Chris Burton

There has been more chaos at Camp Nou, with commentary positions and media facilities at Barcelona’s newly-renovated stadium getting drenched during a La Liga clash with Real Oviedo. As the heavens opened in Catalonia, those looking to cover the game were given a soaking - with their working conditions becoming almost impossible to operate in.

Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos has taken a huge step towards completing a takeover of his boyhood club. The World Cup-winning defender has not announced his retirement from playing, with a new team being sought at 39 years of age, but he does form part of a consortium that are bidding to take control of La Liga heavyweights at Sevilla, where he began his career.

Amad Diallo openly mocked Mikel Arteta’s tactics after seeing Manchester United claim a dramatic 3-2 victory over Arsenal at Emirates Stadium. The Red Devils inflicted a costly defeat on the Premier League leaders, with more questions being asked of the Gunners’ reliance on set-pieces. Amad has savagely reminded them that “your only hope is a corner”.

Lamine Yamal added another stunning goal to his collection when netting an acrobatic volley for Barcelona in their La Liga victory over Real Oviedo. The teenage wonderkid was left frustrated for long periods of that contest, but ended up making a telling contribution. Yamal put the finishing touches on a 3-0 victory that has taken the Blaugrana back to the top of the table in Spain.

Real Madrid loanee Endrick, who has enjoyed an impressive start to life in France on the back of his loan transfer during the winter window, struck a stunning hat-trick for Lyon in their 5-2 victory over Metz. The Brazil international is playing with a smile again, having endured a tough time in Spain, and has already fully endeared himself to an excited new fan base.

Virgil van Dijk is eager to see “my vice-captain” Andy Robertson remain at Liverpool. Mounting speculation during the January transfer window suggests that the Scotland international left-back has emerged as a shock target for Tottenham. Van Dijk is hoping that a fellow two-time Premier League title winner will not be allowed to leave Anfield.

Barcelona were far from convincing in their meeting with Real Oviedo at Camp Nou, as they toiled for long periods against rock-bottom opponents, but the Blaugrana returned to the La Liga summit courtesy of a 3-0 win. Dani Olmo, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal dug them out of a hole on home soil, with class eventually shining through as a collection of impressive finishes delivered three hard-fought points.

Manchester City may be in need of a new captain next season, with Bernardo Silva’s contract running down towards free agency, and a prediction has been made regarding who will take the armband. Portuguese defender Ruben Dias and prolific Norwegian striker Erling Haaland are reported to be among those in contention to take over skipper duties at the Etihad Stadium.

Former Argentina international Javier Zanetti considers fellow countryman Lionel Messi to be “the essence of football” as he is capable of doing “crazy things”. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has proved as much over the course of his career, with the South American GOAT still going strong at the age of 38 with MLS Cup winners Inter Miami.

Christian Pulisic is “the best player at AC Milan right now” and the only American that would feature on a list of the “top 150 players in the world”, claims one of his former coaches. The United States international is considered to have benefited from playing “street soccer” in England as a youngster, with those early experiences putting him on a path to superstardom.

There is always a scramble to secure Lionel Messi’s shirt whenever he takes to the field for Inter Miami or Argentina, with the South American GOAT facing plenty of requests. Alan Cantero was the lucky recipient of an iconic No.10 jersey following Messi’s first outing of 2026. The Alianza Lima striker broke down in tears after landing a prized momento at the end of a friendly fixture.

Xabi Alonso has reportedly received a “first call” from Liverpool, with his interest in a future managerial role on Merseyside being sounded out. The World Cup winner is available at present after seeing a testing spell in charge of Real Madrid cut short after seven months. Arne Slot continues to oversee events at Anfield for now, but questions are being asked of his future.

Brooklyn Beckham’s former youth team coach at Queens Park Rangers has added his voice to the debate regarding how controlling ex-England captain Sir David and Spice Girls star Victoria can be when it comes to their children. Brooklyn has taken to speaking out against his famous parents following a family feud, with a “strange dynamic” admission now being made.

Former Arsenal star Bacary Sagna has told GOAL, during an exclusive interview, that Arsenal can win both the Premier League and Champions League this season. The north London giants are hoping to make history in 2025-26, but Sagna - who also represented Manchester City in his playing days - has warned that Pep Guardiola “will not let go” in a bid to chase the Gunners down.

Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers has revealed how he took inspiration from the “no-care attitude” of former Manchester United stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba. The 23-year-old is now an enigmatic playmaker in his own right, capable of match-altering brilliance, and has a regular role with England at the 2026 World Cup in his sights.

USMNT star Brenden Aaronson is considered to be enjoying the best spell of his career, as the American playmaker finally cracks the Premier League at Leeds. He is, however, approaching the final year of his contract at Elland Road and Brad Friedel has explained to GOAL why a World Cup summer will deliver some huge transfer decisions in West Yorkshire.

Harry Kane enjoyed being reunited with former Tottenham team-mate Toby Alderweireld following his latest Champions League outing for Bayern Munich, despite being reminded that he was once billed as a “one-season wonder” in English football. Kane has proved to be much more than that, with remarkable standards being maintained in domestic and continental competition.

Manchester United have been told that Benjamin Sesko is not the striker that they need right now, despite investing £74 million ($100m) in the Slovenia international. Red Devils legend Teddy Sheringham has told GOAL why Harry Kane should have been taken to Old Trafford several years ago, with Premier League heavyweights still crying out for a reliable and proven No.9.