Ten days on from the death of Kevin Keegan, Newcastle have been rocked again by the news that the man who completed their beloved former manager's work is stepping down. After U-turning on his decision to continue in the role after a nightmarish 2025-26 campaign, Eddie Howe leaves the Magpies under a cloud with just three weeks until the season begins.
Interest in Kerim Alajbegovic from England and Italy is high. It is not only the player who are now benefiting from the bidding war among the major clubs, but Bayer Leverkusen too. The Werkself will thereby break a transfer record of Bayern Munich.
VfL Wolfsburg are doing in the second division what they always liked doing most in the Bundesliga: spending money hand over fist. Only the financial differences in the lower tier are even more extreme. Is that simply mad, or already a distortion of competition?
Son Heung-Min scored twice, and the MLS All-Stars overcame some rocky defending to beat the Liga MX All-Stars 4-3 in a chaotic back-and-forth contest. The LAFC man was dominant in his 35 minutes of action, but Dean Smith's side struggled as they rotated and required some late heroics in defense to see off a Liga MX outfit that improved as the game wore on.
With Mauricio Pochettino reportedly nearing a new deal through 2030, GOAL examines the player-pool decisions, expanded role and club links that could define his second USMNT cycle.
Including coach Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid have so far invested €90 million in their squad this summer. The income, by contrast, appeared very modest at first glance – but on closer inspection things look very different.
He once scored goals in the Kreisliga, now he negotiates deals worth millions for Borussia Dortmund: who is 31-year-old Simon Rödder, for whom BVB created a new position especially a year ago?
Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson could be about to give a whole new meaning to 'the Chelsea Pensioners'. In a staggering pivot away from the youth-driven transfer policy that has defined BlueCo's stewardship since their takeover in 2022, Chelsea are remarkably considering bringing in both the 35-year-old striker and 36-year-old midfielder this summer.
At the World Cup, Rodri once again impresses as the best player – and is reportedly putting Real Madrid on alert. But in truth, he stands in stark contrast to new coach Jose Mourinho’s idea.
Sam Kerr scores her first Gotham FC goal as the Bats draw Portland Thorns FC 2-2, while Sofia Cantore lifts Washington Spirit past Lindsey Heaps and Denver Summit FC 1-0. GOAL ranks all 16 NWSL teams in this week’s Power Rankings.
Arijon Ibrahimovic is planned as Luis Diaz’s backup at Bayern Munich next season. The 20-year-old has impressed with his pace and is benefiting from developments in the transfer market.
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
