Theo Walcott on England's striker shortage: 'It's a sad, sad way we're going'
The former forward worries English football is becoming too predictable - and would have liked to see Arsenal make a move for Liam Delap.
Premier League
14th June 2025
Inside Thomas Frank's Tottenham Hotspur appointment
Daniel Levy led the pursuit of the Dane and Brentford did not attempt to persuade him to stay on as manager.
If Club World Cup attendances are an issue, FIFA will bear much of the responsibility
There are going to be lots of emptry seats when the tournament begins but that is not the fault of U.S. soccer fans.
How can Liverpool afford Florian Wirtz?
How are the Premier League champions able to spend so big on one player and does it impact their PSR prospects?.
Arise, Sir David: But what does Beckham's knighthood entail, and what does it mean?
The former England captain and now joint owner of Inter Miami has finally been bestowed the title in King Charles’ birthday honours.
What to expect from The Athletic's Club World Cup coverage, including video highlights
The Athletic is here to guide you through the Club World Cup - and you'll be able to watch the best of the action too.
David Beckham awarded knighthood in King Charles III's birthday honours list
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder was awarded an OBE in 2003 and has long been tipped to receive a knighthood.
Man City yet to receive Grealish offers - could a loan be the answer?
Manchester City have not yet received any formal offers for out-of-favour £100m midfielder Jack Grealish.
James Milner signs one-year contract to remain at Brighton & Hove Albion
The 39-year-old played only four games in the 2024-25 season due to a thigh issue that sidelined him for the majority of the campaign.
Milner, 39, extends Brighton deal by another season
Brighton extend the contract of James Milner by another season in a deal which will take the midfielder past his 40th birthday.
Spurs file High Court claim against Ratcliffe's Ineos
Tottenham file High Court proceedings against Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's company Ineos Automotive.
13th June 2025
What are the priorities for new Spurs manager Frank?
After seven successful years with Brentford, Thomas Frank opted to swap west London for north London when he signed a deal to become Tottenham Hotspur's new boss.
Morata considered faking injury to miss Euro 2024 due to depression, he says in new doc
The Spain striker made the revelations in a new 90-minute documentary to be broadcast next week.
The Athletic’s Friday football quiz question #59
Can you answer the weekly poser plucked from deep inside The Athletic's trivia vaults?.
Ranking the best and worst Club World Cup home kits: Divorcee vibes, pixel madness and flawless Tunisian flair
Nick Miller ranks all 32 Club World Cup home strips from worst to best.
Liverpool agree £116m deal for Wirtz
Liverpool agree a £116m deal, which includes a guaranteed £100m, to sign Germany attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.
The Athletic FC: The rise of Infantino, 'King of Soccer', Liverpool agree £116m Wirtz deal
Today in TAFC: How do people that know FIFA president Gianni Infantino view him? Plus: Frank signs deal at Tottenham, Trent unveiled.
Florian Wirtz is Liverpool's most thrilling signing since Fernando Torres - and a statement of intent
Anfield's executives do not often spend big on ready-made superstars but they were glad to make an exception for German star.
Liverpool set to beat out football powerhouses in record-breaking $244m move
Liverpool’s move for Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz is all but confirmed, with the Reds agreeing to a British-record transfer fee of £116.5 million ($A244m) according to Sky Sports.
PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper Walter Benitez to have Crystal Palace medical
Benitez is set to be out of contract with PSV later this month and has not signed a new deal with the Eredivisie champions.
Liverpool agree €136.3m transfer of Florian Wirtz from Leverkusen
The 22-year-old registered 16 goals and 15 assists across 45 games in 2024-25, as Leverkusen finished second in the Bundesliga.
Who is the real Gianni Infantino, FIFA president and 'the king of soccer'?
Before the Club World Cup, The Athletic has spoken to dozens of people to gain a clearer picture of the most powerful man in football.
The offside law, Bill McCracken and, a century on, the decision that changed football forever
Exactly 100 years ago, the International Football Association Board met at 22 Rue de Londres in Paris and changed the offside law.
Why do Man Utd keep signing such coveted players? Easy. They're massive
United's ability to attract sought-after talents is not unduly affected by their on-field fortunes - and with good reason.
The problem with the Club World Cup - these teams are not the best of the best
Only eight of the tournament's 32 teams are current domestic title holders, and three of the six continental champions are also missing.
It's too early for England to miss Southgate - but he would never risk alienating his talisman
Thomas Tuchel's comments about Jude Bellingham are so unlike Gareth Southgate that it is hard not to miss the previous England manager.
