FOOTBALL

Barcelona Eye Adeyemi as Long-Term Lewandowski Successor

Karim Adeyemi (Borussia Dortmund)
October 2025

Barcelona are tracking Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi as a potential summer 2026 signing. Adeyemi, 23, will enter the final year of his contract and has been productive this season with three goal involvements in six games.
Barca view him as a long-term replacement for 37-year-old Robert Lewandowski. Adeyemi’s pace, directness, and Bundesliga form make him a natural candidate, though his price could rise with other clubs monitoring his situation.

Palace Star Mateta Hints at Exit After France Call-Up

Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)
October 2025

Jean-Philippe Mateta has hinted at leaving Crystal Palace to chase Champions League football and major trophies. The striker has scored 30 league goals in two seasons and helped Palace win the FA Cup in 2025.
Now 28, Mateta earned his first France call-up and told RMC Sport he wants to reach the next level like his international teammates. Aston Villa, Leeds, and Newcastle are interested, with Palace valuing him at £40m. Tottenham and Manchester United were linked in the summer.

Liverpool Consider Reunion with Bournemouth’s Semenyo

Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)
October 2025

Liverpool are considering a move for Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo, with sporting director Richard Hughes pushing for a reunion after signing him once before. Semenyo is second in the Golden Boot race with six goals.
Despite losing key defenders, Bournemouth sit fourth in the table thanks to Semenyo’s form. Spurs, Manchester United, and Chelsea are also keen. Bournemouth would demand £75m+, making him one of the most expensive forwards on the market.

Arsenal’s Wembley Plans Spark Chelsea Fan Fury

Arsenal
October 2025

Arsenal are considering moving to Wembley while renovating the Emirates Stadium to expand capacity beyond 70,000. The plan has sparked frustration among Chelsea fans, who fear it will block their own Stamford Bridge redevelopment options.
Fans vented online that Arsenal’s temporary occupation of Wembley could deny Chelsea access if they also need the venue. Arsenal last used Wembley in 1998–2000 for Champions League games. Meanwhile, Arsenal top the Premier League while Chelsea sit mid-table amid stadium uncertainty.

Jordi Alba to Retire at End of 2025 Season

Jordi Alba (Inter Miami)
October 2025

Jordi Alba announced he will retire at the end of the current MLS season, closing a decorated career that includes 25 trophies and 93 Spain caps. The 36-year-old has been a standout for Inter Miami since joining in 2023.
Alba leaves behind a legacy built on success at Barcelona, where he formed a devastating left-flank partnership with Lionel Messi. At Miami, he played 63 games and helped stabilize the squad. His departure follows Sergio Busquets’ exit announcement. Miami could finish as high as second in the East, with Alba chasing one final playoff run.

Malaysia Appeals FIFA Ban on Seven Naturalised Players

Football Association of Malaysia
October 2025

Malaysia will appeal FIFA’s ruling that banned seven players for falsifying documents to gain eligibility for the national team. FIFA’s disciplinary report revealed the players’ claimed Malaysian ancestry was fabricated, with roots actually in Spain, Argentina, Brazil, and the Netherlands.
The players received 12-month bans and fines, while FAM was hit with a 350,000 Swiss franc penalty. FAM said it already prepared documents to support its appeal and will file promptly. The controversy threatens to destabilize Malaysian football, as the national team risks losing key squad members for an extended period.

Sweden Coach Defends Gyökeres Amid Arsenal Goal Drought

Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal)
October 2025

Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson defended Viktor Gyökeres after criticism over his six-game goal drought at Arsenal. Despite struggles in front of goal, Tomasson insists Gyökeres’ work rate, space creation, and movement remain vital.
Gyökeres scored three times in his first four Arsenal matches, including a debut brace against Leeds, but has since gone quiet. Tomasson compared him to Erling Haaland — dangerous with few touches. Gyökeres dismissed criticism, stressing adaptation takes time and focus should remain on consistency. He’ll lead Sweden in qualifiers against Switzerland and Kosovo.

Frankfurt Set to Revive Move for Newcastle’s Osula

William Osula (Newcastle)
October 2025

Frankfurt plan to relaunch their pursuit of Newcastle striker William Osula in January after failing to land him on deadline day. Personal terms are already agreed with the Danish forward.
Frankfurt’s initial offer of a €5m loan with a €25m buy option was rejected. Newcastle paid €11m to sign Osula in 2024, but he’s had limited starts despite scoring in the Carabao Cup and Premier League. With Hugo Ekitike sold to Liverpool, Frankfurt want Osula to partner Jonathan Burkardt as they target Champions League qualification.

PSG and FFF Clash Over Barcola Injury Row

Bradley Barcola (PSG)
October 2025

PSG and the French Football Federation are in open conflict after Bradley Barcola withdrew from France duty with a hamstring injury. The FFF claimed it stemmed from a Champions League game, angering PSG who dispute that version and accuse the federation of breaching medical confidentiality.
PSG insists the injury was recent and not chronic, rejecting the FFF’s statement. This follows disputes in September over injuries to Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué. PSG see the latest communication as shifting blame, while the FFF argues it followed standard practice in explaining player withdrawals. The row highlights growing distrust, with PSG noting only two of their players were called up this break, down from five in September.

Bayern Firm on Olise Amid Premier League & PSG Interest

Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
October 2025

Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund has dismissed speculation over Michael Olise’s future after reports of €100m Premier League and PSG interest. Bayern are preparing to offer the winger a new contract despite his current deal running until 2029.
Freund insisted Bayern are “under no pressure” and see Olise as a long-term cornerstone, potentially for the next decade. The French international has 54 goal contributions since last season and 11 in 10 matches this campaign. Bayern plan to raise his €12m salary, still far below Harry Kane’s, to reflect his status and stave off interest from abroad.