Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad have revived their interest in signing departing Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah on a free transfer this summer.
The 33-year-old Egypt international is set to leave Anfield at the end of the season, prompting the Middle Eastern club to renew a pursuit that saw a £150m bid rejected in 2023.
Fenway Sports Group, the owners of the Merseyside club, reportedly opted against demanding a transfer fee during the January window to avoid complicating the prolific attacker’s impending exit.
Manchester United target Premier League stars
Elsewhere, Manchester United are actively monitoring Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye and Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall as they prepare for a likely return to European competition.
The Old Trafford hierarchy have also identified 19-year-old RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as a potential addition to bolster their attacking options.
Meanwhile, veteran Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has agreed to remove a contract clause that would have triggered a one-year extension based on his starting appearances, paving the way for a summer departure.
The Red Devils remain confident they can find alternative buyers for Marcus Rashford if Barcelona decide against converting the England international’s loan into a permanent £26m transfer.
Liverpool explore managerial and attacking options
Liverpool have maintained regular contact with former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso regarding a potential return to his former club in a managerial capacity.
The Spanish coach, who won the Champions League as a player on Merseyside, is reportedly open to succeeding Arne Slot if specific conditions are met.
To fill the creative void left by their departing Egyptian talisman, the six-time European champions have been linked with Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise.
However, the Bavarian giants remain relaxed about the 24-year-old Frenchman’s future, as he is firmly under contract until 2029 without a release clause.
European giants track defensive reinforcements
Barcelona are keenly tracking Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, though the Catalan club could face stiff competition from Liverpool for the 26-year-old’s signature.
In England, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe retains the full backing of the club’s ownership despite recent fan unrest following a Champions League exit and a frustrating defeat to rivals Sunderland.
Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr has reaffirmed his commitment to the Spanish capital, stating his intention to sign a contract extension and remain at the Bernabeu.
I am only thinking about staying at Real Madrid for a long time.
Vinicius Jr
Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo has also definitively dismissed speculation linking him with a move to Madrid, insisting he has no intention of leaving west London.
World soccer’s governing body has confirmed the final phase of general ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup will begin on 1 April, following intense criticism over tournament pricing strategies.
Over one million passes were purchased during the previous release window between December and February.
The upcoming phase will remain open until the conclusion of the expanded 48-team tournament, which is co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Supporters securing their attendance in this final window will be able to choose specific seats on a first-come, first-served basis.
Backlash over dynamic pricing
The ticketing strategy for the North American showpiece has drawn widespread condemnation from fan groups.
Initial general sale prices ranged from $140 for the cheapest group-stage fixtures up to an unprecedented $8,680 for the showpiece final.
Football Supporters Europe recently joined forces with consumer group Euroconsumers to lodge a formal complaint with the European Commission.
The fan organisation specifically targeted the exorbitant face value of entry and the controversial introduction of dynamic pricing models.
Record demand despite controversy
Despite the mounting frustration among match-going fans, organisers insist interest in the summer event remains remarkably high.
“Demand for tickets was the equivalent of 1,000 years of World Cups at once.”
– Gianni Infantino
The Swiss administrator confidently predicted earlier this year that all 104 matches at the upcoming edition would be completely sold out.
Fans who successfully purchased entry during earlier ballots will finally discover their allocated seat locations when the new portal opens.
Uefa has fined Benfica €40,000 and handed the club a suspended partial stadium closure following racist behaviour by supporters during their Champions League match against Real Madrid last month.
The Portuguese side faced a formal investigation after multiple unsavoury incidents marred the play-off round tie.
During the fiery encounter, Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr accused opposing winger Gianluca Prestianni of using discriminatory language.
European football’s governing body has now confirmed widespread disciplinary action against the Lisbon outfit.
Financial penalties and stadium sanctions
A comprehensive statement from Uefa detailed charges including the throwing of objects, the use of laser pointers, and illicit chants by spectators.
The Eagles have been ordered to close a 500-seat section of the Estadio da Luz for their next home European fixture.
However, this partial closure remains suspended for a probationary period of one year.
Additional financial penalties include an €8,000 charge for the use of laser pointers and €25,000 for thrown objects.
Assistant coach Pedro Luis Ferreira Machado has also been handed a one-match touchline suspension for unsporting conduct.
Managerial response and player disputes
The Spanish giants ultimately progressed from the two-legged tie with a 3-1 aggregate victory.
In the aftermath of the defeat, Benfica manager Jose Mourinho faced criticism for his handling of the alleged racial abuse on the pitch.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss revealed he spoke directly to the Real Madrid star regarding his goal celebrations and the subsequent altercation.
“I told him, when you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back,” Mourinho stated.
“They told me different things, but I don’t believe in one or another; I want to be an independent.”
