Roma sporting director Ricky Massara has admitted that the club's pursuit of Joshua Zirkzee has been complicated by the dismissal of Ruben Amorim at Manchester United. The Serie A side had been keen on the Dutch forward, but the sudden change in the dugout at Old Trafford has altered the landscape, potentially offering the player a fresh start in England under new management.
GOAL runs the rule over the British players earning a living away from their homeland, with plenty more stars deciding to leave their comfort zones in search of a better footballing life elsewhere. The Premier League is still obviously one of the world's most entertaining divisions and the Championship can prove fantastic for development, but there are more options out there.
The Bundesliga may still be on a winter break, but there was plenty of other action across Europe as 2026 got off to a cracking start for some of the continent's elite teams. In England, Arsenal took another big step towards a first Premier League title since 2004 by moving six points clear thanks to a 3-2 win at Bournemouth, while reigning champions Barcelona continue to lead the way in Spain after beating city rivals Espanyol thanks to late goals from Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski.
Como manager Cesc Fabregas has been brutally trolled by AC Milan legend Alessandro Nesta after the two went head-to-head in management. When the Italian icon was managing Monza in 2025, his side came up against Fabregas' Como, with the two teams playing out a 1-1 draw. While the Spaniard is receiving praise for his managerial success, Nesta has taken aim at his apparent whining.
Weston McKennie has reacted to Jonathan David’s Panenka penalty woe at Juventus, with the USMNT star also discussing his new role in the Bianconeri’s plans. The Turin-based giants endured a frustrating outing against Lecce at the start of 2026, as they were held to a 1-1 draw, with Canada international forward David fluffing his lines from the spot.
After Napoli beat Bologna on December 22 to win the Supercoppa Italiana, Rasmus Hojlund posted a picture of him holding the trophy, accompanied by the words, "What a great decision looks like." Unsurprisingly, some Manchester United fans didn't react well to the perceived slight on their club. One comment on Hojlund's Instagram photo with more than 14,000 likes sarcastically congratulated the Dane for finding his 'level' before adding, "[The] Premier League is too difficult for amateurs."
Mohamed Salah is reportedly being targeted for a dramatic return to Serie A. The Egyptian superstar bid farewell to Italy in 2017 when making his way to Liverpool. Record-setting exploits have been delivered at Anfield, while winning two Premier League titles, but an exit early in 2026 is being mooted. It is claimed that Roma would like to be reunited with a familiar face.
From Christian Pulisic’s individual success to the USMNT exiting the World Cup earlier than hoped, GOAL outlines its predictions for American soccer in 2026.
AC Milan have been warned that ‘Captain America’ Christian Pulisic “can’t always save” them, with the Rossoneri becoming “too dependent” on their USMNT star. That is the opinion of legendary coach Fabio Capello, who continues to keep an eye across events at San Siro. He is not convinced that Pulisic can deliver Serie A title glory with Golden Boot-winning exploits.
AC Milan have reportedly set a date for further contract talks with USMNT star Christian Pulisic. The American forward, who has become a talismanic figure at San Siro, has delayed committing his future to the Serie A giants. They are, however, in title contention this season and remain confident that the 27-year-old can be persuaded to extend his association with the club.
Roma reportedly have two Premier League defenders on their recruitment radar for the January transfer window, with raids on Chelsea and Tottenham being planned. The Serie A giants are eager to reinforce at the back and believe that Axel Disasi and Radu Dragusin, who have been enduring tough times in London, could be shrewd additions at Stadio Olimpico.
According to Antonio Cassano, Thiago Silva’s proposed return to AC Milan was blocked, despite the full backing of club adviser Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with head coach Massimiliano Allegri reportedly stepping in to veto the move. The revelation sheds new light on a transfer that almost reunited one of Milan’s most decorated modern defenders with the San Siro faithful.
Rasmus Hojlund will not be returning to parent side Manchester United at the end of the season, according to a Napoli director. The young Danish striker completed a deadline day loan move to the Serie A giants in the summer after Ruben Amorim brought in Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to bolster his frontline. A fresh start in Italy has brought the best out of Hojlund, who is now scoring regularly under Antonio Conte.
Ex-Manchester City star Joao Cancelo is edging towards another mid-season transfer, with reports indicating the full-back is preparing to leave Al-Hilal when the January window opens. A return to Barcelona has emerged as a realistic possibility, with interest also coming from Italy as Europe’s elite look to bolster their squads.
Former USMNT defender Alexi Lalas said he expects Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie to be part of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. Speaking on his podcast, Lalas downplayed concerns about McKennie’s place in the team, acknowledging some challenges but saying his positives generally outweigh any negatives as preparations continue for the home tournament.
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's new 'offside revolution' plans are set to take a step closer to reality as FIFA and president Gianni Infantino are preparing a presentation of the proposed rule change to the IFAB. Wenger has pushed for a radical change to the offside law for some time, advocating for a change that would see an offside offence only occur if the attacker is completely in front of the last defender.
Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund has revealed why Cristiano Ronaldo is his biggest idol. The Dane has followed in Ronaldo's famous footsteps by playing for the Red Devils but is currently shining with Napoli after moving to the Serie A side on a season-long loan. Hojlund says that he has always been a big admirer of Ronaldo's mentality, rock solid confidence and hunger for goals.
Rasmus Hojlund has opened up on his time at Manchester United and says he felt he did well, particularly during his first campaign at Old Trafford. The Denmark international has since moved on a season-long loan to Serie A side Napoli and is currently thriving with Antonio Conte's side, meaning he could well end up making his stay with I Partenopei permanent.
From Cristiano Ronaldo to Mohamed Salah, Giorgio Chiellini to Yaya Toure - GOAL's Front Three and Box2Box got together to compile the greatest Premier League and Serie A combined XI from the last 15 years. Who makes the cut? Find out by watching the full video above ⬆️
Napoli star Rasmus Hojlund has been hailed as the "strongest striker in Serie A" alongside Inter's World Cup-winning talisman Lautaro Martinez, as the Denmark international continues his impressive goalscoring exploits following his summer loan move from Manchester United. The forward has scored six goals and registered two assists in 12 appearances, proving his worth in Italy following a dismal spell in the Premier League.
Former Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has undergone heart surgery after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, and his current club, Lazio, have issued a positive update on his condition. The diagnosis is one of a rhythm disorder and, as a result, the Italian tactician has undergone a minor procedure. Lazio expect him to return to his normal duties soon.
New Year's Eve is almost upon us, meaning 2025 is about to be consigned to the past - but how will it be remembered by the football world? It was certainly an unforgettable year for some players, coaches and clubs. Paris Saint-Germain, for example, finally got their hands on the trophy they craved above all others, the Champions League, thus vindicating a sensible change in recruitment strategy by the club's owners, who went from signing superstars to investing millions in youth.
Barcelona are eyeing a move for Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic on a free transfer as the Catalan giants see the striker as a potential replacement for Robert Lewandowski. The veteran Polish forward, who will soon enter the final six months of his current contract, has yet to decide on his future at Barcelona and has not penned a fresh extension yet.
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