes are being speculated on.

Harry Kane has been billed as “the second David Beckham” as questions continue to be asked of his long-term future at Bayern Munich. The England international striker has been at the Allianz Arena since 2023, breaking his fabled trophy duck in Germany, but has less than 18 months left to run on his contract. Lothar Matthaus believes that a “global brand” will agree fresh terms.

Jose Mourinho “f*cked up” with his “clumsy” comments on Vinicius Junior, claims former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel. The Portuguese coach attracted criticism following a Champions League clash between Benfica and Real Madrid that sparked another racism row. Mourinho sought to defend his player, Gianluca Prestianni, while questioning the behaviour of Brazilian star Vinicius.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has revealed the gruesome injuries that he suffered when taking a heavy blow to the face during AC Milan’s Serie A clash with Parma. The England international midfielder has undergone surgery to fix a broken jaw. The former Chelsea star is now nursing serious swelling on his face, while also missing a number of teeth.

Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has been provisionally suspended by UEFA as an investigation into the events of a Champions League clash with Real Madrid continue. The Argentine stands accused of directing racist comments at Blancos forward Vinicius Junior. He will sit out the second leg of a knockout phase play-off clash at Santiago Bernabeu.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac have been called out for making “very naive” comments about Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson. Hollywood co-owners in North Wales have claimed that a coach looking to deliver a record-extending fourth successive promotion has a “job for life”. There have, however, been suggestions that the Red Dragons would “outgrow” their current boss in the Premier League.

Manchester United have been warned off a stunning transfer swoop for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior. The Brazil international has been making headlines again of late and former Red Devils defender Paul Parker considers the South American to be a “rage baiter”. He is not convinced that Jarrod Bowen should be taken to Old Trafford either, but would like to see a deal done for Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers.

Roberto Martinez maintains that Cristiano Ronaldo should be considered football’s GOAT regardless of whether he leads Portugal to World Cup glory or not. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is yet to get his hands on the most prestigious of international prizes, but will get another shot at that title in 2026. Martinez sees the evergreen frontman being under no pressure to deliver.

Arne Slot has delivered a brutally honest verdict on the role that teen sensation Rio Ngumoha has to play in Liverpool’s first-team squad. The exciting 17-year-old forward has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2025-26, recording his first senior goal, and many are calling for the youngster to see more game time as fellow wingers Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo struggle to find a spark.

Neymar has endured a so-called “disaster” with Santos that could leave his World Cup dreams with Brazil hanging by a thread. The Samba superstar has returned to action in his homeland, having recovered from a knee operation, but failed to sparkle early in 2026. He needs to convince Selecao boss Carlo Ancelotti that he is deserving of an international recall.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta claims that Lionel Messi refused to greet him when both men attended the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony. Argentine icon Messi was, on the back of his World Cup triumph with Argentina, the star of the show that night as he collected a record-extending eighth Golden Ball. He had no desire to meet up with a familiar face from Camp Nou.

Ex-USMNT and MLS star Tab Ramos has told GOAL that a stunning transfer which unites Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi at Inter Miami could happen, but has explained why said switch could become a “mess”. A remarkable switch to the United States for Portuguese icon CR7 has been mooted on the back of strike action that he recently took in the Saudi Pro League.

Sam Cox, a star of the hit Apple TV+ show Ted Lasso, has been sacked as head coach of National League side Wealdstone after just eight months at the helm. The 35-year-old, who plays fictional West Ham star Armando on the small screen, was handed the reins at Grosvenor Vale in June 2025. He has been unable to steer the Stones away from relegation danger.