The Athletic FC Podcast

Huge news from north London on Thursday as Daniel Levy was removed from his role as Tottenham Hotspur’s executive chairman after almost 25 years at the club. We discuss what that means for the future of the club. .Also, as the Premier League takes a break, Liverpool are the only perfect side, Aston Villa can’t score and Sunderland have won more games than Manchester City!We draw some hasty conclusions based on what we’ve seen so far!Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Oli Kay & Jay HarrisExecutive Producers: Adey Moorhead & Abi PatersonProducers: Jay Beale, Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Record attendances at the Euros? Check.65k in London to celebrate the Lionesses? Check.Rising attendances for the WSL? Not last season.So is women's football still growing?Plus, Nikki Doucet, chief executive of the Women’s Professional League - who took control of the WSL in 2024, joins us ahead of the start of the new season.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Charlotte Harpur, Megan Feringa and Nikki DoucetExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Premier League clubs went BIG on striker signings this summer. But how difficult is it to adapt to England’s top flight?Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha joins Ayo Akinwolere and Carl Anka to reveal what it really takes to adapt to the Premier League. From his own journey at Newcastle and Fulham to breaking down the challenges facing big-money summer signings like Sesko, Gyökeres and Isak, Louis shares unique insight into the pressures of English football and the mentality needed to succeed. Plus, Louis has his say on the current situation at Manchester United.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Louis Saha and Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This has been a transfer window for the ages.There’s been sulks, sagas and over £3billion spent by Premier League clubs. Ayo Akinwolere is joined by the transfer guru himself, David Ornstein, to wrap up the window. And then, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Tim Spiers and Jacob Whitehead debate and rank the top 10 moments.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Tim Spiers and Jacob WhiteheadExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Ornstein joins Adam Leventhal, Chris Weatherspoon and JJ Bull to run through the top deals on deadline day. Host: Adam LeventhalWith: David Ornstein, Chris Weatherspoon, JJ Bull Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The summer's major transfer saga is over. Liverpool have agreed a deadline day deal for Alexander Isak.A fee of £130m will help take Liverpool's summer spending over £400m. So, with the imminent arrival of Isak who can compete with Liverpool?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James Pearce and Adam CraftonExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool have picked up six points from their first two games, but have conceded four goals... So, should Arne Slot be concerned with how his new signings are adapting to his system as they look to defend their Premier League title?Jon Mackenzie and JJ Bull joined Ayo Akinwolere to delve deeper. You can watch the show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSK-xIEtU8k Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Liverpool vs Arsenal.Arne Slot's side are without a Premier League victory over Arsenal in six matches but the Gunners haven't won at Anfield since a 2-0 victory back in 2012, a game Mikel Arteta started in midfield.Tim Spiers and Megan Feringa join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to some of the fixtures elsewhere, as sacking season looks to be on the horizon.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Tim Spiers, Megan FeringaExecutive Producers: Adey Moorhead & Abi PatersonProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United have been knocked out the Carabao Cup by fourth-tier Grimsby Town.Three games into the season they have one point and they've spent almost £200m to get here.So can Ruben Amorim survive this latest humiliation?Plus we're joined by Grimsby owner Jason Stockwood to describe the night and achievement from their perspective.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton, Mark Critchley and Jason StockwoodExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With just days left in the transfer window, the pressure is on Premier League clubs to trim their squads.Ayo Akinwolere is joined by David Ornstein and Carl Anka to discuss Manchester United’s so-called “bomb squad,” Chelsea’s long contract headaches, and Arsenal’s attempts to balance the books. Plus, could Donnarumma be on the move to Manchester City?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a thrilling night at St James’ Park as Liverpool nicked it in the last minute thanks to teenager Rio Ngumoha. Newcastle showed spirit but it's clear their squad needs some serious work before the transfer window closes next week.Ayo Akinwolere is joined by George Caulkin and Oli Kay to chat through the key talking points from the match, and later on, David Ornstein joins to give us the latest on the situation of Alexander Isak.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: George Caulkin, Oli Kay and David OrnsteinExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nuno Espirito Santo says he won't walk away from Nottingham Forest after publicly throwing into doubt the state of his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis.After an explosive press conference, The Athletic revealed the breakdown in relationship between Nuno and Global Head of Football, Edu, is at the centre of the head coach's frustrations. So what's going on, and can it be fixed?