Danny Murphy has hailed Declan Rice as the "most complete midfielder in Europe" but warned the Arsenal star he still has one final hurdle to clear before he can be compared to Premier League icons Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. The former Liverpool man believes the £105 million ace needs to start producing "magic moments" in major finals to cement his legacy.
Another transfer window and another highly-rated prospect is on their way to Chelsea. The club's youth policy has struck again, with the west Londoners landing 17-year-old full-back Yisa Alao from financially troubled Sheffield Wednesday. Despite his very limited experience at senior level, the teenager provoked a transfer tug-of-war between three Premier League giants, but it is the Blues who have emerged victorious.
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly withdrawn their interest in signing Raheem Sterling, dealing a blow to the England international’s hopes of a swift return to Premier League action in London. Despite being available as a free agent following his dramatic release by Chelsea, Spurs hierarchy have decided against pursuing the 31-year-old, citing concerns over his substantial wage demands which do not align with the club's current financial structure.
Unai Emery has responded to speculation suggesting that he is a leading contender to succeed Xabi Alonso as manager of Real Madrid. The Blancos are currently working under the tutelage of interim head coach Alvaro Arbeloa. Various names have been added to the mix at the Bernabeu, with Aston Villa boss Emery said to be climbing that list.
Michael Carrick used to look up to Roy Keane. When he was a youth teamer at West Ham, Carrick would analyse the way the Manchester United captain walked out of the dressing room at Upton Park. The first time he faced Keane on the pitch, Carrick watched him ‘clatter’ his team-mate Joe Cole. And yet he was never intimidated by him. And maybe that is why Keane is waging a war of words with United's interim boss.
"There’s still questions about the mental strength of the team. I think there was a lack of aggression. Too many players failed to deliver," Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira said on Sky Sports after watching his former side suffer a 3-2 defeat at home to Manchester United last weekend. "It was a must-win game. They needed to send a message to the rest of the teams in the league."
Lucas Paqueta has admitted that he "needed Flamengo" after completing his switch from West Ham. The Brazil international had expressed his desire to return to his native country ahead of this year's World Cup, and now he has sealed a £36 million ($50m) transfer to Flamengo. Now that this saga is over, the playmaker has made a candid admission about the switch.
Jurgen Klopp will make an emotional return to Anfield alongside fellow Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish later this year. The German spent nine years in charge at the Reds, guiding them to Premier League and Champions League glory. And in March, the Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull will return to the Merseyside outfit's ground for a special occasion.
Manchester City star Bernardo Silva has not minced his words when assessing this season's Premier League title race, while sticking the boot into leaders Arsenal. The Gunners could have gone nine points clear earlier this month, but as it stands, Mikel Arteta's men are just four points ahead of City. Now, the Portugal international has vowed to fight Arsenal tooth and nail to finish this campaign on top.
Tottenham are reportedly exploring a move to rival Inter Milan for Al-Ittihad star Moussa Diaby. The winger swapped Aston Villa for the Saudi Pro League team in a £50 million ($69m) deal in the summer of 2024, but he could be heading back to Europe in 2026. The winger is said to be open to returning to a Champions League club, which boosts Inter and Spurs' chances of signing him.
Chelsea have teamed up with Nike to launch a new leisurewear collection inspired by their infamous 1994–96 away kit. The jersey divided opinion and broke convention when it was released by the Blues more than 30 years ago. But now, the bold tangerine and graphite design is coming back with Thursday's launch of its 'Return of the Rebel' range.
Brad Friedel has told GOAL why elite clubs in the Premier League should be doing all they can to acquire USMNT star Weston McKennie this summer. The versatile midfielder, who previously endured a troubled loan spell in England at Leeds, is running down his contract at Serie A giants Juventus. Free agency will soon be hit, meaning that new challenges can be sought.
Roy Keane has admitted he "hopes" Michael Carrick is handed the permanent Manchester United job, marking a surprise softening of his stance on the interim boss. While the former captain remains sceptical about whether Carrick can deliver a league title, he conceded his former teammate has "took advantage" of the role. However, Keane urged caution, warning fans that recent wins do not solve the club's long-term issues.
Chelsea’s dramatic Champions League resurgence could have a sting in the tail as the club faces the bizarre prospect of surrendering their home advantage due to a logistical clash with their London rivals. Liam Rosenior’s side fought hard to secure a top-eight finish, but a little-known UEFA regulation regarding city-based fixture congestion now threatens to force the Blues into a neutral venue or a fixture reversal to accommodate Arsenal and Tottenham.