Newcastle already have five goalkeepers, so why are they trying to sign a sixth?
Eddie Howe's squad is already stacked with keepers, so how will the dynamics play out if James Trafford joins?.
Omari Hutchinson and England lay down a marker
The Ipswich attacker helped England make a confident start to the under-21 Euros - and must have impressed clubs watching on.
Spurs confirm Ange replacement as star’s cryptic swipe in Aussie tribute exposes sobering task
Thomas Frank was hired as Tottenham’s new manager on Thursday as the Dane accepted the daunting task of solving the club’s famed inconsistency.
'A gamble for Frank - but Dane has earned Spurs chance'
Thomas Frank's move to Spurs is a risk for the charismatic Dane - but he has earned the big opportunity, says chief football writer Phil McNulty.
Frank replaces Postecoglou as Tottenham head coach
Tottenham appoint Brentford head coach Thomas Frank as their manager, replacing Ange Postecoglou.
Tottenham confirm Thomas Frank as new head coach on three-year deal
Thomas Frank succeeds Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked by Spurs last Friday, and leaves Brentford after seven years in charge.
Trent Alexander-Arnold's Real Madrid balancing act - and rebrand from Liverpool days
The former Liverpool man impressed with his Spanish as he faced a few delicate questions in his first appearance as a Real Madrid player.
Kevin De Bruyne joins Napoli following Manchester City exit
De Bruyne announced in April that he would be leaving City at the end of the season after 10 years at the club.
Cunha completes 'dream' £62.5m Man Utd move - how does he fit in?
Brazil forward Matheus Cunha says he "dreamed of wearing the red shirt" when he was a child.
12th June 2025
Manchester United confirm Matheus Cunha transfer from Wolves
The Brazil international has signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford with the option of a further year.
Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid: Transfers TLDR
The England international defender is now officially a Madrid player after leaving Liverpool – we break down the deal...
FIFPro study calls for mandatory four-week off-season break for all players
Footballers at the elite level need more protection from the ever-increasing demands of the sport, according to the global players' union.
Justin Cochrane to join Thomas Frank's backroom staff at Tottenham
Cochrane will be joined by coach Chris Haslam and analyst Joe Newton on the Dane's staff.
What's going on with USMNT? Plus: Players to watch at Club World Cup
Today in TAFC: We look at the problems affecting the USMNT, ticket prices slashed at the Club World Cup - and the players you should watch.
The Radar - 2025 Club World Cup: The Athletic picks 50 players to watch
From Lionel Messi to Franco Mastantuono and Kylian Mbappe to Rodrigo Mora, we profile 50 players to watch at this summer's tournament.
The Radar: The Athletic’s 2025 Club World Cup scouting guide
From Lionel Messi to Franco Mastantuono and Kylian Mbappe to Rodrigo Mora, we profile 50 players to watch at this summer's tournament.
FIFA Club World Cup: Ranking all 32 participants
We assessed every team at FIFA's shiny new tournament in a variety of criteria, so you didn't have to.
The weird and wonderful world of Real Madrid presentations: The keepie-uppies, the medical photos and when it goes wrong
Every player's first official day as a Madrid player is special, but what goes into a galactico's unveiling?.
Pep Guardiola and the Manchester City rebuild that has echoes of summer 2017
If Guardiola is able to regenerate City after the first vulnerable period of his career, it would surely be his crowning achievement.
‘Nuclear bulls**t’: UK pundit unleashes ‘oddly personal’ attack on Ange after sacking
After being sacked by Tottenham last week the football world has largely rallied around Ange Postecoglou, thanking him for his service and his work in breaking Spurs’ trophy drought.
Clubs most likely to stun giants... and what to expect from Messi: Every CWC team ranked 1-32
The new-look FIFA Club World Cup kicks off on Sunday 15 June at 10am AEST when Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami face Egyptian side Al Ahly in a cloud of mystery.
European football revenue hit record €38bn in 2023-24 season
The so-called big five leagues - the top divisions from England, Spain, Italy, Germany, and France - contribute huge figures, for how long?.
Crystal Palace: Group including Jimmy Butler expected to make offer for stake in Premier League club
The group is looking to purchase Eagle Football's 43 per cent stake in Palace, with an expected offer in excess of $200m.
What Senegal's win over England means a year before the World Cup: 'We have arrived'
Senegal became the first African team to beat England in a fixture with their 3-1 win on Tuesday night.
