The Athletic FC Podcast
Episodes
The Preview: Man City vs Man United
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is the Manchester derby.Despite winning five of their last eight Premier Lea...
Why Barcelona still can't play at Camp Nou
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What do Barcelona and Post Malone have in common? Neither of them can play at Camp Nou.So what's going on, and will this stadium ever be ready?Ho...
Why the Premier League needs English football's pyramid to thrive
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
So far in our series, The Future of Football, we've looked at the global game and the unstoppable power of the Premier League.But away from the top fl...
Is the Premier League’s dominance a problem?
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This summer, Premier League clubs set a new record for spending in a single transfer window at over £3bn, that’s more than La Liga, Serie A, Ligue ...
Why are Forest swapping Nuno for Ange?
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nottingham Forest have sacked head coach Nuno Espirito Santo and look set to replace him with former Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou.So what’s going on ...
UEFA v FIFA & the battle for club football’s future
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Future of Football, a special three part series asking the biggest questions shaping the game from the impact of the Club World Cup to ...
Levy leaves Spurs & early Premier League conclusions
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Huge news from north London on Thursday as Daniel Levy was removed from his role as Tottenham Hotspur’s executive chairman after almost 25 years at ...
Is women's football still growing?
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Record attendances at the Euros? Check.65k in London to celebrate the Lionesses? Check.Rising attendances for the WSL? Not last season.So is women's f...
Sesko and Gyokeres: Will they adapt to the Premier League?
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Premier League clubs went BIG on striker signings this summer. But how difficult is it to adapt to England’s top flight?Former Manchester United str...
The 10 biggest moments of the transfer window
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This has been a transfer window for the ages.There’s been sulks, sagas and over £3billion spent by Premier League clubs. Ayo Akinwolere is joined b...
The DealSheet with David Ornstein
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
David Ornstein joins Adam Leventhal, Chris Weatherspoon and JJ Bull to run through the top deals on deadline day. Host: Adam LeventhalWith: David...
Does Isak make Liverpool unstoppable?
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The summer's major transfer saga is over. Liverpool have agreed a deadline day deal for Alexander Isak.A fee of £130m will help take Liverpool's summ...
Should we be worried about Liverpool this season?
30 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Liverpool have picked up six points from their first two games, but have conceded four goals... So, should Arne Slot be concerned with how his new sig...
The Preview: Liverpool vs Arsenal
29 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Liverpool vs Arsenal.Arne Slot's side are without a Premier League victor...
How much worse can it get for Amorim and Man United?
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Manchester United have been knocked out the Carabao Cup by fourth-tier Grimsby Town.Three games into the season they have one point and they've spent ...
Ornstein transfer latest: Mainoo, Jackson & Arsenal sales
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With just days left in the transfer window, the pressure is on Premier League clubs to trim their squads.Ayo Akinwolere is joined by David Ornstein an...
Liverpool win the Isak derby - but do they need more signings?
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It was a thrilling night at St James’ Park as Liverpool nicked it in the last minute thanks to teenager Rio Ngumoha. Newcastle showed spirit but it'...
Can Nuno survive at Forest?
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nuno Espirito Santo says he won't walk away from Nottingham Forest after publicly throwing into doubt the state of his relationship with owner Evangel...
The biggest changes in the Premier League so far
23 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Week in Football, where we dig into the biggest tactical shifts, storylines, and surprises shaping the football world over the past sev...
The Preview: Newcastle vs Liverpool
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Newcastle vs Liverpool.Despite the fact he’s got about as much chance o...
Ornstein transfer latest: Arsenal hijack Eze to Spurs
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Arsenal have hijacked Tottenham’s move for Eberechi EzeSo how did we get here? And could Spurs have avoided this?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Orn...
Is Maresca right to demand more Chelsea signings?
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca wants more players - and it got us thinking… are new signings always the solution? Or should coaches be more adaptable?...
La Liga set for U.S. match - is the Premier League next?
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Spanish FA have approved the request for the La Liga fixture between Villarreal and Barcelona to be played in Miami. So what is the likelihood of ...
Same old Arsenal or a slow evolution?
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
At Old Trafford all the talk pre-match was about the new strikers on show, but in the end it was a set piece that made the difference, as Arsenal beat...
