FOOTBALL

Full Week Index – Week ending 7 September 2025

  • Burley on United keepers: Craig Burley slams Altay Bayındır and André Onana (Manchester United), urges Senne Lammens to command his box.
  • Rodri to Lamine Yamal: Rodri (Manchester City) advises the 18-year-old Barcelona talent to stay grounded amid Ballon d’Or chatter.
  • Isak debut watch: Sweden manage Alexander Isak (Liverpool) minutes, Burnley circled as potential first outing.
  • Arsenal setback: William Saliba (Arsenal) out 3–4 weeks with an ankle issue.
  • England scrutiny: Thomas Tuchel critiques attacking waste after a 2–0 over Andorra.
  • Germany alarm: Joshua Kimmich (Germany) calls out attitude after a 0–2 loss to Slovakia.
  • France milestone: Kylian Mbappé (France) equals Thierry Henry’s 51-goal mark.
  • PSG vs France med row: Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain) hamstring flare-up sparks club frustration.
  • Chelsea workload: Alejandro Garnacho (Chelsea) “exhausted” after intense Cobham session.
  • Spurs shock: Mauricio Pochettino reacts to reports of Daniel Levy’s exit after nearly 25 years.
  • Barcelona bonding: Roony Bardghji says Marcus Rashford (Barcelona) has been a key support since arriving.
  • Miami discipline: Heavy Leagues Cup bans after Inter Miami’s brawl; club issues apology.
  • Morocco through: Morocco book 2026 World Cup place with two games to spare.
  • Greenwood dilemma: Mason Greenwood weighs England vs Jamaica, not in Thomas Tuchel’s England plans.
  • Everton plan: Club aim to keep Jordan Pickford (Everton) long-term as cultural pillar.
  • Poland reset: Robert Lewandowski denies captaincy rift on return.
  • Madrid standards: Dani Carvajal notes Xabi Alonso’s stricter regime at Real Madrid.
  • France camp tweaks: Didier Deschamps relaxes rules, shortens team talks to connect with players.
  • Liverpool selection: Federico Chiesa omitted from Liverpool’s UCL list due to homegrown slot math.
  • Brazil choices: Carlo Ancelotti explains Neymar’s omission as a technical call.
  • United injuries: Matheus Cunha (Manchester United) plays down muscle issue, “back soon.”
  • Perspective pieces: Mohamed Salah defends former teammates Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez, Robert Lewandowski embraces a reduced Barcelona role.
  • Adapting pace: Benjamin Šeško (Manchester United) admits Premier League intensity is “much higher.”
  • MLS punditry: Tim Howard condemns Luis Suárez’s actions in the brawl fallout.
  • Pundit heat: Jamie Carragher says Rúben Amorim’s charisma buys time at Manchester United.
  • Admin note: Grimsby Town fined over an ineligible player in their United cup upset.
  • Recall arc: Ruben Loftus-Cheek returns to England duty after Adam Wharton’s injury.
  • Equipment gripe: David Raya (Arsenal) says the new Puma ball feels different on free-kicks.

Jackson’s Bayern loan nearly collapsed before Chelsea recalled Guiu

Nicolas Jackson (Bayern Munich)
September 2025

Nicolas Jackson completed a loan move from Chelsea to Bayern Munich with an obligation to buy, but the transfer almost fell through when Chelsea attempted to block it after Liam Delap’s injury. The deal only progressed once Marc Guiu was recalled. Jackson had travelled to Munich with his agent when Chelsea initially pulled the plug. The Blues relented after recalling striker Marc Guiu from Sunderland. Bayern’s honorary president Hoeness hinted clauses in Jackson’s deal could prevent a permanent transfer next summer.

Eric Garcia set for long-term Barcelona extension until 2029

Eric Garcia (Barcelona)
September 2025

Eric Garcia is close to signing a new Barcelona deal until 2029 after reviving his career under Hansi Flick. Once considered surplus, his versatility last season proved crucial, filling in at midfield, right-back, and centre-back roles when required. Flick trusted Garcia in multiple positions, where he delivered goals and stability during key matches. Despite financial struggles, Barcelona prioritised extending his contract. Talks delayed since spring are now finalising, with Barca expected to announce the deal before year-end.

