“Messi is… it’s ridiculous (laughs). It’s not the same thing (compared to Neymar). But actually, Messi, like, he does everything right. By the way, I’m going to tell you a story. We were at Paris, we were finishing up, and in Paris, me and Ney. We were at the top of the heap in soccer world. He just came in and took ten shots. And like, me and Ney, out of 10, we scored 6 or 7… He shot nine times, he scores the same goal nine times,” Mbappé said, via The Bridge show.

During his time at Paris Saint-Germain, Lionel Messi impressed Mbappé with his performance. Upon his arrival, he won two Ligue 1 titles and a French Super Cup, leaving his mark on the team with his on-field impact. Moreover, the Argentine managed to build a strong on-field connection with the Frenchman, playing 67 matches together and contributing to 34 joint goal involvements.

Even though Messi arrived as a seasoned veteran, the Argentine managed to surpass 10 goals and 10 assists in each of his seasons with the French side. Additionally, he emerged as the link between Neymar and Mbappé, orchestrating play and boosting both of their performances. Adapting to the tough transition from Barcelona to PSG may have been challenging for Lionel, but he left a lasting impact on the French star’s career.

Messi’s time at PSG: underrated and overlooked

After failing to free up space in the wage bill, Lionel Messi had to leave Barcelona as a free agent, joining Paris Saint-Germain for just two seasons. As a seasoned veteran, the Argentine was unable to match his usual impact at the Blaugrana and faced criticism from fans. Nevertheless, he still made a striking impact—one that is often underestimated and overlooked.

In just two seasons, Messi managed to score 32 goals and provide 35 assists across 75 games. Despite his overall impact, the Argentine has been criticized for not leading them to a Champions League title. Nevertheless, he helped create a solid attacking trio with Neymar and Mbappé that shone in Ligue 1. Additionally, he excelled in a team that was often defensively unbalanced and conceded a significant number of goals.

Had the Argentine coincided with Luis Enrique and his full roster, he would have had a legendary impact. Not only would he have won more titles, but he would also have enjoyed much greater freedom of movement, enhancing his influence on the pitch. Even so, Lionel Messi managed to make his mark in PSG history, shining with an impact that went beyond mere statistics.

According to reports from Carlos Monfort and Dídac Peyret in Diario Sport, Frenkie de Jong trained individually with Barcelona today, and his presence in Friday, April 3’s group session remains highly uncertain. As a result, the Dutchman could miss the match against Atlético Madrid, forcing coach Hansi Flick to adjust his starting lineup. Moreover, he is expected to make a comeback in the Champions League clash.

Alongside Frenkie, the Blaugranas will also be without Raphinha and Andreas Christensen, impacting the team’s overall performance. As a replacement for the Dutchman, Flick could turn to Marc Bernal, who has proven to be a difference-maker throughout the season. In the case of the Brazilian’s absence, Dani Olmo could take his place in the starting lineup, aiming to create space in Los Colchoneros’ rigid defense.

Report: Barcelona recover Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé

Despite the tough absences of Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong, Barcelona have received some good news. After suffering injuries in early March 2026, Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé have taken part in the most recent group training session. With this in mind, the Blaugranas expect to receive medical clearance before the match vs. Atlético Madrid, giving a solid boost to Flick.

With the return of both players, Hansi Flick gains much-needed consistency, as the team has been struggling significantly on a defensive level in their absence. However, they might not be able to play the full 90 minutes, instead having managed playing time to avoid relapses. Because of this, the presence of João Cancelo and Xavi Espart could still be vital in securing the much-needed victory.

Barcelona face unusual fixture timing vs Atlético Madrid

Barcelona and Atlético usually face each other around two or three times per season, but this time they will meet six times—an unusual occurrence. The Blaugrana are entering one of the most important months of their entire season. On April 4, they face off in LaLiga, aiming to secure their top spot. Then, they have two more matches on April 8 and 14 in the Champions League quarterfinals.

According to Florian Plettenberg, via X (formerly Twitter), Liverpool are closely monitoring the development of Yan Diomande, maintaining constant contact with his agents. Despite this, RB Leipzig remain determined to keep the 19-year-old star, aiming to offer him a new contract along with a performance-based salary increase. However, they would be open to his departure for offers exceeding €100 million.

Yan Diomande has managed to impress with his performances in the Bundesliga. In the current season, the Ivorian has scored 11 goals and provided 8 assists in 29 matches, making him the second top scorer and the top assist provider. His impact goes beyond the statistics, as his pace and dribbling are decisive, creating space for his teammates. Moreover, he is only 19 years old, so he could lead the Reds for more than a decade.

Despite his huge impact, Diomande is still far from being one of the best players in the world. If Liverpool sign him, they will be betting on his room for growth, which points to world-class potential. However, the Cameroonian does not surpass the impact that Salah has had, having scored 10 goals and provided 9 assists in 34 games in one of his ‘worst’ seasons with the team. Because of this, the Reds would need to be patient.

Jeremie Frimpong could also be key at Liverpool’s right wing

Targeting a replacement for Salah, Liverpool appear determined to sign a promising right winger, also with an eye on long-term performance. In addition, Federico Chiesa is also expected to leave the team, leaving Harvey Elliott on the way out as well. Given this situation, Jeremie Frimpong could play a key role as a right winger, serving as direct competition for Yan Diomande.

Throughout the current season, coach Arne Slot has chosen on several occasions to deploy Frimpong as a right winger. Taking advantage of his pace and excellent dribbling, the Reds have had a strong alternative to open up space in the opposition’s defense. The Dutchman may not score many goals, but he does have great vision and passing ability, which adds different dimensions to the team’s play.

According to Diario AS, Paris Saint-Germain are closely monitoring the future of Eduardo Camavinga, as he has lost prominence at Real Madrid. Rather than actively negotiating a transfer, the French side are simply keeping track of his situation, as neither the midfielder nor the Spanish club have made a decision regarding his continuity. However, the 23-year-old star is no longer an undisputed starter, opening the door to any possibility.

Coach Luis Enrique currently relies on world-class midfielders such as Vitinha, João Neves, Warren Zaïre-Emery, and Fabián Ruiz. Still, a potential move for Camavinga would represent a clear step up in quality, as he would bring valuable versatility—something key to Paris Saint-Germain’s project. Moreover, he would arrive as an established star, making it a high-profile signing.

PSG may not have a straightforward path to securing the signing of Eduardo Camavinga. According to CaughtOffSide, Liverpool have remained one of the Frenchman’s main suitors for several months. With his versatility, Eduardo could slot in alongside Alexis Mac Allister or Ryan Gravenberch, giving the Reds more options. On top of that, he could take on a more advanced role—something the team still lacks.

Real Madrid midfield rebuild puts Camavinga role at risk

Throughout the 2025–26 season, Real Madrid have struggled to find balance in midfield. Following the departures of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, they have been battling to find a player capable of organizing the team. In response, Los Blancos are aiming for a midfield rebuild, keeping several players on their radar. As a result, Eduardo Camavinga may not have as much space in the starting lineup.

According to Daniel L. Peinado, via Diario AS, Los Blancos are targeting Vitinha and Enzo Fernandez as the main candidates to reinforce the midfield. However, Kees-Smith is emerging as the top favorite, as he offers significant potential and could arrive for €50–60 million. Alongside them, Nico Paz is expected to return, with Real Madrid set to trigger the €9 million buy-back clause. With this, they aim to find competition for Thiago Pitarch.

With Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni ahead of him, Camavinga would become one of the last options in the rotation, as he does not fully offer something different from what those two provide. Because of this, the Frenchman could once again remain out of the starting lineup, although he would still see regular playing time as more of a rotational player than a key starter.

According to Ben Jacobs, the Citizens have asked Pep Guardiola for clarity regarding his professional intentions, as they want to have a plan in place in case he decides to leave the club. In fact, they are expecting the Spaniard to give a final answer before the 2026 World Cup. In addition, many transfer targets are weighing the future of the head coach when deciding whether to join the team, impacting the club’s planning.

Due to the uncertainty surrounding Guardiola, Manchester City are already exploring options to cover for his spot. According to Nicolò Schira, they are looking at Enzo Maresca as a leading candidate to take the reins. Furthermore, he has already had stints with the club, managing the U-23 team and serving as assistant coach. With this, he would represent a continuation of the project, as he knows the Spaniard’s working methods.

Although Enzo Maresca was fired by Chelsea, he has already proven to be a difference-maker in England. Not only did he earn promotion with Leicester City, but he also led the Blues to two titles in his first season: the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. In addition, he implemented a dominant style of play. Because of this, the Italian emerges as a strong option, currently available as a free agent.

Report: Guardiola could be tempted by Italy as head coach

After failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Italy became the first champion to fail to qualify for three consecutive tournaments. In light of this, Gennaro Gattuso, Gianluigi Buffon, and president Gabriele Gravina have decided to leave the national team. With this, Sports Minister, Andrea Abodi, revealed that a rebuild of the project is needed. For this reason, Pep Guardiola emerges as a clear candidate to lead the new era, in case he leaves Manchester City.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) are looking to tempt Pep Guardiola to take charge of Italy, with the aim of rebuilding the entire foundation of the project. While this would be difficult from a financial standpoint, they are already seeking sponsors to make his arrival a reality. With the experienced head coach, they would aim to build a promising long-term project for the 2030 World Cup.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter Milan executives have given their approval for contacts to begin between Barcelona and Alessandro Bastoni. Despite this, the Blaugrana have not yet made an offer that fully convinces the Nerazzurri, as they are proposing €40–45 million plus add-ons, while Inter are asking for €70–80 million. However, negotiations are reportedly moving in a positive direction.

The Blaugranas would not have issues reaching an agreement on personal terms with Bastoni, as they have been in talks with his agents for several months. However, they need to offload some players in order to fit the deal financially, reports Florian Plettenberg. Despite this, coach Hansi Flick continues to view him as the top priority to strengthen the defensive line.

Barcelona might let some players leave to make room for Bastoni

Hansi Flick has managed to keep Barcelona as one of the most competitive teams. Despite this, they have not stood out defensively, making the arrival of Alessandro Bastoni a necessary move. However, the signing of the Italian could lead to the departure of some players, as they look to create room within the salary cap. In light of this, Ronald Araújo and Marc Casadó could be the most likely candidates.

The Blaugranas have not relied on Ronald Araújo or Marc Casadó as key figures, with several players ahead of them in the rotation. Despite of this, both stars have made it clear that they have no intention of leaving Barcelona. For this reason, they might find it quite difficult to convince them to leave, so they might opt to free up space by making other departures.

After failing to shine at AS Monaco and losing Flick’s backing, Ansu Fati is looking to leave the team permanently. Along with him, Marc-André ter Stegen and Wojciech Szczęsny could also leave the team, as Barcelona are reportedly looking to pursue a younger goalkeeper. Furthermore, Marcus Rashford’s future at the club is also unclear. With these departures, they could free up space in the salary cap and make room for Bastoni.

According to Christian Kofane’s agent, Eric Depolo, as reported by Daily Arsenal, the Gunners remain quite interested in the 19-year-old striker: “Yes, there is contact between me and Arsenal. But their focus is currently on winning the league – everything will fall into place from there. He is a player worth 100 million euros. With Kofane, Arsenal will have a top striker for the next 10 years.”

While Arsenal are emerging as the clear favorite to sign Kofane, Barcelona are also reportedly interested in signing him, according to Adrián Sanchez via Más Que Pelotas. They would be preparing for the possibility that Julián Álvarez might not join them, after Atlético Madrid’s contract renewal offer. Despite this, they would have to pay a transfer fee of around €60-70 million, reports Florian Plettenberg.

Christian Kofane shines in his first season with Bayer Leverkusen

After shining at AS Nylon, Christian Kofane caught the attention of Albacete, from Spain’s second division, for their Juvenil A side. In just over two months, the Cameroonian impressed, earning a move to the first team where he scored eight goals in 20 matches. At the end of the season, Bayer Leverkusen decided to pay €5.25 million to secure his future, where he has managed to earn a role in the rotation under coach Kasper Hjulmand.

