Perceived refereeing injustices have been a recurring theme for Manchester United this season, drawing strong reactions from the club's management, players, and pundits. Such is the resentment felt at Old Trafford the club now reportedly plan to formalise their grievances with the head of the referees' governing body PGMOL, Howard Webb in a key meeting.
The Premier League title race is tighter than last year where Liverpool secured the title with four games to spare. Several teams are vying for the top spots, a more protracted three-way battle for the trophy on the cards. Arsenal lead the race, with Manchester City hot on their tail, and Gunners legend Thierry Henry has delivered his verdict on the stars of the season so far.
GOAL U.S. writers take a look at some of the biggest storylines in European soccer, including Mo Salah's future, Vinicius Jr's exit rumors, and the Premier League title race
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has admitted there are “worrying signs” over Tino Livramento’s fitness after the full-back was forced off with a knee problem in midweek. With the Magpies' defensive options already stretched, the 23-year-old is now a major doubt to face Chelsea, casting uncertainty over Howe’s plans for the crucial Premier League clash.
Aston Villa are keeping a close watch on Brennan Johnson’s situation at Tottenham Hotspur, with the Midlands club expected to weigh up a potential move should the Wales international become available in 2026. While no formal approach has been made, TEAMtalk reports that Villa would be prepared to assess a deal if Spurs show a genuine willingness to part ways with a player who has slipped down the pecking order under Thomas Frank.
Mohamed Salah’s struggles at Liverpool, which led to him aiming an explosive outburst in the Reds’ direction, are being blamed on the summer departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Dean Saunders has explained to GOAL why the ‘Egyptian King’ at Anfield has found the going tough during the 2025-26 campaign and ultimately felt the need to air his grievances in public.
Arsenal have identified Real Madrid teenager Victor Valdepenas as a serious long-term target, with plans reportedly forming for a move in 2026 that could test the resolve of the Spanish giants. Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta view the 19-year-old defender as an ideal fit for their evolving squad, with the north London club prepared to play the long game in their pursuit.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is said to figure prominently on Manchester City’s list of potential successors to Pep Guardiola. The Italian tactician has previously taken in two spells at the Etihad Stadium and may be welcomed back for a third when the day comes for a highly-decorated Catalan coach to sever ties with the Premier League heavyweights.
Thierry Henry has revealed his "love" for Liverpool fans' reaction to Mohamed Salah's falling out with Arne Slot. The former Arsenal striker admitted he was struck by the maturity and balance shown by the fanbase, who chose unity over division at a delicate moment in the club’s season.
Emi Martinez is “destined for more big things”, ex-Aston Villa forward Marlon Harewood has told GOAL, with the World Cup-winning goalkeeper missing out on a transfer to Manchester United in the summer of 2025. He has not let that get to him, with a mercurial talent continuing to star for the Villans as they have made positive progress at home and abroad.
Jamie Carragher has been quizzed on whether Liverpool will look to sell Mohamed Salah in the January transfer window, while also doubling down on his claim that the Egyptian superstar was a “disgrace” to speak out against the club. Salah accused the Reds of throwing him under the bus when aiming an explosive outburst in the Reds’ direction.
Adidas have chosen a fitting moment to celebrate one of football’s most recognisable figures, unveiling a special-edition F50 boot created in honour of Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations. The release, titled the F50 Salah, is designed to reflect both the winger’s extraordinary impact on the modern game.
On September 15, 2018, N'Golo Kante walked off the Stamford Bridge pitch, satisfied. As was often the case, the Frenchman had just covered every blade of grass over the course of the 90 minutes. And, as was so often the case, he was not one of the major speaking points at full-time. Not right away, at least.
Manchester City are reportedly closing in on an 18-year-old Troyes wonderkid, Mathys Detourbet, after rolling out the red carpet for the teenager. The 18-year-old has rapidly risen through the ranks in Ligue 2 and is now firmly on the radar of several major European clubs, but City appear well-placed in a competitive race.
A brand-new version of the popular FIFA gaming franchise is in the pipeline, with world football’s governing body announcing an exciting partnership with streaming giants Netflix. Said production will hope to rival EA FC, with FIFA having split from Electronic Arts in 2023. The latest release will be made available ahead of the 2026 World Cup finals.
