Just has enjoyed a breakout year, capped by three goals for New Zealand at the World Cup, including a brace that made him the first Kiwi in history to score twice in a single match at the tournament. He is also among the nominees for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award.

Record fee expected

Motherwell are expected to demand a club-record fee for the midfielder, one that would surpass the £4.7 million Udinese paid for Lennon Miller last summer. Several clubs are understood to be tracking Just, and McDonald believes Celtic cannot afford to hesitate.

Speaking to Record Sport, McDonald said: “Should Celtic push the button? Yes, absolutely. It’s someone who plays in the league already and has proven on the world stage he can do it as well now. So it’s not just at Motherwell. He’s gone to the next level. It might cost you a little bit more but look, this kid’s got talent to arrive in the right areas.”

Drawing comparisons with Celtic icon Stiliyan Petrov, McDonald added: “If you’re looking at it, I don’t like making comparisons, but the way he gets himself into the box from midfield positions, he’s definitely a lot like Stiliyan. The way that he can just arrive. He’s playing off Chris Wood in the World Cup and he just makes runs. Midfielders who make forward runs without the ball are an endangered species because everyone likes to have the ball at their feet.”

He continued: “But players that like to make runs in behind off the ball as midfielders, they’re worth their weight in gold and he does that really well. 15-goal contribution tells you everything, right? So for me, if Celtic miss out, he’s going to go big anyway. So absolutely Celtic should be looking at that.”

Iheanacho decision looms

Celtic are also said to be pursuing Qarabag forward Camilo Duran as a potential replacement for Kelechi Iheanacho, whose contract has expired. The Nigerian, 29, is keen to return to Parkhead after playing a key role in the club’s late-season Double triumph with decisive goals against Motherwell, Hibernian and Dundee, but he is yet to be offered fresh terms.

McDonald said he could understand the club’s caution given Iheanacho’s injury record. He said: “Am I surprised he’s not signed? I’m in two ways of thinking on that. There were a lot of injuries in that period he was at the club. Yes, he had that impact at the end of the season. He couldn’t start games though. So is that because the body is failing him? Or is that because he wasn’t fit enough? Going into a new season how much is he going to cost them a week to keep someone like that?”

He added: “His experience is second to none. It’s very difficult to go and buy that somewhere because of what he’s done and what he’s been involved in throughout his career. His upbringing at Manchester City under Pep. Moving to Leicester City. And then moving abroad. His calmness in pressurised situations. He lives for the pressurised moments. So it is a little bit surprising, I guess, in that sense. But again we just don’t know the full ends of how the body is and how much money he was going to cost them. That’s always what it’s going to come down to from a business perspective for the club and how the club looks at things. Not the emotion of what he’s just done in a four-week, five-week period coming off the bench for 30 minutes.”

Read more: Rangers land Dan Neil as Celtic and Hearts busy on transfer deadline day chase

The post Celtic urged to swoop for Motherwell’s Elijah Just as new Stiliyan Petrov appeared first on NonPro Football.

Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Celtic on a short-term deal in February after being persuaded to move north of the border by O’Neill. That original contract, running to the end of last season, included an option for a further year, and it is that clause the England international is now expected to trigger.

Impact since arriving on a free transfer

The former England international scored twice in 12 appearances after signing on a free transfer midway through last season, playing his part as Celtic completed a league and Scottish Cup double under O’Neill. According to Sky Sports, Oxlade-Chamberlain’s happiness working under the veteran boss, combined with O’Neill’s desire to retain him, proved key to the player agreeing to stay on despite offers from other clubs on the continent.

His arrival at Celtic Park last winter marked a significant coup for the Scottish Premiership champions, given his pedigree from spells at Southampton, Arsenal and Liverpool as well as his England caps. Extending his deal would give O’Neill continuity in midfield as the club aims to defend both the league title and Scottish Cup this coming season.

Iheanacho set to leave as contract option not taken up

The news of Oxlade-Chamberlain’s expected new deal comes as Celtic have reportedly decided against extending the contract of Kelechi Iheanacho. The Sun reports that the Nigeria international, who joined on a free transfer last summer from Sheffield United, is set to depart after the club chose not to take up the option in his contract.

Iheanacho, 29, scored a number of important goals in the closing weeks of last season as O’Neill’s side sealed their domestic double, and is said to be attracting interest from several clubs in Turkey’s top flight. His likely exit means Celtic will need to address their forward options during the transfer window, even as they move to secure Oxlade-Chamberlain’s long-term future in midfield.

