Manchester City continued their impressive pre-season preparations with a dominant 3-1 victory over Atletico Madrid at the Seoul World Cup Stadium. Antoine Semenyo emerged as the star of the show, providing two sublime assists for Omar Marmoush to turn the tide in favour of Enzo Maresca's side.
Liverpool have been told that they missed a transfer trick in not identifying West Ham star Jarrod Bowen as the ideal successor to Mohamed Salah, with Michael Owen assessing links to Bradley Barcola during an exclusive interview with GOAL. The Paris Saint-Germain forward is said to have become available, but the France international will come with a “massive price” around his neck.
Liverpool supporters were left searching for answers on Sunday when Curtis Jones was a surprise omission from the matchday squad to face AS Monaco. The academy graduate, who has been heavily linked with a move to Serie A giants Inter Milan, did not even make the substitutes' bench for the clash at Anfield.
Lee Trundle was king of the showboat in his heyday, but who would he welcome aboard that vessel from the Premier League class of 2026? The former Swansea and Wrexham ace has answered that question for GOAL. Rayan Cherki, who is something of a “throwback”, earns said honour while starring at Manchester City, while Arsenal playmaker Eberechi Eze is another creative magician.
Manchester United's new signing Andrey Santos has thrown down the gauntlet, insisting he is ready to fill the massive void left by his compatriot Casemiro. The young midfielder arrived at Old Trafford from Chelsea in a deal worth up to £50 million this summer, marking a significant shift in the club's recruitment strategy under Michael Carrick.
Paolo Maldini has provided a fascinating insight into the FIGC’s ambitious pursuit of Pep Guardiola, revealing the Catalan icon was on the verge of taking the Italy reigns. Despite the legendary defender's best efforts to lure the former Manchester City boss to the Coverciano training base, the deal ultimately collapsed at the final hurdle.
Arsenal are Premier League champions again, for the first time in 22 years, but which members of their 2026-27 title-winning class would make the fabled ‘Invincibles’ squad of 2003-04? Ex-Gunners goalkeeper Graham Stack, who formed part of Arsene Wenger’s ranks back then, has attempted to answer that question during an exclusive interview with GOAL.
Marcus Rashford has finally made his long-awaited return to Man Utd's Carrington training base, marking a stunning U-turn for a player whose Old Trafford career seemed dead and buried. The former Barcelona loanee was seen greeting fans outside the complex on Sunday as he prepares to link up with new permanent manager Michael Carrick for the first time.
Federico Valverde has opened up on the immediate impact Jose Mourinho has made since returning to the Real Madrid dugout, insisting the squad benefits from his 'ruthless' coaching style. The Uruguayan midfielder, now serving as club captain, believes the Portuguese tactician's demanding nature is exactly what the dressing room requires to achieve success in the upcoming campaign.
Manchester United are hoping to see Bruno Fernandes sign a new contract, but who will inherit the captain’s armband at Old Trafford when the Portuguese playmaker moves on? Lee Sharpe has, during an exclusive interview with GOAL, thrown a few names into the mix - with Mason Mount considered to be a potential on-field leader for the ambitious Red Devils.
Roma have reportedly turned their attention to another Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens as manager Gian Piero Gasperini continues his search for offensive reinforcements. The Giallorossi were forced to pivot after missing out on Alejandro Garnacho, who opted for a Premier League stay instead of a move to Italy.
Newcastle United's pre-season preparations took a dark turn on Saturday night as Anthony Elanga was stretchered off following a brutal challenge during a friendly against Valencia. The incident at the Mestalla sparked a massive confrontation on the touchline involving players and staff from both sides as tensions boiled over in Spain.
Dietmar Hamann has explained to GOAL the only way that a move to Real Madrid happens for Michael Olise, with it possible that Bayern Munich would snub a €200 million-plus (£171m/$231m) bid for the France international. It has been suggested that the Blancos are, in their search for more ‘Galacticos,’ prepared to part with a record-shattering transfer fee.
Barcelona have reportedly reached a breaking point with Frenkie de Jong as the Dutch midfielder continues to resist medical recommendations regarding a persistent foot injury. The former Ajax star has not featured for the Blaugrana since the final stages of last season and is now facing a significant spell on the sidelines that could reach up to six months.
Arsenal have sent a clear message to Real Madrid and Chelsea regarding the future of Martin Zubimendi following the blockbuster arrival of Bruno Guimaraes. Despite only joining the Gunners last summer, the Spanish international now finds himself at a crossroads as Mikel Arteta reshapes his midfield engine room.
Hansi Flick has offered a measured response to growing speculation surrounding the future of Ferran Torres, insisting he remains focused on the players currently at his disposal. The Barcelona boss is navigating a complex pre-season period where international commitments and transfer talk have dominated the headlines in Catalonia.
Benjamin Sesko remains the only out-and-out No.9 on Manchester United’s books, but Michael Owen has told GOAL why he has “doubts” over the Slovenian’s ability to become the “long-term” central striking option at Old Trafford. The 23-year-old frontman played his way into form last season, following a slow start, but Michael Carrick is considered to be in need of further firepower.
Jose Mourinho has expressed his immense pride after Vinicius Junior officially committed his long-term future to Real Madrid, ending months of intense speculation. The Brazilian superstar had been heavily linked with a sensational move to Arsenal before putting pen to paper on a bumper new deal at the Bernabeu.
Arsenal have been told to pivot their transfer strategy toward a Man Utd outcast after their ambitious pursuit of Vinicius Junior collapsed. Despite personal efforts from Mikel Arteta to lure the Real Madrid superstar to the Emirates, the Gunners must now look elsewhere to bolster their frontline for the upcoming title defence.
Ruben Amorim has issued a clear warning to his AC Milan squad, confirming that the club is prepared to make ruthless selection decisions next week. The Rossoneri boss watched his side fall to a disappointing 3-0 friendly defeat against Chelsea as the Italian giants look to finalise their roster for the new Serie A campaign.
