A major South American club is reportedly willing to compete with Santos for Neymar.

Neymar finished the 2025 season delivering when Santos needed him most. A hat trick in a decisive match against Cruzeiro proved crucial in helping the club avoid relegation and remain in Brazil’s top division. Now, the forward must decide his future, with a South American giant reportedly interested in signing him.

“Santos want to renew Neymar’s contract for another season, and negotiations are fairly advanced,” transfer specialist Matteo Moretto reported on Wednesday in Marca. “There is still no concrete date for the parties to meet and finalize the deal 100 percent, but the feeling is that there is a verbal agreement in place to build on together.”

That report aligns with recent comments from Marcelo Teixeira, who last week delivered a strong message regarding the club’s intentions. “Renewing Neymar’s contract is a priority for Santos right now,” said the president of the Brazilian club.

“However, it is only fair to point out that there are other clubs trying to get between Santos and Neymar right now, such as Flamengo,” Moretto added. “Several players on Flamengo’s roster are pushing for Neymar to sign with the club.”

Flamengo could pose a threat to Santos

While Neymar has a deep connection to Santos, dating back to his childhood and playing a key role in making his return to the club possible this year, the emergence of a competitor like Flamengo in the race for the forward could change everything.

At the moment, Flamengo are the strongest team in Brazil. They won the Serie A with a three-point advantage over Palmeiras, whom they also defeated in the Copa Libertadores final to become continental champions and qualify for the Intercontinental Cup. That run allowed them to face Paris Saint-Germain in the final, where they lost on penalties after a 1–1 draw.

Flamengo currently have far greater financial power than Santos, and that is reflected in their future ambitions as well. In 2026, they will compete once again in the Copa Libertadores as clear title favorites, while Santos will take part in South America’s secondary continental competition, the Copa Sudamericana.

Flamengo’s plan to lure Neymar

It has long been known that one of Neymar’s main priorities is to recover physically and competitively in order to rejoin the Brazil national team and play in his fourth World Cup at North America 2026. To achieve that, he needs stability and to prove he can compete consistently at the highest level.

Flamengo are reportedly factoring that into their strategy to attract Neymar. Moretto notes in Marca that some of Flamengo’s stars are pushing for the forward’s signing “with the idea of helping him get the best out of himself so he can arrive at the World Cup in the best possible condition.”

It is also worth noting that Flamengo currently have several players who have been teammates of Neymar in the past. Danilo, Alex Sandro, Everton, and Pedro all played alongside him for the Brazil national team, as has head coach Filipe Luis.

While AC Milan have managed to remain among the most dominant teams in Serie A, they continue to struggle offensively. As a result, the Rossoneri are close to deciding on a partner for Christian Pulisic in attack for January 2026.

Christian Pulisic has established himself as AC Milan’s leader, standing out as both a scorer and a creator. Despite his efforts, the team continues to face serious offensive issues, struggling to convert their chances, which ultimately led them to lose the top spot in Serie A. To boost the USMNT star, the Rossoneri are already moving toward completing the signing of a surprise striker in January 2026.

Throughout the 2025–26 season, AC Milan have attempted to find strikers to reinforce their attack, with Joshua Zirkzee and Robert Lewandowski identified as their main targets. However, the Rossoneri have decided to pursue the signing of Niclas Füllkrug from West Ham, who would arrive on loan in January 2026 until the end of the season, as per Florian Plettenberg. Notwithstanding, the English side is pushing for the deal to include a mandatory purchase clause.

While Niclas Füllkrug is already a 32-year-old veteran, he would fit ideally into Massimiliano Allegri’s system. Unlike Santiago Giménez or Christopher Nkunku, the German is a traditional penalty-area striker, capable of pinning center backs and battling in the air. With the mobility of the USMNT star and Rafael Leão around him, his arrival would be ideal, offering a tactical alternative that the coach currently lacks and creating space for his teammates.

Zirkzee may have been a more eye-catching option due to his youth and potential, but he presents a fairly similar profile to Giménez or Nkunku. Rather than being a striker who can impose himself physically and occupy defenders, he is a mobile forward who thrives alongside a reference No. 9 and does not stand out as a pure goal scorer. Moreover, his arrival could be far more complex due to Bryan Mbeumo’s departure from Manchester United for the AFCON.

Füllkrug’s arrival would open a spot for a rising AC Milan striker

Being a seasoned veteran, Niclas Füllkrug would serve as a short-term solution for AC Milan, a decision that has drawn criticism from some fans. However, the potential arrival of the 32-year-old star would be ideal, as it would not hinder the progression of one of the team’s most promising players—something that bringing in Joshua Zirkzee, who is only 24 years old, might risk.

Having come through AC Milan’s youth academy, Francesco Camarda is one of the club’s most promising talents in Italy. At just 17 years old, he decided to go on loan to Lecce in Serie A, where he has impressed enough to catch Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s attention. While he could potentially leave the club due to a €3 million clause, the Rossoneri retain a €4 million buy-back option.

Although Camarda has yet to establish himself as a prolific scorer at Lecce, his development positions him as one of the team’s brightest prospects, viewed as the future leader of the attack alongside Christian Pulisic. In this context, the potential arrival of veteran Niclas Füllkrug would support his growth, providing a smoother adaptation to the team. This makes signing another young striker less of a priority, allowing AC Milan to focus on strengthening the defense.

Prior to the beginning of the Lionel Messi era, a Spain World Cup champion revealed that he rejected David Beckham's offer to join Inter Miami.

Lionel Messi has become the face of Inter Miami since his arrival in 2023—and, by extension, one of the most visible figures in MLS. Before that transformation, however, the public face of the club’s ambition was co-owner David Beckham. Years before Messi’s move, Beckham made a push to land a Spain World Cup champion, only to see his offer turned down.

Inter Miami has long been an ambitious project for Beckham, who has used his influence to elevate the club’s profile, including hiring familiar figures such as Phil Neville as head coach. That ambition also extended overseas, where Beckham explored the possibility of bringing Manchester City legend David Silva to South Florida as a marquee signing.

Speaking on the El Camino de Mario podcast, Silva revealed that Beckham personally approached him in 2020: “I was the first to receive offers from Inter Miami. I met with Beckham in Manchester, but I told him I still wanted to compete in Europe.“

At the time, the 34-year-old midfielder was preparing to leave Manchester City as a free agent, presenting Inter Miami with a prime opportunity to add another global star. Silva ultimately declined several proposals, choosing instead to prioritize his personal life and competitive ambitions. “Later, I had many other offers—Japan, Qatar—but then I prioritized my personal life and felt very ready to keep competing,” Silva added.

Silva returned to Spain in August 2020, joining Real Sociedad, where he played three more seasons. He retired in 2023 following an ACL injury, closing a distinguished career that included major honors in both Spain and England. Still, his path might have looked very different had he accepted Beckham’s pitch.

Beckham and a missed opportunity with Silva

In 2020, Inter Miami were far removed from their current status as one of MLS’s most recognizable clubs. Gonzalo Higuaín quickly emerged as the team’s leading scorer, but the Herons struggled to establish themselves as consistent playoff contenders.

Beckham has continued to pursue star signings throughout the club’s history, leveraging his relationships within the global soccer community. Silva’s near-arrival stands as a notable “what if,” potentially adding another Spain World Cup winner to MLS, much like David Villa’s impactful tenure with New York City FC.

Sunderland defender Jensen Seelt is currently on loan at German club VFL Wolfsburg.

The 22-year-old joined the club last summer, and he has done quite well for them. According to a report via Sky Germany, it appears that the defender has impressed the German club with his performances, and they are hoping to sign him permanently.

Wolfsburg do not have an option to sign the player permanently at the end of the season, and they have entered into talks with Sunderland to get the deal done. It will be interesting to see if the Black Cats are willing to sanction his departure.

The 22-year-old does not have a future with the Premier League outfit, and it would make sense for Sunderland to cash in on him during the January transfer window so that they can invest the funds to improve the squad.

Seelt will be hoping for regular opportunities as well, and staying at the German club would be ideal for him. He is a young player with a bright future, and he is already an important player for Wolfsburg. Regular football with them will only help him improve further and fulfil his potential.

The player has a contract with Sunderland until 2028, and they will want to recoup a respectable amount of money for the player. It remains to be seen whether the two clubs can work out an agreement.

Sunderland have done quite well since promotion to the Premier League, and they are pushing for a place in the top half this season. They need to improve the squad in January, and selling some of their unwanted players could bring in the necessary funds. It remains to be seen how the situation develops over the next few weeks.

The post Report: Club in talks to sign 22-year-old ace from Sunderland appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing the Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. 

The 33-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Spanish club. He has fallen down the pecking order, and he needs to move on in search of regular playing time. According to a report from TeamTalk, Tottenham would be prepared to provide him with an exit route.

Gugliemo Vicario has been quite inconsistent in shining the club. Although he is a quality goalkeeper, he struggles when it comes to dealing with aerial balls. Tottenham need a more reliable goalkeeper, and signing the German International could be ideal. He has a wealth of experience, and he has proven himself for club and country for a number of years.

The player has managed to win the La Liga title six times, and his winning experience could prove to be invaluable. Apart from his quality, his leadership could prove to be very useful for the club as well. He is likely to be available for a nominal price in January, and it will be interesting to see if Tottenham can get the deal done.

They will be hoping to build a team capable of fighting for major trophies, and they need leaders on the side. The German goalkeeper could be very useful on and off the pitch. The opportunity to move to the Premier League could be exciting for Ter Stegen as well.

This could be his final opportunity to compete at the highest level, and he will relish the chance to showcase his qualities in the Premier League. If he manages to adapt to English football, he could be a very useful asset for Tottenham in the short term.

The post Report: Tottenham want six-time La Liga winner to replace inconsistent starter appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea are interested in improving the defensive unit with the signing of Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan.

A report from FCInterNews claims Enzo Maresca is an admirer of the defender, and he wants to bring the player to England. It will be interesting to see if they can get the deal done. Meanwhile, they will face competition from London rivals Tottenham as well. Fabio Paratici is a fan of the Italian defender, and he would love to bring him to Tottenham.

Chelsea have looked quite vulnerable defensively this season, and they need quality central defenders. Signing the Italian would be ideal for them. He is a quality player who has proven himself in Italy and in the Champions League. He could make an immediate impact in the Premier League as well.

As far as Tottenham are concerned, they could certainly use more quality in the side. The Italian can help them improve, and his ability to operate in a back four as well as a back three would give them some much-needed tactical flexibility as well.

It remains to be seen which of the two clubs can get the deal done.

Bastoni is at the peak of his powers, and he could be attracted to the idea of taking on a new challenge. The move to Chelsea or Tottenham could be exciting for him. He can compete at the highest level, and he will look to fight for major trophies with the London clubs.

Meanwhile, Inter Milan values him highly, and they will not want to lose the player easily. He is an important player for them, and they will be hoping to fight for major trophies. They need to keep players like him at the club.

Chelsea or Tottenham might have to come forward with a lucrative proposal to get the deal done.

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Real Madrid are reportedly preparing a bid to sign one of Tottenham’s emerging stars.

Yang Min-hyeok, who signed for the Premier League side in the summer of 2024, has yet to make a competitive appearance for Tottenham, having spent his time on loan to gain experience.

Despite this, the European champions have seemingly seen enough potential to launch an early swoop for the teenager.

Real Madrid are monitoring Yang Min-hyeok

According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Real Madrid have been closely tracking Yang’s progress and are formulating a strategy to convince Tottenham to sell.

The report suggests that Los Blancos view the transfer as a low-risk, high-reward investment for the future.

