Sunday, June 21, 2026

Boca Juniors coach contacts Dybala

Boca Juniors coach contacts Dybala: Boca Juniors coach contacts DybalaBoca Juniors coach contacts Dybala

Paulo Dybala’s future is still up in the air. Roma is negotiating a contract renewal, and the gap between supply and demand needs to be narrowed before a deal is reached.

Meanwhile, Boca Juniors remains on the lookout, continuing to monitor the Argentine’s situation.

According to Argentine journalist Diego Monroig, Boca Juniors coach Vasco Arruabarrena has personally contacted Paulo Dybala to discuss his project and reiterate that he is the Argentine club’s most sought-after player.

Between his contract renewal with Roma and Boca’s interest, the striker’s future remains uncertain.

📊 Lamine opens scoring and makes World Cup history for Spain

📊 Lamine opens scoring and makes World Cup history for Spain: 📊 Lamine opens scoring and makes World Cup history for Spain

Lamine Yamal has become the first scorer for the Spanish national team at the 2026 World Cup, continuing a tradition that in recent tournaments fell to names such as Raúl, Xabi Alonso, Villa, Diego Costa, and Dani Olmo.

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At 18 years and 343 days old, the Barcelona forward is the second-youngest player to score for Spain in a World Cup.

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Only Gavi, at 18 years and 110 days in Qatar 2022, ranks above him on that list. Both came through La Masia.

The goal reinforces Yamal’s role as the attacking leader of a national team arriving at the tournament as one of the main contenders. His status as a game-changing player is no longer up for debate: at this age, others were still finishing high school.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

Lamine Yamal scores first World Cup goal as Spain take lead over Saudi Arabia

Lamine Yamal scores first World Cup goal as Spain take lead over Saudi Arabia:

Barcelona phenom Lamine Yamal has his first World Cup goal, scoring the opener for Spain against Saudi Arabia on Sunday in Atlanta.

Mikel Oyarzabal drove the left side off a Saudi turnover and fired a low cross through the six to the back post where Yamal slid the ball over the line from close range.

MORE — Brazil, Haiti throw party in Philly

It's also Spain's first goal of this World Cup after La Roja were blanked by Cabo Verde in one of the tournament's best early stories (albeit not for Spain).

Yamal will turn 19 during the tournament but is already a EURO champion having scored against France at EURO 2024. He's thrice won La Liga with Barca and has a Copa del Rey in his trophy cabinet and finished Ballon d'Or runner-up in 2025.

MOREUSA 2-0 Australia video highlights & recap

Lamine Yamal scores first World Cup goal as Spain take lead over Saudi Arabia (video)

Sunday, June 14, 2026

Santos protect academy, speed up renewals to avoid losses

Santos protect academy, speed up renewals to avoid losses: Santos protect academy, speed up renewals to avoid lossesSantos protect academy, speed up renewals to avoid losses

Santos has changed its approach in the transfer market and has started adopting an aggressive pace to extend the contracts of its top youth academy prospects, according to ge.

The board's objective is clear: to prevent the "Meninos da Vila" from earning space and visibility in the first team only to then leave for free or for lower-than-expected fees to clubs abroad.

Over the last year, the Santos board secured contract extensions for at least 13 youth players.

The coaching staff and football management have been carrying out individualized monitoring with each young player, designing specific career plans to maximize each one’s performance.

The Latest Players Protected

The most recent wave of renewals involved players who had been gaining prominence under coach Cuca before the break for the FIFA World Cup:

Miguelito: The Bolivian midfielder had his contract extended until May 2029. Under Cuca, he was moved into a central playmaking role and responded with one goal and two assists in the last four matches.

Gabriel Bontempo, Samuel Pierri and Gustavo Henrique: The trio had been used frequently by the coach, with Gustavo Henrique and Bontempo standing out after finishing the semester as starters.

Robinho Jr.: The forward also renewed his deal and has been going through a tactical adaptation process similar to Miguelito’s, being tested by Cuca as a playmaker.

