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As rumours over Alexander Isak’s future rumble on, Newcastle United are reportedly set to be offered the chance to sign an £85m replacement who shocked St James’ Park last season.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies have found themselves limited in the transfer market across the last two windows, but could now burst into life when the summer arrives. If Isak does depart for big money then those in Tyneside will finally find themselves unlocked from the PSR cage that they’ve found themselves, albeit at the cost of their star striker.

It’s money that Eddie Howe has needed for the last two windows, with his strongest 11 simply unable to compete against a chasing pack full of the squad depth they simply do not have.

Newcastle want "incredible" 25 y/o who can be their right-sided Gordon

His team won at St James’ Park earlier this season.

By
Henry Jackson

Feb 17, 2025

Even up against the injury-riddled Manchester City last time out, Newcastle felt the full effect of another side’s spending power, with January arrival Omar Marmoush netting a stunning first-half hat-trick. City spent the money that Newcastle couldn’t last month and reaped the rewards last weekend.

Whether they’ll even be tempted to sell Isak when the summer arrives is another story, but that won’t stop the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool from reportedly chasing the forward when the window opens.

According to Football Insider, Newcastle are set to be offered the chance to sign Darwin Nunez in a swap deal for Isak, which would see the Swede head to Anfield this summer with some cash coming to Tyneside to sweeten the deal.

A player Liverpool splashed out £85m to sign in 2022, Nunez has struggled to ever truly pay that fee back in the form of goals and now finds himself falling down the pecking order under Arne Slot. As the Reds look to solve their striker problem, he could be used as quite the bargaining chip.

Whether Newcastle see it that way remains to be seen, however. Whilst they’d be getting an instant replacement for Isak, there’s still plenty of question marks over Nunez’s reliability in front of goal.

"Wonderful" Nunez must find consistency

On the fringes of the Premier League’s top four, Newcastle can ill-afford to take a gamble and that’s exactly what Nunez would be. At his very best, the Liverpool forward has all the attributes of a top striker.

He’s lightning quick, his movement is sharp and his work out of possession is key. But it’s not often that the Premier League has seen that best form for prolonged periods of time. Meanwhile, out of form, Nunez is wasteful, scrappy and unreliable – everything that Isak is not.

St James’ Park has already seen him at his clinical, quick best last season when he netted a shock brace to hand Liverpool a late victory but he has not kicked on from that performance ever since in frustrating fashion.

When the summer arrives, Newcastle will certainly have plenty to think about and that could yet include a decision regarding the arrival of Nunez.

Former Roma player Nicolo Zaniolo has been accused of hitting two youth players in a Primavera clash between Roma and Fiorentina.

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• Fiorentina beat Roma in Primavera play-off
• Nicolo Zaniolo went to Roma dressing room at FT
• Statement alleges two youth players physically struck

• AFP
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  AS Roma have released a formal statement suggesting that Italy international Nicolo Zaniolo barged into the Roma Primavera dressing room, where he allegedly engaged in provocative behaviour that escalated into a physical altercation, leading to two players reportedly being struck.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Zaniola initially emerged as one of Italian football's most highly-rated young players, although injuries have hampered his career. Now under contract at Galatasaray, Atalanta cut short his season-long loan in January, leading to him moving to another Serie A club in Fiorentina. The alleged incident in question occurred after a Primavera (Italian Under-19 competition) play-off game between Fiorentina and one of Zaniolo's former clubs, Roma, with the first-team player having watched the game from the stands.

• WHAT ROMA AND ZANIOLO SAID

  Roma's statement regarding the incident reads: "AS Roma announces that, following today’s match, a regrettable incident occurred involving player Nicolò Zaniolo. According to initial reconstructions, the player allegedly entered the Primavera team’s dressing room after the match and engaged in provocative behavior towards some of the Giallorossi youth players. During the confrontation, two players from the Primavera squad were reportedly physically struck. AS Roma cannot but firmly condemn any form of aggressive conduct or behavior that does not align with the values of sport."