In his first season at Bayer Leverkusen, Kofane has managed to play 1,745 minutes, becoming one of the most used young players of the campaign. In addition, he has scored 7 goals and provided 8 assists in 39 matches. Not only do his stats stand out, but he also brings impressive associative quality, which has caught the attention of Arsenal and Barcelona in just his first season.

Bayer Leverkusen could multiply Kofane’s value by 13.3 times compared to his purchase price. While he is not yet an immediate-impact player, the Gunners and the Blaugrana would be targeting his signing with his growth potential in mind. However, they could have doubts about paying €60–70 million for his transfer, as he has not yet fully established himself at the elite level.

According to Cahê Mota via GeGlobo, Carlo Ancelotti and his coaching staff view Neymar’s call-up to the 2026 World Cup as unlikely, dimming his hopes. Instead, they are reportedly considering Endrick, who impressed with his performance against Croatia and earned the benefit of the doubt. However, he faces competition from Lucas Paquetá and Igor Thiago for a place on Brazil’s roster.

Neymar reportedly disappointed Brazil’s coaching staff after missing the Santos vs. Mirassol match. Despite the veteran knew that Ancelotti would be attending the game, he stayed away due to workload management. As a result, he missed a great opportunity to make a case for his return to the 2026 World Cup roster. However, Cahê Mota reports that the coach remains open to calling him up, but it depends on his performance.

Unlike the 34-year-old, Endrick is in top physical condition, shining at Olympique Lyon. Because of this, he seems close to securing his place, as Ancelotti has called him ‘the future of the national team.’ In this context, Neymar Jr. would have to compete with Lucas Paquetá and Igor Thiago, who are already part of Brazil setup. Because of this, it looks quite difficult for him to make the 2026 World Cup.

Neymar Jr. keeps shining with Santos amid Ancelotti’s doubts

Following his knee surgery, Neymar has managed to shine with Santos FC, showing that he is in full condition. In the five matches he has played, he has scored three goals and provided two assists, standing out as the team’s most influential player. He is not only scoring goals, but also organizing the team, giving them ideas amid the chaos they are currently experiencing.

Despite his strong performances, coach Carlo Ancelotti remains full of doubts regarding his return. With the need to manage his workload to avoid further injury, the veteran raises questions about whether he will be ready to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Because of this, he has just over a month to convince the head coach of his return, as the final squad list will be announced on May 18 in Rio de Janeiro.

In an interview with Manchester United, Casemiro had nothing but praise for Kobbie Mainoo’s performance, hailing his promising future: “Kobbie is the present and the future. I think that he is one of the best No.8s and can be for that for the next 12 years… He is a player I really like. He always wants the ball. It is true that soccer can’t change your mentality but Kobbie demonstrated that he hasn’t changed his focus once.”

Although it seemed he was destined to leave the Red Devils, Michael Carrick’s arrival transformed him into a cornerstone of the team. At just 20 years old, Kobbie has established as the Red Devils’ midfield playmaker, shining alongside Casemiro. Furthermore, Mainoo enhances the offensive side of the game, serving as a brilliant playmaker who creates spaces in opposing defenses.

Manchester United reportedly secure Kobbie Mainoo renewal

At the start of the 2025–26 season, Kobbie Mainoo was relegated to the bench under Ruben Amorim. Not fitting into his lineup, the Englishman was considered a third or fourth option in the rotation. Because of this, the 20-year-old star was pushing for a move, as he was seeking consistent playing time. Now, Michael Carrick has made him undroppable at Manchester United, leading to reports that his renewal has been secured.

According to Fabrizio Romano via X, the Red Devils are close to finalizing Kobbie Mainoo’s contract renewal. With a deal running until 2027 plus an optional additional year, the Englishman had attracted interest from several clubs. Because of this, Manchester United have offered him a new contract until 2031, fending off any transfer interest, while granting him a salary increase and a key role in the sporting project.

Report: Red Devils target Elliot Anderson as partner for Mainoo

Manchester United have successfully established a solid central midfield partnership with Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo. However, the Brazilian has decided to leave the team as a free agent. In light of this, the Red Devils are chasing midfield reinforcements ahead of the 2026–27 season. They have reportedly set their sights on Elliot Anderson, who has previously played alongside Mainoo in England.

According to Eduardo Burgos, via Diario AS, the Red Devils have considered signing Sandro Tonali or Bruno Guimarães. However, they believe that Elliot Anderson is the most straightforward option and the easiest to negotiate a transfer for. With this move, coach Michael Carrick would solidify a strong midfield, aiming to replicate his excellent performance from this season.

The Blaugranas have decided to consider signing Cancelo on a permanent basis. However, they would only do so if he manages to leave Al Hilal as a free agent. Since he is under contract with the Saudi club until 2027, they are reportedly asking for around €15 million for his transfer, a figure Barcelona would flatly reject. For this reason, they have reportedly opened the door to Benfica.

In a recent interview with Canal 11, João Cancelo revealed key details about his future, hinting at a return to Benfica: “I’ve already earned more than I expected, but playing for Benfica is like basketball; it’s for the love of the game. I’d be prepared to lower my salary.” While the 31-year-old star remains open to an emotive comeback, the Portuguese side still needs to negotiate his signing with Al Hilal.

Having regained his physical form, Cancelo’s potential arrival at Benfica would be a definite boost for the team. Under José Mourinho, they have regained their competitiveness in the Champions League. The 31-year-old star could boost the team’s performance, as he would contribute on both flanks and shines offensively. Given this, the Blaugranas are already considering two alternatives to João Cancelo.

Report: Barcelona target two left-back reinforcements

Throughout the 2025–26 season, Barcelona have repeatedly been without their starting left-back: Alejandro Balde. While the presence of João Cancelo helped ease the need, his continuity appears unlikely due to Al Hilal’s price tag. In response, they have decided to look for a reliable reinforcement capable of competing for a starting spot. For this reason, the Blaugrana reportedly already have two clear candidates.

According to Alfredo Martínez and Gianluigi Longari, Alejandro Grimaldo of Bayer Leverkusen and Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus have emerged as clear targets for Barcelona. While the Spaniard could leave for €15 million, the Italian could command a higher transfer fee as he is a key player for coach Luciano Spalletti. However, the Blaugrana are only holding talks for now, with no formal negotiations yet underway.

“I have to flatly deny it (that his renewal with Dortmund is close to taking place). Unfortunately, we haven’t reached that point yet… I negotiated with Sebastian for a long time. Sebastian is no longer here. Now Ole will be my contact person, along with Lars… I have already talked to him, but we have not reached the point where the renewal is imminent,” Schlotterbeck, said after Germany vs. Ghana game.

According to Christian Falk, via CaughtOffside, Nico Schlotterbeck has paused his contract renewal with Borussia Dortmund not only due to the change of sporting director. Manchester United and Liverpool have reportedly played a key role in this setback, as both clubs have shown strong interest in him. As a result, the German side believe the negotiations have stalled as the player looks a move to a Premier League side.

Liverpool may have the upper hand in securing Schlotterbeck’s signing

In case Nico Schlotterbeck decides not to renew and leave Borussia Dortmund, he could target a key condition in his next move: A winning project. Not just qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, but also being able to compete for multiple titles over the coming years. Because of this, Liverpool could have an advantage over Manchester United, as they have won the Premier League and the Champions League in recent years.

Coupled with this, Schlotterbeck could emerge as a natural replacement for Virgil van Dijk, whose contract expires in 2027 and who is expected to leave as a free agent. This would guarantee him a key role at Liverpool, which has been one of the most dominant teams in the Premier League in recent years. Furthermore, the Reds have proven to be a more consistent team than Manchester United.

Manchester United could lure Nico Schlotterbeck with ambitious project

Manchester United are no longer a dominant force in the Premier League. Following Sir Alex Ferguson’s golden era, they have failed to recapture their former glory, a fact that might give Nico Schlotterbeck pause. However, the arrival of Michael Carrick has transformed their fortunes, turning it into one of the most promising sides in England.

Nico Schlotterbeck could become a key pillar for the Red Devils in their new sporting project. With his arrival, they would gain much greater defensive consistency, as he would join Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martínez, and Leny Yoro. In addition, they could look to convince him by showing that their youth-driven project has immense potential, but securing a place in the UEFA Champions League could be key to achieving these ambitions.

According to Cadena SER, Barcelona may have lost the option to sign Marcus Rashford for €30 million from Manchester United. In the agreement signed at the start of the season, they had until March to trigger the purchase option, which did not happen. Because of this, they must now sit down to negotiate with the Red Devils in an attempt to reach a deal, something far from simple as a higher fee would be demanded.

In response to this information, the Blaugranas have supposedly stated that they still have more time to exercise the option. According to Mundo Deportivo, the agreement with Manchester United is to make a decision at the end of June. With this, the Blaugranas remain open to his continuity, but will continue evaluating his development toward the end of the season.

If the Blaugranas decide to trigger the purchase option for Rashford, they already have structured payment terms in place. According to Samuel Marsden via ESPN, they have reached an agreement with the Red Devils to make three payments of €10 million: July 2026, July 2027, and July 2028. With this structure, Barcelona could better accommodate the transfer, opening the door to his continuity.

Rashford still needs to convince Hansi Flick at Barcelona

Marcus Rashford has gone from being a revelation at Barcelona to experiencing a notable drop in performance. Following his knee injury, the Englishman has not managed to score a goal since January 31, 2026. In addition, he has not played a full 90 minutes since December 16, 2025, when he featured against CD Guadalajara in the Copa del Rey. However, he has a golden opportunity to convince Hansi Flick regarding his continuity.

The Blaugrana suffer a major setback, as Raphinha picked up an injury while playing with Brazil. As a result, Marcus Rashford emerges as the main candidate to replace him in the starting lineup. With important matches ahead, such as against Atlético Madrid in LaLiga and in the UEFA Champions League, the Englishman will need to deliver strong performances to convince Hansi Flick, who still has doubts due to his inconsistency.

Barcelona reportedly consider alternatives to Rashford

Looking ahead to the 2026-27 season, Barcelona appear determined to sign a left winger as a backup for Raphinha. Given the uncertainty surrounding Rashford, they are already considering two options: Jan Virgili and Abde Ezzalzouli, according to Diario Sport. Additionally, they retain 40% of any future sale of Virgili and 20% of any future sale of Abde, so they would be quite affordable.

After being overtaken by Norway in the UEFA World Cup qualifiers, they were relegated to the playoffs, hoping to secure their spot in the tournament. Even though they defeated Northern Ireland, they were surpassed by Bosnia Herzegovina, losing any chance of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. As a result, they have set a dismal record that reflects their current reality.

Italy become the first FIFA World Cup-winning national team to miss three consecutive tournaments: 2018, 2022, and 2026. This marks twelve years since their last qualification, when they were eliminated in the group stage. Furthermore, they have not reached the final stages tournament since the 2006 edition, when they won the title, showcasing their growing problems.

The Azzurri were eliminated by Sweden in the playoffs in the 2018 edition, despite being clear favorites. Later, Roberto Mancini also failed to get Italy back on track for the 2022 tournament, as they were eliminated by North Macedonia again in the playoffs. Now, the surprise firing of Luciano Spalletti and the short time Gattuso had at the helm led to their third consecutive elimination.

Not only Italy: Three other World Cup-winning join the list

Italy are the first World Cup-winning national team to miss three consecutive tournaments, they are not the only ones on the list. England was the first national team to make the list by failing to qualify for the 1974 and 1978 tournaments. Then, Uruguay joined the list after missing the 1978 and 1982 tournaments, and did so again in 1994 and 1998.

While France are also champions and missed the 1970 and 1974 editions, and then again in 1990 and 1994, they were not yet World Cup-winners at that time, as their first title came in the 1998 edition. Because of this, they join Brazil, Germany, Argentina, and Spain as the only national teams that have not failed to qualify after winning the tournament.

Gennaro Gattuso didn’t have time to build a strong project in Italy

After leading the team to the UEFA Euro 2021 victory, Roberto Mancini appeared to be building a promising project. Despite this, he was fired in August 2023, as the generational overhaul did not go as expected. While Luciano Spalletti seemed like the ideal choice given his impact in Serie A, he was fired in June 2025, leaving Gennaro Gattuso to lead the project with only a few months to consolidate it.

