Wojciech Szczesny may have helped Barcelona to a historic domestic treble last season, but the veteran goalkeeper isn’t a fan of the ultra-attacking approach under new manager Hansi Flick. The 35-year-old admitted the system doesn’t suit him, as his aging legs have to do a lot of work in behind a uber-high defensive line commandeered by the likes of Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez.
Pep Guardiola has unveiled a striking new look ahead of Manchester City's pre-season return, swapping his clean-shaven face for a bold moustache. The 54-year-old Spaniard, who once complimented a reporter’s facial hair as “sexy,” is now turning heads with his own transformation. Fans have been quick to react and compare the Spaniard with television's favourite coach, Ted Lasso.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta was full of praise for teenage sensation Max Dowman after the 15-year-old delivered a standout display in a pre-season win over Newcastle. Dowman won a penalty and impressed with his pace and confidence, leaving fans and coaches stunned. Arteta labelled the youngster’s impact as 'special' after a strong outing at the Singapore National Stadium.
Bayern Munich have struck a €75 million (£65.6m/$88.1m) deal with Liverpool to sign Luis Diaz, who is reportedly set to undergo a medical within 24 hours. The Colombian winger has been granted permission to leave the Reds’ pre-season tour in Tokyo and join Harry Kane’s side as Die Rekordmeister prepare for a fresh Bundesliga title charge.
Barcelona completed the loan move for Marcus Rashford from Manchester United earlier this week, and the England winger has already made his debut for Hansi Flick's side. Rashford came on as a substitute in the Catalan side's 3-1 win over Vissel Kobe in Japan, and the 27-year-old loanee has received loads of love from cules for his strong showing off the ball.
Arsenal dealt with a huge injury blow as Riccardo Calafiori limped off the pitch at the start of the second half against Newcastle United. The Italian defender was sidelined with multiple injuries in the 2024-25 campaign now even before the new started, he picked up yet another knock. Despite Calafiori's injury scare, the Gunners registered a 3-2 win.
Real Madrid are ready to offload five players before summer transfer window closes on September 1 to maintain the 25-member squad for the 2025-26 campaign. The list of five players include Brazilian winger Rodrygo, who has been linked with a move away from Santiago Bernabeu throughout the summer, amid strong interest from Arsenal and Liverpool.