SPORTING

‎Fresh off a season of resurgence under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea head into the 2025/26 Premier League campaign with renewed ambition. After securing Champions League qualification and lifting the UEFA Europa Conference League last term, the Blues will be eager to challenge Liverpool and Arsenal at the top of the table. ‎ ' Chelsea FC. ' ‎ Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎With expectations high, Chelsea fans can now start planning their season, as the full Premier League fixture list for 2025/26 has been released. ‎ ‎Chelsea’s Road Back to the Top ‎ ‎Having made significant progress tactically and in squad development, Enzo Maresca now faces the challenge of elevating Chelsea into genuine title contenders. The journey begins at home to Crystal Palace in mid-August and includes key showdowns against Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City throughout the campaign. ‎ ‎Chelsea Premier League Fixtures 2025/26 ‎ ‎(Dates and times subject to change for TV scheduling) ...

‎Luciano Spalletti is set for a sensational return to club management as Al-Nassr prepare to offer the former Italy coach a lucrative contract to replace Stefano Pioli. The Saudi Pro League giants, eager to bolster their technical staff and challenge for silverware, have reportedly made the 66-year-old Tuscan their top managerial target. ‎ ‎ Luciano Spalletti to replace Stefano Pioli at Al-Nassr as ex-Italy coach eyes Ronaldo reunion. ‎Getty Images  ‎ ‎Following his dismissal from the Italy national team after a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign and a crushing 3-0 World Cup qualifying defeat to Norway, Spalletti now appears destined for a new chapter in Saudi Arabia. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Al-Nassr are ready to present Spalletti with a massive financial package to lure him into the Saudi Pro League. ‎ Luciano Spalletti set to replace Stefano Pioli at Al-Nassr and coach Cristiano Ronaldo after Italy sacking. Pioli nears Fiorentina return. ‎Getty Im...

‎The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be held in the United States from June 14 to July 13. The tournament has been significantly expanded from its previous format—once a yearly event with just seven teams—to a 32-team competition held every four years. Among the clubs representing Europe are Manchester City and Chelsea, while Lionel Messi's Inter Miami will also participate. ‎ ‎ The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicks off in the U.S. with 32 teams from June 14 to July 13. See what's new! ‎Getty/GOAL ‎ ‎This revamped edition of the Club World Cup mirrors the format of the FIFA World Cup, but for club teams instead of national sides. The tournament kicks off on June 14 (early June 15 in the UK), with the final scheduled for July 13. ‎ ‎Manchester City will compete in a group alongside Italy’s Juventus, Wydad AC of Morocco, and Al Ain from the UAE. Chelsea’s group includes Brazil’s Flamengo, Esperance Sportive de Tunis from Tunisia, and Los Angeles FC. ‎ ‎The 32 participating...

‎Manchester City are on the brink of securing the signature of Norwegian wonderkid Sverre Nypan, marking their fifth signing of an ambitious summer transfer window under Pep Guardiola. The reigning English champions are reportedly finalizing a record-breaking transfer fee for a player from the Norwegian Eliteserien, as first revealed by The Athletic. ‎ Man City beat Arsenal & Villa to land Rosenborg’s Sverre Nypan in record deal—Guardiola’s fifth summer signing to reshape Etihad squad. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Nypan, an 18-year-old midfield sensation from Rosenborg, has been on the radar of top European clubs after a standout season in Norway. Arsenal, Aston Villa, and City-affiliated Girona were all in the hunt for the teenager, but Manchester City have now emerged as frontrunners to secure his services. ‎ ‎The deal—expected to be finalized in the coming days—represents the most City have ever paid for a Norwegian league player. Though the terms are still being iron...

‎Chelsea have wasted no time in revamping their squad ahead of the 2025–26 campaign. Fresh off a Europa Conference League triumph, the West London club is entering a new chapter under manager Enzo Maresca, who is looking to reshape the Blues in his own image. ‎ Chelsea transfers 2025-26: Every confirmed signing and departure in Maresca's tactical overhaul. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The former Leicester City boss is overseeing an ambitious rebuild, and the club’s activity in the summer transfer window has reflected a clear tactical vision — blending young, high-ceiling talents with Premier League-ready players who fit into a high-possession, proactive system. ‎ ‎With more signings and exits expected, here’s a comprehensive round-up of all the completed Chelsea transfers so far this summer. ‎ ‎🔵 Incoming Transfers: Chelsea’s Summer Signings for 2025-26 ‎ ‎Chelsea’s recruitment strategy under Maresca prioritises versatility, technical skill, and long-term potential. The sum...

