Legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly was never short of a good quote, but one of his best offered an insight as to how exactly a football team should be run: "A football team is like a piano - you need eight men to carry it and three who can play the damn thing." It’s a punchy line, and in modern-day international football, it rings painfully true.
The race for the Real Madrid presidency has taken a sensational turn after candidate Enrique Riquelme claimed that Erling Haaland has already agreed to a move to the Bernabeu. In a high-stakes election battle against long-serving incumbent Florentino Perez, the 37-year-old entrepreneur has staked his entire campaign on bringing the Manchester City superstar to the Spanish capital.
Manchester City and Liverpool have emerged as the frontrunners to land Hertha Berlin sensation Kennet Eichhorn after the Bundesliga's heavyweights cooled their interest. Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have both stepped back from negotiations for the 16-year-old midfielder, citing eye-watering financial requirements. The Premier League duo are now in pole position to secure one of Europe's most highly-rated teenagers.
Paris Saint-Germain have identified a promising Premier League talent as the ideal long-term successor to Ousmane Dembele. Bournemouth sensation Eli Junior Kroupi has caught the attention of the French champions following the 19-year-old's impressive performances in England, sparking intense speculation about a potential blockbuster return to his homeland.
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is set to star in an exclusive new Disney+ documentary, offering fans a unique behind-the-scenes look at his life. Following the Gunners' historic Premier League title victory, the highly anticipated film features club legend Thierry Henry and explores the incredible personal support system that has driven the 24-year-old to the very top of world football.
Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea have all been left frustrated in their attempts to sign Aleksey Batrakov, with Paris Saint-Germain now closing in on the Russian starlet. The Premier League trio have long monitored the 20-year-old, but strict regulations regarding transfers from Russian clubs have effectively handed the advantage to the French champions.
Manchester City are locked in intense compensation negotiations with Chelsea as they look to finalise a deal for Enzo Maresca to become their new manager. The Italian tactician is expected to replace Pep Guardiola, but the proposed three-year agreement remains held up by legal discussions following his sudden departure from Stamford Bridge in January.
Arsenal have reportedly moved into pole position to sign Eintracht Frankfurt standout Nathaniel Brown, moving ahead of Bayern Munich in the race for the defender. The Gunners appear better equipped to meet the Bundesliga side's steep financial demands as they look to bolster their defensive options.
Borussia Dortmund have set their sights on Everton midfielder Tim Iroegbunam following his impressive performances in the Premier League. The 22-year-old talent has attracted major interest from top European clubs, with both Dortmund and Stuttgart planning to make their moves. However, Everton are determined to keep hold of their rising star ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Newcastle United have ramped up their summer recruitment drive by launching a formal €24m bid for Swedish side AIK’s teenage sensation Zadok Yohanna. The winger, who has earned the nickname the 'Nigerian Neymar' due to his explosive style of play, has become one of the most sought-after young talents in European football.
Ollie Watkins has revealed that being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad earlier this year was the catalyst for the best form of his career. The Aston Villa striker saw his World Cup dreams hang in the balance after missing the March camp, but he believes the setback provided the necessary fire to prove his worth on the big stage.
Recently retired England stalwart Kyle Walker has cast doubt on Thomas Tuchel’s maiden tournament squad by naming three players he believes were unfairly omitted. The 36-year-old, who earned 96 caps for the Three Lions, suggested that the German manager has taken a massive gamble on the fitness and form of his defensive line.
Harry Kane will “half want to come back” to the Premier League once his adventure at Bayern Munich is over, Peter Reid has told GOAL. An England icon of the past would like to see one of the present make his way to Everton, but appreciates that may be slightly ambitious and has explained what makes the Three Lions’ all-time leading goalscorer special.
Brad Friedel has - during an exclusive interview with GOAL - sought to play down expectations around “poster boy” Christian Pulisic, but considers four other players to sit alongside ‘Captain America’ in the USMNT’s “undroppable” pool. The United States are considered to be working with a ‘Golden Generation’ of talent as a home World Cup is taken in.