The La Liga giants are reportedly willing to offer an initial fee of approximately £4.4m (€5m), with a further £1.8m (€2m) available in performance-related add-ons.

The proposed roadmap for the ‘very impressive‘ Tottenham starlet involves an initial stint with Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve team, to help him adapt to Spanish football and the club’s philosophy.

Real Madrid scouts believe his technical profile fits their long-term vision, and the plan would see him progress into the first-team set-up once he has adapted to life in Madrid.

Transfers between Real Madrid and Tottenham in the past

If Real Madrid sign the youngster, Yang would join a prestigious list of players who have swapped North London for the Spanish capital.

The relationship between the two clubs has been defined by blockbuster transfers that shaped Real Madrid’s modern history.

In 2012, Luka Modrić joined from Tottenham and went on to become a Ballon d’Or winner and one of the club’s greatest midfielders.

A year later, Spurs sanctioned the sale of Gareth Bale for a then-world-record fee, with the Welshman delivering iconic goals and decisive moments in multiple Champions League triumphs.

 

 

The post Real Madrid plot surprise move for ‘very impressive’ Tottenham attacker – report appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham Hotspur are pushing to sign the highly talented attacker Jeremy Monga, and it remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done.

Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Newcastle United are all interested in securing his signature. Meanwhile, foreign clubs like Real Madrid, PSG, Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund have also held talks with the player’s representatives regarding a potential move, as per TEAMtalk.

Jeremy Monga is a top talent

The 16-year-old is already a first-team player for Leicester City, but he has not signed a professional contract with them yet. He will turn 17 in July, and he will be able to sign a professional contract with the championship outfit then. It will be interesting to see if he’s ready to commit his long-term future to the club. If he decides to move on, clearly, there is no shortage of clubs looking to sign him. He is a promising young player with a bright future, and any club would be happy to provide him with a platform.

Tottenham have done well to improve their squad in recent windows, and they are looking to build for the future. They need more quality on the flanks, and the 16-year-old could develop into a useful player for them with the right guidance. The opportunity to join a Premier League club will be exciting for the player.

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Dec 17 2025, 22:30

Report: Tottenham want six-time La Liga winner to replace inconsistent starter

Dec 17 2025, 22:15

Maresca wants to sign 26-year-old star Paratici has earmarked for Tottenham move

Dec 17 2025, 22:05

Where will Monga end up?

Meanwhile, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have done well to invest in young players as well. They have an impressive record when it comes to grooming young players. They could help Monga fulfil his tremendous potential in future. It will be interesting to see what the young attacker decides over the next few months.

He should look to join a club where he will get a clear pathway to the first team and a prominent role in the squad. Sitting on the bench at a big club would be detrimental to his growth.

The post Tottenham pushing to sign Liverpool & Chelsea attacking target from English club appeared first on CaughtOffside.

With their victory over Flamengo in the Intercontinental Cup final, Paris Saint-Germain secured the sixth title of their calendar year.

This Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain defeated Flamengo on penalties thanks to an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Matvey Safonov after the match finished 1–1 in regulation, capturing the Intercontinental Cup. It marked the sixth trophy of the year for the French club, a feat rarely seen in the history of soccer.

Over the course of the year, PSG swept every domestic trophy available: the 2024–25 Coupe de France, the 2024–25 Ligue 1 title, and the 2025 Trophee des Champions. On the continental stage, they lifted the UEFA Champions League, which earned them a place in the UEFA Super Cup—where they defeated Europa League champions Tottenham—and ultimately the Intercontinental Cup.

An achievement of this magnitude has only been accomplished twice before in soccer history. The first came in 2009, when Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona dominated Spain and Europe by winning every competition they entered. Later that year, they also captured the FIFA Club World Cup, which at the time was held annually and is considered the predecessor of the current Intercontinental Cup.

The same path was followed by Bayern Munich in 2020. The German side won all three domestic trophies and added the two major European titles, earning qualification for the Club World Cup. That tournament, however, was played in early 2021 due to calendar adjustments caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

PSG came close to a septuple

The sextuple refers to a club winning the six trophies it competes for during a single calendar year. Some of those titles—such as the Super Cup or the Intercontinental Cup—require winning another competition beforehand in order to qualify, which adds an extra layer of difficulty.

However, the organization of competitions in each country, as well as the calendar year itself, means the total number of tournaments a club plays can vary. For example, while teams in Spain compete in La Liga and the Copa del Rey, clubs in England play in the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the EFL Cup (also known as the Carabao Cup), giving them the opportunity to add an extra trophy.

In addition, beginning in 2025, the FIFA Club World Cup was introduced in an expanded 32-team format. As a tournament held every four years, it will exceptionally allow certain clubs to increase the total number of titles they can win in a single calendar year.

Paris Saint-Germain had that opportunity this summer in the United States and came very close to lifting that trophy as well. Luis Enrique’s team advanced convincingly all the way to the final, but there they were defeated 3–0 by Chelsea, ending their chance to become the first club ever to achieve a septuple.

Luis Enrique knows what it takes to win multiple titles

A large part of Paris Saint-Germain’s success this year can be attributed to the influence of Luis Enrique. The coach led the French club to break its historic European drought and continues to guide the team toward titles it had never won before.

While Luis Enrique had never achieved a sextuple in his coaching career, he already had significant experience winning multiple trophies in a single season. During his time in charge of Barcelona, he captured a quintuple by winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Only a defeat to Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup prevented him from completing the sextuple at that time.

After saving four penalties in a row, Matvey Safonov turned into the unexpected hero for PSG to lift the 2025 Intercontinental Cup against Flamengo.

Paris Saint-Germain captured the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup by defeating Flamengo in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw through regulation and extra time. In the decisive shootout, backup goalkeeper Matvey Safonov emerged as the hero for the Parisian side, saving four consecutive penalties to secure the trophy.

In a heated contest, PSG opened the scoring when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia capitalized on a rebound off goalkeeper Agustín Rossi to score in the 38th minute. Flamengo responded after a foul in the box on Giorgian de Arrascaeta, with former Chelsea midfielder Jorginho calmly converting the equalizer from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute.

With neither team able to find a winner, the match went to extra time and was ultimately decided by penalties. Nicolás De la Cruz converted Flamengo’s first attempt, while Vitinha answered for PSG. That set the stage for Safonov, the understudy to Lucas Chevalier, to become the unexpected star of the night.

Saúl Ñíguez stepped up next but saw his effort denied by Safonov. Ousmane Dembélé then missed for PSG, briefly keeping Flamengo alive, but the Russian goalkeeper rose again to stop Pedro’s attempt and swing momentum back in PSG’s favor.

After Nuno Mendes put PSG ahead 2-1, Léo Pereira tried to beat Safonov by shooting down the middle, but the keeper stood his ground for another save. Bradley Barcola then missed after a strong stop by Rossi, giving Flamengo hope, but when Luiz Araújo took the fifth penalty, Safonov sealed a historic performance with his fourth straight save, crowning PSG Intercontinental Cup champions for the first time in the team’s history.

Safanov’s historic display

With Safonov featuring in just three of PSG’s first 23 matches of the 2025-26 season, expectations were modest for the Russian goalkeeper heading into the final. Instead, he delivered a performance for the ages, emerging as the decisive figure in PSG’s triumph. His heroics not only secured the Intercontinental Cup but also helped the club complete a historic sextuple.

By stopping four penalties, Matvey Safonov joined an elite group of goalkeepers to achieve such a feat in a single shootout. The overall record for most penalties saved in one match belongs to Daniel Batz, though one of those saves came during regulation. Helmuth Duckadam, Uwe Kamps, Leandro Brey, and now Safonov share a unique place in soccer history as the only goalkeepers to record four saves in a penalty shootout.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic spoke about who could become the successor to Lionel Messi, and it is not Lamine Yamal.

Next summer, Lionel Messi will turn 39. Time is relentless, and while he continues to perform at an elite level, it is clear that the end of his career is drawing closer. While many point to Lamine Yamal as the potential heir to the Argentine forward, Zlatan Ibrahimovic offered an unexpected alternative.

“If you want to see a miniature version of Messi, you have to watch Ciro Messi,” Ibrahimovic said, according to Sport. The Swedish legend was referring to the youngest of Leo’s three sons, born in early 2018 and set to turn eight in the coming months.

Zlatan was in Florida attending a U-8 tournament in which a youth team from Inter Miami participated, with Ciro among its players. Wearing the iconic No. 10 jersey made famous by his father, the youngster was the standout performer of the competition and finished as the tournament’s top scorer.

“I’m happy to give him this award,” Ibrahimovic said. And as if the praise were not enough, the former AC Milan and LA Galaxy striker added an optimistic prediction about Ciro: “This kid will go far in the future.”

🚨🗣️ Zlatan ibrahimovic :

"If you want to see a miniature version of Messi, you have to watch Ciro Messi. I'm happy to give him this award (Top Scorer) this kid will go far in the future." ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/JfPmtIm1kq

— MessiXtra  (@MessiXtraHQ) December 16, 2025

Ibrahimovic knows Messi well

The comments about Ciro carry particular weight given who they come from. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not only one of the great forwards of the 21st century, but also someone who knows Lionel Messi extremely well after playing alongside him at Barcelona.

They were teammates during the 2009–10 season with the Spanish club, when Pep Guardiola was the head coach. Although their time together was brief, they formed an effective attacking partnership that allowed both to shine: Messi scored 47 goals that season, while Zlatan added 21. Together, they won five trophies, including La Liga and the FIFA Club World Cup.

The pressure of being Messi’s successor

Since Lionel Messi became a global soccer icon, every young player with similar traits has been quickly labeled as the potential successor to the Argentine star. That even happened during Messi’s early years at Barcelona, when Bojan Krkic began making his first-team appearances alongside him. Years later, Ansu Fati was given the same label. In both cases, time proved the comparisons to be exaggerated, as neither player reached a level comparable to Messi’s.

The latest name added to that list is Lamine Yamal. Unlike those before him, the Barcelona winger has established himself at both club and international level despite being just 18 years old, already becoming a key player for the Spain national team and finishing second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting. Even so, Yamal still has a long road ahead, and it remains to be seen how he handles the pressure of being, for many, “the new Messi.”

Dusan Vlahovic is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but his future away from the pitch continues to attract significant attention across Europe.

Reports from CalcioMercato today suggest that major European clubs are circling as the player’s contract with Juventus ticks away.

The Juventus striker is currently injured following surgery on a serious thigh muscle problem suffered against Cagliari, an issue that has extended his recovery timeline and is expected to keep him out of action for around three months.

While the injury has halted his momentum on the field, it has done little to cool speculation surrounding his contractual situation.

Vlahovic contract concern for Juventus as Barcelona & Bayern circle

Vlahovic’s deal with Juventus runs until June 30, 2026, a deadline that places the Serbian international firmly among the most high-profile players who could potentially approach the final year of his contract without renewal.

That scenario continues to be closely monitored by several European giants. Barcelona and Bayern Munich are both understood to remain attentive to developments, aware that Vlahovic’s situation could evolve into a major market opportunity if talks over an extension fail to progress.

Milan are also said to be monitoring the Serbian.

Juventus are yet to reach a breakthrough over a new deal, and the striker’s prolonged absence only adds another layer of uncertainty. The Bianconeri will first focus on Vlahovic’s recovery, but his long-term future is increasingly shaping up as a key issue heading into the coming transfer windows.

With time on his contract ticking down and elite clubs watching closely, Vlahovic’s next steps, once he returns to fitness, could prove decisive for both player and club.

