Euro Leagues

What the report says

BBC Sport Football’s Euro Leagues podcast on 26 August 2026 focused on several transfer and Bundesliga storylines. Host Maz Farookhi was joined by ESPN’s Julien Laurens and German football analyst Rafa Honigstein to assess whether Julian Alvarez could leave Atletico Madrid for Arsenal, with Barcelona apparently no longer in the picture. The discussion framed Alvarez’s situation as a developing possibility rather than a confirmed move.

The episode also revisited concerns around Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala, after the podcast described him collapsing in two recent friendlies. The panel discussed the secrecy around his condition and whether it could have longer-term implications for his career. Separately, they examined Bayern’s squad strength and asked which club might be best placed to challenge them in the domestic season ahead.

Another major segment featured Schalke head coach Miron Muslić, who discussed the club’s return to the Bundesliga. He also spoke about the signing of Bosnian striker Edin Džeko and goalkeeper Loris Karius’ improved form and career revival at Schalke. The episode included background from Muslić’s previous spell at Plymouth Argyle, offering context on how his experience there shaped him.

Overall, the podcast highlighted how transfer speculation, player health concerns and Schalke’s rebuild are shaping the European football conversation as the new season develops.