FOOTBALL

Pocognoli urges patience as Pogba inches toward Monaco return

Paul Pogba (Monaco)
November 2025

Paul Pogba edges closer to his long-awaited Monaco debut after returning to full training following an ankle sprain, but coach Sebastien Pocognoli is deliberately keeping expectations low as the midfielder continues a difficult comeback from an 18-month doping ban and two years without competitive football. Pocognoli says he will judge Pogba on current performances and refuses to promise dates, focusing instead on building fitness, confidence and leadership for Monaco’s young squad. Club chiefs stress patience, believing his experience and personality can shape the dressing room before he returns to minutes.

Ancelotti lays down six-month challenge to Neymar for World Cup spot

Carlo Ancelotti (Brazil)
November 2025

Carlo Ancelotti has made clear that Neymar still has a path to the 2026 World Cup but warned he will not gamble on reputation alone, stressing that the forward’s selection depends entirely on proving form and fitness after an injury-hit spell back at Santos. Neymar has not played for Brazil since tearing knee ligaments against Uruguay in 2023, later terminating his Al-Hilal deal before rejoining Santos. Ancelotti says the playmaker has six months of football to show consistent quality and physical condition before he finalises his World Cup squad.

Xhaka emergence at Sunderland puts Juventus on alert for January move

Granit Xhaka (Sunderland)
November 2025

Granit Xhaka has surprisingly been linked with a January move to Juventus only six months after signing a long-term deal at Sunderland, with reports in Italy claiming the experienced midfielder is back in fashion as the Bianconeri search for quick midfield reinforcements. Xhaka has played every minute of Sunderland’s impressive Premier League return, captaining Regis Le Bris’ side into fourth place with one goal and three assists. Tuttosport say his entourage will listen to Champions League offers, although Sunderland insist their on-field leader is not for sale.

Sancho holds talks with Turkish giants as Old Trafford exit nears

Jadon Sancho (Manchester United)
November 2025

Jadon Sancho’s troubled Manchester United career has taken another twist as he and his representatives reportedly opened talks in Istanbul with Fenerbahce, Besiktas and Galatasaray, exploring a permanent escape from Old Trafford after another disappointing loan spell that has yielded limited minutes at Aston Villa. Frozen out by Ruben Amorim and banished by Erik ten Hag, the winger has taken loans at Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and now Villa. He is ready to accept a big pay cut to around seven or eight million pounds to restart his career.

Gattuso apologises after Italy collapse against Haaland-inspired Norway

Gennaro Gattuso (Italy)
November 2025

Italy’s World Cup hopes took another hit as they collapsed to a 4-1 defeat at San Siro after leading at half-time. Pio Esposito’s opener briefly raised belief they could chase an unlikely automatic spot, but Norway’s response killed any remaining optimism. Norway hit back through Antonio Nusa before Erling Haaland struck twice and Jorgen Strand Larsen added a ruthless fourth, exposing Italian fragility. Gennaro Gattuso admitted fear gripped his players after the break, while Gianluigi Donnarumma lamented Italy stopped playing with the intensity shown before half-time.

Arsenal ready to listen to offers for Martinelli, Jesus, Nwaneri and White in January

Arsenal
November 2025

Arsenal are prepared to consider offers for Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Ethan Nwaneri and Ben White as they look to balance accounts and manage squad size after major outlay on Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi helped power them to the top of the Premier League. Martinelli has lost his starting role to Leandro Trossard and may attract Saudi bids, while Jesus is recovering from an ACL injury and has slipped behind Kai Havertz and Gyokeres in the pecking order. Nwaneri could leave on loan for regular minutes and the club are open to serious proposals for White.

Cunha deepens bond with United fans by fronting local Christmas lights switch-on

Matheus Cunha (Manchester United)
November 2025

Matheus Cunha has strengthened his connection with Manchester United supporters by agreeing to help launch Altrincham’s “Neon Noel” Christmas celebrations, underlining his commitment to the local community while he continues adapting on the pitch following a £62.5 million move from Wolves. Despite only one league goal so far, his tireless work and versatility in Amorim’s system have impressed fans, who now see a boyhood United supporter embracing the area as he turns on the lights alongside actor Sam Aston. Cunha says Old Trafford always felt special from childhood days watching Premier League games at his grandmother’s house.

Germany smash Slovakia 6-0 to seal World Cup spot in statement win

Germany national team
November 2025

Germany crushed Slovakia 6-0 to book their ticket to the 2026 World Cup, banishing memories of a poor campaign and a previous 2-0 loss by roaring into an early lead and never allowing the visitors any route back into the match. Nick Woltemade’s opener settled nerves before Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane made it three by half time, with Florian Wirtz pulling strings throughout. Ridle Baku added a fifth and teenager Assan Ouedraogo scored a deflected sixth as Nagelsmann’s side produced one of their most dominant displays in years.

Benzema seeks clarity from Al-Ittihad as European offers test his future

Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad)
November 2025

Karim Benzema admits he is uncertain about staying at Al-Ittihad beyond this season, with offers from Europe on the table. He wants to play at least two more years and refuses to drift toward retirement without fighting for major trophies. Early season struggles and vague sporting plans have left him frustrated despite feeling settled off the pitch. He insists his next step depends on Al-Ittihad presenting a serious, ambitious project quickly, otherwise he will consider a return to Europe to match his competitive standards.

Mbappe takes PSG to labour court over claimed 55 million euros in unpaid salary and bonuses

Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
November 2025

Kylian Mbappe is pursuing a labour court case in Paris claiming Paris Saint Germain owe him around 55 million euros in unpaid wages and bonuses from the final months of his contract, despite his departure from the club in the summer of 2024. His legal team is asking for reclassification of his fixed term deal as permanent and alleging non execution of contract for the last three months, while PSG must explain why they withheld payments, in a highly unusual dispute that skips conciliation and goes straight to a full tribunal judgment.