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton and Daniel TaylorExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Week in Football, where we dig into the biggest tactical shifts, storylines, and surprises shaping the football world over the past seven days.The new season has just begun , but the Premier League has already thrown up a lot of surprises. So, which teams have changed the most tactically, and how will this shape the rest of the campaign? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by JJ Bull and Jon Mackenzie to find out.You can also watch the show here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhigFO4g6Yo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Newcastle vs Liverpool.Despite the fact he’s got about as much chance of starting up front for Newcastle on Monday as Alan Shearer, Alexander Isak’s future dominates much of the discourse around the game which marks the first meeting of these sides since the Carabao Cup final, in which Isak scored.Stu James and Megan Feringa join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to what will be a fiery affair before casting their eyes on Crystal Palace versus Nottingham Forest, traditionally a very benign fixture that is suddenly rife with rancour. Plus a look ahead to the first match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium as Everton face Brighton, strong starts for Manchester City and Spurs who meet at the Etihad, and another seemingly make or break game for Ruben Amorim at Craven Cottage.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Stu James, Megan FeringaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal have hijacked Tottenham’s move for Eberechi EzeSo how did we get here? And could Spurs have avoided this?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Adrian Clarke and Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca wants more players - and it got us thinking… are new signings always the solution? Or should coaches be more adaptable?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jack Pitt-Brooke and Jon MackenzieExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Spanish FA have approved the request for the La Liga fixture between Villarreal and Barcelona to be played in Miami. So what is the likelihood of the December fixture happening - and what does it mean for the Spanish game?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton and Matt SlaterExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At Old Trafford all the talk pre-match was about the new strikers on show, but in the end it was a set piece that made the difference, as Arsenal beat Manchester United 1-0.So is it the same old Arsenal or can they evolve under Mikel Arteta?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton and Adrian ClarkeExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Preview from The Athletic FC, where every Friday we’ll look ahead to the weekend’s Premier League action.This week it’s all about the start of the season and the big one at Old Trafford – well, it was the big one 10 years ago – it’s Manchester United vs Arsenal.Tim Spiers and Stu James join Matt Davies-Adams to discuss Amorim and Arteta’s attempts at an A star start, before casting a beady eye over the fixtures elsewhere. Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Stu James, Tim SpiersExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the last two seasons, the three promoted clubs have been relegated from the Premier League.So will Leeds, Sunderland or Burnley survive this time around?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jon Mackenzie and Nick MillerExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alexander Isak has told Newcastle he won’t play for them again — can he force a move to Liverpool? We bring you the latest.Plus, how are Spurs addressing their urgent need for players, and PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma faces an uncertain future.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Ornstein dropped the news this morning that Alexander Isak is adamant he won’t play for Newcastle again and that he has no desire to reintegrate into the squad.So what happens now? And are there any glimmers of hope for Eddie Howe’s side going into the new season?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Chris Waugh, Jacob Whitehead and Seb Stafford-BloorExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Title holders Liverpool have been the talk of the transfer window, but couldn't claim the Community Shield against Crystal Palace. So, are they ready to defend their Premier League crown?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton and Simon HughesExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Referees are integral to football. But with every decision scrutinised, why would anyone want to be a referee?The Athletic has been given insider access to the life of Premier League referees. From a gruelling pre-season training camp to matchday, join Adam Leventhal as he finds out what it takes to take command of the football pitch.We'll explain the new laws you'll see this season and the refs will explain why they should benefit the game.You'll hear from PGMO chief, Howard Webb, current Premier League refs Andy Madeley and Peter Bankes, the latest VAR recruits, and many more.Join us as we take you inside the world of referees.Host: Adam LeventhalExec Prod: Abi Paterson  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United have spent over £200m and counting. But after continuous false dawns, will they deliver this season?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Andy Mitten & Mark CritchleyExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re focusing on strikers today. In the latest twist to the transfer story of the summer - Benjamin Sesko looks to be on his way to Manchester United So what does this mean for Newcastle and their wantaway striker Alexander Isak? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and Jacob WhiteheadExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Mike Stavrou and Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

