Real Madrid veteran back after World Cup break; Mbappe, Bellingham & co. to return on MondayReal Madrid continue to welcome back their World Cup players, with Thibaut Courtois becoming the latest member of Jose Mourinho’s squad to return after his summer break.The Belgian goalkeeper, who picked up a minor muscle issue during the World Cup against Spain, is now back at the club and working towards full fitness ahead of the new season, reports Melchor Ruiz of COPE.Individual training at ValdebebasAlthough Real Madrid have travelled to Hungary for their second pre-season friendly, Courtois remained in Madrid to continue his recovery.Like Yan Diomande did on his first day at the club, the goalkeeper trained individually at Valdebebas, working under the Madrid heat while waiting for the rest of the squad to return.Back in training. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)The plan is for Courtois to continue building his fitness before rejoining full team training ahead of Real Madrid’s next pre-season fixture against Deportivo La Coruna.More World Cup stars to returnMourinho’s squad is also set to receive another wave of returning internationals over the coming days.Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, Aurelien Tchouameni, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham are the final World Cup participants still due back. And, as per the report, unless nothing changes, their arrivals expected to take place on Monday, as Real Madrid continue preparations ahead of the start of the new league season.Returning next week. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)The five players made it to the final four at the World Cup, with Cucurella winning the trophy with Spain, while Bellingham’s England finished third after beating Mbappe’s France.Once they return, Mourinho will finally have the entire Real Madrid squad at his disposal as he hopes to get the team ready to hit the ground running from their opening La Liga game against Espanyol.Considering that they will return only on Monday, it might be unlikely that Bellingham, Mbappe, Cucurella, Tchouameni, and Konate take part in the friendly against Deportivo La Coruna.They could, however, make their maiden appearance under Mourinho in the subsequent fixture against Schalke in Germany, which will the team’s final pre-season match of the summer before the new season gets underway.

Courtois returns to Real Madrid training ahead of new seasonWith only around two weeks left until Real Madrid play their first game of the 2026-27 season, the matchday 2 La Liga game against Espanyol, Jose Mourinho continues to tune up his team to ensure they are ready for the upcoming season, in which the Merengue club would be almost desperate to win some silverware after having gone the last two seasons without a trophy.Over the last few days, the Portuguese manager has also been getting the players who participated in the World Cup, and thus started and ended their holidays belatedly. As things stand, only the final few players, including Kylian Mbappe, Aurelien Tchouameni, Ibrahima Konate, and Marc Cucurella, remain to report to him, and they are expected to do so next week.Meanwhile, MARCA reports that the Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has already returned to train at Valdebebas. However, he is not training with the rest of his teammates, who have already travelled to Hungary for the second friendly of the preseason, against Ferencvaros. The new signing Yan Diomande was the only other player who trained at Valdebebas.The Belgian goalkeeper ended his World Cup with a muscle injury, which came in the quarter-final loss to Spain. However, this did not turn out to be a serious problem, and now, he is ready to train with his club.As has been the case for the last few years, Thibaut Courtois is once again going to be crucial for Real Madrid going into the next season, when the Merengues will be looking to win all the big trophies after having failed to win even a single one during the last two years. Hopefully, he will once again show that he remains the best goalkeeper in the world, and help both with his leadership and skills to lead his team to glory.

Kumbulla joins Rayo Vallecano as Pellegrini extends with Roma and Cristante plays down Dybala rowRoma have been busy on and off the pitch, confirming Marash Kumbulla’s departure and tying down Lorenzo Pellegrini to a new contract, while Bryan Cristante moved to defuse talk of a training-camp bust-up with Paulo Dybala.According to Tuttomercatoweb, Kumbulla’s exit is now official: the defender joins Rayo Vallecano on a loan with an option to buy, returning to LaLiga after previous spells with Espanyol and Mallorca.He leaves having made 68 appearances across four seasons and played his part in Roma’s 2022 Conference League triumph.ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)Pellegrini signs new Roma deal as Cristante cools Dybala talkThe bigger boost for Gian Piero Gasperini concerns Pellegrini. The club captain has signed a contract extension until 2027 after recovering from injury, with only the official announcement outstanding, expected in the coming hours.Cristante confirmed the squad had stayed in regular contact with the number 10 throughout pre-season and could not wait to have him back at Trigoria.Speaking from the camp, with Roma now in Brighton, where they face the Seagulls after eight days in Cardiff, Cristante was also quick to downplay his flare-up with Dybala during the friendly against Cardiff City.“It lasted a second and it was over,” he said, before turning to the wider mood, underlining the group’s excitement at returning to the Champions League under Gasperini.

