Chris Burton

Elliot Anderson has become a man in demand, with former Nottingham Forest captain Henri Lansbury telling GOAL why a midfielder that already boasts “a bit of magic” can go on to become a “shining light”. Anderson is a key cog in the City Ground machine, and seemingly destined to form part of England’s squad at the 2026 World Cup, but there is the promise of even more to come from the talented 23-year-old.

Ryan Yates is often Nottingham Forest’s tormentor in chief, while donning the captain’s armband, and former Reds skipper Henri Lansbury has told GOAL why dark arts in football are to be saluted. Every club boasts a player that divides opinion among fan bases, with characters that are loved by home supporters positively revelling in their ability to rile opponents.

Anybody plotting a summer raid on Sunderland for “unique” forward Brian Brobbey and highly-rated goalkeeper Robin Roefs - with Bayern Munich and Chelsea said to be in those respective hunts - have been warned that “big money” will be required in order to tempt the Black Cats into selling. Don Goodman has told GOAL why exciting arrivals at the Stadium of Light should be considered more likely than any high-profile departures.

Mateus Mane has been linked with Manchester United and Liverpool, but Don Goodman has told GOAL why the Wolves wonderkid is not yet a £50 million ($68m) player. At 18 years of age, the fleet-footed forward has made quite the impression with Premier League strugglers during a breakthrough campaign. An expensive transfer flop at Everton is, however, being used as a warning to Mane when it comes to important decisions on his future.

Chelsea have been advised to find a goalkeeping upgrade on Robert Sanchez that “doesn’t make mistakes”, with Marcel Desailly telling GOAL why change is required between the sticks at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have struggled to find a reliable No.1 in recent times, with it possible that they will dip into the transfer market again this summer in a bid to right that wrong.

Wrexham’s sights remain firmly locked on the Premier League, but Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac have been informed that the Red Dragons are “outsiders” and “underdogs” to hit that target in 2026. Following a record-breaking run of three successive promotions, Don Goodman has explained to GOAL why the Welsh outfit should be happy with their efforts if a fourth falls agonisingly out of reach.

Nottingham Forest legend Stan Collymore has told GOAL how Callum Hudson-Odoi can go about rediscovering his lost spark. The former Chelsea winger has earned trust from four different managers at the City Ground this season, but goals and assists have been in short supply. A “mental” block is considered to be impacting efforts to find top form, with the talented 25-year-old being urged to go back to “basics”.

Mason Greenwood continues to generate plenty of transfer talk, but Marseille legend Marcel Desailly has told GOAL why the English forward would only be good enough for Aston Villa - not Arsenal or Manchester City - if he returned to the Premier League. Leading sides across Europe have been linked with the goalscoring winger, with a move away from France in 2026 being mooted.

Declan Rice, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are all considered to be Ballon d’Or-worthy talents, but who will be the next Englishman to win the prestigious Golden Ball? Former Three Lions midfielder Gareth Barry has delivered his verdict to GOAL, with Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid superstars eager to be recognised as the best player on the planet.

Max Dowman has made Premier League history at Arsenal, with the 16-year-old wonderkid rewriting the record books, but Gareth Barry has told GOAL why the exciting youngster is likely to miss out on a place in England’s 2026 World Cup squad. There has been talk of the teenager becoming a wild card for the Three Lions, but questions are being asked of whether he needs to be fast tracked through that system.

Liverpool have been informed of the only way that they could prise Michael Olise away from Bayern Munich, with the Reds about to scour the transfer market for a suitable successor to Mohamed Salah. Ex-Crystal Palace star Olise would fit the mould, but Stan Collymore has explained to GOAL why it will be almost impossible to bring the France international back to the Premier League.

Manchester City have been offered transfer advice when it comes to Rodri, with it possible that he could be replaced by “the best holding midfielder in England”. Real Madrid continue to be linked with a Ballon d’Or-winning star at the Etihad Stadium, with Gareth Barry telling GOAL what he would like to see happen in the summer window of 2026.

Rayan Cherki has been made aware of what he must achieve at Manchester City before mid-game keepy-uppies can become a habit, with Gareth Barry telling GOAL what Pep Guardiola’s message to the enigmatic Frenchman will be. Cherki has won a host of Premier League admirers as City’s on-field entertainer, but his demanding manager is all about end product.

Chris Wood has made a timely return to action at Nottingham Forest, with Stan Collymore telling GOAL of the crucial qualities that a proven goalscorer will add to the Reds’ Premier League survival bid. New Zealand international Wood has recovered from long-term injury at a point of the season where every point is priceless and the 2026 World Cup begins to loom large.

Everton have been informed that they need to keep Iliman Ndiaye “happy” as the Senegal international continues to generate rumours of transfer interest from Manchester United. The classy playmaker, who can operate on the wing or as a No.10, is attracting plenty of admiring glances - with Gareth Barry telling GOAL how the Toffees can ensure that no sale needs to be sanctioned.

Rio Ngumoha is destined to enjoy a bright future at Liverpool, but Stan Collymore has told GOAL why a loan move - potentially to Crystal Palace or Bournemouth - might form part of transfer plans in 2026. The 17-year-old wonderkid has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Anfield, but obvious questions are being asked of whether the youngster is ready to replace Mohamed Salah.

The Ghanaian Football Association has announced that Berekum Chelsea player Dominic Frimpong passed away during an armed attack on the club’s team bus. The vehicle in question was targeted by a group of “masked men wielding guns and assault rifles”. The robbery led to a tragic loss of life, with authorities in Ghana vowing to address safety concerns.

Harry Kane is being tipped to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo by playing into his 40s, with ex-England star Gareth Barry telling GOAL why the prolific Bayern Munich striker should be giving no thought to retirement. Kane is only 32, with many years ahead of him, and is expected to offer domestic and international bosses a huge boost by following in the footsteps of fellow all-time greats.