15-year-old Max Dowman has been the talk of Arsenal’s pre-season and 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha has shone for Liverpool.But can either break into the first team and when is too soon to get excited?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Stuart James and Jacob TanswellExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another chance to hear Anatomy of a Transfer, your one stop guide to how transfers happen. Join Adam Leventhal as he goes behind the scenes at training grounds, stadiums and offices to explain the anatomy of a transfer and to breakdown the complex process of what a player goes through when they move from club to club.Host: Adam LeventhalExec Prod: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villains.Today we’re heading back to July 2001, when Sol Campbell completed perhaps the most controversial move in Premier League history.More than 20 years on, why are feelings still so strong? And was Campbell vindicated in swapping Spurs for their bitter rivals Arsenal?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Amy Lawrence & Danny Kelly Executive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke & Lucy OlivaSound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Viktor Gyokeres is Arsenal’s new No.14.Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe and Cole Palmer have all switched to take the No.10 for their clubs.So, how significant is a squad number?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jack Lang, Stuart James, Pol BallusExecutive Producers: Adey Moorhead & Abi PatersonProducers: Jay Beale & Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alexander Isak has refused to go on tour with Newcastle United and wants to leave.So who could afford him and do Newcastle have any chance of keeping him?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Chris Waugh and Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villains.Today we’re heading back to July 2000 - when Luís Figo did the unthinkable and made the move from Barcelona to Real Madrid…It was a transfer that sent shockwaves through La Liga and went down in footballing folklore - but a quarter of a century later, how is it viewed now? And how pivotal was it in shaping the modern day Real Madrid?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Pol Ballús, José Antonio Espina & Andy MittenExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Lucy OlivaSound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Thomas Frank era has officially begun at Spurs and they are busy.After landing Mohammed Kudus, Morgan Gibbs-White is next on the list. But will their recruitment strategy get results?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jay Harris, Seb Stafford-BloorExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marcus Rashford is set to sign for Barcelona in a loan deal, with an option to make it permanent, leaving his boyhood club Manchester United.So, is it a deal that suits everyone? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Carl Anka and Pol BallusExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Football Architects - a summer series from our friends over at the Athletic FC Tactics podcast, telling the the unsung tales behind modern football success stories.Episode one is focused on Ajax’s rebirth and how the club was rebuilt in the image of legendary figure Johan Cruyff.On this episode, we hear from Ruben Jongkind, former head of talent development at Ajax, and the club’s former head of talent recruitment, Jasper van Leeuwen.Every episode will also have a written piece on the website, which we will link below.https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6445365/2025/07/03/football-architects-rebuilding-ajax-johan-cruyff/The first three episodes of the five-part series are available to listen to right now, check it out wherever you get your podcasts.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Jacob Whitehead and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villains.Today we’re heading back to the summer of 2006, and a saga that saw rival lines crossed from the North to West of London as Ashley Cole traded boyhood club Arsenal for rising force Chelsea.So why was the acrimonious move considered such a betrayal? And how did the deal signify a power shift in capital as the blue side of London rose to prominence?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Simon Johnson & James McNicholasExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Lucy OlivaSound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Tuesday Liverpool made an approach to sign Alexander Isak.And now they have also made a move for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, who is also being targeted by Newcastle United.So could Liverpool get both?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and James PearceExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea are the new Club World Cup champions beating Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.Gianni Infantino says the competition has marked a new era for club football.But has the Club World Cup really been a success?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton and Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villains.Today we’re heading back to July 2009 when Carlos Tevez swapped the red half of Manchester for blue. So why was the move quite so controversial - and how symbolic was it in shifting the balance of power in the hunt for Premier League dominance?