The Preview: Man United vs Arsenal
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Preview from The Athletic FC, where every Friday we’ll look ahead to the weekend’s Premier League action.This week it’s all about...
Can Leeds, Sunderland or Burnley survive?
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the last two seasons, the three promoted clubs have been relegated from the Premier League.So will Leeds, Sunderland or Burnley survive this time a...
Ornstein Transfer Latest: Isak, Eze, Donnarumma
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alexander Isak has told Newcastle he won’t play for them again — can he force a move to Liverpool? We bring you the latest.Plus, how are Spurs add...
Isak shuns Newcastle, but who holds the power?
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
David Ornstein dropped the news this morning that Alexander Isak is adamant he won’t play for Newcastle again and that he has no desire to rein...
Are Liverpool still the team to beat?
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Title holders Liverpool have been the talk of the transfer window, but couldn't claim the Community Shield against Crystal Palace. So, are they r...
Inside the world of Premier League referees
10 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Referees are integral to football. But with every decision scrutinised, why would anyone want to be a referee?The Athletic has been given insider acce...
Will Man United's £200m striker spree fix their problems?
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Manchester United have spent over £200m and counting. But after continuous false dawns, will they deliver this season?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: ...
Ornstein transfer latest: Sesko to Man Utd & what now for Isak?
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re focusing on strikers today. In the latest twist to the transfer story of the summer - Benjamin Sesko looks to be on his way to Manchester...
Dowman & Ngumoha: Why young players are competing earlier
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
15-year-old Max Dowman has been the talk of Arsenal’s pre-season and 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha has shone for Liverpool.But can either break into the f...
Anatomy of a Transfer - ICYMI
03 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Another chance to hear Anatomy of a Transfer, your one stop guide to how transfers happen. Join Adam Leventhal as he goes behind the scenes at trainin...
Transfers that shook the world: Sol Campbell to Arsenal
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villa...
Do shirt numbers still matter?
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Viktor Gyokeres is Arsenal’s new No.14.Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe and Cole Palmer have all switched to take the No.10 for their clubs.So, how signi...
How long can Newcastle hold on to Isak?
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alexander Isak has refused to go on tour with Newcastle United and wants to leave.So who could afford him and do Newcastle have any chance of keeping ...
Transfers that shook the world: Luís Figo to Real Madrid
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villa...
New manager, new players, new... Spurs?
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Thomas Frank era has officially begun at Spurs and they are busy.After landing Mohammed Kudus, Morgan Gibbs-White is next on the list. But wi...
Why are Barcelona signing Rashford?
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marcus Rashford is set to sign for Barcelona in a loan deal, with an option to make it permanent, leaving his boyhood club Manchester United.So, is it...
How Cruyff inspired Ajax's rebirth
20 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Football Architects - a summer series from our friends over at the Athletic FC Tactics podcast, telling the the unsung tales behind mo...
Transfers that shook the world: Ashley Cole to Chelsea
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villa...
Ornstein transfer latest: Liverpool move for Isak & Ekitike
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Tuesday Liverpool made an approach to sign Alexander Isak.And now they have also made a move for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, who...
Was the Club World Cup worth it?
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chelsea are the new Club World Cup champions beating Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.Gianni Infantino says t...
Transfers that shook the world: Tevez to Man City
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villa...
Thomas Partey charges explained and questions for Arsenal
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Friday July 4th, news broke that former Arsenal midfielder, Thomas Partey had been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault...
How do Man United shift their unwanted players?
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marcus Rashford is one of five players Manchester United told didn’t need to report for the start of pre-season but showed up anyway.So where does h...
Ornstein transfer latest: Arsenal move for Gyokeres
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Sporting striker Viktor Gyökeres.So what could the Swede offer Mikel Arteta’s side?And is he the missing piec...
At what cost? Saudi Arabia and soccer
06 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There's been two football tournaments in the United States this summer, the Club World Cup and the Gold Cup. Both with an ostensible Saudi feel, all p...
Remembering Diogo Jota
04 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tony Evans, James Pearce and Simon Hughes reflect on the tragically sad news Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died at the age of 28 along with his bro...
Ornstein transfer latest: Will Chelsea keep spending?
