FOOTBALL

Lewandowski weighs extension doubts as Barcelona delay contract decision

Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
November 2025

With his deal up in June 2026, Lewandowski wants to stay but Barcelona have not committed to an extension or defined his role. Despite fewer minutes, he leads the club in La Liga scoring with seven, keeping pressure on decision-makers as planning intensifies. Internal debate pits guaranteed goals and leadership against freeing significant salary to fund a long-term No.9. Saudi offers hold little appeal; family preference is to remain in Barcelona. Outcome hinges on financial structure and sporting vision aligned before the final contract year.

Schlotterbeck stalls Dortmund extension amid Kovac rift, Bayern and Liverpool on alert

Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund)
November 2025

Schlotterbeck is reluctant to extend beyond 2027, unhappy with Niko Kovac’s pragmatic style after recent setbacks, per German reports. Dortmund have offered a raise and term to 2030, but the centre-back remains unconvinced as Bayern Munich and Liverpool monitor developments. CEO Lars Ricken signalled talks won’t drag on indefinitely, hinting at a winter decision if tensions persist. Dortmund view Schlotterbeck as a defensive pillar; suitors see immediate fit. Outcome likely hinges on either a renewed role under Kovac or a sale pathway.

Ronaldo confirms 2026 World Cup will be his last, while hinting he could still play on

Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr/Portugal)
November 2025

At a Riyadh forum, Cristiano Ronaldo said the 2026 World Cup will “for sure” be his last, citing age and satisfaction with his career, while joking he could keep going. The 40-year-old is set for a record sixth World Cup appearance next summer. Ronaldo remains prolific for Al-Nassr and continues to lead Portugal in qualifying, targeting more milestones as he chases 1,000 career goals. His announcement clarifies timelines for national-team succession planning and sets up tributes during Portugal’s run-in to the tournament.

RFEF blasts timing of Lamine Yamal procedure, Barca teen withdrawn from Spain squad

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona/Spain)
November 2025

Spain’s FA said it was “surprised and uncomfortable” to learn Barcelona sent Lamine Yamal for an invasive radiofrequency treatment hours before camp, then notified them late at night recommending 7–10 days’ rest. Spain released him from World Cup qualifying duty. Yamal is managing pubalgia and Barcelona prioritized controlled recovery after recurring groin pain since September. RFEF criticized the lack of prior coordination but emphasized player welfare. Spain face Georgia and Turkey and will call a replacement while the teenager rests per medical advice.

Atalanta sack Ivan Jurić, Palladino in advanced talks

Ivan Jurić (Coach)
November 2025

After two wins in 11 and a 3–0 home loss to Sassuolo, Atalanta dismissed Jurić five months into the job. Talks with Palladino are advanced as the club moves to arrest form slide and stabilise an incoherent press and fragile defensive shape. Palladino’s compact mid-block and direct transitions suit a rapid reset. Early tasks: restore rest-defence, redefine roles for ball-winners and carriers, and prioritise points over aesthetics pre-January. Staff alignment and a trimmed rotation will determine the speed of uplift.

Benjamin Šeško skips Slovenia duty after knee scare, United optimistic

Benjamin Šeško (Manchester United)
November 2025

Šeško will not join Slovenia for qualifiers vs Kosovo and Sweden after a knee knock at Spurs. United believe he’s avoided major damage, but Slovenia requested formal medical documentation and evaluation by their staff before accepting his absence. United will rehab locally and reassess after swelling and stability tests settle. Slovenia seek clarity to protect player welfare and plan attacking rotations. Short-term club focus is controlled reloading and confidence restoration following a lean start in front of goal.

Wayne Rooney hails Granit Xhaka as Sunderland’s signing of the season

Granit Xhaka (Sunderland)
November 2025

Rooney lauded Xhaka’s transformative impact on promoted Sunderland, who sit fourth after 11 matches. Beyond one goal and three assists, Xhaka leads in creation, passing and duels, anchoring a young side that has exceeded early expectations under Régis Le Bris. Xhaka’s metronomic tempo and leadership stabilise transitions and field tilt, freeing Sunderland’s runners. Durability and 90-minute control have underpinned results; maintaining his load, avoiding suspensions, and adding set-piece threat are clear levers to sustain a top-four push.

Nagelsmann defends Florian Wirtz after slow Liverpool start

Florian Wirtz (Liverpool)
November 2025

With scrutiny mounting after a 3–0 loss to Manchester City, Nagelsmann urged patience for Wirtz, noting Liverpool’s instability and poor finishing are masking his chance creation. He framed the adaptation dip as normal for a young import into the Premier League. Germany will manage Wirtz’s minutes and role clarity during the break, while Liverpool focus on cleaner structures around him and sharper end product from forwards. The message: reduce noise, keep his creative touches, and let confidence rebuild through incremental wins.

Federico Chiesa declines Italy call-up again amid Liverpool settling period

Federico Chiesa (Liverpool)
November 2025

Chiesa has again turned down selection for World Cup qualifiers vs Moldova and Norway. Gennaro Gattuso says he respects the decision as the winger prioritises being fully ready. Chiesa has two goals and three assists for Liverpool but limited league starts so far. After injury disruptions in recent years, Chiesa and Italy agreed he returns only at 100%. Liverpool benefit from uninterrupted club integration, while Italy reshuffle wide options for the window. Communication lines remain open for a 2026 cycle return when fitness and form align.

Chelsea lose Romeo Lavia for a month after fresh quad setback

Romeo Lavia (Chelsea)
November 2025

Lavia faces another spell out after a quadriceps injury forced him off four minutes into the Qarabag draw. He’ll miss league games vs Burnley, Arsenal, Leeds, Bournemouth and Champions League ties against Barcelona and Atalanta, extending a stop-start Chelsea stint. Chelsea will patch midfield minutes through Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo and Conor Gallagher, with Carney Chukwuemeka as rotation cover. Lavia’s workload will be rebuilt cautiously given recurrent issues since his £58m move, with a target return in December if he clears strength and tolerance checks.