

The Athletic FC Podcast
The Athletic
The Athletic's flagship football podcast, hosted by Ayo Akinwolere and featuring the likes of David Ornstein, Phil Hay, Adam Crafton and Matt Slater will take you inside the biggest stories in football told by the best reporters in the business. We cut through the noise to tell you what’s really happening - and why it matters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 19, 2024 • 29min
Does Martinez know what he's doing with Portugal?
Portugal’s Euro 2024 campaign got off to a winning start last night, with a late show from their substitutes.But it was far from a convincing performance by Roberto Martinez’s unbalanced and chaotic side.So, does the Spaniard know how to get the best out of this talented Portugal squad led by Cristiano Ronaldo?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Tim Spiers and David NovoExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 18, 2024 • 28min
Will Everton sell Branthwaite to Man United?
With the transfer window now officially open, Manchester United have wasted no time in making their intentions clear, submitting a bid for Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite.Despite the deal being rejected, Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein brings us the latest developments alongside Everton writer Paddy Boyland.Plus Liverpool also have their eye on a central defender who is also a target for United & Real Madrid.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and Paddy BoylandExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy ClarkeRelated articles:Manchester United make opening £35m offer for Jarrad Branthwaite - The AthleticWhy Jarrad Branthwaite makes sense for Man Utd – a two-footed duel winner - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 17, 2024 • 38min
What do England's Euros rivals think of them?
England’s Euro 2024 is up and running with a win over Serbia. With their superstar talents, is there perhaps a whiff of arrogance by those who follow Gareth Soutgate’s team?And what is the view across Europe where Kane & Bellingham have starred for Spain & Germany’s biggest clubs.Are they drawn to the allure of the box-office stars, or is it the possibility of watching England fall short again?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Oli Kay, Jack Pitt-Brooke, James Horncastle, Dermot Corrigan, Seb Stafford-BloorExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 12, 2024 • 39min
Why Man United are sticking with Ten Hag
After weeks of uncertainty, news broke on Tuesday that Erik Ten Hag is to remain as manager of Manchester United.So why have Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS come to this decision and what will Ten Hag’s relationship with his squad and the owners look like moving forward?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Mark Critchley to analyse Man United’s decision and assess who else was considered for the Old Trafford hotseat ahead of looking ahead to what challenges lay ahead.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Mark CritchleyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy ClarkeRelated articlesInside Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United reprieve: Tuchel, De Zerbi and the key meetings - The AthleticErik ten Hag to stay as Manchester United manager - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 11, 2024 • 27min
What Sesko staying means for Arsenal & Barcelona transfer plans
Welcome to another edition of The Transfer DealSheet, our guide to the summer transfer market where David Ornstein will bring us latest developments across the Premier League and beyond.We take a deep dive on the market in Spain, including Barcelona's admiration for Liverpool's Luis Diaz.Plus, after securing Kylian Mbappe, what’s holding up Real Madrid’s pursuit of Alphonso DaviesHost: Adam LeventhalWith: David Ornstein, Dermot Corrigan, Pol BallusExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 9, 2024 • 11min
The Radar: Florian Wirtz
Welcome to episode 12 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this summer’s European Championships and Copa América.21-year-old Florian Wirtz has taken German football by storm since his emergence at Bayer Leverkusen back in 2020.A superstar in their extraordinary unbeaten run to Bundesliga glory - will he also help inspire the hosts to European success in his own backyard? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 9, 2024 • 12min
The Radar: Johan Bakayoko
Welcome to episode 11 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this summer’s European Championships and Copa América.21-year-old forward Johan Bakayoko has made a name for himself in a bold, attacking PSV Eindhoven team which fits his skill set perfectly. One of the most watchable young players in Europe at the moment - will the Belgian light up this tournament and put him in the shop window for a lucrative transfer to the Premier League or beyond? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 8, 2024 • 14min
The Radar: Kendry Páez
Welcome to episode 10 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this summer’s European Championships and Copa América.Kendry Páez has been making quite the mark for club and country since he burst onto the youth football scene in 2022. He became the youngest player ever to represent Ecuador - and the second youngest South American to ever play international football behind a certain Diego Maradona.With a highly-anticipated move to Chelsea on the horizon - could he be the player that sets this summer’s Copa América alight? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 8, 2024 • 11min
The Radar: Xavi Simons
Welcome to episode 9 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this summer’s European Championships and Copa América.21-year-old child prodigy Xavi Simons is at a crossroads in his career after making the high profile switch from Barcelona to PSG. Standout loan spells at PSV and RB Leipzig over the last two seasons have got everyone asking what Xavi’s next move will be - but first, will he showcase his star quality out in Germany? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 7, 2024 • 12min
The Radar: Yáser Asprilla
Welcome to episode 8 of The Radar, where The Athletic's unrivalled range of global football experts will profile some of the game's most exciting up and coming talents who look set to star at this summer’s European Championships and Copa América.20-year-old all-action Watford midfielder Yáser Asprilla has made it his business to score absolute screamers for the Hornets since arriving at Vicarage Road in 2022.Following in the footsteps of the Colombian great James Rodríguez isn’t going to be easy - but could he be about to explode onto the international stage? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.