REPUBLIC

‎Vincent Kompany has defied the critics and ended one of modern football’s strangest narratives — Harry Kane, the great striker cursed never to win a trophy. On a dramatic Bundesliga Sunday, Bayern Munich sealed their 34th German title after Bayer Leverkusen stumbled to a draw at Freiburg, confirming the Bavarians as champions with two games to spare. ‎ ‎' Harry Kane. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎For Kane, it’s the end of a long and winding wait. For Kompany, it’s vindication. ‎ ‎Few gave the Belgian a chance when he stepped into the Allianz Arena last May. Fresh off a dismal Premier League relegation campaign with Burnley, his appointment was met with widespread skepticism — including thinly veiled digs from former boss Sean Dyche. Bayern’s failed pursuit of elite names like Xabi Alonso and Julian Nagelsmann left Kompany as an unexpected solution. But the club's sporting director, Max Eberl, believed in his vision and pedigree, and that faith has been emphatically...

‎Barcelona may soon be at a crossroads. According to reports from Fichajes, Premier League champions Liverpool are preparing a €40 million bid to sign Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong — a move that could force a difficult decision at the Camp Nou. ‎ ' Frenkie de Jong. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎New Liverpool manager Arne Slot, fresh off guiding the Reds to a title-winning campaign, is eager to reshape his midfield around players he trusts. Frenkie de Jong, a player Slot knows well from their shared Dutch football roots, has emerged as a prime target to orchestrate his vision. ‎ ‎Despite being under contract with Barcelona until 2026, De Jong’s name has surfaced once again in transfer discussions. The driving force behind this renewed interest? Barcelona’s persistent financial woes. The Catalan club’s delicate economic situation has made them more receptive to sizable offers — and €40 million is nothing to ignore. ‎ ‎Key to Slot’s Strategy ‎Liverpool’s midfield alread...

‎Real Madrid have identified Arsenal defender William Saliba as their top transfer target to anchor a summer defensive overhaul, according to a report from Spanish outlet Marca. The 23-year-old French international is said to be the club’s preferred solution to reinforce a backline that has struggled in key moments this season, particularly during their Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Arsenal. ‎ Real Madrid plot Summer rebuild with Arsenal's William Saliba at the centre. ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎Los Blancos were eliminated from Europe’s elite competition after conceding five goals across two legs against the North London side. That performance reportedly intensified internal discussions over the need to rejuvenate a once-impervious defence. Saliba, who has grown into one of the world’s premier centre-backs under Mikel Arteta, has long been admired by Real’s chief scout Juni Calafat, who views him as an ideal long-term leader in defence. ‎ ‎Despite Saliba sig...

‎Manchester United are confident that they have sealed a deal to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres in the upcoming summer transfer window, according to Football Insider. The Swedish international has been a long-term target for the Red Devils, and club insiders now believe that the move is effectively a “done deal.” ‎ ‎' Viktor Gyokeres. ' ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎United, under manager Rúben Amorim, are seeking to overhaul their attacking options following a disappointing Premier League campaign. Current centre-forwards Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled to deliver consistent performances, prompting a strategic focus on bolstering the front line. ‎ ‎Gyokeres, who has enjoyed a sensational debut season with Sporting CP, fits the profile United are after. In Liga Portugal alone, the former Coventry City striker has netted 34 goals and provided 7 assists across 29 appearances. His performances in the Champions League have also been impressive, with 6 goals...

‎Bruno Guimarães has weighed in on football’s greatest debate — and for the Brazil international, the answer is clear. After sharing the pitch with three of the most iconic players of the modern era — Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar — the Newcastle United star has crowned Messi as his undisputed GOAT. ‎ Bruno Guimarães names Lionel Messi as football’s GOAT after facing Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. ‎Getty Images (2) ‎ ‎Speaking to TNT Sports, Guimarães reflected on the toughest opponents of his career and did not hesitate when asked who stands above the rest: “I've played against Messi, Cristiano, Neymar... I choose Messi.” ‎ ‎Bruno's admiration for Messi stems from a memorable match during his time at Olympique Lyonnais, when his side lined up against Paris Saint-Germain. It was in that game that he experienced what he describes as a surreal, dreamlike moment: ‎ ‎“There was a time when we were playing Lyon and PSG. Messi was already at PSG. We were abou...

