Aymeric Laporte has lifted the lid on his difficult exit from Al-Nassr, revealing the Saudi club's financial demands almost scuppered his dream return to Athletic Club. The Spain international admitted he felt "in the middle of nowhere" during protracted negotiations but insisted that coming back to Bilbao was always his primary objective.
Barcelona ran riot against Valencia as they defeated their domestic rivals 6-0 in La Liga on Sunday. Coach Hansi Flick praised the team's performance, highlighting winger Roony Bardghji's mentality as he dropped Raphinha and gave the Swedish winger a start ahead of Raphinha, who was reportedly dropped as a disciplinary measure after arriving late for a pre-match activation session.
Fermin Lopez stole the day while Raphinha and Robert Lewandoswki struck a devastating brace off the bench each to brush aside Valencia 6-0, as Barcelona returned to winning ways in La Liga. La Blaugrana put on a true five-star display as the visitors were put to the sword.
Kylian Mbappe has been criticised for having “no private life”, with the Real Madrid superstar being urged to accept the “price of fame”. It has been revealed that the France international, who recently claimed that the world of football is “disgusting”, does not have a driver’s licence. A fellow countryman has questioned the decision to become so reclusive.
Real Madrid have been handed hope in their pursuit of challenging the state of refereeing in Spanish football. According to MARCA, it is understood that the Video Assistant Referee from Saturday's game between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad, as well as on-field referee Gil Manzano, will have to bear the consequences after the controversial sending off of Dean Huijsen.
The Spanish football federation has hit back at Barcelona after Hansi Flick accused the national team of ignoring the possibility of Lamine Yamal suffering a potential injury. The teenager will not be available for the game against Valencia, which made Flick furious. However, the Spanish FA has clarified that they conducted all medical checks on Yamal.
Carlo Ancelotti's club career was believed to be over when he joined Brazil at the end of last season. However, the legendary Italian head coach does not rule out a Real Madrid return for a third spell, claiming that Los Blancos are the only team which would tempt him to prolong his 30-year long career in football management upon ending his international adventure.
Real Madrid emerged victors with a man down against Real Sociedad at the Anoeta on Saturday, but the club are extremely unhappy with the controversial sending off of Dean Huijsen. In light of the incident, Madrid are believed to be compiling a report which will include all the officiating errors from the current season and the previous one, and this will be submitted to FIFA.
Xabi Alonso used his post-match press conference to mount a defence of Dean Huijsen, after the young centre back was sent off on the 30-minute mark in Real Madrid's 2-1 win over Real Sociedad. The ex-Bournemouth starlet was shown a straight red after pulling down Mikel Oyarzabal, with the referee judging the Sociedad striker had a clear route to goal.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has criticised Spain’s handling of Lamine Yamal after revealing the winger took painkillers to play in their World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Turkey. Flick confirmed the teenager will subsequently miss the Blaugrana’s La Liga clash with Valencia on Sunday evening with a groin injury.
Real Madrid are reportedly set to be without defender Antonio Rudiger for two-and-a-half months in a huge blow for the Spanish giants. Xabi Alonso’s side confirmed on Friday that the Germany international was set for a spell on the sidelines with a thigh injury suffered in training. Rudiger has been plagued by a number of fitness issues in what has been a difficult past year for the centre-back.
Real Betis are launching a unique clothing range inspired by Antony's neck tattoo as the club look to fund £21.6m move from Manchester United. The Brazilian winger had already won fans over during his loan spell in Seville last season, but finances threatened to derail the deal. United stood firm on their valuation, leaving Betis to search for creative ways to bridge a £5m gap.
Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has received his very own F50 boots as adidas launch the teenager’s second exclusive collection, just days after unveiling his personal logo. The 18-year-old attacker, who already boasts over 100 appearances for Barca, will debut the striking purple-and-pink design this week as his meteoric rise continues both on and off the pitch.
Real Madrid are reportedly growing in confidence that they can secure Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer next summer. The Frenchman, out of contract at Anfield in 2026, is said to be the subject of internal discussions among Los Blancos staff, who believe they are close to reaching a verbal agreement with the 26-year-old centre-back.