Official: Kumbulla joins Rayo Vallecano on loanRoma have officially announced the transfer of Marash Kumbulla to Rayo Vallecano. This is the Albanian center-back’s third loan in Spain in the last three seasons. Two seasons ago, he was loaned to Espanyol, and last season to Mallorca. Now, Roma and Rayo Vallecano have finalized the loan deal with an option to buy. Below is the statement from the Giallorossi club.“AS Roma announces that it has reached an agreement with Rayo Vallecano on Marash Kumbulla’s transfer.The deal is a loan with an option to buy.The defender collected 68 appearances with Roma, scoring four goals and playing in the UEFA Conference League in 2022 that the team won.Good luck, Marash!”

£8m Twist Leaves Celtic Facing Major Blow As 24-Year-Old Makes Transfer Choice: Setback For The Hoops?Celtic’s hopes of signing Haissem Hassan have taken a hit after fresh claims suggested the Egyptian international now favours Marseille. According to Celtic FC News Room, the Ligue 1 side have reached an agreement on personal terms with the 24-year-old after holding discussions for several weeks. The transfer has yet to cross the line because Marseille must trim their squad before committing funds, although the French club now appear to hold the advantage.Celtic face fresh setback as Marseille close in on wingerThat leaves Celtic watching events unfold rather than controlling them. Earlier talks had placed the Scottish champions in a strong position, yet Hassan’s preference has shifted. Unless Marseille fail to create room in their squad or free up finances, Martin O’Neill’s side could lose one of their leading attacking targets before the window closes.Hassan enjoyed a respectable campaign with Real Oviedo in La Liga during 2025/26. He made 37 league appearances, including 20 starts, produced three assists, completed 26 successful dribbles, posted an 82% passing accuracy and accumulated 1,965 minutes. Those figures explain why several clubs remain interested despite his limited attacking output.OVIEDO, SPAIN – OCTOBER 17: Haissem Hassan of Real Oviedo during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Oviedo and RCD Espanyol de Barcelona at Carlos Tartiere on October 17, 2025 in Oviedo, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)Replacing Nicolas Kühn already looked like a demanding task. After Daizen Maeda left for Ipswich Town, the need becomes even greater. Celtic require a winger capable of stretching defences, creating isolation against full-backs and turning slow attacks into quick breaks.Hassan ticks plenty of those boxes. He attacks defenders with confidence, changes direction sharply and carries the ball over long distances without losing control. Egypt benefited from those qualities during the 2026 World Cup, where he impressed throughout their run to the Round of 16 and supplied an assist against Argentina.Celtic should move quickly if Marseille complete the dealThere is, though, a reason for caution. Hassan failed to score in La Liga last season and registered only three assists across 37 appearances. His dribbling catches the eye, yet his final decision often falls short, leaving questions over whether his numbers justify an investment worth around £8 million.Reports have already stated that Hassan turned down a £10 million proposal from Saudi Arabia before accepting Marseille’s personal package. That points clearly to where he wants to play. Celtic shouldn’t become trapped in a lengthy transfer battle if that stance doesn’t change. Redirecting attention towards Mika Baur, Gvidas Gineitis or another winger with a stronger scoring record would make far more sense than chasing a deal that keeps drifting further away.

Done Deal: Italy talent Ruggeri to Aston Villa for €18m plus €6m bonusMarca report that Italy international Matteo Ruggeri will join Aston Villa after an agreement with Atletico Madrid worth €18m plus €6m in add-ons.The left-back just celebrated his 24th birthday last month and was purchased from Atalanta in the summer of 2025 with an investment worth €17m.His value has since increased considerably on the transfer market, thanks to seven assists in 47 competitive appearances for the Colchoneros.He started 39 of those games last season, including all the Champions League knock-out rounds that took them to the semi-final against Arsenal.Ruggeri ready for Aston Villa transferMADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 26: Matteo Ruggeri of Atletico de Madrid reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Metropolitano on November 26, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)According to Spanish site Marca, a deal has been done for Atletico Madrid to complete the sale to Aston Villa, and he won’t be travelling with Diego Simeone’s squad to South Korea.It is going to be a fixed fee of €18m plus a further €6m in potential performance-related add-ons.Once that is completed, along with Nahuel Molina’s imminent sale to Roma, then Atletico Madrid could use those funds to beat Inter to Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero.BARCELONA, SPAIN – AUGUST 17: Matteo Ruggeri of Atletico de Madrid controls the ball whilst under pressure from Omar El Hilali of RCD Espanyol during the LaLiga EA Sports match between RCD Espanyol de Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid at RCDE Stadium on August 17, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)Another potential knock-on effect is that Aston Villa will abandon their pursuit of Milan left-back Pervis Estupinan, as they have the role covered now with Ruggeri.

