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Chelsea are closing in on one of the most unexpected signings of the summer window as Brighton striker Danny Welbeck prepares to undergo a medical at Stamford Bridge. New manager Xabi Alonso has identified the veteran forward as the ideal candidate to inject vital Premier League experience into a youthful squad that has struggled with consistency throughout the BlueCo era.

GOAL takes a look at the big storylines and takeaways leading up to the All-Star Game.

FIFA has confirmed it is exploring a proposal to create a $20 billion company that would combine commercial rights and event operations across its men's, women's and youth tournaments. The new entity would sell minority stakes to private investors while, FIFA says, leaving control of competitions, governance and the international match calendar with soccer's global governing body.

Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson could be about to give a whole new meaning to 'the Chelsea Pensioners'. In a staggering pivot away from the youth-driven transfer policy that has defined BlueCo's stewardship since their takeover in 2022, Chelsea are remarkably considering bringing in both the 35-year-old striker and 36-year-old midfielder this summer.

Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola has reportedly reached an agreement in principle to join Liverpool following discussions with new manager Andoni Iraola. While the 23-year-old is eager to move to Anfield, the two clubs remain far apart in their valuation of the player.

Josko Gvardiol has committed his long-term future to Manchester City by signing a new five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium with an option for a sixth season. The Croatia international hailed the Premier League side as "the best club in the world" after cementing his place as a cornerstone of the squad's defensive unit.

Mic'd Up: Fox's Jenny Taft praised the camaraderie of the USMNT and insisted that the World Cup can be a launching pad for future soccer fans.

Joao Pedro scored a dramatic late hat-trick as Xabi Alonso kicked off his Chelsea tenure with a chaotic 6-4 pre-season victory over Western Sydney Wanderers. The Blues showed incredible attacking flair in a 10-goal thriller, but defensive vulnerabilities left the new manager with plenty to ponder.

Sam Kerr scores her first Gotham FC goal as the Bats draw Portland Thorns FC 2-2, while Sofia Cantore lifts Washington Spirit past Lindsey Heaps and Denver Summit FC 1-0. GOAL ranks all 16 NWSL teams in this week’s Power Rankings.

Roberto Mancini has completed a sensational return as Italy head coach following the dramatic collapse of Andrea Pirlo's proposed appointment. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has turned back to their Euro 2020-winning manager after failing to secure primary targets and facing high-profile resignations within their hierarchy.

England international Hannah Hampton has committed her future to Chelsea by signing a new two-year contract with the Blues. The star goalkeeper's renewal provides a crucial boost for the club following a period of squad transition and fanbase anxiety.

Manchester City have confirmed that midfielder Rodri has undergone successful minor surgery to address an ongoing back issue following Spain's World Cup triumph. The club have also stated that Rodri is only facing a "short" recovery process, allaying any fears he could be sidelined for a significant period.

Ruben Amorim has addressed Rafael Leao's future at AC Milan amid intense speculation linking the winger with a blockbuster move to Fenerbahce. The Portuguese tactician insisted that the team remains his priority while the Serie A giants hold out for a permanent transfer fee.

DFB sporting director Rudi Voller pointed out clear differences between Julian Nagelsmann and his successor Jurgen Klopp following the former Liverpool manager's appointment as the new Germany head coach. Speaking in Mainz, Voller noted that Klopp would be far more visible at matches while suggesting Nagelsmann proved "too sensitive" to intense public criticism.

Real Madrid are considering sending Endrick or Gonzalo Garcia on loan as Jose Mourinho looks to streamline his attack. The Spanish giants are eyeing a move for Bayern Munich star Michael Olise, but Endrick's camp is determined to stay and fight for his place.

Chelsea starlet Jesse Derry marked a memorable start to his loan spell with Sporting CP by scoring a sensational goal in a 2–0 pre-season victory over AS Monaco. The 19-year-old winger, who has joined the Portuguese side on a season-long loan, capped the moment by mimicking Cole Palmer's iconic 'cold' celebration.

Santos star Neymar made light of reports alleging he insulted young team-mates following a dramatic 2–2 draw with Chapecoense by posting a sarcastic photo with Gabriel Bontempo. The 34-year-old captain, who scored both goals in the match, forcefully denied the allegations on social media before joking about the situation with Bontempo online.

Zinedine Zidane has officially been appointed as the new manager of the France national team following the departure of Didier Deschamps. The Real Madrid legend has signed a four-year contract with Les Bleus, ending years of intense speculation surrounding his highly anticipated return to the international stage.

Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee is attracting significant transfer interest, with Juventus, Ajax and two unnamed Premier League clubs exploring a potential deal. The Dutch striker could be set for a swift Old Trafford exit after struggling to secure a regular starting spot.

CD Leganes general manager Martin Ortega has backed Yan Diomande to thrive at Real Madrid amid reports linking him with a €120 million move to the Santiago Bernabeu. The 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger was only in the Leganes senior squad for a short time before moving to RB Leipzig, but Ortega has put him in the same bracket as Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele.

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal broke records off the field after his rare rookie card sold for a whopping $707,600. The extraordinary auction result saw the Barcelona prodigy surpass memorabilia figures set by football legends Lionel Messi and Pele.

Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus has warned Jamal Musiala that there are "no more excuses" as he battles to reclaim his starting place under Vincent Kompany. The 23-year-old playmaker missed the first half of last season following a severe ankle dislocation and fibula fracture, but now faces intense competition from an in-form frontline.

Sean Dyche has offered a fascinating tactical assessment of new Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola, praising his pragmatic adaptation to the Premier League. The Everton boss believes the Spaniard successfully abandoned his traditional ideals to implement a high-energy, lower-league style during his time at Bournemouth.

Marc Cucurella has released an emotional farewell video to Chelsea supporters over a month after completing a £52 million move to Real Madrid. The 28-year-old left-back departed Stamford Bridge in June to end a four-year spell, and after helping Spain to World Cup glory in North America, he is now preparing to link up with new manager Jose Mourinho in the Spanish capital.

Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko is successfully following a rehabilitation programme for a shin injury that kept him out of their opening pre-season fixtures. The Slovenia international aggravated the issue against Liverpool last season but is on course to return before the new Premier League campaign begins.

Mexico's all-time top scorer Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez has completed a surprise move to USL Championship expansion side Atletico Dallas. The 38-year-old former Manchester United striker, who last played competitive football for boyhood club Chivas in November 2025, has agreed to lead the ambitious Texas franchise ahead of their 2027 inaugural season.

Barcelona have identified Bournemouth sensation Eli Junior Kroupi as a potential transfer target as they search for a new striker. While Julian Alvarez remains the top priority for the Spanish champions, the Catalan giants are actively preparing backup options should a deal with Atletico Madrid collapse.

The German football landscape is once again at a crossroads as a major new financial proposal emerges from the United States. Following several failed attempts to integrate private equity into the league's structure, the DFL is now evaluating a direct financing route to bridge the widening gap with Europe’s elite.

English football is set for a major regulatory shake-up after receiving the green light to trial a new rule aimed at curbing tactical time-wasting. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved a proposal that will force teams to temporarily lose an outfield player if their goalkeeper requires medical treatment.