Barcelona have confirmed Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been reinstated as club captain after resolving a dispute over his medical records following back surgery. The Germany international had initially refused to sign an authorisation form for La Liga, resulting in the temporary removal of his captaincy and the opening of disciplinary proceedings. The matter has now been settled, with the goalkeeper back in his leadership role.
The 2024/25 Championship season began with more drama off the ball than on it, as Birmingham City’s opening clash with Ipswich Town at St Andrew’s on Friday night descended into chaos during stoppage time. A tense contest, decided by a stoppage-time penalty, was overshadowed by a heated player confrontation and an alarming pitch invasion.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson is bracing his side for the intensity and demands of Championship football as the club prepares for its first second-tier campaign in more than four decades. Their remarkable journey from the National League to the Championship has captivated fans, but Parkinson is under no illusions about the scale of the task ahead.
Endrick has beaten Gonzalo Garcia to the No.9 shirt number at Real Madrid. The decision marks a significant vote of confidence from manager Xabi Alonso, who is expected to give the youngster a more prominent role in the upcoming campaign.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has reaffirmed that Alexander Isak remains part of the club’s long-term plans, but admitted the Sweden international cannot currently train with the squad or feature in their Premier League curtain-raiser against Aston Villa. The decision comes amid mounting transfer speculation linking the forward with a transfer to the reigning English champions Liverpool.
Manchester United have reportedly shown interest in Internacional's young forward, Ricardo Mathias, following a scouting mission this week. According to Globo Esporte, the Premier League club sent an official scout to observe the 19-year-old in action during Internacional’s Copa do Brasil match against Fluminense at the Maracana Stadium. Although Internacional was eliminated after the 1-1 draw, the performance of their rising star did not go unnoticed by potential suitors.
Luka Modric is diving headfirst into his role at Swansea City as he works to help the club secure a return to the Premier League. Despite his recent move to AC Milan the Croatian legend has made it clear that he intends to play a hands-on role in Swansea’s ambitions. His involvement goes beyond the boardroom, and there is even hope that Modric could finish his career playing for the Welsh club.
The football community continues to mourn the loss of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, with AS Roma's Paulo Dybala, accompanied by veteran manager Claudio Ranieri and sporting director Frederic Massara, arrived at Anfield to lay a bouquet of flowers at the growing memorial dedicated to Jota. The Portuguese international and his younger brother, André Silva, tragically lost their lives in a car accident in Spain in early July.
Manchester City’s training ground had a touch of nostalgia this week as former winger Riyad Mahrez made an unexpected appearance, reuniting with old team-mates and staff. The 34-year-old, remembered as one of the defining figures of City’s dominant era, was spotted walking through the Etihad Campus, exchanging warm greetings and laughter with familiar faces.
Manchester United won on penalties but were held to a 1-1 draw by Fiorentina in their final pre-season friendly as Bryan Mbeumo shone the brightest amid a lacklustre attacking unit.
Alexander Isak has been left furious after learning that Newcastle United are determined to sell him in the summer transfer window. The transfer saga, involving Isak, has been going on since the start of the window as the Swedish striker expressed his desire to leave the Magpies and sign for Liverpool. The Reds even launched a massive bid, which was knocked back by Newcastle.
Former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho reminisced about his time at Anfield, while spilling details on his painful exit from the club, as he joined Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ittihad in 2023. The Brazilian spent five years at the Merseyside club, where he won multiple trophies, including the Champions League in his maiden campaign and the Premier League title in the subsequent season.
Newcastle United are in advanced talks with AC Milan over the transfer of German defender Malick Thiaw after they submitted an improved bid of €40 million. The player has agreed on personal terms and has given his signal to the move as the two clubs now discuss the final terms of the deal. The Magpies, who suffered disappointment in several of their transfer pursuits, are finally able to seal a move.