Rio Ferdinand is a bit of an acquired taste as a pundit but is never backwards in coming forwards with an opinion. It’s his antics off camera that are then sometimes replayed back later that mark him out as a bit of a clown. Think of the late goals scored in Champions League games and the very over the top …

After a spectacular breakout last season, Alejandro Balde has not been able to replicate his success this time out because of an injury he sustained earlier in the year. The marauding full-back picked up an injury during the Copa del Rey match between Athletic Club at San Mames. Balde started the game but had to be substituted by Hector Fort …

The city of Madrid has been turned into a sea of red on Wednesday evening, thanks to the thousands of Bayern Munich fans that are making their way to the Santiago Bernabeu. The Bavarians are going to be well supported in their Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid, and Thomas Tuchel’s side are still in with a shout …

May 8 – Brazil’s bid to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup was given a small boost, perhaps a surprising one, after being ranked slightly higher than the rival joint European bid submitted by Germany, Netherlands and Belgium (BNG) in FIFA’s technical report. The Brazilians, who have been noticeable by their lobbying absence with international federations, achieved a ranking score …

Ahead of another Premier League season for Leicester City, manager, Enzo Maresca, has made a forceful point with regards to the Foxes transfer business this summer. Though they were reeled back in after starting the 2023/24 Championship season like a steam train, Leicester finally got their just rewards for an excellent campaign, and the title to boot. However, as has …

Following a disappointing defeat to Girona, Barcelona returned to training on Wednesday afternoon, with their focus set on the upcoming crucial match against Real Sociedad on Monday. Victory is imperative for the Blaugrana to maintain their hopes of securing second place in La Liga, which is now considered a key objective. Important summit at Ciutat Esportiva The day at Ciutat …

Bayer Leverkusen, for the first time in its history, is the Bundesliga champion. Confirming that status with five games to go in the league, Xabi Alonso’s side broke Bayern Munich’s hegemony. Yet, the more impressive feat is the manner in which the Spanish manager has conducted this German orchestra in 2023/24. Bayer Leverkusen is yet to lose a game in …

For the first time this season, the NBA has an odds-on championship favorite – the Boston Celtics. In the Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown era, Boston have made seven consecutive postseason appearances – with the previous six including one trip to the NBA Finals and four to the Eastern Conference Finals. At this stage, the Celtics are expected to win …

This article was originally published on Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, a subscription service. If you would like to receive Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive transfer news via email ahead of publication on caughtoffside.com, please sign-up for the service here: thedailybriefing.io A big story circulating yesterday was about Chelsea being confident of signing Palmeiras wonderkid Estevao Willian. My understanding is that talks have been taking …

May 8 – Striker Darwin Nunez has responded to his online critics by deleting all Instagram evidence of his Liverpool career, thrusting his future into doubt as the transfer window looms. The Uruguayan deleted every picture relating to his time at the club, leaving only photos taken from his time with the national team and former side Benfica. He added …