Read more: Rangers land Dan Neil as Celtic and Hearts busy on transfer deadline day chase

The post Oxlade-Chamberlain ‘set to sign’ new Celtic deal as O’Neill keeps faith appeared first on NonPro Football.

Matsukubo, who has been capped 14 times by Japan, leaves the Courage having established herself as one of the standout midfielders in the American top flight. She scored 19 goals and set up a further ten in 58 appearances for the North Carolina club, form that earned her the NWSL midfielder of the year award in 2025.

A statement of intent from Chelsea

The length of the deal underlines the scale of Chelsea’s ambition, with the club committing to Matsukubo for half a decade. It represents a significant coup for the WSL, luring one of the NWSL’s brightest young talents across the Atlantic rather than losing players in the opposite direction, as has often been the trend in recent years.

Speaking after the move was confirmed, Matsukubo made clear the pull of Chelsea’s history played a major part in her decision. “I’m so excited to be joining Chelsea, a club with a lot of history,” she said.

“The club has a strong history of winning trophies and has done so well at the top of the game, so I couldn’t pass up this opportunity. I want to help continue this club’s tradition of winning trophies for years to come.”

Another creative option in midfield

Matsukubo’s goal contributions in the United States suggest she will offer Chelsea a genuine attacking threat from midfield, rather than a purely holding presence. Her record of nearly one goal or assist every two matches for North Carolina Courage points to a player capable of arriving late into the box as well as dictating play.

Her international pedigree with Japan, one of the most technically accomplished sides in the women’s game, will also be seen as a mark of quality by Chelsea’s recruitment staff. The signing adds further depth to a squad already packed with international talent as the club continues to chase domestic and European honours.

Chelsea have not disclosed a transfer fee for the move, though the switch from NWSL to WSL is likely to be closely watched by other English clubs assessing talent in the American league. Matsukubo becomes the latest high-profile arrival in a Women’s Super League that continues to attract players from across the globe.

The post Chelsea sign Japan star Matsukubo on five-year deal from NWSL appeared first on NonPro Football.

Chelsea broke from their recent template when they appointed Alonso, installing him with the title of manager rather than head coach. That distinction matters at Stamford Bridge, where it is understood to hand the former Liverpool midfielder significantly greater influence over incomings and outgoings than his predecessors enjoyed.

A shift in transfer strategy

Since BlueCo’s takeover of Chelsea in 2022, the club’s transfer approach has centred almost exclusively on signing promising young talent to lengthy contracts, a strategy overseen by co-owner Todd Boehly’s group. That approach followed a difficult 2022-23 campaign, which prompted the ownership to move away from targeting established, ready-made stars in favour of long-term potential.

Alonso’s arrival appears to have accelerated a further evolution of that policy, with the new boss already shown to be influential in the club’s early summer recruitment. Italy international Marco Palestra has already arrived at Stamford Bridge, a deal in which Alonso is said to have played a significant part.

Setback for the new regime

Despite that early momentum, FourFourTwo reports that Alonso’s transfer plans have suffered a setback, with the manager left frustrated as Chelsea’s business does not appear to be running entirely to plan. The report suggests the club had been working towards reuniting Alonso with a familiar face from his time at Liverpool, though the specifics of that pursuit remain unclear.

It marks an early test for the new manager, whose expanded remit over squad building was seen as a key part of Chelsea’s decision to appoint him in the first place. How the club responds to the setback is likely to shape perceptions of how much genuine authority Alonso wields behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s supporters will be watching closely to see whether the early hiccup is a minor bump in the road or a sign of tension between the new manager’s ambitions and the ownership’s established recruitment philosophy. With the transfer window still open, further moves involving Alonso are expected before the summer business concludes.

Read more: Fulham join chase for West Ham’s Summerville as Xhaka stays at Sunderland

The post Xabi Alonso hit by early transfer setback as Chelsea reshape recruitment policy appeared first on NonPro Football.

England’s progress to the last 16 has sharpened interest in the schedule, with the Three Lions facing Mexico in the early hours of Monday 6 July. That match kicks off at 1am BST and will be broadcast live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

England reached this stage after a 2-1 win over DR Congo in the round of 32, one of a series of eye-catching results across the last-32 phase. Germany needed penalties to see off Paraguay, the Netherlands were beaten on spot-kicks by Morocco, and Belgium required extra time to overcome Senegal.

