“I want to go back” – Goal and assist machine promises Champions League return soon
Joao Felix has opened the door for a return to Europe with his comments after Portugal’s win over Norway.
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Joao Felix has been the best player in the Saudi League since moving to Al Nassr a year ago. His record is ridiculous. He’s backed that hot form up with a couple of goals for Portugal in this international break already.
That has led to lots of questions about his plans for the future, and Felix made it clear that he’s likely to have another crack at European football before too long.
Joao Felix opens the door to European return after this season
“I am very happy at Al-Nassr. This will be my second year. At the end of the season I will be 27. I have it in mind to return to Europe, though perhaps not immediately,” Felix told Spanish paper AS.
“I don’t know if it will be at the end of this season or the end of the next one, but I want to go back to Europe, play in the Champions League again and compete there.
“It is always different. Playing in Europe, playing in the Champions League, playing against the best teams in the world gives you extra motivation, and obviously I have that in my head.”
Felix’s last few stops in Europe did not go well, and he will be cautious before trying again. However he’s shown his level is very high, and it would be a shame for him to spend the rest of his career in Saudi and not playing in the Champions League.
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(Video): Bernardo sparks new rivalry with nasty Odegaard tackle – countdown to December 9th begins
Martin Odegaard and Bernardo Silva carried their old club rivalries into international football last night with a battle on and off the pitch.
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Norway against Portugal was the prestige international fixture of Sunday night, and while it was billed as Cristiano Ronaldo against Erling Haaland, it ended up as Bernardo Silva against Martin Odegaard.
The two number 10s had a running battle in the middle of the pitch that culminated in the former Man City man coming in late on the Norwegian, catching the back of his opponents heel with a pretty obviously deliberate late swing of the left leg.
You can see the tackle in the clip embedded here:
Clear view of that Bernardo Silva career ending Tackle towards Martin Odergaard. pic.twitter.com/mc7YPbrstt
— ²? (@beingblackie_) September 28, 2026
Silva and Odegaard post game comments show rivalry is alive and well
Things weren’t left out on the pitch after Portugal battled to a 2-1 win. Odegaard said post game that his Premier League rival had “completely lost his head,” and that tackles like that “don’t belong on a football pitch.”
“It’s a head fog from him, he just kicks me down long after I’ve played the ball away,” Odegaard told TV2,” in his native Norway.
“I don’t understand what he’s doing. It does not belong on a football pitch. It’s a shame that people do that.”
The drama got even juicier after full time. Silva was caught by the cameras leaving the dressing room through the media mixed zone:
“That’s football my friend” he said when asked for his comments on the incident.
This is an interesting little rivalry – what a shame they’re not playing for the two teams chasing the Premier League title any more. Although, Real Madrid meet Arsenal in the Champions League on December 9th…
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Marca: Real Madrid player was wanted by Liverpool and Chelsea this summer
Premier League teams were interested in Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio in the summer, Marca are reporting.
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Real Madrid centre back Raul Asencio has not played a minute this season – but that could be about to change, in pretty dramatic fashion.
Dean Huijsen is suspended following his red card in the Madrid derby. Meanwhile Ibrahima Konate has picked up an injury on international duty with France.
As it stands, it looks like Madrid’s next game will see Asencio line up alongside Antonio Rudiger at centre back for Jose Mourinho. There are some huge games on the horizon, and academy product Asencio is about to be thrown in at the deep end.
Asencio’s major summer decisions could have seen him take very different path
While he now awaits his first minutes of the season – potentially in some massive games – it’s easy to forget how differently things could have gone in the summer.
A piece from Marca today notes that Asencio had offered from Liverpool, Chelsea and Turkey in the summer. Things could easily have gone in another direction, and he could have left his boyhood club.
Instead he stayed put, stayed patient, and is now potentially about to get his reward. It still feels like, long term, his future is away from Madrid. But as a loyal academy player they’ve always been able to call on him when they need him, and he looks set to get his latest chance soon.
His drunk driving conviction in the summer would have been a horrible moment for him – now he can make up for it.