  Zaniolo, meanwhile, gave his side of the story after Fiorentina released an official statement: "At the end of the match I went down to the locker room to congratulate the Fiorentina boys and then I went to the Roma locker room to say hello and congratulate them on the season, but at a certain point they started insulting me so, at that point, to avoid the situation degenerating, I preferred to leave."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ZANIOLO

  Zaniolo will return to parent club Galatasaray while a thorough investigation into the incident is conducted by Italian authorities and the FIGC. Disciplinary action could be taken against all players involved. It remains to be seen where the midfielder will be playing his football next season, with the 25-year-old under contract with the Turkish champions until 2027.

The transfer window might have slammed shut earlier this month, but that hasn’t stopped players being touted for a move to Arsenal.

The latest ace being linked with a potential move to the Gunners is Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich.

The German international’s £311k-per-week contract expires in the summer, representing an incredible market opportunity for the North Londoners.

That said, Mikel Arteta has already signed someone who’d provide plenty of competition for Kimmich and is currently worth significantly more money than him.

Why Kimmich would be an excellent signing for Arsenal

So, aside from the excitement that would come with bringing such a big name to the Emirates, why would signing Kimmich be a brilliant move for Arsenal?

Well, the first reason is that the Rottweil-born superstar has bags and bags of experience.

In all, he’s made 426 appearances for Bayern Munich, in which he’s scored 43 goals, provided 114 assists and won everything there is to win in the club game, like eight Bundesliga titles, three DFB Pokals, the Champions League and more.

On top of that, the “world-class” talent, as dubbed by former manager Julian Nagelsmann, has won 97 caps for the German national team and helped them win the Confederations Cup.

The second reason Arteta and Co should bring him to North London is that he’s positionally versatile but is exceptionally proficient in two positions: right-back and defensive midfield.

For example, he’s made 129 appearances in the former and 271 in the latter across his career, meaning he could help solve a lot of problems.

Impressively, despite being 30 and his contract expiring in the summer, Football Transfers rate Kimmich so highly that they still value him at up to €38m, which is about £31m – although one of Arteta’s star players is worth even more than that.

The Arsenal star worth millions more than Kimmich

Fortunately, Arsenal have come quite a long way under Arteta and have more than a handful of players worth more than Kimmich.

However, in this case, we are talking about an Arteta signing who could directly compete with the German: Declan Rice.

The Englishman joined the Gunners in the summer of 2023 for £105m, which remains the record transfer fee paid by the club to this day.

Impressively, his valuation has risen even beyond that monumental sum in the years since, with Football Transfers now pricing him at up to €132m, which comes out to around £109m, or £78m more than the Bayern ace is worth.

That is certainly a lot of money for a non-forward, but since he moved to North London, it would be hard to argue that he’s not more than lived up to his price tag.

For example, the former West Ham United captain, who has also been described as “world-class”, this time by journalist Tom Marshall-Bailey, has made 87 appearances for the Gunners, in which he’s scored ten goals and provided 17 assists.

That means the 26-year-old titan has averaged a goal involvement every 3.22 games, despite primarily playing as a left-eight or six.

Moreover, he’s not just been lucky with his attacking output either, as FBref places him in the top 5% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League for progressive carries, the top 7% for assists and the top 10% for expected assisted goals, all per 90.

Ultimately, Rice may have cost the club an arm and a leg in 2023, but he has since more than proven his worth, and while he wouldn’t cost nearly as much – or anything at all – Kimmich could prove to be just as game-changing an addition for Arsenal.

Berta must instantly axe Arsenal star who earns more than Gabriel & Timber

Arsenal are said to be closing in on a new sporting director to replace Edu.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Mar 3, 2025

Setting their sights on stars of the future, Aston Villa are now reportedly expected to submit what would be their third bid to sign a rising star amid news that his valuation has dropped.

