Lists

Kazakhstan isn't a nation known for its love of football. That doesn't mean it's non-existent, however, and with a new teenage sensation emerging as one of the country's best players already, the nation sandwiched between Europe and Asia could be on the verge of a golden generation.

Manchester United’s shortlist of four transfer targets to replace departing Brazilian star Casemiro has been revealed. The Red Devils will be bidding farewell to a Champions League-winning former Real Madrid midfielder when his contract expires in the summer. A number of England internationals are said to be on the recruitment radar at Old Trafford.

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has a very cold, analytical approach to his role - so much so, in fact, that he was once described as "robot" by an agent who had dealt with him. Of course, being devoid of emotion probably wouldn't be such a bad thing for Hughes, given the nature of his job and the potential for being adversely affected by the wildly differing views on the work he's doing at Anfield.

Arsenal are enjoying their best season in 22 years under Mikel Arteta, having established a seven-point lead at the Premier League summit while also winning all of their seven Champions League fixtures to top the league phase table. The Gunners also have one foot in the final of the Carabao Cup, and will be expected to reach the latter stages of the FA Cup.

Top range fitness watches to the best protein shakers

A retirement plan for Cristiano Ronaldo has been teased as Saudi Pro League officials reportedly line up 50 big-name players to join CR7 in the Middle East before the day comes for him to hang up his boots. More high-profile additions, such as Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes, will help the division to retain interest heading towards the 2034 World Cup.

The New York Red Bulls are nearing an agreement to sign U.S. international goalkeeper Ethan Horvath from Cardiff City, as the club continues a major roster overhaul ahead of the new MLS season. The move would address a key vacancy in goal following Carlos Coronel’s departure and add experience to a squad entering a new era under head coach Michael Bradley.

U.S. international Trinity Rodman has agreed to a three-year deal to remain with the Washington Spirit, ending months of uncertainty surrounding her future. The agreement follows the NWSL’s introduction of the High Impact Player rule, though it remains unclear whether Rodman will be formally classified under the designation once it takes effect in July.

Forgotten Manchester City man Kalvin Phillips may be offered an escape route in the January transfer window with Wolverhampton Wanderers reportedly keen to sign the midfielder. The 30-year-old - once a mainstay in the England setup - remains on the periphery at the Etihad Stadium, having made just one appearance for Pep Guardiola’s side this season.

Unai Emery raised eyebrows after becoming embroiled in a heated clash with Youri Tielemans in Aston Villa’s Europa League win over Fenerbahce, with the Spaniard shoving the midfielder after he was substituted on Thursday. The pair were involved in the bizarre incident as the Villans sealed their place in the last 16 of the competition thanks to a 1-0 victory in Turkey.

Atlanta United are reportedly finalizing a deal to sign U.S. youth international midfielder Adrián Gill from FC Barcelona, with Mundo Deportivo reporting the news first. Gill, 20, has developed through Barcelona’s famed academy after spending more than six and a half years in the club’s youth system. The American midfielder is expected to join Atlanta United on a permanent transfer.

Arsenal have been left concerned over the long-term fitness of Kai Havertz after the striker sustained a setback in his recovery from a knee injury. The Germany international sustained the issue against Manchester United in August and has not started for the club since.

Crystal Palace are reportedly prioritising signing a replacement for Marc Guehi in the final 11 days of the transfer window, but fans who are hoping to see a big-name defender arrive at Selhurst Park are set to be disappointed. The Eagles are short of options at centre-back following the England international’s move to Manchester City, while they are also reeling from wantaway striker Jean-Philippe Mateta's bombshell admission.

The American star hasn’t always been valued, but his recent uptick in form has been impossible to ignore.

Thomas Frank and Tottenham Hotspur are set to receive another huge injury blow with Lucas Bergvall reportedly set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The Sweden international is expected to join a host of long-term absentees on the treatment table after sustaining an ankle injury in Spurs’ Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.

Vinicius Junior’s future at Real Madrid remains up in the air as the Saudi Pro League reportedly remain in discussions with the Brazil star's camp over a big-money move to the Middle East this summer. The winger has endured a difficult season with the Spanish giants, having been routinely whistled by the Los Blancos faithful following a recent goal drought which stretched back to October.

Tottenham have announced the signing of left-back Souza from Santos, with the Brazilian wonderkid signing a long-term contract with the club. The 19-year-old arrives at a time when the north London club are languishing in 14th in the Premier League table, as Thomas Frank attempts to save his own job.

Major League Soccer has announced updated transfer window dates for the 2026 season, highlighting a significant shift aimed at improving roster-building flexibility across the league. The Primary Transfer Window will open on Jan. 26 and run through March 26, while the Secondary Transfer Window will begin on July 13 and close on Sept. 2.

Jose Mourinho has aimed a thinly-veiled jibe at former club Manchester United after they named Michael Carrick as their new interim head coach until the end of the season. The Benfica boss has expressed his “surprise” at the appointment of the former Middlesbrough manager, who was part of the Portuguese’s coaching staff during his period in charge of the Red Devils.

Baribo enjoyed two successful years in Philadelphia, but insists he is ready to be the focal point of a club - something D.C. guaranteed the prolific striker

Chelsea are reportedly plotting a surprise move to sign Douglas Luiz on loan for the rest of the season. The Blues are believed to be keen to bolster their midfield ranks in the January transfer window and have identified the Brazil international as a target, despite the 27-year-old having played just 13 times for Nottingham Forest since joining on a season-long loan from Juventus.

Casemiro is set to leave Manchester United at the end of the season, the midfielder and the club have confirmed. The 33-year-old has remained a key member of the Old Trafford squad this season but will seek pastures new this summer.

Joe Cole has urged Manchester City to raid Crystal Palace for a second time this year, tipping the Premier League champions to move for Adam Wharton as concerns grow over Rodri’s fitness. The former England star believes the Eagles midfielder is the perfect cover for the Spaniard, who looked "lightweight" in the shock defeat to Bodo/Glimt, and claims Wharton could soon have his "pick of the bunch" of top clubs.

Alisha Lehmann has completed a sensational return to the Women’s Super League by joining Leicester City on a contract until 2028. The world’s most-followed female footballer has brought an end to her five-month spell with Italian side Como to bolster the Foxes’ ranks as they look to secure their top-flight status, with a potential debut against former club West Ham United pencilled in for this Sunday.

Former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has returned to football in a new capacity following his dismissals from Spurs and Nottingham Forest. The Greek-Australian coach has been appointed as a UEFA Technical Observer and was immediately tasked with analysing Arsenal’s emphatic 3-1 Champions League victory over Inter, where he singled out Gabriel Jesus for special praise.

Virgil van Dijk says it was “disrespectful” for Arne Slot to be asked about speculation linking Xabi Alonso with his job as Liverpool manager. The Reds boss laughed off what he described as “one of the weirdest questions” in the build up to his side’s Champions League victory over Marseille on Wednesday - but his compatriot has now criticised the journalist who asked it.

Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri is set for an immediate baptism of fire in Ligue 1 after Roberto De Zerbi suggested the teenager could make his Marseille debut as early as Saturday. The 18-year-old is on the verge of completing a loan move to the French giants alongside Quinten Timber, with the Marseille boss confirming both "strong players" are ready to bolster his squad for the weekend clash against Lens.

Former Chelsea favourite David Luiz made an emotional return to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, despite injury ruling him out of the Champions League clash. The Brazilian star used the trip to reconnect with old friends, handing over touching gifts to a current Blues defender and a legendary staff member who served the club for nearly 56 years before retiring in 2024.

GOAL continues its Meet the USMNT series by examining Richards' path to becoming a USMNT leader.