Real Madrid and Barcelona are monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt’s 15-year-old attacking midfielder Niko Ilicevic, who is attracting interest from several of Europe’s leading clubs.

Ilicevic has already moved into Frankfurt’s Under-19 setup despite his age and is regarded as one of Germany’s most promising young players. His progress has prompted attention from both Spanish giants as they assess whether to make an approach for the teenager.

Fichajes, citing Sky Sport, reports that Real Madrid and Barcelona are following Ilicevic closely. The report also names Manchester City, AC Milan and Inter Milan among the clubs keeping track of the youngster.

“Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Manchester City, AC Milan and Inter Milan are closely monitoring the progress of this promising young player from Eintracht Frankfurt.”

Ilicevic’s technical ability, creativity and eye for goal have helped establish his reputation in Germany. His performances have also reportedly been monitored by Bayern Munich, who are said to have followed his development for several years.

The midfielder’s rapid progress has come while he continues to play above the age group normally associated with a 15-year-old. His inclusion in Frankfurt’s Under-19 squad has further increased his profile among clubs assessing emerging talent.

Eintracht Frankfurt are determined to keep Ilicevic and are expected to resist approaches for their highly-rated prospect. The club will face continued interest, however, as major European sides follow his development and consider his long-term potential.

For now, Real Madrid and Barcelona are among the clubs most prominently linked with the teenager, although the wider interest means Frankfurt may have to contend with approaches from several leading sides.

Milan could return to the possibility of signing Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde during the winter transfer window, according to Calciomercato.com.

The Italian club considered a move for the 23-year-old Spain international in the summer. At the end of August, agent Jorge Mendes offered Balde to Milan, but the deal did not progress because of Barcelona’s financial demands. The Catalan club were seeking 40 million euros, and Milan opted to focus on strengthening other positions.

The situation could now change. Injuries to Alexis Saelemaekers and Pervis Estupinan have reduced Milan’s options in the wide areas, while Balde has struggled for playing time at Barcelona.

Under Hansi Flick, the defender has made only one appearance, playing 12 minutes in the match against Racing.

The Administrative Court of Lombardy has rejected all five lawsuits connected with Inter and Milan, Calciomercato.com reports.

The cases concerned plans for a new stadium, decisions by the Municipality of Milan to sell the San Siro complex, and the agreement to purchase the arena signed on 5 November 2025.

The ruling brings the legal dispute over the municipality’s sale of the stadium to the two clubs to an end.

The new stadium project can now move towards reality. The arena will be owned by Inter and Milan and will be built next to the current San Siro.

The area surrounding the stadium is also planned for redevelopment.

Lyon are considering making Lois Openda’s loan from Juventus permanent at the end of the season, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

The Belgian forward joined Lyon on a temporary deal for a €3m loan fee, but the agreement does not include an option to buy.

Tavolieri reports that any decision over a permanent transfer will depend on Lyon’s results this season. If the French club performs successfully in Ligue 1 and secures qualification for the Champions League, it could make an offer to sign Openda permanently.

Openda has scored two goals and provided one assist in nine appearances for Lyon.

Lyon are currently second in Ligue 1, two points behind leaders Monaco.

Lionel Messi will play his final match for Argentina against Benin at the Monumental Stadium on 6 October, bringing an end to an international career that includes a World Cup, two Copa America titles and a long list of individual records.

The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward announced his decision to retire from international football in late August, ending more than two decades with the national team.

Demand for the farewell has been huge. TNT Sports Argentina reported that all 85,000 tickets sold within two hours, with supporters keen to see Argentina’s captain make his final appearance.

The match will be Messi’s 208th cap for Argentina. He goes into it with 125 senior international goals, having become his country’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer.

Adidas has produced a special Argentina shirt for the occasion, featuring the national colours with gold detailing. The “Sun of May”, a historic symbol from the Argentine flag that first appeared on Argentine coins in the early 1800s, is displayed on the front and back.

Messi’s personal “M” emblem replaces the Adidas logo on the chest, while his name and famous number 10 are printed in gold. His name also appears in a sun-shaped stamp on the back of the neck, with the number 10 surrounded by laurel branches. He will wear matching white and gold custom boots.

Messi’s rise to global stardom began as a teenager. His first career hat-trick came in El Clasico, with his third goal arriving after he beat several defenders before finishing in the closing moments.