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chelsea wanted to get the majority of their transfer business done by the end of June and they have been busy! Coming up we’ll break down the s...
Why have Lyon been relegated?
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Crystal Palace are battling to keep their Europa League place, while Lyon have been relegated to French football’s second tier. John Textor and...
Transfers that shook the world: Van Persie to Man United
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villa...
How much more will Liverpool spend this summer?
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s still only June but Liverpool have already been busy in the transfer market, having signed both Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong and closing ...
How can Barcelona afford Nico Williams?
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Barcelona have agreed terms to sign Nico Williams - but with their ongoing financial troubles, how can they realistically afford the Athletic Bilbao w...
Transfers that shook the world: Fernando Torres to Chelsea
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villa...
Ornstein transfer latest: Nico Williams, Ekitike, Osimhen
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nico Williams has attracted attention from all over Europe but now looks likely to end up at either Barcelona or Bayern Munich.Matt Davies Adams is jo...
Inside Man City's massive rebuild
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Manchester City are back on the big stage this week, at the Club World Cup in the USA. And, with a revamped squad and no trophies to show from la...
The Most Powerful Man in World Football
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, is world football's most powerful man.His presidency has been marked by the controversial men's World Cups in Russia...
Inside South Africa’s super club
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when the best clubs in world football collide? We're about to find out in as the Club World Cup kicks off in the USA.Big names like Lione...
Ornstein transfer latest: What will Arsenal do this summer?
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There’s been a lot of noise around Arsenal’s pursuit of Martin Zubimendi, but the North London club regard the deal as done.Ayo Akinwolere is join...
Why do Spurs want Thomas Frank?
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tottenham Hotspur have sacked the manager who delivered a first trophy in 17 years.So, why have they sacked Ange Postecoglou and why do they want Thom...
How are Man United still spending?
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After signing Wolves’ Matheus Cunha for £62.5million, Manchester United have made an opening bid of £55m to sign Bryan Mbuemo from Brentford.So, w...
Ornstein transfer latest: Wirtz, Reijnders & Cherki
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The transfer window is open and Liverpool are after one European football’s brightest talents as they look to complete a deal for Bayer Leverkusen's...
How have PSG built the best team in Europe?
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PSG have finally got their hands on the Champions League trophy after beating Inter 5-0 in the final in Munich on Saturday night.So, how did they do i...
Champions League Final Preview: PSG vs Inter
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Saturday, PSG will face Inter in the 24/25 Champions League final in Munich. It will be the meeting of the oldest versus the youngest team fro...
Has Maresca proven Chelsea's doubters wrong?
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chelsea have won a trophy and have Champions League football next season.So, has Enzo Maresca proven the doubters wrong?Listener feedback survey: http...
Sunderland are back in the Premier League - can they stay there?
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sunderland are back in the Premier League after eight years away.So how did a club who were in League One three years ago make their way back to the t...
How Conte conquered Serie A again
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Napoli won a second Scudetto in three years as a dramatic Serie A title race went down to the final day.So how did Antonio Conte’s side get the bett...
Have Aston Villa's transfer plans been derailed?
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Aston Villa narrowly missed out on a crucial top-five finish in the Premier League—falling short after a moment of controversy at Old Trafford.So, w...
Liverpool: The title they never saw
25 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On 25 May 2025, Liverpool will receive their 20th top flight crown, equaling the record set by Manchester United.This season's victory will be defined...
The Athletic’s 2024/25 season awards
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Athletic’s end-of-season awards, for the 2024-25 season. A time to celebrate the best of the best across the Premier League, WSL and ...
Spurs win Europa League: What now for Postecoglou & Amorim?
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tottenham Hotspur got the job done in Bilbao with Brennan Johnson scoring the only goal in the Europa League Final win over Manchester United.So what ...
Man United v Spurs - who will save their season?
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tonight - Spurs or Manchester United will be crowned Europa League championsSo… will it be Ange Postecoglou or Ruben Amorim that rescues a disastrou...
Would the Europa League save Postecoglou's job?
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Spurs’ Europa League run has been the shining light in an otherwise disappointing season.They have a chance to end a 17-year wait for a major trophy...
Would Europa League win fix Man United?
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, it’s all eyes on Bilbao as Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur meet in the Europa League final.Today, we’re focusing on Ruben Amori...
