In view of the departure of World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez to Premier League rivals Manchester City for a transfer fee of €145 million, Chelsea were desperate to sign another player for central midfield before the transfer window closed – but that plan failed.
Jose Mourinho has finalised his Real Madrid squad for the new Champions League campaign, making a ruthless call to exclude experienced defender Ferland Mendy. The French left-back continues to recover from a long-term muscle injury and has subsequently lost his place in the European squad to a highly rated teenage midfielder.
AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit has opened up on his decision to reject a summer transfer, with the highly rated youngster reportedly attracting strong interest from Real Madrid. Despite speculation over a blockbuster move to bolster Los Blancos midfield, Smit ultimately opted to remain in the Eredivisie following crucial behind-the-scenes talks with his current club.
Kylian Mbappe is only a “top three” player in the world at present, Bacary Sagna has told GOAL, with the Real Madrid and France superstar expected to miss out on Ballon d’Or recognition again in 2026. Harry Kane is a leading contender to land that prize, but Sagna has snubbed the Bayern Munich striker when revealing his pick for Golden Ball glory.
Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho has delivered a firm warning to defender Raul Asencio following his recent off-field disciplinary issues. While the 23-year-old was cleared of charges relating to an explicit video, a separate traffic conviction has left his manager visibly frustrated.
Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe reportedly acted as an unofficial consultant for Xabi Alonso during Chelsea’s frantic search for midfield reinforcements. The French forward was asked to provide a character reference for Roma's Manu Kone as the Blues prepared to sanction Enzo Fernandez's departure to Manchester City.
Ferland Mendy has been left out of Real Madrid's Champions League squad by Jose Mourinho. The French defender misses out on the European list, while fellow injured stars like Eder Militao and Rodrygo have been included.
Carlo Ancelotti has made a surprise visit to Real Madrid City to catch up with his former players and staff. The Brazil manager also opened up about his plans to build a new generation of talent for the Selecao ahead of the 2030 World Cup.
Former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti paid a special visit to Real Madrid City to meet Jose Mourinho and the first-team squad. The current Brazil head coach backed Mourinho to succeed at the Bernabeu as crucial LaLiga and Champions League fixtures approach.
Real Madrid defender Raúl Asencio has been fully acquitted by a Spanish court of charges related to the distribution of an explicit video involving a minor. While his former youth teammates received suspended prison sentences for their involvement in the June 2023 incident, Asencio was cleared of all charges after prosecutors formally withdrew their case against the 23-year-old.
Real Madrid
