Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: March 25, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

European Club Competition & Transfer Speculation

The future of Liverpool icon Mohamed Salah dominated transfer chatter, with MLS commissioner Don Garber stating he would "love" to see the Egyptian star join the league Garber would 'love' Salah in league. However, immediate interest remains strong from the Middle East, as Al-Ittihad rekindled their pursuit of the forward, even as Liverpool reportedly eye Bayern Munich's Olise as a potential replacement should Salah depart this summer Liverpool eye Olise as Salah replacement. Meanwhile, in a major announcement rocking Anfield, Salah confirmed his intention to leave Liverpool at the end of the season Salah's shock announcement, prompting analysis on where the forward ranks among Premier League greats, with Jamie Carragher placing him just behind Thierry Henry Salah ahead of Ronaldo among greats.

Away from the transfer market, European competition saw mixed results for major clubs. Manchester United Women suffered a home defeat to Bayern Munich in their Champions League quarter-final first leg, though manager Marc Skinner remains confident the side can overturn the deficit next week, despite the disappointment of the initial result Man Utd down but not out. In the women's game's other major tie, Arsenal established a commanding 3-1 lead over Chelsea in their UWCL quarterfinal thanks to clinical finishing from Stina Blackstenius and others Arsenal teach Chelsea lesson, though Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor later demanded "more respect" for officiating in the women's game after a controversial disallowed goal Women's game needs more respect. Furthermore, UEFA issued a fine to Benfica following racist abuse directed by fans toward Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League fixture.

In Madrid, Real Madrid solidified their domestic standing after a painful Clásico victory over Barcelona dispelled notions of parity between the two giants Barcelona deal Madrid painful reminder, with refereeing officials later backing the red card shown to Federico Valverde for "serious foul play" during the derby Spain refs back Valverde red. Vinícius Júnior, despite being the subject of alleged abuse in a separate UEFA matter, confirmed his long-term commitment to the club, stating he intends to stay at Madrid "for a long time" Vini Jr. wants to stay. Elsewhere, Kylian Mbappé addressed injury concerns, explicitly denying reports that his knee issue was misdiagnosed after the Real Madrid medical team examined the wrong knee.

Premier League & Domestic Updates

Manchester United faces a potential summer overhaul, with the club reportedly relaxed about Marcus Rashford's future amid links to Barcelona Utd relaxed on Rashford's Barça future while simultaneously scouting defensive reinforcements, including USMNT left-back Antonee Robinson Robinson on Man United's radar and Everton's Iliman Ndiaye Ndiaye among Man Utd targets. United's infrastructure plans remain ambitious, as executives expressed hope that their proposed new stadium will be ready to host the 2035 Women's World Cup final, aiming for a completion within the next six years Man Utd retain new stadium dream. In contrast, Newcastle United is planning a significant summer striker search, despite having spent £125 million on forwards last year Newcastle to target a striker.

Several managerial situations remain fluid across the league. Tottenham Hotspur is reportedly unlikely to appoint former manager Roberto De Zerbi before the season concludes, despite interest, as he plans to delay his return until the summer De Zerbi expected to delay return, leaving interim coach Igor Tudor's future uncertain Where do Spurs go next?. Meanwhile, former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino commented that he misses the environment of English football Pochettino misses English football. In the Championship, Huddersfield Town boss Liam Manning has been granted compassionate leave for the remainder of the season Huddersfield boss Manning takes leave, and the EFL confirmed the schedule for the Championship, L1 & L2 play-offs.

International Football & World Cup Qualifiers

The build-up to the 2026 World Cup saw Italy preparing for a must-win play-off against Northern Ireland, with coach Gennaro Gattuso warning his players not to underestimate the opponent in what he called "the most important game" of his career Italy staying positive before 'most important game'. Gattuso also confirmed that star player Federico Chiesa is out for the match Gattuso says Chiesa out, while defender Riccardo Calafiori noted the coach's intense communication, joking Gattuso called him more than his own mother Gattuso called him more than mother. Wales faces its first major qualification campaign without Gareth Bale, placing increased pressure on players like Harry Wilson will Wilson fire Wales to World Cup? and Neco Williams to step up Williams aims to step out of shadows.

Concerns over tournament logistics are mounting, as FIFA confirmed the final phase of ticket sales would commence on April 1, following the sale of over one million tickets in the previous release FIFA details final ticket sales. However, this pricing structure has drawn criticism, leading European fans to file a formal complaint against FIFA with the European Commission regarding the high cost of attendance European fans file complaint over WC ticket prices. Furthermore, analysis of the expanded 48-team tournament format suggests it will be the most polluting World Cup yet.

MLS & US Soccer Developments

Major League Soccer continues its executive expansion, with Arthur Blank appointing former Tigres executive Mauricio Culebro as president of soccer operations for both Atlanta United FC and the forthcoming NWSL team set to debut in 2028 Ex-Tigres exec to run Atlanta's teams. On the player front, speculation links Manchester United's Casemiro with a move to MLS, as both Inter Miami and LA Galaxy are reportedly interested in the Brazilian midfielder Miami, Galaxy, Al Ittihad eye Casemiro. While USMNT star Antonee Robinson is on Manchester United's radar Robinson on Man United's radar, teammate Cristian Roldan acknowledged a "huge gap" in the midfield contingent without Tyler Adams and saw upcoming friendlies as a chance for others to prove their worth Roldan: 'Huge gap' in U.S. midfield. US soccer legend Landon Donovan is slated to make a return to the field this summer for the $1 million winner-take-all TST event Donovan to make return at TST.

Other Football News

In Scotland, Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh announced a significant £16 million cash injection to bolster summer transfer funds Rangers' £16m transfer boost, as the club seeks to keep pace in the title race, where captain Callum McGregor stated they need "at least five or six" wins from their remaining seven matches Celtic need 'five or six wins'. Meanwhile, Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel successfully underwent the first of two planned shoulder surgeries Schmeichel says shoulder surgery went well. Internationally, Senegal has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport after their Africa Cup of Nations title was overturned following a match against Morocco Senegal appeal to CAS. Finally, in a bizarre incident, Corinthians striker Memphis Depay offered an explanation for why he was seen using a mobile phone while sitting on the substitutes' bench during a domestic league match Depay explains using mobile phone.