We have been waiting for some time to see how Nike would react to the juggernaut that is adidas' Predator revival campaign, and the American sportswear behemoth is finally set to deliver a serious on-pitch response following the relaunch of cultural phenomenon Total90 as a streetwear silo in 2025. With the new year upon us, the iconic Nike Tiempo has been revamped for the modern creator-in-chief.
Mario Balotelli is set to complete a transfer to the 14th club of his career as he closes in on a switch to Al-Ittifaq FC of Dubai. The former Manchester City and Liverpool striker has been a free agent since he left Italian side Genoa over the summer. Balotelli signed for the Serie A outfit on a season-long deal last October but did not stay there long.
Chelsea are set to be disappointed in their pursuit of AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, as the Italian giants edge closer to tying their captain down to a new contract. Maignan was a transfer target for the Blues last summer and they were expected to renew their interest this year given the Frenchman would be available on a free transfer. However, Milan are now in advanced talks to keep the highly-rated stopper at San Siro.
Former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has opened up on his feud with Andre Onana after infamously calling the Cameroonian one of the Red Devils' "worst-ever goalkeepers". The two traded barbs in the lead-up to United's Europa League quarter-final clash with Lyon last season, before the Premier League side won a dramatic knockout tie. Now, the ex-Chelsea ace has revisited that thorny issue.
United States international Weston McKennie will reportedly not renew his Juventus contract amid rumours of a Major League Soccer return. The 27-year-old's future has been up in the air for years now, ever since he had an underwhelming loan spell at Leeds United in 2023. The midfielder has spent more than five years at the Italian giants but his spell there may be drawing to a close.
United States international Gio Reyna has weighed in on the transfer rumours surrounding compatriot and AC Milan star Christian Pulisic. The 27-year-old is, arguably, in enjoying the best spell of his career but there is no guarantee his long-term future is with the Italian giants. Amid links with Manchester United, Borussia Monchengladbach man Reyna has praised Pulisic's "flying" form.
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.
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