Kick-off times vary through the night

UK viewers will need to plan around a mix of kick-off times, from earlier evening slots at 6pm and 8pm BST to fixtures that start well after midnight. Friday’s last-32 games, for instance, include Australia against Egypt at 7pm BST on BBC One, followed by Argentina against Cape Verde at 11pm BST on ITV1 and STV.

Saturday brings an early-hours kick-off for Colombia against Ghana at 2.30am BST on ITV1 and STV, before Canada face Morocco in the last 16 at 6pm BST, also on ITV1. Paraguay’s tie with France follows at 10pm BST on BBC One.

Brazil take on Norway in the last 16 on Sunday 5 July at 9pm BST on ITV1, while Portugal meet Spain on Monday 6 July at 8pm BST on BBC One, shortly after England’s clash with Mexico.

Quarter-finals and beyond still to be confirmed

The final round-of-16 fixtures take place on Tuesday 7 July, with the USA facing Belgium at 1am BST on BBC One, followed by the winners of the Argentina-Cape Verde and Australia-Egypt ties meeting at 5pm BST on ITV1, and Switzerland taking on the winners of Colombia against Ghana at 9pm BST, also on ITV.

Quarter-finals are scheduled for 9 to 12 July, with kick-off times ranging from 8pm BST to 2am BST, though broadcasters for those matches are yet to be confirmed. The semi-finals follow on 14 and 15 July, both kicking off at 8pm BST.

The third-place play-off is set for Saturday 18 July at 10pm BST, with the final taking place the following evening, Sunday 19 July, at 8pm BST. As with the earlier rounds, host broadcasters for those closing fixtures had not been announced at the time of writing.

Read more: England’s Mexico City World Cup tie could be brought forward over storm fears

Fans in Scotland can also follow ITV’s selected fixtures via STV and the STV Player, mirroring the network’s UK-wide coverage. With every game available without a subscription, the tournament’s knockout stages promise to draw huge domestic audiences right through to the final in New York.

The post World Cup 2026: Full UK TV guide to every knockout fixture on BBC and ITV appeared first on NonPro Football.

According to Reuters, affected buyers say StubHub’s much-publicised “FanProtect Guarantee” – which promises replacement tickets at no extra cost or a full refund – has gone unfulfilled in several cases. The company’s own guarantee is central to the row now facing scrutiny from Texas authorities as the tournament continues in North America.

StubHub blames FIFA, governing body denies fault

StubHub has declined to comment directly on the investigation but issued a statement saying it is “working tirelessly to resolve ticket transfer issues and get every fan into their match.” The company added: “Even a single bad experience is deeply disappointing for fans and for us. That’s why, in the rare instance that problems arise, our FanProtect Guarantee provides replacement tickets or a full refund.”

StubHub has pointed to problems with FIFA’s ticketing infrastructure as the primary cause of the failures. However, FIFA has denied any fault, insisting its own system has operated reliably throughout the tournament.

Paxton vows to hold company accountable

Attorney General Ken Paxton confirmed his office is examining the claims directly. “My office is investigating reports that StubHub is failing to deliver tickets that Texas fans have rightfully purchased,” he said. “In many cases, attending a World Cup match is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If StubHub is ghost ticketing Texans out of that experience, my office will use every tool available to hold them accountable and help fans who have been wronged.”

Texas is home to two of the tournament’s host cities, Dallas and Houston, which have staged group-stage fixtures as the World Cup spans venues across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Paxton’s Consumer Protection Division is now urging any Texan supporters who bought World Cup tickets through StubHub but never received them to lodge a formal complaint.

The state investigation follows a proposed class action lawsuit filed against StubHub earlier this week, brought by fans who say they suffered similar ticketing failures during the World Cup. The legal and regulatory pressure is mounting on the platform just as the competition reaches its knockout stages.

Knockout drama continues

The round of sixteen got under way this weekend, with Canada facing Morocco before France took on Paraguay. Sunday brings two further heavyweight ties, as Brazil meet Norway ahead of co-hosts Mexico taking on England at the iconic Azteca Stadium – a fixture that will draw huge numbers of travelling supporters relying on secondary ticketing markets to attend.

Read more: England’s Mexico City World Cup tie could be brought forward over storm fears

The post StubHub investigated in Texas over undelivered World Cup tickets appeared first on NonPro Football.

The match at the Mexico City Stadium is currently scheduled for 6pm local time on Sunday, which translates to a punishing 1am kick-off on Monday in British Summer Time. That overnight slot is the latest of the tournament so far for the Three Lions and led manager Thomas Tuchel to publicly ask parents to let their children stay up to watch.