With no players in top form on offense, Gattuso has struggled to make a real impact, with only Retegui and Pio Esposito standing out. On top of that, the midfield hasn’t contributed much in terms of scoring either. Furthermore, he took over the team with only three months to prepare, so he never had a real chance to adjust the system or make drastic changes.

In addition to the challenges of the project, Gattuso took over as Italy’s coach without much experience. Although he has managed AC Milan, Valencia, Napoli, and more teams he has won only one Coppa Italia. In comparison to Mancini and Spalletti, who have built highly successful teams; consequently, their dismissals may have been Italy’s first mistakes.

Bosnia and Herzegovina went from being dominated to controlling the match. In the first half, they were constantly pushed back into their own area by Italy. While they remained active on the counterattacks, they were unable to impose themselves against their opponent. However, the sending off of Alessandro Bastoni gave them a major advantage, as they managed to dominate the Azzurri throughout the entire second half and extra time.

Coach Gennaro Gattuso decided to substitute Mateo Retegui, bringing on Federico Gatti in order to cover the space left by Alessandro. With this, the Azzurri adopted a fully defensive mindset, allowing Esmir Bajraktarević and Kerim Alajbegović of Bosnia and Herzegovina to shine. After conceding a goal from Haris Tabaković, Italy seemed to lose their attacking identity, being constantly disrupted and pinned back inside their own box.

Unlike in the previous match, Sandro Tonali was completely shut down throughout the game. Not only did he fail to organize the play, but he also failed to make an impact on offense. Running out of ideas, Italy failed to overcome the tie, going to a penalty shootout where they were eliminated after misses by Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante. With this, they become the only FIFA World Cup-winning national team to miss three consecutive tournaments.

Moise Kean and Haris Tabaković led the game’s scoring effort

Despite being dominated in the second half, Italy were the more dominant side in the first half. Led by the high pressing of Mateo Retegui, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s goalkeeper, Nikola Vasilj, misplaced the ball, which fell to Nicolò Barella. After receiving it, he played a pass to Moise Kean, who finished first-time to score the opening goal.

Bosnia and Herzegovina went on to dominate the Italy after the sending-off of Alessandro Bastoni. Because of this, they had more space for Amar Dedić to shine. After a great cross from him, Edin Džeko managed to head it, but Gianluigi Donnarumma made a miraculous save. However, Haris Tabaković took advantage of the rebound to finish it, leveling the match.

After two 15-minute extra-time periods, Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina were unable to break the deadlock on the scoreboard. As a result, they had to decide the winner via a penalty shootout. There, the Azzurri looked quite weak, as Esposito and Cristante missed their attempts, allowing Esmir Bajraktarević to seal the match with a great strike, sending his national team back to a World Cup after 12 years.

Watch Italy vs Bosnia and Herzegovina live on Fubo

Bosnia and Herzegovina are not a historically dominant national team, but they have grown significantly in recent years in UEFA competitions. Led by Edin Džeko, they have improved their performances, relying on aerial play as one of their main strengths. In addition, coach Sergej Barbarez has managed to make their defensive structure shine, meaning the Azzurri could face a tough challenge.

Despite not being in their best form, Italy still arrive as clear favorites to secure their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Coach Gennaro Gattuso has implemented a strong attacking setup, led by Federico Dimarco and Matteo Politano on the wings. Additionally, Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Barella support the attack, acting as ideal partners for the forwards. With this, the Azzurri are aiming for a strong return to the tournament.

Bosnia and Herzegovina confirmed lineup vs Italy

Unlike Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina do come into the match with one absence: Amar Dedić. Because of this, coach Sergej Barbarez could turn to Armin Gigović. However, he may keep a fairly similar lineup, with Tarik Muharemović and Nikola Katić leading the defensive line. Looking to make the difference in attack, Edin Džeko will serve as the undisputed leader of the national team aiming for a historic victory.

Bosnia and Herzegovina will play as follows: Vasilj, Memić, Muharemović, Katić, Kolašinac, Dedić, Šunjić, Bašić, Demirović, Bajraktarević, Džeko.

Italy confirmed lineup vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

After recovering Sandro Tonali, Riccardo Calafiori, and Moise Kean, Italy arrive with their full roster available to face Bosnia and Herzegovina. With this, coach Gennaro Gattuso has kept Manuel Locatelli as a key figure to balance the team’s midfield.

With this, Italy’s confirmed lineup is as follows: Donnarumma: Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori: Politano, Barella, Locatelli, Tonali, Dimarco: Retegui, Kean

Bosnia and Herzegovina arrive as a well-established and solid UEFA side, going five matches unbeaten. Not only have they impressed defensively, but they also boast an effective attack, relying on quick counterattacks and strong aerial play, with Edin Džeko standing out. With this, they will look to defeat Italy for the first time in 30 years, securing their place at the 2026 World Cup.

Italy have managed to enhance their attacking qualities, with the performances of Federico Dimarco and Matteo Politano being key to this. In addition, coach Gennaro Gattuso is opting for a different midfield setup, as only Manuel Locatelli remains a fixed presence. Because of this, Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Barella become ideal partners for Moise Kean and Pio Esposito in attack, creating numerical superiority.

Despite their attacking quality, the Azzuri face a difficult challenge: Their defense. Coach Gennaro Gattuso has world-class players such as Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori, and Gianluca Mancini. However, they do not excel in aerial play, something that exposes them against Edin Džeko. In addition, their high pressing leaves space in behind, meaning counterattacks from Bosnia and Herzegovina could be key.

How could Italy’s win affect the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers?

In case Italy secure a victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina, they will earn a direct spot in the 2026 World Cup. With this, the Azzurri have ended their two-tournament drought of failing to qualify for the highly anticipated tournament. However, coach Gennaro Gattuso faces a tough challenge: To restore the team to prominence, as they have failed to reach the final stages since their 2006 victory—a stage they have historically dominated.

How could Italy’s draw affect the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers?

Unlike the group stage, Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina meet in a single-leg knockout match. Therefore, a draw in today’s game would lead to two 15-minute extra-time periods, aiming to determine a clear winner. In case it remains undecided, they would settle it through a penalty shootout, with the winner securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup.

How could Italy’s defeat affect the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers?

If Italy are defeated in today’s game, the Azzurri would become the first FIFA World Cup-winning national team in being absent in three consecutives editions. Moreover, Bosnia and Herzegovina would secure a direct spot in the tournament, attending for their second time as 2014 edition was their last one. Nonetheless, coach Sergej Barbarez holds a key task: Advancing past the group stage for the first time in its history.

Congo Democratic Republic come off a solid performance in the Africa Cup of Nations, reaching the Round of 16, where they were defeated by Algeria. Relying on a solid defense and quick counterattacks, they aim to defeat Jamaica and secure their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time in 52 years. For this, the scoring impact of Yoane Wissa could be key.

Unlike Les Léopards, Jamaica come off a disappointing performance in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, being eliminated in the group stage. Despite this, the Reggae Boyz have proven to be a very solid team collectively, with players like Leon Bailey and Demarai Gray capable of making the difference. Moreover, coach Rudolph Speid has imposed a solid defense, complicating Congo Democratic Republic chances.

How could Jamaica’s win affect the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers?

If Jamaica secure a victory vs Congo DR, they will secure a direct spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as it is a single-leg knockout match. With this, the Reggae Boyz would return to the tournament after 28 years, marking only their second appearance in history, where their only victory came against Japan, while they were defeated by Croatia and Argentina.

How could Jamaica’s draw affect the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers?

Unlike the group stage, Jamaica and Congo Democratic Republic meet in a single-leg knockout match. Therefore, a draw in today’s game would lead to two 15-minute extra-time periods, aiming to determine a clear winner. In case it remains undecided, they would settle it through a penalty shootout. The winner will secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.

How could Jamaica’s defeat affect the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers?

If Jamaica are defeated in today’s match, Congo DR will secure their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup directly. With this, the Reggae Boyz would go another four years without returning to the tournament, while Les Léopards would make their long-awaited comeback after 52 years. In their last appearance, they even competed under the name Zaire. In this edition, they would aim to progress beyond the group stage, something they have never achieved in their history.

After going through several seasons marked by injuries, Rodri Hernández now appears to be regaining physical consistency at Manchester City. In response, they are reportedly prioritizing a contract renewal, as his current deal runs until 2027. However, the Spaniard has made it clear that he remains open to a return to Spain, publicly opening the door to Real Madrid. As a result, his future remains uncertain.

According to Radio Marca, Florentino Pérez, president of Real Madrid, has decided to rule out the signing of Rodri Hernández. Instead, Los Blancos have turned their attention to Enzo Fernández from Chelsea. With a contract running until 2032 and having cost €120 million, the Blues could demand a very high transfer fee, as at 25 years old he is already one of the best midfielders in the world.

Enzo Fernández has hinted that he could leave Chelsea in the summer, stating that it will be ‘seen after the World Cup.’ Alongside this, the Argentine spoke live with influencer Marcos Giles, giving another nod to Real Madrid: “I would like to live in Spain. I really like Madrid, it reminds me of Buenos Aires. I would live in Madrid… I manage in English, but I would be better with Spanish.”

As an undisputed starter and captain of Chelsea, Real Madrid would need to engage in a strong negotiation. However, Enzo Fernández has revealed that there are still no talks with Los Blancos. Therefore, the Blues remain confident in retaining the Argentine, who is a structural pillar of the project, balancing the team both offensively and defensively.

Not only Enzo: Real Madrid reportedly chases two midfielders

While Real Madrid boast several stars in midfield, they have struggled to maintain organization within the team. Because of this, they have reportedly decided to remain open to reinforcements, with Enzo Fernández as one of the main candidates. However, Los Blancos are also said to have two midfielders high on their priority list: Nico Paz and Kees Smit.

According to Francisco José Delgado via Cadena SER, Real Madrid are aiming to activate the €9 million buy-back clause for Nico Paz from Como 1907. After impressing in Serie A, the Argentine could have the opportunity to earn his place in the starting lineup. Alongside this, they are targeting Smit from AZ Alkmaar, who could arrive for around €50 million.

With this in mind, Real Madrid may not feel pressured to complete the signing of Enzo Fernández. As a result, they could look for the Argentine to push Chelsea for a move, lowering his transfer fee. If the English side hold firm, Los Blancos still have multiple options, ensuring they will secure reinforcements one way or another.

According to Matteo Moretto, AC Milan have reached an agreement with FK Partizan Belgrade to secure the signing of Andrej Kostić. Backing his youth, the Rossoneri will pay a €3.5 million transfer fee, along with €4.5 million in bonuses and a percentage of a future sale. With this, Christian Pulisic could gain a promising attacking partner, as the club looks to improve its scoring output.

At just 19 years old, Andrej Kostić has already impress at FK Partizan Belgrade. After scoring 11 goals in 34 games, the Montenegrin has established as the team’s second-leading scorer. Despite this, he wouldn’t be an immediate solution to the Rossoneri’s problems as he will be move back and forth repeatedly between the U23s and the senior squad, reports Matteo Moretto.

Christian Pulisic could play a key role in Filip Kostić’s adaptation at AC Milan. As one of the team’s leaders, the USMNT star could look to ease his integration during preseason, helping him adjust to Massimiliano Allegri’s overall system. Because of this, the Montenegrin could still earn a spot in the rotation, showcasing his scoring ability and versatility in attack.

Kostic could face off against Francesco Camarda for a spot at AC Milan

Despite Andrej Kostić potentially arriving as a highly promising young talent, he may not have his place at AC Milan fully secured. Like the Montenegrin, the club also have Francesco Camarda, who is considered a long-term project by the front office. Therefore, the 19-year-old striker could compete directly with the young Italian during preseason, aiming to earn a role in Massimiliano Allegri’s rotation.

With this in mind, Kostić or Camarda could be sent out on loan from the Rossoneri, seeking minutes and prominence they might not get under Allegri. While the Montenegrin could face difficulties finding a destination, the Italian striker is already attracting interest from Parma, where he could have significant playing time in Serie A, as per Nicolò Schira.

Pulisic may still receive a stellar striker in AC Milan

Christian Pulisic could still receive a reliable reinforcement in attack. While Filip Kostić and Francesco Camarda are bets for the future, they may not become immediate starters. Looking to boost the USMNT star’s performances, AC Milan are targeting Santiago Castro of Bologna, Mateo Retegui of Al-Qadsiah, or Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina, all players with Serie A experience, reports Nicolò Schira.