‎Gregor Kobel, one of the Bundesliga’s standout goalkeepers, is reportedly a target for two Premier League giants, Chelsea and Newcastle United, as both clubs look to strengthen their goalkeeping options. With his current club, Borussia Dortmund, struggling to secure a spot in next season's Champions League, Kobel's future is in flux. ‎ ‎' Gregor Kobel. ' ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎According to a report from Foot Mercato, both Chelsea and Newcastle have expressed strong interest in the 27-year-old Swiss international. Kobel, whose contract with Dortmund runs until 2028, is said to be keen on leaving Signal Iduna Park if the team fails to secure a Champions League berth for the upcoming season. ‎ ‎Chelsea’s Pursuit of a New Keeper ‎ ‎Chelsea, in particular, are looking for a new goalkeeper after expressing dissatisfaction with their current first-choice, Robert Sanchez. Reports suggest that the Blues are willing to pay a hefty €70 million (£60 million) to secure Kobel’...

‎Chelsea are reportedly keen on bringing young forward Jamie Gittens back to English football, as the club targets a move for the Borussia Dortmund star. The England Under-21 international, who is under contract at Signal Iduna Park until 2028, has been making waves in the Bundesliga, but recent developments suggest that his future may lie elsewhere. Gittens’ growing dissatisfaction with his reduced role under Dortmund's coach Niko Kovac has led to speculation about a potential transfer, with several top Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Liverpool, and Tottenham, also monitoring the situation. ‎ ‎ Chelsea eye Jamie Gittens' return to English Football with impressive salary offer amid discontent at Dortmund. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎According to a report from Sky Sport Germany, Chelsea have officially shown interest in Gittens, who has accumulated 12 goals across all competitions this season. However, despite his strong performances, the 20-year-old has not sta...

Cristiano Ronaldo has been urged to consider a surprising yet potentially shrewd financial move—investing in English League Two side Cheltenham Town. The recommendation comes from leading football finance expert Dr Rob Wilson, who believes the Al-Nassr forward could make a transformative impact on the lower-tier club, mirroring the sensational success story of Wrexham under Hollywood ownership. ‎ ‎' C. Ronaldo. ' ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎Since 2021, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have dramatically reshaped the narrative at Wrexham AFC. Their investment not only propelled the Welsh side to three consecutive promotions, but also captured global attention through the acclaimed Welcome to Wrexham documentary series. This meteoric rise has sparked a new wave of interest in lower-league football investments, prompting experts to highlight similarly undervalued opportunities. ‎ ‎' Ryan Reynolds ' and ' Rob McElhenney. ' ‎Getty Images (2) ‎ ‎Speaking t...

Real Madrid have issued a forthright denial of speculation suggesting they intended to withdraw from tonight’s Copa del Rey final against arch-rivals Barcelona, following an explosive breakdown in relations with the match officiating team. ‎ ‎ Real Madrid quell boycott rumors ahead of Copa del Rey Final amid referee row. ‎Getty Images  ‎ ‎The Spanish giants moved swiftly on Friday evening to issue a strongly-worded statement reaffirming their commitment to compete in the high-stakes final, which will be watched by millions worldwide. The announcement came amid rising tensions between the club and the designated match officials, triggered by a controversial broadcast on the club’s own media channel. ‎ ‎“In light of the rumours that have arisen in the last few hours, Real Madrid CF communicates that our team never considered refusing to play tomorrow's final,” the statement began. ‎ ‎The club emphasized that “football's values must prevail,” referencing the global aud...