Storm fears prompt rethink

According to Mexican broadcaster Claro Sports, thunderstorms are forecast in the area around the stadium on Sunday evening, raising concerns that the fixture could be hit by weather delays if it goes ahead as planned.

Claro Sports reports that FIFA and local authorities are looking at bringing the match forward to minimise the risk of disruption. “The match will now be played at 12:00pm Central Time (Mexico), instead of 6:00pm as originally planned,” the outlet stated. “This is due to the National Meteorological Service’s forecast of thunderstorms in Mexico City on Sunday.”

Were the change confirmed, it would represent a six-hour shift earlier in the day. Based on the existing time difference between Mexico City and the UK, that would mean England’s tie kicking off at around 7pm in British Summer Time on Sunday evening rather than the early hours of Monday morning.

Tuchel’s plea to parents

Tuchel had already flagged the awkward scheduling of England’s latest World Cup fixture, urging parents to allow youngsters to stay up through the night to follow the match given its significance. A change to a Sunday evening kick-off in the UK would come as welcome news to supporters who had been braced for a bleary-eyed watch in the small hours.

Any switch would need to be confirmed with little notice, given the match is due to take place within 48 hours of the report emerging. FIFA has not yet issued official confirmation of a change, and the original 6pm local kick-off remains the scheduled time for now.

What happens next

Weather-related disruption has already been a feature of this summer’s tournament in Mexico, with storms in the region a familiar risk factor for matches at this time of year. Organisers will be keen to avoid a repeat of delays seen earlier in the group stage as the knockout rounds intensify.

England supporters, both in Mexico and back home, will be watching closely for official word from FIFA on any change to kick-off time. A confirmed switch to a midday local start would spare fans an overnight vigil and offer some certainty amid the uncertain forecast hanging over one of the biggest fixtures of England’s World Cup campaign.

Read more: England to get ‘ring of steel’ security in Mexico City after Ecuador sleep sabotage

The post England’s Mexico City World Cup tie could be brought forward over storm fears appeared first on NonPro Football.

The striker was sent off in the second half of the USA’s 2-0 last-32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, having opened the scoring earlier in the match. A US Soccer spokesperson confirmed the ban would be limited to the single fixture, with no further games added to his suspension, according to the Guardian.

Speaking to reporters in Seattle on the morning of his 25th birthday, Balogun described the past two days as “surreal” and said he had tried to stay level-headed despite feeling the decision was unjust.

“I’ve been upset. I’ve been happy,” Balogun said, as quoted by the Guardian. “It’s been surreal, to be honest. But for me, I think it was just important to stay calm. I never want to react out of anger and out of emotion. There’s still lots of people we’re inspiring, little kids, boys and girls who are watching, and we have to show them the correct way to handle things, even when you think it’s unjust.”

Balogun defends his conduct after the whistle

The forward revealed he shook referee Raphael Claus’s hand after the final whistle despite disagreeing with the call, saying he felt a responsibility to set an example for supporters new to the sport during the tournament.

“Even though you can feel like something unjust has happened to you, it’s not an excuse to be disrespectful,” Balogun said. “After every game, I try to shake the referee’s hand, and this game was no different.”

Asked to describe the incident itself, in which his foot landed on Muharemovic’s ankle during what appeared to be an innocuous collision, Balogun said he struggled to justify the severity of the punishment.

“I think as you all saw, there’s nowhere else to put your leg. It’s going to be unavoidable,” he said. “I’ve seen many different opinions and takes, but for me personally, I think a yellow card would have been fair. It’s something that’s happened, so we have to move forward and have to accept it. But the most important thing is just to focus on the bigger picture, which is Belgium.”

A rallying point for American fans

According to the Guardian, the sending-off has become a talking point well beyond football circles in the United States, with figures from other American sports voicing support for the striker on social media following his post-match Instagram post.

Balogun said he was encouraged by the level of attention the incident had generated for the national team’s World Cup run. “I love seeing how engaged the country is in our journey and in what we’re doing,” he said.

With Balogun suspended, the USA will need to find a replacement in attack for Monday’s last-16 tie against Belgium, managed by Rudi Garcia. The Belgians themselves had a difficult time against Senegal in their own previous outing, and will be aware of the threat the American forward line has posed throughout the tournament even without their leading scorer available.

The post Balogun accepts one-match ban as USA prepare for Belgium World Cup tie appeared first on NonPro Football.

According to the Guardian, Chelsea and Manchester United have also been monitoring the 24-year-old Netherlands international, though it remains unclear whether Summerville will earn a switch to one of the top flight’s leading clubs.

