The Athletic FC Podcast

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 ...

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 T...

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 ...

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-Bl...

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 ...

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?

J...

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 ...

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 ...

After signing Wolves’ Matheus Cunha for £62.5million, Manchester United have made an opening bid of £55m to sign Bryan Mbuemo from Brentford.

So, with no European football, how are United still drawing the big names - and are they at risk of breaching PSR after their lowest top flight league finish since 1974?

Listener feedback survey: https://forms.gle/3Ecby2zfysRaTfFZ6

Host: Adam Leventhal

With: Carl Anka, Mark Critchley,...

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 Florian Wirtz.

And it’s not just the champions who are active, Man City are making moves of their own with a fee agreed for AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders is on his way, who will be next?

Listener feedback survey: https://forms.gle/3Ecby2zfysRaTfFZ6

Host: Adam Leventhal

With: Dav...

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 it and are they set to dominate European football?

Listener feedback survey: https://forms.gle/3Ecby2zfysRaTfFZ6

Host: Adam Leventhal

With: James Horncastle, Adam Crafton and Liam Tharme

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Guy Clarke

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 from the knockout stage, will experience or youthful exuberance prevail?

The Athletic’s Italian football correspondent James Horncastle and French football specialist Tom Williams join Ayo Akinwolere to preview the game.

Can Luis Enrique’s decision to ditch the ‘superstars’ and...

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 top table?

And crucially, can they stay there?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Phil Hay, Chris Weatherspoon, Leo Pearlman

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Mike Stavrou & John Rogers

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

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 better of Champions League finalists Inter, despite losing their two best players?

And what part did former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay play in the title triumph? 

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: James Horncastle

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Mike Stavr...

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, why couldn’t Unai Emery’s side get over the line this season? And what does failing to qualify for the Champions League mean for Villa’s summer transfer ambitions?

Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell and Villa expert Dan Bardell to unpack the highs, lows...

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 by Mohamed Salah's goals, Arne Slot's career-defining debut, and the measured manner with which the Reds marched on.

But five years ago, when Liverpool last won English football's most prestigious trophy for the first time in 30 years, this was not the scene.

Simon Hughes ...

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 Europe.

The Athletic's Data & Tactic’s Editor Duncan Alexander, Women’s Football Writer Megan Feringa & Football Writer Jacob Whitehead join Adam Leventhal to name our Player, Young Player, Manager and team of the season in our respective categories.  

Host: Ada...