FOOTBALL

Berger Included as Germany Chase World Cup Qualification

Ann-Katrin Berger, Germany, Christian Wück
26 May 2026

Ann-Katrin Berger was included in Germany’s squad for decisive World Cup qualifying matches despite an abdominal injury scare with Gotham FC. Christian Wück said early checks showed no structural damage and expects her to be available.

Germany face Norway and Slovenia with direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup still at stake. Giulia Gwinn, Nicole Anyomi and Janina Minge are unavailable, but Klara Bühl and several returnees strengthen the squad.

Hoeneß Blames Matthäus for Bayern’s Failed Woltemade Deal

Uli Hoeneß, Lothar Matthäus, Nick Woltemade, Bayern Munich
26 May 2026

Uli Hoeneß accused Lothar Matthäus of helping derail Bayern Munich’s move for Nick Woltemade by publicly raising the forward’s valuation. Hoeneß claimed Bayern were close to signing him before Stuttgart’s price expectations changed.

Woltemade eventually joined Newcastle United for €75 million, but his uneven season has already sparked exit talk. Bayern still want a versatile forward to support Harry Kane, meaning the collapsed deal could return to the agenda.

Tottenham Reopen Talks for Man City Winger Savinho

Savinho, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Roberto De Zerbi
26 May 2026

Tottenham have reopened talks to sign Manchester City winger Savinho, with a £60 million move being explored. Roberto De Zerbi wants more wide options after injuries and January departures left Spurs short on attacking depth.

City blocked a deal last summer, but Savinho’s limited starts this season have reopened the door. Tottenham are moving early, while Newcastle are also monitoring the winger as City weigh squad changes after Guardiola’s exit.

Rangers Launch Fresh Push for Wrexham Forward Windass

Josh Windass, Rangers, Wrexham, Danny Rohl
26 May 2026

Rangers have launched another attempt to sign Wrexham forward Josh Windass as Danny Rohl targets attacking reinforcements. Windass was Wrexham’s top scorer and player of the season, but remains under contract until 2028.

Rangers tried to sign Windass in January and are now formalising interest before the summer window. Wrexham hold strong leverage after promotion, while Windass has publicly said he wants to stay and chase another step forward.

Davies and Roberts Return as Wales Refresh Friendly Squad

Ben Davies, Connor Roberts, Wales, Craig Bellamy
26 May 2026

Ben Davies and Connor Roberts returned to the Wales squad for friendlies against Ghana and Romania after long injury absences. Chris Mepham is also back, while Jordan James, Rubin Colwill, Liam Cullen and Mark Harris miss out.

Davies has not played since January after ankle surgery, while Roberts missed the entire club season with groin and Achilles problems. Wales will use the games to prepare for Nations League fixtures against Portugal, Norway and Denmark.

Di Maria Blames Van Gaal for Failed Manchester United Spell

Angel Di Maria, Louis van Gaal, Manchester United
26 May 2026

Angel Di Maria said his Manchester United spell collapsed because of his relationship with Louis van Gaal. The winger claimed repeated criticism, positional changes and off-field stress made him hate life at Old Trafford before his Paris Saint-Germain move.

Di Maria said he started well after joining from Real Madrid, but constant negative meetings wore him down. A burglary at his home added pressure on his family, while Van Gaal said the signing was a club decision.

Tranmere Hand Darrell Clarke Rebuild Job After Survival Scare

Darrell Clarke, Tranmere Rovers, Bristol Rovers
26 May 2026

Tranmere Rovers appointed Darrell Clarke as manager on a two-year deal after narrowly avoiding relegation to the National League. Clarke becomes their new permanent boss following spells under Andy Crosby and Pete Wild last season.

Clarke arrives with nearly 700 games of management experience and previous League Two promotions with Bristol Rovers and Port Vale. He faces a major summer rebuild at Prenton Park after 12 players left the club.

Marinakis Caught in Courtside Clash at EuroLeague Game

Evangelos Marinakis, Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos, Grigoris Dimitriadis
25 May 2026

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was reportedly involved in a physical altercation at a EuroLeague basketball match in Greece. Reports said his shirt was ripped during a clash with Grigoris Dimitriadis in the VIP area.

The incident happened during Olympiacos’ match against Monaco, with security forced to intervene as tensions escalated. Marinakis owns both Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos, making the confrontation a notable off-field embarrassment around a Premier League club figure.

Fernandes Fires Back at Keane Over Leadership Claim

Bruno Fernandes, Roy Keane, Manchester United
25 May 2026

Bruno Fernandes hit back at Roy Keane after the former Manchester United captain accused him of lying. The exchange added another sharp media layer to Fernandes’ season after he won major individual recognition and helped United return to Europe.

Fernandes defended himself after Keane questioned his comments and leadership, continuing a public back-and-forth around Manchester United’s captaincy. The dispute comes after United returned to the Champions League under Michael Carrick and rebuilt momentum late in the season.

Portland Timbers Cut Ties With Phil Neville

Phil Neville, Portland Timbers, San Jose Earthquakes
25 May 2026

Portland Timbers parted company with Phil Neville by mutual consent after a poor start to the MLS season. His final match was a 3-1 defeat by San Jose Earthquakes, leaving Portland near the bottom of the Western Conference.

Neville admitted results had fallen short of club expectations after previously taking the Timbers into the play-offs. Portland will use the World Cup break to search for a replacement before MLS action resumes in July.