Bradley Barcola was heavily linked with Arsenal during the summer transfer window, but ultimately ended up at Liverpool after completing a £123 million ($167m) move from Paris Saint-Germain. That deal has raised a few eyebrows, and concerns, with ex-Gunners and France defender Bacary Sagna discussing the financial state of football during an exclusive interview with GOAL.
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.
Rayan Cherki boasts the ability to become Manchester City’s new Kevin De Bruyne, but Bacary Sagna has explained to GOAL why his fellow countryman is more of a Santi Cazorla clone. Ex-France international defender Sagna worked alongside a Spanish schemer at Arsenal and with a Belgian magician during his time at the Etihad Stadium.
France World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit has delivered a scathing assessment of the current state of FIFA, calling for a total overhaul of the governing body's leadership. The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder is one of several high-profile figures to put their name to an open letter denouncing the actions of president Gianni Infantino and other top officials.
The appointment of Fabien Barthez to Zinedine Zidane's new-look France backroom staff has sparked a heated debate regarding coaching qualifications at the highest level of international football. While critics have questioned the French Football Federation’s decision to hire a coach without the required diplomas, legendary figures have jumped to the defense of the iconic former shot-stopper.