Lists

Leeds United have opened negotiations with Manchester City over a permanent move for highly-rated goalkeeper James Trafford. The England international is reportedly leaning towards a move to Elland Road after a difficult season acting as an understudy at the Etihad Stadium.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are likely to have taken in their “last dance” at the World Cup finals, former France international Mikael Silvestre has told GOAL. Two all-time greats featured at the 2026 event, as their evergreen exploits thrill audiences across the globe, but Argentina and Portugal may be without their respective GOATs when the 2030 tournament rolls around.

Newcastle United have struck a major blow in the transfer market by agreeing a deal to sign highly-rated Monaco midfielder Aladji Bamba. The Magpies are set to pay a significant fee for the 20-year-old as Eddie Howe continues to overhaul his squad for the new campaign.

The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) is set to file a formal complaint over Donald Trump's political interference in rescinding Folarin Balogun's World Cup red card. President Lise Klaveness condemned FIFA's decision-making process, while US Soccer officials and Balogun himself reflected on the intense controversy that engulfed the tournament.

Manchester United's ambitious move for Eduardo Camavinga has hit a significant roadblock as the Frenchman prioritises a future in the Spanish capital. Despite initial optimism from the Red Devils, the lure of working under Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid has shifted the midfielder's perspective on a Premier League switch.

Eli Junior Kroupi is said to be registering on Arsenal’s transfer radar, but Mikael Silvestre has told GOAL why the Gunners would be “different fish” for his fellow Frenchman if a big-money move away from Bournemouth were to be made. The talented 20-year-old is considered to be the hottest of prospects, with further progress domestically and internationally expected in 2026-27.

Luis Suarez stepped up in the absence of Lionel Messi to score twice and guide Inter Miami to a 3-2 victory over Chicago Fire, spoiling Robert Lewandowski's MLS debut. After the match, Herons manager Guillermo Hoyos praised the Uruguayan veteran, comparing his tactical intelligence to that of his iconic Argentine team-mate.

Barcelona have completed the signing of Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund for a reported €29 million fee, including potential add-ons. The 24-year-old Germany international has penned a five-year contract with the Catalan giants, providing vital attacking depth following the departure of Robert Lewandowski and the end of Marcus Rashford's loan spell.

Memphis Depay's future at Corinthians remains uncertain, with the Dutch striker finding himself in a true contractual limbo just days before the end of his current contract. Despite openly expressing his desire to extend his stay at Parque Sao Jorge, a multi-million dollar debt accumulated by the Sao Paulo club has become the main obstacle to signing a new agreement.

Manchester United have been ruled out of the 2026-27 Premier League title race, with Mikael Silvestre - who captured four top-flight crowns with the Red Devils in his playing days - telling GOAL it is “too early” for Michael Carrick to restore domestic dominance. Positive progress is being made at Old Trafford, but more rebuilding work is required on and off the pitch.

Neymar has broken his silence following intense backlash over his decision to compete in a poker tournament while Santos played a crucial Copa Sudamericana tie. The 34-year-old superstar posted a cryptic social media response as he continues to recover from Brazil's shock World Cup exit and his subsequent retirement from international football.

Real Madrid have reportedly contacted Manchester City to deny making an approach for Rodri following sensational reports of a pre-transfer agreement. The Spanish giants are fuming over claims that a deal has been struck for the World Cup Golden Ball winner, insisting that his style does not align with Jose Mourinho's current tactical setup.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have never been team-mates, but Mikael Silvestre has told GOAL that it would “make sense” for two GOATs to be kept apart in MLS if CR7 were to join his eternal rival in the United States. There has been talk of a remarkable union being pieced together at Inter Miami, but not everybody is convinced that a couple of iconic figures should grace the same team.

The transfer soap opera involving Julian Alvarez, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid has entered a decisive phase as the Catalan giants wait for the player to force his exit. Barcelona president Joan Laporta has made it clear that the club's massive offer will not stay on the table forever as they look to finalise their squad for the upcoming campaign.

