Samuel Umtiti has officially retired at just 31, bringing an end to a career that promised so much but was derailed by chronic knee injuries. The 2018 World Cup winner enjoyed highs with Lyon, Barcelona and France, but is now ready to take on a new challenge. Umtiti revealed his "ultimate goal" is to move into coaching, saying he has already started preparing for life on the touchline.
Hugo Ekitike has been told to brace for bench duty behind "far better" Liverpool team-mate Alexander Isak once the British record signing regains full fitness. Ekitike and Isak both joined the Reds this summer as the champions spent heavily in the transfer window to bolster their attack. However, Isak only moved on deadline day and didn't get a full pre-season after essentially going on strike at Newcastle.
Inter head coach Cristian Chivu has urged the fans to stop "throwing stones" at goalkeeper Yann Sommer after his disastrous performance did little to prevent his side from losing to Juventus over the weekend. Chivu remains confident in the Swiss international's experience and abilities, adding that Sommer will retain his place in the starting lineup against Ajax in the Champions League opener.
Manchester United have been told that former midfielder Michael Carrick has more “common sense” than under-fire coach Ruben Amorim. Former Red Devils assistant Rene Meulensteen thinks Carrick could be a good option if the club do decide to part ways with their Portuguese manager after a poor start to the 2025-26 Premier League season.
Italian club Crotone have been placed under judicial administration after investigators uncovered mafia infiltration linked to the notorious ’Ndrangheta syndicate. The probe revealed “suffocating control” over aspects of the club’s operations, particularly security and ticketing. While the court stresses no complicity from management, administrators will oversee the club for 12 months.
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has given a brutally honest verdict on the partnership between new signing Xavi Simons and Djed Spence after seeing Spurs beat Villarreal 1-0 in their opening Champions League match of the 2025-26 campaign. An early own goal from Yellow Submarine goalkeeper Luiz Junior ensured Tottenham took all three points in a narrow win in north London.
Lamine Yamal will not be available for the Champions League opener against Newcastle on Thursday, much to the dismay of head coach Hansi Flick. A war of words broke out between the German and the Spanish FA after he criticised the Spanish national team for not looking after Yamal. However, on the bright side, Frenkie de Jong has been named in the matchday squad.
Manchester United have posted their highest ever amount of revenue for last season, despite having their worst campaign on the pitch in 51 years. On Wednesday, the Red Devils published their latest financial results, which they said show 'the enduring strength and resilience of the club' as well as the benefits of 'difficult decisions taken', namely making an extra 200 staff members redundant.
Paris Saint-Germain are planning to make an ambitious contract offer to Barcelona captain Alexia Putellas, with the French giants reportedly prepared to trigger her release clause ahead of transfer deadline. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner’s current deal with Barca runs until June 2026, with the option of an additional season, but PSG are ready to exceed her existing salary.
Tottenham are calling for a major Premier League transfer rule to change after being left 'fuming' in the wake of the summer window. Spurs had hoped to send Manor Solomon on loan to Crystal Palace but saw a deadline-day move collapse after the Eagles pulled out at the last minute, despite signing a deal sheet to allow them extra time to complete the transfer.
Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia shed light on the departure of Adrien Rabiot, who joined Serie A giants AC Milan, following the Frenchman's brawl with ex-teammate Jonathan Rowe. Benatia expressed his regret over the midfielder's exit, revealing that he tried to build the bridges again, but also pointed fingers at the player's family for complicating things further.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly set for six weeks on the sidelines after Real Madrid confirmed the full extent of his new injury. The England international lasted less than five minutes on the pitch on his Champions League debut for Madrid as he was forced off with a muscle issue against Marseille on Tuesday. Dani Carvajal came on as a replacement but the Spaniard was later sent off for headbutting an opponent.
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has confirmed that he will skip the Ballon d'Or ceremony this year and revealed the player he wants to see win the 2025 Golden Ball. Mbappe scored 44 goals across all competitions and was La Liga's top scorer in his first season at Santiago Bernabeu, but does not feel he is a realistic Ballon d'Or contender because Real Madrid failed to win any major trophies.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have enjoyed a long-running rivalry after dominating world football for two decades. Both superstars are now entering the twilight of their careers, with former Manchester United assistant Rene Meulensteen claiming the 40-year-old Portugal international is now in better physical condition than Inter Miami's World Cup winner.
