Lists

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.

Former AC Milan and Brazil superstar Alexandre Pato has opened talks regarding a sensational takeover of League Two side Colchester United. The retired striker was spotted pitchside at the JobServe Community Stadium on Saturday alongside current owner Robbie Cowling, sparking rumours of a stunning investment deal that would see him follow in the footsteps of David Beckham and Thierry Henry in becoming a club owner.

Mohamed Salah has returned from the Africa Cup of Nations only to stumble into a piece of unwanted history at Anfield. The Egyptian forward started in Liverpool’s shock defeat to Bournemouth, a result that means he has now been on the losing side in seven of his last eight Premier League starts - equalling a dismal record set by Dirk Kuyt during the club's struggles in 2012.

Chelsea legend John Terry has brutally trolled Arsenal after seeing the Gunners’ defensive failings against Manchester United ensure that a stunning record posted by Jose Mourinho during his first spell at Stamford Bridge remains intact. The Portuguese tactician pieced together the meanest defence that the Premier League has ever seen, and that remains the case in 2026.

Pep Guardiola has candidly admitted that winger Oscar Bobb is likely looking for a way out of Manchester City before the January transfer window slams shut. The City boss confirmed that the Norwegian international is unhappy with his lack of game time - a situation that has become untenable following the big-money arrival and immediate impact of Antoine Semenyo.

Marseille president Pablo Longoria admits to having sought the advice of his mother before completing a controversial transfer for ex-Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood. The one-cap England international made his way to Stade Velodrome during the summer of 2024, having seen headlines made off the field bring an end to his spell at Old Trafford.

There has been more chaos at Camp Nou, with commentary positions and media facilities at Barcelona’s newly-renovated stadium getting drenched during a La Liga clash with Real Oviedo. As the heavens opened in Catalonia, those looking to cover the game were given a soaking - with their working conditions becoming almost impossible to operate in.

Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti has heaped praise on USMNT star Weston McKennie, claiming the midfielder has all the attributes to be a "perfect central striker" following the Bianconeri's emphatic 3-0 victory over Napoli. Spalletti also highlighted a significant limitation in the game of goalscorer Jonathan David, comparing him unfavourably to Napoli forward Rasmus Hojlund despite the Canadian’s crucial strike.

Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos has taken a huge step towards completing a takeover of his boyhood club. The World Cup-winning defender has not announced his retirement from playing, with a new team being sought at 39 years of age, but he does form part of a consortium that are bidding to take control of La Liga heavyweights at Sevilla, where he began his career.

Antonio Conte has admitted his Napoli side are in a "real emergency" following a demoralising 3-0 defeat to Juventus. The Partenopei boss cut a frustrated figure as he detailed a deepening injury crisis that has left the champions' title defence hanging by a thread, with key stars missing and no reinforcements expected ahead of a crucial Champions League clash against Chelsea in midweek.

In the week leading up to Arsenal vs Manchester United, a topic of debate was whether this version of the Gunners, who are chasing an unprecedented quadruple, would beat the 2007-08 Red Devils who won the Premier League and Champions League. As many have now pointed out, Mikel Arteta's side can't even beat the 2025-26 version.

Amad Diallo openly mocked Mikel Arteta’s tactics after seeing Manchester United claim a dramatic 3-2 victory over Arsenal at Emirates Stadium. The Red Devils inflicted a costly defeat on the Premier League leaders, with more questions being asked of the Gunners’ reliance on set-pieces. Amad has savagely reminded them that “your only hope is a corner”.

Andrew Robertson is set to remain a Liverpool player for the rest of the season after the Anfield hierarchy informed Tottenham that a deal is off the table. Spurs had prepared a £5 million package for the Scot, but an injury crisis on Merseyside has forced Liverpool to block the move, granting the wish of captain Virgil van Dijk who urged the club to keep his defensive partner.

Mexico wrapped up their first short preparation tour of 2026 with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bolivia, giving manager Javier Aguirre two victories from two matches using an all–Liga MX squad. Playing in extreme heat and hostile conditions, El Tri faced a physical Bolivian side that pushed them to the limit before Germán Berterame delivered the decisive moment.

GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in Europe, from scrappy goals from Agyemang to standout creative moments from Weah.