Aston Villa hoping third time's the charm

Aston Villa proved in the January transfer window that they’re more than capable of luring some of Europe’s biggest names to the Midlands – welcoming both Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio on loan from Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain respectively. And that pull power should come as little surprise these days. After all, we are now talking about Champions League quarter-finalists.

After sweeping past Club Brugge in clinical fashion, the Villans are now set to face their toughest challenge yet in the form of PSG. Meanwhile, as Unai Emery’s side continue to make progress off the pitch, those away from the action are beginning to steal headlines of their own.

According to Sabah, as relayed by Sports Witness, Aston Villa are now expected to submit a third bid to sign Semih Kilicsoy from Besiktas this summer.

Aston Villa have possible £42m replacement if they can't sign Asensio

He’s just 19 years old…

1

By
Tom Cunningham

Mar 15, 2025

The Villans were reportedly unsuccessful with two offers last summer, including one worth €18m (£15m) with add-ons included. Now, one year on, patience could prove to be a virtue amid reports suggesting that the teenager’s price has dropped to just €15m (£12m) ahead of the forthcoming transfer window.

Up against Newcastle United in the race for his signature, Aston Villa will be desperate to see their third bid end in success and welcome Kilicsoy once and for all this summer.

"Monster" Kilicsoy is one to watch

In his debut season for Besiktas’ senior side, Kilicsoy was involved in as many as 15 goals in all competitions with 12 goals and three assists to his name. Now, one season on, the 19-year-old winger has simply picked up where he left off – scoring six goals and creating a further four – to attract the attention of Aston Villa once again.

Dubbed a “physical monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Kilicosy is simply not a player that Aston Villa want to miss out on. After chasing his signature since last summer, they seemingly have the chance to land a bargain deal just one year on.

Meanwhile, as the transfer rumours continue, there’s no doubt that the Besiktas star will continue to steal the headlines.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni congratulated Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal after their victory over Spain in the Nations League final.

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• Ronaldo congratulated after Nations League win
• CR7 scored before penalty shootout success
• Scaloni hails 'great game'

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Argentina manager Scaloni heaped praise on Ronaldo and Portugal after their victory over Spain in the Nations League final. The 40-year-old scored before the clash went to extra time and then penalties, where Ruben Neves netted the winning spot-kick.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Messi and Ronaldo have been storied rivals throughout their careers, though neither achieved international success early on. Ronaldo won Euro 2016 before two Nations League triumphs, while Messi didn't win with Argentina until the 2021 Copa America, then claiming the World Cup a year later.

• WHAT SCALONI SAID

  Scaloni said: "For me, Ronaldo and Messi will stop being good when they retire. Beyond their age, they are guys who not only represent a lot by playing, but also by being there, that's a lot. From here, I congratulate Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo because they played a great game. I also congratulate Spain, who ended up losing on penalties. It was a great game."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  There could be one last legendary battle between the two former Ballon d'Or rivals if the stars align at next year's World Cup. Both Ronaldo and Messi seem set on playing at the 2026 tournament and their national sides will be among the favourites to claim the silverware.

In GOAL's new series, we focus on the players who, despite their unbelievable talent, choose to swim against the tide of popular opinion

The fact that Socrates shared his name with an ancient Greek philosopher could not have been more fitting. While the great Brazilian was one of the greatest football rebels in history, it was through his progressive outlook that he was able to change the status quo.

Socrates, the Greek, invented, among other things, the philosophical method of dialogue. Socrates, the footballer, shaped the politicisation of football like no other and turned his club, Corinthians, into a democracy. What's more, the 6'3 lanky guy with small feet could kick a ball – and how!

Socrates is, then, the personification of what it means to be part of GOAL's Rebel United:

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  Socrates the footballer

  As a playmaker, Socrates controlled the game for both Corinthians and the Brazilian national team in the 1980s. He scored many goals and made beautiful passes, preferably with his heel. The great Pele is said to have once remarked that Socrates played better backwards than most footballers play forwards.

