GOAL runs the rule over the British players earning a living away from their homeland, with plenty more stars deciding to leave their comfort zones in search of a better footballing life elsewhere. The Premier League is still obviously one of the world's most entertaining divisions and the Championship can prove fantastic for development, but there are more options out there.
Chelsea are being backed to win the transfer race for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez. The World Cup-winning Argentina international left English football when severing ties with Manchester City in 2024. A return to familiar surroundings is being speculated on, with it suggested that Stamford Bridge could be the South Americanâs next port of call.
Kylian Mbappe is âon trackâ to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid, claims Los Blancos boss Alvaro Arbeloa, with the French superstar being backed to chase down a record-breaking tally of goals at the Bernabeu. Mbappe was on target in his latest appearance - a 2-0 victory over Valencia - and has reached 82 efforts in total for the Spanish heavyweights.
Former Manchester United winger Antony continued his strong form for Real Betis as the 25-year-old whipped home a sumptuous left-footed strike from the edge of the box for the only goal of the game in a 1-0 La Liga win at Atletico Madrid. Antony brought out Cristiano Ronaldo's famous 'calma' celebration after the goal, his tenth of the season, which earned his side all three points.
Alvaro Carreras scored a memorable goal and Kylian Mbappe added a late second to carry an otherwise mixed Real Madrid past Valencia, 2-0. Los Blancos were well short of their best in a tricky Sunday night fixture, but a duo of second half goals spared any blushes, and ensured that they are very much in the title race after a winter slump.
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha is reportedly a priority target for Real Madrid as Los Blancos eye a midfield signing ahead of next season. The 25-year-old has become one of the world's best during his time in Paris and is now believed to be top of Real Madrid's list of transfer targets as they make plans for the future, which also include the likes of Endrick and Nico Paz.
Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has accused Clasico rivals Barcelona of generating the âbiggest scandal in the history of Spanish footballâ. The Blaugrana remain embroiled in the long-running Negreira case, with accusations being levelled at the Catalan giants of bribing match officials. No definitive conclusion to that saga has been reached, much to the bemusement of Arbeloa.
Hansi Flick has explained why Lamine Yamal asked to be substituted during Barcelonaâs win over Real Mallorca, with the teenage wonderkid registering his 15th goal of the season in that contest. The Blaugrana did not need their talismanic No.10 to complete that fixture as they eased to a 3-0 victory that cemented their standing at the top of La Liga.
Robert Lewandowski has joined Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in an exclusive goal club. At 37 years of age, the prolific Polish striker continues to deliver end product for La Liga giants Barcelona. He is not seeing as many minutes as he would like, as his contract runs down, but has extended a remarkable streak in the final third of the field.
Lamine Yamal scored a brilliant goal, and Robert Lewandowski and Marc Bernal also found the net, as Barcelona beat Mallorca 3-0 at the Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday evening. Hansi Flick's side had to shake off a difficult opening to the game, before clicking through the gears and recording a big win.
La Liga champions Barcelona have issued a statement to confirm they have officially pulled out of the European Super League. The Catalan giants were one of the original 12 clubs to sign up to the controversial project and are one of the last to leave, leaving bitter rivals Real Madrid as the only remaining team still in support of the ill-fated scheme.
Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font has warned the club's sporting director Deco that he will remove him from his job if he takes charge of the Blaugrana. Font has spoken out about his plans if he ousts Joan Laporta from office and does not want Deco involved, although he does want Hansi Flick to remain as first-team coach for the Catalan giants.
Real Madrid star Rodrygo has sustained a hamstring injury and faces a period on the sidelines, in the wake of his Champions League suspension. The Brazil international was shown a red card during their 4-2 defeat to Benfica and will subsequently be absent from the rematch between the two sides.
Kylian Mbappe has sent a bailiff to Paris Saint-Germain to demand âŹ5.9 million from his former employers, with the club now facing a deadline of eight days within which to pay the striker. The Ligue 1 giants have already paid out âŹ55 million (ÂŁ48m/$65m) of a âŹ60.9m (ÂŁ53m/$72m) settlement.
