The appointment of Xavi Hernandez as the new head coach of the Netherlands has sparked an emotional reaction from one of the nation's brightest talents. Tottenham midfielder Xavi Simons took to social media to welcome his namesake, revealing the deep personal connection that links the two figures across generations of Barcelona and Oranje history.
Rangers are a “bigger club than Tottenham”, Colin Hendry has told GOAL, but the Old Firm giants face transfer frustration when it comes to bringing Mikey Moore back to Ibrox for a second spell. The teenage wonderkid impressed many in Glasgow last season, but Spurs are seemingly set to send him elsewhere before the summer deadline of 2026 passes.
Jason Wilcox holds plenty of power at Old Trafford, but what is Manchester United’s director of football really like? Premier League title-winning team-mate Colin Hendry has answered that question during an exclusive interview with GOAL. The former England international has trodden a post-playing career path that few could have predicted - having once been a “comedian” in the dressing room.
Manchester City have officially confirmed that Belgian winger Jeremy Doku has committed his long-term future to the club by signing a new five-year contract. The fresh deal ensures the explosive attacker will remain at the Etihad Stadium until at least 2031 as the club enters a new era under manager Enzo Maresca.
Celta Vigo's opening La Liga fixture against Osasuna is in serious doubt following a severe fungus outbreak on the pitch at Estadio de Balaidos. League inspectors are due to assess the damaged playing surface within 24 hours to determine whether the match can go ahead as scheduled, with Celta reportedly requesting a postponement.
Liverpool legend John Barnes has told GOAL that Florian Wirtz is his “favourite player” at Anfield, with the German playmaker being backed to “do what Bruno Fernandes does” while donning a different red shirt. Wirtz endured a testing debut campaign in English football, but the talented 23-year-old can still justify the £116 million ($156m) worth of faith that has been shown in him.
Mikel Arteta has revealed that Bruno Guimaraes was desperate to pull on the Arsenal shirt for the first time during the Gunners' final pre-season friendly. The Brazilian midfielder, who recently completed a high-profile move from Newcastle, made his bow in a 1-1 draw against Como at the Emirates Stadium.
Former Everton senior scout Bryan King believes Bournemouth midfielder Marcus Tavernier would represent a shrewd piece of business for the Toffees this summer. With David Moyes looking to bolster his midfield options ahead of the new campaign, the Merseyside club have made initial enquiries regarding the 27-year-old's availability.
Paris Saint-Germain kicked off their new season in ideal fashion by securing a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa to retain the UEFA Super Cup. Following the hard-fought triumph, midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery hailed the incredible unity within Luis Enrique's squad as they target even more silverware.
Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has praised the Gunners' hierarchy for showing patience with Mikel Arteta during his toughest moments at the helm. Returning to the Emirates Stadium with his Como side for a pre-season friendly, the Spaniard revealed that the Italian club are actively trying to replicate Arsenal's culture and long-term stability.
Manchester United are said to be keen on Lewis Hall, but can the Newcastle left-back become “the new Patrice Evra” at Old Trafford? The man himself has attempted to answer that question, with the legendary Red Devils defender assessing potential transfer business with GOAL. More movement is expected before the summer window of 2026 swings shut.
Former Manchester United defender Quinton Fortune admits he wishes his old club had re-signed Danny Welbeck this summer. The experienced striker instead completed a surprise move from Brighton to Chelsea, leaving Fortune to praise Xabi Alonso's astute business in the transfer market.
Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has provided a cryptic update on the future of Bradley Barcola as interest from the Premier League continues to intensify. The 23-year-old winger has emerged as a primary target for both Liverpool and Arsenal following his stellar rise in the French capital.
Former Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune has urged Chelsea to consider a surprise move for Andre Onana this summer. Despite spending over £300m under new manager Xabi Alonso, the Blues have yet to sign a new goalkeeper, and Fortune believes the Cameroonian shot-stopper could be an outstanding addition at Stamford Bridge.
Zinedine Zidane has officially confirmed his new backroom staff after succeeding Didier Deschamps as the manager of the France national team. The former Real Madrid head coach has reunited with legendary goalkeeper Fabien Barthez, who joins the setup to coach the shot-stoppers.
Emiliano Buendia insists Aston Villa can take pride in their performance despite falling to a 2-1 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup. The Argentine playmaker believes the spirit shown against the European champions signals a promising start to a new era for Unai Emery's side following significant summer changes.
Colin Hendry has attempted to explain how he would deal with Erling Haaland, during an exclusive interview with GOAL, but the former Manchester City defender admits that the prolific frontman poses questions that are almost impossible to answer. The Norway international forms part of the global elite, with few opponents able to contain his obvious threat.
Paris Saint-Germain summer signing Maghnes Akliouche has earned glowing praise from manager Luis Enrique following his debut. The 24-year-old French international impressed during a 45-minute cameo in PSG's 2-1 UEFA Super Cup victory over Aston Villa.
Manchester City’s record-breaking new signing Elliot Anderson has revealed the details behind his decision to reject a move to Manchester United in favour of the Etihad Stadium. Despite facing direct recruitment attempts from Red Devils players during his post-season break, the England international remained firm in his desire to join the Cityzens.
Brentford defender Nathan Collins has backed his team-mates to maintain the high standards established by Jordan Henderson following his departure to Chelsea. The 36-year-old midfielder left the Gtech Community Stadium by mutual consent after a single season, leaving a lasting legacy behind as the Bees prepare for the new Premier League campaign.
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha has provided a glimpse into the buzzing atmosphere within the Germany camp following the landmark appointment of Jurgen Klopp. The former Liverpool and BVB icon has been appointed to take charge of the national team, sparking a fresh wave of optimism across the country.
Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland has expressed total confidence in his ability to secure the starting spot at RB Leipzig following his impressive World Cup campaign. The 35-year-old shot-stopper joined the Bundesliga outfit on a two-year deal following his exit from Sevilla, returning to Red Bull Arena for a second spell with high ambitions.
Newcastle were never going to be in a position to land a Fabian Hurzeler or Andoni Iraola once Eddie Howe took the decision to walk away, former Magpies star John Barnes has told GOAL. In a summer of change at St James’ Park, on and off the field, managerial reins in the North East have been passed to Premier League rookie Matthias Jaissle.
Bayern Munich defender Jonathan Tah has praised the impressive managerial qualities of both Vincent Kompany and Xabi Alonso. The Germany international highlighted how the legendary former players use their vast experience to emotionally connect with their squads and successfully implement tactical ideas.
Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to be retained as part of the Netherlands backroom staff under newly appointed head coach Xavi. The former Oranje striker will provide crucial domestic continuity alongside goalkeeping coach Patrick Lodewijks as the Dutch Football Association finalises the coaching setup for a new era.
Jonathan Tah is eager to secure the DFL-Supercup against Borussia Dortmund as he begins his second season at Bayern Munich. The centre-back has also set his sights on growing into a leadership role and significantly improving the team's defensive record this term.