Former Milan manager Fabio Capello has revealed what surprised him most during the latest round of the Italian championship, focusing on the Milan derby.

Milan won the match 3-1.

Former France World Cup winner and ex-Barcelona player Christophe Dugarry has criticised Paulo Fonseca following the Portuguese manager’s departure from Lyon.

Dugarry’s comments come as Fonseca is being targeted by Sporting Lisbon.

Paulo Fonseca is preparing to leave Lyon and return to Portugal to take charge of Sporting.

The move would bring an unexpected end to his time in France, with Lyon currently third in Ligue 1. The club are just three points behind Paris Saint-Germain and have recently beaten Angers 2-0.

Fonseca has spent almost 10 years working abroad but is understood to have decided to return to his home country. Sporting have reportedly offered him a contract running until 2030.

Lyon are expected to receive compensation of about five million euros as part of the agreement, according to derbyderbyderby.it.

Robert Lewandowski has not forgotten the 2020 Ballon d’Or, which was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to former France Football editor Pascal Ferre.

Ferre discussed the decision and recalled a conversation with the Poland striker. The former editor said: “Lewandowski hates me.”

The award was not presented in 2020 after the ceremony was called off during the pandemic.

Lewandowski is currently playing in the United States.

Former France footballer Thierry Henry has drawn a comparison with Manchester United’s current problems by recalling a similar period of crisis at Arsenal.

Manchester United are enduring a disappointing season, with Michael Carrick facing the prospect of dismissal.

The Red Devils were 2-0 down at half-time in their home Champions League match against Roma. Events from the game can be followed through the live text commentary on the LiveResult website.

Alan Shearer has warned that Manchester United “really could be relegated” after a poor start to the season.

The Red Devils have struggled in the league and were also heading for another defeat in the Champions League on Tuesday.

In their home match against Roma, Manchester United conceded twice without reply inside the opening 17 minutes.

Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden says he is gradually moving towards his best form after scoring four goals in his past five matches.

The 26-year-old has endured a difficult period this season, describing football as a game of “ups and downs”. He has not played for England since March.

England manager Thomas Tuchel is due to announce his squad on Friday for the Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain. Foden’s recent performances could put him in contention for a return to the international set-up.

Foden was sent off in the Manchester derby in September and did not play again for more than a month after the red card.

He has since made an impact for Manchester City, scoring four times in his last five appearances as he works his way back towards top form.

Manchester City’s next fixture is against RB Leipzig in the Champions League on 4 November.

Arsenal are interested in Hull City winger Mohamed Bachir Belloumi and are considering a move for the 24-year-old during the winter transfer window, according to Goal.

The London club have been monitoring Belloumi’s progress, with his performances at Hull City attracting attention from the team competing for high positions in England and Europe.

A source close to the player said Belloumi viewed Arsenal’s interest positively. A move to the club would represent an important step in his career, given Arsenal’s ambitions domestically and in European competition.

Belloumi is the son of former Algeria international Lakhdar Belloumi. He has scored three goals and provided two assists in 10 appearances during the current season.

The winger remains under contract with Hull City until June 2029. His market value is estimated at 18 million euros by Transfermarkt.

Sunderland have secured the future of one of their most important attacking players, with Brian Brobbey agreeing a contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2031.

The Netherlands striker recently scored a notable hat-trick against Manchester City, although his individual display came in a 5-3 defeat. His new deal represents a significant show of commitment from Sunderland as they attempt to navigate a difficult season.

Sunderland are currently bottom of the Premier League with only five points. Their situation has been made more demanding by their involvement in the Europa League, which has added to the club’s workload.

Against that backdrop, retaining Brobbey gives Sunderland an element of stability in attack and provides a foundation for the club’s future. The forward has been an important part of the team since joining the Black Cats in the summer of 2025.

The contract extension follows his impressive recent contribution against Manchester City, despite Sunderland ultimately suffering defeat in a high-scoring match.