On 18 April 2007, he scored one of the defining goals of his early career against Getafe in the Copa del Rey semi-final, collecting the ball inside his own half and completing a remarkable solo run.

He scored his first Champions League final goal in Barcelona’s 2009 victory over Manchester United, answering questions about his ability to perform against English opposition. He scored again against Manchester United in the 2011 final and eventually won four Champions League medals.

In the 2010 Champions League quarter-final, Messi scored all four goals in a 4-1 victory over Arsenal, completing his hat-trick by chipping goalkeeper Manuel Almunia. Two years later, he scored five times in Barcelona’s 7-1 win against Bayer Leverkusen.

Messi became Barcelona’s record scorer aged 24 when he scored a hat-trick in a 5-3 win over Granada on 20 March 2012. The second goal broke the record and the third extended it.

That year, he scored 91 goals for club and country, earning recognition in the Guinness Book of Records and winning a fourth consecutive Ballon d’Or. Barcelona won only the Copa del Rey in 2012.

In November 2014, Messi surpassed Athletic Club great Telmo Zarra’s La Liga record of 251 goals. He equalled the mark with a free-kick, broke it with his second goal and extended it with his third. He finished with 474 La Liga goals, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s 311 for Real Madrid.

On 23 April 2017, Messi scored Barcelona’s injury-time winner in a 3-2 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. It was his 500th goal for Barcelona. He celebrated by removing his shirt and holding it towards the home crowd, displaying his name and number 10.

Messi left Barcelona on a free transfer in August 2021 after 21 years, 672 goals and 35 trophies. The club could not register his new contract because of La Liga’s salary restrictions. Despite interest from Manchester City, he joined Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Inter Miami.

For years, Messi’s international career was judged by his failure to win a major senior trophy with Argentina. That changed in 2021 when Argentina won the Copa America and Messi was named player of the tournament after scoring four goals.

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar followed. Messi scored seven goals, found the net in every knockout round and was named the tournament’s best player as Argentina lifted the trophy.

He later won Ballon d’Or awards while at Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, taking his record total to eight.

The 2026 World Cup was his final appearance at the tournament. His eight goals took his overall World Cup tally to 21, briefly making him the competition’s leading scorer before Kylian Mbappe moved ahead with 22 in the bronze medal match.

Messi’s international career has also included difficult periods. After the death of his father, Jorge, earlier this year, he spoke emotionally about his future before announcing his decision to retire.

He leaves Argentina with two Copa America titles, the 2022 World Cup and more than 900 goals for club and country. After 21 years, Messi will wear the Argentina shirt for the final time.

Liverpool defender Jeremy Jacquet missed France’s Nations League meeting with Belgium after suffering a hamstring injury, according to Onefootball.

The 21-year-old had featured in France’s two previous matches but was not included in the squad for the game against Belgium. The French Football Federation said Jacquet had been diagnosed with a strain to the back of his left thigh.

France head coach Zinedine Zidane described the injury as minor.

Jacquet’s absence is the latest setback for Liverpool during the international break. Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo had already left their respective national-team camps early because of different injuries.

Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo has been fined about 1,700 euros after being convicted of driving without a valid licence and insurance, according to the Daily Mail.

The incident took place in April 2025 near Chelsea’s training ground, when Caicedo was stopped while driving an Audi RSQ8. The vehicle was subsequently seized.

Caicedo appeared in court over the matter and now has eight penalty points on his driving record. Reaching 12 points within a three-year period can automatically result in a driving ban of up to six months.

Chelsea described the incident as a “personal matter” concerning the player.

Martin Odegaard has been named Arsenal’s best player for September after receiving 65% of the supporters’ votes.

The Norway attacking midfielder finished ahead of David Raya, Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa in the club’s monthly award.

Odegaard played in three Premier League matches during the month and scored once. The 27-year-old also found the net against Napoli in the Champions League.

Arsenal sit second in the Premier League after five rounds of matches, three points behind leaders Manchester City. The London club have 13 points.

Bayern Munich have held talks with the representatives of Manchester United youngster Jay Jay Gabriel, according to Sky Sport.

The German club is seriously interested in the 16-year-old and has already met members of his entourage. A further discussion has also been agreed.

Gabriel is regarded as one of the most promising talents of his generation in Europe and is planning to leave Manchester United. The English club, however, are attempting to persuade him to remain at Old Trafford.

