June 2025 - Soccer Wiretap

Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde expressed hope that star winger Nico Williams will remain with the Basque club next season despite transfer interest from Barcelona, Arsenal, and Chelsea. The 22-year-old Spanish international is preparing for Athletic's Europa League semifinal first leg against Manchester United on Thursday.

"Nico is a very important player for us, it's true," the Athletic Club head coach said. "Having the season he had and winning the Euros with Spain had a big impact on him. There was speculation [last summer] but we hope he's in Athletic for many years."

Williams has emerged as one of La Liga's most coveted attacking talents. His performance this season has attracted attention from multiple European giants ahead of the summer transfer window.

Williams downplayed transfer speculation when asked about his future plans. The winger emphasized his commitment to the current campaign.

"I don't want to look beyond that," Williams said. "I have always wanted to play in the European competition and feel important. I am super happy here."

Barcelona winger Raphinha has emerged as the bookmakers' strong favorite to win the Ballon d'Or following his remarkable turnaround season, particularly his stellar performance in the Champions League.

The Brazilian international has scored 12 goals in this season's Champions League despite posting an expected goals (xG) value of just 5.5. His prolific scoring comes despite missing the target on 73% of his shots, highlighting his relentless approach to creating opportunities.

Last summer, Raphinha contemplated leaving football altogether at age 27 after facing criticism and being deemed surplus to requirements at Barcelona. The club was reportedly open to offers, including one from Saudi Pro League's Al Hilal.

"I saw people asking me to leave," Raphinha said. "That I wasn't good enough for the club. I was struggling mentally, and it was life-changing money for my family."

The arrival of manager Hansi Flick proved pivotal for Raphinha's career trajectory. Flick personally reached out to the player before any transfer decisions were made, inviting him: "Before you make any decisions, come and train."

"Now my mind is closed to money, and open to dreams," Raphinha stated about his current mindset.

The former Leeds United standout has formed a critical piece of Flick's attacking system, demonstrating the mentality and technical abilities that made him successful in the Premier League. His rise to Ballon d'Or contention represents one of football's most remarkable comeback stories of the season.

Raphinha's Champions League success may face sustainability questions, but his impact on Barcelona's season remains undeniable as they pursue European glory.

Ousmane Dembélé's fourth-minute strike gave Paris Saint-Germain a crucial 1-0 away victory over Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Emirates Stadium. The French champions dominated early proceedings, completing 26 consecutive passes before Dembélé converted Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's assist.

Arsenal struggled to establish rhythm in the opening half hour as PSG controlled possession with their relentless pressing and fluid attacking movement. The Gunners gradually found their footing later in the match but couldn't convert their chances.

"Not a lot," Mikel Arteta said when asked what led to the early PSG goal. "I'm telling you it's just something that is very specific but very important, especially the way we played. We corrected it and it's not easy to correct it constantly but we did it and we did it much better."

Key Opportunities Missed

Arsenal had a Mikel Merino goal disallowed for offside early in the second half, while Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both forced crucial saves from PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

"And in the end, we have two of our front players one v. one with Donnarumma, if they scored the goal, it's different," Arteta added. "He made the saves like he did against Liverpool and Villa and that's the difference in the Champions League, the margins are so small."

Despite generating an expected goals (xG) advantage of 1.59 to 1.15, Arsenal now face a significant challenge in the second leg at Parc des Princes next Wednesday if they hope to reach their first Champions League final since 2006.

PSG nearly extended their lead late in the match when substitutes Bradley Barcola and Gonçalo Ramos both missed clear opportunities, with Ramos striking the crossbar when one-on-one with Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has expressed confidence in his team's ability to reach the Champions League final regardless of Ousmane Dembélé's availability after the forward's injury concern in Tuesday's 1-0 semifinal first-leg victory at Arsenal.

Dembélé, who scored the decisive goal in the fourth minute, was substituted in the 70th minute after clutching the back of his leg in what appeared to be a hamstring issue. Despite the potential setback to a player who has been instrumental in PSG's European campaign, Luis Enrique maintained that his squad depth could compensate for any absence.

The French champions now take a crucial away-goal advantage into next week's second leg in Paris, having weathered significant pressure from Arsenal in the latter stages of the match. PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made critical saves from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard to preserve the clean sheet.

"We're going to try to get Dembélé back on the pitch," Luis Enrique said. "But we're a real team. If Ousmane can play, that's better. But if he doesn't, we'll still be a real team. We've been saying that since the start of the season."

When asked about the severity of Dembélé's injury, the PSG coach added: "I don't know. He'll undergo tests tomorrow. It's not serious, it's something very minor, but he's probably a doubt for the second leg."

Dembélé himself seemed unconcerned about the situation, telling L'Equipe: "I felt a little something, but it's OK."

"It's a great result, but there's one more game left," Luis Enrique noted. "It was a very emotional match and it's difficult to play with that feeling. But it's not over yet. We have to think about controlling the match. We have to play at home with the fans, we'll be ready."