Rayan Ait-Nouri could leave Manchester City during the next winter transfer window, with Manchester United reportedly interested in signing the Algeria international.

The left-back joined City hoping to take the next step in his career, but his future at the Etihad Stadium is already uncertain. He is said to be open to a move just months after arriving at the club, creating an opportunity that has attracted the attention of their neighbours.

United assess defensive option

Manchester United are looking to strengthen on the left side of their defence and view Ait-Nouri as a potential solution, according to an exclusive report by Africafoot.

The Red Devils are understood to be monitoring the defender closely as they seek to add further options to that area of the squad. Ait-Nouri would offer United another choice at left-back if the clubs were able to reach an agreement over a transfer.

The player is reportedly receptive to the possibility of moving to Old Trafford. Journalist Florian Plettenberg says negotiations over personal terms would not be expected to present a significant difficulty.

That means United could find it relatively straightforward to agree terms with Ait-Nouri himself. The more complicated part of the proposed deal would be persuading Manchester City to allow one of their players to join their historic rivals.

Manchester rivalry threatens deal

Although the move appears attractive from a sporting perspective, the relationship between the two Manchester clubs could prove decisive. Their long-standing rivalry means City may be reluctant to make it easier for United to recruit from their squad.

The issue could therefore become the central obstacle as the winter transfer window approaches. Ait-Nouri is believed to be open to a new challenge and United have expressed interest, but the deal would depend on City’s willingness to negotiate with the club from across the city.

Ait-Nouri’s situation is consequently expected to remain under close scrutiny. United must determine whether they can convince City to sanction the Algeria international’s departure, while the player’s openness to the move gives the Red Devils a potentially favourable position in discussions over personal conditions.

Before attention turns fully to the transfer window, Manchester City will soon play their fourth match of the Champions League league phase against RB Leipzig. priori

Noah Sadiki’s impressive progress at Sunderland has put the Democratic Republic of the Congo midfielder on the radar of several leading European clubs, with Liverpool, Newcastle, Juventus, Napoli and Atletico de Madrid all monitoring his situation.

However, Sunderland are determined to retain control of any negotiations and will not allow Sadiki to leave for less than his perceived value. The Black Cats have reportedly set an initial valuation of between 55m and 60m euros, according to Hooligan Soccer, with the higher figure understood to be the minimum required to seriously consider a transfer.

The English club also want any agreement to include performance-related bonuses and a percentage of a future sale. Those conditions would allow Sunderland to benefit further if Sadiki continues to develop after moving elsewhere.

The 21-year-old’s rise has attracted particular praise from Democratic Republic of the Congo manager Sebastien Desabre.

“In three months at Sunderland, Sadiki has gone up a level,” Desabre said.

Sunderland’s stance reflects their belief in the midfielder’s potential, as well as the strength of his current contractual position. Sadiki is under contract at the club until June 2030, giving Sunderland considerable leverage when dealing with interested parties.

His current market value is estimated at 40m euros by Transfermarkt. That figure is below Sunderland’s reported asking price, meaning any club hoping to sign him would have to make a substantial offer and meet the English side’s additional demands.

The growing interest has not changed Sunderland’s position. While several high-profile European teams are following Sadiki closely, the club remains unwilling to facilitate his departure unless its financial conditions are met.

Sunderland are next due to face Dinamo Zagreb in the fourth round of the league phase of the Europa League.

FC Barcelona are considering offering Hafiz Gariba a long-term contract after being impressed by the Ghanaian central defender’s performances.

The 19-year-old is currently under contract with the Catalan club until 2027, but Barcelona are not planning to wait until the final months of his agreement before deciding on his future. Discussions between the club and Gariba’s representatives are expected to take place soon, according to Lamasia Report.

The proposed contract extension would form part of Barcelona’s wider plans for the defender and their long-term sporting project. Club officials are examining the available options for keeping Gariba at the club beyond his current deal.

Gariba earns praise at Barcelona

Gariba has made a positive impression on Barcelona’s sporting leadership, with his defensive strength, consistency and ability in one-on-one duels among the qualities that have attracted attention.

