Oliver Glasner
February 2026
Crystal Palace will retain Oliver Glasner until the end of the season despite away-fan chants calling for his dismissal following a disappointing draw with Zrinjski Mostar. With Palace on a poor run and Glasner already expected to leave in the summer when his contract expires, the club has decided against an early change, keeping him in place to finish the campaign.
Jim Ratcliffe
February 2026
The FA contacted Jim Ratcliffe and reminded him of his responsibilities as a participant in English football, but will not sanction him or Manchester United following his anti-immigration remarks. After public backlash and condemnation from Kick It Out, the FA opted for a reminder rather than formal disciplinary steps, according to the report, leaving Ratcliffe and United facing reputational pressure but no football punishment.
Kobbie Mainoo
February 2026
Michael Carrick says reintegrating Kobbie Mainoo was not a major decision, explaining he prioritised the midfielder’s confidence and freedom after a spell on the fringes under Ruben Amorim. Mainoo has started every match since Carrick took over, contributing two assists during a five-game unbeaten league run. Carrick said he focused on the player’s psychological reset rather than tactical nitpicking, with United now keen to secure a new contract.
Neymar
February 2026
Neymar says he could retire at the end of 2026, describing uncertainty about his future as he manages recurring injuries and prioritises a Brazil recall and another World Cup run. After knee issues and surgery in December 2025, Neymar has returned to Santos and agreed an extension through the end of the year, but says he will decide longer-term plans only after pursuing national-team goals and assessing how his body responds.
Felix Nmecha
February 2026
Borussia Dortmund plan contract talks with Felix Nmecha as Premier League interest grows from Manchester United and Chelsea, with the club describing him as “incredibly important” after a strong season and a standout Champions League display. Dortmund want improved terms to protect his value and deter suitors, with Kehl publicly praising Nmecha’s ability to solve situations, create space, and generate numerical advantages. The club aims to act before the summer market accelerates.
Mauricio Pochettino
February 2026
Tab Ramos says he expects Mauricio Pochettino to leave the USMNT after the World Cup, predicting a return to Europe regardless of how the tournament goes and questioning whether the US group can justify “Golden Generation” labels. Ramos told GOAL he believes no extension is likely and that Pochettino’s long-term future points back to club football in Europe. He also referenced speculation linking Pochettino with jobs back in Europe, including Tottenham’s longer-term plans.
Dele Alli
February 2026
Dele Alli will return to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as the club’s special guest for the derby against Arsenal. The free-agent midfielder recently left Como and is awaiting his next move after a career shaped by form and fitness issues in recent years. Spurs confirmed the appearance in a club statement, noting his 67 goals in 269 games from 2015 to 2022 and plans for a half-time tribute. The visit taps into his popularity with supporters and his legacy as a key figure of the modern era at the club.
Liam Rosenior
February 2026
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior publicly supported Vinicius Jr following alleged racial abuse in Real Madrid’s Champions League play-off against Benfica, saying anyone found guilty of racism should not be in football as an investigation continues into what was said. The controversy has intensified amid public reactions from high-profile figures and Benfica’s defence of their player. Reports say Prestianni could face a minimum 10-game ban if found guilty, while he has denied the allegation in a social media statement.
Carlo Ancelotti
February 2026
Carlo Ancelotti says he intends to sign a new Brazil contract that would keep him in charge beyond the 2026 World Cup and potentially through to 2030, as he settles into international management after leaving Real Madrid in 2025. Ancelotti discussed his enjoyment of the Brazil role in quotes carried by AS ahead of a Universo Valdano episode, with reports suggesting a verbal agreement is already in place. Brazil head toward 2026 as contenders but not unanimous favourites, with expectations that Ancelotti’s tenure could target ending their wait for another World Cup.
Bukayo Saka
February 2026
Bukayo Saka has signed a new long-term Arsenal contract through 2031, replacing his previous deal that ran to 2027. The extension reportedly makes him the club’s highest-paid player on more than £300,000 per week, ending lengthy negotiations. Saka had verbally agreed terms earlier in the year and has now signed formally. Arsenal have also secured other key renewals in the last 12 months, and Arteta can now focus on a run of fixtures across multiple competitions, with Saka recently trialed centrally as a No.10 in the FA Cup win over Wigan.