Long-Term Contracts Secured

In addition to the names above, Santos guaranteed the stay of a youth core with deals running at least until 2028. The list includes:

Goalkeeper: João Pedro

Center-backs: João Ananias and João Alencar

Left-backs: Rafael Gonzaga and Vinícius Lira

Midfielder: Pepê Fermino

Forwards: Mateus Xavier, Davizinho and David Nogueira

On the other hand, some names from the under-20 squad are still waiting for talks to begin over renewals, such as midfielder Vinícius Fabri, defensive midfielder Nicola Profeta, center-back Marcelo Contreras and forward Fernando Pradella (who recently made his professional debut against Chapecoense).

The Past Traumas That Set Off the Alarm

Santos’s urgency in signing new contracts is justified by bitter sagas experienced this decade:

Kaio Jorge (2021): The club took too long to act, the striker ended up signing a pre-contract with Juventus, and Santos had to accept an immediate sale for only 3 million euros so as not to lose him for free.

Marcos Leonardo (2022): A long and exhausting saga meant that the renewal agreement was only completed five months before the center-forward became free to sign with another club at no cost.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

Grêmio hits six months without a main sponsor

Grêmio hits six months without a main sponsor: Grêmio hits six months without a main sponsorGrêmio hits six months without a main sponsor

Grêmio has reached an uncomfortable milestone behind the scenes of its commercial operations: the club has now gone six months without a master sponsor to occupy the prime spot on its jersey.

The last time the Tricolor Gaúcho filled the front space was on December 8, at the end of last year’s Brasileirão, through a one-off two-match deal with the Energia Bet brand.

Since then, the club has remained without a fixed partner and is dealing with a considerable financial loss.

Amid this uncertain scenario, ge detailed the current financial situation and the search for partners.

Check it out below!

Estimated loss: According to projections based on the previous contract with Alfa Bet, Grêmio has failed to collect at least R$ 24.9 million over this six-month period. The previous deal provided for annual payments of R$ 50 million (around R$ 4.16 million per month).

The termination with Alfa Bet: The contract with the former partner had been announced in February 2025, in a joint partnership with Internacional. However, Grêmio requested the termination in December due to late payments that had been occurring since September.

Ignored agreement: In March of this year, the club from Rio Grande do Sul had reached a debt acknowledgment agreement with Alfa Bet to receive R$ 12 million in eight installments starting in April. However, the company has not paid any of the installments so far.

History of problems: Last year, Grêmio had already faced issues with sponsors when it ended its deal with the company Pix das Estrelas. At the time, the brand sparked controversy by proposing a kind of “Pix task force” among fans to fund the signing of a reinforcement during the transfer window, which ultimately did not materialize.

The Search for New Partners in the Market

The process of finding a new main sponsor is being led by the club’s CEO, Alex Leitão. Grêmio has opened talks with at least five companies — two betting firms and three from various sectors — but no proposal has moved forward to signing. The internal expectation is that negotiations will gain momentum after the end of the FIFA World Cup.

Despite the lack of a master sponsor, the CEO highlighted that the club managed to generate around R$ 150 million in the first half of the year through nine new commercial contracts, four of them for the kit.

Currently, the tricolor jersey features the Havan brand on the shoulders (announced in February) and Tintas Coral on the upper front area (deal renewed in January). Leitão recently took part in meetings in New York with the CBF to discuss business models and the creation of a single football league.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

Image: Real Madrid’s third kit design for 2026-27 season leaked

Image: Real Madrid’s third kit design for 2026-27 season leaked: Image: Real Madrid’s third kit design for 2026-27 season leakedImage: Real Madrid’s third kit design for 2026-27 season leaked

While the world’s gaze is heavily fixated on the ongoing FIFA World Cup, Real Madrid is working hard to ensure they have a solid foundation for the next club season.

After two unlucky trophy-less seasons, they are after all looking to bounce back.

Their kit sponsor, Adidas, have meanwhile been concurrently working on the team’s kits for the 2026-27 campaign. A few designs have been leaked, but none have been confirmed.

In another recent update, Footy Headlines bring to light the leaked design of the team’s third kit for the 2026-27 season, and it is safe to say that it has a special and unique touch to it.

Going back to pink

Indeed, the 2026-27 third kit features a bold dark pink base, bringing the colour back to the lineup after six seasons. It is heavily inspired by geometric shapes and Latin American artistry.

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Courtesy: Footy Headlines

The pattern in itself is an intricate combination of circles and diamonds that interlock with each other and are made of fine dotted lines. That design continues as the background for both the front and back of the kit.

