Liverpool have emerged as one of only three elite clubs capable of triggering a secret release clause in Nico Schlotterbeck's new Borussia Dortmund contract. The German international recently committed his future to BVB until 2031, but the deal includes specific provisions that could see him head to Anfield or the Santiago Bernabeu as early as this summer.
Kylian Mbappe has suggested that football's current "era of excessive consumption" is making it impossible for elite players to maintain peak performance. The Real Madrid superstar expressed his deep gratitude for his career but admitted that expectations have become unrealistic at the top level.
Declan Rice, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are all considered to be Ballon d’Or-worthy talents, but who will be the next Englishman to win the prestigious Golden Ball? Former Three Lions midfielder Gareth Barry has delivered his verdict to GOAL, with Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid superstars eager to be recognised as the best player on the planet.
Nico Schlotterbeck’s contract extension at Borussia Dortmund includes a controversial “dream club” release clause that has sparked debate among fans. Germany legend Lothar Matthaus believes the clause is logical for an ambitious player and could even benefit Dortmund financially if Real Madrid or another giant comes calling.
From an individual perspective, Kylian Mbappe's free transfer to Real Madrid in 2024 has been a roaring success. The insatiable French forward has hit a staggering 83 goals across his first 97 appearances for Los Blancos, including 39 across all competitions in the current campaign - a total bettered only by Bayern Munich's Harry Kane among all the players in Europe's top five leagues.
Paulo Fonseca has revealed that his recent public critique of Endrick was a deliberate tactic designed to spark a reaction from the Brazil international. The Real Madrid loanee responded emphatically during Lyon’s 2-0 Ligue 1 victory over Lorient, playing a pivotal role in both goals after being challenged by his manager to take more responsibility on the pitch.
Manchester City have been offered transfer advice when it comes to Rodri, with it possible that he could be replaced by “the best holding midfielder in England”. Real Madrid continue to be linked with a Ballon d’Or-winning star at the Etihad Stadium, with Gareth Barry telling GOAL what he would like to see happen in the summer window of 2026.
Real Madrid are reportedly planning to sell a promising first-team star so that Endrick can be reintegrated into the squad after his loan spell at Lyon ends. The Brazil international has enjoyed a resurgence since joining the Ligue 1 club in January and will be given a second chance at the Santiago Bernabeu next season.
FC Barcelona looks set to suffer a setback in their bid to sign Victor Munoz. Of all teams, it is Real Madrid who appear to be throwing a spanner in the works.
Real Madrid are concerned about Kylian Mbappé. Just days before the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich, the forward had to cut short a training session.
Real Madrid loanee Endrick delivered the perfect response to criticism from Paulo Fonseca, coming off the bench to inspire Lyon to a crucial 2-0 victory over Lorient in Ligue 1. After being challenged by his manager to improve his form, the Brazilian wonderkid provided an assist and played a key role in the second goal, ending his side's dismal nine-game winless run in the French top flight.
Real Madrid
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