Burley slams Bayindir and Onana as United’s goalkeeping woes deepen

Craig Burley
September 2025

Craig Burley blasted Manchester United’s goalkeepers, calling Altay Bayindir “absolutely useless” at handling set pieces and criticising Andre Onana for failing to live up to expectations. He argued Ruben Amorim must drop Bayindir, with new signing Senne Lammens under pressure already. Burley said Bayindir might save shots but lacks authority, while Onana regressed badly since his Inter Milan days. He believes Lammens must immediately prove himself by commanding his box. Rivals are expected to target United’s keepers with aerial bombardments to expose weaknesses.

Rodri urges Yamal to stay grounded amid Ballon d’Or hype

Rodri (Manchester City)
September 2025

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has been warned by Rodri to remain focused after his rapid rise at just 18 years old. The teenager already boasts La Liga and European Championship titles, sparking Ballon d’Or talk among pundits and fans. Rodri was caught telling Yamal during Euro 2024’s final to “keep working” to reach greatness. He cautioned against distractions, stressing hard work and consistency. The message echoes concerns many young stars face when sudden fame threatens long-term focus.

Isak’s Liverpool debut delayed as Sweden manage his fitness carefully

Alexander Isak (Liverpool, Sweden)
September 2025

After sealing a British record £125m transfer from Newcastle to Liverpool, Alexander Isak is yet to make his debut. Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson confirmed he was benched against Slovenia due to fitness concerns after minimal training sessions. Isak skipped Newcastle’s pre-season after striking to force his move, leaving him short of match sharpness. Tomasson judged the risk too high to play him. Liverpool now eye Burnley next week as a potential debut, with hopes he can hit the ground running.

Kuminga contract standoff drags on at Golden State Warriors

Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State Warriors)
September 2025

Jonathan Kuminga’s contract talks with the Golden State Warriors remain deadlocked as the 22-year-old weighs a two-year $45m deal with a team option against a $7.9m one-year qualifying offer. Training camp looms with no resolution in sight. Kuminga reportedly wants clarity on his role, wary of being used as a “pawn” after four inconsistent years. Last season he averaged 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds. The Warriors prefer him signing long-term but risk losing leverage if he chooses the qualifying offer.

Chicago Sky suspend Angel Reese for critical comments

Angel Reese (Chicago Sky)
September 2025

Angel Reese has been suspended for half a game by the Chicago Sky after making outspoken remarks demanding the franchise sign “great players” to avoid another poor season. The two-time All-Star forward criticised the team’s recruitment strategy in an interview. Reese told media she was unwilling to “settle” for mediocrity, calling for urgent roster upgrades. The Sky responded with disciplinary action, citing team respect and accountability. Reese, averaging 14.7 points and 12.6 rebounds this season, has already missed the Indiana Fever game.

Portugal honour Diogo Jota with Ronaldo’s emotional tribute goal

Cristiano Ronaldo
September 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the 21st minute as Portugal paid tribute to Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car crash. Teammates marked the moment with symbolic gestures, showing unity and respect for their late colleague during the World Cup qualifier. Ruben Neves wore Jota’s No.21 shirt in homage, and Ronaldo’s goal in the same minute made the tribute poignant. Coach Roberto Martinez described the moment as a sign of Jota’s enduring spirit, saying the squad felt his presence throughout the camp.

Arsenal rocked as Saliba sidelined for a month with ankle injury

William Saliba (Arsenal)
September 2025

Arsenal defender William Saliba faces three to four weeks out with an ankle injury sustained against Liverpool, according to reports in France. The 24-year-old is absent from international duty, dealing a major blow to Mikel Arteta’s defensive plans. Saliba aggravated the injury during warm-ups but was allowed to start at Anfield, where Arsenal lost 1-0. The decision now backfires as Saliba could miss key matches. Summer signing Cristhian Mosquera may be thrust into the line-up as Arsenal regroup.