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool remain focused on renewing Ibrahima Konaté. Despite growing interest from Real Madrid and other teams, the Reds remain optimistic, making gradual progress in negotiations with the Frenchman. They have also submitted a lucrative renewal offer, aiming to secure his long-term future. However, they are already looking at Maxence Lacroix as a reliable alternative.

After establishing at Crystal Palace as an undisputed starter, Maxence has attracted attention not only from Liverpool, but also from Chelsea and Aston Villa. Moreover, the Reds will not find it easy to secure his signing, as the Eagles have also lost Marc Guéhi and could be very reluctant to let the Frenchman leave. Because of this, the 25-year-old defender could be involved in a high-value transfer.

Maxence Lacroix has managed to impress with his performances in the Premier League. With his pace and physicality, the Frenchman is already one of the most eye-catching defenders in Europe. With only 25 years old, Liverpool could look to prioritize his signing, as he would be an ideal complement to Virgil van Dijk and compatible with Micky van de Ven and his potential arrival.

Not only Lacroix: Liverpool reportedly chase Luka Vuskovic

Due to constant injuries, Liverpool have struggled to perform defensively, lacking depth in rotation. For this reason, they are looking to make several changes, casting doubt over the futures of Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konaté. While Maxence Lacroix emerges as a strong option to reinforce the backline, the Reds are also reportedly considering the arrival of Luka Vušković.

According to BILD, the Reds are closely monitoring Vušković’s development, as he has impressed during his loan spell at Hamburger SV. At just 19 years old, the Croatian is already one of the best young defenders in the world. For that reason, Tottenham Hotspur could demand a significant fee for his transfer as he holds a contract until 2030. However, if the player pushes for a move, Liverpool would be open to signing him, willing to make a significant financial outlay.

According to Francisco José Delgado via Cadena SER, Real Madrid have decided they will count on Nico Paz, Endrick, and Víctor Muñoz ahead of the 2026–27 preseason. While the Brazilian is on loan and would not require a fee, they would need to trigger the buy-back clauses for the Argentine, valued at €9 million, and the Spaniard, valued at €8 million. Despite this, their continuity in the squad would not be guaranteed.

Although Endrick, Paz, and Víctor have been shining with their respective teams this season, they will have to prove themselves at Real Madrid, where a final decision will be made on their futures. However, the Argentine arrives established as one of the best players in Serie A, meaning he could directly compete with Thiago Pitarch for a starting spot. Alongside him, the Brazilian could remain in the squad, serving as rotation for Kylian Mbappé or Vinícius Jr.

Víctor Muñoz may find it harder to stay at Real Madrid. He could be a natural replacement for Vinicius Jr. However, coach Álvaro Arbeloa has decided to adjust his lineup, leaving room for only two forwards. Furthermore, the presence of Franco Mastantuono, Rodrygo Goes, and Brahim Díaz could close the door on him. Given this, the Spaniard could leave again, but on loan to control his future.

Real Madrid could make significant changes to their offense

Throughout the 2025–26 season, Real Madrid have struggled to maximize the level of several of their players. Because of this, the potential returns of Víctor Muñoz and Endrick open the door to possible departures. Neither Rodrygo Goes nor Franco Mastantuono have managed to establish themselves as regular starters. In addition, Brahim Díaz and Gonzalo García could also be affected, so the upcoming preseason may open the door to exits.

As young players, Gonzalo García and Franco Mastantuono could be the most likely to leave Los Blancos, as they still need to prove their potential. With this, Víctor Muñoz and Endrick would gain more space in the rotation. Despite this, the continuity of Álvaro Arbeloa or the arrival of a new coach could reshape all plans. Therefore, the only certainty is that several players will define their future during the next preseason.

According to reports by Ben Jacobs and Alex Crook on X (formerly Twitter), Tottenham Hotspur have decided to prioritize the imminent arrival of Roberto De Zerbi. After leaving Olympique Marseille as a free agent, the Italian is reportedly on the verge of joining the English club, as he has been offered a five-year contract with a high salary. As a result, the Red Devils have lost their supposed top choice for the new head coach position.

Amid Spurs crisis, the decision to back Roberto De Zerbi is generating more concern than relief. Throughout his professional career, the Italian has not faced a challenge like pulling a team away from relegation, something Tottenham are experiencing this season. In addition, he has not managed to last more than two seasons at his last three clubs, which makes the long-term contract a source of concern.

While Roberto De Zerbi was a highly regarded option at Manchester United, they weren’t looking to get into a bidding war to secure his signing either. The Italian coach has yet to win titles in Europe’s top leagues, so his arrival reportedly didn’t generate widespread support. Consequently, his move to Spurs appears to be a smart move for his career, but a risky one for the team’s survival in the Premier League.

Carrick continued tenure at Manchester United could be real

Michael Carrick has had a positive impact at Manchester United. Since his arrival, the team has put in solid performances and secured a spot in the UEFA Champions League. In addition, he has helped improve the performance of several players, including Kobbie Mainoo, Benjamin Sesko, and others. Given the difficulty in securing a highly experienced head coach, Carrick’s continued tenure as head coach could become a reality.

According to ESPN, the Red Devils are considering Julian Nagelsmann, Andoni Iraola, Unai Emery, and Oliver Glasner as leading candidates for the head coaching position. Despite this, Carrick stands out as the top candidate, as he has had a positive impact not only on results but also on the team’s play and the development of the roster.

While Carrick does not have solid experience as head coach, he has reshaped the Red Devils roster into a highly competitive one. Coming from several wrong bets in the coaching spot, Manchester United may look to build on their current success, as several of the team’s stars seem quite comfortable and the results are promising.

“I need to be more clinical in those moments. It’s a difficult period, but I feel physically fit and I’m creating chances. I just need to stay positive. I know that at some point the ball will hit my knee and go in, and then everything will change. I’m not panicking. Better now than in the summer. Things will change,” Pulisic said, via The Athletic.

Despite his goal drought, Pulisic has already regained his offensive impact with the Rossoneri. Not only has he remained an undisputed starter for coach Massimiliano Allegri, but he also provided an assist in the previous match against Torino. Furthermore, he has remained a key part of the team’s play, distributing the ball and contributing defensively.

Christian Pulisic has regained his top physical form, playing more than 75 minutes in AC Milan’s last three games. As a result, Coach Allegri has regained more versatility on offense, though Rafael Leão, Niclas Füllkrug, and Christopher Nkunku have failed to convert those opportunities into goals. For this reason, the USMNT star should regain his scoring touch heading into the end of the season.

Pulisic shouldn’t have to shoulder all the scoring burden at AC Milan

Massimiliano Allegri has restored competitiveness to AC Milan, consistently keeping them among the top sides in Serie A. However, Christian Pulisic’s drop in form exposed their main issue: A lack of scoring prowess. While the USMNT star’s scoring output has declined, the Rossoneri should not place all their focus and efforts solely on him, and instead need to adjust certain aspects.

The Rossoneri may be open to selling several stars such as Nkunku, Santiago Gimenez, and even Leão. With this, they are reportedly looking to chase a Serie A-experienced striker, such as Santiago Castro of Bologna, Mateo Retegui of Al-Qadsiah, or Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina. Far from removing Pulisic’s importance, AC Milan could be looking to redistribute the scoring burden and hold more options.

Led by Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez, the Cafeteros aimed to dominate the game through quick counters and pace. However, neither managed to shine, being overshadowed by Johan Mojica, Daniel Muñoz, and Jhon Arias. In addition, Luis Suárez raised several concerns, as he failed to adapt to the attack throughout the match. Nevertheless, the second half and a few tactical adjustments helped restore their competitiveness.

After Jhon Córdoba and Juan Fernando Quintero entered the game, Colombia gained more presence in attack, as their offensive plays became more effective and ball distribution improved. Jaminton Campaz even scored a valuable goal that reflected the improvement. However, France remained solid defensively, consolidating a narrow and compact midfield that narrow gaps through numerical superiority.

Despite fielding several substitutes, France remained the more dominant side throughout the match. Not only did they control the midfield, but they were also more efficient in attack. Taking advantage of spaces and defensive marking errors from Colombia, they made the difference, scoring three goals to close out the game. In addition, Marcus Thuram and Désiré Doué stood out collectively, making a clear impact.

Desire Doue and Marcus Thuram power France’s dominant attack

Taking advantage of their physical dominance, France managed to make the difference both offensively and defensively, maintaining numerical superiority in all areas. After a team move initiated by N’Golo Kanté, Marcus Thuram received the ball and found Rayan Cherki. After failing to kick the ball, Désiré Doué intercepted the ball and struck it first time, scoring a powerful goal past Álvaro Montero.

After a powerful counterattack led by Pierre Kalulu, he found Maghnes Akliouche alone on the right flank, playing him the ball. From there, the Frenchman delivered a precise cross, finding Marcus Thuram, who beat Davinson Sánchez and Juan David Cabal in the air, heading home to score the second goal and beat Álvaro Montero once again.

While Colombia improved in the second half, they continued to leave significant gaps in defense. Taking advantage of this, Rayan Cherki initiated a quick counterattack, passing the ball to Marcus Thuram running down the right wing. He then played an effective pass to the left side, where Désiré Doué was unmarked. As a result, the young Frenchman was able to finish first-time and alone, securing his first brace with the national team.

After starting the 2025-26 season in top form, Ferran has hit a significant slump in his performance. Having last scored on January 31 against Elche EF, the Spaniard has now gone two months without contributing a goal. As a result, Barcelona would be open to a transfer, reports Diario Sport. Given this situation, the 26-year-old striker is attracting interest from the Premier League.

According to TEAMtalk, Ferran Torres current situation at FC Barcelona has caught the attention of Manchester United and Arsenal. While his current form is not at its best, both clubs still have him on their radar since his time at Manchester City, as he can perform both as a striker and as a winger. In addition, the Blaugranas would be open to selling him if a strong offer arrives.

Red Devils are reportedly targeting Ferran Torres as the natural replacement for Joshua Zirkzee, who is expected to leave in the summer of 2026 after lacking playing time. Given his versatility and scoring ability, the Spaniard is a priority for Manchester United, alongside Iliman Ndiaye of Everton. This contrasts with Arsenal, who consider the 26-year-old star more as an option if he becomes available at a good price.

Barcelona may extend Ferran Torres deal amid Julián Álvarez uncertainty

Throughout the season, Barcelona have reportedly made Julián Álvarez a priority to strengthen their attack. However, Atlético Madrid are looking to keep him by offering a contract renewal. As a result, the Argentine’s potential move to the Blaugrana is at risk, meaning they could opt to renew Ferran Torres and rely on their current talents if they are unable to secure a top-level reinforcement.

After his re-election as president, Joan Laporta stated that the Blaugranas are in no rush to sign a striker: “We have two great center forwards, Ferran and Lewandowski, and I’m delighted with both of them,” he said, via Mundo Deportivo. With this perspective, they remain open to renewing Ferran Torres’ contract, as they do not appear ready to spend over €100 million on a new striker.

“Take Cristiano Ronaldo out of the picture and Portugal look like any run-of-the-mill team… People keep asking us not to call him up. Well, he didn’t play today and you saw the result. No threat, no fear from the opposition. Just a team being put under pressure by Mexico… When Ronaldo is on the pitch, the opposition think twice. Without him, they don’t think at all,” José Mourinho said, as per TUDN Mexico.

Despite being 41 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the essential piece of the national team, standing as the top scorer in the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers. However, his absence against Mexico national team exposed a harsh reality: They do not have a promising goalscorer to replace the veteran, as Gonçalo Ramos and Paulinho have yet to truly shine.

Far from being a criticism of Cristiano, José Mourinho has consistently defended the veteran against fans calling for him to be dropped following the strong result against Armenia. Gonçalo Ramos has yet to take off in his career, as he remains a regular substitute at Paris Saint-Germain and with Portugal, without making a real scoring impact, but coach Roberto Martínez continues to call him up as a backup.