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has showered caretaker boss Michael Carrick with praise for "galvanising" the Red Devils following Sunday's 3-2 win over Premier League leaders Arsenal at the Emirates. The win follows on from Manchester United's 2-0 victory over Manchester City in Carrick's first game in charge, making it a brilliant start to life back at Old Trafford for the former midfielder.

Former Manchester United star Luis Nani has seemingly taken inspiration from Portuguese compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo by coming out of retirement at the age of 39. Nani initially hung up his boots in December 2024, but has now reversed that decision to sign a one-year contract with Kazakhstan club FC Aktobe.

Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira felt the Gunners lacked leadership during Sunday's damaging 3-2 defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League at the Emirates. Mikel Arteta's side suffered a first home defeat of the season against the Red Devils and now have just a four-point lead at the top of the table. Vieira also feels that two players in particular failed to shine for the north Londoners.

Manchester United star Matheus Cunha could be facing a potential suspension for his emotional outburst into a television camera following his winning goal against Arsenal on Sunday. The Brazilian struck United's third goal after stepping off the bench in a thrilling 3-2 victory at the Emirates that lifted his side into the Premier League's top four.

Arsenal saw their hopes of ending their long wait for a Premier League title hit on Sunday as they were beaten 3-2 by a resurgent Manchester United at the Emirates. The Gunners went ahead in the game courtesy of a Lisandro Martinez own goal but fell behind thanks to strikes from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu. An equaliser from Mikel Merino looked to have rescued a point for the hosts until substitute Matheus Cunha curled home a glorious late winner.

Michael Carrick has guided Manchester United to eye-catching wins over Arsenal and Manchester City in his first two games as caretaker boss but former Red Devils captain Roy Keane feels he should not be the club's next permanent manager. The ex-midfielder says United need a "bigger and better" coach to take charge of the club if they want to challenge for titles once again.

Lamine Yamal added another stunning goal to his collection when netting an acrobatic volley for Barcelona in their La Liga victory over Real Oviedo. The teenage wonderkid was left frustrated for long periods of that contest, but ended up making a telling contribution. Yamal put the finishing touches on a 3-0 victory that has taken the Blaugrana back to the top of the table in Spain.

Real Madrid loanee Endrick, who has enjoyed an impressive start to life in France on the back of his loan transfer during the winter window, struck a stunning hat-trick for Lyon in their 5-2 victory over Metz. The Brazil international is playing with a smile again, having endured a tough time in Spain, and has already fully endeared himself to an excited new fan base.

Manchester United stunned Arsenal on Sunday by beating the Gunners 3-2 at the Emirates to make it two wins out of two for caretaker manager Michael Carrick. A Lisandro Martinez own goal gifted Arsenal the lead but the visitors hit back through Bryan Mbeumo. Patrick Dorgu and substitute Matheus Cunha then scored a pair of spectacular goals to take all three points and dent Arsenal's title hopes.

Arsenal's lead at the top of the Premier League table was cut to four points after they were surprisingly beaten 3-2 by Manchester United on Sunday. The Gunners played with a nervousness and anxiety unbefitting of potential champions, with the home crowd audibly frustrated with their team throughout proceedings in north London.

AC Milan striker Santiago Giménez believes Mexico can defy expectations and lift the World Cup in 2026. Motivated by missing out on Qatar 2022, Giménez embraces his role as a dreamer and leader, convinced that belief, unity, and attacking partnerships - including a potential duo with Raúl Jiménez - can push El Tri toward a historic summer on home soil.

Fulham have reportedly made another bid for U.S. men's national team forward Ricardo Pepi, who continues to draw interest despite a recent arm injury. The bid is not Fulham's first for the PSV star but, to date, the Dutch club has been open about its desire to keep hold of the striker. Pepi has been radar for Premier League clubs for quite some time.

Virgil van Dijk is eager to see “my vice-captain” Andy Robertson remain at Liverpool. Mounting speculation during the January transfer window suggests that the Scotland international left-back has emerged as a shock target for Tottenham. Van Dijk is hoping that a fellow two-time Premier League title winner will not be allowed to leave Anfield.

Swiss star Alisha Lehmann suffered defeat on her Leicester City debut on Sunday as the Foxes were beaten 2-1 by West Ham in the Women's Super League. The result leaves Leicester down in ninth place in the table and just two points ahead of bottom side Liverpool after 13 games. Leicester now face a tricky run of fixtures as they battle to avoid relegation.