Not only Joshua Zirkzee – as revealed more than a month ago, Roma’s radar continues to include other attacking profiles, and the club are working hard on Giacomo Raspadori, who is set to leave Atlético Madrid.

We have already explained that Raspadori is also liked by Lazio, who are currently at a standstill on the market.

Gian Piero Gasperini appreciates Raspadori, wanted him previously in Bergamo and considers him, as outlined yesterday, a second striker.

Roma make contact with Raspadori to reinforce attack

Roma are maintaining direct contacts with the player’s entourage, and a double move cannot be ruled out, especially given the broader attacking picture.

Leon Bailey is not guaranteed to stay, while Tommaso Baldanzi could also leave, with interest from Verona and others. There is also the situation of Stephan El Shaarawy, whose contract is nearing its expiry.

The directive from ownership is clear: meet Gasperini’s requests following his excellent initial impact with the Giallorossi. Major manoeuvres are underway.

Inter are reportedly considering a move for Roma wing-back Wesley as they continue to plan for life without Denzel Dumfries, whose injury has forced the club to assess alternatives on the right flank.

After missing out on Manu Koné in the summer, Inter are now said to be looking again at Roma’s squad, with L’Interista, via TuttoMercatoWeb, reporting strong interest in the Brazilian international, born in 2002.

Wesley is a regular starter for Roma under Gian Piero Gasperini and is viewed at Viale della Liberazione as a player capable of stepping into Dumfries’ role without a significant drop in quality.

The profile fits Inter’s ownership strategy: Wesley is young, already experienced at a high level, and earns around €2m per season. However, Roma are expected to demand a significant fee, with talks unlikely to begin below €30-35m.

Inter need grows as Dumfries undergoes surgery

The Nerazzurri could look to include Davide Frattesi as a bargaining chip, a player who remains highly appreciated by the Giallorossi, potentially helping to lower the overall cost of any deal.

The need for a credible alternative has grown after Dumfries underwent ankle surgery on Tuesday at the Fortius Clinic in London. The Dutch international’s rehabilitation timeline has yet to be defined, with further updates expected in the coming weeks.

Dumfries confirmed the success of the operation himself, explaining that it had been “a tough month full of emotions” but adding that “the surgery went well and the worst is now behind me. I’m focused on recovery and will do everything I can to return to the pitch as soon as possible.”

Paolo Vanoli urged Fiorentina to focus on the present as they prepare for Thursday night’s Conference League clash away to Lausanne, while acknowledging the growing pressure surrounding results and supporter unrest.

Speaking at the Stade de la Tuilière, with quotes via FirenzeViola, the Viola coach dismissed the idea that he is wedded to a single tactical system, despite sticking with his current set-up in recent weeks. “I keep repeating myself, I’m not an ideologue and everything is possible,” Vanoli said, leaving the door open to changes if required.

With a Serie A meeting against Udinese looming, Vanoli insisted the European fixture must still take priority. “I look at things one match at a time. Tomorrow’s game is the most important,” he explained, before admitting that “it’s normal to have one eye on the league.”

Vanoli was also asked about the wider context of the season and his own position. “I don’t think about my future. I think about what’s best for Fiorentina and we’re giving everything for that. My future has to remain in the background,” he said. Reflecting on the recent draw with Hellas Verona, he added: “We created five chances. We have to focus on those things, but we must be more clinical and avoid conceding goals.”

Fiorentina coach Vanoli keen not to underestimate Lausanne

Assessing Lausanne, Vanoli warned against underestimating the Swiss side. “They’re having some difficulties, but they play an interesting diamond and have quality players, even if one is away at the Africa Cup of Nations,” he noted. “It’s a difficult match, on a synthetic pitch that’s different from ours. They’ve done better in the Conference League too, it’s a delicate game.”

On fan dissatisfaction, Vanoli was frank. “What we’re doing isn’t enough. We have to do more for our people,” he said, while urging positivity: “We need a result that gives us belief and confidence.”

Asked directly whether the group remains united amid rumours, Vanoli replied simply: “Yes.”

Goalkeeper selection remains open. “Martinelli has great potential, but we also have a keeper who has done important things in his career and must help us out of this situation. Either of them could play tomorrow,” he confirmed.

Finally, Vanoli provided updates on injuries. “Gosens hasn’t had a relapse, just discomfort above the calf. We’re assessing him day by day, as we are Fazzini with his ankle problem,” he concluded.

Manchester United are reportedly favourites to sign the RC Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare. 

The 23-year-old has done quite well in France, and he has attracted the attention of Chelsea and Tottenham as well. As per TEAMtalk, the player is excited about the possibility of playing for the Red Devils. It will be interesting to see if Chelsea or Tottenham try to change his mind with a lucrative offer.

Man United need Mamadou Sangare

It is no secret that Manchester United need more quality in the middle of the park. They need someone who will add defensive cover and physicality to the side. The 23-year-old would be ideal. He is excellent when it comes to winning the ball back, and he will add a drive to the side as well.

Manchester United need upgrades on Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte. Both players have been underwhelming, and Manchester United cannot hope to fight for major trophies with them. Signing a couple of quality midfielders should be a priority for them. The 23-year-old certainly has the physicality and technical attributes for the Premier League, and he could be an asset for Manchester United.

He is likely to get regular opportunities at Old Trafford as well.

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Chelsea and Spurs keen on Sangare

On the other hand, Chelsea already have quality midfielders, and they might not be able to guarantee him first-team football every week. It is no surprise that Sangare is excited about joining Manchester United.

Meanwhile, Tottenham need more quality in the middle of the park as well. They need defensive steel and physicality. The Ligue 1 star certainly fits the profile, and it will be interesting to see if Spurs can convince him to join.

Moving to the Premier League would be ideal for the young midfielder. It would be a huge step up for him, and it could help him improve as a player.

The post Man United favourites to land 23-year-old Chelsea target, Player excited to join Red Devils appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool have had a disappointing season by their standards so far.

They were expected to challenge for the league title once again, but they are currently fighting for a place in the UEFA Champions League next season. They spent a lot of money during the summer transfer window, but the season has not gone according to plan so far.

They have failed to get the best out of their new signings, and some of their players are struggling as well.

Liverpool urged to improve

According to former Liverpool player Paul Ince, Liverpool will need to improve three key areas if they want to bounce back strongly. Ince believes that Liverpool need to sign a central defender and a right back. Ibrahima Konate has not been at his best, and he will be out of contract at the end of the season.

Liverpool need to replace him. They need a reliable defender alongside Virgil van Dijk. It will be interesting to see if they can sign a quality player next month. They have been heavily linked with the Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi.

Meanwhile, it is no secret that they need a quality right back as well. They have not been able to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold properly. Summer signing Jeremie Frimpong has struggled with injury problems.

Finally, Ince believes that Liverpool will need a quality wide player as well. They have not been able to fill the void left by Luis Diaz. They have used makeshift players on the flanks at times, and they need a specialist winger.

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Dec 17 2025, 22:30

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Dec 17 2025, 22:05

Paul Ince on Liverpool signings

“Liverpool definitely need a centre-back and a right-back,” Ince said (h/t TEAMtalk).

“While Conor Bradley has played there [at right-back] and Dominik Szoboszlai has covered there a few times, he’s not a full-back. I like Bradley, and he’s going to be a very good player, but he’s still learning his trade.

“Liverpool could also strengthen on the flanks – losing both Luis Diaz and Trent Alexander-Arnold in the summer was massive. Hopefully they can keep [Mohamed] Salah and Cody Gakpo, but playing Hugo Ekitike on the left-hand side isn’t a solution; he’s not a winger!”

It will be interesting to see if they can bring in the right additions in the coming months.

The post Former star pinpoints three signings Liverpool need to make urgently to bounce back appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Former Manchester United star Paul Ince believes that the Red Devils will need to improve multiple areas of their squad if they want to compete with elite clubs.

He has claimed that Manchester United will need to invest in a couple of quality central midfielders and a couple of quality wing-backs. Ruben Amorim prefers a system with wing-backs, but he does not have specialist players for those roles.

It will be interesting to see if they can bring in the necessary signings over the next few windows. Manchester United have shown progress this season, but they are not quite at the level required to fight for major trophies.

Meanwhile, Ince has also claimed that they might need another striker. Joshua Zirkzee needs to be sold, and Benjamin Sesko has been unreliable so far.

Paul Ince on Man United transfers

Ince said (h/t TEAMtalk): “For Manchester United, where do I start? They need two central midfield players. I’m also not sure about Benjamin Sesko as a striker, it’s maybe too early to tell. Joshua Zirkzee needs a move, that’s for sure.

“Ruben Amorim is very passionate about his 3-5-2 formation, but he desperately needs proper wing-backs. Currently, Amad Diallo is a winger playing as wing-back, so he doesn’t really know that role.”

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Report: Club in talks to sign 22-year-old ace from Sunderland

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Can Man United sign the right players?

It will be interesting to see if Manchester United can sign four or five players in the upcoming windows. They will be desperate to get back to the top of English football, but they need quality players in order to compete with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City.

There is no doubt that Manchester United have several weaknesses in the side. They need quality additions. However, signing five players will not be easy, especially the right ones. Manchester United should do everything in their power to finish the season as strongly as possible. They will need Champions League football to attract top-quality players.

The post “Where do I start?”: Former star feels Man United need four or more signings in key areas appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka has been linked with a move away from the German champions.

It seems that he has fallen out of favour at the German club, and a report from Fichajes claims that the player has reached a point of no return. He is likely to be on the move, and Tottenham Hotspur are best positioned to secure his signature.

Goretzka has been linked with Manchester United in the past.

Tottenham keen on Leon Goretzka

They need more quality in the middle of the park, and the 30-year-old could be a very useful acquisition for them. He is a box-to-box midfielder who will help out defensively and drive the team forward as well.

He has the physicality and technical attributes for English football, and he could relish the opportunity to showcase his qualities in England. He is at the peak of his career, and this could be his final opportunity to take on a new challenge at a high level. It will be interesting to see if Tottenham can win the race for his signature. West Ham United are also interested in signing the player.

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Premier League move could be ideal for Goretzka

The German midfielder will want to compete at a high level and fight for trophies. The move to Tottenham could be ideal for him. They have an exciting project and a talented squad.

Goretzka could enjoy his football with them. He has the quality to improve them as well. He could partner with Joao Palhinha in the middle of the park. The two players have played together at Bayern Munich, and it remains to be seen whether they are reunited at the North London club.

Tottenham will be hoping to secure Champions League qualification, and they need to improve during the second half of the season. Signing the right players could help them finish the season strongly.

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Oliver Glasner insists the welfare of his Crystal Palace players will be at the forefront of his mind as his team begin a hectic run of festive fixtures. Palace welcome KuPS to Selhurst Park in the Conference League on Thursday, knowing a victory is a must if they are to finish in the top eight […]

The post Player welfare key for Glasner ahead of Palace´s hectic festive schedule appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Player welfare key for Glasner ahead of Palace´s hectic festive schedule appeared first on Soccer News.

With the winter transfer window just around the corner, AC Milan coach Allegri delivered a concerning injury update on Mexico striker Santiago Giménez.

Santiago Giménez has become a growing concern in recent weeks for both AC Milan and the Mexico national team amid uncertainty surrounding his fitness and a lack of minutes. With the winter transfer window approaching, head coach Massimiliano Allegri has now delivered a troubling injury update on the Mexican striker.

