Alvaro Arbeloa has navigated a turbulent start to life in the Real Madrid dugout, with details emerging of a significant tactical and cultural shift from the Xabi Alonso era. Reports from the Spanish capital reveal that the dressing room has responded positively to Arbeloa’s "direct" methods, while a hostile reception from the Bernabeu has had the unexpected consequence of uniting a fractured squad following their Copa del Rey humiliation.
adidas have ramped up their movements ahead of the 2026 World Cup with a new promotional film featuring some absolute icons of their Predator silo. The German sportswear giant launched the playful Predator vs F50 campaign earlier in January, with the two sets of boots getting a fresh paintjob for the occasion. Now, legendary members of Team Predator are telling fans it's 'time to choose'.
England legend John Barnes has leapt to the defence of Jude Bellingham, dismissing recent criticism of the Real Madrid star’s off-pitch lifestyle as "exaggerated" and insisting that the midfielder’s behaviour is not a cause for concern. The former Liverpool winger believes that the scrutiny surrounding Bellingham’s social life is merely a by-product of a dip in form, predicting that the noise will vanish the moment the 22-year-old returns to his prolific best.
Harry Kane enjoyed being reunited with former Tottenham team-mate Toby Alderweireld following his latest Champions League outing for Bayern Munich, despite being reminded that he was once billed as a “one-season wonder” in English football. Kane has proved to be much more than that, with remarkable standards being maintained in domestic and continental competition.
Vincent Kompany has jokingly admitted that viral videos of his explosive dressing room tirades have left him on shaky ground as a parent, with his children having watched the X-rated clips on YouTube. The Bayern Munich boss revealed he has tried to tone down his language since moving to Germany, but warned his squad that he is still capable of losing his cool if he detects one specific attitude problem within the camp.
It was not long ago that it looked like Casemiro would be leaving Manchester United in disgrace, ushered out the back door and out of European football for good, consigned to history as one of the club's worst transfer errors. Instead, he is set to leave with his head held high, showing that, contrary to Jamie Carragher's brutal assessment, the football never left him after all.
Manchester United have been told that Benjamin Sesko is not the striker that they need right now, despite investing £74 million ($100m) in the Slovenia international. Red Devils legend Teddy Sheringham has told GOAL why Harry Kane should have been taken to Old Trafford several years ago, with Premier League heavyweights still crying out for a reliable and proven No.9.
Tottenham have launched a shock move to sign Andy Robertson immediately, abandoning plans to wait for his contract to expire in June. Head coach Thomas Frank is facing a defensive crisis in north London and has pushed to secure the Liverpool veteran now, with amicable negotiations advancing quickly as the Scotland captain seeks regular football ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Jadon Sancho has taken a thinly-veiled swipe at his former Manchester United bosses after finally opening his account for Aston Villa. The winger, who scored the winner against Fenerbahce on Thursday night, heaped praise on Unai Emery for giving him a manager who finally "believes" in him. It comes after a turbulent conclusion to his Old Trafford career where he was frozen out by both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.
Cristiano Ronaldo is again being backed to break into Hollywood once the day comes to hang up record-shattering boots as a footballing GOAT. At 40 years of age, the Portuguese superstar has already dipped his toe into the movie industry. He could fully take the plunge at some stage, with fellow ex-Manchester United star Giuseppe Rossi billing CR7 as a perfect Joker for the Batman franchise.
Michael Carrick has wasted no time stamping his authority on Manchester United, implementing six key behind-the-scenes changes that have already highlighted the shortcomings of his predecessor, Ruben Amorim. From matchday routines to academy integration, the interim boss has impressed both players and staff in his first week, culminating in a morale-boosting derby victory over Manchester City and a clear shift in culture at Carrington.
The identity of Alisha Lehmann’s new boyfriend has been revealed, with the Swiss forward - who has returned to the WSL with Leicester City - stepping out with Love Island and Baller League star Montel McKenzie. The pair have worked together in six-a-side competition, allowing romance to blossom, and their budding relationship has now been made public.
Chelsea icon Eden Hazard has officially swapped goals for grapes, embarking on a surprising new career venture as a winemaker. The 35-year-old former winger, who dazzled the Premier League for seven years with his electrifying dribbling, has teamed up with Italian wine tycoon Fabio Cordella to launch his own signature range of reds and whites. It marks a sophisticated pivot for the Belgian ace, who has largely kept a low profile since hanging up his boots in 2023.
Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal are on the verge of making history and could even surpass Manchester United’s legendary 1999 treble winners. Ahead of the clash at the Emirates, the Liverpool legend claims Mikel Arteta has the tools to win a quadruple, arguing that the Gunners are in a far stronger position now than Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were at this stage of their historic campaign.
Kobbie Mainoo appears to have won his battle of wills at Manchester United, with the England international midfielder set to be rewarded with a new contract. It appeared at one stage as though the 20-year-old’s long-term future lay outside of Old Trafford, but a change of manager has quietened transfer talk and fresh terms for the youngster could now be signed off.
Arsenal midfielder Christian Norgaard has emerged as a surprise transfer target for Ajax, with the Dutch giants reportedly exploring a move for the Dane midway through his first season at the Emirates Stadium. The 31-year-old is featured on a shortlist of experienced midfield options being considered by Ajax director of football Marijn Beuker, who is currently on a scouting mission across Europe to secure a new defensive leader for the Amsterdam club.
Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank has issued a hands off warning to Liverpool when it comes to Dutch defender Micky van de Ven. The Netherlands international is said to have emerged as a potential summer transfer target for the reigning Premier League champions. Spurs, though, are reluctant to consider a sale and Frank wants to see contract extension talks opened in north London.
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.
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.