Football news

Benzema ready to join Lyon for free, Saudi ambassador contract blocked everything

Free since leaving Al-Hilal, Karim Benzema was willing to return to Olympique Lyonnais without a salary this summer. His contractual commitment as Saudi Pro League ambassador until 2030 made the deal impossible.

United players back Shaw over left-back signing but urge Carrick to find Sesko a strike partner

Manchester United's players are reportedly unconcerned by the lack of left-back cover this summer, placing their trust in Luke Shaw — but the dressing room considers a second striker alongside Benjamin Sesko the squad's most pressing unresolved need.

Lineker reveals he is comfortable alone a decade after divorce as ITV show launches

Gary Lineker has opened up about his romantic life, saying he feels no need for a long-term partner since divorcing Danielle Bux ten years ago, while his media business Goalhanger reaches a £100 million valuation.

United players back Sesko cover over left-back as squad priorities diverge from board

Manchester United's players believe a second striker to partner Benjamin Sesko is a more urgent need than left-back cover, despite the club spending £155m on three midfielders this summer and leaving Luke Shaw without a natural backup.

O'Reilly injury forces late change as Fernandez starts for Man City against Coventry

Nico O'Reilly was withdrawn from Manchester City's starting line-up before kick-off against Coventry City on Saturday after picking up a knock in the warm-up, with £125m signing Enzo Fernandez promoted into the XI in his place.

Infantino resurfaces at Women's Under-20 World Cup amid growing calls to resign

Gianni Infantino made a rare public appearance at the Under-20 Women's World Cup in Poland on Saturday, weeks after abandoning his controversial $20 billion World Cup sell-off proposal that drew widespread opposition from Fifa member associations and triggered legal action from Uefa.

Seven points behind Monaco, Luis Enrique provokes by betting on PSG's title

After PSG's defeat to Monaco on Friday in Matchday 3 of Ligue 1, Luis Enrique challenged anyone to bet against his team for the title. A statement that annoyed former international Matthieu Dossevi.

Luke Shaw on trial at Manchester United as club weighs contract renewal decision

Luke Shaw faces an uncertain future at Manchester United, with the club's chief writer revealing the left-back must impress this season to earn a new deal — his current contract carries no option clause, unlike several teammates.

PSG's Poor Start: Luis Enrique Warned Not to Push His Advantage Too Far

After five matches without a win in Ligue 1 and a home defeat to Monaco (1-2), Luis Enrique faces scrutiny over his management of the Paris squad, with a historical comparison between Sacchi and Zidane cited as a cautionary tale.

Barcelona move to raise Espart's release clause from €20m to €150m after promotion

Barcelona are in contract talks with academy graduates Xavi Espart and Brian Farinas following their promotions to Hansi Flick's senior squad. Espart's release clause is set to rise from €20m to €150m, while a revised figure for Farinas has yet to be disclosed.

Louie Bradbury scores debut hat-trick for Stoke City against Man City within 24 hours of leaving United

Seventeen-year-old Louie Bradbury left Manchester United on Friday and made an immediate mark at Stoke City, netting a debut hat-trick against Manchester City in a wild 8-5 Under-18 Premier League defeat on Saturday.

Ndiaye starts for Man City against Coventry as £35m signing Allan misses out through injury

Iliman Ndiaye goes straight into Manchester City's starting XI for the Premier League clash with Coventry City, but fellow summer signing Allan is absent as he continues his recovery from injury.

Raphinha named Barça captain, Yamal fifth: Flick reveals hierarchy

Ahead of the trip to Valencia, Hansi Flick clarified the order of captains at FC Barcelona: Raphinha leading, followed by Pedri, Eric Garcia, Frenkie de Jong and 19-year-old Lamine Yamal.

Enzo Fernandez set for Manchester City debut after £125m deadline-day move from Chelsea

Manchester City host Coventry in the Premier League with new signing Enzo Fernandez ready to make his debut following his record-equalling £125m transfer from Chelsea. Frank Lampard's side arrive having lost their opening two fixtures.

Man United extend talks for Louis Page after Leicester reject deadline-day bid

Manchester United failed to sign Leicester City midfielder Louis Page on transfer deadline day after the two clubs could not agree on payment terms. Talks remain ongoing, with United confident of completing a deal in January.

Mike Dean walks back referee 'mini-games' claims but insists he always did his job professionally

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has attempted to clarify his controversial podcast comments, saying he regrets how they came across but maintains he refereed 'properly and professionally' throughout his 25-year career.

Zidane as France coach: Téléfoot dedicates special feature to him on return

Less than a month before his first matches in charge of the French national team, Zinédine Zidane will be the centerpiece of Téléfoot this Sunday, with a special feature dedicated to his appointment.

Andy Gray returns to UK commentary on talkSPORT, 14 years after Sky Sports sexism sacking

Chivu blames De Zerbi for Pavard's downfall at Marseille

Back at Inter Milan after a failed loan spell at Olympique de Marseille, Benjamin Pavard is regaining credit under Cristian Chivu. The Nerazzurri manager directly points to Roberto De Zerbi as responsible for the poor season of the French international defender.

Manchester United and fan groups agree seven principles to resolve ticketing crackdown row

Manchester United have published the minutes from a July 30 fans' forum meeting that produced seven agreed principles aimed at rebuilding trust after the club's controversial summer crackdown on alleged ticket touting led to season-ticket restrictions and suspensions.