FOOTBALL

Dortmund move to secure Felix Nmecha as United and Chelsea watch

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.

Tab Ramos expects Mauricio Pochettino to leave USMNT after the 2026 World Cup

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 returns to Spurs as special guest for North London derby

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.

Chelsea boss Rosenior backs Vinicius after Benfica racism allegation and warns of heavy ban

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 plans Brazil extension through 2030 after taking job in 2025

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 signs new Arsenal deal to 2031 and becomes club’s top earner

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.

Clattenburg apologises for “clumsy” Vinicius commentary after Benfica racism allegation

Mark Clattenburg
February 2026

Mark Clattenburg apologised for “clumsy” analysis after suggesting Vinicius should have simply returned to position following his goal, during a match halted for 10 minutes under UEFA protocol after alleged racist abuse involving Prestianni. After Vinicius scored, an exchange with Prestianni at halfway led Vinicius to report the incident to referee Letexier and the match was paused. Clattenburg’s on-air remarks drew backlash, including criticism from Kick It Out’s Troy Townsend.

Van Dijk flags Szoboszlai as future Liverpool captain option amid leadership questions

Dominik Szoboszlai
February 2026

irgil van Dijk said Dominik Szoboszlai could develop into a leadership figure capable of captaining Liverpool, with the midfielder’s form and versatility standing out during an inconsistent season. Szoboszlai has reached 10 goals this season, scoring again in Liverpool’s 3-0 FA Cup win over Brighton, and has filled multiple roles including a stint at right-back. With uncertainty around Robertson’s long-term future, Van Dijk said Szoboszlai is “leading by example” but still has steps to make as a leader.

Hoddle questions Saka’s leadership after Arsenal’s late collapse at Wolves

Bukayo Saka
February 2026

Glenn Hoddle criticised Bukayo Saka’s leadership and “flat” demeanour after Arsenal surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with bottom-side Wolves, denting their title push. Saka admitted the dressing-room mood was “very flat” and called the second-half level below Arsenal’s standards. Arsenal controlled the first hour and held a two-goal cushion before conceding to Bueno and Edozie, dropping points from a winning position. The result boosts Manchester City’s chase, with City five points back and holding a game in hand.

Kyrie Irving ACL tear ends season as Mavericks pivot to Cooper Flagg era

Kyrie Irving
February 2026

Kyrie Irving tore his left ACL and will miss the season, the first full-season absence of his 15-year career. Dallas is set to build around No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg with Irving expected to stay engaged as a mentor during rehab. The injury landed amid major roster upheaval after the Doncic trade, a brief and disrupted Davis stint, and a further pivot away from that move. Dallas plans to re-center the project on Flagg, with team leadership highlighting Irving’s influence and ongoing involvement while he recovers.