Middlesbrough's new striker Will Lankshear said he has learned more in a week under head coach Kim Hellberg than he has in his entire football career previously.The 21-year-old signed from Tottenham two weeks ago after spending last season on loan at Oxford United, where he scored 11 goals and provided four assists in 44 Championship games.Lankshear played his first game for what he described as an "amazing, brilliant and massive" club in a 3-3 pre-season friendly draw with Espanyol on Saturday.Hellberg praised Lankshear after the match and said: "Will as a nine is absolutely brilliant, he's mobile, he can do almost anything."And Lankshear has now returned the compliment to Hellberg."It's been a great week so far. I've learnt as much as I have my whole life in one week under Kim [Hellberg]," Lankshear told BBC Radio Tees. "It's really, really good. I'm really excited. We play some really nice football and that's all on the manager."Boro have also brought in Kyle Joseph from Hull City to strengthen their attack and Lankshear said he is embracing the challenge of competing for the number nine shirt."Competition is everything. You need a big squad if you want to achieve the things that we want to achieve," he added."Kyle Joseph is a great forward. He can play across the front line. We can play together as well. So I'm really excited to work with him. "And if it is one of us, then I'll be supporting. If not, I want to be giving my absolute all and scoring goals myself. I'm sure it'll work together."I'm going to come and give it my absolute all in every single game and I'm going to try and score like I always do and see where it takes me. I'm confident enough in my ability that I will score goals."Explore more Middlesbrough content on BBC Sounds

Roma finalizing Kumbulla’s move to Raya VallecanoMarash Kumbulla’s future is increasingly distant from Roma. The Albanian defender is, in fact, one step away from a return to Spain, a league where he has already played for Espanyol and Mallorca over the past two seasons. According to Matteo Moretto in the latest video posted on Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel, Rayo Vallecano will have new contacts with the Giallorossi club today to finalize the transfer of the 2000-born defender.The parties are working to reach a final agreement, while the terms of the deal still need to be finalized. The move will be on loan, but it remains to be seen whether there will be a right or obligation to buy. Kumbulla has already given his approval to the move to Madrid, and now the final step from the two clubs is awaited before the deal is finalized.

[Getty Images]Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg was full of praise for new signings Will Lankshear and Kyle Joseph after the side's pre-season 3-3 draw with Espanyol.The two forwards were brought in this summer in an effort to improve Boro's finishing after they were wasteful in front of goal last season."Will as a nine is absolutely brilliant, he's mobile, he can do almost anything," Hellberg told BBC Radio Tees. "Then I think Kyle has that pace."I think everyone saw last season that we struggled scoring goals. There was no team that created more clear chances than us, we all know that and we need to add on our quality."I'm looking forward to keep working with both Kyle and Will. They are showing brilliant qualities and they both are great human beings that want to improve."Listen to the full interview below or on BBC Sounds hereExplore more Middlesbrough content on BBC Sounds[BBC]Latest Middlesbrough news, analysis and fan views

Mauricio Pochettino has extended his contract with the USA men’s national team (USMNT) until 2030, as he prepares to coach them at another World Cup.Pochettino, who took charge in 2024, led USA to the last 16 of this summer’s World Cup, which played out on home soil as well as in Canada and Mexico.All of USA’s games took place in the United States, in any case, with their campaign ending amid major controversy relating to their striker Folarin Balogun.Mauricio Pochettino during the 2026 World Cup (Reuters)After topping their group with wins over Paraguay and Australia and a loss to Turkey, USA saw off Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the last 32. However, they were knocked out in the last 16 with a 4-1 humbling by Belgium, who mocked Donald Trump while celebrating their victory, after the US President made a call to Fifa chief Gianni Infantino to help delay Balogun’s ban by a year.Balogun was controversially sent off in the win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the delay to his ban – allowing him to feature against Belgium, albeit in vain – was an unprecedented move. Infantino in particular drew major criticism for his role in the episode.Yet USA is aiming to shrug off that saga and their elimination, extending Pochettino’s contract until 2030, to encompass a World Cup that will take place in Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.“Working together with US Soccer over the past two years, it has become clear to us that there is tremendous potential to make the Men’s National Team program even stronger,” said Pochettino. “The passion we experienced from the fans throughout the World Cup only strengthened our belief in what is possible here. “We are excited by the opportunity to bring all our experience and knowledge to even more areas of US Soccer while helping strengthen the pathways for players, coaches and teams across the Federation. “We want to try to have a lasting impact on the sport in the country that has welcomed us so warmly and for that impact to extend beyond results on the field.”JT Batson, the CEO and Secretary General of US Soccer, added: “Mauricio and his staff believe in the future of soccer in the United States, and our new project allows us to build on progress of the USMNT and the momentum of US Soccer. Folarin Balogun was controversially allowed to play against Belgium (Reuters)“We know we have a lot of work to do to achieve our clear ambitions, including competing to win Men’s World Cups and having soccer become the most played sport in every community. I couldn’t be more excited that Mauricio and team are committed to partnering with all of us to do the hard work to bring those ambitions to life.”Pochettino, 54, is a former Argentina international whose coaching career has taken him from Espanyol to the USMNT via Southampton, Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.He left Chelsea after one season to join the USMNT in 2024, and he has been linked with a return to club management in the years since.