‎Chelsea's hopes of landing Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens have been dashed after negotiations between the two clubs collapsed ahead of this summer's first transfer deadline. ‎ ‎ Chelsea’s €55M bid for Jamie Gittens rejected by Dortmund. Transfer off before Club World Cup deadline. Blues now shift focus to LAFC clash. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎According to reports from Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, the Blues made a final push to complete the high-profile signing before Tuesday’s registration deadline for the FIFA Club World Cup. However, Borussia Dortmund rejected Chelsea's €55 million (£46.6 million) offer, citing that the bid fell short of their valuation for the talented 20-year-old. ‎ ‎Gittens has emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s brightest prospects after a breakout 2024/25 campaign in which he registered 12 goals and 3 assists across 48 appearances. With three years remaining on his current Dortmund contract, the German club has no immediate fi...

Florian Wirtz, the German midfield prodigy, has officially completed his high-profile transfer from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool FC, marking a new chapter in his promising career. After dazzling in the Bundesliga and leading Bayer Leverkusen to a historic 2023-24 title, Wirtz’s move to Anfield is one of the most talked-about signings in recent football history. ‎ ‎ Florian Wirtz joins Liverpool with potential wages of £100K+ weekly, possibly earning up to £7.8M annually as he steps into the Premier League. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Having signed with Liverpool just an hour ago, football fans and analysts alike are eager to know how much the German star might be earning at his new Premier League club. ‎ ‎Florian Wirtz’s Salary at Bayer Leverkusen: The Starting Point ‎ ‎At Bayer Leverkusen, Wirtz earned a gross weekly wage of approximately £72,368 ($94,735) , translating to an annual salary close to £3.7 million ($4.9 million). Despite his rising star status and pivotal r...

‎Liverpool FC have agreed a sensational €150 million deal to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, marking the most expensive transfer in British football history. ‎ Liverpool smash British transfer record to sign Florian Wirtz in €150m deal from Bayer Leverkusen. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The package, which includes performance-related bonuses, surpasses the previous record set by Chelsea’s signing of Moisés Caicedo (€133 million), and reaffirms Liverpool’s intent to dominate the European football landscape under new head coach Arne Slot. ‎ ‎Medical and Contract Signing Pending ‎ ‎Wirtz is expected to arrive in Liverpool within the next 48 hours to undergo a medical at the AXA Training Centre before officially signing a long-term contract at Anfield. Personal terms have already been agreed, with the 22-year-old German international believed to have chosen Liverpool over other suitors including Manchester City and Bayern Munich. ‎ ‎According to Fabrizio Romano, the de...

‎Cristiano Ronaldo could take Major League Soccer (MLS) to unprecedented heights, according to 1998 World Cup winner Marcel Desailly. The former French international believes the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has the global appeal and commercial power to eclipse even Lionel Messi’s impact at Inter Miami. ‎ Cristiano Ronaldo could outshine Messi’s MLS impact by boosting global brands, fan culture & 2026 World Cup hype, says World Cup winner Desailly. ‎Getty Images Sport (2) ‎ ‎Speaking to Oddspedia, Desailly explained that Ronaldo’s arrival would go beyond on-field excitement. While Messi has brought significant fan interest and media buzz, Desailly believes Ronaldo could introduce new levels of sponsorship, brand engagement, and global attention to MLS — especially ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. ‎ ‎“I’d like to see Cristiano Ronaldo in America, because of the 2026 World Cup,” Desailly said. “Messi has brought energy, but Cristiano could bring real...

Tottenham Hotspur have officially dismissed Ange Postecoglou following a dramatic season of highs and devastating lows. The hunt for his successor is now underway—with familiar faces, bold prospects, and one emotional homecoming all in the mix. Tottenham sack Postecoglou—Europa League win not enough. Who’s next? Pochettino return, Iraola steal & top Spurs manager options ranked. Getty Images Sport (3) Ange Postecoglou’s reign at Tottenham has come to an abrupt end. While the Australian head coach secured the Europa League title and a Champions League return, a disastrous 17th-placed Premier League finish left club chairman Daniel Levy with little choice. Despite the silverware, Spurs’ domestic collapse made his position untenable. Now, Tottenham must choose a new direction. Will they return to a beloved former boss, gamble on an up-and-comer, or go for a proven Premier League operator? Here are the top contenders to become Tottenham’s next manager—ranked. 8. Kieran McKe...

