SPORTING

‎Barcelona are reportedly preparing to orchestrate one of football’s most emotional reunions, aiming to bring club legend Lionel Messi back in time for the grand reopening of the iconic Spotify Camp Nou in 2026. ‎ Barcelona plan to bring Lionel Messi back in 2026 to mark Camp Nou’s reopening, aiming for a legendary reunion with the Argentine icon. ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎The Argentine superstar, now 37, left the Catalan giants in 2021 due to financial constraints that prevented the club from renewing his contract. Since then, Messi has continued to dazzle on the global stage, guiding Argentina to World Cup triumph in 2022 and later moving to Major League Soccer to join Inter Miami, where he has played a pivotal role in the sport's growth in the United States. ‎ ‎According to a report from TNT Sports, Barcelona remain hopeful of reuniting with their all-time great. The club is said to be “slowly preparing” for a potential deal to bring Messi back following the 2026 FIFA World C...

‎Carlo Ancelotti’s long-anticipated move to become the next head coach of Brazil’s national team is reportedly facing fresh uncertainty, as the Italian manager raises serious concerns about political instability within the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and the safety of living in the country. ‎ Ancelotti delays Brazil move due to CBF political chaos and security fears. ‎Getty Images  ‎ ‎Ancelotti, currently at the helm of Real Madrid, was on the brink of accepting the Brazil job back in 2023. However, the appointment was derailed when CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues was removed from his role following a court ruling that declared his election illegitimate. Although Rodrigues was reinstated in January 2024, Ancelotti had by then renewed his contract with Real Madrid, leading the CBF to appoint Dorival Júnior on an interim basis. ‎ ‎Now, as Dorival’s time with the Selecao nears its end and Ancelotti’s Madrid chapter draws to a close on May 26, renewed talks betwe...

‎Real Madrid have identified Arsenal defender William Saliba as their top transfer target to anchor a summer defensive overhaul, according to a report from Spanish outlet Marca. The 23-year-old French international is said to be the club’s preferred solution to reinforce a backline that has struggled in key moments this season, particularly during their Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Arsenal. ‎ ‎Real Madrid plot Summer rebuild with Arsenal's William Saliba at the centre. ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎Los Blancos were eliminated from Europe’s elite competition after conceding five goals across two legs against the North London side. That performance reportedly intensified internal discussions over the need to rejuvenate a once-impervious defence. Saliba, who has grown into one of the world’s premier centre-backs under Mikel Arteta, has long been admired by Real’s chief scout Juni Calafat, who views him as an ideal long-term leader in defence. ‎ ‎Despite Saliba si...

‎Real Madrid’s decorated manager Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly preparing for a new chapter in his illustrious coaching career, with The Athletic reporting that the Italian tactician will step down at the end of the 2023–24 season to become the next head coach of Brazil’s national team. ‎ ‎ Carlo Ancelotti to exit Real Madrid in June, set to become Brazil's next head coach after a decorated second stint with Los Blancos. ‎Getty Images  ‎ ‎Ancelotti has allegedly informed members of the Real Madrid dressing room of his intention to depart after the current campaign concludes. Though his contract runs through 2026, sources suggest he will not continue beyond June, opting instead to embark on an international venture with Brazil. ‎ ‎The move marks a significant shift for Ancelotti, who has experienced immense success in his second spell with Los Blancos. Since returning to the Spanish capital in 2021, he has guided Madrid to numerous trophies, including a Champions League t...

‎Manchester United are confident that they have sealed a deal to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres in the upcoming summer transfer window, according to Football Insider. The Swedish international has been a long-term target for the Red Devils, and club insiders now believe that the move is effectively a “done deal.” ‎ ‎' Viktor Gyokeres. ' ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎United, under manager Rúben Amorim, are seeking to overhaul their attacking options following a disappointing Premier League campaign. Current centre-forwards Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled to deliver consistent performances, prompting a strategic focus on bolstering the front line. ‎ ‎Gyokeres, who has enjoyed a sensational debut season with Sporting CP, fits the profile United are after. In Liga Portugal alone, the former Coventry City striker has netted 34 goals and provided 7 assists across 29 appearances. His performances in the Champions League have also been impressive, with 6 goals...