  Blue shorts, yellow jersey, white headband, raised fist in celebration, shaggy hair and a beard like that of Latin American revolutionary Che Guevara – this is how the then not-yet-globalised football world got to know Socrates during his two World Cup appearances in 1982 and 1986. Despite their magical football, Brazil failed to progress beyond the early stages on both occasions, and along with Hungary in 1954 and the Netherlands in 1974, the 1982 Selecao are among the most memorable losers in World Cup history.

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  'Democracia Corinthiana'

  Socrates could have played in the 1978 World Cup. He was 24 years old at the time, but was unable to participate because he was pursuing his medical studies. 'Doctor Socrates' therefore only made his debut for the national team a year later. By then, he was already playing for Corinthians, which was soon to become one of the most exciting football projects in the world.

  After sporting failures under an authoritarian club management, Waldemar Pires was elected the new president in early 1982, and he subsequently appointed the sociologist Adilson Monteiro Alves as sporting director. Together, they gave their players complete creative freedom.

  At the time, Corinthians had a number of politically active players. Wladimir, who not only defended on the left side of the pitch but also the political spectrum; Walter Casagrande, whose political activities even landed him in prison for a short time; and above all Socrates, whose head resembled Guevara both inside and out. "I would like to be Cuban," he once said.

  Socrates and his comrades created grassroots democratic structures at Corinthians. Players, coaches and officials voted by majority decision on all decisions, no matter how minor. Every opinion was sought for matters from new signings, sales, sackings and line-ups to training times and the canteen menu. At the same time, the rules of the so-called Concentracao, where players were locked in a hotel before matches, were relaxed.

  The concept was dubbed 'Democracia Corinthiana'. However, this unique football club was not only concerned with internal matters, but also with the state of the nation. On their jerseys, Corinthians criticised the military dictatorship that had ruled Brazil since 1964 with slogans such as "Direct elections now" and "I want to elect the president". Socrates himself liked to wear white headbands with special messages: "People need justice," "Yes to love, no to terror," and "No violence".

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  'We needed a genius like him'

  Corinthians' unique democracy didn't detract from their performances on the pitch, though. In both 1982 and 1983, Corinthians won the prestigious Sao Paulo State Championship, while they narrowly missed out on the first national championship title in the club's history. Socrates himself was voted South American Footballer of the Year in 1983.

  "There were many reasons for the success of our movement, but Socrates was one of the most important," fellow comrade Casagrande later told . "We needed a genius like him, someone who was politically astute and admired. He was our shield. Without him, Democracia Corinthiana could not have existed."

  But while the movement flourished quickly, it faded just as rapidly. At a rally in Sao Paulo in 1984, attended by an estimated two million people, Socrates declared that he would only stay in Brazil if there were direct elections for the Brazilian president. A constitutional amendment to this effect failed in parliament, and thus Socrates joined Fiorentina in Italy. When the dictatorship did eventually come to an end the following year, he returned to Brazil, first to Flamengo in Rio de Janeiro, then to Santos.

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  Later life

  Socrates made his last major appearance on the international stage at the 1986 World Cup as Brazil lost to France on penalties in the quarter-finals, with Socrates missing from the spot. He then ended his professional playing career in 1989 and went on to work as a paediatrician, though he did step out of retirement in 2004 to play one match for English non-league side Garforth Town as a 50-year-old.

  Socrates died in 2011 at the age of just 57, his health ravaged by excessive alcohol and nicotine consumption. Shortly after his death, a documentary, 'Rebels on the Ball', was released, which featured Socrates and Democracia Corinthiana. The film was aptly presented by Eric Cantona, who, in a way, was Socrates' brother in spirit as another great football rebel.

