
Chelsea Secures Marco Palestra on Five-Year Deal
The club announced the signing of 21-year-old centre-back Marco Palestra, who joins on a contract through 2033 after a standout loan at Cagliari and a recent Italy debut.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Xabi Alonso across Soccer, Football.

The club announced the signing of 21-year-old centre-back Marco Palestra, who joins on a contract through 2033 after a standout loan at Cagliari and a recent Italy debut.

Chelsea reflects on a disappointing 2025/26 campaign, the abrupt departure of its former head coach, confidential settlements with Manchester City, and the arrival of Xabi Alonso as the new manager.

A look at the latest player movements, club strategies and emerging storylines shaping the upcoming transfer window.

Sunderland have turned down a modest £8 million offer from Chelsea for midfielder Granit Xhaka, emphasizing that the player is not for sale and highlighting his long‑term contract, leadership role and the club’s recent European qualification.

A snapshot of the most talked‑about player movements and club interests across the continent.

Fulham are close to finalising a three‑year contract with Alvaro Arbeloa, the ex‑Real Madrid coach whose brief but eventful spell in Madrid ended with a Champions League quarter‑final run. The appointment comes as Marco Silva heads to Benfica, setting up a potential early‑season showdown with Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea.

An exploration of the growing tension between elite football careers and the demands of parenthood, featuring players who have missed matches for births, faced criticism, and embraced new purpose.

With Xabi Alonso set to take charge, Chelsea is eyeing at least two marquee signings, including Crystal Palace centre‑back Maxence Lacroix, as it leverages recent financial gains to bolster a squad poised for a decisive season.

Xavi describes Messi's extraordinary skill, work ethic, and mental strength, recalling early training moments and the lasting influence he has had on the sport.

A look at the most talked‑about transfer speculations across Europe's top clubs, from possible signings to contract clauses that could trigger exits.

The Athletic’s interactive World Cup prediction feature brings together writers, a subscriber, an algorithm, a dog and a six‑year‑old, offering daily forecasts across a slate of matches while recapping key moments from recent matchdays.

Six Argentine coaches will be at the helm of national teams at the 2026 World Cup, with a concentration of talent emerging from Santa Fe and the Basque region of Spain.

Fulham are close to appointing Alvaro Arbeloa, the ex‑Spain international who spent last season as an interim coach at Real Madrid, following the club's decision to part ways with Marco Silva and the earlier consideration of Kieran McKenna.

Real Madrid are nearing an agreement to sign Bernardo Silva, a free agent after a decade at Manchester City, as part of a broader strategy to challenge Barcelona and Atlético Madrid.
An exploration of soccer tackling methods, their classification under the Laws of the Game, and memorable moments that have shaped defensive play on the world stage.
An exploration of soccer tackling techniques, their classifications, and memorable moments that illustrate their impact on the game.

Real Madrid has ended its brief stint with Álvaro Arbeloa, clearing the way for José Mourinho's comeback. The move follows a promise made by club president Florentino Pérez during his re‑election campaign, while Atletico Madrid rejected a €150 million offer for Julian Álvarez.

Real Madrid and coach Álvaro Arbeloa have mutually agreed to end their association, clearing the path for José Mourinho's anticipated return. President Florentino Pérez had promised the Portuguese manager a comeback during his recent re‑election campaign.

Real Madrid has parted ways with coach Álvaro Arbeloa, clearing the path for José Mourinho’s return. The move follows a season without major trophies and a series of high‑profile promises from club president Florentino Pérez.

Real Madrid parts ways with interim coach Álvaro Arbeloa, clearing the path for José Mourinho’s comeback as club president Florentino Pérez fulfills a campaign pledge.

Real Madrid has ended its brief experiment with Álvaro Arbeloa, paving the way for José Mourinho’s comeback. The move follows a season without a major trophy and a pledge made during Pérez’s election campaign.

After a trophyless season, Real Madrid have replaced interim coach Álvaro Arbeloa with José Mourinho, fulfilling a promise made during Pérez's re‑election campaign.

Real Madrid has ended Álvaro Arbeloa's short-lived coaching spell and reappointed José Mourinho, promising a fresh approach after a trophyless season.

Real Madrid has confirmed the departure of interim coach Álvaro Arbeloa, paving the way for José Mourinho's anticipated comeback. The move follows Florentino Pérez's pledge to bring the Portuguese manager back after his re‑election.