Eden Hazard has hailed a surprise Chelsea ace as the best player in the Premier League and also revealed his favourite memory from an incredible career that saw him play for the likes of the Blues, Real Madrid and Ligue 1 side Lille, in an exclusive interview with GOAL.
Manchester United have been told to go and sign Jude Bellingham from Real Madrid to get back towards being a proper football team. Bellingham is having a difficult third season at the Bernabeu, receiving criticism for inconsistent performances under Xabi Alonso and successor Alvaro Arbeloa. And a former Red Devils defender believes they should try and bring him to Old Trafford.
Diego Simeone has hailed the "different" qualities of Ademola Lookman after the Nigerian international marked his Atletico Madrid debut with a stunning strike. The former Atalanta star joined the Spanish giants in the final days of the January window and wasted no time making an impact during a 5-0 rout of Real Betis. Simeone believes the attacker offers a unique threat to his squad.
Real Madridâs Champions League campaign has suffered a significant blow after Rodrygo was handed an extended two-match suspension by UEFA. The Brazilian was sent off during a dramatic 4-2 defeat to Benfica, and his punishment ensures he will miss both legs of the upcoming knockout play-off rematch against the Portuguese giants. With stars like Jude Bellingham also sidelined, head coach Alvaro Arbeloa faces a major tactical crisis.
Reports in Spain suggest that Diego Simeone could be sacked as Atletico Madrid manager. The former midfielder was appointed in December of 2011 and has been in charge ever since, overseeing remarkable success, and winning La Liga twice ahead of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Kevin-Prince Boateng has revealed that he âhad to lieâ about his love for Cristiano Ronaldo in order to become a team-mate of Lionel Messi at Barcelona. The former Ghana international completed a shock move to Camp Nou in 2019. After sealing that switch, it was made clear to him that he was not to speak in glowing terms about CR7 or Clasico rivals Real Madrid.
Why does Cristiano Ronaldo always have so much bad luck?!... First, Erik ten Hag didn't recognise his unrivalled ability at Manchester United, then Fernando Santos ruined his 2022 World Cup bid with Portugal. And now, the powers that be in Saudi Arabia are conspiring to make sure his trophy drought in the Middle East extends to three-and-a-half seasons. Give the guy a break!...
Lamine Yamal finished as runner-up in the 2025 Ballon dâOr vote and the Barcelona wonderkid insists that winning a Golden Ball is not something that he gives much thought to. The talented teenager would prefer to focus on collective trophy targets at Camp Nou, rather than individual accolades, with there still plenty for him to try and achieve in 2026.
Atletico Madrid are ready to test Tottenhamâs resolve for Cristian Romero this summer after the Spurs captainâs relationship with the club hit a new low. The Argentine World Cup winner slammed the boardâs transfer inactivity as âdisgracefulâ on social media, prompting Diego Simeoneâs side to revive their interest just months after Romero signed a lucrative new contract in London.
Endrick continues to offer parent club Real Madrid timely reminders of what he is capable of, with another spectacular goal being recorded during a productive loan spell at Lyon. The Brazilian wonderkid headed to France at the start of the winter transfer window after finding regular game time in Spain hard to come by. A dream start to life at the Groupama Stadium has been enjoyed.
Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi has responded to speculation that he is the one player Real Madrid need right now amid a difficult season for Los Blancos. The Spanish giants have already sacked manager Xabi Alonso and brought in Alvaro Arbeloa but sit second in La Liga, are out of the Copa del Rey and face a play-off against Benfica to secure a place in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Flamengoâs sporting director has jokingly suggesting that Vinicius Junior is next on his transfer wishlist following the sensational return of Lucas Paqueta. During the playmakerâs official unveiling in Rio de Janeiro, the club chief could not resist a cheeky dig at Real Madrid regarding a future free transfer for their global superstar, hinting that the "project" to reunite the academy graduates is already on his mind.
Didier Deschamps has launched a passionate defence of Kylian Mbappe, insisting the Real Madrid superstar will never run "11 kilometres per match" but remains a "true captain" for his country. The France boss hit back at ongoing criticism of the forwardâs work rate, claiming his explosive profile requires a different tactical approach to get the best out of him for Les Bleus.
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