After making his last appearance on October 28, Giménez addressed his situation on Instagram, explaining that he had stepped away due to “an ankle injury that hasn’t allowed me to be 100% fit.” With Milan set to face Napoli in the Italian Super Cup, questions quickly arose about whether the forward would be available for the Rossoneri.

During his pre-match press conference, Allegri provided clarity on the squad’s status: “(Youssouf) Fofana has recovered and will be available. As for (Rafael) Leão, we’ll see. Giménez, on the other hand, will have surgery tomorrow. He underwent conservative treatment for a while and things were going well, but the issue with his ankle has flared up again.“

After a cautious approach that saw Giménez rejoin training in recent weeks, the decision to proceed with surgery has now been made official, with reports from Italy suggesting a recovery timeline of six to eight weeks. “I hope to have him back as soon as possible,” Allegri added when speaking about the Mexican international.

With Christian Pulisic emerging as the team’s top scorer this season, Milan have struggled to find a consistent option at striker within Allegri’s system, as Leão has also dealt with fitness issues, while Christopher Nkunku has yet to meet expectations. With Giménez sidelined, it remains unclear how Milan will address the position moving forward.

Several rumors surround Milan ahead of transfer window

Currently sitting second in the 2025-26 Serie A standings, Milan have been one of the season’s surprises following Allegri’s return. While Champions League qualification remains the primary objective, a genuine Scudetto push has become realistic, a scenario that may require reinforcement in January.

Dealing with a thin squad (as Milan don’t play in European competitions) and ongoing injury concerns, Allegri addressed the club’s plans for the upcoming window: “We haven’t talked about the transfer market. For now, our goal is to get players back from the injury list, and then in January we’ll see what opportunities come up.“

According to Fabrizio Romano, Milan are in advanced talks to sign Niklas Füllkrug from West Ham, with the German striker reportedly favoring a move to Italy over a return to the Bundesliga. As a very different profile compared to Giménez, Nkunku, or Leão, it remains to be seen how such a signing would fit into Allegri’s plans for the second half of the season if the deal is completed.

Amid rumors surrounding Robert Lewandowski, Inter Miami are reported to have made a firm decision ahead of the 2026 Major League Soccer season.

In the midst of a roster rebuild following their 2025 Major League Soccer title, Inter Miami find themselves surrounded by speculation and rumors. The most eye-catching of them all involves Robert Lewandowski, given the global stature of his name in the world of soccer.

For several days, reports have suggested a possible move by the Polish striker to the reigning MLS champions, with some outlets even claiming that the Herons were actively looking for a home in Miami for Lewandowski.

However, the club’s direction now appears to be completely different. “Inter Miami have no intention of signing Robert Lewandowski,” Sport reported on Wednesday. “The club led by David Beckham has completely ruled out this option.”

One of the main reasons behind that decision, according to the Spanish outlet, has to do with the type of signings the Herons are currently targeting. “The profile of the Polish striker does not fit Inter’s sporting plans, as they are looking for a different kind of addition for the coming seasons,” Sport added.

Suarez and Lewandowski do not appear compatible

One key obstacle to a potential move for Robert Lewandowski to Inter Miami is tied to the club’s current roster options. At center forward, head coach Javier Mascherano already has a top-level striker who is in the final stage of his professional career.

Luis Suarez recently renewed his contract with the Herons and will remain with the team for at least one more season. As a result, it is hard to imagine Lewandowski joining the squad, as opportunities for both players to feature regularly—alongside Lionel Messi—would be limited.

That situation is clearly linked to Lewandowski’s age. At 37, he is approaching the end of his career, and it is unclear how many more years of elite-level production he has left. That factor has not stopped the Herons in the past, as they signed players such as Messi, Alba, Busquets, and Suarez to strengthen the squad. However, stacking too many veterans at once—especially in the same area of the field, like the attack—does not appear to be a smart strategy.

Could Lewandowski remain in Barcelona?

While speculation around Lewandowski’s future has intensified in recent months, it is not guaranteed that he will leave Barcelona once the 2025–26 season comes to an end. In fact, the Catalan side now has a potential ace up its sleeve if it wants to keep him.

La Liga recently approved changes to its financial regulations that will take effect immediately. One of the most significant measures is a type of “wild card” that allows each club to renew the contract of one player without being subject to financial controls, as long as the salary does not exceed 8% of the Squad Cost Limit.

This rule, which can be used once per season for a single player, could fit Barcelona’s needs perfectly. Year after year, the club has struggled to finalize its squad due to long-standing financial issues. If Barcelona choose to renew Lewandowski’s contract, this mechanism would give them added flexibility at the negotiating table.

Weston McKennie has shown himself to be useful and valuable even in Spalletti’s Juventus. Versatility is his main asset.

Under Thiago Motta he has even played a match as a centre-forward. If he were to score goals regularly or fill in as a central defender, he would practically have covered every role on the pitch. From time to time he scores important goals, very important ones.

There is, however, a contractual aspect that cannot be ignored. The American, born in 1998, is out of contract in June, and for now there are no advanced talks over a renewal.

Juventus focus on Yildiz as McKennie talks stall

The negative turning point has a clear timeline and dates back to late last spring, when an agreement was being put together and was just steps away from completion. Then everything collapsed, due to commissions that were deemed too high.

Juventus are currently focused on Kenan Yildiz and have not reopened the McKennie file. Soon we will understand whether there will be a new attempt or whether the situation will drift naturally towards the contract’s expiry.

Valentin Carboni is set to leave Genoa in January, with Inter already planning to recall the young playmaker before sending him out on another loan.

The forward has struggled for regular playing time in Liguria, managing just 354 minutes across all competitions this season.

After a serious knee injury suffered last year during his spell at Marseille, Carboni has found it difficult to build continuity, something Inter believe is essential for his full recovery and development.

Both Inter and Genoa had hoped the loan move would benefit all parties, but the lack of opportunities has prompted discussions between the two clubs.

Inter & Genoa reach agreement to end Carboni loan early

According to CalcioMercato, an agreement has already been reached to terminate the loan early when the January transfer window opens.

Carboni will briefly return to Milan, but his stay is expected to be short. Inter see the move as a chance to redirect his development, with a new loan considered the best solution at this stage.

For now, the player’s entourage is focused on finding a destination within Italy, with no immediate plans for a move abroad. Tactical considerations are also playing a role, as Carboni is best suited to systems that allow him freedom behind the forwards rather than the 3-5-2, which remains common across Serie A.

Sassuolo and Parma have both been sounded out as potential options, though no final decision has been made. What appears certain is that Carboni’s time at Genoa will come to an end in January as Inter look to relaunch one of their most highly rated academy products.

West Ham United have reportedly informed Brazilian teenager Luis Guilherme that he is free to find a new club in the January transfer window, just months after his arrival in East London.

The 19-year-old ‘exciting‘ winger, who joined with a reputation as one of South America’s brightest prospects, has struggled to adapt to the Premier League, leading the club to sanction an early exit.

West Ham tell Luis Guilherme he can leave

According to the latest report from club insiders Claret & Hugh, the decision regarding Guilherme’s immediate future has been finalised.

A source close to the situation revealed to the outlet: “Guilherme has been told he can leave.”

The blunt directive highlights the swift change in stance from the Hammers’ hierarchy, who had invested significantly in the youngster during the summer window.

West Ham are open to offers from any suitor, clubs in the Primeira Liga may currently be the most concrete option for the player to reignite his career.

A move to Portugal could offer Luis Guilherme a more familiar cultural environment and a style of play that better suits his developmental needs compared to the physical demands of the English top flight.

Guilherme’s move to West Ham has not worked out

Luis Guilherme’s transfer to West Ham was met with considerable excitement.

Arriving for a reported fee in the region of £25 million, he was part of a broader strategy to inject youth and flair into the squad.

However, the reality has been starkly different from the expectation. The winger has found playing time hard to come by, often reduced to cameo appearances or omitted from matchday squads entirely.

Stat	Luis Guilherme (West Ham)
Appearances	18
Minutes played	265
Goals	0
Assists	0

His struggles have been compounded by the competitive nature of West Ham’s attacking positions and the immediate pressure for results, which often leaves managers reluctant to blood inexperienced talents in difficult fixtures.

The departure of technical director Tim Steidten, who was instrumental in bringing Guilherme to the club, has also reportedly left the player without his main advocate in the boardroom.

With the club needing to free up squad space and potentially recoup funds for their own January targets, cutting ties with the Brazilian appears to be a disappointing, conclusion to his brief spell at the London Stadium.

The post West Ham tell ‘exciting’ attacker to find a new club in January – report appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Ruben Neves has been linked with a return to the Premier League in recent weeks.

The 28-year-old is on the radar of Manchester United, Newcastle United and West Ham United. According to a report from TeamTalk, Manchester United and Newcastle have already spoken to intermediaries regarding a potential move for the Portuguese International next month.

On the other hand, West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo has worked with the player, and he would love to reunite with Neves. It will be interesting to see where the player ends up. There is no doubt that he is a quality midfielder, and he could prove to be an excellent acquisition for all three clubs.

Manchester United need more control in the middle of the park, and the Portuguese International would provide that. He is an excellent passer from the deep, and he will add creativity to the side as well. In addition to that, he is extremely lethal with his long-range shooting, and he could add a new dimension to the Manchester United attack. Neves has 15 goals to his name since joining Al-Hilal.

Newcastle need more creativity in the side as well, and Neves could be the ideal partner for Bruno Fernandes and Sandro Tonali. He could help Newcastle improve further and cement their place in Europe next season.

Neves has played under Nuno in the past, and it will be interesting to see if he is keen on a reunion. West Ham are fighting for survival in the Premier League, and they need as much quality as they can get. Signing the 28-year-old in January could prove to be a masterstroke. He could help them run the game from the middle of the park and transform them.

The post Man United in contact to sign 15-goal playmaker West Ham would ‘love’ to sign appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma has been linked with a move away from the club in recent months.

The Mali International has struggled for regular opportunities at the North London club. He has fallen out of favour, and he has not made any competitive appearance since August. He was expected to leave the club in January, but there are no offers on the table.

Tottenham do not want to lose the player on a free transfer at the end of the season, and they are now preparing to trigger a one-year extension in his contract so that they can sell him for a nominal fee at the end of the season.

According to Football Insider, the player is not a “top priority” at the club, and he does not have a future with them. However, they are protecting his value by triggering the extension. It remains to be seen whether the midfielder can turn things around and convince the manager to give him opportunities during the second half of the season. His disciplinary problems have seen him sidelined at the London club.

There is no doubt that he is a quality player, and he could be useful for Tottenham during the second half of the campaign. If he can sort out his differences with the manager, it could benefit him as well as the team.

He needs to play to secure a respectable move at the end of the season. He is still very much at the peak of his career, and sitting on the fringes of the first team does not benefit him.

It will be interesting to see how the situation develops over the next few weeks.

The post “Top priority” claim made as Tottenham make plan regarding 29-year-old midfielder appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal have produced some outstanding young players in recent years, and former defender Mikael Silvestre, who spent two years with the Gunners after a very successful nine-year spell at Manchester United, has shared his thoughts on their maturity and the work done by Per Mertesacker. “What is quite unique is the maturity they show as […]

The post Former defender Mikael Silvestre praises Per Mertesacker work at Arsenal academy (Video) appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Former defender Mikael Silvestre praises Per Mertesacker work at Arsenal academy (Video) appeared first on Soccer News.

Another controversy has surrounded the 2026 World Cup, as now Nigeria has submitted a complain to FIFA to push for the disqualification of a national team in the playoffs stage.

The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching, but controversy continues to surround the qualification process. With six spots still available to complete the expanded 48-team field, FIFA has received a formal complaint from Nigeria seeking the disqualification of one of the teams currently involved in the playoff stage.