Real Madrid are pushing back against Carlo Ancelotti's potential appointment as Brazil's national team coach due to disagreements over timing and financial arrangements, sources told ESPN Brasil on Tuesday.

The situation represents a significant obstacle to what appeared to be an advancing deal, with the Brazilian federation (CBF) previously optimistic about securing Ancelotti in time for World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay in early June. CBF representatives are reportedly in Madrid attempting to negotiate a resolution without pressuring Ancelotti to honor a verbal agreement.

According to sources, Madrid wants Ancelotti to remain focused on their remaining LaLiga fixtures and to lead the team in this summer's Club World Cup. The Spanish giants are also unwilling to pay out the remainder of Ancelotti's contract, which runs until June 2026, creating an impasse in negotiations.

Despite being one of Madrid's most decorated coaches with three Champions Leagues and two LaLiga titles across two spells, Ancelotti's position appears less secure following a disappointing season. Madrid were eliminated by Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinals, lost to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, and currently trail their Catalan rivals by four points in LaLiga with five games remaining.

Brazil has operated without a permanent coach since March when Dorival Junior was dismissed following a defeat to Argentina in World Cup qualifying. The five-time world champions currently sit fourth in CONMEBOL qualifying and face crucial matches in June.

If negotiations with Ancelotti fall through, sources indicate the CBF may resume discussions with Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus to have a manager in place before the next squad announcement on May 26. Should Ancelotti depart for Brazil, Madrid would need to appoint a new or interim coach for the Club World Cup this summer.

Lamine Yamal has distanced himself from comparisons to Lionel Messi while doubling down on his provocative comments about Real Madrid ahead of Barcelona's Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan.

The 17-year-old phenom, who will make his remarkable 100th appearance for Barcelona in Wednesday's first leg, dismissed the frequent parallels drawn between himself and the Argentine legend despite occupying the same right-wing position and showing similar precocious talent.

"I don't compare myself with anyone, so especially not with [Messi]," Yamal told reporters on Tuesday. "I try to be myself and to follow my own path. Obviously I admire him as the best player ever, but I don't compare myself with him."

While showing maturity regarding the Messi comparisons, Yamal remained defiant about his post-match comments following Barcelona's Copa del Rey triumph over Real Madrid. After providing two assists in the 3-2 extra-time victory, Yamal had boldly claimed that Madrid "can't handle" Barcelona this season, referencing their three consecutive Clásico wins.

"While I'm winning, they can't say anything. When they beat me, they can," said Yamal.

The Spanish international has been instrumental in Barcelona's campaign with 14 goals and 24 assists across all competitions, keeping the club in contention for a potential treble. 

"I don't have any fear, but I do feel that motivation and get those butterflies in my stomach before a game," Yamal explained. "I think that's a good thing. As for any fear, I left that behind in the park in Mataró [where he grew up] a long time ago."

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick will hope to harness Yamal's confidence against Inter Milan, with the German tactician noting that the recent cup win provides "positive vibes" heading into the crucial European fixture.

Désiré Doué has established himself as Paris Saint-Germain's brightest young talent, drawing comparisons to both Kylian Mbappé and his personal idol Neymar, while representing a new era of professionalism at the club.

The 19-year-old French forward, who arrived at PSG in a €50 million summer transfer from Rennes, openly admires Neymar's playing style. "Everyone is inspired by a player. For me, it is Neymar," Doué stated, having adopted some of the Brazilian's technical flair and celebrations.

However, former Rennes manager Julien Stéphan notes a key difference in Doué's approach.

"He is already a different player in terms of his personality," Stéphan explained. "Everything is oriented towards performance and reaching the top level."

Unlike Neymar, who was sometimes criticized for lifestyle choices during his PSG tenure, Doué has impressed teammates with his professionalism. Ousmane Dembélé, who knew Doué from Rennes, praised the youngster's maturity: "At his age, he is really, really professional."

The PSG forward comes from a football family, with brother Guéla at Strasbourg and cousin Yann Gboho at Toulouse. Sylvain Létang, who coached Doué in Rennes' youth setup, recognized his potential early: "Désiré had a great career ahead of him from a young age."

After a slow start at PSG, Doué has flourished in 2025, recording 13 goals and 12 assists this season. Nineteen of those goal contributions have come since January, making him one of the most productive young players in Europe alongside Barcelona's Lamine Yamal.

Doué's versatility has evolved from a challenge to an asset under Luis Enrique. Initially struggling to find his position, the Frenchman has excelled since Dembélé's move to a central role created an opening on the wing.

"He has no limits, it is the mark of champions," Stéphan concluded about Doué's potential. "Will he be a Ballon d'Or candidate? It is very possible. In any case, he has all the elements to be one, one day."

Doué has a TransferMarkt value of €60 million, up from €40 million at the start of 2025.

