FOOTBALL

Newcastle Target Jackson and Delap as Search for New Striker Intensifies

Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap
March 2026

Newcastle are stepping up plans to sign a new striker after struggling to replace Alexander Isak. Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap have emerged as the leading options, with the club viewing both Chelsea forwards as realistic alternatives rather than attempting to sign both. Newcastle’s lack of trust in current options was reflected by using Anthony Gordon and Will Osula centrally against Barcelona. Jackson and Delap are both seen as attainable because neither has fully secured a long-term role at Chelsea, while the Magpies continue assessing which profile best fits their rebuild.

Portugal Leave Out Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva for March Friendlies

Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva
March 2026

Portugal have named a 27-man squad for March friendlies against Mexico and the United States without Cristiano Ronaldo or Bernardo Silva. Roberto Martinez instead selected a group built around other senior regulars and younger attacking options. Portugal’s official squad list includes players such as Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Rafael Leao and Goncalo Ramos, but neither Ronaldo nor Bernardo Silva appears among the selections. The camp forms part of Portugal’s final preparation phase before the 2026 World Cup.

Chiesa Returns to Italy Squad for World Cup Playoff Push

Federico Chiesa
March 2026

Federico Chiesa has returned to the Italy squad for the World Cup playoffs, ending his absence from the national team since Euro 2024. The Liverpool forward is part of Gennaro Gattuso’s 28-man group for the knockout route that begins against Northern Ireland. Italy’s official squad announcement confirmed Chiesa’s recall alongside several other key names, with the first playoff set for Bergamo before a possible second match against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina. His return gives Italy an experienced wide option for a high-pressure international window.

Zirkzee Prioritises Serie A Return as Manchester United Exit Talk Builds

Joshua Zirkzee
March 2026

Joshua Zirkzee is again expected to be a transfer topic this summer, with a return to Serie A described as his clear priority after a disappointing season at Manchester United. Reports say both Italian and Premier League clubs are tracking the striker’s situation closely. Matteo Moretto reported that Zirkzee’s lack of minutes has revived uncertainty around his future, with Roma previously close to reaching an agreement before United kept him for the second half of the season. His next move now looks increasingly likely to be shaped by playing-time concerns.

Amorim Linked With Benfica Return After Manchester United Exit

Ruben Amorim
March 2026

Ruben Amorim has emerged as a leading candidate to take over at Benfica, with reports in Portugal saying he is near the front of the queue. The move would be politically charged because of his deep ties to Sporting and Benfica’s uncertain position under Jose Mourinho. Amorim’s reputation in Portugal has remained strong despite his short and difficult spell at Manchester United. Reports say Benfica could consider a change if results do not improve, and one pundit has described Amorim as the most logical option because of his title-winning track record in Portuguese football.

Chelsea Sanction Fallout Sparks Rival Fury and Everton Protest Plans

Chelsea
March 2026

Chelsea’s punishment for historic secret payments has triggered anger across rival clubs and fanbases after the club avoided a points deduction. Instead, the Premier League issued a record £10.75 million fine and a suspended first-team transfer ban, a result many critics view as too lenient. The league said Chelsea’s self-reporting, admissions and exceptional cooperation counted heavily in mitigation after breaches linked to the Abramovich era. Reuters and other reports say Everton supporters are now planning a protest, while finance expert Kieran Maguire has highlighted the contrast with previous punishments handed to Everton and Nottingham Forest.

Cristante Laments Roma Collapse After Extra-Time Europa League Exit to Bologna

Bryan Cristante
March 2026

Bryan Cristante said Roma only had themselves to blame after losing 4-3 after extra time to Bologna and crashing out of the Europa League. The midfielder admitted Roma had done well to fight back, but said conceding too many goals ruined their chances. Roma and Bologna were level after the first leg and produced a 3-3 draw in normal time at the Olimpico before Nicolo Cambiaghi scored the decisive extra-time winner. Cristante said fatigue could not be an excuse and urged Roma to reset quickly ahead of another important domestic fixture.

Manchester United Push Ahead With Plans for New Stadium Project

Manchester United
March 2026

Manchester United are moving closer to launching their new stadium project, with land assembly and structural planning now central to the next phase. The proposed development would create a major new sporting hub and become the most expensive stadium build in Premier League history. Club officials are working through land issues, including a nearby freight terminal, while also selecting the right delivery team before final design work begins. Collette Roche said progress on site control should come within months, helping prepare the ground for the formal planning process.

Thuram Nears Return While Vlahovic Edges Closer to Juventus Comeback

Khephren Thuram
March 2026

Juventus have been handed encouraging updates on Khephren Thuram and Dusan Vlahovic, with Thuram pushing to start again and Vlahovic nearing his first minutes after a long absence. Both developments offer a timely boost as Juventus look to maintain momentum. Thuram’s ankle bruise has reportedly settled, with swelling almost gone and a return to the squad expected at Continassa. Vlahovic is improving under a managed workload programme and may be limited to a short cameo, while his unresolved contract situation continues to hover in the background.

Nagelsmann Calls Up Bayern Teen Duo as Germany Name Squad for March Friendlies

Julian Nagelsmann
March 2026

Julian Nagelsmann named a 26-man Germany squad featuring debutants Lennart Karl and Jonas Urbig, while also bringing back several established internationals. The selection reshapes the group ahead of warm-up matches against Switzerland and Ghana, with Jamal Musiala among the notable absentees. Nagelsmann promoted two Bayern talents straight into the senior setup and restored players including Antonio Rudiger, Kai Havertz and Deniz Undav. Musiala was left out due to injury concerns, while several names from the previous squad also dropped away as Germany begin another evaluation phase.