Arsenal have been advised to join the transfer scramble for Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, with Mikael Silvestre telling GOAL that a move to Emirates Stadium would be an “obvious choice” for all concerned. The reigning Premier League champions are in the market for creative reinforcements, particularly on the left side of their attacking unit.

Atalanta are considering cashing in on Charles De Ketelaere following his standout performances at the World Cup, with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain expressing interest. The Serie A side have slapped a €50 million valuation on the Belgian playmaker as European giants prepare to battle for his signature during the summer window.

Real Madrid icon Luis Figo believes Kylian Mbappe remains a primary contender for the 2026 Ballon d’Or following a stellar World Cup campaign. The former Portugal international also addressed the persistent rumours linking Manchester City’s midfield anchor Rodri with a high-profile move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Former Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has explained why Lamine Yamal was unable to produce his absolute best form during Spain's triumph at the 2026 World Cup. The teenage prodigy entered the tournament following a lengthy injury layoff, but the Polish veteran praised his former team-mate's crucial contribution to La Roja's victory.

Lionel Messi's leadership has often been defined by his actions on the pitch, but new details have emerged regarding his vocal role in the dressing room during Argentina's 2026 World Cup campaign. Following a viral video that captured the legendary No.10 delivering a focused message to his squad before the final against Spain, fans and theorists alike began to wonder if there was a hidden meaning behind his specific choice of words.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is considering joining an investment consortium led by Amit Bhatia to secure a minority stake in Liverpool. The potential deal, valued at around £1.35bn, would allow Fenway Sports Group to retain majority control while opening up significant strategic and financial opportunities for the Merseyside club.

Lamine Yamal has opened up on the touching moment he shared with Lionel Messi following the 2026 World Cup final. The teenage sensation helped Spain overcome Argentina in a historic showdown, but it was the post-match exchange with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner that truly resonated with him.

With the World Cup over and pre-season friendlies beginning in earnest over the next week, it feels like the new club season is hurtling towards us at a rather alarming rate. With that in mind, managers are getting increasingly twitchy when it comes to transfers, with coaches around Europe keen to know which players they will and won't be able to call upon over the coming weeks and months.

Chelsea could have a problem on their hands when Enzo Fernandez returns from his post-World Cup holiday - both figuratively and literally. The midfielder and his outspoken agent have made it abundantly clear that he wants to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, and following the ugly conclusion to Argentina's quest for glory in North America, Enzo is now expected to "explore his options". The problem is, he might not have any.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri is set to undergo surgery on a back injury, casting significant doubt over his availability for the start of the 2026-27 campaign. The Spain captain returned from international duty after leading his country to World Cup glory, but the Premier League giants now face an extended period without their key anchor.

Mario Balotelli insists he has absolutely no regrets about his turbulent football career. The controversial Italian striker admits to making numerous mistakes during his younger days, but maintains a clear conscience, declaring that he has never intentionally caused harm to anyone while experiencing the inevitable highs and lows of professional football.

Arsenal have confirmed that star defender William Saliba is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining a back injury during the 2026 World Cup. The Frenchman, who was a vital part of Les Bleus' run to the semi-finals, underwent specialist reviews upon his return to London which revealed the extent of the damage.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) have strongly denied allegations that president Claudio Tapia and treasurer Pablo Toviggino were detained by federal agents and ordered to testify in the United States. Following widespread reports suggesting the pair had their electronic devices seized, the governing body have released a firm statement clarifying the ongoing legal situation.

Jurgen Klopp is on the verge of being appointed as the new head coach of the Germany national team. Following the dismissal of Julian Nagelsmann after a highly disappointing World Cup campaign, the German Football Association (DFB) is preparing to finalise the details. A presentation could take place as early as Friday once the remaining administrative hurdles are officially cleared.

Newcastle United appear to have stepped back from their pursuit of James Trafford as the goalkeeper begins his post-World Cup holiday. Despite long-standing interest in the former Burnley man, the Magpies are now hesitant to meet Manchester City's substantial financial demands to secure his services this summer.