Azadegan League Overview

Scott McTominay has starred for Napoli since leaving Manchester United for Serie A in 2024 and former Scotland international Colin Hendry has, during an exclusive interview with GOAL, tipped “somebody in England” to try and take the all-action midfielder back to the Premier League. Such a deal may not happen any time soon as a new contract in Italy is being mooted.

Jude Bellingham is “not Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo” and cannot “win games by himself”, John Barnes has told GOAL, with the England and Real Madrid superstar considered to be more of a Bryan Robson-esque No.8 than a creative No.10. The all-action midfielder has often been pushed into a more advanced role, but his ability is maximised when operating in a deeper-lying berth.

New Zealand defender Tim Payne has seen his signed Olimpia debut shirt trigger a fierce bidding war, with offers surpassing $3,200 shortly after going to auction. Having become a global social media sensation during the 2026 World Cup, the 32-year-old full-back continues to ride a remarkable wave of popularity with the Paraguayan powerhouse.

Ronald de Boer has backed Patrick Kluivert to become the perfect assistant for new Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernandez. The former Barcelona team-mates share a close bond, and De Boer believes Kluivert's vast experience would immediately benefit the incoming manager.