‎Chelsea have completed the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town after activating the striker’s £30 million ($40.6 million) release clause. The 22-year-old has signed a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge, committing his future to the club until 2031. ‎ ‎ Chelsea sign Liam Delap from Ipswich for £30m. The 22-year-old striker joins on six-year deal after breakout season. Champions League next. ‎Chelsea ‎ ‎Delap arrives following a standout campaign with Ipswich in the Premier League, where he scored 12 goals across 37 appearances. Despite Ipswich’s relegation to the EFL Championship, Delap’s performances drew interest from several top-flight clubs, including Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Everton. Chelsea moved decisively to secure one of England’s most promising young forwards. ‎ ‎“I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach,” Delap said after his unveiling. “It’s going to be an incredible pla...

‎Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal has been handed a jaw-dropping valuation of €400 million (£340m/$461m) , according to a report by the CIES Football Observatory, making him the most valuable teenager in football history. The revelation underscores the generational talent that the Catalan giants have on their hands — and the price it would take for any club daring to prise him away. ‎ Barcelona's Lamine Yamal valued at €400M by CIES — a record-breaking transfer fee that eclipses Neymar. Could he be the costliest ever? ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The valuation, first reported by BBC Sport, would obliterate the previous world-record transfer fee set by Neymar's €222 million move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. Yamal, still just 17 years old, has taken world football by storm, combining technical brilliance with maturity far beyond his years. ‎ ‎A recent contract extension with Barcelona includes a staggering €1 billion (£842m/$1.1bn) release clause, signali...

‎Manchester City have set their sights on RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons as a potential fallback option if they fail to reach an agreement for Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki, according to L'Équipe. ‎ ‎ Manchester City eye Xavi Simons as Rayan Cherki backup amid De Bruyne exit. Leipzig star on radar as transfer talks with Lyon continue. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎With Kevin De Bruyne expected to leave the Etihad this summer, City are actively searching for a creative midfield replacement. Cherki, 21, has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Premier League champions, and City are preparing a formal offer close to his £25 million ($34 million) release clause. ‎ ‎Should negotiations with Lyon stall, Simons is next in line. The Dutch midfielder only signed permanently with Leipzig in January, but their failure to qualify for the Champions League could pave the way for his exit. Simons is also attracting interest from Manchester United and Arsenal, making City’s interest part of a b...

‎Manchester City have finalized a €55 million (£46.3m) deal, including add-ons, with AC Milan for the signing of Tijjani Reijnders, marking a significant reinforcement to Pep Guardiola’s midfield following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne. ‎ Manchester City agree €55m deal for Tijjani Reijnders from Milan. Dutch star joins on five-year contract to fill Kevin De Bruyne’s midfield void. ‎Marco Luzzani/Getty Images ‎ ‎The Netherlands international has agreed to a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, with personal terms already settled. At 26, Reijnders arrives after an outstanding season in Serie A, where he scored 15 goals across all competitions and was crowned Midfielder of the Year. ‎ ‎City initiated contact with Milan earlier in May, as first reported by The Athletic, and talks progressed steadily. Milan had recently extended Reijnders' contract until 2030, but the Premier League champions presented an offer too substantial to decline. ‎ ‎With De Bruyne’s exit an...

‎After more than a week of swirling transfer rumors and intense speculation, FC Barcelona have officially sealed a major summer signing by acquiring highly-rated goalkeeper Joan Garcia from city rivals RCD Espanyol, according to renowned journalist Alex Pintanel. ‎ ‎ FC Barcelona secure signing of Joan Garcia from Espanyol in €25 million move. ‎Getty Images  ‎ ‎The 24-year-old Spanish international, who emerged as one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga during the 2024–25 season, has agreed to personal terms with the La Liga champions. A five-year contract lasting until June 2030 is already in place, and all that remains is for Barcelona to activate Garcia’s €25 million release clause, expected to be completed imminently. ‎ ‎This move marks the first signing under new manager Hansi Flick, and it signals a bold shift in the club's goalkeeping strategy. Garcia is widely expected to compete for the No. 1 jersey, raising immediate questions over the future role of long-time ...