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Liverpool dealt another huge injury blow as key star could miss Man City clash
Cody Gakpo could be out for Liverpool’s crucial upcoming clash against Manchester City after being forced off injured while on international duty with the Netherlands against Serbia.
The forward joins a growing injury list at Anfield at a pivotal point in the season.
Cody Gakpo forced off injured vs Serbia
The Dutch international was subbed off early during the UEFA Nations League fixture following a heavy tackle in midfield.
Serbia’s Saša Lukić caught Gakpo with a late challenge, resulting in heavy contact on the forward’s lower left leg.
Gakpo received treatment on the pitch before being unable to continue, sparking immediate concern for both country and club.
Medical staff are set to assess the full extent of the ankle injury ahead of his return to Merseyside.
CODY GAKPO?? “Fifa virus”????? pic.twitter.com/JQuP62Lc69
— Pitch Wire (@wire_pitch) September 27, 2026
? Gakpo Injury
Serbian midfielder Saša Luki? with a strong sliding tackle. Although he played the ball first, he also caught Gakpo hard afterwards.
Gakpo was limping for the next few minutes and was unable to continue. pic.twitter.com/349FD5upUg https://t.co/gfYIqfXLYS
— Kop Fever (@KopFever) September 27, 2026
Gakpo injury adds to Liverpool’s growing concerns
The setback compounds a major dilemma for Liverpool during the international break. Alexander Isak was also forced to withdraw from the Sweden squad after sustaining a thigh problem during his country’s Nations League campaign.
Isak returned early to Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre to begin evaluation and recovery.
Sweden manager Graham Potter confirmed that while the thigh issue is not long-term, it was serious enough to rule the striker out of action. Losing two focal attacking options in quick succession leaves the coaching staff short on frontline firepower.
Liverpool could be without Gakpo against Manchester City
With Manchester City visiting Anfield immediately after the international break, Liverpool face the daunting prospect of taking on the Premier League rivals without some of their top performers.
Gakpo has been in sublime form this season, acting as the primary creative engine and goal threat in attack.
His potential absence, combined with Isak’s fitness race, serves as a severe blow to Liverpool who are yet to be beaten in the Premier League this season.
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Bayern star in Premier League teams’ sights as contract talks reach crucial stage
Premier League clubs are taking a look at Bayern defender Kim Min-jae and preparing the ground for future moves.
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Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae’s future is still very much in doubt, and a Premier League move could be on the horizon.
Top German transfer insider Christian Falk has said on his CFBayern insider website that the defender could “attract interest from several clubs” in the window to come, but has made it clear there’s also a chance the South Korea international signs a new deal with Bayern and stays on there.
Jae could join Spurs or Villa as Premier League interest grows
“This is why other clubs have Kim in their focus. Aston Villa is interested, and I heard both Tottenham and AC Milan are also looking at the South Korean international. In fact the three clubs in question already made contact in the summer for Kim, but in the end there was no offer.
“So, nothing concrete at the moment. I wouldn’t expect a January move or anything. Everything will depend on what Bayern Munich will tell Kim in contract talks this year.”
So there are a lot of moving parts still – but it still feels fairly likely that the big defender ends up in the Premier League at some point.
Tottenham signed a slew of players in that position in the summer – and they feel the less likely option. A move to Aston Villa feels possible, as does a return to Italy with AC Milan. Jae’s breakthrough at the top level came with Napoli, and he might be tempted to return to Serie A.
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Liverpool star linked with a surprise move to European giants in the summer
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has once again been linked with a potential move to AC Milan,
Van Dijk’s long-term future has been the subject of speculation as he approaches the latter stages of his current Liverpool contract, although the Netherlands international remains an important figure at Anfield.
Carlo Pellegatti: Virgil van Dijk ‘will come to Milan sooner or later’
Italian journalist Carlo Pellegatti has reiterated his belief that the Liverpool skipper is destined for San Siro.
Speaking via Football Italia, Pellegatti stood firm on his previous claims regarding interest from the Rossoneri owner.