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Andy Mitten & Oli KayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Lucy OlivaSound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Friday July 4th, news broke that former Arsenal midfielder, Thomas Partey had been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The allegations relate to three different women who reported the incidents which took place between 2021 and 2022.Police began investigations in February 2022 but Partey carried on playing for Arsenal until his contract expired on June 30.He denies all the allegations, and will appear in court on August 5.Arsenal say the player’s contract ended in June and they are unable to comment due to ongoing legal proceedings.We’ll discuss why it took so long to get here? Was it right that Arsenal let Partey play on? And how do fans feel about the situation?Read Sarah Shepherd's column here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marcus Rashford is one of five players Manchester United told didn’t need to report for the start of pre-season but showed up anyway.So where does his future lie - and how difficult will it be for United to move on their unwanted stars?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Mark Critchley and Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Sporting striker Viktor Gyökeres.So what could the Swede offer Mikel Arteta’s side?And is he the missing piece in the title puzzle for the Gunners?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's been two football tournaments in the United States this summer, the Club World Cup and the Gold Cup. Both with an ostensible Saudi feel, all part of grand plan to invest heavily in sport backed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.Adam Leventhal has travelled to Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas to witness this soft power at play. Hear from Saudi players and fans who celebrate the exposure afforded by these tournaments, but also, crucially, those who fear its impact. All with an eye on the future when Saudi Arabia will be hosting the 2034 Men's World Cup.Host: Adam LeventhalProducer: Jesse HowardExec Producer: Abi PatersonFeaturing footage from: DAZN, Fox News, CBS News, France 24 News, FIFA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tony Evans, James Pearce and Simon Hughes reflect on the tragically sad news Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died at the age of 28 along with his brother Andre Silva.The brothers were travelling by car in Spain when their vehicle left the carriageway and burst into flames in the early hours of Thursday morning.In this episode, we pay tribute to Diogo Jota sharing memories of the person and the player. The Athletic's Tim Spiers, who covered Wolverhampton Wanderers when Jota initially moved to England also shares his memories having interviewed him a number of times during his time at Molineux.Host: Tony EvansWith: James Pearce, Simon Hughes and Tim SpiersExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea wanted to get the majority of their transfer business done by the end of June and they have been busy! Coming up we’ll break down the signings so far and find out who else could arrive at Stamford Bridge before the window closes.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Simon JohnsonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crystal Palace are battling to keep their Europa League place, while Lyon have been relegated to French football’s second tier. John Textor and his Eagle Football Group had stakes in both clubs last season.So is his multi-club ownership model to blame? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater, Tom Williams and Matt WoosnamExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villains.Today we’re heading back to August 2012, when Arsenal captain Robin van Persie crossed a divide that had defined a Premier League era…So why was van Persie determined to swap the Emirates for Old Trafford - and did the move ultimately prove to be Sir Alex Ferguson’s final masterstroke at Manchester United?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Amy Lawrence, Oli Kay & Andy MittenExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Lucy OlivaSound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s still only June but Liverpool have already been busy in the transfer market, having signed both Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong and closing in on a deal for Milos Kerez. Today, we break down Arne Slot’s summer rebuild and ask is there even more to come?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and James PearceExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barcelona have agreed terms to sign Nico Williams - but with their ongoing financial troubles, how can they realistically afford the Athletic Bilbao winger?We also take a look at the other names on their summer wishlist, and the financial levers Barca may need to pull to make those deals happen.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Pol Ballus, Phil Hay and Conor O'NeillExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villains.Today we’re heading back to January 2011 when Chelsea broke the British transfer record to sign Liverpool’s No.9, Fernando Torres.So why was Torres’ move from Liverpool to Chelsea so controversial and was he a success at Stamford Bridge?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Simon Hughes and Dom FifieldExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Lucy OlivaSound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.