  "Brazil has lost one of its most cherished sons," said Brazil's then-president Dilma Rousseff in her farewell speech. "On the pitch, he was a genius. Off the pitch, he was politically active, concerned about his people and his country." But that is not the whole truth: Socrates was not only politically active the pitch, but also , always concerned about his people and his country.

Tottenham Hotspur are now expected to make a £30m bid for an “incredible” Premier League defender, with Ange Postecoglou keen to bring in competition for places at the back, according to a report.

Tottenham keen on a defender

Postecoglou bolstered his defensive options during the January transfer window, signing Kevin Danso amid Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven’s injury struggles, and the manager is keen to bring in additional reinforcements this summer.

Genoa’s Koni de Winter is the latest centre-back to be linked with a move to north London, with Tottenham asking for information about the 22-year-old, who is attracting widespread interest from the Premier League after an impressive campaign.

A bid is also being prepared for AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, with the north Londoners expected to make a move imminently, but there is likely to be competition for the Spaniard’s signature, amid interest from Liverpool and Arsenal.

Tottenham make contact with "very versatile" manager to replace Postecoglou

Spurs are preparing for a hypothetical life without their current boss.

By
Emilio Galantini

Mar 13, 2025

It is clear signing a new centre-back is on the agenda this summer, and there are now indications Postecoglou could also be keen to strengthen his options at full-back.

According to a report from The Boy Hotspur, Tottenham are now expected to make a €35m (£30m) bid for Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, having recently stepped up their pursuit.

Ait-Nouri is one of Spurs’ primary targets, with Postecoglou keen to bring in competition for places at left-back ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, at which point Sergio Reguilon will have departed.

However, there is a feeling Wolves could hold out for as much as €60m (£51m), so the two clubs may be some way apart in their valuation of the defender.

There may also be competition for the left-back’s signature from elsewhere, with the whole of the Premier League’s ‘big six’ placing him on their list of targets.

"Incredible" Ait-Nouri emerging as star player for Wolves

Wolves have struggled for large parts of the ongoing campaign, but they have now moved nine points clear of the bottom three, in large part due to Matheus Cunha’s form in front of goal, but Ait-Nouri has also played a crucial role.

With an average WhoScored match rating of 6.85, the Algerian is ranked as the second-best performing player in the squad, while also impressing on a number of key attacking and defensive metrics over the past year.

While primarily a left-back, the 23-year-old is also capable of playing further forward, and he has received praise for his versatility from former manager Gary O’Neil.

“I’m enjoying working with Rayan, I think he’s an incredible talent, a great guy and he brings a real enthusiasm and life to the place. We can use him anywhere so, unfortunately, at the moment we have to because we don’t have many others.”

The report makes it clear Postecoglou is happy with Destiny Udogie’s performances, but Ait-Nouri has proven he could provide fantastic competition at left-back, so it is promising news that Spurs are pursuing a deal.

Looking to keep their momentum going after winning the Carabao Cup and ending their long wait for silverware, Newcastle United are now reportedly racing to sign a Serie A winner this summer.

Newcastle eyeing key defensive addition

After 70 long years, Newcastle finally got their hands on a major trophy last weekend – defeating Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley to carve their names into the history books once and for all. It was the perfect day for those in Tyneside, who saw one of their own head home the opening goal when Dan Burn rose highest before Alexander Isak wheeled away in celebration soon after.

It’s a victory that the Magpies will be desperate to build on in the Premier League as they set their sights on qualifying for the Champions League this season. It’s with that place among Europe’s elite that they could attract the fresh faces Eddie Howe has been crying out for at times, too.

Names such as Semih Kilicsoy have already threatened to steal the headlines in recent weeks, but before the young Besiktas star, it could be a defensive reinforcement that arrives.

According to MilanLive, Newcastle are now racing to sign Fikayo Tomori this summer in a deal that would be worth just €25m (£21m). After losing his place at the San Siro throughout the current campaign, the defender looks destined to depart and could find himself on his way back to the Premier League for the first time since leaving Chelsea in 2021.