His progress is being monitored closely within the club, where there is growing belief in his potential. Barcelona regard him as a player who could contribute both now and in future seasons, and a new agreement would give them greater protection over one of their young talents.

The club also believes that continuing Gariba’s development in a familiar environment would benefit his progression. The defender’s current connection with Barcelona runs until 2027, but the Catalan side want to establish a longer-term arrangement before his contract moves closer to its conclusion.

Interest from elsewhere

Barcelona’s interest has reportedly been noticed by other clubs. Gariba’s performances are said to have attracted attention from several teams, underlining the growing reputation of the Ghanaian defender.

That interest has encouraged Barcelona to act proactively as they seek to avoid losing one of their promising young players. Talks with Gariba’s representatives could therefore become an important step in determining his future at FC Barcelona.

The club is expected to continue assessing his development while working towards a possible extension. Its current position suggests Gariba is viewed as an important part of Barcelona’s plans for the years ahead.

Barcelona’s next fixture will be against Aston Villa in the fourth round of the league phase of the Champions League.

Younes Ebnoutalib’s impressive start to the season with Eintracht Frankfurt has attracted attention from Tottenham and Juventus, with both clubs having contacted the forward’s representatives about a possible transfer.

The 10-cap? Wait source doesn't say 10-cap. Need no. Let's formulate.

The 20? no.

Ebnoutalib has emerged as one of the most sought-after young forwards on the transfer market after a dramatic improvement in form. According to Sky Deutschland, Tottenham and Juventus have already approached his representatives to discuss the conditions of a potential move.

The 20-year? no age. Avoid.

From injury setback to breakthrough

Ebnoutalib joined Eintracht Frankfurt from Elversberg in January last year, but his arrival was followed by a difficult spell. A ligament injury suffered soon after the move kept him out for several weeks, and he did not return to competitive action until April.

He made only five appearances during the second half of last season, scoring once and playing 131 minutes in total. That limited involvement reflected both his adaptation to a new club and the disruption caused by his recovery.

His performances have changed significantly this season. In 10 appearances, the centre-forward has scored eight goals and provided two assists across 675 minutes.

That equates to a direct contribution to a goal every 67.5 minutes, underlining the efficiency that has helped bring him to the attention of clubs competing at the highest level of European football.

Ebnoutalib’s development has also been recognised internationally. He made his Germany debut in September, reaching another important milestone as his profile continued to grow.

January move remains uncertain

Sky Deutschland reports that Tottenham and Juventus are currently among the strongest contenders for the striker. Both clubs have taken the initial step of contacting his agent to assess whether a transfer could be possible.

It remains unclear, however, whether Ebnoutalib would be prepared to leave Frankfurt during the winter transfer window in January or whether he would prefer to continue his development in Germany until next summer.

No decision has been announced. His next move is expected to depend partly on his sporting ambitions and on the assurances that potential suitors are able to offer.

Eintracht Frankfurt are under no pressure to sell. Ebnoutalib’s contract runs until June 2031, leaving the German club in a strong negotiating position. Transfermarkt currently values the forward at 18 million euros.

That long-term agreement, combined with his rapidly improving performances, means Tottenham and Juventus would need to make a convincing case if they are to secure his signature.

Ebnoutalib’s recovery from an injury that threatened to interrupt his progress has been followed by a swift rise. His next decision could now become a significant moment in his career.

Eintracht Frankfurt are due to face Paderborn in their ninth match of the German league season.

Olympique de Marseille have reportedly reached an agreement with Issa Soumare, but must now negotiate with Stade Rennais before the Senegalese forward can complete a potential move, according to specialist account ZONE 90.

Soumare only joined Stade Rennais after leaving Le Havre AC, yet his time in Brittany could already be coming to an end. The forward is understood to have been encouraged to find a new club and is reportedly open to taking on another challenge.

