Alejandro Grimaldo has admitted he could have joined either Real Madrid or Barcelona in the summer transfer window, only for both moves to fall through. The Bayer Leverkusen star revealed that Los Blancos opted for Alvaro Carreras instead, while discussions with the Catalan giants and Atletico Madrid also failed to materialise.
Marseille are ready to buy Matt O'Riley on a permanent deal in January after initially signing the attacking midfielder on loan from Brighton for the season. Sporting director Medhi Benatia and his team have been impressed by the Denmark international's performances and are eager to ensure he does not slip out of their grasp.
Bayern Munich's record-breaking start to the season has earned plaudits, but Didi Hamann sees a potential danger. The German legend believes the team's 'youthful enthusiasm' and excessive running, such as in their 5-1 win over Pafos in midweek, could have 'brutal consequences' later in the season, highlighting a flaw in their otherwise dominant approach.
Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer has, in an exclusive chat with GOAL, been urged to jump at the chance of moving to Barcelona or Real Madrid if the giants from La Liga ever come calling. The England international has become one of the Premier League’s brightest lights, while also impressing with the Three Lions, and is likely to register on the recruitment radar of leading sides around the world in upcoming transfer windows.
Ruben Amorim has been told that the manager isn't the problem at Manchester United, who have been advised to "get back to schoolboy football". The former Sporting CP coach, who was parachuted into Old Trafford last November with a glowing reputation, has seen his new chapter in England crash hard amid an extremely poor run of results.
Bukayo Saka has finally lifted the lid on the gruelling battle he endured during his longest spell on the sidelines, and the unlikely furry friend who helped him through it. The Arsenal and England sensation, who has been one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers in recent years, saw the 2024-25 season torn apart by recurring hamstring issues that left him sidelined for months.
Dietmar Hamann has labelled Jobe Bellingham as Borussia Dortmund's "only cause for concern" amid the club's strong start to the season. The German legend's criticism comes as the 20-year-old struggles for form, with manager Niko Kovac defending the 'nervous' star amid reports of off-field pressure from his family.
Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany has acknowledged Eintracht Frankfurt's rising star Can Uzun's impressive performances this seasib. The former Manchester City defender believes Uzun is leading the next generation of "top players" in the Bundesliga as his side prepare to face the 19-year-old in the German top-flight this weekend.
Ibrahima Konate was fiercely defended by Liverpool head coach Arne Slot amid his rising errors at the back as the Reds look to end their losing run. The French centre-back was shaky against Crystal Palace, gifting two gilt-edged chances in a disastrous first half and picking up a booking in the process. A similar story unfolded at Galatasaray on Tuesday, where his hesitant defending and loose touches under pressure left fans biting their nails.
Antony has accused Manchester United of "rudeness" during his time at Old Trafford, with a forgettable stint in English football being brought to a close when completing a permanent transfer to Real Betis. The Brazil international linked up with the Red Devils in 2022 when completing a big-money move from Ajax, but struggled to produce his best with the Premier League heavyweights.
Manuel Neuer is leaning towards extending his stay at Bayern Munich despite expectations he could retire in 2026. The 39-year-old goalkeeper, who has been the Bavarians’ No.1 since 2011, is still producing at the top level and has already kept three clean sheets this season. His decision could shape Bayern’s future plans between the posts.
Wayne Rooney has finally revealed how he really felt towards Cristiano Ronaldo after he was sent off during England's World Cup quarter-final tie with Portugal in 2006. Ronaldo and Rooney were Manchester United team-mates at the time but their relationship looked to be threatened after Ronaldo played a role in Rooney getting a red card and then winked towards the Portugal bench.
Bayern Munich's defensive midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic has garnered attention from top European clubs. This includes heavy interest from Manchester City, where he is rated highly, and also city rivals Manchester United as they look to enhance their squad amid their ongoing struggles under Ruben Amorim.
Yoane Wissa's injury comeback has been further delayed by several weeks after Newcastle sent him for a meeting with a specialist. The £55 million summer signing will now miss at least five more matches after a setback. The DR Congo international was expected to make his first appearance against Brighton later this month, but those hopes have been dashed.
Erik ten Hag could make a sensational return to Ajax in January following his failed stint at Bayer Leverkusen. The Dutch giants are under increasing pressure after a poor start under John Heitinga, with fans calling for change. While Ajax’s board are reluctant to act immediately, Ten Hag remains the standout option to steady the ship long-term.