Goodbye Goodison
17 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On 18th May 2025, Everton will play their final Premier League game at Goodison Park against Southampton. For the men’s team, it will no longer be t...
What would a first ever trophy mean for Palace?
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Crystal Palace have the chance to win their first major trophy on Saturday as they face Manchester City in the FA Cup Final. So how has Oliver Glasner...
What does Kane's first trophy prove?
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Harry Kane’s trophy drought is over having helped Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga in his second season in Germany.But is one Bundesliga trophy enoug...
Is it ever OK to boo your own players?
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Sunday afternoon Trent Alexander-Arnold was booed at Anfield. So why do supporters boo their own players and is it ever acceptable?Host: Ayo A...
Will Brentford lose Mbeumo & Wissa this summer?
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brentford’s dynamic duo Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa have lit up the Premier League once again this season.But with Thomas Frank admitting Mbeumo co...
Real Madrid have collapsed - can Alonso fix them?
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Real Madrid are in chaos following the latest El Clasico, throwing away at 2-0 lead before falling to a 4-3 defeat.Knocked out of the Champions League...
Man United & Spurs book this season's unlikeliest final
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Thursday night both Manchester United and Spurs got the job done in the Europa League to book their place in Bilbao.One of them will be the Champio...
Why can't Arsenal get over the line?
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Arsenal’s European journey is over after losing 3-1 on aggregate to Paris Saint-Germain.So where does this leave Mikel Arteta’s process and why ca...
Have Inzaghi's Inter proven how good they really are?
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Inter are through to the Champions League final after a breathtaking semi-final against Barcelona.So where does that rank among the best knockout matc...
Will Wirtz headline Man City's summer rebuild?
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Manchester City have had a disappointing season compared to their usually high standards.But the summer window offers Pep Guardiola the chance to rebu...
Why is Trent leaving Liverpool?
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving Liverpool.So why has he decided to leave on a free transfer?And with Real Madrid the likely destination, what makes ...
Will Man United or Spurs save their awful seasons?
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Manchester United and Tottenham’s hopes of Champions League football next season are well and truly alive after comprehensive victories in their Eur...
When will Wrexham reach the Premier League?
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Wrexham are now just one step away from the Premier League having now achieved three successive promotions from National League to Championship.How ha...
How do Arsenal hit back in Paris?
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Arsenal have it all to do in Paris after a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie.So how did Luis Enrique’s PSG get th...
Champions League final four: Who are favourites?
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Champions League semi-finals get underway tonight as Arsenal welcome PSG to the Emirates Stadium.The winner of that tie faces either Barcelona or ...
How do Liverpool build on title success?
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Liverpool are Premier League champions after securing their second title in five years at home to Tottenham Hotspur, their first in front of supporte...
Premier League Draft: Picking our all-time XIs
27 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With the NFL Draft looming large this weekend, we decided to take a spin on the format and bring it into the world of the Premier League. What would ...
Is Potter already losing the West Ham fans?
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
West Ham sit 17th as they prepare to face Brighton this weekend. So how have they ended up in this position, and how much is it down to the approach ...
Why does everyone want Dean Huijsen?
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
At just 20 years old and with only 22 Premier League starts, Dean Huijsen is attracting interest from the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Rea...
Is Xabi Alonso going to Real Madrid?
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After their Champions League exit, Carlo Ancelotti is expected to leave Real Madrid this summerSo… when will it happen? And is Xabi Alonso the ine...
Are Leeds ready for the Premier League?
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Monday, Leeds United reclaimed their seat at the top table after two years in the ChampionshipSo, what lessons can they learn from their Premier Le...
Can Maresca survive at Chelsea without Champions League?
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
They left it late, but Chelsea grabbed a crucial win in their bid to secure a top five finish, as Tyrique George and Pedro Neto saw the Blues come fro...
Man United's Europa League madness & can Villa halt Newcastle's charge?
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There are six games to go in the Premier League, so we’re focusing on the race for Champions League football as Aston Villa take on Newcastle United...
Is Rice the key to Arsenal's Champions League dream?
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Arsenal are through to the semi-finals of the Champions League for only the third time in their history - and they had to beat the holders to do it.So...