Marseille’s interest could give the former Le Havre AC player the opportunity to continue his development at one of France’s leading clubs. The club have now apparently secured the player’s approval, leaving discussions with Rennes as the next stage of the proposed transfer.

The Marseille-based side will need to reach an agreement with Stade Rennais’ directors over the conditions of Soumare’s departure. Those terms have not been disclosed, and it remains unclear how quickly the two clubs can resolve the matter.

There has been no official confirmation from either club that the transfer has been agreed. The report from ZONE 90 nevertheless suggests the situation has moved beyond initial interest, with Marseille now expected to focus on negotiations with Rennes.

A move to Marseille would represent another significant step in Soumare’s career. After wearing Le Havre AC’s sky-blue and navy colours, the forward could join another major French club and take on a new challenge in an ambitious setting.

His possible departure from Stade Rennais comes shortly after his arrival from Le Havre AC, highlighting how quickly his circumstances may have changed during the transfer window. Should Marseille reach agreement with Rennes, Soumare would have the chance to continue his career at the club from the cite phoceenne.

For now, the proposed move remains subject to an agreement between the two clubs. Marseille’s reported deal with the player is an important development, but it does not by itself complete the transfer.

Stade Rennais are also due to play Olympiakos in their fourth match of the league phase of the Europa League.

Simon Ngapandouetnbu has been named Montpellier’s Player of the Month for October after a series of strong performances for the Ligue 2 club.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper kept three clean sheets in four appearances during the month, helping Montpellier maintain greater defensive stability and contributing to the team’s results.

Ngapandouetnbu’s consistency and saves have made him one of the club’s standout performers in recent weeks. The award recognises both his individual form and his contribution to Montpellier’s displays.

His record now includes six clean sheets, alongside a European record referenced by the club, as he continues to establish himself at senior level.

Future at Montpellier

Ngapandouetnbu is under contract with Montpellier until June 2028. The Cameroon international is currently valued at 3 million euros by Transfermarkt.

At 23, he is continuing to develop and will aim to maintain his current standards as he seeks to become a long-term fixture among the important members of Montpellier’s squad.

According to exclusive information received by Africafoot, Montpellier are also interested in extending the Cameroonian goalkeeper’s contract.

Montpellier’s next fixture will come in the 12th round of the French Ligue 2 season, when they face Metz.

Arsenal are considering accelerating their pursuit of Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi in January, with the Gunners keen to make progress before rival clubs can act.

Paris Saint-Germain are also monitoring the 20-year-old, according to Football Insider, as interest grows in a player who has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most promising young attackers.

Kroupi made a major impact last season by scoring 13 Premier League goals. That total set a record for an adolescent in a single Premier League campaign and helped place him firmly on the radar of several leading European clubs.

His finishing, pace and potential for further development have made him an attractive option in the transfer market. Arsenal are now understood to be weighing up whether to advance negotiations during the winter window in an attempt to gain an advantage in the race for his signature.

Kroupi returns after injury absence

Kroupi’s progress was interrupted by a metatarsal fracture, which kept him out of action for almost three months. The forward has now returned to competitive football and is gradually rebuilding his rhythm with Bournemouth.

His comeback is a significant boost for the Cherries, who are relying on him to add to their attacking options. With the second half of the season approaching, Kroupi will also be looking to reproduce the form that made him one of the standout players of the previous campaign.

Arsenal’s interest comes as Bournemouth remain reluctant to lose the player midway through the season. The club continue to view Kroupi as an important part of their sporting plans and are not keen to weaken their squad during the campaign.

That stance could complicate Arsenal’s efforts, particularly with Paris Saint-Germain also keeping a close watch on the forward’s situation. The French club’s interest adds further competition to a transfer that could become one of the main stories of the next winter window.

For now, Bournemouth’s position remains a major obstacle. Arsenal are keen to move quickly, Paris Saint-Germain are following developments and the Cherries are determined to retain a player they regard as central to their project.

