FOOTBALL

Crystal Palace Join Race for Dutch Wonderkid Kees Smit

Kees Smit (AZ Alkmaar)
October 2025

Crystal Palace are ready to rival Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Chelsea for teenage Dutch star Kees Smit. The 19-year-old midfielder has been compared to Frenkie de Jong and Kevin De Bruyne after excelling for club and country.
Palace believe they can lure Smit with a clearer career pathway as they prepare for Adam Wharton’s likely departure. Scouts across Europe continue monitoring the teenager, who shot to fame with a 50-yard goal against Barcelona in 2023 and U19 Euros MVP honors.

Roma Miss Three Penalties as Lille Snatch Europa League Win

AS Roma
October 2025

AS Roma missed three penalties in succession as Lille held on for a 1-0 Europa League win. Goalkeeper Berke Ozer saved all three attempts after Hakon Arnar Haraldsson’s early strike gave the French side a lead they never surrendered.
Artem Dovbyk twice saw efforts retaken and saved before Matias Soule’s attempt was also stopped. Gian Piero Gasperini called it “unique and accidental,” admitting the misses compromised the result. Despite defeat, Roma’s Serie A form under Gasperini has been promising with four wins from five.

Vladimir Smicer Urges Gerrard to Take Wrexham or Birmingham Job

Steven Gerrard
October 2025

Ex-Liverpool star Vladimir Smicer has advised Steven Gerrard to restart his managerial career at Wrexham or Birmingham, seeing them as ideal stepping stones towards eventually managing Liverpool. Gerrard has been out of work since leaving Al-Ettifaq in January.
Smicer told Boyle Sports that Gerrard needs a strong, ambitious project to rebuild credibility before eyeing Anfield. Both Championship sides face off this Friday, with speculation swirling around Gerrard as pressure mounts on Rangers boss Russell Martin, another club linked to him.

Alexi Lalas Doubts Ricardo Pepi’s World Cup Chances After Injury

Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven)
October 2025

Former USMNT star Alexi Lalas questioned Ricardo Pepi’s chances of making the 2026 World Cup roster after another knee injury ruled him out of October friendlies. With competition for striker spots intensifying, Pepi risks being edged out if absences continue.
Speaking on his podcast, Lalas said injuries reduce Pepi’s chances of proving his worth compared to rivals. Despite scoring 13 goals in 33 caps, he now misses games against Australia and Ecuador. Pepi’s return timeline will be pivotal ahead of November’s qualifiers.

AC Milan Explore Move for Barcelona Striker Robert Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
October 2025

AC Milan are interested in signing Robert Lewandowski on a free transfer when his Barcelona contract ends in 2026. His €33m annual salary poses a major hurdle, though Saudi clubs have also made lucrative offers to lure the Poland striker.
Spanish media report Milan sporting director Igli Tare has held talks with Lewandowski’s agent. At 37, he has scored four goals this season and remains vital for Barça, but the club is lining up replacements, with Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez a reported target.

Bournemouth Push to Extend Iraola Amid United Links

Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth)
October 2025

Bournemouth have stepped up talks to extend Andoni Iraola’s deal beyond 2026 as speculation grows over Manchester United’s interest. The unbeaten Cherries currently sit sixth in the Premier League after a strong start despite losing several key players in the summer.
TalkSPORT reports United’s uncertainty around Ruben Amorim has prompted Bournemouth to move early. Iraola, 43, has drawn praise for reshaping the squad under pressure, keeping his side resilient. Securing him to fresh terms is seen as vital to maintaining their progress and fend off suitors.

Ferran Torres Warns Barcelona Must Control Games After PSG Defeat

Ferran Torres (Barcelona)
October 2025

Barcelona suffered their first loss of the season as PSG’s Ramos netted a late winner in the Champions League. Torres opened the scoring but admitted his side “failed to maintain” control, urging calm and focus after the dramatic 2-1 defeat.
Torres told DAZN the first half-hour was “spectacular,” but Barça lost rhythm and intensity. With Lewandowski out injured, Torres has stepped up as a false nine, scoring five goals. He stressed mistakes must be corrected quickly as Barcelona prepare for a tough La Liga clash at Sevilla.

Chelsea Monitor Nigerian Teen Abduljelil Kamaldeen at U20 World Cup

Abduljelil Kamaldeen (Kwara Football Academy)
October 2025

Chelsea scouts have tracked 16-year-old Abduljelil Kamaldeen during the U20 World Cup in Chile. The young midfielder impressed off the bench in Nigeria’s 1-0 loss to Norway and is tipped to start against Saudi Arabia, showing maturity beyond his age.
Reports from The Sun highlight Chelsea’s admiration for his composure against older players. Kamaldeen nearly scored an equaliser and showed technical skill. His progression could accelerate with international minutes, and Stamford Bridge recruiters are weighing a move to secure him as a long-term prospect.

Liverpool, Rivals Await Verdict in Man City’s FFP Case

Manchester City, Liverpool
October 2025

Manchester City await a ruling on 115 FFP charges dating back to 2009–2018. Rivals like Liverpool could launch major compensation claims if City are found guilty, potentially leading to points deductions, transfer embargoes, or expulsion from the Premier League.
Independent hearings concluded in 2024 but judgment remains pending. Finance experts suggest clubs, including FSG, may cover hefty legal costs to claim lost revenue. Everton’s case with Leeds over PSR breaches sets precedent. City maintain innocence, while Premier League chief Richard Masters insists on independent process patience.

Joshua Zirkzee Weighs January Exit From Manchester United

Joshua Zirkzee (Manchester United)
October 2025

Joshua Zirkzee is considering a January switch to Serie A with Como and Juventus both interested. The 24-year-old has struggled for minutes under Ruben Amorim, featuring only as a substitute this season despite a €42.5m move from Bologna last year.
Como boss Cesc Fàbregas views Zirkzee as an ideal attacking addition, while Juve may reignite summer interest. United are open to a loan or permanent deal. With Amorim’s tenure already under pressure, Zirkzee’s future highlights issues in United’s transfer strategy.