“When he was arguing about racism, I told him the biggest person in the history of this club was black, and the last thing this club is, is racist.”
Reports later emerged suggesting Prestianni confessed to teammates about using a racial slur, an allegation the Portuguese club has vehemently denied.
Rangers have announced plans to raise £16m in new capital through a share issue to fund investment in the men’s first-team squad.
Club chairman Andrew Cavenagh confirmed the offer will be supported by his consortium and existing shareholders.
The funds are strictly earmarked to support player acquisitions and address other operational needs at Ibrox.
Total investment from the current ownership group now stands at £36m since their takeover in the summer of 2025.
Restructured executive team
Cavenagh also revealed the Scottish Premiership side will not appoint a replacement for former sporting director Kevin Thelwell.
Thelwell was removed from his post in November alongside ex-chief executive Patrick Stewart.
“We do not plan to hire a sporting director. The executive team is committed to being smaller, nimbler, and more entrepreneurial,” Cavenagh explained.
“We want an executive team willing to get its fingernails dirty. We want fewer consulting firms and less bureaucracy.”
The club hierarchy is systematically reviewing all operations to improve efficiency and divert a greater share of resources to the pitch.
Balancing inflation and fan costs
Alongside the share issue, adult season ticket prices will rise by 6.5%.
Operational costs, including player wages, agent fees, and stadium security, are currently rising faster than the overall rate of inflation.
“If we are going to ask supporters to pay more for tickets, we have an obligation to spend those funds wisely,” Cavenagh noted.
The chairman insisted this is not the time to decrease the football budget, viewing revenue growth as essential to remaining competitive.
All shareholders will receive formal documentation regarding the resolutions, with a minimum buy-in set at 1,000 shares.
Old Firm disorder condemned
Cavenagh used his open letter to reiterate the club’s firm stance on the chaotic scenes that marred the recent Old Firm derby.
Supporters entered the field of play following a penalty shootout at Ibrox, leading to widespread condemnation.
“We continue to denounce the disorder, property damage, and especially those who denigrated the 66 souls lost in the Ibrox disaster,” he stated.
The Glasgow giants have pledged full support for an independent review and will collaborate with all relevant stakeholders.
In a separate development, Rangers are attempting to convene a summit of top-flight clubs to discuss the ongoing use of video assistant referees.
Manchester City continue to await the outcome of their 115 Premier League financial charges, with recent reports suggesting a final verdict could be delayed until the summer.
The reigning English champions strongly deny any wrongdoing regarding alleged breaches of the league’s financial regulations.
Speculation is mounting over potential penalties, with recent rumours suggesting the club could face a severe 60-point deduction if found guilty.
An independent commission is reviewing the complex case, which officially involves 115 charges spanning multiple seasons.
Conflicting timelines for final resolution
Reports regarding the announcement of a decision remain contradictory across the football media landscape.
Early indications suggested an outcome was expected around Easter, but revised timelines now point towards the summer months.
Conversely, sources close to the independent panel have reportedly stated that no official timeframe has been communicated to either party.
The prolonged delay has sparked widespread frustration, as the impending decision threatens to cast a shadow over the current domestic campaign.
Precedent set by recent financial cases
The legal team representing the Etihad outfit will be closely monitoring recent regulatory developments involving other top-flight clubs.
Chelsea were recently issued a £10m fine for illicit payments despite their new ownership voluntarily co-operating with European governing body Uefa.
It has been suggested that the London club’s situation could establish a legal precedent that benefits the Manchester side’s robust defence.
Former player criticises drawn-out process
Former club captain Richard Dunne has publicly condemned the authorities for the prolonged nature of the investigation.
The retired Republic of Ireland international believes the ongoing uncertainty severely undermines the integrity of the title race.
“It’s been ridiculous already, the amount of time that it’s dragged on,” Dunne said.
“They’ve come to a conclusion a long time ago, so why it’s taken so long to get around to giving out their results of what they found is stupid.”
“It just undermines the whole Premier League if they start coming out now at this stage of the season and you’ve got the opportunity of a real interesting title race.”
Arsenal are exploring a summer transfer for Paris St-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as manager Mikel Arteta plots a significant overhaul of his attacking options.
The 25-year-old has been identified as a primary target to inject greater individual creativity into the squad at Emirates Stadium.
However, any potential deal for the Georgian international is expected to be highly complex, with the French club viewing him as an integral part of their ongoing project.
Financial rules dictate transfer reshuffle
It is understood that the North London side are willing to sanction the departure of established senior players at the end of the current campaign.
This strategy would provide necessary financial headroom as the Premier League transitions towards new Squad Cost Ratio regulations.
Such outgoing business would pave the way for a reshuffle, with the forward line requiring special attention following an intense domestic season.