Bournemouth will soon face Sparta Prague in their fourth match of the league phase of the UEFA Europa League. The odds listed by 1xbet for the fixture are 1.47 for a Bournemouth victory, 4.60 for a draw and 5.60 for a Sparta Prague win.

Morocco’s participation in the inaugural Under-15 World Cup and Football Festival in Baku has highlighted five young players identified as promising prospects for the future.

The event, held in Azerbaijan from 24 to 30 October, brought together teams representing 189 FIFA member associations. It gave the players an opportunity to encounter different footballing traditions while continuing their development in an international setting.

Salaheddine Noukhili, a coach at the Raja Club Athletic Academy and former youth coach at the Casablanca club, selected Ayoub Dra, Imran El Mabrouki, Amine Errazgaoui, Soufouan Bellamine and Ziad Aboud as players to follow.

Five players in focus

Dra, who comes from the Federal Training Centre in Beni Mellal, plays in defence and has made four international appearances for Morocco Under-15s. He has not scored for the national side.

His development reflects the work carried out by Morocco’s federal training structures, which aim to prepare young players for the demands of elite football. As a defender, Dra contributes to his team’s defensive organisation and helps contain opposition attacks.

El Mabrouki was also trained at a Federal Training Centre, in Saidia, and operates as a central defender. The position calls for strong anticipation, an understanding of movement and the ability to help build play from the back.

With seven international appearances for Morocco Under-15s, El Mabrouki has the most experience at that level among the five players selected by Noukhili. He has yet to score for the national team, but his regular involvement has given him valuable experience against opponents from different footballing backgrounds.

Errazgaoui plays as an attacking midfielder, a role that requires creativity, vision and the ability to connect midfield with the forward line. He is involved in constructing attacks, finding space between the lines and creating chances for team-mates.

Bellamine represents the Mohammed VI Football Academy and plays in central midfield. He has made five appearances for Morocco Under-15s without scoring, and has also played five matches during the statistical period considered, accumulating 430 minutes.

His position requires him to offer an outlet for possession, win and retain the ball, contribute to attacks and link the different areas of the side.

The fifth player is Aboud, from Renaissance sportive de Berkane. Primarily a central defender, he has made three international appearances for Morocco Under-15s and has not scored. He can also play as a defensive midfielder, giving him added versatility.

Noukhili praises tournament experience

Noukhili described Morocco’s Under-15 side as representing “the successes of today and the ambitions of tomorrow” after the team, coached by Karim Miftal, recorded five wins from five matches in the preliminary phase.

He said the campaign demonstrated the players’ ability to adapt to opponents from different football cultures and traditions. The tournament also provided valuable sporting and personal experience by exposing them to playing styles beyond those they usually encounter in Africa and Europe.

Matches were played eight-a-side, a format Noukhili said encouraged players to receive the ball, increased the pace and created more one-on-one situations. He believes such international events can strengthen the players’ ambitions and underline the potential within Moroccan football.

Mohamed Salah is being considered for Turkish citizenship and a state medal after making a strong early impact at Trabzonspor.

The Egypt international is reportedly set to receive citizenship alongside his family, while he is also being tipped for the State Medal for Distinguished Service. The proposed honour would recognise his contribution to the development of sport and tourism in Turkey.

The claims were made by Mohamed Kaoud, a journalist with BBC Arabic, only a few months after Salah joined the Turkish club.

Salah left Liverpool during the summer transfer window and has quickly become one of the most prominent figures in the Super Lig. He has scored eight goals and supplied three assists in 10 league appearances for Trabzonspor.

His most notable performance came in September, when he scored a hat-trick against Galatasaray. That display helped establish him as one of the biggest attractions in the Turkish championship.

The 34-year-old’s influence has also been felt beyond his performances on the pitch. Trabzonspor have seen a significant rise in their social media following since his arrival, while his transfer is also reported to have strengthened links between Egypt and the city of Trabzon.

Those connections include the introduction of new direct flight routes from Cairo, which have been cited as another consequence of Salah’s move to Turkey.

