Al-Hilal should already be looking to bolster the defensive area of their midfield, as the club has been conceding a big amount of counters, that both have and might have been deadly for them. Just look at the goal conceded in the AFC Champions League group stage opening game against Uzbek side Navbahor, who only…

At 19 years old, João Pedro Gonçalves Neves has cultivated a reputation as the latest footballing talent with the pedigree to etch his name in the Benfica history books. The Tavira native’s stock has risen dramatically in the past 12 months, with various reports speculating that a move to the Premier League is on the…

On April 27, 2023, came the one day of the week when Javi often returns home late in the evening. At around 9:30 p.m., he finished work, after which he went out with friends for a late dinner. “What I wouldn’t give so I could work regularly at this time on Thursdays – and even…

It has been a stellar start to the campaign for Will Still’s Reims, who have scored in every single match this season and who sit fourth in Ligue 1, one point above Lille, three behind Monaco, four behind PSG and five behind Nice. One player who has proven crucial in the center of the pitch…

The blades of grass on the Maracanã Stadium has seen the pioneers of ‘Joga Bonito’ and their footballing children samba their way through fodder in the heart of Rio de Janeiro. Whether it was Pélé, Zico, Garrincha and Romàrio in the 20th century or Ronaldo Nazário, Ronaldinho, Neymar Jr and Vínícius Jr in later times.…

There’s an irrefutable energy around Newcastle United at the moment. This is a fanbase riding the crest of a wave, and though the murky context of an ownership trying to desperately scrub their hands clean lingers like a fog on the Tyne, few fans could begrudge the long-suffering Newcastle faithful their time in the sun.…

As Douglas Luiz turned to a buoyant Holte End, he reached for his back pocket. Many fans expected him to pull out Lucas Paqueta; instead, he drew a fishing rod. Having lured and baited Alphonse Areola into blinking first from the penalty spot, the Brazilian paid homage to his passion back home. A fond fisherman,…

One of the most intriguing transfer policies in football is at Athletic Club. Only players born in the Basque Country, those who have progressed through the team’s youth system, or those who have played for another Basque football club may be signed by the club. This ultimately makes the historic team very reliant on integrating…

In July 2023 Austrian Bundesliga club Wolfsberger AC announced the signing of 21-year-old Ivorian striker Mohamed Bamba for an undisclosed fee (estimated €300,000) from Israeli second division outlet Hapoel Ironi Rishon LeZion. The signing was met by very little fanfare domestically, or internationally, with Sky Sports Austria one of few digital outlets to cover the…