The midfielder does not yet have a professional contract, meaning any move would be subject only to training compensation.

It was previously reported that Gabriel’s representatives had asked Manchester United to give him playing time in the first team’s next matches.

Aston Villa are the leading contenders to sign Real Madrid forward Endrick in January 2027, according to Football Italia.

The Brazil international is increasingly frustrated by his lack of playing time and is expected to leave on loan again in January. Endrick spent last season with Lyon, where he made a positive impression.

Italian clubs have previously shown interest in the forward. Roma attempted to negotiate a loan deal for him during the summer and remain interested, while Milan are also actively pursuing the player.

Aston Villa are currently viewed as the favourites because of their participation in the Champions League and the presence of head coach Unai Emery.

Roma are also competing in the Champions League, while Milan are considered the third-choice option among the clubs interested in Endrick.

The most important factor in Endrick’s decision over his next club will be the opportunity to play regularly.

Olympique Lyon are considering whether to pursue a permanent deal for Lois Openda when his season-long loan from Juventus expires next summer.

The Belgium international joined the Ligue 1 club after finding it difficult to establish himself at the Serie A side. Lyon paid a €3 million loan fee for the 26-year-old, but their agreement does not include an option to buy.

A permanent transfer remains a realistic possibility, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, who told Tutto Juve that the outcome could depend largely on Lyon’s performances during the current campaign.

Openda previously made a strong impression in Ligue 1 with RC Lens before moving abroad. He will now be aiming to regain that form during his return to France at the Groupama Stadium.

Lyon’s prospects of signing him outright could be strengthened by a successful domestic season. Qualification for the Champions League would provide both a sporting and financial incentive for the club to approach Juventus about a permanent transfer next summer.

Olympique Lyon defender Moussa Niakhate will miss Friday night’s Ligue 1 trip to RC Lens after suffering a hamstring injury.

The Senegal international is also considered doubtful for Lyon’s UEFA Europa League meeting with Crystal Palace on 15 October, according to L’Equipe.

Niakhate withdrew from the Teranga Lions squad during the international break and returned to Lyon to continue his recovery.

The 30-year-old has become an important member of the Lyon defence and has rarely been rested despite the club competing on several fronts this season.

Niakhate has made eight appearances in all competitions so far, including three Champions League qualifying matches.

Juventus are preparing to advance negotiations over a January move for Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that initial contact has already been made with representatives of the 31-year-old Denmark international, with further discussions expected in the near future.

Hojbjerg stayed at Marseille during the summer despite reports that the Ligue 1 club were keen to sell him because of financial difficulties.

A proposed transfer to Newcastle United fell through after Hojbjerg turned down the move. Marseille then removed him as captain.

However, the midfielder continues to have the support of manager Bruno Genesio and remains a regular member of the Marseille side.

Hojbjerg is understood to be willing to leave the French club if he can join an ambitious project at a leading European club, a stance that could allow Juventus to pursue a deal in January.

Gabriel Jesus says not enough people know about Barcelona midfielder Brian Farinhas, after identifying the 20-year-old as the young player who has impressed him most since joining the club.

“Not many people know Farinhas,” the Brazil forward said, highlighting the Barcelona academy graduate among the club’s emerging players.

Farinhas has made 42 appearances for Barcelona’s reserve side, scoring five goals and providing eight assists. However, the midfielder has yet to play for the club’s first team.

Gabriel Jesus has backed Barcelona team-mate Raphinha Dias to score the decisive goal in a Champions League final, describing the Brazil international as being “on fire”.

Asked which of his club colleagues he would select to find the winning goal in the showpiece match, the Barcelona forward chose his fellow Brazilian.

Raphinha, 29, has scored 14 goals and provided three assists in eight appearances at club level this season.

His contract with Barcelona runs until the summer of 2028. Transfermarkt values the player at €70m.

Lens and Olympique Lyonnais return to Ligue 1 action on Friday after a 16-day FIFA international break, with the sixth round of Ligue 1 MacDonald’s beginning at Stade Felix Bollaert at 18:45 GMT on 9 October 2026.

Nasser Eddy, a consultant for NCI Sport and presenter of the UEFA Champions League on radio Nostalgie, expects a lively match but believes Olympique Lyonnais have the stronger case. A Lyon victory is priced at 2.91, while a 1-2 scoreline is available at 9.5.