‎Jose Mourinho reportedly came within touching distance of signing Lionel Messi for Chelsea in 2014, with personal terms agreed and a staggering £50 million annual salary on offer. But despite the West London club’s readiness to activate the €250 million release clause in Messi’s Barcelona contract, the transfer never materialised—blocked by a surprise revelation from a Premier League player that alerted Messi’s father and ultimately brought the negotiations to a halt. ‎ ‎ Jose Mourinho almost signed Lionel Messi for Chelsea in 2014 before deal collapsed over player revelation. ‎Getty Images Sport ‎ ‎At the time, Mourinho had just returned for his second spell at Chelsea, eager to reinforce his legacy after two Premier League title wins during his first tenure. Always one to think big, the Portuguese manager set his sights on Lionel Messi, arguably the most coveted player in world football. ‎ ‎According to Gianluca Di Marzio’s 2014 book Grand Hotel Calciomercato, the ground...

‎Arsenal and Manchester United have received encouraging developments in their summer transfer pursuits of Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons, with RB Leipzig reportedly ready to sanction the sales of both players to meet financial targets. ‎ ‎Arsenal and Manchester United receive transfer boost in race for RB Leipzig duo Sesko and Simons. ‎Getty Images (2) ‎ ‎According to German outlet Bild, RB Leipzig are under pressure to raise funds and have identified Sesko and Simons as high-value assets who could help the club reach their target of €100 million (£85m/$114m) in player sales. Both Premier League giants are said to be keen on securing deals for the two rising stars, with United showing particular interest in 22-year-old Dutch midfielder Simons, while both clubs are monitoring the availability of 21-year-old Slovenian striker Sesko. ‎ ‎Leipzig had previously struck a gentleman’s agreement with Simons, who joined permanently from Paris Saint-Germain in January, allowing him t...

‎Manchester United have reportedly struck an "agreement in principle" with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen ahead of a high-profile summer move, according to Tuttosport. The Red Devils are believed to be ready to activate the Nigerian forward's €75 million (£64m/$86m) release clause in an ambitious attempt to revamp their struggling attack. ‎ ‎Manchester United reach 'agreement in principle' with Victor Osimhen for summer transfer. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The 26-year-old goal machine, currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray, has reignited his career with a sensational run of form—netting 30 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions this season. Galatasaray have expressed interest in making the move permanent, but the lure of Premier League football and a leading role at Old Trafford could prove decisive. ‎ ‎Osimhen was the subject of strong interest from several English clubs last summer, notably Manchester United and Chelsea, but Napoli...

‎Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca will be absent from the touchline for the Blues’ next Premier League fixture after receiving a one-match suspension. The ban follows his exuberant celebrations during Chelsea’s thrilling 2-1 comeback win against Fulham at Craven Cottage. ‎ ‎' Enzo Maresca. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The west London derby delivered late drama, with Chelsea turning the game on its head in the final moments. Trailing with under ten minutes remaining, the Blues levelled through Tyrique George before Pedro Neto netted a 93rd-minute winner, sparking wild scenes among the Chelsea contingent. ‎ ‎Maresca, unable to contain his emotions, left the technical area and joined in the celebrations that spilled onto the pitch. The passionate reaction earned him a yellow card from referee Anthony Taylor—his third of the season—triggering an automatic one-match suspension under Premier League rules. ‎ ‎“It was a beautiful moment,” Maresca explained post-match. “We fough...

The Vatican has announced the death of Pope Francis, aged 88, following complications from a respiratory infection that developed into double pneumonia. The Pontiff passed away in hospital after weeks of treatment and a gradual health decline that had raised concerns worldwide. ‎ ‎Pope Francis delivers his blessing as he recites the Angelus noon prayer from the window of his studio overlooking St.Peter's Square, at the Vatican, on Jan. 19, 2025. ‎Andrew Medichini/AP ‎ ‎The Holy Father, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, made history in 2013 when he became the first Latin American pope and the first non-European to lead the Roman Catholic Church in over 1,300 years. He succeeded Pope Benedict XVI, whose resignation set the stage for a transformative and often controversial papacy. ‎ ‎Final Days and Farewell ‎ ‎Despite his fragile health, Francis made a surprise appearance on Easter Sunday, greeting thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square. His joyful ...

