Gio Reyna has been told what he must do in order to make the USMNT World Cup squad, with the highly-rated playmaker determined to grace a major tournament on home soil in the summer of 2026. Questions are still being asked of his involvement after suffering “injury after injury after injury”, but Brad Friedel is among those backing the 22-year-old to come good.
Dele Alli’s downfall remains “difficult” to understand, with Roberto Di Matteo - who saw the ex-England international taking his first steps towards senior stardom - urging the former Tottenham midfielder to “enjoy life”. Dele finds himself at another important career crossroads after seeing his contract surprisingly terminated by Serie A side Como.
Jamie Vardy's career in the Serie A is off to a worrying start. The reason has to do with an alleged injury that the Cremonese striker suffered in the wake of his debut for the club, coming on as a substitute against Hellas Verona on Monday. However, he is now a major doubt for Sunday's trip to Parma, with Cremonese are taking extreme caution in this situation.
Chelsea’s return to the Champions League was undone by costly mistakes, as Cole Palmer admitted their own errors gifted Bayern Munich a 3-1 victory at the Allianz Arena. Harry Kane, once again tormenting his former Premier League rivals, scored twice as the Blues faltered in their league-stage opener. Palmer, who netted a superb strike himself, insisted the defeat was avoidable.
Inter Miami have reportedly got the answer they wanted after putting various contract questions to Lionel Messi, with the Argentine GOAT ready to sign a “multiyear” extension with the MLS outfit. His current deal is due to expire at the end of the 2025 campaign, but the South American superstar is poised to end any speculation regarding his future.
Serge Gnabry’s revival at Bayern Munich is gathering pace under Vincent Kompany with the German shining in a new role after last season’s struggles. His standout display against Chelsea highlighted his regained sharpness and influence, earning praise from Joshua Kimmich. With his contract running out and chairman Jan-Christian Dreesen also hailing his strong start, attention is now turning to his future.
Mzansi might be forced to win their last two Group C games to get their ticket after the World Football Governing Body opened a case against Hugo Broos' side.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Champions League return could not have been scripted better, with Lucas Bergvall delivering a standout debut under the lights and earning plaudits from legends of the game. Ange Postecoglou’s groundwork from last season is now paying dividends, with the teenager stepping up on Europe’s biggest stage under new boss Thomas Frank.
Fenerbahce president Ali Koc revealed that Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu had agreed to join the club in the summer. The revelation comes despite Calhanoglu publicly declaring his lifelong support for Fenerbahce’s arch-rivals Galatasaray. In the end, neither side was able to finalise a transfer, and the Turkish international remained in Italy for the season.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami close to finalizing multiyear deal to extend his stay in South Florida, according to ESPN. The eight time Ballon d'Or winner has been linked with moves to a number of other clubs, but appears set to extend his MLS career. His current deal, signed in 2023, expires at the end of the 2025 season.
Steven Gerrard could become a future star of ‘Welcome to Wrexham’, with Bryan Robson claiming that the opportunity to work with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney “would interest” the Liverpool legend. Gerrard has been out of management since severing ties with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in January, but is leaving himself open to enticing offers.
Luis Diaz admitted to having talks with Barcelona over a possible move from Liverpool in the summer transfer window before the 28-year-old winger joined Bayern Munich. The Colombian had been on Barca's list of targets as they pursued a new attacker but ultimately lost out as he pushed for Liverpool to accept the German club's bid instead.
The Special One is back on familiar ground! Jose Mourinho, who is set to take charge of Benfica on a two-year deal, will find himself on English soil twice within the next month as the Champions League league phase unfolds. With trips to both Stamford Bridge and St James’ Park on the horizon, Mourinho is set for an early reunion with his former hunting ground..
Former Bayern Munich and Juventus attacker Douglas Costa has an arrest warrant issued against him due to unresolved child support payments amounting to over €78,000. His contract with Sydney was terminated after mutual agreement after Costa has been forbidden from leaving his native country Brazil and went on to apologise to the club's fans in his statement.
Harry Kane has been warned off a future career in NFL, with the England international told that “monsters” will be waiting to “hit” him in a different form of football. The Bayern Munich striker has been advised to focus on playing soccer until his 40, allowing him to score “a million goals” and retire in peace without having to put his body on the line again.
Atletico Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente expressed his frustration after his two goals were not enough in the 3-2 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League. He admitted that Atletico must tighten up defensively, stressing that their poor defending ultimately cost them the game after Virgil van Dijk netted a last-gasp winner for Arne Slot's team in at Anfield.
The Liverpool fan who went viral for winding up Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone, to the point that the Argentine ended up being shown a red card for clashing with the home support at Anfield, insists that nothing racist or overly antagonistic was said during a dramatic Champions League fixture on Merseyside that saw the hosts claim a 92nd-minute winner.
Barcelona will kick off their Champions League campaign against Newcastle at St James’ Park on Thursday with injuries clouding preparations. Lamine Yamal is ruled out, but coach Hansi Flick is placing his faith in Marcus Rashford to step up. With Frenkie de Jong and Gavi’s fitness also under scrutiny, the Blaugrana enter the competition looking to improve on last season’s heartbreak.
A Champions League thriller at Anfield between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid on Wednesday was overshadowed by ugly touchline scenes involving Diego Simeone and his staff. Fan footage circulating online appears to show an Atletico backroom member spitting towards supporters after the Argentine coach was sent off late on. Calls are now growing for UEFA to step in and hand down a serious punishment.
Peter Schmeichel admits that Antony was “never good enough for Manchester United” but the Red Devils legend has questioned why Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund were allowed to leave Old Trafford. The Scotland international midfielder and Danish striker are now team-mates again in Italy at Napoli after surprisingly being deemed surplus to requirements.
Luis Enrique has discovered a new tactical perspective by watching Paris Saint-Germain matches from the stands, first against Lens and then in the Champions League win over Atalanta. The Spaniard adopted the change after taking inspiration from rugby coaches and argues the vantage point offers clearer insights. However, he insists he will ditch this approach and not “play with fire” in Sunday’s heated clash with Marseille.
Cardiff City legend Sol Bamba has been honoured with a new mural in Grangetown, unveiled less than a year after his tragic death at the age of 39. His widow, Chloe, delivered a heartfelt tribute at the ceremony, admitting she will “never be OK” with how her husband was taken but expressing gratitude for the love and support shown by the community.
Jose Mourinho is heading home, with the Portuguese tactician returning to his roots at Benfica on a two-year contract. The self-anointed ‘Special One’ has been out of work since seeing his spell at Turkish giants Fenerbahce brought to an abrupt halt. It has not taken long for a new position to be found, with the enigmatic 62-year-old linking up with a club that he knows well.
Scottish side Rangers have earmarked Davide Ancelotti as a potential replacement if current manager Russell Martin is dismissed. Ancelotti, however, is also under pressure at his current club Botafogo after failing to protect a three-goal lead in his side's latest slip up in the Brazilian top-flight.
Harry Kane admits to being in the form of his life, with the Bayern Munich superstar feeling better than ever. That is because goals have continued to flow at a remarkable rate for the England international, with his stunning tally at the start of the 2025-26 campaign being taken into double figures with a brace against Chelsea in the Champions League.