World Cup 2026, one year to go: What still needs to be sorted?
Visas, travel bans, transport costs, security and relationships with the government - there is a lot to consider a year out.
Premier League TV viewing figures drop on Sky and TNT
Sky's Premier League viewing figures dropped 10% last season compared to the previous campaign.
11th June 2025
Sporting CP won't succumb to 'blackmail and insults' in Viktor Gyokeres transfer saga - club president
The Sweden international is one of Europe’s hottest properties this summer following a spectacular season in which he scored 54 goals.
Manchester City close to agreement to sign Sverre Nypan from Rosenborg
The 18-year-old midfielder had previously been a target for clubs including Arsenal, Aston Villa and Girona.
Micky van de Ven says Ange Postecoglou sacking was 'strange', expects Thomas Frank as successor
Postecoglou was dismissed by the English club last week, 16 days after winning the Europa League.
World Cup 2026: Who's qualified, who's struggling and which underdogs have a shot at glory?
Breaking down the big plotlines from qualifying for next year's tournament, including some big names who could be struggling to get there.
England's World Cup starting XI: Our experts' picks with a year to go
Who could form the backbone of Thomas Tuchel's starting line-up come the tournament in 2026 - and who may miss out?.
Liverpool finalising deal for Leverkusen's Wirtz
Liverpool are in advanced talks with Bayer Leverkusen to sign playmaker Florian Wirtz.
World Cup 2026 - What you need to know with a year to go
Today in TAFC: Your ultimate guide to the World Cup with exactly a year to go. Who has qualified? What now for USMNT after latest loss?.
Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City: Transfers TLDR
Manchester City have signed Tijjani Reijnders from Milan - here's all you need to know about the transfer.
Manchester City confirm Tijjani Reijnders signing ahead of Club World Cup
The Netherlands international joins for an initial €55million (£46.3m) and has signed a deal until 2030.
Man City sign £46.5m Reijnders - but where will he fit in?
Manchester City confirm the signing of AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders for an initial fee of £46.5m.
Thomas Tuchel's short tenure as England manager is by design - but is it starting to become a problem?
With the World Cup a year away there is not much time to fix things — but this is how Tuchel and the FA wanted it.
Inside Mamelodi Sundowns: 'Our ambition is not the South African league - it's the continent'
In the final part of our series on Mamelodi Sundowns, we find out how the club recruits.
World Cup 2026: Our experts' hopes, fears and predictions with a year to go
What could derail the tournament or make it a hit? Which players will shine? And who could win? Our writers have their say...
DAZN will broadcast the Club World Cup around the world. What is the streamer's big idea?
DAZN is the global rights holder for the upcoming Club World Cup and is planning to use it to expand its reach.
Pep Guardiola offers a timely lesson in how football managers can tackle big issues
The Manchester City manager's comments on the crisis in Gaza showed how coaches can engage in the wider world.
Kepa Arrizabalaga and the delicate, complex task of being a backup goalkeeper
What is it really like being a reserve goalkeeper? The role might not be all that visible but it can be hugely impactful.
‘Never seen a player who dribbles as quick’: City sign French star as prodigy follows brother’s lead - Transfer Deadline
The special transfer window designed to allow clubs to signs players for the FIFA Club World Cup delivered plenty of drama on its final day as Manchester City made a big move, while an English rising star departed for Germany.
Liverpool and Leverkusen in final stages of Florian Wirtz transfer negotiations
Liverpool made an improved second offer for the 22–year-old Germany playmaker last week worth around £113m, with about £100m guaranteed.
England 1 Senegal 3 - Tuchel's side fall flat, so is it time to move on from the old guard?
Analysis from the City Ground's first England international in 116 years as Senegal proved too strong for Thomas Tuchel's side.
Serie A in talks to play Milan vs Como in Australia as first European league match abroad
European domestic fixtures could not be played abroad until a lawsuit between Relevent and the U.S Soccer Federation was settled in April.
Rayan Cherki to Manchester City: Transfers TLDR
The France forward's move to the Etihad Stadium from Lyon has been confirmed - this is everything you need to know...
Lyon's Cherki completes 'dream' £30m Man City move
Manchester City complete the signing of attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki from Lyon for an initial fee of £30.45m.
Spurs close in on Frank appointment as new boss
Tottenham are closing in on appointing Brentford manager Thomas Frank as their new head coach by the weekend.