‎Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly begun the search for a long-term replacement for Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson, who continues to struggle with a persistent groin injury. Since joining City in 2017, Ederson has played a pivotal role in the club’s domestic and European success, securing multiple Premier League titles and the elusive UEFA Champions League crown. ‎ ‎' Ederson. ' ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎However, his recurring fitness issues this season have cast doubt over his reliability between the posts, prompting Guardiola and City’s management to explore alternatives. According to a report from The Mirror, FC Porto’s Diogo Costa has emerged as the leading candidate. The Portuguese international, widely regarded as one of Europe’s top young goalkeepers, has a €75 million (£63m) buy-out clause in a contract that runs until 2027. ‎ ‎' Diogo Costa. ' ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎While the release clause is viewed as steep by the City hierarchy, the...

‎Manchester City are positioning themselves at the front of the pack to sign Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, with the Premier League champions identifying the midfielder as a potential successor to Kevin De Bruyne. ‎ ‎ Manchester City target Morgan Gibbs-White as De Bruyne successor amid growing transfer race. ‎Getty Images  ‎ ‎De Bruyne, who has played a pivotal role in City’s dominance over the past nine years, is expected to depart the Etihad this summer, prompting Pep Guardiola and the club’s recruitment team to search for a creative midfielder capable of filling the Belgian's sizable boots. ‎ ‎While Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz has long been on City's radar, The Daily Mail reports that attention has now turned more decisively toward Gibbs-White, whose performances under Nuno Espirito Santo have caught the eye across Europe. ‎ ‎The 24-year-old England international has been central to Nottingham Forest’s surprise push for Champions League qualific...

‎As Manchester United prepare for a crucial Europa League second leg against Lyon, all eyes will inevitably fall on their most scrutinised figure—Andre Onana. Once hailed for his ball-playing ability and composure under pressure, the Cameroonian goalkeeper has become a lightning rod for criticism, controversy, and costly mistakes. His return to the starting XI at Old Trafford marks a pivotal moment—not just for United’s season, but potentially for Onana’s future at the club. ‎ ‎' André Onana. ' ‎Getty Images  ‎ ‎The past week has only intensified the spotlight. After a post-Manchester derby interview in which Onana confidently claimed United were "way better" than Lyon, his words were thrown back at him—most notably by former Red Devil Nemanja Matic, who labelled him "one of the worst goalkeepers in the history of Manchester United." Onana’s social media response added fuel to the fire, and a blundering performance in the 2-2 draw in France ensur...

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a summer move for Ajax teenage sensation Abdellah Ouazane, as the Premier League giants explore cost-effective options to strengthen their squad. According to the Daily Mail, the 17-year-old Moroccan has impressed with a string of standout performances at the Under-17 African Cup of Nations and is now firmly on the radar of the Old Trafford club. ' Jude Bellingham. ' Getty Images Sport  The talented midfielder, who has drawn stylistic comparisons to England international Jude Bellingham, is being monitored closely by United scouts. With Erik ten Hag’s side set to operate under a constrained transfer budget this summer, the Red Devils are prioritising the recruitment of high-potential youth prospects over big-money signings. Ouazane’s technical proficiency, vision, and maturity on the ball have marked him as one of Ajax’s brightest academy products. While any approach would require negotiations with the Dutch club, it is believ...

Manchester City staged a stirring comeback to claim a potentially season-defining 5-2 win over Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium, climbing into fourth in the Premier League and reviving their push for Champions League qualification. De Bruyne shines as Manchester City storm back to overcome Crystal Palace in 5-2 thriller. Getty Images (3) ‎ ‎Veteran playmaker Kevin De Bruyne was at the heart of the turnaround, delivering a vintage display that saw him score, assist, and dominate the midfield. With City trailing by two goals inside 21 minutes, the Belgian’s leadership and flair proved decisive in swinging the momentum. ‎ ‎Palace stunned the home crowd early when Ismaila Sarr broke free down the right and squared for Eberechi Eze to convert with ease after just six minutes. The visitors doubled their lead midway through the first half via USMNT international Chris Richards, who headed in a corner as goalkeeper Ederson misjudged his punch — marking Palace’s 14th set-piece g...