Sources suggest the most concrete interest may in fact come from an ambitious club outside the elite bracket. Fulham need to strengthen their wide areas after losing Harry Wilson, who is set to join Leeds on a free transfer, and have added Summerville to their shortlist of targets.

West Ham braced for exit

Summerville impressed for the Netherlands at the World Cup, scoring twice in four matches, although he failed to convert his spot kick as Ronald Koeman’s side lost on penalties to Morocco in the last 32.

The former Leeds winger was also among West Ham’s standout performers last season, scoring seven goals in ten games after Christmas to help boost the club’s survival hopes, though injuries have interrupted his time in east London. He missed much of the 2024-25 campaign with a hamstring problem and a further chunk of last season with a calf issue.

West Ham accept they have little chance of retaining Summerville and have already banked funds by selling Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham for a reported £85million. The club hope that money raised from Fernandes and Summerville will ease the pressure to sell captain Jarrod Bowen, who is attracting interest from a number of Premier League sides, as Nuno Espírito Santo looks to build a squad capable of an immediate promotion push.

Real Madrid deny Enzo Fernández interest

Elsewhere, Chelsea will have taken note of a statement from Real Madrid distancing themselves from reported interest in Enzo Fernández. The Argentinian midfielder, dropped by Chelsea last season after admitting he would like to live in Madrid, had been linked with a £120million move away from Stamford Bridge.

Real Madrid’s statement read: “In light of the reports and statements that have appeared in recent days regarding an alleged interest from Real Madrid in the player Enzo Fernández, the club wishes to state that it has not made any effort, either direct or indirect, to sign the aforementioned player and, likewise, has no intention of undertaking such an operation.”

Xhaka commits to Sunderland

One midfielder who will not be heading to Chelsea is Granit Xhaka, who is set to remain at Sunderland after talks with senior figures at the Stadium of Light this week. The 33-year-old, currently captaining Switzerland at the World Cup, had appeared open to a reunion with former Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso at Chelsea, but Sunderland rejected an £8million bid from the London club last week.

Chelsea were reportedly told the midfielder was not for sale “at any price” and appear reluctant to return with a significantly improved offer for a player who joined Sunderland from Leverkusen in a deal potentially worth £17.5million last summer.

Read more: Xhaka set to stay at Sunderland as Chelsea bid rejected

The post Fulham join chase for West Ham’s Summerville as Xhaka stays at Sunderland appeared first on NonPro Football.

Palhinha, 30, spent last term on loan at Tottenham from Bayern Munich, making 45 appearances in all competitions. He scored the decisive goal in a final-day clash with Everton that proved crucial in Spurs avoiding relegation from the Premier League.

Farewell message to fans

Writing on social media, the former Fulham midfielder thanked the Tottenham supporters for their backing during his time at the club. “Representing Tottenham has had a profound impact on my life, not only professionally but also personally, and it is something I will carry with me forever,” Palhinha wrote.

“As I have said before, what truly defines a great institution and a great football club is its supporters. Players, managers and directors come and go, but the fans remain. You are the ones who keep the flame of this club burning, season after season,” he added.

He signed off with a message of gratitude to the Tottenham faithful, writing: “With the utmost respect and gratitude, I say goodbye to all of you. Thank you so much COYS.”

Spurs move on with new signings

Tottenham have already begun reshaping their midfield ahead of next season under boss Roberto De Zerbi. The club have signed Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United, and have also reached an agreement with Newcastle United for Italy international Sandro Tonali, in a deal reportedly worth up to £100 million in total.

Those additions appear to have made a return for Palhinha unlikely, with De Zerbi looking to reshape his squad following a season in which Spurs narrowly avoided the drop. The Portuguese midfielder is not thought to be part of the manager’s plans going forward.

Uncertain future at Bayern

Palhinha’s long-term future at Bayern Munich also remains unclear, with the midfielder not expected to be a regular feature in Vincent Kompany’s plans at the Bavarian club either. He is understood to be weighing up his options ahead of the new campaign, with a permanent move elsewhere now seen as the most likely outcome.

Having joined Bayern from Fulham before his loan switch to Tottenham, Palhinha now finds himself searching for a new home just a year after making his mark in the Premier League. His farewell message suggests his time in north London, however brief, left a lasting impression on both player and supporters alike.

Read more: Tottenham close in on Tonali as Odegaard and Bowen transfer talk swirls

The post Palhinha confirms Tottenham exit as Spurs strengthen midfield with Tonali, Fernandes appeared first on NonPro Football.