Under-fire Forest boss Postecoglou could be out of a job as early as next week as the club plan to make a decision on his disastrous reign during the forthcoming international window. The Aussie manager has failed to see his team win and were humiliated 3-2 by minnows Midtjylland in the Europa League - where some fans chanted for the return of previous boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
Barcelona have commenced their communication with Benfica teenager Goncalo Oliveira's agent over a possible move in the future. The player's entourage met Barca's sporting director Deco, and although only brief talks were held, the Catalan think-tank might consider an offer for the 19-year-old, who is yet to make his senior debut for the Portuguese giants.
Barcelona have abandoned the European Super League project, leaving Real Madrid isolated in their push to challenge UEFA. The Catalan giants believe UEFA’s Champions League reforms now meet their demands, ending their pursuit of a breakaway competition. The move marks a dramatic shift in stance that leaves Florentino Perez as the last pillar keeping the project alive.
Alvaro Negredo has blasted Manchester United's approach towards £74 million ($99.5m) striker Benjamin Sesko, warning them that expecting him to win games on his own is unfair and will only hinder his development. The Slovenian forward has been under the microscope since his big-money arrival from RB Leipzig this summer, but he has struggled to deliver the goals expected of him.
Bayern Munich left-back Raphael Guerreiro, who has 72 appearances for the Bundesliga giants, might not have a future at the Allianz Arena heading into the 2026-27 season. The Portuguese defender, who has struggled with injuries and playing time under manager Vincent Kompany, is expected to leave the club as a free agent after his contract expires next summer.
The full cost of replacing the Man Utd managers and their coaching teams since the departure of Sir Alex has been revealed and it could leap up by a mammoth amount if the club decide to dispense of current incumbent Amorim. The merry-go-round of managers in the 12 years since the Scot left includes some of the biggest names in the game, but none of them have come close to filling his boots.
Manchester United will pay tribute to the victims of the terrorist attack at a local synagogue this week when they play Sunderland at Old Trafford on Saturday. Two men were killed when a man drove into members of the public before stabbing people worshipping in the north of the city on Thursday. The perpetrator was shot dead by armed police, who accidentally killed one of the victims.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has been told by former team-mate Vladimir Smicer that his emotional intensity would have been a liability as a manager, but he's perfectly suited for his current role as a football pundit. He had all the qualities: leadership, tactical awareness, and a deep understanding of the game. But the Merseysider chose a not to take up coaching.
Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has stated that Federico Valverde is ready to play against Villarreal and denied that he objected from playing in a defensive role in their latest Champions League fixture. Valverde even penned an emotional statement as a response to such reports that called his commitment into question.
In a groundbreaking move, Demetri Mitchell, the former Manchester United prospect, has revealed he used ChatGPT to handle his contract negotiations at Leyton Orient, bypassing the need for an agent and pocketing extra cash in the process. Mitchell, now 28, had been on the books at Old Trafford but never made an impact on the first-team stage.
Paris Saint-Germain will attempt to prevent the injured Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from joining the Georgia national team after he was called up for their World Cup qualifiers. The French champions, already frustrated after Ousmane Dembele's recent injury on international duty, will attempt to prevent their star winger from travelling.
Ange Postecoglou insists he remains confident in Nottingham Forest’s direction despite intense speculation over his future following a poor start to life at the City Ground. The Australian is still searching for his first win after six matches in charge, but says his focus is firmly on improving results rather than the growing uncertainty around his job.
Athletic Club will hold a special pre-match ceremony to show solidarity with Palestine before their La Liga game against Mallorca. The club's San Mames stadium will display a 'Stop the genocide' message, while special guests including ex-Palestine captain Honey Thaljieh will be honoured on the pitch as part of a wider club initiative.
Eddie Howe has admitted he would “love” to bring Elliot Anderson back to Newcastle United after the midfielder’s impressive rise at Nottingham Forest. The England international returns to St James’ Park this weekend, almost one and a half year after leaving his boyhood club in a £35 million ($47m) deal forced by the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Lamine Yamal has reportedly felt discomfort in his pubic area once again after the Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain. The 18-year-old was sidelined for three weeks due to the same injury and now his participation against Sevilla and his presence in the Spanish national team is doubtful.