Chris Burton

Barcelona were far from convincing in their meeting with Real Oviedo at Camp Nou, as they toiled for long periods against rock-bottom opponents, but the Blaugrana returned to the La Liga summit courtesy of a 3-0 win. Dani Olmo, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal dug them out of a hole on home soil, with class eventually shining through as a collection of impressive finishes delivered three hard-fought points.

Manchester City may be in need of a new captain next season, with Bernardo Silva’s contract running down towards free agency, and a prediction has been made regarding who will take the armband. Portuguese defender Ruben Dias and prolific Norwegian striker Erling Haaland are reported to be among those in contention to take over skipper duties at the Etihad Stadium.

Former Argentina international Javier Zanetti considers fellow countryman Lionel Messi to be “the essence of football” as he is capable of doing “crazy things”. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has proved as much over the course of his career, with the South American GOAT still going strong at the age of 38 with MLS Cup winners Inter Miami.

Pep Guardiola’s future remains the subject of lively debate at Manchester City, with it being suggested that the Catalan coach could walk away from the Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2026. An update on his plans claims that no decision has been made as yet, with it being pointed out that the ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss has “never broken a contract”.

Christian Pulisic is “the best player at AC Milan right now” and the only American that would feature on a list of the “top 150 players in the world”, claims one of his former coaches. The United States international is considered to have benefited from playing “street soccer” in England as a youngster, with those early experiences putting him on a path to superstardom.

There is always a scramble to secure Lionel Messi’s shirt whenever he takes to the field for Inter Miami or Argentina, with the South American GOAT facing plenty of requests. Alan Cantero was the lucky recipient of an iconic No.10 jersey following Messi’s first outing of 2026. The Alianza Lima striker broke down in tears after landing a prized momento at the end of a friendly fixture.

Brooklyn Beckham’s former youth team coach at Queens Park Rangers has added his voice to the debate regarding how controlling ex-England captain Sir David and Spice Girls star Victoria can be when it comes to their children. Brooklyn has taken to speaking out against his famous parents following a family feud, with a “strange dynamic” admission now being made.

Former Arsenal star Bacary Sagna has told GOAL, during an exclusive interview, that Arsenal can win both the Premier League and Champions League this season. The north London giants are hoping to make history in 2025-26, but Sagna - who also represented Manchester City in his playing days - has warned that Pep Guardiola “will not let go” in a bid to chase the Gunners down.

Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers has revealed how he took inspiration from the “no-care attitude” of former Manchester United stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba. The 23-year-old is now an enigmatic playmaker in his own right, capable of match-altering brilliance, and has a regular role with England at the 2026 World Cup in his sights.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For any of those running down their current deals, opportunities are there to speak with suitors before hitting free agency

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.

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.