Analysis

GOAL sat down with the midfielder to discuss the upcoming World Cup and what kept him motivated in the years between USMNT appearances

When Manchester City signed Vivianne Miedema on a free transfer from Arsenal in the summer of 2024, it felt like one of the biggest coups in Women's Super League history. The Cityzens were not only signing the league's all-time top-scorer, they were also directly weakening a title rival in the process.

James Rodriguez is reportedly nearing a deal to sign with Minnesota United, which would be a perfect short term agreement for both parties ahead of the World Cup

The non-profit organization has forged relationships with MLS and U.S. Soccer, and ahead of the World Cup sees chances to further grow

GOAL sat down with the goalkeeper to discuss 2025 challenges, 2026 hopes, and changing perceptions once again

With the World Cup just five months away, GOAL takes a look at how El Tri’s squad could shape up next summer.

Real Madrid have paid a heavy price for failing to replace Toni Kroos following his retirement in 2024, but then doing so was always going to be a tough task. For starters, the ex-Germany international ranks as one of the finest deep-lying playmakers of the modern era.

As investment in the women’s game continues to grow, each and every transfer window feels bigger and bigger, as both the anticipation and likelihood of new record transfers and big money moves for the game’s greatest stars increases. In that sense, January is never as headline-grabbing as the summer window, but there has still been plenty of eye-catching business over the last few weeks - especially in the Women’s Super League.

Three years ago, Cristiano Ronaldo stunned the sporting world by joining Al-Nassr. Six months later, the Portuguese trailblazer was joined in the Saudi Pro League by a number of high-profile players, including Karim Benzema, Neymar, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Aymeric Laporte. Some of those superstars were clearly past their prime, but the mere fact that they were willing to move to the Middle East felt significant.

GOAL looks at why some of the USMNT's biggest stars will remain at their clubs following a rumor-filled January transfer window

The January transfer window offered admittedly few high profile moves, but there were certainly some significant deals that will have an impact this year and for those to come.

Pulisic’s fitness is again a talking point after his latest absence for AC Milan, with the World Cup looming and careful management now critical.

Yazbek tells GOAL why Australia is circling the USMNT clash, how MLS has changed him, and why the World Cup feels within reach.

Atlanta United massively underperformed last year, but continuity on the pitch and a club legend in the dugout may yet change their fortunes.

And there we have it. The January transfer window is closed for another year, and though it was a relatively quiet month when it came to big-money deals, that does now mean we could be set up for another blockbuster summer in terms of comings and goings.

Casemiro said he had "many more memories to create" when announcing that he was leaving Manchester United at the end of the season, and he has certainly delivered on that promise thus far. In the two games since his departure was confirmed in January, he has played his part in a tantalising 3-2 win at Arsenal before leading from the front in the equally dramatic 3-2 victory over Fulham.

Famously, the January transfer window is the more difficult of the two to operate in. It's hard to persuade other clubs to give up assets mid-season, sometimes even harder to convince players that they're better off making a move immediately rather than waiting until the following summer. But that doesn't mean deals are impossible, or that you can't get good value for your buck.

With the World Cup just months away, GOAL looks at how the Canada squad might look in the summer.

GOAL breaks down the winners and losers among American stars from the January window.

January is a notoriously bad time for buyers because nobody ever wants to sell top talent midway through the season. There are, however, exceptions to the rule. Some clubs need to raise funds to balance the books, while others can be left with not option but to unload an unhappy player who has made it clear that he wants to join a stronger side.

GOAL spoke with the American in January to reflect on a whirlwind 2025 as he prepares for an even bigger 2026

With Arsenal steaming ahead in the Premier League title race from the off while Manchester City stumbled, the one thing Pep Guardiola's side could cling on to was their capacity for a strong finish. City have a remarkable history of reeling in their title rivals in when it matters most by going on what became their trademark relentless runs. But one month into 2026, there is little evidence of that happening this time around.

Liverpool need new defenders; that's no secret. Club captain Virgil van Dijk is past his peak, the future of prospective free agent Ibrahima Konate remains up in the air and a spate of injuries have limited Arne Slot's options this season. Help is on the way, though not until the summer at the earliest, with the Reds having agreed a deal to sign French sensation Jeremy Jacquet.

Chelsea's 2024-25 Women's Super League season was an all-timer. Undefeated through 22 games - the first team ever to achieve that in the competition's history - while also registering a record points return of 60, the Blues ascended to unprecedented levels of dominance in their first year under new head coach Sonia Bompastor. What has gone wrong, then, that means the six-time defending champions are on the brink of relinquishing their crown less than a year later?

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.

GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in Europe, including McKennie scoring, again, for Juventus in an important victory.

The last time Bruno Fernandes faced Fulham the whole football world was laughing at him. The Manchester United captain skied his penalty in the 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage in August and partly blamed the miss on referee Chris Kavanagh bumping into him. He explained: "As a penalty-taker, you have your own routines. It upset me because the referee didn't apologise."

GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, including Pulisic looking to get back to his best.

Dayne St. Clair was named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year after a career-best season for Minnesota United, yet surprised many when he left the club that drafted him to suit up for Inter Miami. But he has no regrets.