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.
While goals were hard to come by in the Premier League over the weekend, there were still plenty of intriguing narratives that emerged in England's top-flight, while elsewhere around Europe there was plenty of entertainment to be had ahead of the return of the Champions League this midweek.
Neymar remains “the most talented player in Brazil”, Kleberson has told GOAL, with Carlo Ancelotti being told that he must find space for the Santos superstar in his 2026 World Cup plans. The man who helped the Selecao to global glory in 2002 has also picked out the natural heir to Neymar’s playmaking crown and explained what a modern day great needs to do in order to join the GOATs.
Jurgen Klopp has firmly shut down speculation linking him with the Real Madrid job following Xabi Alonso’s dismissal. The former Liverpool manager, now Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer, insists he is "completely at peace" with his new strategic role. One year into the job, Klopp is focused on mentoring coaches and reshaping the Red Bull network, ruling out a return to the dugout anytime soon.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has addressed Xabi Alonso’s shock sacking by Real Madrid, which may yet impact his own future at Anfield, with the Dutchman claiming to have “no clue” if a modern penchant for sporting directors is to blame for big clubs being so quick to part with head coaches when times get tough. Real, Manchester United and Chelsea have all made changes in their respective dugouts early in 2026.
Chelsea have softened their stance on Enzo Fernandez, with reports indicating the Blues are willing to sanction a blockbuster exit in 2026 for the 'right price'. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are now on red alert, preparing to test the waters for the World Cup winner as they look to capitalise on this unexpected development at Stamford Bridge.
Real Madrid may be wondering if they got their approach all wrong with Brazilian wonderkid Endrick, after seeing him star as a flying winger for Lyon during a loan spell in France. The South American starlet was taken to Santiago Bernabeu as a striker, but struggled to make the desired impact in Spain as injuries and fierce competition for places held him back.
Morocco talisman Brahim Diaz missed a 114th-minute penalty against Senegal in the AFCON final after inexplicably trying a Panenka chip, which was easily saved by opposition goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The Real Madrid ace blew the chance to win the trophy for his country after the Senegal squad had stormed off in protest against the initial award of the penalty.
Vinicius Junior making a move to Chelsea remains a ”fairytale shout”, says former Blues midfielder Jody Morris, with the Real Madrid superstar considered to be “too old” for owners at Stamford Bridge that prefer to focus on youth and potential. A ‘Galactico’ at Santiago Bernabeu is, however, generating talk of a Premier League transfer being made in 2026.
Alvaro Arbeloa has hit out at Real Madrid fans for chanting against club president Florentino Perez in the team's 2-0 home win over Levante. Second-half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Raul Asencio saw Arbeloa mark his first home game as Real Madrid boss with victory, having succeeded Xabi Alonso in the Spanish capital last week.
Jose Mourinho has responded to speculation he could make a shock return to Real Madrid as manager. Los Blancos have endured a traumatic week that has seen Xabi Alonso depart as manager and be replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa. However, Arbeloa's first game in charge ended in a shock Copa del Rey exit and he then saw his side booed by fans during Saturday's La Liga win over Levante.
Real Madrid turned an unconvincing first half into a clinical second, with Kylian Mbappe leading the charge as they saw off Levante, 2-0. Los Blancos were initially languid under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa, but clicked into gear once the deadlock was broken, and were ultimately good value for the victory - even if some questions about individuals remain.
Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham were booed by a section of Real Madrid fans before and during their clash with Levante. Following Xabi Alonso's sacking and Los Blancos' Copa del Rey humiliation at the hands of second-tier side Albacete, the Santiago Bernabeu faithful turned their ire towards the attacking duo and club president Florentino Perez.
Jurgen Klopp gave a hilarious reaction to an interviewer’s cheeky remark about Real Madrid as the German continues to be linked with the Bernabeu hotseat. The former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager has seen his name crop up among the list of reported candidates to succeed Xabi Alonso, who was sacked after less than eight months in charge of the Spanish giants.
Before heading off to represent Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations, Brahim Diaz thanked Real Madrid fans for all of their support in 2025 before adding, "See you all next year, full of excitement." However, the player and his club's supporters could not be experiencing more contrasting starts to 2026. While Brahim was bursting with joy after Morocco beat Nigeria on penalties on Wednesday to move just one win away from ending the nation's 50-year wait for a second AFCON title, Madridistas were exploding with rage after watching their team suffer a second demoralising defeat in five days.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe is reportedly insisting that he does not want to return to action until fully fit following a knee injury, meaning the France international could be absent for Los Blancos’ match at home to Levante in La Liga this Sunday. The 27-year-old returned early to make his first appearance of 2026 as a substitute as Real lost in the final of the Supercopa de Espana 3-2 to Barcelona, but does not want to 'take any risks' on his fitness moving forward.
Real Madrid are reportedly ready to restart contract talks with Vinicius Junior following the departure of Xabi Alonso. Los Blancos have made another change in their dugout after generating plenty of unfortunate headlines across the 2025-26 campaign. Many of those have focused on Brazilian superstar Vini, with the South American shelving discussions regarding an extended stay at the Bernabeu.
Second-division side Albacete have issued an apology to Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior after their historic Copa del Rey victory was overshadowed by vile racist abuse. The club expressed their deep "shame" after a banana was thrown at the Brazilian star during the 3-2 shock, while "disgusting xenophobic chants" were also reported outside the Carlos Belmonte stadium.
Real Madrid loanee Endrick has broken his silence on his future plans following a dream start to life at Lyon. The Brazilian wonderkid, who left the Bernabéu in search of minutes after an injury nightmare, addresses the managerial turmoil in the Spanish capital following Xabi Alonso’s departure and reveals whether a swift return to Los Blancos is on the cards.
Real Madrid’s crisis has deepened with the news that Kylian Mbappe will miss this weekend’s crucial clash against Levante. New interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa, who replaced the sacked Xabi Alonso just days ago, faces a mounting injury list as he attempts to turn around a nightmare season that has seen Los Blancos crash out of two competitions in a single week.
Real Madrid reportedly want former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and prolific Manchester City striker Erling Haaland to be their "saviours", with ambitious plans for the summer of 2026 being drawn up at the Bernabeu. Los Blancos recently parted with head coach Xabi Alonso and continue to struggle in meetings with Clasico rivals Barcelona. Those issues will be addressed with a sense of urgency.
Jurgen Klopp has been pictured enjoying life away from the dugout, taking courtside seats in Berlin for the NBA showdown between the Orlando Magic and the Memphis Grizzlies. The German tactician joked about being dwarfed by the basketball stars, appearing completely relaxed despite the intensifying speculation suggesting he is the number one target for the Real Madrid job.
A Real Madrid star has been linked with a shock move to Aston Villa after Unai Emery's side missed out on Conor Gallagher. The Villans have been in the market for a new midfielder but just when it seemed they were favourites to sign the Atletico Madrid man, he joined Tottenham instead. Now, the Premier League title hopefuls have set their sights on another midfield option.
Lyon loanee Endrick has delivered his verdict on Xabi Alonso's sacking at Real Madrid. The young Brazilian didn't get much of a look-in under the Spaniard at Los Blancos, hence why he was loaned out to the French side for the second half of the season. Now that the dust is beginning to settle on Alonso's departure, the forward has given his true feelings on the 44-year-old.
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