REPUBLIC

‎Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has reportedly told Alejandro Garnacho he is free to leave the club this summer—a decision shaped by months of internal friction, public outbursts, and tactical divergence. ‎ Ruben Amorim wants Garnacho out of Manchester United due to discipline, clashes, and tactical concerns. Club ready to sell for £60–70m. ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎The young Argentina international has long been viewed as one of United’s brightest prospects, but his recent behaviour and attitude appear to have strained relations beyond repair with Amorim. The Portuguese manager met Garnacho at Carrington on Saturday to personally deliver the message: he is no longer in United’s long-term plans. ‎ ‎Discipline, Outbursts, and Social Media Backlash ‎ ‎Behind the scenes, club sources suggest Amorim has grown frustrated with Garnacho’s disciplinary track record. From the player's social media post in February expressing dissatisfaction with being substituted, to his brother ...

‎The boxing world is mourning the devastating loss of Georgia O’Connor, a rising British boxing talent who tragically passed away at the age of 25 after a courageous battle with cancer. ‎ Georgia O'Connor celebrating her 2nd professional victory. ‎georgiaoconnor_1/IG ‎ ‎O’Connor, originally from Durham, was diagnosed with cancer in October 2024. Despite the illness, she remained an emblem of strength and determination, continuing to inspire fans and fellow athletes alike. ‎ ‎A decorated amateur, O’Connor won gold for England at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games and proudly represented Team GB on multiple international stages. She turned professional with BOXXER and held a perfect 3-0 record, showcasing tremendous potential. One of her most high-profile appearances came when she fought on the undercard of the Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall bout at the O2 Arena in London in 2022. ‎ ‎Just two weeks before her untimely passing, O’Connor posted on Instagram revealing...

Former U.S. President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an advanced and aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, his office confirmed in a statement released Sunday. The diagnosis follows medical evaluation last week at a Philadelphia hospital after Biden experienced increased urinary symptoms. ‎ Former U.S. President Joe Biden at a conference hosted by the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled on April 15 in Chicago. ‎Scott Olson/Getty Images ‎ ‎According to the statement, a biopsy confirmed prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9 — placing it in Grade Group 5, the most aggressive classification on the Gleason scale. The Gleason scoring system, which ranges from 1 to 10, helps gauge the severity and likely behavior of prostate tumors. ‎ ‎“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management,” the statement noted. Biden and his...

‎A Spanish court has formally initiated criminal proceedings against Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio in connection with a disturbing child sex abuse scandal, as reported by Marca. ‎ ‎' Raul Asencio. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The Gran Canaria-based court is prosecuting Asencio, 22, alongside three former Real Madrid academy players—Andres García, Ferran Ruiz, and Juan Rodriguez. The group is accused of filming and distributing explicit videos of two women, one of whom was a minor, without their consent in June 2023. ‎ ‎According to the court's findings, the charges under consideration include violation of privacy and discovery of secrets, unauthorized distribution of sexually explicit material, and the recruitment or use of minors for pornographic purposes. The accused were arrested in September 2023, and their mobile devices were seized as part of the investigation. ‎ ‎The judge presiding over the case has ordered the formal prosecution of the defendants, pavi...

In a landmark moment for the Catholic Church and U.S. religious history, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the next pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. His election on the second day of conclave proceedings marks the first time an American has been chosen to lead the 1.3 billion-strong global Catholic community. ‎ Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost arrives on the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica for the first time, after the cardinals ended the conclave, in The Vatican, on May 8, 2025. ‎Alberto Pizzoli/AFP—Getty Images ‎ ‎The 69-year-old prelate, originally from Chicago, brings a deeply international perspective to the papacy. Though born in the United States, Prevost has spent decades serving abroad—most notably in Peru, where he became a respected bishop, and later in Rome, where he has held several high-ranking roles within the Vatican Curia. ‎ ‎The conclave, held under strict secrecy in the Sistine Chapel, concluded sw...