PIF ready record Newcastle move to stop Isak joining Arsenal or Liverpool

Losing him would be a major blow for the Magpies.

By
Henry Jackson

Mar 19, 2025

Amid competition from Nottingham Forest in the race to sign the former Chelsea man, Champions League qualification is likely to be all-important for Newcastle this summer.

Given how they’ve been forced to form makeshift backlines in the last two seasons, welcoming Tomori should be among Newcastle’s priorities when the summer transfer window swings open.

"Intelligent" Tomori would solve Newcastle problem

On paper, Fabian Schar and Sven Botman form one of the most impressive centre-back partnerships in the Premier League. They were near-perfect together when Newcastle last qualified for the Champions League in the 2022/23 campaign. However, the reality is that neither have been able to avoid injury issues to rediscover their form of two seasons ago and Newcastle must sign a solution.

That’s where Tomori should come in. The Milan man may have lost his starting place this season but it wasn’t so long ago that he was helping his side to Serie A glory and pocketing Isak in the Champions League.

Keeping the Swede quiet at the San Siro in a 0-0 draw last season, Tomori made 11 defensive actions and was not dribbled past once against the Magpies. Isak, meanwhile, failed to have a touch in Milan’s box and lost half of his duels.

Previously dubbed “intelligent” by Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, the Premier League is calling Tomori’s name once again in what could see him complete a summer return.

Liverpool are reportedly preparing a move for PSG star Bradley Barcola as part of a £300m spending spree after lining up a deal for Florian Wirtz.

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• Reds prepared to splash the cash
• More attacking additions on the cards
• Summer sales will help to raise funds

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Reds are poised to complete the British transfer record purchase of Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, with the Germany international playmaker set to arrive at Anfield in a £127 million ($172m) deal.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Arne Slot is also hoping to add Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez to his Premier League title-winning ranks. According to , France international winger Barcola is another player Liverpool have in their sights.

• Getty
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  He is also wanted by German giants Bayern Munich and is said to come with a £100m ($135m) price tag. Barcola could be prised away from Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain as he sits behind the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue in their attacking pecking order.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

  Liverpool could take their summer spend well beyond £300m ($406m), with Newcastle striker Alexander Isak another potential target they are keeping an eye on. Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota are among those that may be offloaded to help generate funds.

Kylian Mbappe's Club World Cup debut for Real Madrid is in doubt as he battles viral infection, with Xabi Alonso unsure about his fitness.

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• Mbappe ruled out of Al-Hilal opener
• Alonso unsure on recovery for Pachuca
• Squad adjustments allowed during tournament window

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mbappe was left out of Real Madrid's squad for their Club World Cup Group H opener against Al-Hilal due to a "significant viral outbreak." The match marked new head coach Alonso's first official game in charge and ended in a 1-1 draw. In Mbappe's absence, Gonzalo Garcia led the line and scored, with Ruben Neves equalising from the spot for the Saudi side.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The viral infection has cast doubt over Mbappe's short-term availability. Alonso is unsure whether the French star will be fit in time to face Pachuca in their second group match on June 22. Despite his absence, Madrid remains one of the favourites to win the tournament, having qualified as Champions League winners in both 2022 and 2024.

• WHAT ALONSO SAID

  "We still don’t know if he’ll be ready for the next match. He’s been dealing with a serious viral infection. We’ll monitor his progress closely in the coming days," Madrid boss Alonso told reporters after the 1-1 draw.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

  Los Blancos will next face Pachuca on Sunday, June 22, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, while the French starlet’s availability remains uncertain. Each team in the tournament can make up to six squad changes between June 27 and July 3, allowing Madrid flexibility should Mbappe's recovery extend further. They conclude the group stage against Red Bull Salzburg on June 27, with a knockout berth all but expected.