Home Podcasts The Athletic FC Podcast
The Athletic FC Podcast

The Athletic FC Podcast

The Athletic 1364 Episodes Aug 21, 2026

The Athletic's flagship football podcast, hosted by Ayo Akinwolere and featuring journalists like David Ornstein, Phil Hay, Adam Crafton, and Matt Slater. It provides in-depth coverage of the biggest stories in football, cutting through the noise to explain what's really happening and why it matters.

Episodes

Newcastle vs Liverpool + early season tactical trends
Newcastle vs Liverpool + early season tactical trends Aug 21, 2026 45:01 Welcome to a brand new offering on The Athletic FC Podcast: our Tactical Preview show.Kate Mason, Rob Green and Liam Tharme are here to run you through the biggest matches from an analytical lens.This week, we talk tactical trends we expect to take hold this season, while our primary focus is on the big battle at St James’ Park as Newcastle host Liverpool.The panel also touch on champions Arsenal
Bezos and Liverpool: Is a full sale inevitable?
Bezos and Liverpool: Is a full sale inevitable? Aug 20, 2026 37:17 FSG have sold nearly 40 per cent of Liverpool to a consortium including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, as exclusively revealed by The Athletic earlier this week.Kate Mason is joined by senior news reporter Matt Slater, former England goalkeeper Rob Green and Jack Pitt-Brooke to discuss the significance of the investment as well as Liverpool’s preparations ahead of the new season.The Athletic’s Liverpo
Transfer latest: Baleba, Konsa and big-spending Ipswich
Transfer latest: Baleba, Konsa and big-spending Ipswich Aug 19, 2026 42:17 With just two days until the new Premier League season starts, Manchester United have made their move for Carlos Baleba.Emma Paton is joined by Jay Harris, Cerys Jones and Laurie Whitwell to discuss why after long term interest in the Brighton midfielder, the club are once again exploring a deal to sign him.Plus, with the promoted sides having spent £330m between them already this summer, The Athl
Which new manager will have the biggest impact?
Which new manager will have the biggest impact? Aug 18, 2026 39:19 With nine of the 20 Premier League managers being new into their roles ahead of the new season, today we're exploring how they may fare.Emma Paton is alongside James Horncastle and Tim Spiers to analyse who may succeed and who may struggle.The Athletic's Newcastle United correspondent George Caulkin also drops by to discuss the introduction to life at St James' Park that Matthias Jaissle has exper
Does Rodri's exit make Arsenal unstoppable?
Does Rodri's exit make Arsenal unstoppable? Aug 17, 2026 41:40 With just four days to go until the new Premier League season starts, Arsenal have made a statement with their 3-0 win over Manchester City in the Community Shield, with news also emerging that City midfielder Rodri is on the verge of leaving for Barcelona.Emma Paton is back in the chair, alongside former England goalkeeper Rob Green and The Athletic's Cerys Jones to discuss the strength of Arsena
Premier League predictions: contenders, pretenders, surprises
Premier League predictions: contenders, pretenders, surprises Aug 14, 2026 44:52 With the Premier League just around the corner, it’s time for our predictions for the 2026/2027 season.Adam Leventhal is joined in the studio by The Athletic’s Art de Roche and Jay Harris to get into the runners and riders for the title, relegation and more.Will Arsenal defend their crown, who will challenge them? And can the promoted sides stay up?With so many new managers coming into the league,
Mourinho and Madrid Mark II: Magic or madness?
Mourinho and Madrid Mark II: Magic or madness? Aug 12, 2026 35:46 After 13 years away, Jose Mourinho is heading back to Real Madrid but after two trophyless seasons can he return them to winning ways?Adam Leventhal is joined by Tim Spiers and Thom Harris to analyse why Madrid have turned back to Mourinho as well as the make-up of the squad he has inherited.The Athletic's Guillermo Rai also joins to explain the view from Madrid on his return as well as their work
Premier League transfer window winners and losers
Premier League transfer window winners and losers Aug 11, 2026 46:55 As the new Premier League season approaches, we've been taking a look at which sides have impressed with their summer transfer business, and those left with work to do.Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Jay Harris as well as our ranking expert Tim Spiers to look through the eye-catching summer business to date.The market continues to be dominated by midfield
Why have Chelsea changed their transfer strategy?
Why have Chelsea changed their transfer strategy? Aug 6, 2026 38:16 Adam Leventhal is joined by Tim Spiers, Liam Tharme and Simon Johnson to discuss why after years of signing young talent, Chelsea have recruited two veterans in Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson.The panel break down BlueCo's change in philosophy and whether new boss Xabi Alonso might've influenced the decision. Plus, Mykhailo Mudryk returns to action following 20 months on the sidelines, and
Ornstein transfer latest: Bruno, Vini Jr & Salah
Ornstein transfer latest: Bruno, Vini Jr & Salah Aug 5, 2026 37:40 David Ornstein is back with the latest from a busy transfer market, as champions Arsenal look to reinforce their squad with a couple of Brazilian superstars: Bruno Guimaraes and Vinicius Jr.Adam Leventhal is joined in the studio by The Athletic’s Jay Harris and Art de Roche to break down how transformational those two signings would be for Mikel Arteta’s side.Plus there’s the latest on moves for R
Is Infantino's exit now inevitable?
Is Infantino's exit now inevitable? Aug 3, 2026 50:21 Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic’s Matt Slater, Adam Crafton, and James Horncastle to unpack a week that shook global football. The panel dissects how Gianni Infantino’s multi-billion-dollar plans to sell off stakes in FIFA tournaments fell apart, the scale of pushback, and whether this historic U-turn leaves Infantino’s presidency in serious jeopardy.Plus, UEFA Vice-President Laura McAlli
How can MLS become an elite league?
How can MLS become an elite league? Jul 21, 2026 37:50 As the World Cup packs up and leaves New York, we have one final show from the Big Apple as Paul Tenorio joins Adam Leventhal to look at the opportunity the popularity of this summer’s World Cup offers MLS.We bring you insight from MLS Commissioner Don Garber on the league’s mission statement as they declare: “we’ll take it from here”. NYCFC CEO Brad Sims and multiple MLS Cup winning executive Gar

Recommended