Fresh from spending somewhere in the region of £130 million, Barcelona has been slapped with a double transfer embargo ban meaning that they can't buy any players during the next two windows. Their transfer strategy this summer was plotted out with such an embargo in mind as the Catalan club finally spent some money in […]

As the trophy was hoisted and the players celebrated a third consecutive scudetto, you could forgive Juventus fans from feeling a little giddy. With one of the best coaches in Italy, an ownership group that seemed interested in boosting the squad for the Champions League, and the spine of the Italian national team under contract, […]

The last few weeks of the summer transfer market always deserve some attention due to unexpected transfers, both concerning top players and bargain deals. In the last few years, during the final stages of the transfer window, Italian supporters have become used to seeing top players leaving rather than arriving in their league. The last […]

Before we throttle into another action-packed weekend, let The Sweeper, a new World Soccer Talk feature, take you back through the week that was for some of the stories from around the web that you may have missed. 1. “Christmas in August.” The transfers are flying fast and furious as the September 1st deadline nears which […]

Johan Cruyff, the legendary Dutch player and former manager of Barcelona, was once asked his thoughts on the footballing philosophy known as "total football”. The man, who is arguably the biggest proponent of the football tactic, replied: “Attackers could play as defenders and defenders as attackers. Everyone could play everywhere.” Total football is an attack-oriented […]

After a 1-1 draw earlier this week at Santiago Bernabeu, Atletico Madrid holds a slight advantage against their neighbors in the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup. The derby, which features the winners of the La Liga title against the Copa del Rey champs, will be shown live on US TV and Internet at: […]

August 22nd, 1964. Anfield. Liverpool, lining up with the legendary Roger Hunt up front, defeated Arsenal in a thrilling 3-2 match where both sides were separated by a last minute Don Howe own-goal. It was another strong showing from the defending champions in front of their home supporters who were growing used to their team […]

NBC has announced the commentators for this weekend's Premier League matches that will be shown on television and Internet across the United States. Here's the line-up: Saturday, August 23: Aston Villa vs Newcastle, 7:45am, NBCSN and NBC Sports Live Extra; Jim Proudfoot & Chris Waddle Chelsea vs Leicester, 10am, NBCSN and NBC Sports Live Extra; Daniel […]

Back in the routine yet? You probably will be after this weekend! Competitive soccer is back on the menu all over Europe, and after the Premier League curtain raisers were played out last weekend, a host of leagues across the continent begin their season too. But such is the calibre of the fixtures that are […]

Carlo Ancelotti has not included Angel Di Maria in the squad for tonight's second leg of the Spanish Super Cup against Atletico Madrid, according to Spain's oldest and largest radio network, Cadena SER. Spanish broadcaster 'Cuatro' reports that Di Maria was excluded because the club wants to avoid Di Maria picking up an injury which could undermine […]

Mario Balotelli’s name precedes him, just as it was with the man he’ll be replacing with his imminent arrival at Liverpool. When Premier League fans think of Balotelli, they think of “Why Always Me”, bathroom fireworks, and his slew of training ground bust-ups with teammates and coaches alike. But just as it’s unfair to refer […]

The two-time reigning Bundesliga champions are heading into their upcoming campaign as the heavy favorites to retain the trophy and have a three-peat, which is something the Miami Heat couldn't do. The real narrative of Die Roten's season will be if Pep Guardiola can lead them back to being the rulers of Europe. Guardiola's first […]

Expectations always remain insanely high for Real Madrid. After finally completing the La Decima mission in May, Los Blancos enjoyed another transfer window where they acquired new Galacticos. The team's main goal this season will be trying to be the first back-to-back champion in the Champions League era and with their depth they can accomplish […]

USA and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard has decided to take a hiatus from playing for the US Men's National Team, and will not be considered for selection until the fall of 2015. The shock decision by Howard, who was arguably the best performing American at World Cup 2014, was made after discussion with USMNT Head […]

beIN SPORTS is rolling out the red carpet for the opening weekend of Spain’s La Liga. Eight matches will be broadcast live on both beIN SPORTS channels: Programming note: For viewers in the United States, this weekend's La Liga games are being shown exclusively on beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS Espanol and DishWorld. Even if you […]