Former Barcelona player Bernd Schuster has warned Marc-Andre ter Stegen to find a new club if he wants to keep his Germany spot for the 2026 World Cup. Schuster believes the goalkeeper has 'no chance' of reviving his career at Camp Nou given the club’s history of moving on from players who fall out of favour.
Ex-Tottenham striker Harry Kane has admitted that he's "motivated" to silence the Chelsea fans as Bayern Munich prepare to host Enzo Maresca's side in their Champions League opener on Wednesday. Kane has kicked off another campaign in Germany on a fiery note, scoring eight goals across all competitions in just five appearances.
Vinicius Junior was named on the bench for Real Madrid's Champions League opener against Marseille on Tuesday, with Rodrygo starting in his place on the left wing. After the game, head coach Xabi Alonso made it clear that the squad must get used to his rotational policy and sit out a game every now and then, but reassured that Vinicius remains just as important to the cause.
Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique has adapted some interesting training methods designed to prevent his players from arguing with referees, Marquinhos has revealed. The Spanish coach intentionally blows the whistle with "bad calls" to provoke his players, according to the club captain, who heaped praise on his manager.
Manchester United have been told that Ruben Amorim would have been a perfect fit for one of their Premier League rivals. Since taking charge at Old Trafford, Amorim has managed United in 47 matches across all competitions, out of which they have won just 17 and have a 36 per cent win rate. The Red Devils were soundly beaten by Manchester City in their latest outing to pile more pressure on Amorim.
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has denied denied raping two women and sexually assaulting a third woman at an appearance at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday. The 32-year-old pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault after being charged in July. Partey has been granted bail and a trial date of November 2, 2026 has now been set.
Manchester United have been told to take a leaf out of Sheffield United's book and re-hire one of their former managers. The Championship side sacked Chris Wilder in June before recalling him this week for a third stint and now the Red Devils are being urged to sack head coach Ruben Amorim and bring back an Old Trafford favourite as soon as possible.
Memphis Depay has launched a furious attack on the Brazil media and others he claims are spreading 'lies' about him amid his ongoing payment feud with Corinthians. The former Manchester United and Barcelona forward took to social media with a long statement, insisting he is 'protected by a higher power' and warning those trying to create a bad image of him that 'karma is real.'
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has admitted he forgot all about one particular goalscorer at the club when discussing the strength in depth at Mikel Arteta’s side. The Gunners splashed out in the summer transfer window and brought exciting attackers Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze to the club in a bid to boost their hopes of winning silverware.
Nicolas Jackson has described his transfer to Bayern Munich as an “emotional rollercoaster” after his loan move from Chelsea almost collapsed ahead of the deadline. The striker revealed how Vincent Kompany’s personal touch convinced him to join the German champions and is now preparing to face his parent club in the Champions League.
Leandro Trossard has been effectively confirmed as the Premier League's ultimate super-sub after his goal in Arsenal's 2-0 Champions League win over Athletic Club. The Belgian has struggled to become a regular in Mikel Arteta's team and was linked with an Emirates exit this summer. But his contributions off the bench mean the Gunners can ill-afford to sell him.
Wrexham have been dealt another major injury blow, with Phil Parkinson confirming that £4m summer signing Liberato Cacace has been ruled out of action "for weeks". The Red Dragons have endured a nightmare start to their 2025-26 Championship campaign as they find themselves in the bottom half of the table with just one win from their first five matches. They have been plagued with multiple injuries since start of the season.
Manchester United minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is expected to put Ligue 1 club Nice up for sale at a price of around €200 million (£174m/$237m). An official announcement is expected from INEOS shortly, as Ratcliffe is said to finally be ready to give up his stake with the French team that he originally acquired back in 2019 for approximately £89 million (€100 million).
Real Madrid opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 win over Marseille, but controversy overshadowed the result. Dani Carvajal was shown a red card for headbutting goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, while Kylian Mbappe struck twice from the spot to secure victory. Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi branded the late penalty "shameful" as he criticised the officials' decisions.