The Premier League secretly removed Ryan Giggs from its inaugural Hall of Fame lineup after he was charged with domestic abuse, fresh reports have revealed. The Manchester United legend was set to be unveiled alongside Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry in 2021, but executives intervened to scrub his name. Despite being cleared in 2023, the 13-time champion remains exiled from the prestigious list.
Manchester United have decisively ended speculation linking them with a record-breaking swoop for Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer, with Old Trafford chiefs deeming the move financially unviable. Despite reports suggesting the England international is unsettled in the capital, the Red Devils have ruled out a summer approach, opting instead to prioritise a replacement for Casemiro over another marquee addition to their forward line.
Joe Cole has hailed Liam Rosenior’s immediate impact at Stamford Bridge as "superb" after the new Chelsea boss guided his side to a dramatic Champions League victory over Napoli. The former Blues midfielder believes the 41-year-old has rapidly transformed the squad's mentality, pointing to a run of five wins in six games as proof that the decision to replace Enzo Maresca is already paying huge dividends.
Steven Gerrard claims Arne Slot’s comments on Liverpool’s 2024-25 Champions League campaign will be a “body blow” to the club’s fans, as they enjoy another European adventure this season. The former Reds skipper is also being billed as a potential successor to Slot in the Anfield hot-seat, despite enduring a tough time in management before taking a break.
Harry Maguire has jokingly admitted that interim manager Michael Carrick is still putting the Manchester United squad to shame in training, claiming the 44-year-old remains the best passer at the club. The defender opened up about the new coaching setup at Carrington, praising the "hands-on" approach of Carrick and his assistant Steve Holland, while admitting he has been unsurprised by the seamless transition the 44-year-old has made into the dugout.
The Premier League is firmly on course to gain a fifth Champions League place for next season after a dominant display in Europe. With five English clubs storming into the last 16 and all nine representatives still active across the three competitions, the coefficient rankings show England miles clear of rivals Italy and Spain, sparking a frantic domestic battle for the lucrative extra berth.
Kylian Mbappe has seen a Premier League move speculated on for some time, and fellow Frenchman Bacary Sagna has told GOAL why Arsenal could be the perfect landing spot if ties are ever severed with Real Madrid. Mbappe is living his professional dream in Spain for now, but a day might come in which he fancies packing his bags for the English top-flight.
Chelsea have reached a full agreement to send teenage sensation Kendry Paez on loan to River Plate after cutting short his spell in Ligue 1. The 18-year-old has been recalled from Strasbourg to join the Argentine giants immediately, with the Blues sanctioning the move to ensure their prized asset secures regular first-team football under Marcelo Gallardo.
Crystal Palace are closing in on a blockbuster deal to sign Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, a move that may trigger a major transfer merry-go-round in the Premier League. The Eagles have moved ahead of Leeds in the race for the Norwegian, paving the way for Jean-Philippe Mateta to leave Selhurst Park before the window shuts.
Raheem Sterling's hopes of a swift return to elite European football have hit an early stumbling block after Napoli's sporting director cast doubt on a potential move. The England international is searching for a new club after ending his three-year spell at Chelsea by mutual consent, but his "significant financial expectations" could prove a major hurdle for suitors in Serie A.
A total of five Premier League clubs secured automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City all finishing in the top eight while Newcastle United missed out. The Magpies must now navigate a treacherous play-off round alongside giants Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain after a chaotic final matchday.
A vague 2026 release date for the long-awaited season four of the hit TV show Ted Lasso has been revealed. Ted Lasso first aired in August 2020 and has become a much-loved programme, going on to span three seasons. And while the show was expected to end following the last episode of series three in May 2023, the finale left fans wishing for more from the AFC Richmond coach.
Aston Villa have announced the return of Douglas Luiz on loan from Juventus for the rest of the season. The Brazil international swapped Villa for Juve in the summer of 2024 for £42 million ($58m), but the 27-year-old has endured a difficult 18 months since then. After failing to fire at the Italian side, his loan stint at Nottingham Forest hasn't worked either. Now, he is back with Unai Emery's side.
Wrexham have been backed to emulate Sunderland by former Black Cats striker Fraizer Campbell, should they secure promotion. The Red Dragons, financed by Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are looking to earn a historic fourth successive promotion and land a Premier League spot as they look to maintain their rise up the football ladder.
Manchester City wantaway Oscar Bobb is poised to complete a £27 million ($37m) move to Fulham. The Cottagers have agreed a fee with Pep Guardiola's side to sign the winger, who is now poised to complete his switch to west London.
Chelsea have confirmed that Raheem Sterling has left the club by "mutual agreement" as he seeks a new club in January. The Blues' misfit has finally departed Stamford Bridge, with his last competitive appearance for the club coming in May of 2024.
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