The Athletic FC Podcast

Chris Waugh, Newcastle United correspondent for The Athletic, and football writer Carl Anka delve into the brewing storm around Alexander Isak's refusal to join the pre-season tour as he eyes a move away from the club. They explore which teams might afford him and the impact of his potential departure on Newcastle's ambitions. The discussion also highlights the financial challenges facing Newcastle, analyzing their growth from relegation candidates to Champions League hopefuls, while fans express concerns over the club’s strategic direction.

Join Pol Ballús, a Barcelona writer, José Antonio Espina, who covered the Figo transfer, and Guillermo Rai, a Real Madrid expert, as they dissect Luís Figo's shocking switch from Barcelona to Real Madrid in 2000. They explore the immediate fan outrage and political turmoil within both clubs. The discussion reveals how Figo's move was a catalyst for Real Madrid's Galacticos era, transforming the landscape of football rivalries. Dive into the emotional backlash and lasting legacy of this infamous transfer!

Jay Harris, a Tottenham Hotspur writer for The Athletic, and Seb Stafford-Bloor, a fellow writer, delve into the transformative Thomas Frank era at Spurs. They discuss the excitement surrounding new signings like Mohammed Kudus and the potential arrival of Morgan Gibbs-White, including the emotional fallout and tactical implications of these transfers. The duo emphasizes the challenges of integrating young talents into the squad and the need for patience as Spurs aim to reshape their team dynamics in a competitive league.

In this discussion, football correspondent David Ornstein, Manchester United writer Carl Anka, and Barcelona writer Pol Ballus analyze Marcus Rashford's loan move to Barcelona. They dive into the complexities of Manchester United's transfer strategy and financial constraints. The trio also explore Rashford's fit in Barcelona's squad and the unique challenges he may face adapting to La Liga's style. Additionally, they humorously highlight the cultural shift from Manchester to Barcelona, discussing everything from lifestyle to the delights of tapas.

Jacob Whitehead, a writer for The Athletic who has interviewed key figures in modern football, joins Liam Tharme, a tactics analyst familiar with the intricacies of the game. They dive into Johan Cruyff's revolutionary influence on Ajax, exploring his philosophies that redefined the club's identity and youth development. Discussion includes Ajax's tactical evolution under Cruyff, the restructuring of their youth academy, and the lasting legacy he left after his passing in 2016, all crucial elements of Ajax's resurgence in European football.

Simon Johnson, Chelsea writer for The Athletic, and James McNicholas, Arsenal writer for The Athletic, dive into the controversial transfer of Ashley Cole from Arsenal to Chelsea in 2006. They explore why the move was deemed a betrayal and how it shook the London football scene. The duo discusses the fallout of financial struggles at Arsenal, Chelsea’s aggressive tactics, and the emotional turmoil for players and fans alike. They also reflect on Cole’s dual legacy and the long-term impacts on both clubs, highlighting the complexities of football loyalty.

In this discussion, David Ornstein, a football correspondent for The Athletic, and James Pearce, Liverpool correspondent for The Athletic, delve into Liverpool's ambitious moves for Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike. They explore the fierce competition, particularly with Newcastle's interest in Ekitike, and assess the players' potential impact on Liverpool’s squad dynamics. The conversation also touches on the complex emotional aspect of transfers in light of recent tragedies, alongside Liverpool's evolving financial strategies in the challenging transfer market.

Joining the discussion are Adam Crafton, a reporter for The Athletic FC who witnessed Chelsea's triumph, and Phil Hay, the lead writer for the newsletter. They delve into whether Chelsea's Club World Cup victory signifies a turning point for club football. The duo critiques FIFA's presentation and the authenticity of the event's success while weighing the financial gains against player welfare. They also explore soccer's challenges in the U.S., community support dynamics, and how attendance figures contrast with expectations.

In this exciting discussion, senior football writers Andy Mitten and Oli Kay dive into Carlos Tevez's iconic transfer from Manchester United to Manchester City in 2009. They explore the controversy surrounding the move, marking a pivotal shift in Manchester's football rivalry. The duo unpacks Tevez's role in the power dynamics post-Abu Dhabi takeover and the financial motivations at play. They also reflect on how this transfer transformed City into a competitive force, reshaping the landscape of Premier League football forever.

James McNicholas, an Arsenal writer for The Athletic, and Laura Williamson, Editor-in for The Athletic, dive deep into the serious charges against former midfielder Thomas Partey. They discuss the timeline of allegations and the ethical quandaries for Arsenal as a club. The guests explore the legal complexities of naming players amid investigations, comparing football's lack of structured guidelines with the NFL's disciplined conduct frameworks. The conversation also highlights the need for better handling of sensitive situations in sports and the public’s perception of media coverage.