World Cup News

Hamburg's Nicolai Remberg has commented on his team's "stupid" track record with red cards this season.

Even though the signing of Alessandro Bastoni by Barcelona initially seemed quite difficult, the Italian’s defender arrival could now be edging closer, as Inter Milan are reportedly interested in including Héctor Fort as part of the deal. Following the departure of Iñigo Martínez, Barcelona have faced serious defensive issues, which ultimately led to their Champions League elimination. As a result, Alessandro Bastoni emerged as an ideal solution, as he is reportedly looking to leave Inter Milan. While his arrival initially appeared complicated, both clubs have reportedly found a potential solution, with the Nerazzurri showing interest in Héctor Fort as part of the deal. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Inter Milan are open to the departure of Alessandro Bastoni in the summer of 2026. Despite being a cornerstone of the team, they are aware of the Italian’s interest in moving to Barcelona, valuing his transfer at €70M (around $82M). However, the Spanish side is reportedly aiming for a deal in the €50–60M range (around $58–70M). As things stand, both parties appear to be moving toward a compromise. In an effort to reinforce their defensive line, the Nerazzurri are interested in signing Héctor Fort, a Barcelona full-back currently on loan at Elche CF. With this in mind, the Blaugrana could be open to including him in a deal for Bastoni, reducing the overall transfer package, according to Matteo Moretto. Valued at €12M on Transfermarkt, the Spanish full-back could bring the operation down to the €50–60M range that they are looking to pay. Following his red card with Italy national football team in the last match, Alessandro Bastoni does not appear fully comfortable. Ahead of the next game against Cagliari Calcio, head coach Cristian Chivu acknowledged that the defender is not at his best, both physically and mentally, ruling him out. As a result, he could push the Italian side for a move to Barcelona, potentially forcing a reduction in his transfer fee in the summer of 2026. Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League. Barcelona reportedly add Luka Vušković as backup to Bastoni deal Throughout the 2025–26 season, Barcelona have kept Alessandro Bastoni as their top priority, as his profile is highly valued by sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick. However, his signing could prove quite complex, as Inter Milan maintain a very high valuation. As a result, the Blaugrana have reportedly also turned their attention to Luka Vušković, who has impressed at Hamburger SV. According to Gabriel Sans, via Mundo Deportivo, the Blaugrana are closely monitoring Luka Vušković. Despite being under contract with Tottenham Hotspur until 2030, the Croatian is not keen on playing for the English side and is seeking a move following his loan spell at Hamburger SV. Should they end up being relegated, the defender could push even harder for an exit, with FC Barcelona interested in securing his arrival. After impressing at Hamburger SV, Luka Vušković has seen his valuation rise to €60M (around $70M) on Transfermarkt, and it could climb even higher, as Tottenham are keen to keep him. However, his agent, Pini Zahavi, has a close relationship with Barcelona president Joan Laporta, which could facilitate a move by putting pressure on the English side to negotiate his sale.

Borussia Dortmund scored twice in stoppage time to tighten their grip on second place with victory over top-four hopefuls VfB Stuttgart.

From St. Pauli's currywurst train to Union Berlin's annual Christmas carol sing-a-long, German football has a number of Kultvereine — 'cult clubs' — who do things just a bit differently to everyone else.

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Leagues Cup chat and interviews.The Whitecaps may have three weeks off, but that doesn't mean there's not a lot to talk about! We delve into the 'Caps news of the week including the transfer speculation around Ali Ahmed, the injury to Brian White, and the striking issues and needs for the team right now. Turning our attention to MLS in general, we look at the lie of the land in the MLS West, the Thomas Müller and Son Heung-min effect on the league since their signings, and we delve into the Miami melee down in Seattle.We've two feature interviews for you this episode. First up is the Whitecaps new German centre-back Sebastian Schonlau. We chat with Basti about the move to Vancouver and MLS, the emotions and memories in leaving Hamburger SV, his own footballing journey, and more. Plus, does he fancy a chocolate digestive?We also sit down with Whitecaps assistant coach Michael D'Agostino about his playing and coaching journey, four years with the first team, the dynamics under new head coach Jesper Sorensen, what it's like to coach Thomas Müller, his favourite jam, and more!Music-wise, Hazel O'Connor starts her residency as our Album of the Month, we've a Britpop song from Salad, and a song about Mansfield Town in Wavelength.Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:01.26: Intro - Costa Rica soccer tales20.00: Whitecaps News of the Week - Ahmed, White, striker needs44.10: The lie of the land in MLS West53.10: Miami Melee - Leagues Cup final ends in disgrace77.22: Sebastian Schonlau interview and discussion107.10: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? - Sebastian Schonlau113.45: Michael D'Agostino interview144.37: Michael D'Agostino's Favourite Jam150.55: The Müller and Son Effect in the growth of MLS162.30: Wavelength - Apocalypse Babys - Yellows

Gary is joined by Andreas Schumacher to talk about his new book, 'Two Versus One' and the complexity of coaching attacking football. Andre has written the book alongside Bernhard Peters and is challenging coaches to get into more detail and context when coaching teams to score goals. Andreas has a masters degree in Sports Science and has worked at a number of professional clubs including Hamburger SV, VfB Stuttgart, and St. Louis City SC. You can order a copy of the book below: https://www.amazon.com/TWO-VERSUS-ONE-Strong-Decision-Makers/dp/B0F6PJ6N33/ref=sr_1_1?crid=APUJI6V6DMKO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7gBqIGhQ1P5SP6Mm89g59njE-mOwXTysqhbd7cVAJvBBLTeA2XyS0uZfYmWYhGmuo7RTlK5vDWDRq1rr08toFP3GFzhgWeGaHrG53BM91vNZIZI0iZCiISD1Ya0MSSLmuP86m6NkCllMC0uhBEe99to8Ig0KQ01E1mKOTtsVjNQZ1S0qMPkV5eR-3TQyrsh12ts2hyANqmOetmXPVAt6yDt1j584d1Yx1iMN9Gb7GHM.m1D-0d3IQbBfHtJhXKH3DP0Y_LYVWQyHa6WNSXVDoR8&dib_tag=se&keywords=two+versus+one&qid=1750188112&sprefix=two+versus+one%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-1