Three-and-a-half years ago, Lionel Messi 'completed football' by leading Argentina to glory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. It was a joy for every neutral to see the Barcelona legend finally lift the one trophy that had eluded him for so long, capping an amazing career that will almost certainly never be emulated.
Gary Lineker has suggested that Mikel Arteta is taking a leaf out of Sir Alex Ferguson’s playbook as Arsenal contend with a staggering number of international withdrawals. With the Premier League title race reaching a fever pitch, the Gunners boss is facing scrutiny over the timing of various fitness concerns within his squad.
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has sparked fresh speculation regarding a potential move to Real Madrid after posing in an iconic Zinedine Zidane shirt on social media. The Argentina international, a key figure in the Reds' 2024-25 Premier League triumph, shared the image amidst a backdrop of reported interest from the Spanish giants. With his current contract at Anfield nearing its final two years, the gesture has not gone unnoticed by a fanbase already bracing for a summer of significant change.
Former England manager Sam Allardyce has sparked a fresh debate over the Three Lions' best starting line-up by suggesting that Jude Bellingham should be dropped to the bench for the upcoming World Cup. Despite the Real Madrid superstar being widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, Allardyce believes Thomas Tuchel should look elsewhere for his creative spark.
USMNT World Cup hopeful Yunus Musah has been given transfer advice by Massimo Ambrosini, with the AC Milan legend telling GOAL what the American midfielder needs from his next club. Musah is currently taking in a loan spell at Atalanta, but that move has not played out as planned and the versatile 23-year-old could find himself heading out of San Siro in a different direction over the summer.
Manchester United have been told that any move for Cole Palmer would require a staggering £200 million ($265m) transfer fee. Former Chelsea and Manchester City winger Scott Sinclair believes the England international remains one of the Premier League's elite talents despite a season hampered by fitness issues. However, Sinclair suggested that failing to secure Champions League football could force the playmaker to consider his future at Stamford Bridge.
The Premier League has issued a firm defence of VAR following a damning survey by the Football Supporters Association (FSA), which revealed widespread fan dissatisfaction. Despite 75 per cent of surveyed match-goers calling for the technology to be scrapped, league officials insist the system remains vital for sporting integrity. The clash of opinions comes amid a season plagued by a documented rise in officiating errors.
Lazio will submit the relevant documents to Covisoc by tomorrow for review regarding compliance with the expanded wage bill threshold. The summer transfer window will depend on the outcome of this review.
Bayern Munich chiefs have laughed off mounting speculation linking star winger Michael Olise with a blockbuster move to Real Madrid or Liverpool. The Bundesliga giants remain adamant that their prized asset is going nowhere, pointing to his long-term security at the Allianz Arena as a definitive barrier to any exit.
Freddy Adu has explained to GOAL when - amid chats with NBA legend Kobe Bryant and completing a “crazy” transfer - things felt “real” for him and as though he had bucked the trend by cracking Europe as an American soccer player. Having burst onto the scene as a 14-year-old wonderkid, Adu helped to pave the way for the likes of Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie to follow in his footsteps.
Liverpool and Newcastle United have reportedly entered a fierce battle to secure the signature of Sporting CP forward Luis Suarez ahead of the summer transfer window. The Colombian international has enjoyed a prolific campaign in Portugal, attracting elite Premier League interest following a string of dominant displays. With a significant release clause in place, any potential suitor will need to break the bank for the 28-year-old.
Tottenham Hotspur legend Chris Waddle has issued a scathing assessment of the club's current plight, claiming they are destined for the Championship regardless of who takes the managerial reins next. Following the departure of interim boss Igor Tudor, the former England international believes the rot at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium goes far deeper than the dugout.
Jude Bellingham has been told at what age a stunning return to his roots at Birmingham City “could happen”. No deal will be done any time soon, with the England international midfielder currently a ‘Galactico’ at Real Madrid. Ex-Blues striker Clinton Morrison has, however, explained to GOAL when an emotional retracing of steps to the West Midlands could happen.
Roberto De Zerbi has reportedly performed a dramatic U-turn and is now open to becoming the next Tottenham Hotspur head coach. Following the dismissal of Igor Tudor after just seven games, Spurs are prepared to offer the Italian a long-term five-year contract. The former Brighton boss had originally planned to wait until the summer, but the lure of a Premier League return could see him take charge for the final run-in.
Manchester United are reportedly preparing a massive summer push to sign Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson as they look to overhaul their midfield options. The Red Devils have identified the 23-year-old as a primary target and are willing to build their entire transfer strategy around his arrival at Old Trafford.
Crystal Palace are bracing for a surge of interest in Maxence Lacroix after the defender made his senior international debut for France. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Aston Villa are all reportedly monitoring the 25-year-old, who has established himself as the fastest centre-back in the Premier League this season. With no release clause in his current deal, the Eagles face a major battle to retain their defensive lynchpin this summer.
The Belgian striker has finally spoken out to clarify the confusion surrounding his absence from Napoli, posting on Instagram to reveal that he is injured.
Bernardo Silva has reportedly taken the definitive step of formally informing Manchester City that he intends to leave the club at the end of the season. The Portuguese playmaker, who has been a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s success in Manchester, is now looking for a fresh challenge as his current contract approaches its expiration date.
Golden Glove leader David Raya and Emi Martinez have been snubbed as Mark Crossley draws up his list of the top three Premier League goalkeepers for GOAL. The former Nottingham Forest and Wales shot-stopper has explained the skill set that an “ideal” No.1 must possess, with superstar performers at Manchester City and Liverpool considered to boast those qualities.
For the former Italy and Inter defender, the sense that they might not make it was palpable against Northern Ireland. Now it’s Bosnia, who are beatable