Chris Burton

Neymar has admitted that he could retire from professional football at the end of 2026, with the experienced Brazil international having endured more struggles on the injury front. He is desperate to represent his country at this summer’s World Cup, but is unable to speculate on what the long-term future will look like - with it possible that he will be forced to hang up his boots.

Michael Carrick has revealed how he found out that Manchester United’s managerial post was his to fill, on an initial interim basis, with the ex-Red Devils midfielder returning to familiar surroundings. A positive start to his reign at Old Trafford has been enjoyed, with the 44-year-old also discussing whether he would like to stay on beyond the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

Oliver Glasner’s reign as Crystal Palace is threatening to turn ugly, as he prepares to leave Selhurst Park in the summer, with Eagles fans taunting their own boss during a disappointing Conference League clash with Zrinjski Mostar. Disgruntled supporters chanted “you’re getting sacked in the morning” in Glasner’s direction as a 1-1 draw was played out in Bosnia.

Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon has branded rumours linking him with moves to Arsenal or Liverpool as a “load of rubbish”. The England international has been making headlines again after registering four goals for the Magpies in their 6-1 Champions League mauling of Qarabag. Transfer talk has resurfaced, but the 24-year-old forward is paying no attention to that gossip.

Arne Slot has delivered a promising update on Alexander Isak, with a potential return date for the Swedish striker being pencilled in. Isak, who is the Reds’ record signing, was forced to undergo surgery after suffering a broken leg against Tottenham on December 20. His campaign has not become a complete write off, with positive progress being made through a rehabilitation programme.

Real Madrid have confirmed that they “actively collaborated with the investigation opened by UEFA” following accusations of racist abuse being aimed at Vinicius Junior during the Blancos’ Champions League clash with Benfica. Gianluca Prestianni stands accused of making the comments in question, with ugly scenes playing out at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon.

Weston McKennie endured a tough time when suffering relegation out of the Premier League during a forgettable loan spell with Leeds in 2023, but the United States international may not be finished with the English top-flight. Former USMNT star Tab Ramos has told GOAL why the versatile Juventus midfielder would “make any team better” ahead of potentially hitting free agency this summer.

Arsenal dropped more precious points in their Premier League title bid when throwing away a two-goal lead at Wolves, with a stunning statistic highlighting how badly the Gunners continue to shoot themselves in the foot. Mikel Arteta has overseen three successive runners-up finishes, and is in danger of squandering another glorious opportunity to land the English top-flight crown.

Manchester United and Chelsea are among those to have been credited with interest in Brazil international centre-half Murillo, and Nottingham Forest legend Viv Anderson has told GOAL that any team that gets a transfer deal over the line would be acquiring the Reds’ “best player”. It has previously been suggested that the mercurial South American could become the first £100 million ($135m) defender in world football.

One of Cole Palmer’s close friends has boldly claimed that he will talk the Chelsea playmaker into returning to his roots at Manchester United. The England international, who is a Wythenshawe native, grew up as a Red Devils supporter. He made his senior breakthrough with Manchester City and is now a talismanic presence at Stamford Bridge.

Tottenham have been warned that “crazy” club captain Cristian Romero is threatening to undermine collective efforts, with Bobby Zamora telling GOAL why the enigmatic Argentine defender has become an “easy target” for opponents. The South American centre-half can be wound up to the point that he does something reckless, with rivals able to get under his skin.

Tom Brady met up with another born winner when paying a visit to San Siro. The NFL GOAT is in Milan to experience live action at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. While passing through Italy, the seven-time Super Bowl made a point of heading to an iconic football venue. He watched AC Milan take on Como, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic presenting Brady with a personalised Rossoneri shirt.

Wayne Rooney has questioned whether Arne Slot has the “aura” to be Liverpool manager, but admits that sack talk at Anfield remains “crazy” as the Dutchman delivered Premier League title glory less than a year ago. Questions are being asked of whether another change in the dugout on Merseyside needs to be made during the summer of 2026.

Portuguese wonderkid Geovany Quenda is not due to link up with Chelsea until the summer of 2026, as he sees a £40 million ($54m) transfer from Sporting pushed through, but the youngster already finds himself at the Blues’ training base. An early visit to west London is allowing the highly-rated teenager to familiarise himself with what will soon become his permanent home.

The Portuguese government has revealed that it will be conducting its own investigation into the allegations of racism that have been made against Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni. The 20-year-old Argentine was accused by Vinicius Junior of making racist comments during a Champions League knockout phase play-off fixture that took place at Estadio da Luz.

Real Madrid-owned Endrick, who is currently enjoying a loan spell at Ligue 1 side Lyon, is being tipped to seal a “very special” transfer to Manchester United. The Brazilian wonderkid has found the going tough at his parent club, amid fierce competition for places, and a permanent move away from Santiago Bernabeu is being speculated on for the summer of 2026.

Tottenham have been brutally informed that there is no chance of Harry Kane pulling on their famous lilywhite shirt again. The England captain severed career-long ties with Spurs in 2023 as the club’s all-time leading scorer and lifted his trophy curse in Germany with Bayern Munich. A return to the Premier League has been mooted, but Bobby Zamora has told GOAL why such a switch is unlikely to happen.

Jorge Jesus admits that Al-Hilal have “more economic power” than Al-Nassr, having seen Cristiano Ronaldo go on strike amid questions of how wealth is distributed among clubs controlled by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). The agitated Portuguese GOAT is playing again, with his manager in Riyadh appreciating why frustration has boiled over.