Lens have struggled since opening the season with a 5-2 win over AJ Auxerre on 22 August, shortly after beating Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the Trophee des Champions. The Sang et Or have since suffered three defeats and drawn 2-2 with Le Mans, leaving the reigning Ligue 1 runners-up 15th before this fixture.

Their only other recent success came in the UEFA Champions League, where they beat Slavia Prague 3-2 on 10 September. Defensive problems have been a recurring issue, with Lens conceding at least twice in five of their six official matches this season, excluding the Trophee des Champions. Samson Baidoo and Maik Nawrocki are both unavailable through injury for this game.

Captain Florian Thauvin has contributed four goals and two assists in six appearances, but those attacking figures have not compensated for the defensive errors. Lens continue to play positively, averaging 8.5 corners across their past four competitive matches, while a 2-0 friendly victory over Standard de Liege last Friday offered some encouragement to Yannick Cahuzak’s team and Mathieu Udol’s team-mates.

Lyon arrive as AS Monaco’s closest challengers and remain unbeaten after five Ligue 1 matches. Paulo Fonseca’s side began their campaign in early August with Champions League qualifying, but missed out on the league phase after losing to Fenerbahce. They have also lost Malick Fofana and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

Despite those setbacks, Lyon beat Anderlecht 2-1 in their Europa League opener before defeating Stade Rennais 4-0. They have the joint-best attack, alongside Strasbourg, and the best defence in the division. Their aggressive approach has produced nearly 15 shots per league match.

The clubs met three times last season. Each won away in Ligue 1, while their Coupe de France meeting finished 2-2 before Lens prevailed 5-4 on penalties. Lyon are unbeaten in their past two league visits to Stade Felix Bollaert and lead the last 20 meetings, with nine wins to Lens’ seven and four draws.

Ernest Nuamah is the key player to watch. The Ghana international has scored three goals and provided one assist in his past three Ligue 1 matches, including a double against Stade Rennais. However, Ghana lost both of their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, including a 4-2 home defeat by Gambia despite Nuamah scoring from the penalty spot.

The quoted markets include both teams to score at 1.44, Lens to win more than 6.5 corners at 2.01, Thauvin to score at 2.8 and Nuamah at 3.7. Odds may change.

Cheikhou Kouyate has announced his retirement from international football after almost two decades at the highest level, ending his Senegal career with the revelation that he has lived with a heart condition since birth.

The 36-year-old former captain made the announcement during an appearance on Walf TV, where he also discussed the health issue that had remained largely private throughout his career.

Kouyate, a member of Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad in 2021, said the condition had been present throughout his life and had gradually affected his professional future.

He explained that the issue had caused difficulties during contract negotiations with clubs. When he was expected to extend his time at Nottingham Forest for two seasons in 2022/23, the English club instead opted to offer a one-year agreement after learning about his medical condition.

A similar situation reportedly arose when Kouyate attempted to join Leeds.

A disrupted final stage

The health concerns also affected the closing years of Kouyate’s club career. After leaving Nottingham Forest in 2022, the former West Ham and Crystal Palace player spent a prolonged period without a club before returning to football in Turkey.

He joined Amed SK in 2025, in what would ultimately prove to be his final club experience.

In an exclusive interview with Africafoot, Kouyate explained the circumstances surrounding the end of his contract with the Turkish side. The source article does not provide the details of that explanation, but confirms that the spell marked the conclusion of his playing career at club level.

Kouyate’s career included a lengthy period as one of Senegal’s senior figures. He developed into a key member of the national team, served as captain and helped the Lions secure the continental title in Cameroon in 2021.

His final appearance for Senegal came in March 2024. With no further international matches since then, his future with the national side had remained uncertain.

He has now formally chosen to close that chapter, bringing an end to a career that continued despite the heart condition he had carried since birth.

Kouyate began his international journey almost two decades ago and became one of the established figures of Senegal’s recent history. His decision combines the end of his time with the national team with the disclosure of a personal medical reality that had largely remained away from public attention.

Fenerbahce are considering a move for LOSC Lille midfielder Ethan Mbappe, with the Turkish club reportedly examining whether they can sign the 19-year-old during the winter transfer window.

According to Fanatik, representatives of Kylian Mbappe’s younger brother have already presented his profile to the Istanbul-based side. No formal offer has yet been announced, but Fenerbahce are understood to have made initial enquiries about the player’s situation.