‎Gregor Kobel, one of the Bundesliga’s standout goalkeepers, is reportedly a target for two Premier League giants, Chelsea and Newcastle United, as both clubs look to strengthen their goalkeeping options. With his current club, Borussia Dortmund, struggling to secure a spot in next season's Champions League, Kobel's future is in flux. ‎ ‎' Gregor Kobel. ' ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎According to a report from Foot Mercato, both Chelsea and Newcastle have expressed strong interest in the 27-year-old Swiss international. Kobel, whose contract with Dortmund runs until 2028, is said to be keen on leaving Signal Iduna Park if the team fails to secure a Champions League berth for the upcoming season. ‎ ‎Chelsea’s Pursuit of a New Keeper ‎ ‎Chelsea, in particular, are looking for a new goalkeeper after expressing dissatisfaction with their current first-choice, Robert Sanchez. Reports suggest that the Blues are willing to pay a hefty €70 million (£60 million) to secure Kobel’...

‎Chelsea are reportedly keen on bringing young forward Jamie Gittens back to English football, as the club targets a move for the Borussia Dortmund star. The England Under-21 international, who is under contract at Signal Iduna Park until 2028, has been making waves in the Bundesliga, but recent developments suggest that his future may lie elsewhere. Gittens’ growing dissatisfaction with his reduced role under Dortmund's coach Niko Kovac has led to speculation about a potential transfer, with several top Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Liverpool, and Tottenham, also monitoring the situation. ‎ ‎ Chelsea eye Jamie Gittens' return to English Football with impressive salary offer amid discontent at Dortmund. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎According to a report from Sky Sport Germany, Chelsea have officially shown interest in Gittens, who has accumulated 12 goals across all competitions this season. However, despite his strong performances, the 20-year-old has not sta...

‎Jose Mourinho reportedly came within touching distance of signing Lionel Messi for Chelsea in 2014, with personal terms agreed and a staggering £50 million annual salary on offer. But despite the West London club’s readiness to activate the €250 million release clause in Messi’s Barcelona contract, the transfer never materialised—blocked by a surprise revelation from a Premier League player that alerted Messi’s father and ultimately brought the negotiations to a halt. ‎ Jose Mourinho almost signed Lionel Messi for Chelsea in 2014 before deal collapsed over player revelation. ‎Getty Images Sport ‎ ‎At the time, Mourinho had just returned for his second spell at Chelsea, eager to reinforce his legacy after two Premier League title wins during his first tenure. Always one to think big, the Portuguese manager set his sights on Lionel Messi, arguably the most coveted player in world football. ‎ ‎According to Gianluca Di Marzio’s 2014 book Grand Hotel Calciomercato, the groundwo...

‎Arsenal and Manchester United have received encouraging developments in their summer transfer pursuits of Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons, with RB Leipzig reportedly ready to sanction the sales of both players to meet financial targets. ‎ ‎Arsenal and Manchester United receive transfer boost in race for RB Leipzig duo Sesko and Simons. ‎Getty Images (2) ‎ ‎According to German outlet Bild, RB Leipzig are under pressure to raise funds and have identified Sesko and Simons as high-value assets who could help the club reach their target of €100 million (£85m/$114m) in player sales. Both Premier League giants are said to be keen on securing deals for the two rising stars, with United showing particular interest in 22-year-old Dutch midfielder Simons, while both clubs are monitoring the availability of 21-year-old Slovenian striker Sesko. ‎ ‎Leipzig had previously struck a gentleman’s agreement with Simons, who joined permanently from Paris Saint-Germain in January, allowing him t...

‎Manchester United have reportedly struck an "agreement in principle" with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen ahead of a high-profile summer move, according to Tuttosport. The Red Devils are believed to be ready to activate the Nigerian forward's €75 million (£64m/$86m) release clause in an ambitious attempt to revamp their struggling attack. ‎ ‎Manchester United reach 'agreement in principle' with Victor Osimhen for summer transfer. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The 26-year-old goal machine, currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray, has reignited his career with a sensational run of form—netting 30 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions this season. Galatasaray have expressed interest in making the move permanent, but the lure of Premier League football and a leading role at Old Trafford could prove decisive. ‎ ‎Osimhen was the subject of strong interest from several English clubs last summer, notably Manchester United and Chelsea, but Napoli...