‎Vincent Kompany has defied the critics and ended one of modern football’s strangest narratives — Harry Kane, the great striker cursed never to win a trophy. On a dramatic Bundesliga Sunday, Bayern Munich sealed their 34th German title after Bayer Leverkusen stumbled to a draw at Freiburg, confirming the Bavarians as champions with two games to spare. ‎ ‎' Harry Kane. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎For Kane, it’s the end of a long and winding wait. For Kompany, it’s vindication. ‎ ‎Few gave the Belgian a chance when he stepped into the Allianz Arena last May. Fresh off a dismal Premier League relegation campaign with Burnley, his appointment was met with widespread skepticism — including thinly veiled digs from former boss Sean Dyche. Bayern’s failed pursuit of elite names like Xabi Alonso and Julian Nagelsmann left Kompany as an unexpected solution. But the club's sporting director, Max Eberl, believed in his vision and pedigree, and that faith has been emphatically...

‎Barcelona may soon be at a crossroads. According to reports from Fichajes, Premier League champions Liverpool are preparing a €40 million bid to sign Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong — a move that could force a difficult decision at the Camp Nou. ‎ ' Frenkie de Jong. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎New Liverpool manager Arne Slot, fresh off guiding the Reds to a title-winning campaign, is eager to reshape his midfield around players he trusts. Frenkie de Jong, a player Slot knows well from their shared Dutch football roots, has emerged as a prime target to orchestrate his vision. ‎ ‎Despite being under contract with Barcelona until 2026, De Jong’s name has surfaced once again in transfer discussions. The driving force behind this renewed interest? Barcelona’s persistent financial woes. The Catalan club’s delicate economic situation has made them more receptive to sizable offers — and €40 million is nothing to ignore. ‎ ‎Key to Slot’s Strategy ‎Liverpool’s midfield alread...

‎Real Madrid have identified Arsenal defender William Saliba as their top transfer target to anchor a summer defensive overhaul, according to a report from Spanish outlet Marca. The 23-year-old French international is said to be the club’s preferred solution to reinforce a backline that has struggled in key moments this season, particularly during their Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Arsenal. ‎ Real Madrid plot Summer rebuild with Arsenal's William Saliba at the centre. ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎Los Blancos were eliminated from Europe’s elite competition after conceding five goals across two legs against the North London side. That performance reportedly intensified internal discussions over the need to rejuvenate a once-impervious defence. Saliba, who has grown into one of the world’s premier centre-backs under Mikel Arteta, has long been admired by Real’s chief scout Juni Calafat, who views him as an ideal long-term leader in defence. ‎ ‎Despite Saliba sig...

‎Manchester United are confident that they have sealed a deal to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres in the upcoming summer transfer window, according to Football Insider. The Swedish international has been a long-term target for the Red Devils, and club insiders now believe that the move is effectively a “done deal.” ‎ ‎' Viktor Gyokeres. ' ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎United, under manager Rúben Amorim, are seeking to overhaul their attacking options following a disappointing Premier League campaign. Current centre-forwards Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled to deliver consistent performances, prompting a strategic focus on bolstering the front line. ‎ ‎Gyokeres, who has enjoyed a sensational debut season with Sporting CP, fits the profile United are after. In Liga Portugal alone, the former Coventry City striker has netted 34 goals and provided 7 assists across 29 appearances. His performances in the Champions League have also been impressive, with 6 goals...

‎Bruno Guimarães has weighed in on football’s greatest debate — and for the Brazil international, the answer is clear. After sharing the pitch with three of the most iconic players of the modern era — Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar — the Newcastle United star has crowned Messi as his undisputed GOAT. ‎ Bruno Guimarães names Lionel Messi as football’s GOAT after facing Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. ‎Getty Images (2) ‎ ‎Speaking to TNT Sports, Guimarães reflected on the toughest opponents of his career and did not hesitate when asked who stands above the rest: “I've played against Messi, Cristiano, Neymar... I choose Messi.” ‎ ‎Bruno's admiration for Messi stems from a memorable match during his time at Olympique Lyonnais, when his side lined up against Paris Saint-Germain. It was in that game that he experienced what he describes as a surreal, dreamlike moment: ‎ ‎“There was a time when we were playing Lyon and PSG. Messi was already at PSG. We were abou...