Jadon Sancho will depart Chelsea when his loan deal officially expires on June 30, after the club and player failed to reach an agreement on personal terms that would have made his move from Manchester United permanent. ‎ ‎ Jadon Sancho to leave Chelsea after loan ends. No deal reached on personal terms. £5m penalty paid. Winger now exploring next career move. ‎Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images ‎ ‎Sancho, 25, joined Chelsea last summer in a temporary transfer from Manchester United that included an obligation to buy clause worth up to £25 million ($33.7 million). However, the clause was contingent on personal terms being agreed between Chelsea and the player — an agreement that has now collapsed, paving the way for his exit. ‎ ‎Chelsea will incur a £5 million ($6.75 million) penalty fee for opting out of the purchase, as stipulated in the original loan arrangement with United. Despite the financial setback, the west London club ultimately chose not to pursue t...

Manchester United are preparing to open formal negotiations with Brentford over the potential summer signing of Bryan Mbeumo, after the forward indicated a strong desire to join the Old Trafford side. ‎ ‎ Bryan Mbeumo eyes Man United transfer as Brentford ready for talks; Arsenal, Spurs, and Newcastle also keen on the Cameroon forward. ‎Getty/GOAL ‎ ‎The 25-year-old Cameroon international, who enjoyed a breakout 2024/25 Premier League campaign, is entering the final year of his contract at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium. Although the West London club hold an option to extend his deal by a further 12 months, sources close to the situation suggest Brentford are willing to entertain offers — if their valuation is met. ‎ ‎Brentford head coach Thomas Frank confirmed in May that the club would be “open” to a sale under the right circumstances. “If the right price — and that’s going to be expensive — is coming, then I’m sure the club will be open to it,” Frank said in an inte...

‎Brentford’s faith in Bryan Mbeumo has finally been vindicated on the grandest stage. When the west London club spent a then-record £5.4 million in August 2019 to sign a relatively unknown 19-year-old from France’s Ligue 2, eyebrows were raised. But Brentford — known for their smart, data-driven recruitment strategy — always believed they were getting a future star. ‎ Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo shines with 20 goals in 2024, proving his £5.4m signing a masterstroke. Europe’s top clubs are now circling. ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎That belief was cemented in a private conversation between Pontus Jansson, Brentford’s then-defender, and Rasmus Ankersen, the club’s co-director of football at the time. “We are going to buy a young player from France, and if he is not a world-class player in a couple of years, I’m going to be very disappointed,” Ankersen reportedly said. As Jansson later noted, “He wasn’t wrong.” ‎ ‎Fast forward six years, and Bryan Mbeumo is no longer just a promising talent ...

‎Cristiano Ronaldo—the name alone conjures images of blistering goals, unwavering discipline, and a career steeped in excellence. As one of the most famous athletes in the world, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has been a subject of global fascination for decades. But beyond the trophies and headlines lies a man with untold stories. ‎ ‎ Discover 7 surprising facts about Cristiano Ronaldo, from his childhood struggles to hidden talents that shaped the global football icon. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Here are seven surprising facts about Cristiano Ronaldo that many fans have never heard. ‎ ‎1. He Was Named After a U.S. President ‎ ‎Few people know that Ronaldo’s full name is Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, with “Ronaldo” inspired by former U.S. President Ronald Reagan. Ronaldo’s father was a fan of Reagan—not for political reasons, but because of Reagan’s acting career. ‎ ‎2. He Underwent Heart Surgery at 15 ‎ ‎At the age of 15, Ronaldo was diagnosed with a racing hear...

Tottenham Hotspur icon Harry Kane has been tipped to receive the ultimate tribute — a statue outside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium — should he decide to return from Bayern Munich in the future. The England captain, Spurs’ all-time leading goalscorer, left the North London club in the summer of 2023 in pursuit of major silverware, and has since cemented his place among Europe’s elite. ‎ Harry Kane told Tottenham statue awaits if he returns from Bayern Munich. A Spurs homecoming could be the "icing on the cake" for club legend. ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎Now, with a Bundesliga title under his belt following Bayern Munich's 2024-25 league triumph, speculation is again swirling around Kane’s potential return to the Premier League — and to the club where he became a legend. ‎ ‎Former Spurs winger Aaron Lennon has publicly called for Kane’s homecoming, stating it would be “the icing on the cake” to an already glittering career. Speaking to Radio Times, Lennon remarked, “He is...