After edging Nigeria in the AFCON qualifying playoffs, DR Congo earned the right to compete for a World Cup berth through the intercontinental playoff. However, a complaint filed by Nigeria, joined by another national federation, now threatens Congo’s hopes of reaching the tournament in North America.

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has submitted a complaint to FIFA alleging the use of between six and nine ineligible players during last month’s playoff match. Cameroon has reportedly filed a similar protest, also questioning the eligibility of several DR Congo players.

Nigeria’s claim centers on players born in Europe who later switched national allegiances to represent DR Congo. The argument is based on the Democratic Republic of Congo’s constitution, which does not allow dual nationality, a provision that Nigeria argues conflicts with FIFA regulations governing national team eligibility.

After defeating Nigeria on penalties following a 1-1 draw on November 16, DR Congo secured a place in the FIFA intercontinental playoffs. The team is set to face the winner of New Caledonia vs. Jamaica for a spot at the World Cup, though that opportunity is now under threat pending FIFA’s ruling.

FIFA to review case ahead of playoff stage

With 42 teams already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, the March international window will determine the final six participants. Two playoff berths are reserved for CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, CAF, and the AFC, while UEFA will fill the remaining four. The semifinals are scheduled for March 26, with finals set for March 31.

Nigeria is now expected to await FIFA’s decision before the playoffs take place, as the governing body looks to avoid further controversy involving player eligibility. FIFA has previously taken decisive action in similar cases prior to critical qualification stages.

In 2013, Cape Verde qualified for the playoffs against Tunisia for a place at the 2014 World Cup, but were later disqualified after fielding Fernando Varela despite an unserved suspension. FIFA awarded Tunisia the spot — a precedent that underscores the seriousness of Nigeria’s current complaint.

When Argentina lifted the World Cup trophy in December 2022, the moment belonged to an entire country as much as it did to the players on the pitch. 

When Argentina lifted the World Cup trophy in December 2022, the moment belonged to an entire country as much as it did to the players on the pitch. Lionel Messi’s crowning achievement and Emiliano Martinez’s heroics in goal completed a journey that had stretched across decades of longing, heartbreak, and unfulfilled destiny. For La Albiceleste, this was not simply a soccer victory; it was emotional closure.

The national team had arrived in Qatar burdened by history. Generations had lived in the shadow of 1986, with every talented squad judged against Diego Maradona’s legacy. Lost finals in 2014, 2015, and 2016 left scars that went deeper than sport. By 2022, the dream was no longer just to win—it was to finally be free from the weight of expectation.

What followed was a tournament defined by resilience rather than perfection. Argentina stumbled early, suffered often, but grew stronger with every test. And behind the scenes, as has now been revealed, the atmosphere inside the squad was far more human—and far more surprising—than anyone could have imagined.

By the time the tournament reached its decisive stages, Messi had become the emotional compass of the team. His performances combined brilliance with vulnerability, leadership with humility. Goals, assists, and decisive moments flowed, but so did responsibility. Every word he spoke carried weight.

Yet, according to Emiliano Martinez, the environment around Messi was not one of fear or suffocating seriousness. On the contrary, the group found ways to release tension and stay connected, even on the eve of the most intense matches imaginable. This balance—between focus and freedom—would become one of Argentina’s greatest hidden strengths.

The unbelievable story revealed

In the middle of reflecting on Argentina’s journey, Martinez finally shared the anecdote that left fans stunned. “Before the game against the Netherlands, we were playing basketball until two in the morning, and the game was the next day at 10:00 PM. I won,” the goalkeeper revealed with a laugh.

Yes, on the eve of the World Cup quarter-final against the Netherlands, one of the most emotionally charged matches of the tournament, a dozen Argentina players stayed up until 2:00 AM playing basketball at their training base.

The match itself would later become known as the “Battle of Lusail”—a brutal, chaotic encounter that Argentina eventually won on penalties. But hours before that drama unfolded, the squad was laughing, competing, and unwinding like friends rather than soldiers awaiting battle. This revelation stunned many supporters, but it perfectly illustrated the team’s mentality: calm, united, and unafraid.

Martinez, Messi, and humor under pressure

Martinez also revealed how humor played a crucial role—especially when Messi was at his most serious. “We were in a room with lots of people, and Leo said to us, ‘We can’t let this one get away,’” Martinez recalled. “When Leo was being very serious, I would make jokes.” Then came the line that broke the tension. “I said, ‘Leo, don’t be a coward, let’s play like we do in every final.’ And they all started laughing their heads off.”

The image is striking: Messi delivering a solemn message before a defining moment, only for Martinez to disarm the room with humor. It was not disrespect—it was instinct. The Aston Villa shot-stopper understood that the team needed to breathe, to feel normal, to remain human. “Before the final team talk, I start crying,” he added. “It helps relieve tension and keeps the group united.

As Milan prepares to return to Saudi Arabia for the Italian Super Cup, Christian Pulisi finds himself once again at the center of expectations, belief, and unfinished ambition.

There is something about late December-early January soccer in the Middle East that seems to awaken a different edge in Christian Pulisic. As Milan prepares to return to Saudi Arabia for the Italian Super Cup, the American forward finds himself once again at the center of expectations, belief, and unfinished ambition. The club arrives with fewer doubts than a year ago, a more stable technical structure, and a squad that now understands what it takes to survive chaos and turn it into silverware.

January 2025 was not elegant. It was emotional, frantic, and unpredictable. Yet when the dust settled in Riyadh, the Rossoneri stood victorious — and the memory of that night still resonates inside the dressing room. This time, the objective is not merely survival, but confirmation. Milan’s Italian Super Cup triumph last season came at a moment when the club was adrift. A coaching change had just been made, uncertainty surrounded the squad, and rivals looked stronger on paper. What followed, however, was a display of character that had been missing for years.

The semifinal against Juventus demanded nerve. The final against Inter required defiance. Twice, Milan fell behind. Twice, they refused to fold. And when the pressure was at its highest, Pulisic delivered. La Gazzetta dello Sport captured the moment perfectly, recalling his influence with a headline that still echoes today: “The Super Man. Milan, remember Riyadh? The devilish Pulisic wants to do it again.”

Those words were not an exaggeration. The American scored a pressure-laden penalty in the semifinal and struck again in the final, keeping Milan alive before the late, dramatic winner arrived. It was a tournament where moments mattered — and Pulisic created them.

Why Pulisic remains Milan’s Super Cup difference-maker

Much has changed since then. The questions around the bench are gone. The instability that plagued the club has eased. The San Siro outfit enters this Super Cup campaign with a clearer identity and a more settled hierarchy. Yet the responsibility remains familiar. Under Massimiliano Allegri, the expectation is not improvisation, but control. Allegri himself is chasing a fourth Supercoppa, and he knows tournaments like this hinge on decisive individuals rather than flawless systems. Once again, that burden falls quietly back on the 27-year-old American forward.

It is here that the real reason becomes clear. Pulisic’s value in this Super Cup lies in his timing. He does not dominate matches for 90 minutes. He does not require constant involvement. Instead, he arrives precisely when the club needs clarity — penalties, rebounds, second phases, transitional moments when structure dissolves. That was the pattern the last time in January. And it remains the pattern now, in December.

Despite a stop-start season marked by injuries and illness, the USMNT star remains Milan’s most reliable finisher, already sitting on nine goals — a number that should arguably be higher. Even when his fitness wavers, his output remains consistent. His flu-burdened performance against Torino, when he scored twice off the bench after feeling “dead” the day before, reinforced that reality. The Super Cup demands exactly that kind of player: one who can enter chaos and simplify it.

From winger to second striker: Quiet evolution

Pulisic’s transformation has been subtle but profound. No longer restricted to the wing, he now operates closer to the goal, drifting between lines, arriving late in the box, and finishing with minimal touches. Ending the year as Milan’s top scorer is no longer a stretch — it is a logical outcome.

Allegri sees this evolution not as reinvention, but refinement. The American’s ability to read moments, rather than force actions, makes him ideal for short tournaments where margins are unforgiving.

There is confusion, debate, and curiosity around what this match actually represents — and how PSG could still claim a form of global supremacy despite another club officially holding soccer’s highest crown.

The global soccer spotlight turns once again to the Middle East as Ousmane Dembele and his teammates prepare to lead Paris Saint-Germain into another defining night on the international stage. For the Parisian club, this match carries symbolism that goes far beyond a single trophy, touching on prestige, legacy, and global recognition. The opponent is Flamengo, the pride of South American soccer, and the setting is Doha — a city that has already hosted some of the sport’s most significant moments in recent years.

Yet the intrigue surrounding this final runs deeper than the teams involved. There is confusion, debate, and curiosity around what this match actually represents — and how PSG could still claim a form of global supremacy despite another club officially holding soccer’s highest crown. That puzzle is at the heart of this encounter.

The FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025 final brings together the reigning Champions League holder and the Copa Libertadores holder, continuing a tradition that stretches back decades under different formats and names. For the Ligue 1 champion, this is an opportunity to add yet another trophy to an already historic season. On the other hand, for Flamengo, it represents a chance to reclaim international glory and reaffirm South America’s competitive relevance on the global stage.

Both clubs arrive motivated by unfinished business. PSG is still carrying the memory of a previous global final defeat, while the Brazilian side aims to emulate the legendary achievements of Brazilian clubs that once dominated world soccer.

The French side enters the final riding a wave of individual and collective recognition. Ousmane Dembele, fresh off being named FIFA’s Best Men’s Player, has been central to the club’s transformation. His 35 goals and 16 assists last season, combined with PSG’s first-ever Champions League triumph, have elevated the club into a new historical bracket.

The confusion around ‘World Champions’ title — explained

Here lies the mystery that has puzzled many fans: how might the Parisians become world champions when Chelsea already holds that title? The answer lies in FIFA’s restructuring of global club competitions.

In 2022, FIFA officially transformed the traditional annual Club World Cup into a new 32-team tournament held every four years. Chelsea won the first edition of this expanded event and is therefore the reigning FIFA Club World Cup champion.

However, FIFA simultaneously preserved the annual intercontinental competition, renaming it the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. According to FIFA regulations, this tournament is considered a continuation of the original Club World Cup lineage, maintaining the tradition of annual continental champions facing off.

FIFA’s rulebook explicitly states: “Each participating club recognises that the competition is a continuation of the annual FIFA Club World Cup.” That distinction means PSG can still earn recognition as the world’s best club at this moment, even while Chelsea retains the title from the expanded tournament.

Why does the European champion start in the final?

Another key change lies in tournament structure. Due to European dominance — 17 wins in 21 finals since 2005 — FIFA granted the UEFA champion direct passage to the final, reducing fixture congestion and acknowledging competitive imbalance.

The other confederations battle through preliminary rounds, including the Derby of the Americas, before earning the right to challenge Europe’s representative. This year, Flamengo navigated that path successfully, setting up the final clash in Qatar — a neutral venue that has now become synonymous with intercontinental finals.

Farense play against Benfica in the 2025/26 Taca de Portugal Round of 32. Fans across the United States can tune in to follow every moment, with full kickoff information and broadcast details listed here for both TV and streaming options.

Match Overview

Benfica approach this Taça de Portugal matchup under growing pressure, with an uneven opening to the Primeira Liga season pushing the club away from the championship conversation and keeping their Champions League hopes far from secure, despite recent victories offering some relief.