Mbappe’s contract with Lille is approaching its expiry date, making him an increasingly attractive option for clubs looking to recruit without facing a long-term transfer commitment. His contractual position is one of the factors that could encourage Fenerbahce to pursue a deal in January.

Fenerbahce targeting players aged 23 or under

Fenerbahce want to strengthen their squad this winter but must work within restrictions concerning the number of foreign players they can register.

The club are therefore reported to be focusing on players aged 23 or under. That policy fits Mbappe’s profile and could give him an advantage over older targets being considered by the Turkish club.

Once Fenerbahce reach the maximum permitted number of foreign players, regulations require them to include several younger players who meet the relevant age criteria. Mbappe’s age and Franco-Cameroonian background are consequently viewed as important aspects of his potential suitability.

Mbappe has become part of Lille’s plans

Mbappe has gradually established himself within Lille’s rotation this season. He has been involved in every match played by the club, although he did not start one of those fixtures.

His regular involvement has not removed uncertainty surrounding his future at the French club. With his contract nearing its end, his availability has drawn attention from other sides as the winter transfer window approaches.

Fenerbahce’s interest is thought to be linked both to his playing profile and to the eligibility advantages offered by his age under the rules governing foreign players. The club may now decide whether to turn its preliminary interest into a formal approach.

For the moment, there is no confirmed bid for Mbappe. However, his contract situation and his fit with Fenerbahce’s recruitment priorities could make him one of the names to watch in Turkey’s winter transfer market.

Lille will soon play their sixth match of the French championship against Le Havre.

Oumar Konate will spend the rest of the season with Stade Lavallois after AS Monaco agreed a loan move for the 19-year-old forward.

The Ivory Coast Under-20 international joined Monaco in the summer of 2025 and will now continue his progress in Ligue 2. According to L’Equipe, the two clubs have reached an agreement covering the remainder of the campaign.

Konate made his first-team breakthrough during Monaco’s pre-season preparations, when his performances earned the confidence of the coaching staff and saw him gradually move into the senior squad’s plans.

He subsequently made his Ligue 1 debut on 23 August in the match against Le Havre. That appearance represented an important milestone for the young attacker as he made his first contribution at the highest level of French football.

Monaco have decided that a spell away from the Principality will give Konate the opportunity to gain more regular experience. Laval are expected to provide him with a setting in which he can obtain increased playing time and adapt further to the demands of professional football.

The agreement does not include an option to buy. Monaco will therefore retain control over the player’s long-term future while he gains experience with the Ligue 2 club.

Although he is still at the beginning of his professional career, Konate has already attracted interest in the transfer market. Transfermarkt currently estimates his market value at 500,000 euros.

His time at Laval will be closely monitored, with the immediate focus on helping him find greater consistency, build up minutes on the pitch and return to Monaco with more experience.

Monaco are due to play Toulouse in their sixth match of the French championship shortly.

SSC Napoli are considering a move for Union Saint-Gilloise midfielder Adem Zorgane, with the Algeria international emerging as a potential target for the January transfer window.

The 26-year-old has reportedly attracted the attention of the Italian club, according to reports in Italy, including La Gazzetta dello Sport. Napoli are said to be seriously examining the possibility of signing the midfielder as they assess their options for the second half of the season.

The club’s interest is understood to be linked to the uncertain future of Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa. The Cameroon midfielder’s contract expires in June and it remains unclear whether he will continue with Napoli.

Should Anguissa leave in January, Napoli may need to move quickly to strengthen their midfield. Zorgane is viewed as an appealing option because of his ability to operate in more than one role and his suitability for the demands of the Italian club.

Zorgane can play as a holding midfielder in front of the defence or take up a more advanced position. He is known for his work when winning possession and his ability to control the tempo of a game.

His passing also allows him to contribute to the build-up from midfield. That quality, combined with his tactical versatility, would give Napoli a player capable of adapting to different midfield formations and responsibilities.

The financial terms of a possible deal could also make the move achievable for Napoli. Estimates reported by the Italian press place Zorgane’s value between €12m and €15m.

There has been no confirmation that Napoli have made a formal offer, but the situation surrounding Anguissa could determine how quickly the club’s interest develops. If the Cameroon international’s future is resolved with a January departure, the Zorgane deal could become a more immediate priority.

Zorgane’s next match with Union Saint-Gilloise will come against Louvain in the eighth round of the Belgian championship.