Real Madrid

This might have been the brilliant Croatian playmaker's last international appearance - and it will sting for all the wrong reasons

Our writers who watch England's players every week at club level explain why some are struggling to reproduce their domestic form

Didier Deschamps says Kylian Mbappe is “raring to go” ahead of a possible return for France against Poland on Tuesday. The French captain, 25, has been training in a mask and played in an hour-long behind-closed-doors friendly on Saturday as he builds up his fitness after fracturing his nose against Austria in their opening game eight days ago. He sat out the draw with the Netherlands on Friday but looks set to return with Deschamps’ side guaranteed to progress to the knockout phase with a point. They could even qualify before that if Albania fail to beat Spain on Monday.

Joselu is close to leaving Real Madrid after receiving an offer to play for Al Gharafa in Qatar. The 34-year-old looked set to extend his stay at the Santiago Bernabeu after The Athletic reported that the club decided to exercise their option to sign the striker on a permanent deal from Espanyol. However, Madrid are working with Espanyol to activate the €1.5million purchase option for Joselu and then sell him for the same amount. Alternatively, they may allow Espanyol to handle the sale directly. The club’s directors are keen to help facilitate his departure following his impressive...

Pepe was Portugal's future once. He’s still the present. Good luck telling him that he’s the past

Antonio Rudiger could be a doubt for Germany’s last-16 game at the European Championship with a thigh injury. The Real Madrid defender, 31, played the full the game as the tournament hosts came from behind to draw 1-1 with Switzerland to top Group A. Rudiger is a key player for Julian Nagelsmann and has played every minute of all three matches so far. The coach admits Rudiger’s issue could be “problematic” for his availability next time out with fellow central defender Jonathan Tah suspended after picking up two yellow cards. “He has a bit of a problem with his...

Endrick is expected to be unveiled as a Real Madrid player next month after he officially signs his contract on his 18th birthday. Real Madrid struck a deal to sign the 17-year-old from Brazilian side Palmeiras for an initial down payment of €35million plus €25m in bonuses. He will now sign his contract in Madrid on July 21 before being unveiled on July 26, with the Santiago Bernabeu as a strong option, with supporters present. He is expected to speak in Spanish after studying the language ahead of his move. He will then join the team on the pre-season tour in the United States.

The Athletic runs down the summer fortunes of Jesse Marsch's squad: who's on the move and who will be staying put?

A masked Kylian Mbappe played and scored in an hour-long behind-closed-doors friendly on Saturday as he targets a return to action at Euro 2024 after breaking his nose in France’s opening group game. The Real Madrid striker featured against the German club Paderborn’s Under-21s in a French side comprised of those who played cameo roles or were unused substitutes against the Netherlands the previous night. Wearing a black mask, Mbappe scored twice and supplied two assists, playing each of the game’s 30-minute halves. Both teams had been instructed to make the game low contact to avoid any...

Lille centre back Leny Yoro has informed Real Madrid that he wishes to join the club. A deal is yet to be agreed and there are no direct conversations between Lille and Real Madrid at this point. The 18-year-old is happy with the personal terms proposed by Madrid, and should the move progress he would join the club either this summer or next, depending on whether Madrid and Lille can strike a deal. Lille are holding out for around €60million for Yoro, while Madrid do not want to pay more than around the €30m to €40m mark. The Athletic reported Liverpool and Manchester United were...

Paris Saint-Germain have not paid Kylian Mbappe his salary for the past two months in a fresh sign of tensions with the player — who is about to join Real Madrid. People briefed on the situation, who — like all those cited here, did not want to be named to protect relationships — said the club was taking this position as they did not believe Mbappe would meet a previous commitment to “economically protect” the French champions over his free transfer exit. They said they were also withholding a bonus payment. People who are familiar with the situation at PSG have previously described...

Deschamps and France used Mbappe's injury to their advantage, keeping the Netherlands on their toes

Getting the best out of the Portugal forward can be a delicate balancing act, as those who've managed him explain

Brazil starlet Endrick says that he will patiently wait for opportunities if — as expected — he is not initially a starter for his country at Copa America. The 17-year-old, who will join Real Madrid after the tournament, scored for the Selecao against England and Spain in March. Despite that, he is likely to begin Monday’s Group D match against Costa Rica on the bench, with Brazil coach Dorival Junior favouring a front three of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Raphinha. “No one needs to skip steps,” said the forward, speaking to the press on Friday. “Everything will...

Didier Deschamps has plenty of alternatives if he does not risk his captain against the Dutch, though none is quite as appealing as Mbappe