An ivory colour, meanwhile, provides all the required highlights and contrast including the V-neck collar, the thick shoulder cuffs and the three stripes running down the shoulders.

The Adidas logo, club crest and sponsor details, meanwhile, feature in a monochromatic white colour. Meanwhile, the back of the shirt has an elegant ‘RMCF’ printed at the top.

Third time in history

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Real Madrid’s rumoured third kit for 2026/27 season. (Picture credit: Footy Headlines)

The first time Real Madrid featured a pink colour jersey was back in the 2014-15 season when the famous trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale headed the attack.

It came across as an unconventional colour back then, but earned critical acclaim as well.

In the 2020-21 season, the club repeated the idea with a lighter shade of pink. That year, however, they did not win a single trophy and eventually saw Zinedine Zidane depart as the manager.

Now taking on the pink colour again, Los Blancos will hope to undo that curse for they cannot afford a third straight trophyless season. The pink, on this occasion, must harbour luck.

Saturday, June 13, 2026

Real Madrid prodigy not engaged in any talks with Serie A champions regarding summer move – Romano

Real Madrid prodigy not engaged in any talks with Serie A champions regarding summer move – Romano: Real Madrid prodigy not engaged in any talks with Serie A champions regarding summer move – RomanoReal Madrid prodigy not engaged in any talks with Serie A champions regarding summer move – Romano

Real Madrid have no intention of parting ways with Endrick this summer despite reports linking the Brazilian forward with a move to Inter Milan.

Earlier today, speculation gathered momentum when reports emerged suggesting Inter were exploring a deal for the 19-year-old, potentially involving a loan with an obligation to buy worth between €35 million and €40 million.

However, transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano has now dismissed those reports, insisting there is no truth to the rumours and no ongoing discussions between the parties.

No truth in Inter Milan links

The story initially gained traction after reports claimed Inter Milan had identified Endrick as a priority target and were evaluating possible formulas to bring him to Serie A.

Given the fierce competition for places in Real Madrid’s attack, the rumours inevitably sparked questions about the Brazilian’s future, but according to Romano, there is currently nothing to discuss.

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Endrick was linked to Inter Milan. (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images)

The Italian journalist has stated that there have been no contacts between Inter Milan and Endrick, effectively shutting down the speculation before it could gather further momentum.

More importantly, Real Madrid recently held conversations with the player’s representatives and used those meetings to reaffirm their faith in the youngster while communicating that he will have a prominent role next season.

Understandably, Endrick is considered a player for the future and someone Real Madrid fully expect to continue developing at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid have a plan in place

One of the most significant details from Romano’s update concerns the direct communication between Real Madrid and Endrick’s camp.

It is said that the club officials met with the player’s agents towards the end of May and reiterated that they continue to believe strongly in his potential.

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Endrick will not leave Real Madrid. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Getty Images)

That conversation removed any uncertainty regarding his immediate future.

Rather than discussing possible exits, Real Madrid used the opportunity to reassure the player’s entourage that he remains an important part of their plans moving forward.

Furthermore, another important factor working in Endrick’s favour is the arrival of Jose Mourinho.

As such, the young forward has already spoken with the new Real Madrid manager, which could prove decisive heading into the new season.

Simply put, there seems to be no concrete basis for the Brazilian’s links with Serie A as Real Madrid will be counting on him for next season.

Julen Lopetegui reflects on his Real Madrid dismissal: ‘I had the dressing room’s confidence’

Julen Lopetegui reflects on his Real Madrid dismissal: ‘I had the dressing room’s confidence’: Julen Lopetegui reflects on his Real Madrid dismissal: ‘I had the dressing room’s confidence’Julen Lopetegui reflects on his Real Madrid dismissal: ‘I had the dressing room’s confidence’

Few managerial careers have taken a turn as dramatic as Julen Lopetegui’s in the summer of 2018.

One moment, he was leading Spain into the World Cup as one of the tournament favourites. Days later, he was out of a job before a single ball had been kicked. 

Then came the opportunity to manage Real Madrid, a dream appointment that ultimately lasted just four months.

Now, eight years later, Lopetegui has reflected on one of the most turbulent periods of his career, insisting that circumstances beyond football played a major role in how events unfolded.

