FOOTBALL

Kompany stays vague on Nicolas Jackson future as Bayern loan exit talk grows

Vincent Kompany
February 2026

Vincent Kompany said Bayern are “very happy” with Nicolas Jackson but would not confirm any summer decision, with reports suggesting he is unlikely to be signed permanently and may return to Chelsea. Jackson is on a season-long loan with conditions tied to appearances and minutes, but his usage has been limited and he did not feature in the 3-2 win over Frankfurt. Kompany pushed any decision to end-of-season talks between player and clubs.

Guardiola hails Nico O’Reilly after brace fires Man City within two points of Arsenal

Nico O’Reilly
February 2026

Manchester City beat Newcastle with Nico O’Reilly scoring twice, closing to within two points of league leaders Arsenal. City struck early in a high-tempo first half where all goals arrived inside 27 minutes. O’Reilly scored either side of Hall’s equaliser. Guardiola credited his physicality and completeness in midfield, while Lescott said the manager’s trust to play him in his best role is accelerating his confidence and making him hard to drop.

Tammy Abraham insists Aston Villa can still hunt down Arsenal in title race after late Leeds draw

Aston Villa
February 2026

Tammy Abraham said Villa must keep pushing in the title race after his late equaliser secured a 1-1 draw against Leeds, leaving Villa seven points off top spot with 11 games left. Leeds led through Stach, then Abraham came off the bench to score in the 88th minute. He argued the race remains open given Arsenal’s recent dropped points and Villa’s proximity to Manchester City, despite Villa’s patchy form in recent weeks.

Cristiano Ronaldo double powers Al-Nassr to 4-0 win and back to top of Saudi Pro League

Cristiano Ronaldo
February 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Al-Nassr beat Al-Hazem 4-0, extending their winning streak to 10 and moving back to the top of the Saudi Pro League table. Ronaldo opened the scoring after an overturned offside, missed a one-on-one after rounding the keeper, then Coman finished a Félix through-ball. Ângelo ran through multiple defenders for a solo third, and Ronaldo added a late fourth from the edge of the box despite Zaied making numerous saves.

Wrexham win 5-3 thriller vs Ipswich to boost Championship play-off push

Wrexham A.F.C
February 2026

Wrexham beat Ipswich 5-3 in a wild comeback game, strengthening their grip on sixth place and their Championship play-off position. Wrexham led 2-1 and 3-2 but were pegged back, then responded after Kipré’s long-range strike and a disputed penalty incident. Doyle headed in the winner from O’Brien’s corner, and Broadhead sealed it late on the counter, with Moore and Windass both posting a goal plus an assist.

Declan Rice reveals Bukayo Saka’s derby message as Arsenal look to reset vs Spurs

Bukayo Saka
February 2026

Declan Rice shared that Bukayo Saka set expectations for north London derbies when Rice joined Arsenal, as the league leaders try to respond after conceding late in a damaging draw at Wolves. Arsenal let a 2-0 lead slip at Molineux and now face Spurs under new interim boss Igor Tudor; Rice points to the derby as the ideal pressure game to restore standards and momentum in the title race.

Real Madrid target Nico Schlotterbeck as centre-back plans take shape amid expiring deals

Nico Schlotterbeck
February 2026

Real Madrid are reported to be lining up a summer move for Nico Schlotterbeck as they plan for possible exits and recurring centre-back injuries, with Barcelona also monitoring the defender. With Alaba and Rüdiger nearing contract expiry and Madrid managing repeated defensive injuries, the club is assessing reinforcements; Schlotterbeck is valued around €50m and under contract at Dortmund to 2027.

Chelsea confirm Estevao Willian ruled out vs Burnley as Rosenior names attacking lineup

Estêvão Willian
February 2026

Chelsea confirmed Estêvão Willian will miss the Burnley match, with Liam Rosenior selecting an attack built around João Pedro, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, and Enzo Fernández. Rosenior’s match squad excludes Estêvão, while Chelsea aim to win and push into the top four; the named XI includes a Caicedo–Andrey Santos midfield base and a back line featuring James, Fofana, Chalobah, and Gusto.

Arne Slot fires back at Wayne Rooney over “aura” criticism as Liverpool chase top fourArne Slot

Arne Slot
February 2026

Arne Slot responded to Wayne Rooney’s claim that he lacks “aura,” arguing that trophies create perception and pointing out he has already won the league, while Liverpool now fight to secure Champions League qualification. Rooney questioned Slot’s presence after a drop-off in Liverpool’s second season, comparing the backdrop of Klopp’s reign. Slot countered that managers are different, Klopp clearly had aura, and winning increases it.

Marseille lose Habib Beye’s first match as Greenwood misses late penalty in Brest defeat

Habib Beye
February 2026

Marseille’s Champions League push took a hit as they lost 2-0 at Brest in Habib Beye’s first match, with Mason Greenwood missing a late penalty that could have changed the finish. Ludovic Ajorque scored twice to put Brest in control. Greenwood won a penalty late on but saw his effort saved by Grégoire Coudert, extending Marseille’s winless run and leaving their top-four chase under pressure.