Joao Félix could emerge as Portugal’s scoring solution

Despite the fact that Portugal do not have many promising center-forwards, coach Roberto Martínez could still have a solution to their scoring struggles when Cristiano Ronaldo is absent. Amid the poor form of Gonçalo Ramos and Paulinho, João Félix could emerge as a strong alternative, but within a specific setup that could even boost Francisco Conceição and Rafael Leão.

Switching to a ‘false 9’ formation could position João Félix as the solution, given his impressive scoring form and peak performance with Al Nassr. This change would allow coach Martínez to grant more freedom to Leão and Conceição, enabling them to leverage their dribbling skills and pace to make a difference. With Cristiano Ronaldo now 41 years old, these adjustments may soon become a need for Portugal.

Cristiano Ronaldo may not retire after 2026 World Cup

With a contract with Al Nassr running through 2027, Cristiano Ronaldo may not retire from professional soccer after the 2026 World Cup. With this, he could extend his time with Portugal for a few more matches, in which he will undoubtedly play a pivotal role. The veteran could be instrumental in the transition up front, helping Joao Félix or even Gonçalo Ramos lead the way into a new era.

Colombia have established as one of the most solid national teams in CONMEBOL. However, they do not arrive in their best form, as they are coming off a loss to Croatia. In addition, the Cafeteros have struggled to be clinical in attack, facing serious issues converting their chances, despite the good form of Luis Suárez and Luis Díaz in European leagues.

Far from their problems ending there, the Cafeteros’ main figure, James Rodríguez, arrives lacking match sharpness after several months without a club and having only recently joined MLS. As a result, the team’s creative output takes a significant hit, which they will look to overcome by defeating France—something they achieved in their last meeting in 2018.

France enter the match as the clear favorite to defeat Colombia. Having racked up eight consecutive wins, they have managed to remain one of the most dominant teams in the world. Furthermore, Les Bleus boast impressive depth on the bench, meaning they don’t rely solely on Kylian Mbappé or Ousmane Dembélé; instead, they can adjust their play as they see fit and give their stars a rest.

Colombia confirmed lineup vs France

While Colombia are coming off a loss, they have managed to enter today’s match without any serious injuries. Given this, coach Nestor Lorenzo is sticking with a similar lineup, centered around James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz. Additionally, they might look to start Luis Suárez again, hoping he’ll showcase his top-tier talent. Along with this, Álvaro Montero could see some playing time as the goalkeeper, giving Camilo Vargas a rest.

The Cafeteros lineup as follows: Álvaro Montero; Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sanchez, Juan David Cabal, Johan Mojica; Jefferson Lerma, Richard Rios; Jhon Arias, James Rodríguez, Luis Diaz; Luis Suárez.

France confirmed lineup vs Colombia

After impressing against Brazil, France is making drastic changes to their lineup, leaving Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé on the bench. With this, coach Didier Deschamps gives to Marcus Thuram and Maghnes Akliouche. In addition, the presence of Adrien Rabiot is in doubt, as a knock kept him out of the last training session. Because of this, Warren Zaire-Emery is jumping to the starting lineup.

Les Bleus’ lineup to face Colombia is the following: Brice Samba; Pierre Kalulu, Maxence Lacroix, Lucas Hernandez, Lucas Digne; N’Golo Kanté, Warren Zaire-Emery, Maghnes Akliouche; Rayan Cherki, Marcus Thuram, Desire Doue.

According to Diario Sport, the Blaugranas are no longer entirely convinced about exercising Marcus Rashford’s €30 million buyout clause. Given his dip in form, the club’s sporting department plans to assess his performance in the final stretch of the season. They are even considering loan options to keep him for another season, but Manchester United do not seem entirely on board with the idea.

While Barcelona hesitate, Manchester United receive interest from Aston Villa regarding a potential signing of Rashford. According to Sports Boom, the Villans are trying to convince Jadon Sancho, but Borussia Dortmund’s involvement has complicated the deal. As a result, they have turned their attention to Marcus, as his performances for the Blaugranas have been impressive.

Aston Villa do not have an easy task in convincing Marcus Rashford. Throughout the season, the Englishman has expressed his strong desire to continue at Barcelona. However, coach Unai Emery is reportedly confident he can tempt Marcus, but this will depend on whether the Blaugrana ultimately rule out signing him on a permanent deal.

Rashford has just few months to impress at Barcelona

Following Raphinha’s injury early in the season, Hansi Flick decided to give Marcus Rashford a chance, and he made a huge impact, scoring 10 goals and providing 13 assists. However, the Englishman suffered a knee contusion, leaving him without any offensive contributions for nearly two months. Despite this, the coach plans to give him more playing time, with just a few months left to prove himself.

Given his limited playing time, Flick revealed that Marcus has been dealing with some issues, which have limited his impact. However, the German has revealed that Rashford is now in top form. As a result, he has until the end of the season to regain his scoring touch and silence the Blaugranas’ doubts, as they are not entirely sure about exercising their purchase option and are eyeing Jan Virgili instead.

Although Northern Ireland remained fairly solid defensively, they struggled to find openings on offense. Coach Michael O’Neil opted to build play through the midfield, taking advantage of the large spaces Italy was leaving open. However, they were overwhelmed throughout the game, leaving them little room to react. In fact, they managed just one shot on goal in the 90 minutes.

Looking to capitalize on the presence of Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui, coach Gennaro Gattuso opted for a fast-paced game down the wings, making the most of aerial play. However, Northern Ireland’s rock-solid defense thwarted Italy’s advances. In the second half, Sandro Tonali and Barella took on a more prominent role, supporting the forwards and creating more openings in the defense.

Faced with Italy’s physical game, Northern Ireland was relentlessly outplayed. They were pinned back in their own half for most of the match, clearly worn down by the sheer number of attacks. After Tonali’s opening goal, they lost their attacking momentum, allowing coach Gattuso to lead the Azzurri to the playoff final.

Tonali and Kean were Italy scorers vs. Northern Ireland

After a second half with increased attacking pressure, Italy managed to break the deadlock. From a cross by Matteo Politano, Isaac Price of Northern Ireland headed the ball clear, but it fell to Sandro Tonali. With no immediate pressure, the midfielder unleashed a powerful first-time strike, beating Pierce Charles.

Italy managed to regain their attacking spark, thanks to Sandro Tonali, whose goal unlocked the team’s best attacking form. Following a through ball from the Italian midfielder, Moise Kean received the ball, beat Ruairi McConville, controlled it, and fired a powerful shot into the left corner, leaving Pierce Charles without options.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Blaugranas have decided to pursue the signing of Julián Álvarez, but have set a transfer fee cap of €100 million. Considered a cornerstone of the Colchoneros, the Argentine could command a fee closer to €150 million. However, Barcelona remain optimistic about his arrival, though they could face an unexpected hurdle.

While Julián Álvarez is under contract with Atlético Madrid until 2030, they are looking to improve his current deal. As per Diario Marca, Los Colchoneros plan to increase the Argentine’s salary from €7 million to €10 million. With this, he would establish as the highest-paid player in the squad, alongside Jan Oblak, sending a clear message to FC Barcelona: the Argentinean is not for sale.

Despite this move from los Colchoneros, Barcelona remain focused on Julián Álvarez. They are even reportedly open to selling Ferran Torres to help facilitate the Argentine’s arrival. However, club president Joan Laporta has made it clear that any potential move for the 26-year-old would depend on him publicly positioning himself toward a departure towards the Blaugranas.

Griezmann’s departure paths Julián’s leadership at Atlético Madrid

Following Antoine Griezmann’s move to Orlando City SC, Julián Álvarez has positioned as the cornerstone of the project. As a versatile player, the Argentine can adapt to playing in a partnership with Alexander Sørloth or even as a lone striker. In addition, he can also contribute creatively, something that made the Frenchman irreplaceable for head coach Diego Simeone.

While Julián’s performance has drawn considerable criticism, he has managed to remain Atlético Madrid’s leading scorer with 17 goals in 44 games. Having now adapted to Simeone’s system, the Argentine has become an indispensable part of the team—a fact that the proposed contract extension aims to reflect. For this reason, Barcelona may face an uphill battle to secure his signing.

Report: Barcelona chase two alternatives to reinforce the striker

Ahead of the 2026–27 season, Barcelona supposedly have strengthening the attack as their absolute priority. Given the difficulty of securing Julián Álvarez, they have decided to expand their list of targets, while also pursuing the renewal of Robert Lewandowski. In an effort to guarantee at least one signing, the Blaugranas are now reportedly targeting Omar Marmoush and Victor Osimhen.

According to Diario Sport, Omar Marmoush would be open to leaving Manchester City, as he has not had much prominence since his arrival. For this reason, the Blaugranas could secure his signing for around €50 million, a figure that fits perfectly within the club’s budget. Additionally, the Egyptian appeals to Hansi Flick due to his versatility, pressing, and goal-scoring ability.

Alongside Marmoush, Barcelona have also set their sights on Victor Osimhen, who is shining at Galatasaray, as reported by Sergi Solé via Mundo Deportivo. With a contract running until 2029, the Nigerian could command a high transfer fee, but his impact and experience would be an ideal fit for Flick, having scored 56 goals in 70 matches.

Northern Ireland have managed to make their solid defense and stable midfield their greatest strengths. In fact, they were the second-lowest-scored-against team in their group. However, they continue to struggle to make an impact on offense, as Jamie Donley or Callum Marshall have been unable to make a difference. Furthermore, they will be without Conor Bradley, which is a significant loss.

Even though Gli Azzurri haven’t exactly wowed, they enter this match as clear favorites to take the win. Coach Gennaro Gattuso welcomes back Sandro Tonali, Riccardo Calafiori, and Moise Kean, providing a significant boost. Additionally, Mateo Retegui’s strong form promises to break through the Green and White Army’s tough defense.

Alongside their powerful offense, Italy aim to keep their midfield as their greatest strength, relying on Nicolo Barella and Sandro Tonali to make the difference. However, the main challenge will be breaking down Northern Ireland’s defensive structure, so their offensive contribution could be decisive in securing a return to the World Cup after eight years.

Italy confirmed lineup vs Northern Ireland

Italy are the clear favorite to beat Northern Ireland. Not only do they have a better offense, but they also have players like Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean who can make a difference. In addition, they have their starting defensive line back, with Alessandro Bastoni standing out. Combined with this and Retegui’s outstanding form, they are aiming to secure their spot in the final playoffs.

With this in mind, the Azzurri will play as follows: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Riccardo Calafiori, Alessandro Bastoni, Gianluca Mancini; Matteo Politano, Nicolo Barella, Manuel Locatelli, Sandro Tonali, Federico Dimarco; Mateo Retegui, Moise Kean.

Northern Ireland confirmed lineup vs Italy

Despite Italy’s ‘crisis,’ Northern Ireland do not have much of a chance to secure a victory. Their solid defense might hold promise, but their lack of scoring ability could get them into serious trouble. Additionally, coach Michael O’Neil will be without Conor Bradley, who suffered a serious knee injury. As a result, they will rely on Jamie Donley to make a difference.

Considering this, Northern Ireland will lineup as follows: Pierce Charles; Ruairi McConville, Brodie Spencer, Paddy McNair; Trai Hume, Shea Charles, Terry Devlin, Ethan Galbraith, Justin Devenny, Isaac Price; Jamie Donley.

Northern Ireland have not managed to establish as a major force in UEFA, having failed to qualify for the World Cup for 40 years—the 1986 tournament being their last appearance. However, they have managed to build a more solid foundation as a team, relying on a strong midfield and a solid defense. Moreover, they have not beaten Italy since 1958, so they face a tough challenge.

Unlike Northern Ireland, Italy finished as the second-place team in their group. With six wins and two losses, they earned a direct spot in the playoffs. However, the Azzurri won’t have an easy game, as their offensive struggles are compounded by their opponent’s tough defense. Therefore, their latest clash resulted in a draw, showcasing that today’s game might be really competitive.

Although most national teams securing their spot through the group stage, Italy and Northern Ireland failed to do so. For this reason, they face each other in a single-leg knockout stage, meaning there must be a definitive winner. With this in mind, any result will impact the playoffs, so we will analyze the three possible scenarios.

How could Italy’s win affect the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers?

In case of defeating Northern Ireland, Italy would earn a direct step into the final playoffs, where they will face the winner between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 31. For that reason, head coach Gennaro Gattuso would have a harsh task as Gli Azzurri’s spot in the 2026 World Cup is not yet secured, a tournament they have not reached in eight years.