A trip down the memory lane

By the time Spain arrived in Russia for the 2018 World Cup, optimism around the national team was growing.

Lopetegui had overseen an impressive rebuilding process, guiding Spain through qualification without defeat and restoring confidence after a difficult period following the country’s golden generation.

Looking back on that time in an interview with El Mundo, the current Qatar manager believes the team were in an excellent position heading into the tournament.

“A sabbatical wasn’t part of my plans (laughs). That’s how I see it, and I’ve tried to explain it before. 

“I was coming off two wonderful years with the national team, with extraordinary results, beating most of the big sides andplaying very well. 

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Julen Lopetegui never got the chance to manage the Spanish team at the World Cup. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

“We managed to win over a group of players again, because when we arrived, the style was being questioned, but we went into the tournament in top form. 

“We were very well prepared, but due to the circumstances we all know about, we had to leave. It wasn’t up to us and it wasn’t down to football.”

Spain’s decision to dismiss Lopetegui after it emerged that he had agreed to become Real Madrid manager remains one of the most controversial moments in the country’s recent football history.

For the coach himself, it is clearly an episode that still lingers years later.

Lopetegui feels he never got a fair chance

Following his departure from Spain, Lopetegui immediately turned his attention to Real Madrid.

It was one of the most challenging moments imaginable to take charge of the club. 

Cristiano Ronaldo had left for Juventus, several key players returned late after deep World Cup runs and expectations remained as high as ever.

The Spaniard believes those circumstances made the job far more difficult than many appreciated at the time.

“From there, the challenge at Madrid began. The start was a challenge because many players were at the World Cup, their return was delayed, and it was the year Cristiano left. 

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Real Madrid dismissed Lopetegui after just 14 matches. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

“It wasn’t easy for many reasons. Despite that, we started well. I had the dressing room’s confidence and we were on the right track, building something.”

Despite a promising start, the situation quickly unravelled. A poor run of results led to mounting pressure and eventually his dismissal in October after just 14 matches in charge.

Reflecting on the difficult run that ultimately cost him his position, he explained,

“And we had two weeks where everything that could go wrong went wrong. Football has those moments. 

“An own goal in Moscow, Isco’s appendicitis… And we fell seven points behind Barça and I left the team in October.”

The former Real Madrid coach then pointed to what happened after his departure as evidence that the problems ran deeper than many initially thought.

“I think the impact of the World Cup was starting to fade. Modric, for example, came back tired from the tournament 

“We would have liked to have seen that through. We were seven points behind Barça and then the team finished more than 20 points adrift and were knocked out by Ajax in the Champions League,” he concluded.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT: MARTA MASCARELLO

OFFICIAL STATEMENT: MARTA MASCARELLO: OFFICIAL STATEMENT: MARTA MASCARELLOOFFICIAL STATEMENT: MARTA MASCARELLO

AC Milan is delighted to announce that Marta Mascarellohas renewed her contract with the Club until 30 June 2028

Born in 1998, Marta joined the Rossonere in the summer of 2022 and quickly became an integral part of the team, making 93 appearances to date. Her development at AC Milan has been marked by hard work, professionalism and a strong sense of belonging - qualities that have made her an important reference point within the squad.

Real Madrid to receive €15m as Newcastle United near winger deal

Real Madrid to receive €15m as Newcastle United near winger deal: Real Madrid to receive €15m as Newcastle United near winger dealReal Madrid to receive €15m as Newcastle United near winger deal

It should be another summer where Real Madrid manage to rake in a significant amount of money in the transfer market. There will be at least one or two players leaving the Bernabeu, but some of the funds will come via the activation of sell-on clauses – which is exactly what will soon happen in the case of Victor Munoz.

Last summer, Real Madrid sold Munoz to Osasuna for €6m. As part of that agreement, they retained a buy-back clause, while they also hung on to 50% of his rights – and this decision has proven to be masterstroke, as the 22-year-old has been excellent during his first season at El Sadar.

Seven goals and five assists in 36 appearances does not tell the full story, as Munoz has been a constant threat for opposition teams whenever he has played. Understandably, his performances have caught the attention of numerous clubs across Europe, and one of them is Newcastle United. The Premier League club have been searching for a replacement for Anthony Gordon, whom they sold to Barcelona a few weeks ago. They have landed on Munoz as their leading target, and according to Diario AS, a deal to take him to the North East of England is almost done.

