Aston Villa wonderkid Brian Madjo has been advised to use Manchester City striker Erling Haaland as the perfect role model, with Emile Heskey telling GOAL why the 17-year-old striker could end up being England’s long-term successor to Harry Kane in their No.9 berth. Such a standing remains a long way off for now, but there is plenty of potential to be unlocked.
Jordan Pickford has long been the subject of intense scrutiny whenever he pulls on an England shirt, but the Everton goalkeeper is proving his worth yet again back at Goodison Park. Following a summer of mixed emotions on the international stage, the Three Lions' number one returned to club action with a performance that silenced his doubters and drew significant praise from his manager.
Alejandro Garnacho has been warned that “alarm bells should be ringing" for him on the back of Manchester United and Chelsea flops, but Ray Houghton has told GOAL that Unai Emery can help to get the Argentina international back on track during a loan spell at Aston Villa. Said move may have seen the 22-year-old winger step into the Premier League’s last chance saloon.
Alan Shearer may need to watch out, with Emile Heskey telling GOAL that Harry Kane could line up a Premier League return for 2028 - after extending his contract at Bayern Munich - with more records to be broken in that division. A history-making spell at Tottenham for the prolific striker came to a close in 2023, but does he have unfinished business in English football?
Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has confirmed that the club will not rush into a final decision regarding Mykhailo Mudryk’s immediate future at Stamford Bridge. The Ukrainian international is expected to depart on loan before the summer transfer window slams shut, with several Premier League and European clubs monitoring his situation.
Christos Tzolis has made a blistering start to life at Arsenal, but the Greek winger took time out of his weekend to return to familiar surroundings. The 24-year-old was paraded on the pitch at Club Brugge ahead of their derby victory over Cercle Brugge, soaking in the adulation from his former supporters.
Dominik Szoboszlai is considered to be Liverpool captain material, as the potential heir to Virgil van Dijk at Anfield, but Reds legend Ray Houghton has highlighted to GOAL the selection mistake that Andoni Iraola and Co must avoid when it comes to the all-action Hungarian. Szoboszlai has seen his versatility put to good use across three seasons on Merseyside.
Harry Maguire is being backed to remain at Manchester United beyond the 2026-27 campaign, with Danny Simpson telling GOAL that the long-serving centre-half could “stay on to coach” at Old Trafford. The latest contract signed by the England international is only one-year in length, but it does include the option for a further 12 months that will take him beyond celebrations of a 35th birthday.
Newcastle United manager Matthias Jaissle has emphatically dismissed suggestions that Lewis Hall will join Manchester United this summer. The 21-year-old left-back is reportedly eager to force a high-profile move to Old Trafford, but the Magpies are desperate to retain their remaining defensive stars following a damaging transfer exodus.
Emi Martinez is seemingly eager to form part of the mass exodus at Aston Villa, but the World Cup-winning goalkeeper has avoided criticism for that transfer push from former Villans star Ray Houghton - who has been speaking exclusively to GOAL. The Argentina international has been seeking a move for over 12 months now, as he attempts to “make a lot of money” before hanging up his gloves.
Dominik Szoboszlai felt Liverpool should have claimed all three points despite needing his dramatic 99th-minute penalty to rescue a 2-2 draw against Newcastle on Sunday. The midfielder held his nerve from the spot in front of a hostile St James' Park crowd after strikes from Anthony Elanga and Joe Willock put the hosts on the brink of an opening-day win.
Palmeiras boss Abel Ferreira has told Manchester City they must trigger Allan Elias' €100 million release clause to complete a summer move. The Premier League side are actively chasing the versatile 22-year-old winger as Enzo Maresca revamps his attack, but the Brazilian outfit have no intention of selling for anything below their asking price.
Hull City executed a flawless tactical game plan to shock Manchester United with a 2-0 victory on the opening weekend of the Premier League season. Manager Sergej Jakirovic kept his five-man defence plan a closely guarded secret, ultimately overwhelming Michael Carrick's side on their long-awaited top-flight return.