Manchester United have been told that Elliot Anderson, who continues to generate talk of interest from Old Trafford, is “definitely” worth his mooted £100 million ($134m) price tag. That is said to be the fee that Nottingham Forest will be demanding from any deal involving the England international. Marlon Harewood has told GOAL why those numbers add up.
Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of one of Brazil’s brightest young forwards is facing a formidable obstacle, with Real Madrid reportedly preparing to muscle in on the race for Vasco da Gama sensation Rayan. The 19-year-old has emerged as one of South America’s most coveted prospects this season, and interest from Europe’s elite is now beginning to crystallise into concrete plans.
It has been suggested, by Dietmar Hamann, that Liverpool could look to sell £125 million ($167m) striker Alexander Isak to Barcelona in the summer of 2026. Anfield future questions are also being asked of £116m ($155m) playmaker Florian Wirtz, while talk of Jurgen Klopp returning to Merseyside in a managerial capacity has been addressed by a former Reds star.
Former Aston Villa loanee Jermaine Jenas believes Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott, after flopping in the West Midlands, could both be on the move in the January transfer window. Two players with England international ambitions may be forced back to their parent clubs Manchester United and Liverpool before fresh agreements are sought early in 2026.
Thiago Silva is a free agent again at the age of 41, with the veteran Brazilian defender agreeing to the early termination of his contract at Fluminense. Having spent 18 months back at his boyhood club, the classy centre-half is said to be eyeing a return to Europe - where he has previously represented AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.
Jack Grealish argued over a comparison between Everton ace Iliman Ndiaye and Bukayo Saka, and reckoned that his Merseyside teammate is more skilled than the Arsenal talisman. Speaking on a Stan Sport podcast, Grealish argued that while Saka remains among the most effective wide players in world football, pure skill belongs elsewhere in the Premier League.
The Africa Cup of Nations is the biggest event for the continent's football outside of the World Cup, but for clubs, especially ones in the Premier League, it can create a major headache. This time around, the next month could be a particularly painful period for Manchester United, as the tournament will deprive them of three of their usual starting XI in Noussair Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo.
Mohamed Salah bid farewell to Anfield on Saturday - but was it for good? The fact that he'd even made it onto the pitch was clearly a positive sign. After Salah's extraordinary attack on Arne Slot and the club the previous weekend, there was a very real fear that 'The Egyptian King' might not even make the squad for Liverpool's final fixture before he headed off to the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has revealed his side will be without Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian for their upcoming trip to Newcastle United on Saturday. The exciting winger was missing from the squad that prevailed 3-1 against Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, with the Italian boss explaining he is struggling with a "small muscular problem".
Chelsea have been told to 'put up or shut up' amid the delay over a potential stadium move to Earl's Court. The Blues had set their sights on departing Stamford Bridge for the site of the old Earls Court Exhibition Centre but alternative plans have been approved by Kensington and Chelsea council. And if the Premier League side are serious about moving there, they have been urged to get their affairs in order.
Enzo Maresca has explained why he has "no time" as Chelsea boss ahead of his side's upcoming clash with Newcastle United. The Italian head coach revealed that the run-up to his team's win over Everton was the "worst" he had endured during his time with the Blues. But following their Carabao Cup victory over Cardiff City, the former Leicester City man cut a more jolly figure heading into Christmas.
Arsenal are reportedly 'confident' of tying Jurrien Timber down to a new contract amid an impressive season. The Netherlands international has been hailed as the Premier League's best full-back this term after playing a key role in the Gunners topping the Champions League and Premier League tables so far. Now, the north London team want to extend the defender's stay with Mikel Arteta's side.
United States men's national team star Christian Pulisic is set to be joined by Premier League flop at AC Milan in a shock transfer as the Rossoneri's desperate search for a new striker nears conclusion. The German forward has failed to settle in London since joining from Borussia Dortmund and is understood to be keen on an immediate exit in the next window.
Chelsea's transfer plans for the next year or so have been revealed as the club look to further strengthen their squad. The Blues have enjoyed a reasonably strong Premier League campaign so far this season, sitting fourth in the table, but have identified one playing area in particular where reinforcements are required to take the team to the next level.
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