FOOTBALL

Mbappe leads France past Azerbaijan but limps off with ankle issue

Kylian Mbappé (France, Real Madrid)
October 2025

Mbappé’s dazzling solo strike inspired France to a 3-0 win over Azerbaijan in World Cup qualifying, with Adrien Rabiot and Florian Thauvin also scoring. The Real Madrid star, however, sparked concern late on after signaling to come off with an ankle problem.
Despite several injuries, Didier Deschamps’ rotated side dominated in Paris. Mbappé broke the deadlock with a brilliant solo effort before assisting Rabiot for the second. Thauvin’s late goal sealed another routine victory as France maintained their perfect qualifying record.

Scott Munn set for Serie A return with Parma after Tottenham exit

Scott Munn (former Tottenham Hotspur executive)
October 2025

Former Spurs chief football officer Scott Munn is finalizing a move to Serie A side Parma to lead the Krause Group’s football division. His new role follows his departure from Tottenham amid a summer overhaul that also saw Daniel Levy and Ange Postecoglou leave.
Italian outlets Gazzetta dello Sport and Parma Today report that Munn will oversee Parma’s sporting structure under president Kyle Krause. Munn, 51, aims to bring organizational stability and long-term planning to the club after his short but turbulent tenure in North London.

AC Milan stuck with Divock Origi’s costly contract until 2026

Divock Origi (AC Milan)
October 2025

AC Milan are still paying Origi €4 million annually despite his last competitive appearance coming in May 2023. Attempts to terminate the Belgian forward’s contract early have stalled, leaving the Rossoneri burdened with his wages until 2026.
Signed on a free from Liverpool in 2022, Origi failed to make an impact before loans and fitness issues derailed his Milan career. He’s currently training privately and absent from the club’s setup. Negotiations for a settlement will resume in early 2026.

Juventus prepare free-agent move for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan

Mike Maignan (AC Milan)
October 2025

Juventus are targeting Maignan as a free-agent signing next summer with Chelsea and Bayern Munich also interested. The France international’s renewal talks with Milan have stalled, raising the likelihood of an exit before his 2026 contract expiry.
Gazzetta dello Sport reports Juventus view Maignan as an elite upgrade on Michele Di Gregorio, though they face competition from Chelsea and Bayern. Maignan can sign a pre-contract with foreign clubs in January 2026, setting up a transfer battle among Europe’s top sides.

Real Madrid eye defensive reinforcements ahead of summer overhaul

Real Madrid
October 2025

Real Madrid are scouting Ibrahima Konaté, Dayot Upamecano, and Marc Guéhi as they plan to sign a centre-back next summer with Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba out of contract. Youngster Joan Martínez is also being considered for promotion from Castilla.
AS reports Madrid intend to secure a free agent if possible while grooming Martínez as a long-term option. The club seeks to refresh its back line amid aging defenders and expiring deals.

Juventus, Milan, and United compete for Sandro Tonali’s signature

Sandro Tonali (Newcastle United)
October 2025

Juventus are leading the chase for Tonali with AC Milan and Manchester United also interested. The Italian midfielder could leave Newcastle in January as the Bianconeri seek to add homegrown quality to their squad.
Calciomercato reports Tonali earns €7m plus €2m in bonuses — a salary among Serie A’s highest. Juventus see him as part of their “Italian soul” project, while Milan monitor a potential return if Newcastle open to negotiation.

Bayern Munich target Nottingham Forest’s Murillo for defensive upgrade

Murillo (Nottingham Forest)
October 2025

Bayern Munich are weighing a move for Forest’s 23-year-old defender Murillo, valued at €55 million. The club must offload players before making a formal bid amid competition from Real Madrid and Chelsea.
Sport Bild says Murillo’s long-term contract until 2029 complicates matters, as Forest are under no pressure to sell. Bayern view him as a long-term successor in their defensive rebuild.

Napoli explore loan deal for Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)
October 2025

Napoli are seeking to sign Mainoo on loan in January, with the 20-year-old frustrated by limited game time under Ruben Amorim. The move would include no purchase obligation, per Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports Mainoo wants regular minutes to continue development, while United prefer to keep control over his long-term future. Talks are expected to progress closer to the winter window.

Cody Gakpo makes Dutch history with double penalty in win over Malta

Cody Gakpo (Liverpool)
October 2025

Gakpo became the first Netherlands player since Rob Rensenbrink in 1978 to score two penalties in one match, leading the Oranje to a 4-0 victory over Malta in World Cup qualifying. He scored twice from the spot and assisted Tijjani Reijnders.
Gakpo’s composure and creativity defined the match as he created four chances and controlled attacking play. His brace underlined his growth as a reliable international performer, reinforcing his form for Liverpool and importance to Ronald Koeman’s rejuvenated Dutch side.

Manchester United open contract talks with Harry Maguire

Harry Maguire (Manchester United)
October 2025

United have begun negotiations to extend Maguire’s contract beyond 2026 after his leadership and professionalism impressed club executives. Despite limited starts this season, the 32-year-old remains valued as a stabilizing veteran presence in Ruben Amorim’s squad.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed “face-to-face talks” between Maguire’s camp and United. The club wants to prevent him from speaking to overseas suitors in January and sees his extension as part of a broader effort to maintain squad continuity and dressing-room leadership.