“Every now and then, people make fun of me for saying Van Dijk would join, but then they had done the same the January before Zlatan Ibrahimovic arrived,” Pellegatti noted.
“I continue to say that Gerry Cardinale (Milan’s owner) made clear: ‘Either we get him now by paying or next year for free.’ I said that Van Dijk will arrive at Milan sooner or later.
“We’ll see if Cardinale changes his mind or not, but I can assure you it was not just a name I pulled out of thin air.”
Virgil van Dijk remains key to Liverpool defence
Despite the latest AC Milan speculation, Van Dijk remains central to Liverpool’s plans.
The experienced centre-back has developed an impressive partnership with summer signing Jérémy Jacquet, with the pair providing Liverpool with a combination of leadership, composure and athleticism.
Jacquet’s pace and defensive presence can allow Van Dijk to operate with greater control, while the Liverpool captain continues to provide organisation and experience at the heart of the defence.
Liverpool’s defensive performances have subsequently shown signs of improvement, underlining Van Dijk’s continued importance to the team.
Virgil van Dijk’s Liverpool legacy already secure
Whatever eventually happens with his future, Van Dijk has already established himself as one of the most influential defenders of the modern era.
The Dutchman has played a major role in Liverpool’s Premier League and Champions League triumphs since arriving at Anfield and has become one of the defining defenders of the club’s recent history.
A potential move to AC Milan would therefore represent a major new chapter in Van Dijk’s career, but for now, Pellegatti’s comments remain a prediction rather than confirmation of an impending transfer.
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Watch: Liverpool duo Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez involved in huge stoppage-time brawl for Hungary
Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez were involved in a massive stoppage-time brawl during Hungary’s 1-0 defeat against Ukraine in the UEFA Nations League.
Tensions boiled over in the dying minutes at the Puskás Aréna as the home side frantically searched for an equaliser.
Liverpool duo involved in heated brawl vs Ukraine
The flashpoint came in the 94th minute following a series of late challenges and time-wasting incidents.
Hungary captain Szoboszlai became involved in a heated confrontation with Ukraine forward Viktor Tsygankov, prompting players and members of both coaching staffs to rush towards the incident.
Kerkez quickly joined the melee after seeing his national team captain and Liverpool teammate surrounded by opposition players.
The Liverpool pair were both booked as the referee attempted to restore order.
Ukraine’s Oleksandr Nazarenko received a second yellow card during the incident and was subsequently sent off, leaving the visitors with 10 men for the closing stages.
The dramatic scenes overshadowed what had otherwise been a tightly contested Nations League encounter.
Szobo cold as ice because he knows Kerkez has his back every time. ????? pic.twitter.com/7cCiQeYNG9
— centrekop. (@centrekop) September 27, 2026
This is what led up to it https://t.co/A1urlR8vjR pic.twitter.com/7bdGZHH40n
— FlorianFlicks (@FlorianFocus) September 25, 2026
Hungary suffer 1-0 defeat to Ukraine
Despite enjoying significant spells of possession at home, Hungary were unable to find a way through Ukraine’s defence.
Ukraine took the lead in the 42nd minute when Danylo Sikan finished from Heorhiy Sudakov’s precise pass.
Hungary pushed for an equaliser after the break but ultimately failed to convert their opportunities.
The defeat leaves Hungary searching for valuable points in their Nations League campaign, while the late confrontation involving Liverpool stars Szoboszlai and Kerkez provided the most dramatic moment of the match.
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Liverpool star suffers injury blow ahead of huge Manchester City clash as scans await
Liverpool have suffered an Alexander Isak injury blow after the striker was withdrawn from the Sweden squad with a toe problem.
The in-form forward picked up the injury during Sweden’s latest fixture and has now been released from international duty to return to Liverpool for treatment.
The timing will concern Arne Iraola, with Liverpool facing a huge Premier League clash against Manchester City immediately after the international break.
Liverpool confirm Alexander Isak injury
Liverpool officially confirmed the development via an official club statement: “Alexander Isak is to return from international duty due to a minor injury.”
