The Athletic FC Podcast

Fresh off an outstanding Euro 2024 campaign with Spain, Dani Olmo is close to a 60 million euro move to Barcelona.But given their ongoing financial issues, how are Barca affording this?And with plenty of stars already established in midfield, do they even need Olmo?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Pol Ballús and Tomás Hill López-MencheroExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s podcast we bring you our reporter Adam Crafton’s exclusive interview with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.With 561 goals for club and country and 12 league titles across four countries - he is truly one of football’s greats.You’ll hear the former Manchester United, PSG, Milan and Sweden striker open up on his childhood, his tattoos, how Jose Mourinho got the best out of him, and… viewing himself as ‘God’.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam CraftonExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite going close in each of the past two seasons, Arsenal have ultimately finished both empty-handed.So is this the season Mikel Arteta finally delivers the Premier League title?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Art De Roche as well as Handbrake Off regular and former Arsenal winger Adrian Clarke to assess Arsenal's title chances ahead of the new season.Italian football correspondent James Horncastle also shares his thoughts on the Gunners move for Riccardo Calafiori following his move to North London from Bologna.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Art De Roche and Adrian ClarkeExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Guy ClarkeRelated articles:Riccardo Calafiori, Arsenal’s new defender who got lifts from De Rossi and models his game on Stones - The AthleticThe five games Arsenal failed to score in last season: What lessons can be learned - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool are just some of the teams in America during pre-season supposedly giving back to their fans abroad.But is it enough? Do Premier League teams need to play competitive matches away from England to truly make this a global game?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Adam Crafton to discuss the importance of pre-season tours in the US for Premier League clubs with the likes of James McNicholas, Laurie Whitwell, Sam Lee and James Pearce also sharing their views while on tour.Iain Macintosh also catches up with supporters in LA to ask how willing supporters in the USA are to see the teams they support play overseas.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam CraftonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spain are deservedly champions of Europe.So why are England once again unable to take the final step?And will it be Gareth Southgate’s final game as manager? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Oli Kay, David Ornstein, Pol BallusExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke & Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lamine Yamal turns 17 the day before Spain’s Euro 2024 final against England and he’s already produced the moment of the tournament with his wonder goal in the semi-final win over France.So how did he get so good so young? And will his club side Barcelona be able to keep hold of him in the long term?Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Pol Ballus, who is out in Germany covering Spain at Euro 2024 as well as La Liga writer Dermot Corrigan is analyse the rise of Lamine Yamal and look ahead to what could await him on his return to Barcelona.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Pol Ballus and Dermot CorriganExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy ClarkeRelated articles:Perfection, by Lamine Yamal - The AthleticThe story behind the viral photos of Lionel Messi and a baby Lamine Yamal - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England left it late, but thanks for Ollie Watkins' last minute winner are through to the final at Euro 2024.So are they now good, or just really lucky having relied on a number of big moments throughout the tournament?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Oli Kay who was in Dortmund for the 2-1 win over the Netherlands as well as Jack Pitt-Brooke and Tim Spiers to analyse England's route to the final and the role of manager Gareth Southgate. Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Oli Kay, Jack Pitt-Brooke and Tim SpiersExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy ClarkeRelated articles:England, a team of comebacks, late winners and finals. These are extraordinary times - The AthleticOllie Watkins, Cole Palmer and an England goal that was worth the wait - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Friday, Arne Slot was officially unveiled as head coach in a new era at Liverpool.Yesterday, The Athletic reported that the club’s owners FSG are interested in purchasing French club Bordeaux. So what is the plan, and how would it benefit Liverpool?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James Pearce, Matt SlaterExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United are working to finalise a deal for Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee.His performances in Italy have earned him a spot in the Dutch squad for the Euros. So is Zirkzee an upgrade on United’s existing forward options? Or could they be about to make a move for a more experienced Premier League striker? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England are through to the semi-final at Euro 2024 after seeing off Switzerland on penalties. Yet for Gareth Southgate’s side there were familiar problems in Dusseldorf with Harry Kane again struggling to make an impact.No doubt he’ll start Wednesday’s semi-final against the Netherlands but should he? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's senior football writer Oli Kay as well as Jacob Whitehead to discuss Kane's role ahead of Wednesday's meeting in Dortmund.Football tactics writer Ahmed Walid also drops in to join in the conversation around the rest of the semi-finalists leading forwards while Pol Ballus explains the importance of Alvaro Morata to Spain both on and off the pitch.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Oli Kay, Jacob Whitehead and Ahmed WalidExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy ClarkeRelated articlesIs Harry Kane in danger of becoming England’s Cristiano Ronaldo? - The AthleticMemphis Depay vs Wout Weghorst: The striker debate which cuts to the heart of Dutch football - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.