How could Italy’s draw affect the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers?

Unlike the group stage, Italy and Northern Ireland meet in a single-leg knockout match. Therefore, a draw in today’s game would lead to two 15-minute extra-time periods, aiming to determine a clear winner. In case it remains undecided, they would settle it through a penalty shootout, with the winner advancing to the final playoff on March 31.

How could Italy’s defeat affect the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers?

If Northern Ireland defeat Italy, they would end a 68-year drought, as their last victory came in 1958. With a win, coach Michael O’Neal’s team would face the winner of the match between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina, aiming to qualify for the 2026 World Cup for the first time in 40 years. Meanwhile, Gli Azzurri would become the first FIFA World Cup champion to miss three consecutive tournaments.

Following his return from a knee injury, Kylian Mbappé’s recovery was surrounded by several reports blaming Real Madrid for a misdiagnosis. Miguel Ángel Díaz even reported on Deportes COPE that Los Blancos had tested the wrong knee, examining the right instead of the left. In response, the Frenchman came out to deny this information in the latest press conference.

“The information that they examined the wrong knee is false. Perhaps I bear some indirect responsibility, because when you don’t communicate, rumors arise—it’s part of the game. With the club, we have always had very clear communication. We are at a key moment in the season, and I wanted the team to keep winning matches while I was out, and they have done so,” Mbappé said, as per Andres Onrubia.

Coupled with these statements, Mbappé revealed that he is now 100% recovered from his knee issues, making it clear that there would be no relapse. In addition, the Frenchman emphasized his main objective: To play every possible match with Real Madrid and the national team. With this, he aims to regain his scoring rhythm, which had positioned him as the clear favorite for the Ballon d’Or.

Mbappé acknowledges Real Madrid’s key role in his recovery

Dealing with knee issues since December, Kylian Mbappé decided to fully pause his activity, seeking solutions to reach the 2026 World Cup in peak condition. As part of this process, he continued his rehabilitation in Paris, which raised doubts about the club’s medical staff. However, he has now chosen to acknowledge the importance of Los Blancos in his recovery.

“With Real Madrid, we have always had a communication that was quite clear, whether it was when I started my rehabilitation in Madrid, or when I was in Paris, where I was accompanied by the doctor, a physiotherapist and the club’s physical trainer, where we worked from Paris, so there is no problem with that,” Mbappé said, as per TNT Sports.

Kylian Mbappé aims to silence the noise surrounding Real Madrid’s medical staff, which has even involved Eduardo Camavinga. However, the Frenchman now simply needs to regain his scoring form to dispel any doubts about his physical condition, as a relapse would only fuel further speculation around Los Blancos.

According to ESPN, Al-Ittihad are closely monitoring the potential arrival of Casemiro as a free agent, as he would be open to moving to Saudi Arabia. After shining with Manchester United, the Brazilian is seen as an immediate-impact signing. However, the 34-year-old star would only join the Saudi Pro League under one condition: The departure of Fabinho at the end of the season.

After arriving in 2023, Fabinho has established as one of Al-Ittihad’s most important players, becoming an undisputed starter. With his contract set to expire in the summer of 2026, the club are prioritizing his renewal over the 34-year-old midfielder. However, the Brazilian has not provided updates in negotiations, making Casemiro emerge as a world-class alternative.

While Casemiro would be open to a move to the Saudi Pro League, he may not be keen on arriving as merely an ‘alternative’ rather than a marquee signing. Due to his solid performances at Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr and Al Hilal are also interested on him, reports Ekrem Konur. For that reason, the Brazilian hold several offers to decide his future.

Casemiro keeps thriving at Manchester United

Amid the turmoil surrounding Manchester United’s sporting project, Casemiro has established as one of the team’s most important players. Although he started out as a substitute under Ruben Amorim, the Brazilian has earned his spot through strong performances. At 34, he remains a fixture in the lineup under interim coach Michael Carrick, prompting fans to call for a contract extension.

In light of this, Carrick has been candid about the Brazilian’s future: “I think it’s when something’s decided and in some ways the fact that it was decided makes things a little bit easier and everyone understands the situation really,” he said, as per Mirror. Despite this, he praised its impact: “I think the impact he’s had has been terrific, certainly since I’ve been here and working with him, and his influence in the team and big moments in goals.”

Casemiro could be a star signing for Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr

Throughout the 2025–26 season, Al Nassr have established themselves as the best team in the Saudi Pro League, excelling offensively. However, Marcelo Brozović’s future remains uncertain, as his contract expires in the summer and has not yet been renewed. In light of this, Casemiro could emerge as a transformative signing, potentially reuniting with Cristiano Ronaldo for the third time.

Although Marcelo Brozovic has put in solid performances at Al Nassr, he hasn’t managed to stand out and has been criticized for his lack of defensive impact, making his departure a solid possibility. Given this, Casemiro’s potential arrival would be a definite boost, as he continues to shine at Manchester United. Additionally, he has played 122 games with Cristiano throughout his career, so it would be a long-awaited reunion.

“He has been the most aesthetically pleasing soccer player I have ever seen in my life… We praise Johan (Cruyff) the coach a lot because he was a revolution, but Johan the player, for those of us who saw him, has been the best player in history for me. With all due respect to figures like Pelé, Maradona, Ronaldinho or Leo Messi, Johan had it all. And he also had leadership,” Laporta said, via Esport3.

While Joan Laporta’s words may sound like a subtle dig at Lionel Messi, he is aiming to elevate the legacy of Johan Cruyff, who is often comparatively overlooked in soccer history. Throughout his professional career, the Dutchman led Ajax to three UEFA Champions League titles, earning three Ballon d’Or awards. In addition, he captivated fans with his elegance on the pitch, defining an era.

Even though Laporta’s arguments being well-founded, his remarks contradict his previous statements. Over the course of his tenure as Barcelona president, he has repeatedly referred to Lionel Messi as the GOAT, even describing him as the most impactful player in the club’s history. For this reason, his shift in narrative could indeed reflect his tense relationship with the Argentine.

Cruyff is the most influential figure in Barcelona’s history

Unlike Real Madrid, Barcelona have not been a dominant team since their founding, winning their first UEFA Cup in the 1991–92 season. Consequently, Johan Cruyff’s arrival in 1973 did transform the team’s fortunes, boosting its competitiveness. However, the real impact came when he became the Blaugranas’ coach in 1988, establishing a style that elevated the team’s global influence.

Cruyff transformed the ‘total football’ style pioneered by Rinus Michels, emphasizing control of the game, and introducing a new way of viewing the game. In doing so, he inspired legends such as Frank Rijkaard, and Pep Guardiola. While Lionel Messi is the most outstanding player, without the Dutchman’s impact, the Blaugranas would not be such a dominant team.

Throughout his career, Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that Johan Cruyff is the most transformative figure in soccer history over the last 50 years: “There is no one who has given as much to soccer as both a player and a coach… The Barcelona that has dominated Europe and the world could not be understood without his arrival,” he said, as per RTVE.

Lionel Messi took Barcelona’s impact to historic levels

Lionel Messi’s legacy does not compete with or seek to diminish Johan Cruyff’s legacy. Far from competing with him, the Argentine became the player who best embodied his style of play. Not only did he score 672 goals, but he also contributed 303 assists. Furthermore, he led the most successful era in Barcelona’s history, winning numerous titles that brought his legacy into sharper focus.

With his immense impact, the Argentine stands out as Barcelona’s GOAT, having led the team to legendary success. Not only is he the all-time leading scorer and assist provider in the team’s history, but he is also the most decorated player in the Blaugranas’ history. For this reason, Joan Laporta’s words came as a shock to the fans, as Messi’s arrival is equally historic.

“In the pantheon of overseas attacking players to have excelled in England, only Thierry Henry eclipses Salah’s output and consistency. While many will argue the merits of players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Eden Hazard, Gianfranco Zola, Dennis Bergkamp or Eric Cantona, none of them produced the same devastating numbers as consistently, season-after-season, as the Egyptian,” Carragher said, via The Telegraph.

Cristiano Ronaldo has built a legendary career, playing a central role in the GOAT debate. While he has won a Ballon d’Or and multiple Premier League titles, he made a far greater impact in LaLiga with Real Madrid, netting 450 goals and contributing 131 assists. In his six-year tenure at Manchester United, he tallied 145 goals and 73 assists, being frequently overtaken by Wayne Rooney.

While Cristiano has made a significant impact on soccer history, Salah has been more influential in the Premier League. He has become the highest-scoring foreign player with 191 goals and ranks fourth among all-time Premier League scorers, behind Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane, and Alan Shearer. In addition to this, he led an historic era within Liverpool, winning multiple trophies.

Mohamed Salah reigns as a transformative figure at Liverpool

Mohamed Salah has become one of the most legendary figures in Liverpool’s history. Alongside Steve Gerrard, the Egyptian has emerged as the player with the greatest impact on the team’s recent modern era. He not only made his mark as a goal-scorer but was also part of the legendary attacking trio featuring Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané that competed with Manchester City for several years.

While Firmino and Mané left the team, the Egyptian remained with the Reds, continuing to shine for several more seasons. In fact, Salah was the top scorer in the most recent Premier League season with 29 goals. As a result, he has demonstrated impressive consistency that has led Liverpool for nearly a decade, cementing his status as a true legend.

Unlike Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Salah experienced his peak performance in the Premier League, making history as a goalscorer and at Liverpool FC. Moreover, the Egyptian played a key role in lifting the Reds from a difficult period to becoming one of the top teams in England.

According to a report by Fernando Polo and Roger Torello in Mundo Deportivo, the Blaugranas have put Ferran’s renewal on hold, as they believe he is already earning a good salary and do not plan to offer him a higher one. With his current contract set to expire in 2027, the Spaniard could be transferred this summer. In light of this, Atlético Madrid are showing interest in his talent.

The Colchoneros have set their sights on Ferran Torres, as sporting director Mateu Alemany supports his signing, having already brought him to Barcelona in 2021, reports Mundo Deportivo. As a result, the Blaugranas would be open to his departure, aiming to raise funds to pursue Julián Álvarez. They are even considering including him as part of a deal for the Argentine.

As a cornerstone of Atlético Madrid, and after Antoine Griezmann’s move to Orlando City, they are reluctant to let Julián Álvarez leave, which could further complicate negotiations. Despite this, the possibility of signing Ferran Torres could help unlock talks, but it would still need to be accompanied by a significant transfer fee, as they reportedly value the Argentine at €150 million.

Report: Barcelona also keep Victor Osimhen as key target

Looking ahead to the 2026-27 season, Barcelona appear to have clarified their objectives for the striker spot. As per president Joan Laporta, they continue to view Robert Lewandowski’s contract extension as a priority, as they consider him essential. With Ferran’s potential departure and the difficulty in securing Julián Álvarez, the Blaugranas are reportedly keeping Victor Osimhen as an alternative.

According to Sergi Solé, via Mundo Deportivo, Victor Osimhen is emerging as the top candidate to bolster the attack. With a contract with Galatasaray running through 2027, the Nigerian could command a hefty transfer fee, meaning negotiations would not be straightforward. However, he has scored 56 goals in 70 games, so he would also be a signing with an immediate impact.

According to Diario Marca, Real Madrid squad supports Álvaro Arbeloa’s continuity as permanent head coach for next season. While the team has faced difficulties throughout the campaign, his leadership and playing ideas are highly appreciated within the dressing room. In addition, the Spaniard has managed to transform the locker room atmosphere, motivating the squad game after game.

Since his arrival, Arbeloa has even installed a grey sofa in his office, regularly inviting players in to get to know them better. Through this approach, he has earned the backing of key figures such as Vinícius Jr, Federico Valverde, Thibaut Courtois, Antonio Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni as he is defends them in public, but remains direct and honest in private, reports Diario Marca.

Despite this, Real Madrid’s front office have not yet decided whether they will back Álvaro Arbeloa for next season. However, he could gain further support if he leads the team to a UEFA Champions League title or a LaLiga title. While this seemed unlikely just a few weeks ago, the team has improved its competitiveness, securing a place in the quarterfinals of Europe’s top competition.