Isak will therefore miss Sweden’s three remaining fixtures during the current international break.
The striker will return to Merseyside, where Liverpool’s medical staff will assess the problem at the AXA Training Centre.
Further tests and scans will determine the extent of the toe injury and provide a clearer indication of whether Isak will be available for Liverpool’s next fixture.
Alexander Isak injury comes at frustrating time for Liverpool
The setback comes at an frustrating time for both player and club.
Isak has made a blistering start to the new campaign, leading Liverpool’s attack with renewed confidence and registering four goals in five Premier League appearances.
His sharp movement and clinical finishing have been central to the Reds’ early-season momentum.
With a crucial, high-stakes clash against title rivals Manchester City waiting immediately after the international break, Liverpool will hope the toe injury proves minor.
Supporters and management alike will be desperately wishing for positive news from the medical team so their star forward can recover in time to feature in the big game.
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“It’s frustrating” – Arsenal star speaks out on his situation amid transfer interest
Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has spoken out on finding it frustrating not to be playing more regularly for the Gunners so far this season.
The Sweden international has quite clearly fallen down in the pecking order at Arsenal at the start of this campaign, with Kai Havertz starting all Premier League games for Mikel Arteta’s side so far.
In some of those, Gyokeres hasn’t even made it off the bench, so it makes sense that he’s now considering leaving the club, as initial contacts with four clubs can be exclusively revealed here.
When asked about his situation, Gyokeres didn’t exactly play down the uncertainty over his future as he admitted it’s frustrating not to be on the pitch more.
Viktor Gyokeres on difficult start to the season with Arsenal
“Of course it’s frustrating, no matter where it is,” Gyokeres told Swedish outlet SVT. “You always want to be on the field and contribute, score goals.
“It can be frustrating sometimes but I just try to do my best when I get the chance and focus on what I can control.”
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Arsenal fans will no doubt have mixed feelings about the Gyokeres situation, as he has some qualities even if he hasn’t quite lived up to expectations in his time at the Emirates Stadium so far.
The 28-year-old scored 21 goals in all competitions last season to help Arsenal win the Premier League title and reach the Champions League final, so there’s surely some role for him to play.
Still, he doesn’t have that all-round quality of someone like Havertz, and it seems clear that Arteta isn’t entirely convinced by him if the start of this season is anything to go by.
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“Made contact” – Tottenham & Aston Villa keen on signing 29-year-old three-time title winner
Tottenham and Aston Villa are reportedly both interested in a potential transfer move for Bayern Munich central defender Kim Min-jae.
The South Korea international has had a strong career at the highest level in Europe, even if he’s never quite established himself as an automatic starter for Bayern.
Kim won Serie A during his time at former club Napoli, and he’s won two Bundesliga titles at the Allianz Arena, so he’s an experienced winner who could surely strengthen a lot of Premier League clubs.
According to Christian Falk, speaking to CF Bayern Insider, there is genuine interest from Spurs and Villa, who made some contact over signing the 29-year-old during the summer.
Kim wasn’t available at that time, but it could be that clubs will look at him again, while AC Milan could also be another team to watch.
Kim Min-jae could seal transfer to the Premier League
Discussing Kim’s future, Falk said: “I can say it’s still true that Bayern Munich will be the first club he opens any kind of talks with.
But it will depend on a number of things, like what Bayern are offering this Autumn when they open talks over his future? Will they say Min-jae Kim can sign a new contract? Or is he still one of the players the club would consider selling to bring in some money?
“This is why other clubs have Kim in their focus. Aston Villa is interested, and I heard both Tottenham and AC Milan are also looking at the South Korean international. In fact the three clubs in question already made contact in the summer for Kim, but in the end there was no offer.
“So, nothing concrete at the moment. I wouldn’t expect a January move or anything. Everything will depend on what Bayern Munich will tell Kim in contract talks this year.”
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Bayern might do well to keep Kim around for squad depth, but if the right offer came in perhaps they could be tempted to let him go.
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