Real Madrid decide against triggering buy-back clause

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Image via Alex Caparros/Getty Images

A €30m deal has been agreed in principle, with only minor details to be resolved before Newcastle can get their man. Real Madrid decided against activating their buy-back clause, but by retaining 50% of rights, they will be entitled to receive at least €15m.

Real Madrid may well continue to keep tabs on Munoz during his time in the Premier League, although they will lose control of his future. However, that €15m will come in handy, as they continue searching for possible additions to Jose Mourinho’s squad for the 2026-27 season.

West Ham shareholders address Sullivan allegations and agree ownership deal

West Ham shareholders address Sullivan allegations and agree ownership deal: General view of West Ham United's London Stadium[Getty Images]

Two of West Ham's major shareholders have spoken out against David Sullivan after striking a deal that will see Daniel Kretinsky become the club's biggest shareholder.

Kretinsky and Vanessa Gold said they were "deeply concerned" after allegations of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour were levelled against Sullivan by a joint BBC Panorama and Times investigation.

Kretinsky's stake in the club will rise from 27% to 43%, exceeding Sullivan's 38.8%.

"Our thoughts go out to those women who have fought so hard to make their voices heard," said Kretinsky and Gold in a statement.

"Any abuse of power is abhorrent, and it takes great courage and determination to speak up against it."

Sullivan, 77, said he "categorically" denies the claims, which span the period when he made a fortune from pornography, newspapers and football.

Kretinsky and Gold said the "full West Ham United Board was not notified about these allegations against Sullivan until approximately a month ago", but did not know the full details of the allegations until they were made public on Monday.

Sullivan has been banned from having contact with the club's women's and youth teams for the last three years because of safeguarding concerns.

Kretinsky and Gold said: "As communicated by West Ham, the Board representatives of shareholders other than David Sullivan were only made aware this week of the safeguarding measures that have been in place since 2023."

West Ham are dealing with the fall-out from the investigation at the same time as they are attempting to make an immediate return to the Premier League after being relegated for the first time since 2012.

"As shareholders and directors of West Ham, our focus is now firmly on protecting the future of this football club," said Kretinsky and Gold.

"As such, we have reached agreement on the key terms of a share purchase transaction between the Gold family and 1890 Holdings, which, subject to other shareholders' pre-emption rights and necessary approvals, would make 1890 Holdings (part of the broader group EP) the largest shareholder in West Ham with an approximately 43% stake.

"As the largest shareholder, group EP will be able to provide the additional financing the club needs."

Kretinsky and Gold call for united West Ham

West Ham co-chair Daniel Kretinsky (centre)West Ham co-chair Daniel Kretinsky (centre) at the club's Conference League final victory in Prague in June 2023 [Getty Images]

Kretinsky, who bought his initial stake in West Ham in November 2021, and Gold, whose late father David was Sullivan's long-term business partner, said their vision for West Ham's future is being backed by fellow shareholders Tripp Smith, Daniel Harris and Terry Brown.

"We are taking these steps because West Ham needs to be truly united at this moment in its history," they said.

"We expect to finalise this transaction in the next couple of weeks.

"Once the agreement is complete, group EP and the Gold family have also agreed to vote jointly on key matters and to support the strategy targeting an immediate return to the Premier League."

Despite failing to keep West Ham in the Premier League, manager Nuno Espirito Santo has agreed to remain in his job to try and gain promotion from the Championship, a feat he achieved with Wolves in 2018.

It remains to be seen what the immediate impact of the deal will have on Nuno's squad.

West Ham lost £104.2m in the financial year to 31 May, 2025 and are heading for another substantial deficit this year.

It was anticipated a number of their leading players would leave the club, including Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes, who is attracting strong interest from Manchester United, although they are unwilling to spend the £80m West Ham are thought to want for him.

Given his personal wealth - he also owns a significant stake in supermarket chain Sainsbury's - Kretinsky has the funds to inject into West Ham if needed and, together with Gold, is determined to return to the top flight at the earliest opportunity.

However, the pair are also wanting to rebuild relationships with the club's fans, who have previously launched repeated protests against Sullivan and former vice-chair Karren Brady over the running of the club.