Salah joined Trabzonspor as a free agent after leaving Liverpool. He agreed a two-season contract with the club and remains under contract until June 2028. His current market value is listed at 17m euros by Transfermarkt.

If the proposed distinctions are confirmed, they would underline the scale of Salah’s growing profile in Turkey, where his arrival has already had an impact extending beyond football.

Trabzonspor are next scheduled to face Freiburg in the third matchday of the league phase of the Conference League.

Real Sociedad host Lyon in the fourth round of the Europa League league phase on Thursday, 5 November 2026, with kick-off at 17:45 GMT. The Basque side are expected to rely on their usual 4-2-3-1 formation, while Jorge Maciel is set to use a 4-3-3 for the visitors.

Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad’s coach is likely to retain the system that worked effectively in Norway. The shape uses two deeper midfielders to protect the centre and support the transition, with three attacking midfielders providing width and stretching Lyon’s defence.

M. Oyarzabal is expected to lead the line as the lone striker, tasked with occupying the central defenders. The formation should also help Real Sociedad control possession at Anoeta and make use of their attacking players in the wide areas.

Real Sociedad probable XI

Goalkeeper: Alex Remiro

Defenders: Jon Aramburu, Jon Martin, M. Sarr, Sergio Gomez

Midfielders: A. Barrenetxea, J. Gorrotxategi, Luka Sucic, Carlos Soler, G. Guedes

Striker: M. Oyarzabal

Lyon

Lyon are expected to line up in a conventional 4-3-3 under Jorge Maciel. A back four will provide defensive stability, while the three-man midfield is designed to strengthen the centre and match Real Sociedad’s two deeper midfielders.

The visitors’ front three should aim to stretch the pitch and attack the space behind Sergio Gomez and Jon Aramburu. Lyon’s approach is expected to focus on limiting Real Sociedad’s possession before looking to break quickly in transition.

Lyon probable XI

Goalkeeper: Dominik Greif

Defenders: Z. Athekame, Felix Bacher, M. Niakhate, Abner Vinicius

Midfielders: Mads Bidstrup, T. Tessmann, C. Tolisso

Forwards: J. Duranville, E. Nuamah, K. Nakamura

The match is Real Sociedad’s fourth fixture of the Europa League league phase and will take place on Thursday evening, with the Spanish club hosting Lyon at Anoeta.

The pre-match odds listed by 1xbet price a Real Sociedad victory at 1.73. A draw is rated at 3.80, while Lyon are listed at 3.40 to win.

Eintracht Frankfurt defender Lilian Brassier has changed his international allegiance from France to Togo and has been named in the preliminary squad for the Sparrowhawks’ 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Algeria.

The 27-year-old centre-back was born in Argenteuil, France. His father is from Guadeloupe and his mother is Togolese. Brassier previously played for France at Under-18, Under-19 and Under-20 level.

After several months of consideration, he has decided to represent his mother’s country. Togo head coach Patrice Neveu has selected him ahead of the two matches, which will be played on 14 and 17 November.

Brassier’s decision gives Togo an additional option in defence as they attempt to improve their qualification campaign. He could form a central defensive partnership with the experienced Getafe defender Djene Dakonam.

The move follows Brassier’s arrival at Frankfurt last summer, after spells with Rennes, Brest and Marseille in French football. He made 117 Ligue 1 appearances during his career in France, scoring six goals and creating three more.

He has also made an immediate impact in the Bundesliga, starting all seven of his appearances for Frankfurt under manager Adi Hutter.

Togo’s qualifying campaign has been uneven so far and the Sparrowhawks are third in Group I. They began with a win against Burundi but then lost to Zambia, increasing the pressure on Neveu’s side to collect points in their next fixtures.

Neveu, who was appointed in February, will hope Brassier’s international commitment can strengthen the squad and persuade other eligible players to choose Togo.

The Sparrowhawks are seeking a return to the Africa Cup of Nations finals for the first time since 2017.