The Brazil Football Federation (CBF) anticipates Carlo Ancelotti will become the national team's head coach in time for June's World Cup qualifiers, according to sources who spoke with ESPN's Pedro Ivo Almeida and Victoria Leite.

While no formal agreement has been finalized between the Real Madrid manager and Brazil, recent discussions have generated optimism about the appointment. Sources indicate Ancelotti has authorized the CBF to begin planning for his arrival, with expectations he will be in Rio de Janeiro by May 26, just two days after Real Madrid's final LaLiga match of the season.

The 65-year-old Italian's potential move comes after a disappointing season with Real Madrid, where his team was eliminated by Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinals and lost to Barcelona in Saturday's Copa del Rey final. Madrid currently trails Barcelona by four points in LaLiga with five matches remaining.

ESPN reported Sunday that Ancelotti, whose contract with Madrid runs until June 2026, is scheduled to meet with club president Florentino Perez to negotiate his departure at season's end. Despite his decorated tenure with Real Madrid, including three Champions League titles and two LaLiga championships across two spells, this season's underperformance may have accelerated his exit.

Brazil has operated without a permanent coach since March when Dorival Junior was dismissed following a defeat to Argentina in World Cup qualifying. The five-time world champions currently sit fourth in the CONMEBOL qualifying table ahead of crucial matches against Ecuador (June 4) and Paraguay (June 9).

Should Ancelotti leave Madrid for the Brazil position, Real would need to appoint a new manager or interim coach to lead the club in this summer's FIFA Club World Cup.

"Whether I continue [at Madrid] is an issue for the coming weeks, not for today," Ancelotti stated following Saturday's Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona.

Gabriel Martinelli has endorsed Arsenal's reported plans to strengthen their attacking options this summer, welcoming the competition that new signings would bring to the squad.

Sources have informed ESPN that Arsenal intend to pursue a striker during the upcoming transfer window and may also target a winger, with Athletic Club's Nico Williams among their primary candidates. The Gunners are set to finish second in the Premier League for the third consecutive season, having scored 17 fewer goals than champions Liverpool.

Manager Mikel Arteta is focusing on improving Arsenal's offensive production for the 2024-25 campaign. Martinelli, who joined Arsenal from Brazilian club Ituano for £7 million in July 2019, embraces the possibility of high-profile additions.

The Brazilian winger has two years remaining on his current contract and reaffirmed his commitment to the North London club. His TransferMarkt valuation currently stands at €55 million, down from a peak of €85 million in December 2023.

Arsenal's plans reflect their ambition to bridge the gap with Liverpool and finally secure a Premier League title after consecutive runner-up finishes.

"We play for Arsenal -- it's a competition every day," Martinelli said when asked about potential new signings. "The club wants to have the best players in the world, because it is one of the biggest in the world as well. We are used to it."

"We are a big club. We need to have the best players. I will be really happy when we have big players coming to the team," the 22-year-old added.

"I always said that I am really happy here. This is my home. I love to be here. I love the club. The club has given me so much, not just on the pitch, but off the pitch as well. I have improved a lot with the club -- of course, on the pitch is important, but off the pitch as well. The club has been amazing with me, the people that are around the club, the fans, everything. I am really happy here."

Eintracht Frankfurt took a giant step toward Champions League qualification with a decisive 4-0 victory over RB Leipzig, extending their lead to six points with just three games remaining in the Bundesliga season.

Despite manager Dino Toppmöller downplaying the match as simply "Matchday 31," the importance was clear as Frankfurt dominated their wealthier rivals, who sit fifth in the table.

"We've taken a huge step," Toppmöller admitted after the match, while cautioning that "the job isn't finished yet."

Many doubted Frankfurt's ability to maintain their Champions League push after selling star forward Omar Marmoush to Manchester City in January for a reported €70 million. Marmoush had been the league's second-highest scorer behind Harry Kane before his departure.

The Egyptian's exit initially sent the team into a tailspin, winning just one of seven matches across all competitions following his transfer. Four Bundesliga defeats in six games threatened to derail their European ambitions.

However, 22-year-old Hugo Ekitiké has emerged as Marmoush's worthy successor, registering four goals and four assists in the past nine games. His performance against Leipzig included a brilliant header to seal the victory, bringing his season tally to 15 Bundesliga goals – equaling Marmoush's output.

Ekitiké also showed his playmaking ability, creating the opening goal with a clever pass to Ansgar Knauff. The young forward's development continues Frankfurt's impressive record of nurturing top-quality strikers.

The victory, which Toppmöller called a "statement win," was especially meaningful at Deutsche Bank Park, where Frankfurt's formidable home atmosphere has long been a significant advantage.

With Champions League qualification now firmly in sight, Frankfurt fans can look forward to hearing the prestigious tournament's anthem on their home pitch next season, marking a remarkable achievement despite the midseason departure of their star player.

"They had to turn [the music] off for a minute so I could say a few things," Toppmöller said of his players' jubilant post-match celebrations, highlighting the team's excitement while maintaining focus on the remaining fixtures.