That context elevates the importance of this cup fixture, which now represents Benfica’s most realistic opportunity to lift silverware, raising the stakes against Farense, a competitive but inconsistent Liga Portugal 2 squad playing with little to lose. Farense understand the challenge ahead yet will look to turn the occasion into a statement performance.

Playing alongside a global icon is a fantasy most players never get to experience. Yet at Al-Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo has become a daily reference point for teammates who grew up watching his highlights on television.

Playing alongside a global icon is a fantasy most players never get to experience. Yet at Al-Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo has become a daily reference point for teammates who grew up watching his highlights on television. For one defender in particular, sharing the pitch with the Portuguese superstar has reshaped his understanding of professionalism, leadership, and elite standards inside a dressing room that revolves around ambition rather than nostalgia.

Ronaldo’s presence at Al-Nassr is no longer treated as a novelty. The club has fully embraced his influence on and off the pitch, and his impact stretches far beyond goals and marketing value. For those working beside him every day, the lessons are constant — even if they aren’t always spoken publicly.

Mohamed Simakan never imagined his career path would place him next to one of soccer’s most recognizable figures. The 25-year-old defender arrived at Al-Nassr after a spell at Leipzig, initially on loan before making the move permanent. What followed was an adjustment not just to a new league, but to an entirely different soccer environment.

Reflecting on that moment, Simakan admitted how surreal it felt to suddenly share a dressing room with Ronaldo. “If someone had told me at the start of my career: ‘You’ll play with Cristiano Ronaldo,’ I would have said: ‘That’s impossible! We’re not the same age. When I started, he was at the end of his career,’” Simakan said, as quoted by Marca.

What Cristiano Ronaldo brings beyond goals

At 40, Ronaldo remains one of the Saudi Pro League’s defining figures, still delivering decisive moments while leading the line for the Riyadh side. Yet within the squad, his most valuable contribution may be invisible to fans.

According to Simakan, Ronaldo’s influence is rooted in discipline and standards that never waver — regardless of age, status, or past success. “I won’t lie to you, what he brings me in terms of discipline, work, and leadership is incredible,” the defender explained. Only later did he reveal the simple phrase that best captures the daily experience of playing alongside the five-time Ballon d’Or winner: “Cristiano gives me so much advice.”

Those six words sum up the reality inside Al-Nassr’s training ground. The veteran superstar’s approach is not performative. He observes, corrects, encourages, and demands. Teammates are not shielded by his reputation; instead, they are pulled closer to his standards.

Leader still shaping careers at 40

Despite being in the final chapter of his playing career, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the league’s top scorer and one of Al-Nassr’s most reliable performers. But his leadership extends far beyond matchdays. The Frenchman described how Ronaldo’s habits — from preparation to recovery — have directly influenced his own development as a professional.

For younger players, the lesson is clear: longevity at the top is not accidental. It is built through routine, obsession with detail, and a refusal to relax standards simply because trophies have already been won. This mindset explains why Ronaldo continues to dominate conversations within the club — not as a symbol of the past, but as a driver of the present.

Talavera CF will face Real Madrid in the 2025/26 Copa del Rey Round of 32. Fans across the United States can tune in to follow every moment, with full kickoff information and broadcast details listed here for both TV and streaming options.

Match Overview

Real Madrid enters the Copa del Rey with the spotlight firmly on them, widely viewed as the team everyone else is trying to knock out, thanks to their winning history and a roster packed with elite talent headlined by Kylian Mbappe.

Their opening matchup against Talavera present a clear contrast on paper, with the hosts struggling near the lower end of the Primera Federacion while preparing for a night that could define their season against one of the giants of world soccer.

Italy head into the World Cup play-off with renewed optimism after years of attacking uncertainty. Under new coach Gennaro Gattuso, the Azzurri have developed multiple attacking options ahead of their semi-final against Northern Ireland on March 26, 2026.

After missing out on qualification in both 2018 and 2022, pressure is mounting inside and outside the country to finally return to the World Cup. That anticipation has already sparked interest in World Cup bets on Boomerang-bet, as fans begin to assess Italy’s chances.

Gattuso has often relied on a two-man attack, and the partnership between Mateo Retegui and Moise Kean has been one of the most encouraging signs since September.

Retegui, the 2024-25 Serie A top scorer, has carried his form into the new season, netting eight goals in 12 appearances for Al-Qadsiah. His growing influence at international level has made Serie A betting tips on Betovo increasingly relevant for followers of the Azzurri.

Kean’s club form with Fiorentina has been inconsistent, but his impact for Italy has been immediate, scoring four goals in three matches under Gattuso,  a factor reflected in Italian football odds on Ivibet ahead of the play-off.

Beyond the starting pair, Gattuso has further depth. Gianluca Scamacca has adapted well under Atalanta coach Raffaele Palladino, while 20-year-old Francesco Pio Esposito continues to gain experience with Inter and the national team.

With decisive fixtures approaching, some supporters are also exploring the registration bonus on Crownplay as excitement builds around Italy’s World Cup play-off campaign.

Despite the improved attacking outlook, Gattuso insists mentality remains the key issue.

“The problem is not tactical. Every system has pros and cons,” he said in November. “Right now, we must work on our fragility. When we do things right, we are competitive.”

Italy may still have work to do, but for the first time in years, they approach a World Cup play-off with genuine belief.

There is little optimism at Milan over the availability of Rafael Leao ahead of the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final against Napoli, scheduled for 19:00 GMT on Thursday evening.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, the Portugal international did not take part in the final training session with the rest of the squad and instead trained individually.

As things stand, Leao is expected to be left out of the matchday squad and could watch the game from the stands.

Leao set to miss Milan Supercoppa clash with Napoli

Leao has been struggling with a muscle problem since December 8, although medical tests have previously ruled out any structural injury.

Despite that, his recovery has not progressed quickly enough to allow a return in time for the Supercoppa clash.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference earlier today, head coach Massimiliano Allegri had adopted a cautious tone, explaining that a final decision would be taken at the last moment.

“We’ll see if he becomes available,” Allegri said. “He hasn’t trained with the team for several days, so today we’ll evaluate his condition.”

Allegri also confirmed further injury setbacks within the squad.

Matteo Gabbia has been ruled out after suffering a knock and is expected to miss several days, with Milan hoping to have him back for the Serie A fixture on January 28.

Niclas Fullkrug is set to become a Milan player in January, but the Germany international will be forced to miss his potential first match for the Rossoneri due to registration rules.

Barring late complications in negotiations or medical checks, Fullkrug is expected to complete his move from West Ham once the January transfer window opens. However, Serie A regulations mean Milan will only be able to register new signings from January 2, delaying his official availability.

According to Calciomercato.com, Milan have already reached a financial agreement with the striker’s agent worth €1.5m until the end of the season. Fullkrug has also instructed his representatives to place other offers from the Bundesliga on hold as he prioritises the move to San Siro.

Fullkrug will miss Milan trip to Cagliari

Despite the deal being close, Gazzerra.it reports that Fullkrug will not be eligible for Milan’s away match against Cagliari on January 2 due to the lack of technical time required to complete his registration.

Head coach Massimiliano Allegri is instead expected to have the German available from January 8, when Milan face Genoa, a timely boost given the Rossoneri’s current attacking concerns.

Striker Santiago Gimenez is scheduled to undergo surgery, leaving Milan short of options in the final third. Until Fullkrug’s arrival, Allegri will rely on Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leao, Christopher Nkunku and, if required, Ruben Loftus-Cheek in advanced roles.

Mauro Icardi is expected to leave Galatasaray, with his representatives already sounding out a possible return to Serie A, according to reports in Italy.

The former Inter captain has been proposed to Milan, Como and Roma, with Sportmediaset, via CalcioMercato, claiming initial enquiries have been made ahead of the January transfer window. At present, these remain exploratory contacts rather than concrete negotiations.

Icardi joined Galatasaray in the 2022-23 season, initially on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, and is under contract until June 2026.

However, that deadline is increasingly being viewed as a limit rather than a guarantee, with this season expected to be his last in Istanbul and a January exit not ruled out.

Icardi role at Galatasaray diminishes amid Italy & Spain links

Although he has recovered from a knee injury, competition within the squad has intensified. The presence of Victor Osimhen and Leroy Sané, combined with Galatasaray’s intention to sign another striker in January, with Ademola Lookman still a leading target, has further reduced Icardi’s role.

The Argentine has made 21 appearances this season, but has accumulated just 800 minutes and started only six times. Despite that, his scoring record remains strong, with eight goals in the Turkish Super Lig.

There is also reported interest from Spain. According to Argentine outlet Mitre Live, Icardi is considering a move to LaLiga, with Elche and Real Oviedo both monitoring his situation. The report adds that a move to Spain would be favoured for personal reasons, with both clubs offering the possibility of living in Madrid.

Leeds United are set to alter their January transfer strategy, with reports suggesting the club will now prioritise signing a new striker on a loan deal rather than a permanent transfer.

The strategic change comes as manager Daniel Farke finds success with a new tactical setup, reducing the immediate need for a big-money front man.

Leeds United prefer loan move for a striker in January

According to a new report from Football Insider, Leeds United are only likely to sign a new striker on a temporary basis when the winter window opens.

Bringing in a prolific goalscorer had been viewed as a priority for the Whites for several weeks, but a recent change in formation has reportedly shifted the club’s recruitment focus.

Farke has recently deployed a 3-5-2 system, pairing summer signing Lukas Nmecha alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the top of the pitch.

The duo has struck up a promising partnership, offering a balance of physicality and pace that has breathed new life into the Leeds attack.

As per Football Insider’s sources, while the club remains keen on adding depth to their forward line, the effectiveness of the Nmecha-Calvert-Lewin axis means a permanent striker is no longer considered an emergency requirement.

Instead, the hierarchy will look for a cost-effective loan solution to provide cover for the remainder of the campaign.

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Premier League return struggles continue for Leeds

Despite the recent tactical optimism, Leeds United’s return to the Premier League has largely failed to live up to pre-season expectations.

The West Yorkshire outfit has found the step up in quality difficult to manage, struggling to find consistency in both results and performances.

As it stands, Leeds sit precariously in 17th place in the Premier League table, sitting just above the drop zone with 16 points.

The narrow cushion separates them from the relegation places, and fans are growing increasingly anxious that the club could slip back into the Championship if form does not improve significantly during the crucial festive period.

Gary O’Neil linked as potential Farke replacement

While the recent uptick in performances has bought Daniel Farke some much-needed breathing room, his long-term future at Elland Road remains the subject of intense speculation.

Reports indicate that while the club is currently willing to stick with the German manager, the pressure has not entirely dissipated.

Should results take a downturn again, contingency plans are reportedly in place.

It is understood that former Wolves boss Gary O’Neil has been shortlisted as a potential replacement if the board decides to part ways with Farke.

If Leeds’ recent performances can translate into positive results as well, there is a chance Farke could be replaced.

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Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing the Bournemouth defender Adrien Truffet.

The 24-year-old has done well since joining the Cherries, and Manchester United are looking to add more quality and depth in the left-back position. The French defender could be a useful acquisition for them. It will be interesting to see if Bournemouth are prepared to sanction his departure. They have already lost key players in recent windows, and the likes of Antoine Semenyo could also leave soon.

After an impressive start to the season, they are going through a rough patch right now. Losing multiple key players in January would be devastating for them. It will be interesting to see if Manchester United follow up on their interest with an official proposal to get a deal done.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Ruben Amorim wants more quality and depth in that area of the pitch, and the 24-year-old has been identified as a target. Convincing him to move to Manchester United might not be too difficult for the Red Devils. It would be a huge opportunity for him, and he could be tempted to move on.