‎Gregor Kobel, one of the Bundesliga’s standout goalkeepers, is reportedly a target for two Premier League giants, Chelsea and Newcastle United, as both clubs look to strengthen their goalkeeping options. With his current club, Borussia Dortmund, struggling to secure a spot in next season's Champions League, Kobel's future is in flux. ‎ ‎' Gregor Kobel. ' ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎According to a report from Foot Mercato, both Chelsea and Newcastle have expressed strong interest in the 27-year-old Swiss international. Kobel, whose contract with Dortmund runs until 2028, is said to be keen on leaving Signal Iduna Park if the team fails to secure a Champions League berth for the upcoming season. ‎ ‎Chelsea’s Pursuit of a New Keeper ‎ ‎Chelsea, in particular, are looking for a new goalkeeper after expressing dissatisfaction with their current first-choice, Robert Sanchez. Reports suggest that the Blues are willing to pay a hefty €70 million (£60 million) to secure Kobel’...

‎Chelsea are reportedly keen on bringing young forward Jamie Gittens back to English football, as the club targets a move for the Borussia Dortmund star. The England Under-21 international, who is under contract at Signal Iduna Park until 2028, has been making waves in the Bundesliga, but recent developments suggest that his future may lie elsewhere. Gittens’ growing dissatisfaction with his reduced role under Dortmund's coach Niko Kovac has led to speculation about a potential transfer, with several top Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Liverpool, and Tottenham, also monitoring the situation. ‎ ‎ Chelsea eye Jamie Gittens' return to English Football with impressive salary offer amid discontent at Dortmund. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎According to a report from Sky Sport Germany, Chelsea have officially shown interest in Gittens, who has accumulated 12 goals across all competitions this season. However, despite his strong performances, the 20-year-old has not sta...

Cristiano Ronaldo has been urged to consider a surprising yet potentially shrewd financial move—investing in English League Two side Cheltenham Town. The recommendation comes from leading football finance expert Dr Rob Wilson, who believes the Al-Nassr forward could make a transformative impact on the lower-tier club, mirroring the sensational success story of Wrexham under Hollywood ownership. ‎ ‎' C. Ronaldo. ' ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎Since 2021, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have dramatically reshaped the narrative at Wrexham AFC. Their investment not only propelled the Welsh side to three consecutive promotions, but also captured global attention through the acclaimed Welcome to Wrexham documentary series. This meteoric rise has sparked a new wave of interest in lower-league football investments, prompting experts to highlight similarly undervalued opportunities. ‎ ‎' Ryan Reynolds ' and ' Rob McElhenney. ' ‎Getty Images (2) ‎ ‎Speaking t...

Real Madrid have issued a forthright denial of speculation suggesting they intended to withdraw from tonight’s Copa del Rey final against arch-rivals Barcelona, following an explosive breakdown in relations with the match officiating team. ‎ ‎ Real Madrid quell boycott rumors ahead of Copa del Rey Final amid referee row. ‎Getty Images  ‎ ‎The Spanish giants moved swiftly on Friday evening to issue a strongly-worded statement reaffirming their commitment to compete in the high-stakes final, which will be watched by millions worldwide. The announcement came amid rising tensions between the club and the designated match officials, triggered by a controversial broadcast on the club’s own media channel. ‎ ‎“In light of the rumours that have arisen in the last few hours, Real Madrid CF communicates that our team never considered refusing to play tomorrow's final,” the statement began. ‎ ‎The club emphasized that “football's values must prevail,” referencing the global aud...