‎Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has turned down a staggering €1 billion offer from the Saudi Pro League and is poised to sign a new contract with Los Blancos, according to reports from Cadena SER. The deal is expected to be formally announced at the end of the 2024-25 season. ‎ ‎ Vinicius Junior rejects Saudi mega-deal, set to sign new Real Madrid contract. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The Brazilian winger, 24, remains committed to his long-term future in the Spanish capital despite the allure of Middle Eastern riches. The renewed contract will reportedly extend his stay by an additional two or three years beyond his current terms, which run until 2027. ‎ ‎Vinicius’ decision comes at a pivotal moment for both club and player. Real Madrid, fresh off a disappointing campaign that saw them exit the UEFA Champions League and potentially miss out on the La Liga title, are in a period of reflection and recalibration. Nevertheless, the club views Vinicius as a cornerstone for the...

‎Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero has spoken out in defense of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is reportedly set to leave Liverpool this summer, slamming the backlash from fans as excessive and unfair. ‎ ‎' Trent Alexander-Arnold. ' ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎The Liverpool-born right-back, whose contract expires at the end of June, has reportedly agreed in principle to join Spanish giants Real Madrid on a free transfer. The potential move has triggered a strong emotional response from sections of the Liverpool fanbase, with some accusing the 25-year-old of betraying his boyhood club. ‎ ‎Banners criticizing Alexander-Arnold were spotted near Anfield in recent days, reflecting the disappointment and anger felt by many supporters. Some fans have gone as far as labeling him a "snake"—a term often reserved for those seen as disloyal. ‎ ‎Aguero, however, urged for greater understanding and respect for player autonomy. Speaking to Stake.com, the former Argentine striker st...

‎Chelsea FC are set to deepen their strategic partnership with Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, as two of the Premier League club’s brightest young prospects—Mathis Amougou and Kendry Paez—are primed for season-long loan moves to the French outfit for the 2025–26 campaign. ‎ ‎' Mathis Amougou. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The potential transfers come on the back of a highly productive loan spell for Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos, who flourished under the guidance of Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior during the 2024–25 season. Santos' development and contributions in midfield have not gone unnoticed at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca eager to integrate him into the senior squad ahead of this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup. ‎ ‎According to reports from L'Équipe, 19-year-old Amougou, a French youth international, is among the next wave of young Blues heading to Stade de la Meinau. The promising centre-back arrived at Chelsea from Saint-Étienne in J...

‎Chelsea are once again preparing for a dramatic squad overhaul—regardless of whether they secure a top-five finish and qualify for the Champions League. Despite spending over £1 billion under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, the Blues remain a work in progress. ‎ ‎ Chelsea set for another squad overhaul—Champions League or not. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Although Sunday's win over Fulham halted a slide in form, the performance did little to inspire confidence. The second half of the season has exposed significant shortcomings within the squad, and calls for change are growing louder. ‎ ‎While the future of under-pressure manager Enzo Maresca is uncertain, one thing is increasingly clear: this team needs more than just tweaks. A comprehensive summer clear-out is on the horizon, with up to 15 players potentially heading for the exit. ‎ ‎Goalkeepers Under Review ‎ ‎Robert Sanchez has been a liability between the posts, leading the Premier League in errors directly resulti...

‎Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly begun the search for a long-term replacement for Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson, who continues to struggle with a persistent groin injury. Since joining City in 2017, Ederson has played a pivotal role in the club’s domestic and European success, securing multiple Premier League titles and the elusive UEFA Champions League crown. ‎ ‎' Ederson. ' ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎However, his recurring fitness issues this season have cast doubt over his reliability between the posts, prompting Guardiola and City’s management to explore alternatives. According to a report from The Mirror, FC Porto’s Diogo Costa has emerged as the leading candidate. The Portuguese international, widely regarded as one of Europe’s top young goalkeepers, has a €75 million (£63m) buy-out clause in a contract that runs until 2027. ‎ ‎' Diogo Costa. ' ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎While the release clause is viewed as steep by the City hierarchy, the...

