Real Madrid are going through summer rebuild right now, with the club expected to bring in at least two defenders in Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries.While Konate is a routine, like for like replac...
Set to face Ivory Coast for France's first pre-World Cup friendly, coach Didier Deschamps addressed Kylian Mbappe and William Saliba's status. Didier Deschamps has already turned his full attention to the 2026 World Cup, with France entering the tournament as one of the favorites after reaching the last two finals. With the opening pre-tournament friendly just around the corner, the head coach weighed in on the fitness and mindset of both Kylian Mbappe and William Saliba. Both players closed out the 2025-26 club season on a difficult note. Mbappe endured a trophyless year at Real Madrid and faced sustained criticism from the club’s own supporters, while Saliba, despite being a cornerstone of Arsenal’s Premier League title triumph, was left to process the disappointment of the Champions League final defeat and a late injury setback that has been a source of concern for Les Bleus. Asked about Mbappe at Wednesday’s press conference, Deschamps was emphatic in his support of the captain: “Listen: Kylian is in great shape. Physically and psychologically. I talk with him, and he has also had the chance to speak with the players because he is the captain. I will tell you again: there are the clubs, okay, but the national team is different. Kylian has an experience that the others don’t. This is his third World Cup, and a World Cup is difficult. He is doing very well.“ On Saliba and the back injury that has kept him sidelined, the coach was more measured. “William is doing well. If we had needed to play on Thursday, he would have played. But he will not play. I will be required to manage the playing time, to distribute it, even if that goes against our collective chemistry. All 26 players are in good condition. This preparation match is a stepping stone, with another one coming up in four days against Northern Ireland.“ 𝗗𝗲́𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀 ! Les Bleus affronteront la Côte d’Ivoire demain à 21h10 sur TF1 🇫🇷🇨🇮 pic.twitter.com/gSE6o9AD3M— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) June 3, 2026 France‘s first pre-tournament friendly is set for Thursday, June 5, against Ivory Coast at the Stade de La Beaujoire – Louis Fonteneau in Nantes. Deschamps has spoken highly of the Ivorian side, describing them as one of the best national teams both in Africa and globally, a challenge he expects will put Les Bleus through their paces. When it comes to the lineup, France are expected to field a strong side with Mbappe set to start, while players who featured in the Champions League final are likely to be managed carefully with limited minutes. With Saliba ruled out of Thursday’s match, Deschamps is expected to pair Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate at center back, with Jules Kounde on the right and Theo Hernandez on the left. Deschamps already thinking about his World Cup starting XI With the 2026 edition marking Deschamps’ final World Cup as France’s head coach after taking charge in 2012, the opportunity to close his tenure with a third title would be the ultimate send-off for a squad reaching its peak. Drawn into Group I alongside Senegal, Norway and Iraq, widely regarded as the tournament’s most difficult group, Les Bleus are guaranteed a stern test from the very first game. With fewer than two weeks until the tournament opener against Senegal on June 16, Deschamps acknowledged that he already has a starting XI in mind, even if he is not ready to reveal it. “Of course I have it in my head. Yes. But you never know. There will be two matches between now and then, and things can happen too. They all want to be starters. We will be vigilant about the frustration that this can create. Also, due to the specific conditions in the United States and the gap between each match, we will gather other insights. You, too, might have a little idea,” he said.
After the dismissal of Massimiliano Allegri, AC Milan seem to be giving powers to Zlatan Ibrahimović to redirect the sporting project. While Ralf Rangnick was gaining strength as sporting director, Arne Slot has supposedly emerged as the new head coach, leaving the German executive out. AC Milan had a rather unstable 2025-26 season, finishing outside the UEFA Champions League places. As a result, Massimiliano Allegri was dismissed, giving more power to Zlatan Ibrahimović to reorganize the sporting structure. While Ralf Rangnick seemed to be emerging as the sporting director, the Swedish executive is reportedly targeting Arne Slot as the new head coach. With this, the German executive appears to be ruled out. With his contract with Austria set to expire in July 2026, Ralf Rangnick had reportedly emerged as one of the leading options to become sporting director of the Rossoneri. However, he is said to have set certain conditions in order to join the Italian side, seeking significant decision-making power over sporting matters. As a result, Zlatan Ibrahimović does not appear convinced by the German, instead turning toward an alternative duo: Ramon Planes and Arne Slot. According to Corriere della Sera, Zlatan Ibrahimović prefers to bet on the duo of Ramon Planes and Arne Slot, as it could allow him to maintain some control over the sporting management. While the Spanish executive is under contract with Al Ittihad, the Dutch coach would arrive as a free agent after being dismissed by Liverpool FC. Despite this, the Rossoneri have not yet reached an agreement with either of them. Both Ramon Planes and Arne Slot have shown a special talent for succeeding at soccer Elite. Ramon enjoyed great success at Barcelona, completing signings such as Pedri and Ronald Araújo, which proved to be major successes. Likewise, Arne managed to make the Reds shine in the Premier League, winning the title and establishing a winning style of play. Despite this, neither of them is coming off their best season, which could raise certain doubts. Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match. Oliver Glasner reportedly challenges Arne Slot’s AC Milan arrival With only a few weeks remaining until the 2026 World Cup, AC Milan appear to have very little time to define their new sporting structure. Although Arne Slot is the latest name to emerge following his spell at Liverpool, he is not the only favorite for the role. With uncertainty surrounding Ralf Rangnick or Ramon Planes as sporting director, Oliver Glasner appears to be the ideal coach, complicating the Dutchman’s arrival. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Rangnick continues to view Oliver as one of his ideal candidates for the project, alongside Matthias Jaissle. However, Glasner would have a major advantage: he would become a free agent after leaving Crystal Palace after a historic legacy. His impact in the Premier League and Ralf’s approval would give him a significant edge. In addition, he is reportedly set to meet with Ibrahimović next week to clarify his position. As a candidate who could fit alongside either Ramon Planes or Ralf Rangnick, Oliver Glasner has emerged as the leading option to take charge of AC Milan. However, he would need to present a strong sporting proposal to Zlatan Ibrahimović, who is expected to decide on his potential arrival as soon as possible. If a deal cannot be reached, Arne Slot and the other candidates would gain even more momentum.
Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate has said he "gave everything I had for this badge" during his five-year stay at Anfield, as it was confirmed he will leave the club this summer on a free transfer. Konate, who was a first-team stalwart under Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, won a Premier League title, an FA Cup, two Carabao Cups and the Community Shield during his time with the Reds, after signing from RB Leipzig in July 2021.
For a club that prides itself on stability and long-term planning, Liverpool are once again confronting a familiar and uncomfortable question: how does a self-sustaining model cope when its most valuable assets begin to slip away? Recent reporting by The Times highlights the latest flashpoint—the unexpected collapse of contract talks with Ibrahima Konate. Only weeks […] The post Liverpool’s Hard Line Comes at a Cost appeared first on Soccer News.
According to multiple sources, Liverpool have been unable to reach an agreement with Ibrahima Konate over a new contract, and the defender will therefore leave the club as a free agent, as his current deal expires. The negotiations between the Merseyside club and the French defender have been long, with reports repeatedly changing the narrative […] The post Konate to leave Liverpool appeared first on Soccer News.
Following a disappointing end to the season, AC Milan have decided to shake things up, firing Massimiliano Allegri and giving Zlatan Ibrahimović more authority. As a result, Rafael Leão is reportedly set to leave the team, while Christian Pulisic will remain a key player. AC Milan started the 2025–26 season in great form, but suffered a drop in performances that left them out of the UEFA Champions League. Following this, Massimiliano Allegri and other key figures were dismissed, causing a revolution within the team. Far from ending there, Zlatan Ibrahimović appears set to make changes to the roster, reportedly leaving Rafael Leão out of the team, while Christian Pulisic would continue with the Rossoneri. According to Pietro Mazzara, via MilanNews.it, Gerry Cardinale and Zlatan Ibrahimović reportedly believe that Rafael Leão’s time at AC Milan has reached its end. With this in mind, they are open to letting him leave, valuing him at around €40 million. With only two years remaining on his contract and a strained relationship with the fanbase, both sides could look to secure a swift exit before the situation becomes more complicated in 2027. Unlike the Portuguese winger, Christian Pulisic appears increasingly likely to remain with AC Milan. As per multiple Italian outlets reports, Gerry Cardinale is keen for the USMNT star to continue at the club despite a dip in form during the second half of the season. They reportedly value his adaptability and ability to fit into different tactical systems, viewing him as an important piece of the project. As a result, a contract renewal may reportedly take place in the near future. Despite Zlatan Ibrahimović appearing to have a very clear vision for AC Milan’s sporting project, he may avoid making immediate decisions. With they still needing to appoint both a sporting director and a head coach, Pulisic and Leão’s futures could be shaped once the club’s staff structure is fully in place. In addition, strong performances from either player at the 2026 World Cup may attract renewed interest from several European clubs. Rafael Leao of AC Milan interacts with Christian Pulisic Iraola’s possible arrival would give Rafael Leão a boost at AC Milan Looking ahead to next season, Zlatan Ibrahimović and AC Milan appear to be targeting Andoni Iraola as the next head coach. Set to leave AFC Bournemouth, the Spanish manager could prove to be an ideal appointment thanks to his dynamic playing style and ability to bring consistency to the team. In addition, Iraola could push for the continuity of Rafael Leão, potentially helping him rediscover his best form on the left wing. Under Massimiliano Allegri, Rafael Leão did not have chances to shine as a left winger, as his formation only had two forwards. Nevertheless, Andoni Iraola always relied on two fast wingers in the Premier League, something he could repeat at AC Milan. Being one of the most skillful dribblers and differential players in the world, Rafael could be seen by Andoni as a key piece to boost the team’s offense. Despite his possible continuity, AC Milan would have to negotiate a contract renewal, as they would seek to avoid him entering his final contract year in 2027. In case of not accepting a new contract, Rafael Leão could be sold without question, having several approaches from the Premier League, Galatasaray, and Fenerbahçe.