Champions League pedigree
The former Napoli attacker has enjoyed a stellar European campaign this term, notably scoring three times against Chelsea during the Champions League last-16 stage.
Despite declaring his ambition to become a club legend during an interview last month, representatives for the player remain open to exploring alternative opportunities.
Sources close to the Qatari-owned club insist they will adopt a hardline stance, viewing their prized asset as practically unsellable just a year after securing his signature.
Alvarez remains out of reach
Arteta is also known to be a long-standing admirer of Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.
A move for the Argentine World Cup winner currently remains unlikely due to a prohibitive valuation of at least £86.5m set by the Spanish outfit.
Newcastle United are planning a major summer squad overhaul targeting a new striker and goalkeeper following a damaging week that severely dented their Champions League qualification hopes.
Manager Eddie Howe and sporting director Ross Wilson will oversee the shake-up at St James’ Park.
The Tyneside club could see as many as eight players depart at the end of the current campaign.
This drastic action comes after a disastrous few days where the Magpies were heavily beaten by Barcelona in Europe before suffering a home defeat to fierce local rivals Sunderland.
Search for new firepower
A new centre-forward is the primary objective despite the club spending £125m on Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa last year.
Wissa’s £55m arrival from Brentford has failed to deliver the expected impact, forcing the recruitment team back into the market.
The hierarchy are eager to rectify mistakes from a previous summer window that saw a staggering £250m outlay yield mixed results on the pitch.
Potential high-profile departures
While no stars have formally requested a transfer, the club are bracing for offers if they fail to secure elite European football.
Key figures such as Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento are expected to attract significant interest from rival sides.
Management are desperate to avoid a repeat of last summer’s disruptive saga, which saw Swedish forward Alexander Isak go on strike to force a move to Liverpool.
However, the North East outfit remain resolute that no player will be allowed to leave for below their premium market valuation.
Contract expirations and goalkeeping changes
Experienced defensive duo Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schar are both nearing the end of their current contracts.
Midfielder Joe Willock is also likely to be sold as he enters the final 12 months of his deal.
In goal, Aaron Ramsdale is expected to return to parent club Southampton when his season-long loan expires.
This departure will force the Magpies to hunt for a first-choice goalkeeper, having narrowly missed out on England international James Trafford to Manchester City last year.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has confirmed an appeal from Senegal aimed at overturning the controversial decision by the Confederation of African Football to strip them of their Africa Cup of Nations title and award it to Morocco.
African football’s governing body announced the unprecedented ruling on 17 March, two months after the acrimonious conclusion to the continental tournament.
The West African nation were stripped of their championship and handed a retroactive 3-0 forfeit defeat for temporarily leaving the pitch in protest during the final.
Tournament hosts Morocco are subsequently recognised as the victors, ending a 49-year wait for their second African crown.
Arbitration panel to assess unprecedented dispute
Senegal’s legal team is seeking to have the strict forfeiture set aside to officially reinstate their hard-fought victory.
A spokesperson for the Senegalese government previously stated the administrative ruling directly contradicts the fundamental principles of sporting ethics.
An arbitral panel will now be appointed by the global sporting court to independently assess the highly unusual matter.
The Lions of Teranga have 20 days to file their comprehensive legal arguments, after which CAF will be granted an equal timeframe to submit a formal defence.
Matthieu Reeb, CAS director general, promised a swift but fair resolution to the escalating diplomatic and sporting crisis.
CAS is perfectly equipped to resolve this type of dispute, with the assistance of expert and independent arbitrators.
We understand that teams and fans are eager to know the final decision, and we will ensure that arbitration proceedings are conducted as swiftly as possible, while respecting the right of all parties to a fair hearing.
Walk-off drama and extra-time triumph
The original final on 18 January descended into chaos when the hosts were awarded a highly contentious stoppage-time penalty.
Infuriated by the officiating, the Senegalese players exited the field in protest and delayed the showpiece event for 17 minutes.
Veteran forward Sadio Mane eventually convinced his frustrated team-mates to return to the pitch to complete the match.
Upon the resumption of play, Moroccan playmaker Brahim Diaz missed the ensuing penalty as his attempted panenka was comfortably saved.
The fraught encounter proceeded to extra-time, where midfielder Pape Gueye secured a dramatic 1-0 victory for the protesting side.
Regulations dictate severe forfeiture penalty
Despite the on-pitch result, officials cited a severe breach of tournament protocols to justify the retroactive forfeiture.
According to article 82 of the competition regulations, any team that refuses to play or leaves the ground without authorisation is considered the loser and eliminated.
A subsequent clause mandates that violators of this rule permanently forfeit the match with a recorded 3-0 scoreline.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation released a statement insisting their initial complaint to CAF had never been about challenging the sporting performances of the teams involved.