The Cherries will certainly hope to keep him at the club until the end of the season. Losing him in the middle of the campaign would make it very difficult for them to replace him.

Meanwhile, Manchester United are looking to push for a place in the top four. Signing the right players in January could help them improve further. They could certainly use more quality in the wide areas, and Truffert is well settled in England. He could make an immediate impact if they manage to get the deal done.

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Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in selling the Crystal Palace defender Daniel Munoz, as per Fichajes.

The 29-year-old has been a key player for Crystal Palace since joining the club, and the Colombian has been linked with big clubs recently. It will be interesting to see if Liverpool, Manchester United or Chelsea managed to sign him.

He is highly rated at Crystal Palace, and they will not want to lose him in the middle of the season. It is no secret that Liverpool need a quality right back. Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong have not been able to impress, and Liverpool are still seeking a quality alternative to Trent Alexander-Arnold. Munoz is excellent defensively, and he is equally effective going forward. He could be the ideal replacement for the former Liverpool star.

Meanwhile, Manchester United need an alternative to Diogo Dalot, who has not managed to develop into the star he was expected to be. It remains to be seen whether the Old Trafford outfit decides to make a move for the 29-year-old South American. The opportunity to join them could be exciting for the player.

Finally, Chelsea are keeping tabs on him as well. They already have players like Reece James and Malo Gusto. It would be quite surprising if they decided to invest in another right back. They should look to bring in a quality central defender instead.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has previously described the 29-year-old as “something special”, and there is no doubt that he has the quality to play for the best teams in the league. This could be his final opportunity to join a big club. He is at the peak of his career, and he could make an immediate impact. It will be interesting to see where he ends up.

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Liverpool manager Arne Slot and star player Mohamed Salah have had a very public falling-out, and it’s unsurprisingly drawn comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo’s infamous exit from Manchester United.

Salah was left out of the Liverpool squad to take on Inter Milan on Tuesday night following his outburst at the end of the Leeds United game at the weekend, which itself followed three consecutive games of being left on the bench by Slot.

It now seems inevitable that Salah will end up leaving Anfield, with his future set to be resolved after his participation at AFCON over the winter period.

But should it actually be Salah making way here, or is Slot the one in the wrong?

How the Salah vs Slot row is different from Ronaldo vs Ten Hag

As much as this story shares some similarities to Ronaldo’s infamous falling-out with Erik ten Hag towards the end of his second spell at Man Utd, the situation also has some key differences that need to be factored in.

With Ronaldo, United were dealing with an ageing superstar who didn’t really fit in with the new manager’s plans. Ten Hag was new to the job, and, even if it wasn’t wise to pick a fight with such a big personality in the dressing room, he was also under pressure to impose his philosophy, and that meant building for the future without someone who wouldn’t press or track back.

Even if Ronaldo had his moments under previous manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, it was still arguably a mistake to re-sign him and disrupt the promising squad that had been being built at Old Trafford, so in many ways it was admirable of Ten Hag to show how much he meant business by thinking more long-term about making his style of play work.

With Slot and Salah, the situation is completely different – this is a player who just fired the Reds to the Premier League title last season whilst winning the Golden Boot and generally enjoying one of his best campaigns at the club. He was duly awarded with a new contract before the summer, so you can forgive him for now wondering why he isn’t considered a key player anymore just a few months later.

But does Slot also deserve patience?

In fairness to Slot, he’s also not Ten Hag, who proved to be a disaster at United. Slot immediately delivered a Premier League title in his first season in charge, so has perhaps earned the chance to make this big call on Salah.

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The Dutch tactician could perhaps have handled things differently, though, considering Salah’s role in the team’s success just a few months ago. Even if the 33-year-old hadn’t started the season well, he’s also far from the only one who would arguably merit being dropped for a few matches. The apparent attempt to single Salah out like this seems unfair and unwarranted.

Ultimately, though, the manager is paid to make these tough decisions, and Salah could also have handled his response better than he has. Sometimes big names will sit out a few matches before coming back, and any coach should be able to do that without fearing such a major backlash. Salah has achieved very little with his public outburst – it only makes it more likely he’ll continue to miss games, and it further unsettles Slot at a time when he is already under pressure to fix morale in this struggling squad.

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Tottenham Hotspur has been linked with a move for the Juventus striker Jonathan David.

The Canadian International has not been at his best this season, but there is no doubt that he’s a quality player. He registered 37 goal contributions for Lille last season.

He joined the Italian club on a free transfer at the start of the season, but the move has not gone according to plan. They are prepared to sanction his departure, and Tottenham are keen on him (h/t SportWitness). It is no secret that the north London club needs a reliable finisher. They need someone who can score goals regularly.

Dominic Solanke has not lived up to the expectations, and Randal Kolo Muani will leave upon the expiry of his loan deal. Tottenham need a permanent solution, and David could be ideal for them. The attacker will be desperate to get his career back on track as well, and the move to England could be ideal. It would be a fresh start for him, and he would get to regain his form and confidence with regular opportunities.

He was highly rated across Europe before the move to Italy. There is no doubt that he is a quality player. He is still very much at the peak of his career, and signing him for a reasonable amount of money could prove to be a masterstroke from Tottenham.

If he manages to adapt to English football quickly, he could be an asset for the north London outfit.

Tottenham have had a mixed first half of the season so far, and they will be looking to bounce back strongly. They will look to finish in the top four and signing the right players in January will certainly help them. David could be a transformative acquisition for them.

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Brighton are reportedly keeping close tabs on Wolves defender David Moller Wolfe, with the Seagulls identifying the Norwegian international as a potential transfer target.

As Wolves face an increasingly desperate fight for Premier League survival, they may be forced to sanction January departures to secure higher fees, alerting buyers like Brighton.

Brighton shortlist versatile defender amid Wolves’ potential fire sale

According to a new report from Football Insider, Brighton have officially shortlisted David Moller Wolfe as they look to bolster their defensive options.

The recruitment team at the Amex Stadium has been impressed by the 23-year-old’s versatility, noting his ability to operate effectively as both a traditional left-back and in a left-sided centre-back role.

Despite Wolves’ collective struggles this campaign, Moller Wolfe has managed to catch the eye with his individual performances.

Since his arrival from AZ Alkmaar, he has contributed two goals and two assists, showing a creative spark even in a struggling side.

The report suggests that the Molineux hierarchy is pragmatic about their current position.

With relegation to the Championship looking increasingly likely, Wolves chiefs are reportedly considering sanctioning sales in the upcoming January window.

The logic is purely financial as per the report; selling assets like Moller Wolfe now, while they are still Premier League players, could generate significantly higher transfer fees than if the club were forced to sell after a confirmed demotion.

For Brighton, renowned for their smart market movements, this presents an opportunity to sign a high-ceiling talent who fits their tactical profile perfectly.

Relegation looms as Edwards endures nightmare start

The backdrop to these transfer rumors is a disastrous season for Wolves.

The club currently sits rock bottom of the Premier League table with just two points in 16 games.

They are far away from safety and are showing no signs of a revival.

The appointment of Rob Edwards in November, who replaced Vitor Pereira was intended to spark a survival push, but the move has not had the desired “new manager bounce.”

Edwards has endured a torrid start to his tenure, losing all five of his opening matches in charge.

With the team now 14 points adrift of safety, confidence is at an all-time low.

This dismal run has effectively signaled to rival clubs that Wolves are vulnerable, making their standout talents like Moller Wolfe prime targets for poaching when the transfer window reopens.

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Manchester United are hoping to sign the Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo during the January transfer window.

The 25-year-old has been linked with multiple clubs. According to Fichajes, Liverpool and Manchester City are keen on the player as well. He has been in outstanding form this season, and Manchester United are hoping to sign him to complete their attacking Trident alongside Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

The player has a £65 million release clause in his contract, and it will be interesting to see if Manchester United can get the deal done. The report claims that they are preparing the necessary paperwork for the January transfer.

The African can operate anywhere across the front three, and he will add goals and creativity to the side. He is at the peak of his career, and this is the right time for him to join a bigger club. The move to Manchester United will be exciting for him.

Meanwhile, Liverpool and Manchester City need more quality on the flanks as well. The 25-year-old could be the ideal acquisition. They will be able to offer him Champions League football, and the opportunity to fight for major trophies. Manchester United are still going through a period of rebuilding, and they are not quite at that level yet.

It will be interesting to see what the player decides. He will look to play regularly at a high-level. All three clubs could be exciting opportunities for him.

The £65 million asking price might seem expensive right now, but the player is still only 25 with his best years ahead of him. He could justify the investment in the near future. It will be interesting to see where he ends up eventually.

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Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are looking to sign the FC Koln winger Said El Mala. 

The 19-year-old has done quite well for the German club, and he has nine goal contributions in 14 matches. He could prove to be a quality acquisition for both Premier League clubs, and it remains to be seen where he will end up.

Liverpool and Chelsea are keen on El Mala as well.

Can Man United accommodate Said El Mala?

Manchester United have done well to sign players like Bryan Mbeumo and Mathues Cunha in the summer. However, they feel the need to add more depth to the attacking unit. The 19-year-old has the technical attributes to do well in English football, but moving to Manchester United might not be ideal for El Mala. He needs to play every week in order to continue his development, and the Red Devils might not be able to provide him with that platform.

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Spurs move could be ideal for El Mala

On the other hand, Tottenham need a quality left-sided attacker, and El Mala could be ideal for them. They will be able to offer him regular opportunities. They have been overly dependent on Mohammed Kudus for creativity and unpredictability in the attack. Signing the 19-year-old could help them improve further.

Lukas Kwasniok has previously described El Mala as “a street footballer with God-given talent”.

According to a report from BILD, the two Premier League clubs are willing to offer around €30-€40 million for the attacker. However, the German club will hold out for a lot more. It remains to be seen whether they can negotiate a reasonable deal to sign the player.

El Mala will be attracted to the idea of moving to the Premier League. It would be a huge opportunity for him, and he will look to test himself against top-class players in England. Joining Manchester United or Tottenham could accelerate his development and help him fulfil his potential.

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Lionel Messi could be in line to make a return to Barcelona, should presidential hopeful Marc Ciria be elected next year. Joan Laporta will be challenged in 2026, with Ciria confirming he will run for president. And Ciria has insisted that, should he succeed, he will do all he can to bring Messi, Barcelona’s record […]

The post Messi must come back, says Barcelona presidential candidate appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Messi must come back, says Barcelona presidential candidate appeared first on Soccer News.

With a heroic performance of Matvey Safonov, PSG defeated Flamengo in the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup final, edging their name in the soccer history with their impressive sextuple and becoming the most dominant French side of the recent years.

PSG claimed the title of the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup, defeating Flamengo in a tense penalty shootout. Despite entering the match as clear favorites, the French side faced a highly competitive Brazilian opponent, with the clash extending beyond 120 minutes before a winner emerged. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia showcased his star quality, yet it was Matvey Safonov who stood out as the undisputed hero, making four crucial saves during the penalty shootout.

Far from being a straightforward match for Paris Saint-Germain, Flamengo proved to be one of the best teams in the world. Showing imposing physical intensity and incredible high pressing, the Mengão shone throughout the game with several dangerous counterattacks that they were never able to complete, resulting in their only goal coming from the penalty spot through Jorginho.

Demonstrating an impressive ability, PSG imposed themselves through ball possession for the entire match. With this, they managed the physical wear and dominate with numerous goal-scoring chances. However, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, and João Neves missed multiple opportunities, forcing the match to be decided in a penalty shootout, where Matvey Safonov delivered a brilliant performance to lead the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup victory.