"Our goal is to stabilise West Ham, retain as many of our key players as possible and, under the management of Nuno Espirito Santo, secure an immediate return to the Premier League," said the statement.

"We are also committed to engaging with our fans and all business partners to build a stronger future for our club.

"We believe that a strong coalition – of fans, players, management and the board – is essential to securing the bright future this club deserves. We are absolutely committed to playing our part."

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Barcelona in line for €400,000 training compensation thanks to Betis midfielder’s Sporting move

Barcelona in line for €400,000 training compensation thanks to Betis midfielder’s Sporting move: Barcelona in line for €400,000 training compensation thanks to Betis midfielder’s Sporting moveBarcelona in line for €400,000 training compensation thanks to Betis midfielder’s Sporting move

Former La Masia midfielder Sergi Altimira is on the verge of joining Sporting Lisbon from Real Betis after both clubs finally reached an agreement following lengthy negotiations. 

It is said that the operation could be worth up to €22 million, with Sporting set to pay €18 million upfront plus a further €4 million in performance-related bonuses.

While the figures involved will primarily benefit Betis, SPORT reports that Barcelona are also in line to receive a small payment thanks to FIFA’s training compensation mechanism.

Barcelona to receive compensation

According to the outlet, the Catalan giants are expected to receive close to €400,000 from Altimira’s transfer to Sporting Lisbon due to the years he spent at La Masia during his development.

Although the amount is relatively modest compared to Barcelona’s bigger financial picture, it still represents easy income for a club that continues to monitor every available source of revenue.

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Sergi Altimira is set to move to Sporting Lisbon. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

It must be remembered that Altimira first joined Barcelona’s academy in 2012 after arriving from local side Cardedeu and spent several important years developing within the club’s youth structure before eventually moving on in search of senior opportunities.

His departure from Barcelona came in 2019 when he joined CE Sabadell, beginning a journey that has now taken him to one of Portugal’s biggest clubs.

Betis midfielder rewarded for impressive rise

Altimira’s career has steadily progressed since leaving Barcelona.

After making his name away from La Masia, the midfielder earned a move to Real Betis, where he has continued developing into a dependable option in central midfield.

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Altimira spent his formative years at La Masia. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

He was not always an automatic starter during the most recent campaign, but his performances were strong enough to attract interest from clubs across Europe.

It is believed that RB Leipzig were among the teams interested in signing him this summer, although Sporting Lisbon ultimately won the race and are now close to finalising the transfer.

Right now, there is another player at Real Betis who could benefit Barcelona.

The player in question is Ez Abde, for whom Barcelona still owns 20% of the future sale value. The Moroccan has a €60 million release clause and is said to be wanted by several top teams.

Palestra alternative emerges as Inter weigh move for Nottingham Forest winger Ndoye

Palestra alternative emerges as Inter weigh move for Nottingham Forest winger Ndoye: Palestra alternative emerges as Inter weigh move for Nottingham Forest winger NdoyePalestra alternative emerges as Inter weigh move for Nottingham Forest winger Ndoye

Inter are considering reviving their interest in Nottingham Forest’s Dan Ndoye as a potential alternative to Marco Palestra, with the financial gap in the Atalanta wing-back’s valuation showing little sign of narrowing as the summer window progresses.

According to Il Giorno, via FCInter1908, Inter remain keen on Palestra and the feeling is mutual, but the numbers remain a significant obstacle.

The Nerazzurri value the talented starlet at around €45 million, while Atalanta are holding out for closer to €55 million.

Manchester City’s rumoured fascination with Palestra adds further competition to a deal that already looked complicated before other suitors entered the picture.

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MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 17: Marco Palestra of Cagliari Calcio in action during the Serie A match at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Frattesi exit could fund Ndoye move as Forest push for Inter midfielder in potential swap

Ndoye, who left Bologna for Nottingham Forest last summer, has previously been linked with the Nerazzurri and represents a more financially viable option on the right side of attack.

Forest themselves have reportedly reignited interest in Davide Frattesi, who is among the midfielders expected to depart this summer and is also being monitored by Napoli and Juventus.

Any deal involving Ndoye could therefore become entwined with Frattesi’s own situation, adding an extra layer of complexity to the right-flank reinforcement plans.

