The Athletic FC Podcast

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...

Will treble-chasing Barca keep Flick?

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Through to the semi-finals of the Champions League, Barcelona are on course for a treble this season.So how has Hansi Flick imprinted his style on thi...

Has this season been boring or brilliant?

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Has the Premier League been a little boring this season? Especially compared to a thrilling round in the Champions League knockout phase.Have Pep Guar...

Man Utd or Chelsea: Who needs Delap more?

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Manchester United & Chelsea are just two of the clubs interested in Ipswich Town’s star striker Liam Delap.So with a summer transfer auction on ...

Salah stays at Liverpool - Van Dijk next?

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mohamed Salah has signed a new two-year contract at Liverpool, while Virgil van Dijk looks set to do the same. With owners FSG usually reluctant to h...

Have Chelsea found another PSR loophole?

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Since Chelsea’s takeover by Todd Boehly and Clearlake capital, the Blues have spent - unlike any other club bringing in the likes of Moises Caicedo,...

Arsenal's statement win & is Ancelotti in trouble?

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

European champions Real Madrid were rocked by a riveting Arsenal display in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie last nightWith M...

Is Luis Enrique the most underrated manager of his era?

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Luis Enrique’s young and vibrant PSG side are turning heads with their exuberant brand of football.They’ve already wrapped up the Ligue 1 title wi...

How do Man City replace De Bruyne?

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After 10 years, 13 major honours and six Premier League titles Kevin De Bruyne is leaving Manchester City.So where does he rank amongst the best to pl...

The Preview - Man United vs Man City

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Manchester City travel to Old Trafford on Sunday, where Manchester United will be hoping to complete a league double over their city rivals for the fi...

Why Moyes is perfect for Everton's new era

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Despite running Liverpool close, it was a familiar feeling for David Moyes at Anfield, as Diogo Jota scored the only goal as Everton feel to defeat to...

Gyokeres, Zubimendi & contracts: Arsenal's huge summer

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the contracts of key players up for renewal in the not too distant future, and a big summer window on the horizon, Arsenal’s new sporting direc...

How have Juventus fallen so far?

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The days of Juventus winning Serie A season after season feel like they’re long gone.Last week, Thiago Motta was sacked with Juve languishing outsid...

Spurs want Iraola - but does he want them?

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tottenham Hospur have made Andoni Iraola their top target if they decide to make a managerial change.Having taken his side to the last eight of the FA...

A World Cup Divided: Trump and 2026

30 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Los Angeles, California, four nations collided in a football tournament with an inescapable geopolitical backdrop.Canada, Mexico and Panama have al...

Why are Chelsea signing players already?

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The summer transfer window doesn’t open until mid-June, yet Chelsea are not waiting around, having already agreed deals for Dario Essugo, and Geovan...

Why is Trent set to leave Liverpool for nothing?

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

One of football’s worst kept secrets could soon be resolved as Real Madrid look to close a deal to sign Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.So how ...

Is multi-club ownership here to stay?

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is the third and final part of our multi-club ownership series. We’ve learned how multi-club operations work and provided some practical examp...

Inside the world of multi-club ownership

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Yesterday we heard part one of our multi-club ownership eries, as we learned about how MCOs work - and their purpose.Today, we get some real-world exa...

How is multi-club ownership reshaping football?

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Whether it’s Manchester City, Chelsea or even Bournemouth more and more Premier League clubs are sitting as part of multi-club ownership portfolios....

Can Tuchel's approach win England the World Cup?

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad selection has raised a few eyebrows, most notably the inclusion of both Jordan Henderson and Kyle Walker. During...

Mark Clattenburg on refereeing conspiracies

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From the evolution of the profession to the impact of VAR, the pressures officials face has never been greater.Today we’re joined by a man who’s r...

Is Raphinha the Ballon d’Or favourite?

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Raphinha is having an incredible season for Barcelona.After being pushed towards the Nou Camp exit door in the summer the Brazilian has grown into one...

Are Liverpool running out of steam?

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s been a disappointing week for Liverpool.Just days after their Champions League exit at the hands of PSG, came a hammer blow at Wembley.After an...

Newcastle's trophy drought is over - what next?

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After 70 years of waiting, Newcastle United finally have their hands on domestic silverware after beating Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup Final at We...