Alex Brodie
@alexjbrodie.bsky.social
⚽️ Content editor @theathleticfc.bsky.social
📬 Daily newsletter from the great Phil Hay here: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/newsletters/the-athletic-fc/
🟠 Luton Town
📬 Daily newsletter from the great Phil Hay here: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/newsletters/the-athletic-fc/
🟠 Luton Town
Something a bit different here from @markcarey93.bsky.social - such a great read.
The story behind the ‘Lavolpiana build-up’ loved by Guardiola and used by Arsenal and Liverpool
It is a tactical term that has been popularised by Guardiola, but fewer people might be aware of the man who inspired it
www.nytimes.com
August 22, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Something a bit different here from @markcarey93.bsky.social - such a great read.
Do you back yourself against @oliverkay.bsky.social (and an @theathleticfc.bsky.social subscriber and an algorithm and a child)? That is the question.
Premier League Predictions: Man City vs Tottenham, Newcastle vs Liverpool and the rest of Matchday 2
How did our writer get on in MD1 against a subscriber, a child and an algorithm? And what is everyone predicting for MD2?
www.nytimes.com
August 22, 2025 at 8:50 AM
Do you back yourself against @oliverkay.bsky.social (and an @theathleticfc.bsky.social subscriber and an algorithm and a child)? That is the question.
Excellent writing from @amylawrence.bsky.social
Eberechi Eze’s return to Arsenal would be a romantic twist in their summer story
Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle to sign Eberechi Eze. It could make a huge impact on the pitch
www.nytimes.com
August 20, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Excellent writing from @amylawrence.bsky.social
Noni Madueke to Arsenal has been one of the more controversial moves for some. Inside the deal details from @gunnerblog.bsky.social @sebsb.bsky.social and Simon Johnson.
Inside Noni Madueke’s transfer to Arsenal: Arteta’s presentation, Chelsea’s data, Berta’s new dynamic
From Arteta's call with Madueke and his father to the role of agent Ali Barat and sporting director Berta, here's how the deal was done
www.nytimes.com
July 19, 2025 at 7:49 AM
Noni Madueke to Arsenal has been one of the more controversial moves for some. Inside the deal details from @gunnerblog.bsky.social @sebsb.bsky.social and Simon Johnson.
@thom-harris.bsky.social looks at Viktor Gyokeres and whether he fits in with #AFC’s style or whether he is the change they need. Either way, finally, a striker!
Viktor Gyokeres is a battering ram of a striker with an absurd scoring record. Is he what Arsenal need?
With Arsenal in advanced talks to sign Gyokeres, we analyse his strengths and style, and how it might work out for him in the Premier League
www.nytimes.com
July 7, 2025 at 6:00 AM
@thom-harris.bsky.social looks at Viktor Gyokeres and whether he fits in with #AFC’s style or whether he is the change they need. Either way, finally, a striker!
The Martin Zubimendi transfer was confirmed today by #AFC. It was a long time coming and a long time in planning. As @gunnerblog.bsky.social explains with great detail.
Martin Zubimendi is an Arsenal player… finally
Arsenal's interest in Zubimendi goes back to 2019-20. He came close to joining last summer but 12 months on, Mikel Arteta now has his man
www.nytimes.com
July 6, 2025 at 4:23 PM
The Martin Zubimendi transfer was confirmed today by #AFC. It was a long time coming and a long time in planning. As @gunnerblog.bsky.social explains with great detail.
Great look at Noni Madueke by @ahmed-walid.bsky.social on where and why he would fit at Arsenal. All part of squad building.
The improvements in Noni Madueke’s game that have attracted Arsenal
Madueke offers a two-footed attacking threat from the wing — but it may be his improvement out-of-possession that has caught Arteta's eye
www.nytimes.com
July 6, 2025 at 7:03 AM
Great look at Noni Madueke by @ahmed-walid.bsky.social on where and why he would fit at Arsenal. All part of squad building.
Reposted by Alex Brodie
Everton rejected a verbal offer from Tottenham for Jarrad Branthwaite in Jan. Told interested parties this summer, inc Spurs, they would not welcome bids
Deal, which sees defender's salary rise considerably, done by Hammond/Kinnear
Big early win for new #EFC setup
www.nytimes.com/athletic/646...
Deal, which sees defender's salary rise considerably, done by Hammond/Kinnear
Big early win for new #EFC setup
www.nytimes.com/athletic/646...
How Everton secured prized asset Jarrad Branthwaite on long-term deal
The left-footed centre-back has become one of the most coveted players in Europe - tying him to a five-year deal is a coup for Everton
www.nytimes.com
July 3, 2025 at 6:38 AM
Everton rejected a verbal offer from Tottenham for Jarrad Branthwaite in Jan. Told interested parties this summer, inc Spurs, they would not welcome bids
Deal, which sees defender's salary rise considerably, done by Hammond/Kinnear
Big early win for new #EFC setup
www.nytimes.com/athletic/646...
Deal, which sees defender's salary rise considerably, done by Hammond/Kinnear
Big early win for new #EFC setup
www.nytimes.com/athletic/646...
