In view of the departure of World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez to Premier League rivals Manchester City for a transfer fee of €145 million, Chelsea were desperate to sign another player for central midfield before the transfer window closed – but that plan failed.
Barcelona's pursuit of World Cup-winning defender Aymeric Laporte broke down after Athletic Club demanded a massive transfer fee. The Catalan giants hoped to secure the 32-year-old for under €15 million to solve their defensive problems. However, strained relations between the two Spanish clubs ultimately scuppered the late summer deal.
Jose Mourinho has finalised his Real Madrid squad for the new Champions League campaign, making a ruthless call to exclude experienced defender Ferland Mendy. The French left-back continues to recover from a long-term muscle injury and has subsequently lost his place in the European squad to a highly rated teenage midfielder.
Former Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has given his full backing to the club's acquisition of Rodri, believing the Spanish midfielder will bring essential experience and leadership to Hansi Flick's squad. The Polish veteran, who recently swapped Europe for Major League Soccer with the Chicago Fire, also reflected on his memorable four-year spell in Catalonia.
AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit has opened up on his decision to reject a summer transfer, with the highly rated youngster reportedly attracting strong interest from Real Madrid. Despite speculation over a blockbuster move to bolster Los Blancos midfield, Smit ultimately opted to remain in the Eredivisie following crucial behind-the-scenes talks with his current club.
Barcelona are planning to build a state-of-the-art indoor theme park inside the Spotify Camp Nou complex under an ambitious commercial partnership. The Catalan giants have reached an agreement with international entertainment operator Babylon Park Spain SL, with the multi-year concession set to be put before club members for formal ratification later this month.
Kylian Mbappe is only a “top three” player in the world at present, Bacary Sagna has told GOAL, with the Real Madrid and France superstar expected to miss out on Ballon d’Or recognition again in 2026. Harry Kane is a leading contender to land that prize, but Sagna has snubbed the Bayern Munich striker when revealing his pick for Golden Ball glory.
Barcelona have announced record-breaking financial results for the 2025-26 season, surpassing the €1 billion income barrier for the first time in their illustrious history. The Catalan giants will present these historic figures at a virtual Ordinary General Assembly on 19 September, underlining their ongoing financial recovery.
Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho has delivered a firm warning to defender Raul Asencio following his recent off-field disciplinary issues. While the 23-year-old was cleared of charges relating to an explicit video, a separate traffic conviction has left his manager visibly frustrated.
Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe reportedly acted as an unofficial consultant for Xabi Alonso during Chelsea’s frantic search for midfield reinforcements. The French forward was asked to provide a character reference for Roma's Manu Kone as the Blues prepared to sanction Enzo Fernandez's departure to Manchester City.
FIFA's latest International Transfer Snapshot has revealed a record-breaking summer window for both men's and women's football following the 2026 World Cup. English clubs led the way in global spending, as over 12,500 international transfers were registered in the men's game alone, totalling a staggering $9.89 billion.
Former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti paid a special visit to Real Madrid City to meet Jose Mourinho and the first-team squad. The current Brazil head coach backed Mourinho to succeed at the Bernabeu as crucial LaLiga and Champions League fixtures approach.
Atletico Madrid star Marcos Llorente has shocked the footballing world by announcing his immediate retirement from international football. Despite being just 31 years old and coming off the back of a historic World Cup victory, the versatile midfielder has decided to hang up his boots for La Roja.
