Rodri, Barcola and Chelsea's 38th Player: Meanwhile Shkendija Plays Tonight for Macedonia's Last Hope in Europe

Real Madrid knocked on City's door: Rodri is Pérez's new obsession

It was whispered for months, now it's official - Real Madrid has opened talks with Manchester City over Rodri. President Florentino Pérez personally approved the move, and Madrid are ready to offer over 50 million euros. City have not the slightest reason to sell the best defensive midfielder in the world, a man who was the spine of the team under Guardiola and who at the 2026 World Cup helped Spain lift the trophy for the first time since 2010. Fifty million for a player like that sounds almost like an insult. Madrid know how to wait, but City know what he's worth - and they won't sell cheap.

Liverpool has a „yes” from Barcola, but not 145 million pounds

Bradley Barcola has verbally agreed to move to Liverpool, but the player's word is the cheapest part of a transfer. PSG want 145 million pounds, citing the fees for Elliot Anderson and Morgan Rogers this summer as a reference. The Frenchman has 152 appearances, 39 goals and 37 assists for the Paris club and was part of the side that won the Champions League. The problem is that Liverpool spent a record 446 million pounds on seven players last summer, finished fifth in the Premier League, went out in the quarter-finals and sacked Arne Slot. When that much money bought nothing, why would the next 145 million be different? Andoni Iraola starts with his hands tied.

Shkendija remain Macedonia's last hope in Europe

Tonight at 20:00 in Skopje, Shkendija host Slovenia's Bravo in the second qualifying round return leg of the Conference League. The Tetovo side trail 1-2 from the first leg and have to fix what was missing in Slovenia. „In Slovenia we had a good match, but we lacked a better finish. We have to be more clinical because this is a knockout match,” said coach Artim Polozhani. After Vardar's exit, Shkendija are the only Macedonian club still fighting for a place in Europe. Entry is free - the club has called on fans to fill the stand. One evening's 90 minutes decides whether Macedonian club football exists on the European map at all this autumn.

Serafimov has secured a European autumn - but not with a Macedonian club

While Shkendija fight for survival in Europe, Macedonian international Nikola Serafimov already has a European autumn guaranteed - with Levski Sofia. The Bulgarian champions drew 2-2 with Universitatea Craiova and went through thanks to a 1-0 from the first leg. Levski led 2-0, then allowed a comeback, but the result was enough. Serafimov started, played one half and picked up a yellow card. By reaching the third qualifying round, Levski are guaranteed a place in some European competition even if they lose from here. That a Macedonian is watching the European autumn in a Bulgarian shirt rather than a Macedonian one - that is a story about the state of our league, not about his choice.

Chelsea have gathered 38 footballers and are still buying: Welbeck is next

Chelsea are close to signing Danny Welbeck from Brighton - the 38th player in the senior squad. The 35-year-old English forward has agreed personal terms and the transfer could close this week. Last season Welbeck scored 13 goals with one assist in 37 matches in the Premier League and has missed only six games through injury in the past two years. He will be cover for João Pedro, and his arrival puts the futures of Emanuel Emega and Liam Delap in question. Chelsea are simultaneously close to Jordan Henderson as a free agent. When you have 38 players and keep collecting, that is no longer squad building - that is warehousing.