Good info here from Art De Roche on England U21s’ successful Euros campaign. The build-up, overcoming setbacks (and players pulling out) and making their own story away from 2023 victory.
Inside England’s U21 Euros win: ‘Creative’ selections, dodgeball drills and padel
England are U21 European champions for a second consecutive time - this is how they did it
www.nytimes.com
June 29, 2025 at 7:13 AM
Good info here from Art De Roche on England U21s’ successful Euros campaign. The build-up, overcoming setbacks (and players pulling out) and making their own story away from 2023 victory.
Incredibly impressive for Lee Carsley to claim a second consecutive Euro U21 title with England. Harvey Elliott the star and one of only two remaining from previous victory. Art here on the final
England beat Germany in thriller to retain Under-21 Euros title
Analysis as England survive a scare to beat Germany to win the U21 Euros for the second consecutive time
www.nytimes.com
June 28, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Incredibly impressive for Lee Carsley to claim a second consecutive Euro U21 title with England. Harvey Elliott the star and one of only two remaining from previous victory. Art here on the final
Jamie Gittens slowly but surely is joining Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund, with agreement in principle confirmed today. @stevemadeley78.bsky.social looks at what he offers and where he'll fit in at Stamford Bridge.
Jamie Gittens will fill a left-wing gap for Chelsea and is one of Europe’s most direct dribblers
Analysis of what the England Under-21 international will bring to Stamford Bridge
www.nytimes.com
June 28, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Jamie Gittens slowly but surely is joining Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund, with agreement in principle confirmed today. @stevemadeley78.bsky.social looks at what he offers and where he'll fit in at Stamford Bridge.
Great reporting and detail here from @polballus.bsky.social on what it looks like will be a pretty sad end to Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s time at Barcelona.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s situation is complex. Where does Barcelona’s captain go from here?
Barcelona need to free up space as they are operating above their La Liga salary limit - and goalkeeper Ter Stegen is first on the exit list
www.nytimes.com
June 27, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Great reporting and detail here from @polballus.bsky.social on what it looks like will be a pretty sad end to Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s time at Barcelona.
The end for Ruud Van Nistelrooy at #LCFC has finally come. @robtannerathletic.bsky.social on a terrible period that went on for several months too long.
Inside Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester demise: A damaging tenure for club and manager
How a disastrous spell in charge led to relegation, unwanted records and reputations in tatters
www.nytimes.com
June 27, 2025 at 11:33 AM
The end for Ruud Van Nistelrooy at #LCFC has finally come. @robtannerathletic.bsky.social on a terrible period that went on for several months too long.
Great detail here from @gunnerblog.bsky.social and @david-ornstein.bsky.social on Myles Lewis-Skelly’s talks over new #AFC contract.
Inside Myles Lewis-Skelly’s Arsenal contract: His role in the deal, mamba mentality and Arteta’s trust
An 18-year-old presenting to senior figures is rare - but Lewis-Skelly is a rare talent, and now one of the highest-paid teenage footballers
www.nytimes.com
June 27, 2025 at 7:07 AM
Great detail here from @gunnerblog.bsky.social and @david-ornstein.bsky.social on Myles Lewis-Skelly’s talks over new #AFC contract.
Clubs are improving provision for released academy players, but as @colinmillar.bsky.social shows here, via a recent research paper, more needs to be done. Supply outstrips demand so substantially there has to be very careful handling of young people.
Football academies and rejection: ‘They feel they wasted 20 years of their life’
Clubs have begun to put support those let go, but research shows mental health, lack of self-worth and loss of identity are common issues
www.nytimes.com
June 27, 2025 at 4:44 AM
Clubs are improving provision for released academy players, but as @colinmillar.bsky.social shows here, via a recent research paper, more needs to be done. Supply outstrips demand so substantially there has to be very careful handling of young people.
Good discussion here from @thom-harris.bsky.social on whether #AFC could (should?) add a younger midfielder to the Zubimendi and Norgaard incomings. Includes detailed profile of Lucien Agoume.
Arsenal adding proven quality with Norgaard – could they still target a young midfielder too?
Norgaard is one of the Premier League's most trusted midfielders. But should Arsenal be planning for the future as well as the present?
www.nytimes.com
June 26, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Good discussion here from @thom-harris.bsky.social on whether #AFC could (should?) add a younger midfielder to the Zubimendi and Norgaard incomings. Includes detailed profile of Lucien Agoume.
Great interview with Brooke Norton-Cuffy here from Art De Roche.
Brooke Norton-Cuffy on life after Arsenal, impressing Vieira and England ambitions
The former Arsenal full-back is loving life in Italy after leaving home - and playing his part for the Under-21s in Slovakia too
www.nytimes.com
June 25, 2025 at 6:03 AM
Great interview with Brooke Norton-Cuffy here from Art De Roche.
Do #MUFC need to become a selling club? Or, more accurately, can they? @mjcritchley.bsky.social on selling to buy at Old Trafford.
