Chris Burton

Neymar remains “the most talented player in Brazil”, Kleberson has told GOAL, with Carlo Ancelotti being told that he must find space for the Santos superstar in his 2026 World Cup plans. The man who helped the Selecao to global glory in 2002 has also picked out the natural heir to Neymar’s playmaking crown and explained what a modern day great needs to do in order to join the GOATs.

Thomas Frank remains under intense pressure at Tottenham, but the Dane is reportedly set to remain at the helm for a Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday. Disgruntled supporters have aired their frustration at recent performances, leading to uncomfortable questions being asked of the man in the dugout, but Spurs bosses have no immediate plans to pull the trigger.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has addressed Xabi Alonso’s shock sacking by Real Madrid, which may yet impact his own future at Anfield, with the Dutchman claiming to have “no clue” if a modern penchant for sporting directors is to blame for big clubs being so quick to part with head coaches when times get tough. Real, Manchester United and Chelsea have all made changes in their respective dugouts early in 2026.

Sadio Mane has explained his decision to prevent Senegal from walking off during a chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final clash with hosts Morocco. A number of controversial decisions incensed the Senegalese squad, with the award of a penalty following a supposed foul on Brahim Diaz leading to some players heading off the pitch. Ex-Liverpool star Mane was able to beckon them back.

Real Madrid may be wondering if they got their approach all wrong with Brazilian wonderkid Endrick, after seeing him star as a flying winger for Lyon during a loan spell in France. The South American starlet was taken to Santiago Bernabeu as a striker, but struggled to make the desired impact in Spain as injuries and fierce competition for places held him back.

Unai Emery conducted a “weird” interview after seeing Aston Villa suffer a disappointing home defeat to Everton, with the Spaniard claiming that his high-flying team are “not top-five contenders” in the Premier League. His comments, and behaviour, raised eyebrows with Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp.

Vinicius Junior making a move to Chelsea remains a ”fairytale shout”, says former Blues midfielder Jody Morris, with the Real Madrid superstar considered to be “too old” for owners at Stamford Bridge that prefer to focus on youth and potential. A ‘Galactico’ at Santiago Bernabeu is, however, generating talk of a Premier League transfer being made in 2026.

Neymar to Inter Miami could still happen, former MLS star Kleberson has exclusively told GOAL, with Lionel Messi looking to bring “everyone” to the United States as he forms his own “private league”. Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul have already joined the Argentine GOAT in Florida, with more marquee transfer deals - including Cristiano Ronaldo - being lined up.

Cristiano Ronaldo would be prepared to join “the lowest professional league” in order to reach 1,000 competitive goals, claims former Manchester United team-mate Nani, but is not expected to be forced down that path. Instead, the Portuguese GOAT, who is still going strong in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Nassr, is being backed to grace Euro 2028.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has reacted to jeers from the home support at Anfield by stating that he “doesn’t like boos”. The Reds have not faced too many of those in recent times, with Jurgen Klopp building them into perennial challengers for the most prestigious of honours. Arne Slot has delivered another Premier League title, but the 2025-26 campaign has tested collective patience on Merseyside.

Oleksandr Zinchenko is being offered a route out of his Nottingham Forest nightmare, with Arsenal sanctioning a fresh loan switch for the Ukraine international. He moved to the City Ground in the summer of 2025, but has struggled for form under three different managers. It is now being reported that the Premier League title-winning ex-Manchester City star will link up with Eredivisie giants Ajax.

Harry Kane has revealed that he was told by Vincent Kompany, during his first conversation with the Bayern Munich head coach, that he would become “merciless” in the Belgian’s philosophy of football. Kompany succeeded Thoams Tuchel at the Allianz Arena in 2025 and helped prolific striker Kane to lift his fabled trophy curse when becoming a Bundesliga title winner.

Cristian Romero admits that Tottenham find themselves in a “difficult” and “disaster moment”, but has called for “silence” amid the noise that continues to engulf the club. Spurs boss Thomas Frank is reported to be fighting for his job after suffering another disappointing defeat to relegation-threatened West Ham. Romero is calling for a united front in north London.

Crystal Palace have made a decision on Oliver Glasner’s future as the club’s manager, with sack talk being played down at Selhurst Park. Glasner has revealed that he intends to sever ties with the Eagles when reaching the end of his contract in the summer. He has spoken of feeling “abandoned” after seeing club captain Marc Guehi sold to Manchester City and transfer speculation rage around Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Lisandro Martinez has invited Manchester United legends Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt to his house for showdown talks. A couple of former Red Devils stars were hardly glowing in their assessment of Martinez ahead of his derby meeting with Erling Haaland, but the Argentine defender had the last laugh and pointed out that “no-one says anything in your face”.

Inter Miami are chasing a “dream” that would allow Lionel Messi to enjoy a career first, with talks being opened regarding involvement in the 2026 Copa Libertadores. The Argentine GOAT has never graced the most prestigious club competition in South America, but he has become an MLS Cup winner in the United States and could see the Herons handed a special invite.

Wayne Rooney has stunned football supporters by revealing that he is deaf in his left ear. The former England captain, who is Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer, has returned to punditry duty since putting a troubled managerial career on hold. He is never shy of sharing an opinion, but does have special requests that need to be met before stepping in front of the camera.

Former Manchester United midfielder Kleberson has told GOAL why current Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique would be the perfect candidate to fix an Old Trafford “rollercoaster”. The Red Devils are in the market for a new boss after sacking Ruben Amorim, and the Premier League giants are being urged to go all in for a Champions League-winning coach.