Report: Real Madrid lose two main head coach candidates

Following Xabi Alonso’s departure and Álvaro Arbeloa’s lack of experience, Real Madrid have reportedly made it a priority to bring in a coach with a proven track record and extensive experience. While several names have been mentioned, the focus has narrowed to two main candidates: Zinedine Zidane and Jürgen Klopp. However, both coaches appear to be heading elsewhere, paving the way for Arbeloa to remain in charge.

While Los Blancos explored a possible return for Zidane, he is reportedly aiming to become France’s head coach after the 2026 World Cup. Alongside him, Jürgen Klopp has denied any contact with Real Madrid, making it clear he wants to remain at Red Bull as Head of Global Soccer. As a result, names such as Unai Emery, Mauricio Pochettino, and Enzo Maresca have been mentioned, but none have gained consensus.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Leon Goretzka is emerging as AC Milan’s top priority, as he fits perfectly the profile sought by Allegri and would arrive as free agent from Bayern Munich. However, they face a major issue, as the German is reportedly seeking a salary of €9 million plus bonuses, while the Rossoneri are willing to offer €6–7 million per season along with a signing bonus.

While salary differences remain, AC Milan remain hopeful of convincing the German to join. According to Christian Falk, via CFBayern, Goretzka remains quite tempted by the prospect of playing in Serie A, so the Rossoneri could continue to push for his signing. However, the 31-year-old star has also attracted interest from Arsenal, complicating matters for the Italian side.

Leon Goretzka’s potential arrival would not replace Luka Modric’s role, as he would instead take over Youssouf Fofana’s current position, contributing as a box-to-box midfielder. With this, the Rossoneri would look to gain much more presence in attack—something they have lacked since Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s absence due to injury.

Goretzka’s form at Bayern Munich could pose a risk for AC Milan

Leon Goretzka once established as one of Bayern Munich’s best players, becoming an undisputed starter. However, he has lost importance following Vincent Kompany’s arrival, being overtaken by Aleksandar Pavlović. In addition, the German is no longer that key offensive contributor, which makes a potential move to AC Milan a rather risky bet.

With 31 years old, the German would be expected to deliver an immediate impact at the Rossoneri—something he has not consistently provided at Bayern in recent seasons. Moreover, coach Allegri would likely have to bench either Ruben Loftus-Cheek or Fofana, both in strong form, to accommodate Goretzka, whose current level remains a significant question mark.

If Allegri manages to bring out the best in Leon Goretzka, Samuele Ricci would become the last option in the rotation, making his departure likely despite being one of Italy’s most promising talents. Only Modric’s departure could ensure playing time for the 24-year-old star, as he could compete with Jashari. Since renewing the Croatian’s contract is a priority, this option seems quite unlikely.

Despite his drop in form, Barcelona remain interested in signing Marcus Rashford. However, they do not consider the €30 million buy clause to be an ideal price, and are therefore looking to reduce that figure. Given his impact, Manchester United are reportedly unwilling to negotiate a lower fee. For this reason, the return of Jan Virgili is supposedly gaining significant momentum.

According to José Álvarez via El Chiringuito TV, the Blaugranas are targeting Jan Virgili, who is currently shining at RCD Mallorca, delivering six assists. At just 19 years old, the Spaniard is considered a potential replacement for Raphinha. With 40% of his sale rights and the right of first refusal, Barcelona could have an easy path to signing him.

While Virgili’s potential return gains momentum, he might not match Marcus Rashford’s scoring prowess. For this reason, the Spanish side has not ruled out a permanent transfer for the Englishman, as he will provide an immediate impact. Nonetheless, Barcelona reportedly consider the 19-year-old winger as a key prospect for the future, contributing off the bench as Raphinha’s replacement.

Not Virgili or Rashford: Barcelona reportedly have other priorities

While the continuity of Marcus Rashford or the return of Jan Virgili are hot topics in FC Barcelona, they reportedly maintain other priorities for the transfer market. With defensive and scoring issues, the Blaugrana have supposedly decided to target a left-sided defender and a center forward, with two clear objectives.

According to Diario Sport, Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan has emerged as the favorite to strengthen the defense, with his transfer valued at €60 million. Alongside the Italian, Barcelona are prioritizing the signing of Julián Álvarez from Atlético Madrid, and are willing to listen to offers for Ferran Torres in order to finance the deal.

After focusing their resources on both signings, the Blaugrana are reportedly pushing Manchester United for another loan move for Rashford, reports Ben Jacobs via X. In addition, they are keeping Virgili as an option for 2027, as they want his development to continue at RCD Mallorca. However, they risk losing the 19-year-old winger, as his €25 million release clause is attracting interest from several clubs ahead of the summer of 2026.

“He’s not a striker, he’s not playing in his natural position right now. He’s been asked to play as a forward: In some games he’s done well, in others less so. But to judge him in that role, you need to give him time. Of course, it also depends on whether he has the willingness to help the team he’s the only one who can play that role,” Shevchenko said, via Legends Trophy.

With Santiago Giménez injury, and the poor form of Christopher Nkunku and Niclas Füllkrug, Leão has been deployed as a center forward for the Rossoneri. Having dribble and pace as his main strengths, he has struggled to find his best version. However, he has managed to remain the most important player in AC Milan‘s attack, so the criticism could be considered unfair.

While many point to Leão’s underwhelming form, others blame a poor tactical approach from Massimiliano Allegri. Rather than prioritizing the Portuguese’s optimal role, the head coach has chosen to persist with a two-striker system, despite not having any forwards in top condition. Despite the criticism, Rafael has managed to score 10 goals, making him the team’s top scorer amid the dip in form of Christian Pulisic.

AC Milan’s Allegri may bet for a tactical change, boosting Leao

Massimiliano Allegri has consistently opted for a 3-5-2 system, prioritizing defensive solidity and stability in midfield. However, the coach has already experimented with shifting to a 4-3-3 in several matches, such as the previous game against Torino in the second half. Following positive results, the Italian coach is reportedly open to making this change permanent, boosting Rafael Leão’s performances.

According to Pedro Mazzara via MilanNews.it, Allegri would be willing to test the 4-3-3 more frequently. With this, Rafael Leão could regain prominence in his best position, left wing. Despite the tactical shift, the midfield would remain unchanged: Adrien Rabiot, Luka Modrić, and Youssouf Fofana. However, they would drop a defender, relying on the Portuguese winger and Christian Pulisic on the flanks.

Far from being just a minor tweak, this could revitalize Rafael Leão’s performances, bringing him closer to his best version. With this, the Portuguese winger could shine again, recovering his dribbling input and ending constant criticism. Alongside him, Santiago Giménez could also receive a great opportunity, as he returns from injury and is the only natural striker, along with Füllkrug.

According to BILD, Nico Schlotterbeck is close to renewing his contract with Borussia Dortmund, extending his deal until 2031. With this, the German would hold the longest contract at the club. In addition, he would earn a salary of up to €14 million per season, including bonuses, making it one of the highest wages in the squad.

While this represents a setback for Real Madrid and Barcelona, Schlotterbeck has chosen to follow a formula similar to Dayot Upamecano’s at Bayern Munich. As part of his new deal, the German defender may include a release clause that can be activated from the summer of 2027, valued at €60 million, thereby leaving the door open for a future move away from Borussia Dortmund.

Despite opening the door to a potential exit, the German could cease to be a target for Real Madrid or Barcelona. Following his defensive struggles this season, both clubs are looking to reinforce their backlines in the summer of 2026, which could rule out a move for Schlotterbeck. Additionally, Los Blancos and the Blaugranas are already believed to have other targets in mind.

Report: Real Madrid chase two defensive reinforcements

Looking ahead to the 2026-27 season, Real Madrid are set to lose David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger, as their contracts expire at the end of the season. Given the reported renewal of Nico Schlotterbeck, they have decided to pursue defensive reinforcements, seeking to improve the roster’s performance. As a result, Jacobo Ramon of Como 1907 and Ibrahima Konate, a free agent, have emerged as the new targets.

According to Matteo Moretto, Los Blancos are pleased with Jacobo Ramón’s development and are considering a return in the summer of 2026 through his €8 million buy-back clause. However, they are in no rush, as they also hold buy-back options in 2027 for €9 million and in 2028 for €10 million. Additionally, the Spaniard prioritizes a return to Real Madrid.

Alongside the young Spaniard, Ibrahima Konaté remains a clear target for Real Madrid, reports Defensa Central. With significant experience, he would arrive to provide immediate impact, but his salary demands are complicating the move. The Frenchman is reportedly asking for £200,000 per week on a five-year contract, along with a €15–18 million signing bonus.

Alessandro Bastoni supposedly emerges as Barcelona’s main target

Throughout the 2025–26 season, Nico Schlotterbeck was reportedly emerging as a priority for head coach Hansi Flick. However, Real Madrid’s growing interest and his proximity to a contract renewal led to him being ruled out. As a result, Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni has emerged as Barcelona’s main target, as per Diario Sport.

With a contract running until 2028, the Italian defender is valued at around €60 million, as reported by Diario Sport. Despite the high price, the Blaugranas consider him the ideal player to lead the defense due to his experience and strong ball-playing ability. For this reason, the German would be discarded, prioritizing Bastoni, who is reportedly keen on joining the Spanish side.

According to Daniel Riolo, via RMC Sport, Mbappé had been playing through various injuries since December 2025, but Real Madrid classified his physical issues as something that could be managed on a game-by-game basis. As a result, he pushed his knee beyond its limits and putting it at risk. Consequently, he consulted a Parisian knee specialist and followed a special muscle-building program to resolve his issues.

Far from confirming Riolo’s report, Kylian Mbappé gave a positive update on his knee and criticized the constant rumors. “My knee is fine. It’s getting better. Things are going pretty well and I know there was a lot of speculation about it and false things were said… It’s the life of a top athlete, and we’re used to people saying things without verifying them or having any basis in fact,” he said, via Diario AS.

Even though he had claimed that his recovery was surrounded by fake news, Mbappé admitted that he had recovered away from Real Madrid: “I have recovered 100 per cent. I had the opportunity to receive a thorough diagnosis in Paris,” he said, via Diario AS. Nonetheless, the Frenchman acknowledged that Los Blancos were constantly working with the Parisian knee specialists.

Mbappé denies managing minutes at Real Madrid ahead the 2026 World Cup

With the 2026 World Cup just a few months away, Real Madrid fans expected Kylian Mbappé to have his minutes managed, aiming to arrive in peak condition with France. However, the 27-year-old striker has publicly rejected this approach, making clear his commitment to his club and his experience heading into the anticipated tournament.

“I’ve played two World Cups, I won one, and I reached the final in the other. How did I prepare? By playing all matches with my club. For me, it’s very clear that I want to play all matches with Real Madrid… I prepared for my last two World Cups in the best way possible, which is by playing, scoring goals, winning titles and fighting until the last minute with my club,” Mbappé said, via Diario AS.

After missing several matches with Real Madrid, Kylian is looking to regain the scoring form he had before his injury. With this, he aims not only to boost Los Blancos, but also to pursue his second World Cup title, being a key figure for the third consecutive time. Additionally, the Frenchman states that he is fully fit, so there would be no risk of a relapse from his injury.

Amid growing rumors on taking Real Madrid head coach spot, Klopp denied any approach to the Spanish side. “All the news that’s coming out is complete nonsense…They haven’t called me even once, not even a single time! They haven’t called my agent either!... Preferably, I’d take over at Atlético Madrid at the same time. Sorry Madrid, you’ll have to call first,” he said, via Magenta TV.

Despite this admission, Jürgen did not rule out a potential move to Real Madrid should he receive a concrete offer: “I’m quite advanced in life at my age, but as a coach I’m NOT completely at the end yet. I haven’t reached retirement age. Who knows what will happen in the next few years? But nothing is planned right now.”

After leaving the door open to any future possibility, Jürgen Klopp maintains two priorities if he were to leave Red Bull: Becoming head coach of Real Madrid or taking charge of Germany, reports Florian Plettenberg via Sky Sports Deutschland. However, the legendary coach remains very comfortable as Head of Global Soccer, stating that he enjoys a much calmer life than in previous years.