Man City remain interested in Enzo Fernandez despite agreeing an £86m deal for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Enzo Maresca wants further midfield reinforcements after Rodri's departure to Barcelona, but Chelsea's £120m asking price remains a major obstacle to any deal.
Aston Villa captain John McGinn has issued an apology to supporters after Unai Emery's side suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat at Brighton on Sunday. A nightmare first-half collapse saw Villa concede four goals, score an own goal, and have Joao Gomes sent off before the interval, leaving the visiting skipper furious with the opening-day capitulation.
Manchester City survived a major scare against Bournemouth as Enzo Maresca secured his first Premier League win as Pep Guardiola's successor in dramatic fashion. Elliot Anderson's early exit threatened to add to City's problems, but Maresca has moved to ease concerns over the midfielder's fitness after his £116m move from Nottingham Forest.
Brighton and Hove Albion have announced the tragic death of a 72-year-old supporter who passed away after falling unwell shortly after Sunday's victory over Aston Villa. The fan was preparing to board a supporters' bus when the incident occurred, casting a devastating shadow over the opening weekend of the Premier League season at the Amex Stadium.
Gary Neville has strongly criticised Liverpool attackers Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz following their underwhelming performances in a dramatic opening-weekend draw against Newcastle. Neville believes the expensive duo have had a free ride for the past year and must quickly start delivering in the final third if they want to avoid intense scrutiny this season.
Marc Guehi has reflected on his unexpected mid-game tactical deployment in midfield after Manchester City secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The England defender proved instrumental in altering the momentum of the Premier League encounter after shifting into a central holding role.
Newcastle United manager Matthias Jaissle expressed deep frustration over a stoppage-time penalty awarded to Liverpool during a dramatic draw at St James' Park. The late decision allowed Dominik Szoboszlai to secure a vital point, prompting Jaissle to fiercely question the standard of officiating and suggest such soft fouls negatively impact the sport.
Gary Neville believes Arsenal are clear favourites to retain the Premier League title this season, stating they should win the league comfortably. His comments come after a dramatic opening weekend where title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool both delivered unconvincing performances in their respective matches, while Mikel Arteta's team secured a dominant victory.
Liverpool's high-octane start to the 2026-27 Premier League campaign descended into tactical chaos on Sunday afternoon at St James' Park as Andoni Iraola's first competitive game in charge ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw with Newcastle United. Despite rescuing a point deep in stoppage time, the Reds looked alarmingly vulnerable on the transition, drawing sharp criticism from club icon Jamie Carragher.
Andoni Iraola has shared his thoughts on Liverpool securing a dramatic 2-2 draw against Newcastle United on the opening weekend of the Premier League season. Despite falling behind twice, a stoppage-time penalty from Dominik Szoboszlai ensured the visitors avoided defeat, prompting Iraola to admit that scoring late in the game brings a uniquely satisfying feeling.
Enzo Maresca has insisted that Manchester City remain a work in progress despite securing a dramatic late victory over Bournemouth. The new manager praised the incredible impact of his substitutes while acknowledging the significant physical disparities in his squad, emphasising that much more time and preparation are required to reach their optimal level this season.
Isabel Haugseng Johansen has stunned supporters by showcasing a brand-new hairstyle, mirroring her boyfriend Erling Haaland after the Manchester City striker unexpectedly shaved off his signature long blond locks. The 22-year-old Norwegian revealed her fresh shoulder-length trim on social media just hours before Manchester City kicked off their Premier League campaign against Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester United have been dealt a significant injury blow after Amad Diallo suffered an ankle injury during a training session, ruling the winger out of action for approximately six weeks. The 24-year-old Ivory Coast international has established himself as a prominent figure in the first-team squad, making his unexpected absence a major concern for the coaching staff as the Premier League season intensifies.
Julian Alvarez endured a highly hostile reception from Atletico Madrid supporters during Sunday's dramatic 2-2 La Liga draw with Villarreal. The Argentine forward was brutally booed as he entered the pitch from the bench, with fans directing explicit chants at him, demanding his immediate departure amid intense summer transfer links to Arsenal and Barcelona.
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