‎Manchester City are positioning themselves at the front of the pack to sign Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, with the Premier League champions identifying the midfielder as a potential successor to Kevin De Bruyne. ‎ ‎ Manchester City target Morgan Gibbs-White as De Bruyne successor amid growing transfer race. ‎Getty Images  ‎ ‎De Bruyne, who has played a pivotal role in City’s dominance over the past nine years, is expected to depart the Etihad this summer, prompting Pep Guardiola and the club’s recruitment team to search for a creative midfielder capable of filling the Belgian's sizable boots. ‎ ‎While Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz has long been on City's radar, The Daily Mail reports that attention has now turned more decisively toward Gibbs-White, whose performances under Nuno Espirito Santo have caught the eye across Europe. ‎ ‎The 24-year-old England international has been central to Nottingham Forest’s surprise push for Champions League qualific...

‎Barcelona could be on the verge of losing one of their brightest La Masia prospects, as Guille Fernandez draws significant interest from top European clubs including Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, and FC Porto. ‎ ‎' Guille Fernandez. ' ‎FC Barcelona  ‎ ‎According to a report by The Daily Briefing, Borussia Dortmund are the latest club to join the pursuit of the highly-rated 16-year-old, whose potential has turned heads across the continent. However, Dortmund’s pursuit of Fernandez may hinge on their qualification for European competition next season, which remains in the balance. ‎ ‎Further insights from SPORT suggest that Fernandez is still focused on establishing himself within Barcelona's ranks. The teenager reportedly hopes to emulate Fermin Lopez's pathway into the senior squad. Yet, with Barcelona Atletic facing potential relegation to Spain’s fourth tier and no clear route into the first team guaranteed, Fernandez is open to a loa...

‎Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has identified AC Milan’s Mike Maignan as the top candidate to replace under-fire goalkeeper André Onana, according to an exclusive report from Caught Offside. However, the Red Devils face stiff competition from Chelsea and Aston Villa, both of whom have also shown interest in the France international. ‎ ‎Ruben Amorim eyes Mike Maignan as Onana replacement amid Chelsea and Villa interest. ‎Getty Images  ‎ ‎Onana, who arrived at Old Trafford in 2023 with high expectations, has endured a turbulent two seasons marked by inconsistent performances and high-profile errors. His omission from United’s squad in last weekend’s 4-1 Premier League defeat to Newcastle United has further intensified speculation around his future. Although Amorim confirmed Onana will return between the posts for Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon, he hinted at long-term change. ‎ ‎“We need to improve every position on the field – the ...

‎Wayne Rooney has suggested that Marcus Rashford would be eager to return to Manchester United, following a promising resurgence in form during his loan spell at Aston Villa. ‎ ‎ Wayne Rooney claims Rashford eyes Manchester United return after Villa revival. ‎Getty Images (2) ‎ ‎The 27-year-old forward moved to the Midlands club in January on a temporary deal, which includes a £40 million option to buy. Since arriving at Villa Park, Rashford has rediscovered his rhythm, netting three times and displacing England international Ollie Watkins from the central striking role. ‎ ‎Speaking on Amazon Prime’s coverage of Aston Villa’s Champions League quarter-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Rooney, who remains a legendary figure at Old Trafford, claimed Rashford’s heart still lies in Manchester. ‎ ‎“Marcus Rashford wants to play for Manchester United, 100 per cent,” said Rooney. “He is a Manchester lad, a United fan. The last couple of years have been tough for him. He needed t...

Manchester United’s 2024/25 campaign has revealed glaring deficiencies across the pitch — but none more pressing than the situation in goal. The Red Devils, already battling inconsistency in attack and vulnerability in defence, are now confronting a full-blown goalkeeper crisis. ' David de Gea ' and ' André Onana. ' Getty Images (2) Since joining from Inter Milan in 2023, André Onana has failed to deliver the reliability demanded of a Manchester United No.1. Despite his moments of excellence, the Cameroonian has been prone to critical errors — including in costly defeats to Bayern Munich, Brighton, and Wolves. His once-celebrated distribution has also faltered in the Premier League, and he has looked increasingly uncertain when dealing with high balls and set pieces. With Onana’s form under scrutiny and patience running thin, United must act. Whether they opt for a seasoned veteran, a high-potential talent, or a short-term solution until 2026, change is esse...