Coupled with this, Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of Corporate Projects and New Investments at Red Bull GmbH, has commended Klopp’s work and made it clear that the organization hopes to retain him for several more years. Therefore, any potential move by Klopp to Germany or Real Madrid would likely involve significant compensation, as he still has three years remaining on his contract.

Jürgen Klopp might hesitate to join Real Madrid

Throughout his successful career as a head coach, Jürgen Klopp has always taken on sporting projects with a clear long-term vision. This approach allows the German to build a competitive and sustainable project over time. Unlike his previous teams, Real Madrid demand immediate results, which could make the legendary coach hesitant to join the club.

After Carlo Ancelotti’s departure, Los Blancos turned to Xabi Alonso, aiming to create a competitive project with immediate impact while keeping an eye on the future. However, he was dismissed just seven months into his tenure. In addition, Real Madrid tend not to retain coaches who fail to win any titles in a season, which directly clashes with the philosophy Klopp follows.

Despite this, the German could be tempted to take the helm at Real Madrid, representing the biggest risk of his career. If immediate results are not achieved, he could leave the club. Furthermore, his demanding tactical approach might conflict with player preferences, as Gareth Bale noted that they favor a manager who is more of a facilitator—something quite different from Klopp’s style.

According to StatMuse, via X, formerly Twitter, Vinícius Jr. has become the first player in the last five seasons to reach 100 G/A. With this, the Real Madrid star establishes himself as the team’s best player in recent years and one of the undisputed leaders of the league.

Far from settling for that, Vinícius has also become the only player in the league to record more than 15 G/A in each of the last five LaLiga seasons. With this level of performance, the Brazilian has already established himself as Real Madrid’s 15th all-time top scorer, surpassing Gonzalo Higuaín, Juanito, Gareth Bale, Ronaldo Nazário and Sergio Ramos.

Following the arrival of head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, Vinícius Jr. regained his attacking freedom, contributing to more areas beyond goal-scoring. With Kylian Mbappé shining in front of goal, the Brazilian stands as the team’s second-leading assist provider with 12, only behind Arda Güler. With this, the 25-year-old winger establishes as Real Madrid’s most efficient player, amid criticism.

Report: Vinicius Jr. nears a contract extension with Real Madrid

Vinícius Jr. has established as Real Madrid’s most important player over the past five years, but he kept his future uncertain for several months. Amid a tense relationship with then-head coach Xabi Alonso, he was leaning toward not renewing his contract, which runs until 2027. However, the arrival of Álvaro Arbeloa has changed the outlook, reportedly bringing him closer to a renewal.

According to Diario AS, Real Madrid president, Florentino Pérez, has managed to bring positions closer with Vinícius Jr., moving toward a contract renewal. While no figures or contract length have been disclosed, the Brazilian could approach a deal similar to Kylian Mbappé’s, avoiding a potential departure and establishing himself as the cornerstone of the team.

According to Christian Falk via CFBayern, Bayern Munich are now open to hearing offers for Alphonso Davies due to his frequent injuries and his high salary. Given this, Manchester United have emerged as the clear favorite to sign him, as they had already been pursuing him before his latest contract renewal.

Having signed an extension until 2030 with the German side, Davies might not be completely open to leave the team. Moreover, the Canadian star reportedly earns $16 million gross per season, making him be pleased within Bayern Munich. For that reason, the Red Devils may hold a competitive sporting project coupled with a huge salary to convince him.

Davies could be a sure starter at Manchester United. Head coach Michael Carrick has only Luke Shaw available at left back, as Patrick Dorgu is viewed as a forward and Tyrell Malacia isn’t part of the team’s plans. As an attacking full-back, the Canadian would be a perfect fit for the Red Devils, where he could shine just as he did in previous seasons with the German side.

Davies may not fit on Kompany’s Bayern Munich lineup

Amid Alphonso Davies’ recurring injuries, head coach Vincent Kompany has opted for a very different system. With Konrad Laimer and Tom Bischof, Bayern Munich rely on an inverted full-back setup, consistently contributing to the midfield. While the Canadian remains an important player for the team, he may no longer have a guaranteed place in the starting lineup.

Davies has stood out as an attacking full-back, offering little to no defensive or midfield contribution. For this reason, Kompany may not see him as an undisputed starter, or could even shift him back to left wing, where Luis Díaz is already an option—meaning he could still be a backup. With this in mind, he could benefit from a transfer, as his offensive style might thrive in the Premier League.

Compounding his issues, the Canadian recently suffered a thigh strain, which will keep him out for more matches, marking two consecutive seasons without physical continuity. As a result, Bayern Munich have already grown accustomed to performing well without Davies in the lineup, making his potential departure not entirely difficult—rather, it could be beneficial.

According to Alfredo Martínez, via Diario Sport, the constant injuries to Alejandro Balde and the defensive inconsistencies of João Cancelo are raising concerns at Barcelona. As a result, Alejandro Grimaldo has emerged as the priority target, as his contract runs until 2027 and he could be available for around €15 million. At 31, he would represent a reliable short-term solution.

While Balde has imposed as the starter in the left-back spot, he is prone to injuries. In the current season, he has already missed 10 games due to muscle injuries. At 22 years old, the Spaniard remains the biggest bet for the Blaugranas, but Hansi Flick needs a reliable backup to maintain competitiveness. Being a La Masia graduate, Grimaldo could be a solid reinforcement.

Grimaldo is far from the only option; the Blaugranas are also eyeing Andrea Cambiaso. According to Gianluigi Longari via X, Hansi Flick values the Juventus star for his ability to play on both flanks and contribute both defensively and offensively. Nonetheless, the Italian star would not be a low-cost option, as he is an undisputed starter for coach Luciano Spaletti.

With Grimaldo or Cambiaso arrival, Joao Cancelo’s future would be in question, as his lack of defensive contributions raise serious doubts. Nonetheless, the Portuguese star reportedly hold chances to remain at Barcelona in case he arrives as free agent from Al Hilal. Having contract until 2027, it will not be an easy task, complicating his future.

Report: Alejandro Balde is not untransferable for Barcelona

Following his debut in 2021, Alejandro Balde has established as one of the best left-backs in the world. While the Spaniard stands out as one of the team’s most important players offensively, he still has serious defensive doubts and recurring physical issues. For this reason, Barcelona would no longer consider him untouchable, opening the door to a potential departure, under certain conditions.

According to Matteo Moretto, via X, the Blaugranas are open to listening to offers for Balde. However, they would not let him leave for a low fee, as Hansi Flick considers him key and he lacks real competition, with Gerard Martín operating as a left-sided center-back. As a result, Manchester United could pursue his signing, but they would need to submit a massive offer, or the Spaniard could end up renewing his contract.

According to the Catalan outlet Què T’hi Jugues, the Blaugranas have clarified their plans for the forward line, setting two priorities: Renewing Robert Lewandowski and signing Julián Álvarez as the new leading striker. However, the Pole’s continuity would reportedly come with a more secondary role, as his leadership and experience are valued within the squad.

Coupled with these plans, Ferran Torres could become a third option, leaving his future at Barcelona in doubt. While he established as a starter under Hansi Flick, his inconsistency cost him his place to Lewandowski. Additionally, the Blaugranas would be open to including him in a deal for Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez, reducing the overall cost of the operation, reports La Ser.

Barcelona do not have an easy task in securing Álvarez’s arrival. As a cornerstone of Atlético Madrid, the Argentine’s departure could be valued at around €150 million, making Ferran’s potential inclusion crucial. If they manage to complete his signing and retain Lewandowski, coach Hansi Flick would gain significant firepower, aiming to compete once again for all titles.

Ferran Torres raises serious doubts as Barcelona’s starting forward

Amid Robert Lewandowski’s injury at the start of the season, Ferran Torres emerged as Barcelona’s main goalscorer, netting 13 goals up until December 2025. However, the Spaniard saw a significant drop in his offensive output in 2026, scoring only three goals so far this year. As a result, he raises serious doubts about his role as a starter.

While his talent is evident, Ferran tends to be quite inconsistent, which is why he is viewed more as an option off the bench, as he often fails to deliver in key moments. Given his strong market value, the Blaugranas could benefit from his sale, as they could reinvest the money in Julián Álvarez, who is seen as an ideal fit for Hansi Flick.

Lewandowski may be a short-term solution, but he has proven to be crucial to the team’s collective play, as well as delivering in decisive moments. For this reason, the Pole could still have a key impact in the 2026–27 season, paving the way for Víctor Barberá or Óscar Gistau as backups in 2027, making Ferran’s departure a strong option.

According to Julien Laurens via ESPN, Didier Deschamps will step down at the end of the 2026 World Cup, leaving his position as France’s head coach. In response, the Fédération Française de Football (FFF) has decided to back Zinedine Zidane, who will take over the national team after the anticipated tournament following a verbal agreement.

Far from being an easy task, Zidane will face the biggest challenge of his entire coaching career. Deschamps not only led the team to victory at the 2018 World Cup, but also to the 2020–21 UEFA Nations League title. While Zinedine has already excelled at Real Madrid, he has no experience with national teams, making his appointment a clear gamble for the FFF.

Having been one of France’s greatest legends, Zinedine Zidane could enjoy the unconditional support of the national team’s locker room, making his arrival and adjustment easier. Furthermore, the coach has demonstrated a knack for managing big egos, which could provide a significant boost to a project that seems to have lost momentum in recent years.

Didier Deschamps never quite won over French fans

Didier Deschamps has become one of the most important figures in France national team history. Not only did he win the 1998 World Cup as a player, but he also won it as head coach in 2018. Despite this, the 57-year-old coach never quite won over the fans, who complained about the lack of a recognizable playing style for such a talented roster.

Even though they have stars like Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé, and Michael Olise, France have remained overly reliant on the individual talents. Due to a lack of teamwork, they tend to struggle against well-organized teams like Spain. Furthermore, they have struggled with these issues since his arrival on the team in 2012, growing fans criticism.

Zidane could be the key factor for France project

Throughout his career as a coach, Zinedine Zidane has not managed to impose a style in which his teams dominate matches through possession and creative play. However, he did ensure that his Real Madrid squad had the ability to adapt to opponents, adjusting their approach to secure victories. Along with his strong man-management, this could make him a key figure for France.

Unlike Deschamps, the former Real Madrid coach does maintain significant rotation within his teams, giving players consistent minutes and keeping them engaged. In addition, Zidane could take advantage of his players’ pace to maximize talents like Mbappé or Dembélé, much like he did with Los Blancos to hurt opponents.

With Pablo Barrios out, Atlético Madrid have lost a lot of presence in midfield, so Koke and Johnny Cardoso were limited to defensive duties. However, coach Diego Simeone prioritized the attack with Ademola Lookman and Giuliano Simeone. In the first half, the Nigerian scored a crucial goal, receiving a long-range pass from Julián Álvarez to net an impressive goal.

Real Madrid had a disappointing first half, as there was too much space in midfield, allowing Los Colchoneros to play quick passes on the counter. After tactical adjustments at halftime, Los Blancos forced two individual errors that shifted the balance in their favor, asserting themselves offensively.

Far from controlling the game, physical fatigue took its toll on Atlético Madrid, conceding two goals in three minutes of the second half. From a foul of David Hancko over Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Jr. tied the game by penalty kick. Then, Federico Valverde’s high pressing forced a mistake on Jose Ma Gimenez, making the Uruguayan midfielder take the ball and score the second goal.

Nahuel Molina’s goal overshadowed by Vinicius’ brace

Amid Atlético Madrid slow start in the second half, Nahuel Molina scored an impressive long-range goal. After receiving the ball from Julián Álvarez, the Argentine full-back unleashed a stunning shot from beyond Real Madrid’s midfield and defense, beating Andriy Lunin to tie the game.

Far from giving up, Los Blancos continued pressing Los Colchoneros, searching for the winning goal. After Trent Alexander-Arnold came on, they gained much more attacking presence. The Englishman even delivers a through ball to Vinícius Jr., who controls, dribbles past defenders, and fires a powerful shot to beat Juan Musso.

Five minutes later, Federico Valverde is sent off. After a harsh foul on Alex Baena, the Uruguayan receives a straight red card for mistiming the challenge. Although players and staff pressed for a VAR review, the referee chose not to consult it, upholding his decision. Nonetheless, Real Madrid kept their solid defense, stopping Atletico Madrid of equalizing the game.