The Athletic FC Podcast

Just weeks after considering managerial replacements, Manchester United have extended Erik ten Hag’s contract until 2026.With so much structural change at the club, is this a genuine show of faith in the manager?And with preseason starting Monday, what are the problems that still need to be fixed before the Premier League returns?Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Mark Critchley, Dan SheldonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Try as he might, Cristiano Ronaldo is still waiting for his first goal at Euro 2024, despite having 20 shots at goal during the tournament so far.Maybe, time is finally catching up with the 39 year old. If that’s the case - is the power and influence Ronaldo has on this Portugal side still worth it?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Oli Kay, who was in the Frankfurt Arena for Portugal's last 16 tie with Slovenia on Monday night, as well as Tim Spiers to analyse what Ronaldo brings both on and off the pitch ahead of Friday's quarter-final against France.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Oli Kay and Tim SpiersExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy ClarkeRelated articles:Cristiano Ronaldo cannot rage against the dying of the light forever - The AthleticThe cult of Cristiano Ronaldo - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tottenham have won the race for teenage sensation Archie Gray, seeing off competition from the likes of Brentford and Borussia Dortmund.Leeds United said they were heartbroken after seeing him go - so why did they let their academy star leave?And what does the signing of Gray tell us about Spurs’ summer transfer policy? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Nancy Froston and Jay HarrisExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Less than a month into this summer’s transfer window, one crucial deadline has already passed as club’s scrambled to comply with PSR.Amongst those were Newcastle United, so how did they find a way to balance the books?And what is the situation at St James’ Park for the rest of the summer transfer window?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein and Newcastle United writer Chris Waugh to analyse a frantic weekend of dealing.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and Chris WaughExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy ClarkeInside Newcastle’s frantic attempts to sell players and comply with PSR - The AthleticManchester United agree deal with Newcastle to appoint Dan Ashworth as new sporting director - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England have squeezed through to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 thanks in part to a moment of genius from who else but Jude Bellingham.It was an underwhelming performance, but post match the England midfielder silenced critics.So, does it matter how England play as long as they win?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Jacob WhiteheadExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After three lacklustre displays - France failed to top their group at a major tournament for the first time in 12 years.Their two goals so far at Euro 2024 have consisted of an own goal and a penalty, so what is going wrong for Didier Deschamps’ side? And how much good will is left in the bank from their 2018 World Cup triumph?Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Tom Williams, Pierre-Etienne MinonzioExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At Euro 2024, there is one team everyone seems to have a soft spot for, and they have probably been the most impressive.Ralf Rangnick's Austria finished top of their group and are into the knock out stages.The German manager seems to have put his difficult spell at Manchester United behind him, so how has he transformed this Austrian team and how far can they go?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Seb Stafford-Bloor, Mark Carey, Mark CritchleyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So, England are through to the last 16 of Euro 2024 as group winners but once again were underwhelming in their 0-0 draw with Slovenia. Could turning to Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo be the solutions to the puzzle Gareth Southgate needs to solve if England are to progress much further?And what did Southgate's comments post-match reveal about how he's handling the challenge of managing at this tournament?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Oli Kay and Matt Slater, who were both in Cologne as well as football tactics writer Liam Tharme to analyse whether or not England can still succeed with Southgate.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Oli Kay, Matt Slater and Liam TharmeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy ClarkeRelated articles:Gareth Southgate understands England fan reaction after objects thrown at him following Slovenia draw - The AthleticEuro 2024 and the lopsided draw affecting which teams are considered likely finalists - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the latest edition of The Transfer DealSheet, our guide to the summer transfer window.David Ornstein brings us the latest developments across the Premier League and beyond.And after a flurry of homegrown transfer deals emerged over the weekend ahead of that June 30th financial deadline.Have Premier League clubs found a PSR loophole?Host: Adam Leventhal With: David Ornstein, Liam Twomey & Peter RutzlerExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having grown synonymous with their tiki-taka style of play, Spain have so far shown another side at Euro 2024, in beating both Croatia and Italy.So why have Spain moved away from their patient, possession-based approach and will this summer's transfer window see clubs take advantage of the release clause in the contract of one of their most promising stars Nico Williams?Michael Bailey is joined by The Athletic's Pol Ballus, who's in Germany covering Spain during the Euros as well as our La Liga writer Dermot Corrigan.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Pol Ballus and Dermot CorriganExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy ClarkeRelated articles:Spain’s tiki-taka era might be over – but its legacy continues to divide - The AthleticSpain’s Nico Williams serves notice – his €55m release clause looks a transfer bargain - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.