Delap a 'future England number nine' - Maresca
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says he has no doubt new striker Liam Delap will become a "future England number nine" as he prepares to make his Blues debut at the Club World Cup.
Premier League
16th June 2025
Summer transfer window reopens - who could be on the move?
The summer transfer window has officially reopened for business - just days after closing!.
Gomes on Man Utd academy and its black boots rule
Former Manchester United academy player Angel Gomes speaks to BBC Sport's senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel about his time playing at Old Trafford and whether the pressure of the club is too much for some players.
'Some Man Utd players may have been intimidated by weight of shirt'
In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport, Angel Gomes discusses why players have flourished away from Manchester United and confronts suggestions his England caps are rooted in nepotism.
Club World Cup Briefing: What's drawing fans? Can Auckland mismatches be avoided? Is heat a problem?
Catch up on what's happened at the Club World Cup - and what it all means.
Creating Florian Wirtz: The living room footballer who still can't stand losing
No video games and rarely TV – the story behind potentially the Premier League's most expensive player.
Should record losers Auckland City be part of the expanded Club World Cup?
Auckland City's 10-0 defeat highlighted a tension at the heart of the new Club World Cup but the fault is not theirs.
Lionel Messi at the Club World Cup: The tactical risk of relying on an ageing genius
Jordan Campbell dissects Messi's opening-game performance and why he might hold Inter Miami back.
Fabio: The 44-year-old goalkeeper who makes Messi look young at the Club World Cup
'Veterans' Lionel Messi and Luka Modric have nothing on Fluminense's Fabio. He's into his mid-forties and showing no signs of slowing down.
The key transfer window dates this summer - and which leagues have the last deadlines
All the key dates for transfers, including the leagues for when the big European deadline is missed.
The esports champion who is now operating as a real-life footballer for Lazio
Oliver Provstgaard's career has seen him win the Champions League in the virtual world — now the aim is to play in it in the real world.
Club World Cup: MetLife Stadium pitch criticised after hosting first game
The pitch at the stadium which will host next year's World Cup final has been criticised after its Club World Cup debut.
Paris Saint-Germain 4 Atletico Madrid 0 - European champions put down a marker with clinical win
Paris Saint-Germain secured a comfortable win over Atletico Madrid in Group B. Our writers break down the key talking points...
Bayern Munich 10 Auckland City 0 - Bundesliga winners run up record-breaking scoreline against part-timers
Seb Stafford-Bloor and Jordan Campbell break down the main talking points from Bayern Munich's 10-0 win over Auckland City.
Leeds sign German forward Nmecha from Wolfsburg
Leeds United announce the signing of Germany forward Lukas Nmecha on a two-year deal.
15th June 2025
Spurs sign Tel on permanent £30m deal from Bayern
French forward Mathys Tel scored three goals in 20 games on loan for Tottenham last season.
Infantino's Club World Cup is alive - and on opening night it sort of worked
The opening night of FIFA's “new era for soccer” was not without its cringe moments, but it also delivered a fun game of football.
Auckland City FC: 'We are the working-class team at the FIFA Club World Cup'
The amateurs from New Zealand will take on the might of Bayern Munich, Benfica and Boca Juniors at the tournament in the United States.
How Premier League transfers really work in 2025 - and are rules being broken?
Confused by the way players' moves to new clubs happen these days? Steve Madeley explains what actually goes on...
The Portuguese gym helping Ruben Dias, Rafael Leao and more with brutal demands of modern game
Dias is one of several players using what little downtime they have to carry out extra work they cannot do with their clubs.
The 12 Premier League players who need a transfer this summer
Whether they have fallen out of favour or form, there are a number of players in the top flight who need a move.
The FIFA Club World Cup ball, scientifically tested
The ball that will be used this summer is marketed as one that will support 'fast, precise play' - but how does it feel to kick?.
PSG are still spending a lot of money - but they're doing it very differently
Paris Saint-Germain's longed-for Champions League success came with a younger team - but still one that cost significant money to assemble.
Al Ahly 0, Inter Miami 0 - Messi comes close as 60,000 take in lively Club World Cup opener
Analysis of the opening game of the Club World Cup in Miami.
England U21 defender Egan-Riley joins Marseille
England Under-21 defender CJ Egan-Riley signs for French club Marseille after his contract at Burnley expires.
'One of the best upcoming midfielders' - Nypan to excite Man City fans
Manchester City have agreed a fee of £12.5m with Norwegian side Rosenborg for 18-year-old Sverre Nypan - and City fans have every reason to be excited.
Atletico keen on Robertson - would move appeal?
Atletico Madrid are interested in Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson, but would a move to Spain appeal to the Scot?.
14th June 2025
Atletico Madrid interested in signing Liverpool's Andy Robertson
The 31-year-old is entering into the final year of his contract.
'He will go stratospheric' - Where will Wirtz play for Liverpool?
With Florian Wirtz set to join Liverpool for a club-record £100m, BBC Sport look at where the Germany midfielder will play.
Al Ahli make contact with Ange Postecoglou, former Tottenham boss among candidates if managerial change made
Former Barcelona head coach Xavi is also among the potential options being considered in the event of head coach Matthias Jaissle departing.
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.
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.