Top Real Madrid managerial target Xabi Alonso officially announced his departure from Bayer Leverkusen yesterday, laying the foundation for his impending move to the Spanish capital.
It was an emotional affair for the Spanish tactician who enjoyed a very successful stint in the German institution including winning a stunning Bundesliga title ahead of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.
With Real Madrid set to announce Ancelotti’s departure from the club next week, the cards are falling into place faster than expected. After all, Real Madrid’s preference for Alonso as a managerial successor has always been an open secret.
The negotiation
While Alonso was always Real Madrid’s target, a few factors served as hindrances to his move to Spain. The biggest of them was Leverkusen’s expectation of a small fee in exchange for leaving the tactician earlier than his contract.
As relayed by BILD (h/t The Madrid Zone) in a recent update, Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro and Real Madrid did indeed discuss a fee in the range of €5-10 million as part of Alonso’s move to the Spanish giants.
The compensation, moreover, may not purely be in terms of cash as the report further adds that some Real Madrid players may join the German club in exchange as well.
Needless to say, any such departure will be of a fringe player who does not bear much importance as a starter.
As relayed earlier this week, the Bundesliga side have their eyes on Alvaro Arbeloa as a replacement for the departing Xabi Alonso and there may be a negotiation on that front to make the deal work out too.
Further, Bayer also see Nico Paz as a promising talent and are interested in his signing for their first team as well.
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Sports
Premier League Unveils Eight Nominees for October 2025 Player of the Month
 
														The Premier League has unveiled eight nominees for the EA SPORTS Player of the Month award for October 2025, celebrating standout performances across the month.
Among the nominees are Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), and Jurrien Timber (Arsenal), each recognized for their decisive roles in their clubs’ impressive runs.
Mbeumo registered four goal involvements in three consecutive victories, Haaland netted all three of City’s goals in October to extend his lead in the Golden Boot race, while Timber was instrumental in three clean sheets, helping Arsenal maintain their place at the top of the table.
Fans and football experts can cast their votes until November 3, after which the overall winner will be announced from the stellar shortlist representing some of the league’s finest form this season.

Vote here
Sports
Sunderland Stun Chelsea With Late Winner at Stamford Bridge
 
														Sunderland stunned Chelsea with a 2-1 Premier League victory at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from substitute Chemsdine Talbi.
Chelsea took an early lead in the fourth minute when Alejandro Garnacho scored his first goal for the club, but Wilson Isidor levelled for Sunderland in the 22nd minute, poking home from close range after the hosts failed to clear a long throw.
The match looked set to end in a draw before Talbi latched onto a pass from fellow substitute Brian Bobbey in the third minute of added time and fired past Robert Sánchez to seal a dramatic win.
The result lifted Sunderland to second place in the Premier League table, while Chelsea’s inconsistency under continued scrutiny after another disappointing home defeat.
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Lionel Messi Extends Inter Miami Contract to 2028
 
														Lionel Messi has officially signed a three-year contract extension with Inter Miami CF, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2028 MLS season. The renewal ensures that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will continue his remarkable journey in the United States, extending his influence both on and off the pitch.
Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has scored 71 goals and provided 44 assists in 82 appearances, leading the club to its first major trophies — the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield. His performances have transformed Inter Miami into one of the most watched and commercially successful teams in Major League Soccer history.
Speaking after signing the new deal, Messi expressed his excitement about continuing the club’s long-term project and said he looks forward to debuting at the new Miami Freedom Park stadium, which opens in 2026.
“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far, but there’s so much more to come. Miami feels like home, and I’m excited about the future of this team and this city,” said Messi.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham praised Messi’s professionalism and leadership, describing him as “the heartbeat of our club,” while MLS Commissioner Don Garber hailed his continued presence as a “transformative moment for American soccer.”
Messi’s new contract is expected to include ambassadorial roles within the club and the league, ensuring his legacy extends well beyond his playing career.
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Osimhen Nets First-Half Brace as Galatasaray Leads Bodø/Glimt 2-0
 
														Victor Osimhen scored twice in the first half to give Galatasaray a 2-0 lead over Bodø/Glimt in their UEFA Champions League match at Rams Park on Wednesday.
The Nigerian striker, on loan from Napoli, opened the scoring in the third minute after intercepting a pass from Mario Lemina and added a second goal just before halftime by exploiting a defensive error from Patrick Berg.
READ ALSO: CAF Awards 2025: Victor Osimhen, Stanley Nwabali Nominated as Lookman Misses Out
Osimhen’s brace marks his third and fourth goals in the competition this season, enhancing Galatasaray’s standing in the group stage.
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Rashford’s Barcelona Revival Fuels El Clásico Hype
 
														Marcus Rashford’s resurgence at Barcelona is gathering pace, with the English forward recording five goals and five assists in 12 appearances since joining on loan from Manchester United in the summer of 2025.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has praised the 27-year-old’s adaptability and growing confidence, describing him as a “key creative force” in the team’s frontline. Rashford’s speed, work rate, and improved finishing have quickly made him a fan favorite at the Camp Nou.
Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated El Clásico clash against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu on October 26, Rashford revealed that facing Los Blancos was one of the main motivations behind his move to Spain.
“Playing in El Clásico is something every player dreams about,” Rashford said. “It’s one of the biggest matches in world football — and a major reason why I came to Barcelona.”
The Englishman’s form has added another layer of excitement to the upcoming showdown, with fans eager to see if he can make his mark in his first-ever El Clásico appearance.
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