Manchester United want to sell before they buy this summer. Will it work?
If United are to remain disciplined and invest beyond Cunha and Mbeumo, financial solutions will have to be found sooner rather than later
www.nytimes.com
June 25, 2025 at 5:52 AM
Do #MUFC need to become a selling club? Or, more accurately, can they? @mjcritchley.bsky.social on selling to buy at Old Trafford.
@samdlee.bsky.social on the exit and future of Kevin De Bruyne, (probably) the greatest-ever Premier League midfielder. www.nytimes.com/athletic/644...
Naples, Chicago and a Liverpool chat: How Kevin De Bruyne’s post-Man City career was decided
There was an understandable clamour for the Belgian once it was known he was leaving City — here's how it played out
www.nytimes.com
June 24, 2025 at 6:53 AM
@samdlee.bsky.social on the exit and future of Kevin De Bruyne, (probably) the greatest-ever Premier League midfielder. www.nytimes.com/athletic/644...
The latest Transfer DealSheet from @david-ornstein.bsky.social @sebsb.bsky.social and lots of other @theathleticfc.bsky.social writers, great work again.
The Transfer DealSheet: Latest on Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Real Madrid and more
Welcome to the fourth edition of The Athletic’s Transfer DealSheet for the summer 2025 transfer window
www.nytimes.com
June 24, 2025 at 6:48 AM
The latest Transfer DealSheet from @david-ornstein.bsky.social @sebsb.bsky.social and lots of other @theathleticfc.bsky.social writers, great work again.
Great insight as ever from Mario in this piece on Rodrygo and his situation at Real Madrid.
What’s going on with Rodrygo at Real Madrid?
Rodrygo's future is unclear after not featuring at all in Madrid's latest Club World Cup game against Pachuca
www.nytimes.com
June 24, 2025 at 6:39 AM
Great insight as ever from Mario in this piece on Rodrygo and his situation at Real Madrid.
Reposted by Alex Brodie
Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules get a lot of blame for clubs having to sell when they don't want to.
But it hasn't always been this way.
And will it always now have to be?
A look for @theathleticfc.bsky.social as the end of June approaches:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
But it hasn't always been this way.
And will it always now have to be?
A look for @theathleticfc.bsky.social as the end of June approaches:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
Will PSR always lead to the transfer merry-go-round we have seen over the past year?
The existing rules encourage player sales for clubs in fear of a breach, something we have seen repeatedly in recent transfer windows
www.nytimes.com
June 21, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules get a lot of blame for clubs having to sell when they don't want to.
But it hasn't always been this way.
And will it always now have to be?
A look for @theathleticfc.bsky.social as the end of June approaches:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
But it hasn't always been this way.
And will it always now have to be?
A look for @theathleticfc.bsky.social as the end of June approaches:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
Reposted by Alex Brodie
🚨 Martin Zubimendi in London to meet with Arsenal officials & complete formalities of his transfer from Real Sociedad.
Arsenal putting finishing touches to signing of the 26-year-old Spain intl.
W/ @david-ornstein.bsky.social for @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/635...
Arsenal putting finishing touches to signing of the 26-year-old Spain intl.
W/ @david-ornstein.bsky.social for @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/635...
Martin Zubimendi in London to meet Arsenal officials ahead of Real Sociedad move
The Spain international, 26, has a €60million (£51.7m; $63.4m) release clause in his current contract.
www.nytimes.com
June 20, 2025 at 8:25 AM
🚨 Martin Zubimendi in London to meet with Arsenal officials & complete formalities of his transfer from Real Sociedad.
Arsenal putting finishing touches to signing of the 26-year-old Spain intl.
W/ @david-ornstein.bsky.social for @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/635...
Arsenal putting finishing touches to signing of the 26-year-old Spain intl.
W/ @david-ornstein.bsky.social for @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/635...
@dansheldon.bsky.social spoke to industry experts to see what they think of PSG’s attempts to break America. Are they more brand than football club?
PSG’s strategic ‘Paris’ branding is a masterstroke – but do they have star power to break the U.S.?
The French club has links with the NFL and Air Jordan and a store on Fifth Avenue - but experts say they have a way to go to break America
www.nytimes.com
June 19, 2025 at 7:06 AM
@dansheldon.bsky.social spoke to industry experts to see what they think of PSG’s attempts to break America. Are they more brand than football club?
Carlos Cuesta has bid farewell, where do Arsenal and Mikel Arteta go next? Subscribers here suggesting Wilshere, Cazorla, Lincoln.
@amylawrence.bsky.social
@amylawrence.bsky.social
Carlos Cuesta’s move echoes ambition of Mikel Arteta, but what next for Arsenal?
In a perfect world, coaching changes happen when planned, with smooth transitions, but football doesn’t often work like that
www.nytimes.com
June 19, 2025 at 6:42 AM
Carlos Cuesta has bid farewell, where do Arsenal and Mikel Arteta go next? Subscribers here suggesting Wilshere, Cazorla, Lincoln.
@amylawrence.bsky.social
@amylawrence.bsky.social