Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia thinks Roberto de Zerbi has "something of Pep Guardiola" in him and hailed the Italian as a "beautiful and inspiring" coach. The manager has transformed the Ligue 1 outfit with his Midas touch, taking them into this season's Champions League while they currently sit top of the French top-flight after six games.
Manchester United have drawn up alternative plans of the 'new' Old Trafford, due to problems in purchasing the required land for the controversial re-design. Those plans, originally released in March, would see a three-pronged canopy envelop the stadium. However, reports suggest the purchase of land required for the stadium's increased footprint could be eight times more expensive than expected.
Xabi Alonso believes Franco Mastantuono has the Real Madrid "gene" as the manager waxed lyrical about the 18-year-old's bright start since his summer transfer from River Plate. Madrid’s swoop for Mastantuono had been in the works for months. They agreed a deal but had to bide their time until the wonderkid turned 18. Once the birthday candles were blown out, the six-year contract was sealed, tying him to the Bernabeu until 2031.
In another world, James Trafford would be making an emotional and triumphant return on Saturday to Manchester City with Burnley as the Clarets' shot-stopping extraordinaire. But instead he will be watching his former side take on City from the bench, watching the recently crowned Yashin trophy winner Gianluigi Donnarumma keep goal instead.
A Spanish publication reported last week that Real Madrid want to sign Ryan Gravenberch, which would make sense, in fairness. Toni Kroos is still sorely missed at the Santiago Bernabeu after retiring after Euro 2024, as doubts persist over the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga to fill the void left behind by the genius German.
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano said Sergio Busquets’ retirement announcement gives the Herons "extra motivation" to close the season strong and finish the Spanish midfielder’s career in the right way. Miami, who face Toronto FC on Saturday, have already clinched a playoff spot but are pushing to climb the standings.
Harry Kane has addressed speculation he may return to the Premier League next season amid links with former club Tottenham. The England captain is said to have a release clause worth just under £57 million that kicks in next summer, provided he expresses a desire to leave before the end of January 2026. But following a brace for Bayern Munich, the striker has set the record straight on his future.
Manchester City have been dealt a blow with Andree Jeglertz confirming Lauren Hemp will be sidelined with the ankle injury she suffered last time out against Tottenham. The Lionesses winger, who has already endured long injury lay-offs in recent seasons, was seen emotional and in a protective boot after the Spurs game, but the damage is not as bad as first feared.
Phil Parkinson now has the Freedom of Wrexham County Borough after taking the Red Dragons from the National League to the EFL Championship under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The manager admitted the honour made the club's achievements 'hit home', as Wrexham continue their remarkable rise in pursuit of one day playing Premier League football.
Harry Kane scored his 100th goal for Bayern Munich in record quick time as Vincent Kompany's team eased to a 4-0 win over Werder Bremen. The England international brought up his century for the Bundesliga leaders with a brace to make him the fastest player in Europe's top five leagues to reach that milestone. And goals from Luiz Diaz and Konrad Laimer either side of his efforts sealed a thumping victory.
Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that how former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich viewed Jose Mourinho played a key role in his Chelsea sacking. The Italian coach, who won the Premier League and FA Cup double in his first season, said the Russian billionaire measured his success against Mourinho, and their Champions League clash with Inter Milan proved decisive in his eventual departure from Stamford Bridge.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, once a prolific duo at Real Madrid, were reunited in Saudi Arabia on Friday night as Al Nassr faced Al Ittihad in a top-of-the-table clash. The two legendary strikers, who spent nearly a decade together in Spain, shared a light-hearted exchange on the pitch, reminding fans of their long-lasting bond despite now playing as rivals.
Sadio Mane was able to show off his absolute skill as he led Al Nassr to a 2-0 win over Karim Benzema's Al Ittihad in a top of the table clash. Cristaino Ronaldo also got onto the scoresheet while his former Real Madrid teammate, Benzema, failed to turn up to the event. Al Nassr have now drawn out a three-point lead atop the Saudi Pro League standings.
Harry Kane became the fastest player to reach 100 goals for a club in Europe's top five leagues after bagging a brace for Bayern Munich against Werder Bremen. The England captain had scored 98 goals in just 103 games for Bayern before kick-off, but his double in Friday's Bundesliga clash brought up his century and put him in a league of his own.
Oliver Glasner says Marc Guehi has shrugged off the disappointment of seeing a Liverpool transfer fall through and is now focusing only on Crystal Palace. The 25-year-old looked set to make a switch to Anfield on summer deadline day, only for the move to collapse at the eleventh hour. Amid speculation the Reds may return for him in January, Glasner has no concerns about Guehi's professionalism.
A petition calling for footballing authorities to ban brick walls around touchlines has been launched following the death of ex-Arsenal youngster Billy Vigar. The Chichester City FC striker suffered a "significant brain injury" during an Isthmian League Premier Division game last weekend, before later passing away on Thursday. Now, fans want action to make the sport safer..
Nico O'Reilly said it is very "special" to sign a new long-term deal with Manchester City. The 20-year-old has been at the club since the age of eight and has become an important player in Pep Guardiola's first-team. Following him putting pen to paper on a deal until 2030, the versatile talent spoke about how important his mum has been in support of his football journey and career.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele was confirmed as the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner earlier this week and final voting figures revealed he finished more than 300 points clear of Barcelona's teenage superstar Lamine Yamal. The Frenchman's stellar campaign, which included a historic quadruple, made him only PSG's second ever recipient of the prestigious prize.
Dele Alli has reportedly settled an alleged £6,000 debt after a jeweller took to Instagram to publicly call him out over a bracelet that hadn't been paid for. The former Tottenham and Everton star was accused of failing to han over cash in a fiery video by rapper-turned-jeweller Ard Adz, but hours later the situation appeared to be resolved after the one-time England international made the payment.
A former Liverpool coach says Premier League sides' use of the long throw is currently "too chaotic". Teams such as Arsenal, Liverpool, Brentford and Manchester United have been using this rejuvenated tactic this season as clubs seeks to take it to the opposition. But a long throw-in expert believes the quality of those deliveries have dropped off this term.
Wayne Rooney has opened up about some of the strangest and most unpleasant away day experiences he and his Manchester United team-mates faced. From freezing cold dressing rooms at Anfield to leaking toilets at Sunderland, the former England captain shared bizarre behind-the-scenes stories on his BBC podcast.
John Stones is ready to sign a new contract at Manchester City as Pep Guardiola's side attempt to extend the England international's stay. Stones' current deal expires in the summer but both parties are reported to be open to prolonging his time at the Etihad Stadium, as he continues to play a key role under Guardiola.
Ex-Premier League star Gerard Deulofeu has revealed the shocking extent of his injury battle, revealing that his knee issue is so bad it is "closer to a permanent disability". The former Watford and Everton star has not kicked a ball since January of 2023, when he was playing for Udinese; he is being supported by the Serie A club as he continues his recovery.
Lamine Yamal has expressed his delight at being back fit again after a frustrating period with a groin injury. The 18-year-old missed Barcelona's games against Valencia, Newcastle United, Getafe and Real Oviedo in recent weeks but his time on the sidelines appears to be over. The winger declared he is "back" on Instagram, potentially paving the way for him to return to Hansi Flick's side.
Manchester United are believed to be closing in on the signing of 16-year-old Derby County goalkeeper Charlie Hardy, even after bringing in Senne Lammens this summer. With Andre Onana out on loan and long-serving Tom Heaton nearing the end of his contract, the Red Devils are planning a major shake-up between the sticks as they look toward the future.
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