LaLiga news

Hansi Flick has explained his shock decision to hand Marc-Andre ter Stegen a first start in months, insisting the veteran goalkeeper deserved the "opportunity" to step back between the sticks. The Barcelona boss hailed the German’s attitude after a morale-boosting victory, though he was quick to clarify the keeper’s immediate status in the pecking order.

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski is reportedly 'open' to joining MLS side the Chicago Fire on a free transfer at the end of the season. The 37-year-old has held positive talks with the club about a potential move after his contract with Hansi Flick's side expires. Lionel Messi's Inter Miami have also been credited with interest in Lewandowski but may now miss out on the goalscoring great.

Despite a stellar season with Barcelona, Brazil star Raphinha was not included in the FIFA Men's World XI team announced in Doha. He was on the 11-player shortlist for the main award after an impressive season that saw him score 18 goals and provide 10 assists in La Liga, but didn’t make it into the team for one of the most prestigious awards of the season.

Leeds United are eyeing a €20m swoop for in-form Sevilla winger Ruben Vargas in the January transfer window. Vargas completed a permanent transfer to the La Liga side in January 2025 on a five-and-a-half-year contract and has slowly established himself as a key member in Matias Almeyda's starting lineup. Leeds are looking to bolster their squad after a poor start to their 2025-26 campaign.

Paris Saint-Germain have been ordered to pay Kylian Mbappe over €60 million in unpaid wages and bonuses, but the legal battle may not be over yet. The French champions have confirmed they will execute the initial judgment while pointedly refusing to rule out a future appeal, insisting they have always acted with "good faith and integrity" throughout the bitter dispute.

England are being advised to drop Jude Bellingham from their starting XI at the 2026 World Cup, with the Real Madrid superstar being informed that Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers currently has “more of an influence” on games. Thomas Tuchel has warned all of those at his disposal that no places in his plans for a shot at global glory next summer are guaranteed.

Joan Laporta has hit back at Real Madrid president Florentino Perez with a scathing diagnosis, claiming the Spanish capital is suffering from a case of "acute Barcelonitis". The Barcelona chief dismissed recent attacks regarding the Negreira scandal as proof of an obsession, suggesting Los Blancos are more concerned with their rivals than their own internal issues.

Jose Mourinho has been hailed as a genius, with former Benfica striker Dean Saunders explaining his “spoil” tactics to GOAL. The self-anointed ‘Special One’ is, however, considered to face plenty of challenges in modern day management due to player power - with it being pointed out that delivering a “rollicking now is dangerous” and can lead to sackings.

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has thrown his full weight behind Florentino Perez in the ongoing war over the Negreira case, insisting that the lack of punishment for Barcelona is viewed with total shock across the rest of Europe. The Madrid president described the ongoing controversy as the biggest scandal in football history as he criticised Spanish football's authorities over a lack of action.

Kylian Mbappe has emerged victorious in his bitter legal war with Paris Saint-Germain after a French court ordered the club to pay him €60 million (£50m/$63m) in unpaid wages and bonuses. The ruling marks a significant blow to the Ligue 1 champions, who saw their own staggering counter-claim of a €440m payment from their former player dismissed by the court.

Anyone that manages to carve out a career for themselves in professional football is ridiculously talented. The standard at the highest level is just so high that it is simply impossible to 'fake it 'til you make it'. However, not everyone is as prodigiously gifted as Lionel Messi or Lamine Yamal. Your average player will require some time to get to grips with the rigours of the elite game.

Atletico Madrid icon Saul Niguez has sparked controversy by claiming bitter rivals Real Madrid have "no fans" compared to his current club Flamengo. The midfielder, now playing under former teammate Filipe Luis in Brazil, launched a stinging attack on the Bernabeu atmosphere while praising the passion of the South American giants ahead of their clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

Marcelo's son is set to make his debut with Real Madrid Castilla after impressing head coach Alvaro Arbeloa. The weight of a legendary surname has followed Enzo Alves since his earliest touches of a football, but this week, the 16-year-old has edged closer to forging an identity of his own as he has been summoned to the Castilla squad for the first time ahead of Tuesday night’s Premier League International Cup clash against Manchester City’s Under-21s at the Joie Stadium.

Barcelona have reportedly identified Borussia Dortmund defender Julian Ryerson as a shock transfer target to bolster their defensive options. The Catalan giants are scouring the market for reinforcements amid growing fears that Manchester City could launch a swoop for Jules Kounde, forcing Hansi Flick to draw up contingency plans for the right-back position.

Inter Miami are reportedly plotting a stunning swoop for Robert Lewandowski that would see the prolific Polish striker join forces with Lionel Messi. The Herons will be looking to defend their MLS Cup crown in 2026 and intend to make more marquee additions to their ranks. Co-owner Sir David Beckham is among those scouring the market, with Lewandowski registering on his recruitment radar.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has used his traditional Christmas address to launch a blistering attack on Spanish football authorities regarding the Negreira scandal. The club chief labelled the affair the "biggest scandal in football history" and slammed La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for leaving his club "isolated" in their pursuit of justice over the controversial payments.

Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has launched a scathing critique of Real Madrid's hierarchy, accusing Florentino Perez of leaving Xabi Alonso "isolated" at the Bernabeu. The German club's chief claims the culture in the Spanish capital treats managers as a "necessary evil", contrasting it sharply with the support Alonso enjoyed at the BayArena.