Elsewhere, the Nerazzurri are close to finalising a deal worth around €25 million, including bonuses, for Udinese centre-back Oumar Solet; progress that suggests defensive business may be resolved before the more complicated winger situation.

World Cup 2026: Gio Reyna uses goal celebration to announce wife’s pregnancy during USMNT win

World Cup 2026: Gio Reyna uses goal celebration to announce wife’s pregnancy during USMNT win:

It was the perfect night for the United States men’s national team with a 4-1 win over Paraguay in their World Cup opener Friday night. The fourth goal, scored courtesy of a trivela by Gio Reyna, allowed the 23-year-old the “perfect” time to reveal life news.

Reyna ran to the corner to celebrate the goal, followed by his teammates, the U.S. subs, and even manager Mauricio Pochettino. Once the group broke up and began going back to their respective places, the midfielder asked for a ball and proceeded to tuck it under his jersey and stick his thumb in his mouth, the universal soccer sign that a baby is on the way.

Reyna confirmed afterward that his wife, Chloe, is pregnant with the couple’s first child.

“I’ve known for a couple months now,, so I was waiting for the perfect time [to break the news],” Reyna said. “And this sort of felt like it.”

The goal, which came 16 minutes after Reyna was subbed into the game, was his first in a World Cup and the 10th of his international career.

Those around Reyna, which include Chloe and his parents, former U.S. players Claudio and Danielle, had been encouraging him to shoot more when given the opportunity and to "be a bit selfish at times," he said.

The timing couldn’t have been better to heed those words of advice with the U.S. up 3-1 and the match in the dying moments in the eighth minute of second-half stoppage time. And it wasn’t just any shot. It was with a trivela where he struck the ball with the outside of his right foot, slicing it across the Paraguay penalty box and past goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

“Honestly, when I’m playing, I’m not really thinking,” Reyna said afterward. “I’m just doing whatever felt natural. I was in a good area, and I got a good pass, and I just saw the angle, far post.”

Reyna’s teammates are used to seeing skill like that from him in training. Pulling it off in a game was a bit of a surprise to some.

“We see stuff from him like that every day,” said Christian Pulisic. “So it’s not like a crazy surprise. And he deserves it. It’s great to see him pull it off in a moment like this.”

The U.S. earned a valuable three points with Folarin Balogun scoring twice and an own goal also contributing to the positive scoreline. Their other two Group D opponents, Australia and Türkiye play Saturday night in Vancouver.

Australia will be the next opponent for the U.S. on Friday night in Seattle.

Best Football Pictures: Iconic Moments & Action Shots

 

Free Soccer Football photo and picture

Football is arguably the most captivating sport on the planet, a game defined by emotion, precision, and history. High-quality football pictures are the bridge that allows fans to relive the greatest moments of the sport. Whether it is a perfectly timed volley, a dramatic last-minute tackle, or the sheer joy of a victory celebration, these images capture the essence of the beautiful game.

The Power of Sports Photography

A truly great football photograph does not just document a match; it captures an emotion. It freezes time at the exact moment a player leaps into the air to head the ball or when a crowd erupts in unison. For bloggers, content creators, and die-hard fans, finding iconic football imagery is crucial for sharing the spirit of the sport. From the neon lights of major European stadiums to the grassroots fields where passion begins, football photography reflects the global culture of the game.

What Defines Exceptional Football Imagery?

When you are curating your own collection of HD football wallpapers and action shots, keep an eye out for three essential elements:

  • Dynamic Movement: The best shots utilize high shutter speeds to freeze players in motion, highlighting the athleticism involved in every sprint and strike.

  • Emotional Intensity: Focus on images that show the human side of the sport—the tension on a manager's face or the triumph in a player’s eyes.

  • Cinematic Atmosphere: Look for photos that capture the architecture of legendary stadiums and the energy of the supporters in the stands.

Relive the Legacy

Whether you are building a sports blog, looking for desktop inspiration, or celebrating your favorite club, professional football pictures serve as a visual archive of sporting greatness. They remind us why we fall in love with the game in the first place. Stay tuned to our gallery for a curated selection of the most powerful and stunning football imagery from across the globe. Capture the action, feel the intensity, and celebrate the world's most popular sport through the lens of history.

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