The Athletic FC Podcast

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 is also being targeted by Newcastle United. So could Liverpool get both? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein and James Pearce Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 the competition has marked a new era for club football. But has the Club World Cup really been a success? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Adam Crafton and Phil Hay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 villains. Today we’re heading back to July 2009 when Carlos Tevez swapped the red half of Manchester for blue. So why was the move quite so controversial - and how symbolic was it in shifting the balance of power in the hunt for Premier League dominance? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Andy Mitten & Oli Kay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and Lucy Oliva Sound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. The allegations relate to three different women who reported the incidents which took place between 2021 and 2022. Police began investigations in February 2022 but Partey carried on playing for Arsenal until his contract expired on June 30. He denies all the allegations, and will appear in court on August 5. Arsenal say the player’s contract ended in June and they are unable to comment due to ongoing legal proceedings. We’ll discuss why it took so long to get here? Was it right that Arsenal let Partey play on? And how do fans feel about the situation? Read Sarah Shepherd's column here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 his future lie - and how difficult will it be for United to move on their unwanted stars? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Mark Critchley and Phil Hay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 piece in the title puzzle for the Gunners? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein, Carl Anka Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 part of grand plan to invest heavily in sport backed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Adam Leventhal has travelled to Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas to witness this soft power at play. Hear from Saudi players and fans who celebrate the exposure afforded by these tournaments, but also, crucially, those who fear its impact. All with an eye on the future when Saudi Arabia will be hosting the 2034 Men's World Cup. Host: Adam Leventhal Producer: Jesse Howard Exec Producer: Abi Paterson Featuring footage from: DAZN, Fox News, CBS News, France 24 News, FIFA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 brother Andre Silva. The brothers were travelling by car in Spain when their vehicle left the carriageway and burst into flames in the early hours of Thursday morning. In this episode, we pay tribute to Diogo Jota sharing memories of the person and the player. The Athletic's Tim Spiers, who covered Wolverhampton Wanderers when Jota initially moved to England also shares his memories having interviewed him a number of times during his time at Molineux. Host: Tony Evans With: James Pearce, Simon Hughes and Tim Spiers Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 signings so far and find out who else could arrive at Stamford Bridge before the window closes. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein, Simon Johnson Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crystal Palace are battling to keep their Europa League place, while Lyon have been relegated to French football’s second tier. John Textor and his Eagle Football Group had stakes in both clubs last season. So is his multi-club ownership model to blame? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Matt Slater, Tom Williams and Matt Woosnam Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 villains. Today we’re heading back to August 2012, when Arsenal captain Robin van Persie crossed a divide that had defined a Premier League era… So why was van Persie determined to swap the Emirates for Old Trafford - and did the move ultimately prove to be Sir Alex Ferguson’s final masterstroke at Manchester United? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein, Amy Lawrence, Oli Kay & Andy Mitten Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and Lucy Oliva Sound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 in on a deal for Milos Kerez. Today, we break down Arne Slot’s summer rebuild and ask is there even more to come? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein and James Pearce Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barcelona have agreed terms to sign Nico Williams - but with their ongoing financial troubles, how can they realistically afford the Athletic Bilbao winger? We also take a look at the other names on their summer wishlist, and the financial levers Barca may need to pull to make those deals happen. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Pol Ballus, Phil Hay and Conor O'Neill Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 villains. Today we’re heading back to January 2011 when Chelsea broke the British transfer record to sign Liverpool’s No.9, Fernando Torres. So why was Torres’ move from Liverpool to Chelsea so controversial and was he a success at Stamford Bridge? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Simon Hughes and Dom Fifield Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and Lucy Oliva Sound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein and Seb Stafford-Bloor to discuss the latest on Williams, the futures of Xavi Simons and Hugo Ekitike and find out why nobody in the Premier League seems to want Victor Osimhen. Host: Matt Davies-Adams Guests: David Ornstein, Seb Stafford-Bloor Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 last season, can Pep Guardiola’s side make a statement in the States? Host: Matt Davies-Adams Guests: Adam Crafton, Jordan Campbell, Thom Harris Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 and Qatar, as well as the awarding of the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia. But it is the newly-expanded Club World Cup that he hopes to leave as his legacy. So, who is Gianni Infantino, where did he come from, where is he taking the game, and has he fulfilled his promises? Join Adam Leventhal as he tracks Infantino's journey from son of migrants to rubbing shoulders with the world's leaders. Featuring footage from: FIFA, Sky News, ABC News, AFP, iShowSpeed, Eurosport, Channel Four, Reuters, China Global Television Network Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Lionel Messi, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich will all be there. But what about the teams you don't know so well? The Athletic was granted Access All Areas to South Africa's super club: Mamelodi Sundowns, one of the four African teams taking part in the tournament. Winners of the last eight Premierships, 15 in all, Sundowns are unstoppable. So what makes up this club, what are their values and who are the names to look out for? Listen as The Athletic head to South Africa to meet the Sundowns... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 joined by David Ornstein and Duncan Alexander to discuss Arsenal's summer business including the potential arrival of Kepa Arrizabalaga and their ongoing hunt for a striker. Plus, David reveals the latest on Manchester United and Liverpool's recruitment after the mini transfer window came to a close on Tuesday night. Host: Ayo Akinwolere Guests: David Ornstein, Duncan Alexander Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Thomas Frank to replace him? Host: Adam Leventhal With: Jay Harris and Seb Stafford-Bloor Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.