The Athletic FC Podcast

David Ornstein, a renowned football transfer journalist, teams up with Jacob Whitehead, an Athletic writer, to discuss the latest stirrings in striker transfers. They break down the potential move of Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United, examining its implications for Newcastle and Alexander Isak, who's expressed a desire to leave. The duo also navigates the complexities of player development in top clubs versus the pressures that come with them, while touching on other transfer rumors that could shake up the football landscape.

Stuart James and Jacob Tanswell, experienced football writers from The Athletic, discuss the rising stars of youth football, particularly 15-year-old Max Dowman from Arsenal and 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha from Liverpool. They delve into the competitive landscape that young athletes face and the pressures surrounding early debuts. The conversation highlights the importance of mental and physical preparation for young players, the role of social media in talent recognition, and the balance between excitement and the reality of their journeys in professional football.

Join Daniel Gee, a partner at Sheridan's law firm in London, as he dives into the intricate legal side of football transfers. He breaks down the nitty-gritty of contracts, add-ons, and the often-misunderstood world of free transfers. The conversation uncovers the emotional toll on players and their families during transitions, while also revealing the chaos and speculation that fuels the transfer market. Gee highlights the roles of agents and the unique challenges faced in both European and MLS transfer negotiations.

Danny Kelly, host of The Athletic's Tottenham Hotspur podcast, and Amy Lawrence, Arsenal correspondent for The Athletic, dive into Sol Campbell’s shocking move from Spurs to Arsenal in 2001. They discuss the fierce rivalry between the clubs and fan reactions that turned admiration into animosity. The conversation explores the impact of the Bosman ruling on transfers and how Campbell's switch reshaped his legacy, leading to significant accomplishments at Arsenal despite severe backlash from Tottenham fans. The emotional complexities of transfers in today’s social media landscape are also examined.

Jack Lang, Stuart James, and Pol Ballus dive into the fascinating world of shirt numbers in football. They discuss how squad numbers have become symbols of player identity and legacy, with special emphasis on the iconic number 10 worn by talents like Lamine Yamal. The conversation touches on cultural superstitions surrounding numbers, their branding significance, and the emotional connections they foster among fans. Anecdotes about legendary players add depth to the exploration of how these digits influence modern football dynamics.

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.