‎Jose Mourinho reportedly came within touching distance of signing Lionel Messi for Chelsea in 2014, with personal terms agreed and a staggering £50 million annual salary on offer. But despite the West London club’s readiness to activate the €250 million release clause in Messi’s Barcelona contract, the transfer never materialised—blocked by a surprise revelation from a Premier League player that alerted Messi’s father and ultimately brought the negotiations to a halt. ‎ ‎ Jose Mourinho almost signed Lionel Messi for Chelsea in 2014 before deal collapsed over player revelation. ‎Getty Images Sport ‎ ‎At the time, Mourinho had just returned for his second spell at Chelsea, eager to reinforce his legacy after two Premier League title wins during his first tenure. Always one to think big, the Portuguese manager set his sights on Lionel Messi, arguably the most coveted player in world football. ‎ ‎According to Gianluca Di Marzio’s 2014 book Grand Hotel Calciomercato, the ground...

‎Arsenal and Manchester United have received encouraging developments in their summer transfer pursuits of Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons, with RB Leipzig reportedly ready to sanction the sales of both players to meet financial targets. ‎ ‎Arsenal and Manchester United receive transfer boost in race for RB Leipzig duo Sesko and Simons. ‎Getty Images (2) ‎ ‎According to German outlet Bild, RB Leipzig are under pressure to raise funds and have identified Sesko and Simons as high-value assets who could help the club reach their target of €100 million (£85m/$114m) in player sales. Both Premier League giants are said to be keen on securing deals for the two rising stars, with United showing particular interest in 22-year-old Dutch midfielder Simons, while both clubs are monitoring the availability of 21-year-old Slovenian striker Sesko. ‎ ‎Leipzig had previously struck a gentleman’s agreement with Simons, who joined permanently from Paris Saint-Germain in January, allowing him t...

‎Manchester United have reportedly struck an "agreement in principle" with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen ahead of a high-profile summer move, according to Tuttosport. The Red Devils are believed to be ready to activate the Nigerian forward's €75 million (£64m/$86m) release clause in an ambitious attempt to revamp their struggling attack. ‎ ‎Manchester United reach 'agreement in principle' with Victor Osimhen for summer transfer. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The 26-year-old goal machine, currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray, has reignited his career with a sensational run of form—netting 30 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions this season. Galatasaray have expressed interest in making the move permanent, but the lure of Premier League football and a leading role at Old Trafford could prove decisive. ‎ ‎Osimhen was the subject of strong interest from several English clubs last summer, notably Manchester United and Chelsea, but Napoli...

‎Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca will be absent from the touchline for the Blues’ next Premier League fixture after receiving a one-match suspension. The ban follows his exuberant celebrations during Chelsea’s thrilling 2-1 comeback win against Fulham at Craven Cottage. ‎ ‎' Enzo Maresca. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The west London derby delivered late drama, with Chelsea turning the game on its head in the final moments. Trailing with under ten minutes remaining, the Blues levelled through Tyrique George before Pedro Neto netted a 93rd-minute winner, sparking wild scenes among the Chelsea contingent. ‎ ‎Maresca, unable to contain his emotions, left the technical area and joined in the celebrations that spilled onto the pitch. The passionate reaction earned him a yellow card from referee Anthony Taylor—his third of the season—triggering an automatic one-match suspension under Premier League rules. ‎ ‎“It was a beautiful moment,” Maresca explained post-match. “We fough...

The Vatican has announced the death of Pope Francis, aged 88, following complications from a respiratory infection that developed into double pneumonia. The Pontiff passed away in hospital after weeks of treatment and a gradual health decline that had raised concerns worldwide. ‎ ‎Pope Francis delivers his blessing as he recites the Angelus noon prayer from the window of his studio overlooking St.Peter's Square, at the Vatican, on Jan. 19, 2025. ‎Andrew Medichini/AP ‎ ‎The Holy Father, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, made history in 2013 when he became the first Latin American pope and the first non-European to lead the Roman Catholic Church in over 1,300 years. He succeeded Pope Benedict XVI, whose resignation set the stage for a transformative and often controversial papacy. ‎ ‎Final Days and Farewell ‎ ‎Despite his fragile health, Francis made a surprise appearance on Easter Sunday, greeting thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square. His joyful ...