Manchester City complete Rayan Cherki signing from Lyon
The France international has signed a five-year deal until 2030 and will be available to play for Pep Guardiola's side at the Club World Cup.
Tottenham asked to reinstate Ange Postecoglou as head coach by Melbourne mayor
Postecoglou was born in Greece but grew up in Melbourne and previously coached the Australian national team.
Canada summer transfer primer: Latest on David, Buchanan, Larin and more
What we're hearing about a number of Canada's key players entering a pivotal summer, with the World Cup on home soil a year away.
Jobe Bellingham always wanted to avoid comparisons with Jude. Now, he is embracing them
Choosing Dortmund as his next club is a brave move for a player who has always been determined to carve his own path.
The reinvention of Edin Terzic: 'Life is painful sometimes – but pain doesn't have to be negative'
The ex-Borussia Dortmund head coach lifts the lid on the period of both reflection and preparation that followed his Westfalenstadion exit.
Chelsea have £42m Gittens bid rejected by Dortmund
Chelsea have an offer worth more than £42m for English winger Jamie Gittens rejected by Borussia Dortmund.
Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund: Transfers TLDR
Jobe Bellingham's move to Borussia Dortmund from Sunderland has been confirmed — this is everything you need to know.
Pep Guardiola gives emotional speech on suffering in Gaza: 'It's not about ideology - it's about the love of life'
“It's so painful what we see in Gaza. It hurts all my body,” Guardiola said.
Man City sign goalkeeper Bettinelli from Chelsea
Manchester City announce the signing of Chelsea goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli on a two-year deal.
10th June 2025
Jobe Bellingham joins Dortmund for initial £27m
Jobe Bellingham joins Borussia Dortmund from Sunderland on a five-year contract.
Jobe Bellingham signs for Dortmund, will play in Club World Cup
The 19-year-old moves from Sunderland in a deal worth up to €38million (£32m; $43.3m).
How Pep Lijnders, Klopp's most trusted ally, became Guardiola's assistant
Coach's move to Liverpool's great rivals has shocked his old club's fans but it was too good an opportunity to turn down.
Forest ask for clarity over Palace's Europa League place
Nottingham Forest ask Uefa for clarity after expressing their concerns over Crystal Palace's Europa League place.
Guardiola 'so scared' by Israel-Gaza war
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he is "so scared" by the "painful" war in Gaza as he delivers an emotional speech.
Former Liverpool assistant Lijnders joins Man City
Manchester City appoint Pepijn Lijnders - Jurgen Klopp's number two at Liverpool - as Pep Guardiola's new assistant.
Club World Cup Group H: All eyes on Real Madrid's superstars, but are Al Hilal the tournament's dark horses?
Real Madrid head up an intriguing group that also features Pachuca, Red Bull Salzburg and Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal.
Club World Cup Group G: A chance for Manchester City and Juventus to end the season positively?
Group G contains two European heavyweights, plus Moroccan side Wydad AC and 2024 Asian Champions League winners Al Ain.
Club World Cup Group B: Slick PSG and streetsmart Atletico Madrid light up 'Pool of Death'
Four daunting sides, including two current continental champions, promises to form one of the tournament's most intriguing sections.
Club World Cup Group D: Can Chelsea add another trophy to their growing list of honors?
We preview Group D, which features Chelsea, Flamengo, Esperance and late entrants in the form of LAFC.
Club World Cup Group A: Stylish Palmeiras should dominate but will Inter Miami make it through?
We preview a tough-looking group containing Palmeiras, Porto, Inter Miami and Egyptian side Al Ahly.
Club World Cup Group C: Will Bayern Munich reign supreme and can Auckland City's amateurs spring a shock?
The German giants understandably start as group favorites but Di Maria and Boca Juniors offer fascinating sub-plots this summer.
Transfer latest on Cherki, Zubimendi, Turner; meet South Africa's CWC side
Today in TAFC: All the latest news and moves from our DealSheet, the fallout in Italy after Spalletti exit, and a Yamal trading card mystery.
The Transfer DealSheet: Latest on Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Real Madrid and more
Welcome to the second edition of The Athletic’s Transfer DealSheet for the summer 2025 transfer window.
Can you name these Senegalese Premier League top scorers?
Can you name Senegal's top 10 Premier League goalscorers? Test your knowledge by taking BBC Sport's quiz.
Inside Mamelodi Sundowns: The journey to the Club World Cup
In the second part of our series, The Athletic finds out how Mamelodi Sundowns are preparing for this month's Club World Cup in the U.S.