France are preparing to head across the Atlantic in search of World Cup glory, but the squad has already managed to go viral before touching down in the United States. During a formal photo session with President Emmanuel Macron, Manchester City star Rayan Cherki stole the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
Manchester United have officially confirmed that Rasmus Hojlund has completed a permanent move to Napoli following a productive loan spell in Italy. The Denmark international, who arrived at Old Trafford from Atalanta in 2023, returns to Serie A on a full-time basis after the Neapolitans triggered a mandatory purchase clause.
Nottingham Forest star Chris Wood endured a bittersweet evening in Fort Lauderdale as he officially became the most-capped player in New Zealand men's football history. However, the veteran striker's record-breaking night against Haiti was completely overshadowed by a shambolic performance from the All Whites.
Rayan Cherki is being backed to justify comparisons with Zinedine Zidane, as Louis Saha tells GOAL why the enigmatic Manchester City playmaker can become even better now that Pep Guardiola has left the Etihad Stadium. The most demanding of coaches helped to keep a tight leash on Cherki, but the World Cup-bound midfielder should benefit from a little more leeway when working under a new manager in the Premier League.
Chelsea are prepared to sanction the sale of Marc Cucurella this summer after reportedly naming their asking price, with Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid actively monitoring the defender's situation. Despite establishing himself as a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge, the Spain international is understood to be open to a fresh challenge away from west London.
Jude Bellingham at Liverpool is a transfer that could be agreed at some point in the future, Reds legend Robbie Fowler has told GOAL, with the England international midfielder being told where his game can still improve. The all-action 22-year-old remains on the books of Real Madrid for now, but a Premier League challenge may be sought once his Spanish adventure comes to a close.
Tottenham playmaker Xavi Simons has sparked excitement among the Spurs faithful after dropping a significant hint regarding a potential reunion with former teammate Savinho. The north London club are actively working on a deal to bring the Manchester City winger to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following a difficult campaign for the Brazilian at the Etihad.
Kobbie Mainoo has credited Michael Carrick with saving his international career after being named in England's 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup. The Manchester United starlet admitted he is "very grateful" to the newly-permanent Old Trafford boss for the faith shown in him since he took the reins.
Cole Palmer appears to be making the most of his unexpected summer break, having been spotted relaxing in Ibiza alongside Wayne Lineker following his omission from the England squad. The Chelsea star was a high-profile absentee from Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man selection for the upcoming World Cup.
Leon Goretzka is on the hunt for a new home as his departure from Bayern Munich looms. The German international, once destined for a move to Italy, is now looking toward the Premier League after a series of collapsed negotiations with Serie A clubs.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has voiced his confusion over the club’s managerial direction following the shock dismissal of Arne Slot. With Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola now the frontrunner to take the hotseat, Carragher believes the Reds have missed a massive trick by allowing Xabi Alonso to slip through their fingers and join Premier League rivals Chelsea.
Robert Lewandowski is about to hit free agency, as his Barcelona contract expires, with Louis Saha telling GOAL why the prolific Polish striker could be a useful addition for Manchester United. The Frenchman believes a similar impact to that made by Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be enjoyed at Old Trafford, but the addition of a Kylian Mbappe-esque forward is considered to be of more pressing importance to Premier League heavyweights.
Steven Gerrard has been used to explain why Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice cannot be considered a Ballon d’Or contender “just yet”, with Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler telling GOAL why the Gunners talisman “needs to go up a notch” in order to join the global elite. That path is still being trodden by the all-action 27-year-old, who will soon be on World Cup duty with England.
Manchester United have made a statement of intent in the transfer market by reportedly reaching a £38m agreement to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson. With personal terms finalised on a long-term contract, the Brazilian is poised to become the first major acquisition of the Michael Carrick era as the Red Devils look to transform their engine room ahead of the new campaign.
Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers has been tipped for a sensational move to European heavyweights Barcelona or Real Madrid after catching the eye in the Premier League. As the 23-year-old’s stock continues to rise, Unai Emery’s side have simultaneously been warned against making a move for Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus despite a tempting price tag.
Jarrod Bowen is facing a career-defining crossroads that could have massive repercussions for his family life following West Ham United’s shock relegation to the Championship. The Hammers captain, who is married to former Love Island star Dani Dyer, is reportedly weighing up his future after the club’s 15-year stay in the top flight came to a heartbreaking end.
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