After being crowned champions of the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup, Luis Enrique secured his second sextuple as a manager, further elevating his impact in soccer history. In addition, Paris Saint-Germain was crowned the most dominant team in the world, proving that collective play prevails over individual performance. With this achievement, they became the first French team in the history of the tournament, since the format change, to win the title.

This week, Inter Miami delivered a decision on Luis Suarez’s future that strengthens not only its sporting future but also the emotional core of the project, offering a major boost to Messi as the club prepares for a pivotal 2026 season.

For Lionel Messi, stability has become just as important as silverware at this stage of his career. With the Argentine icon committed long-term to life in South Florida, attention has quietly turned to the familiar faces around him — particularly those who understand his soccer instincts better than anyone else. This week, Inter Miami delivered a decision on Luis Suarez’s future that strengthens not only its sporting future but also the emotional core of the project, offering a major boost to Messi as the club prepares for a pivotal 2026 season.

Inter Miami officially confirmed on Wednesday that Suarez has signed a new contract through the 2026 MLS season, extending his stay in South Florida after another trophy-laden campaign. The Uruguayan forward initially joined the club in December 2023 on a short-term deal, before renewing once already ahead of the 2025 season.

That extension expired following the club’s MLS Cup triumph on December 6, creating uncertainty around the future of one of the most influential figures in the squad. With this latest agreement, Inter Miami has now secured one of its defining leaders through the opening of the Miami Freedom Park era in 2026.

Club co-owner Jorge Mas previously made it clear that the final call rested with the player himself, underlining the respect afforded to Suarez within the organization. “Luis Suarez is a legend of soccer, one of the best number nines not only of this generation but of all time,” Mas said. “Luis deserves to make that decision himself and, if he chooses to stay, it would be great for the club.”

Mas also emphasized the numbers behind the sentiment, noting that a forward delivering over 15 goals and 15 assists across multiple competitions would be welcomed by any elite club. That perspective ultimately proved decisive.

Why Inter Miami moved decisively

Behind the scenes, Inter Miami faced competition. Suarez had the option to return to Nacional, his boyhood club, but after discussions with his family and the club’s leadership, he chose continuity in Miami. The decision also aligns with broader squad planning.

The Herons have already added Sergio Reguilon following Jordi Alba’s retirement and continue negotiations with Tadeo Allende, while preparing to open Miami Freedom Park in April 2026. Keeping the Uruguayan veteran was viewed as essential not only for performance, but for mentorship, standards, and identity as the club transitions into a new era.

The reunion that continues to define Inter Miami

For Lionel Messi, the extension ensures continuity with one of his most trusted soccer partners. The duo — reunited after legendary years at Barcelona — remains the last attacking pillar of Inter Miami’s so-called “Core Four,” following the retirement of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

Messi himself is already committed to the club until 2028, and the Suarez extension confirms that Inter Miami’s competitive window remains firmly open heading into the 2026 World Cup year. The chemistry between the two has been evident not just in goals, but in leadership, rhythm, and big-game intelligence — elements the club views as irreplaceable.

FIFA announced the prize money for the 2026 World Cup, confirming a significant increase compared to Qatar 2022.

The 2026 World Cup, the most important sporting event on the planet, is drawing closer. As the key moment approaches, major details continue to be revealed by FIFA. This time, the organization has confirmed the exact amount of money that will be distributed.

“The FIFA Council approved a record-breaking financial contribution of USD 727 million to be distributed as a result of the FIFA World Cup 2026,” the world soccer governing body announced on Wednesday in a statement published on its official website.

Of that impressive total, the majority—approximately USD 655 million—will be distributed as prize money among the 48 participating teams. That figure represents a 50% increase compared to the amount FIFA awarded for the same purpose at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Much of that increase is tied to the tournament’s expanded format, as the World Cup will feature 48 teams instead of 32 beginning in 2026.

“The FIFA World Cup 2026 will also be groundbreaking in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino when the new figures were revealed.

FIFA Council approves record-breaking FIFA World Cup 2026™ financial contribution 🏆

– USD 727 million, 50% more than for Qatar 2022™, to be distributed to Participating Member Associations as a result of next year’s showpiece

– FIFA Council confirms pioneering FIFA U-15… pic.twitter.com/XHS6Rv8f1n

— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) December 17, 2025

How will the money be distributed at the 2026 World Cup?

The USD 655 million FIFA announced as prize money will be distributed among the 48 teams competing in the World Cup. Naturally, the team that wins the tournament will receive the largest financial reward. However, all participating teams will earn prize money, with substantial amounts that vary depending on how far each team advances.

Below is the breakdown of prize money for the 2026 World Cup:

• Champions: USD 50 million
• Runners-up: USD 33 million
• Third place: USD 29 million
• Fourth place: USD 27 million
• Fifth–eighth place: USD 19 million
• Ninth–16th place: USD 15 million
• 17th–32nd place: USD 11 million
• 33rd–48th place: USD 9 million

In addition to those amounts, FIFA will also provide an equal contribution of USD 1.5 million to each of the 48 teams to help cover preparation costs. “This means that all participating member associations are guaranteed at least USD 10.5 million each for their participation in next year’s tournament,” FIFA explained in its statement.

What comes next on the road to the World Cup?

With prize money announced and ticket prices for each match already confirmed, fewer details remain to be revealed ahead of the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That does not mean, however, that all issues have been resolved.

In fact, one of the most important pending matters is purely sporting. With less than six months remaining before the tournament begins, the full list of qualified teams has not yet been finalized. Those spots will be decided during the March international break.

On one side, the final four European representatives will emerge from their respective playoff paths. Denmark, North Macedonia, the Czech Republic, and Ireland will compete for a spot in Group A; Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Bosnia and Herzegovina will battle for a place in Group B; Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, and Kosovo will fight for qualification into Group D; and the final place in Group F will be decided among Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, and Albania.

Meanwhile, the intercontinental playoffs will determine the final two qualified teams. Iraq, Bolivia, or Suriname will join Group I, while DR Congo, New Caledonia, and Jamaica will compete for a spot in Group K.

After his shaky start to the season at Barcelona, Robert Lewandowski's future remains up in the air as the Spanish side is unsure whether to offer a renewal. Lionel Messi's Inter Miami have emerged as a top contender for his arrival, but another MLS side would be following his signing.

Robert Lewandowski is coming off a season as one of Barcelona’s best players, finishing as the team’s top scorer in the 2024–25 campaign. Despite this, his inconsistent start to the 2025-26 season and high salary have reportedly made the Spanish side uncertain about offering him a contract renewal. Given this situation, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami appeared to be pursuing his signing, but another MLS team is said to be competing to secure the Polish striker.

In recent hours, Robert Lewandowski’s agent reportedly met with Barcelona to express his intentions. Despite this, the 37-year-old striker continues to attract interest from multiple teams, with AC Milan being one of his options as a free agent. Additionally, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami have emerged as a potential suitor, but an unexpected change of heart has led another MLS franchise to reportedly make a strong bid for his arrival.

According to BBC Sport, Lewandowski is quite open to a move to MLS, which has seen Chicago Fire emerge as a strong candidate to secure his arrival. In light of this, the veteran is reportedly open to the move, meaning salary would not be an issue. Additionally, the MLS side has supposedly placed him on its ‘discovery list,’ meaning any other team in the league would need to pay a fee in order to sign him.

Lewandowski keeps other options aside the MLS ahead free agency

Despite no longer being an undisputed starter at Barcelona, Robert Lewandowski has maintained a solid scoring rate. In the 2025–26 season, the Polish striker has netted eight goals and contributed two assists in 17 matches, making him the team’s second-highest scorer behind Ferran Torres. Consequently, his performance has attracted interest from clubs outside the MLS and AC Milan, complicating efforts to secure his signing.

According to reports in Spanish media, several Saudi Pro League clubs are courting Lewandowski, which could offer him a leading role and a substantial salary. While the specific teams have not been disclosed, this is not the first time the Pole has been tempted by Saudi Arabia, as a similar situation occurred in 2022. Despite this, the veteran remains hesitant to make a decision and still holds on to hopes of continuing at Barcelona.

In case AC Milan or another top European club decide to go all out for Robert Lewandowski, both Chicago Fire and Saudi Arabia could be ruled out, as the Pole striker reportedly values the possibility of remaining in European leagues with a prominent role in the lineup. With that said, the veteran is currently focused on securing his place in the national team for the 2026 World Cup, leaving his future still uncertain.

Manchester City face off against Brentford in the 2025/26 Carabao Cup quarterfinals. Supporters in the United States can watch the match live on television or through streaming platforms, with multiple viewing options available.

Match Overview

A spot in the Carabao Cup semifinals is at stake when Manchester City steps into this quarterfinal clash, with Pep Guardiola’s squad aiming to extend its pursuit of more silverware on the domestic front. City arrive carrying the expectations that come with being a perennial contender

But the single-elimination format leaves no margin for error, particularly against a Brentford side capable of elevating its level when the moment demands it, even if league results have been uneven. With pressure on the line, this showdown has all the ingredients of a must-watch contest.

From overcoming career-threatening injuries to winning the Supporters' Shield with New England, Adam Buksa discusses his unique journey through MLS, France, Denmark, and his new life in Serie A with Udinese.

From Alphonso Davies to Taty Castellanos, from Thiago Almada to Ricardo Pepi, we’ve seen quite a few players transition from developing in Major League Soccer to shining in Europe’s top five leagues. The next ex-MLS star to make a name for himself in Europe could very well be Adam Buksa.

Born and raised in Kraków, Poland, Buksa’s footballing dreams were thrown into jeopardy when a doctor told him that his knees wouldn’t be able to handle the physical demands of the beautiful game. However, after two years off the pitch, Buksa decided to take another swing at the sport and joined Wisła Kraków’s academy at the end of his freshman year of high school. Buksa moved between Hutnik Kraków and Garbarnia Kraków—as well as a season with Italian side Novara’s Primavera squad—before making his senior debut with Lechia Gdańsk on July 25, 2014, in a 1-0 win against Podbeskidzie Bielsko-Biała. He was forced to wait another year before grabbing his first-ever senior goal against Pogoń Szczecin in the third match of the campaign, only to injure his foot immediately after and go 17 months without scoring.

After initially struggling with injuries at Pogoń Szczecin and Zagłębie Lubin, Buksa closed out the 2017/18 campaign with four goals and one assist in his last seven Ekstraklasa appearances. He parlayed this into a breakout 2018/19 campaign which saw him score 11 goals and provide four assists in 22 matches, followed by seven goals and four assists in 18 appearances in 2019, emerging as one of the top young center forwards in the Polish top flight with Pogoń Szczecin. These stellar displays attracted the attention of MLS side New England Revolution, who signed him to a three-year contract on December 12, 2019, for a fee of $4.5 million, making him the second-most expensive signing in the club’s history after Gustavo Bou.

“To be honest, I had never planned on leaving Europe. I planned on leaving the Ekstraklasa, but I never would have thought that MLS would be my next step,” stated Buksa in an exclusive World Soccer Talk interview. “However, when I talked to New England manager Bruce Arena, when I found out about the plan of the club, when I saw the training facility, and the rapid growth of the league, I thought, ‘OK, this might be a good idea.’ I also got a good offer, and I treated MLS as a great adventure and potentially a good mid-step between Poland and one of the top five leagues in Europe. This was the right approach, because after two and a half years, I fulfilled this plan by joining Racing Club de Lens, so both the club and myself were happy with that.”

Similarly to many others like Hakim Ziyech, Stephen Constantine, and Samuel Eto’o, Buksa has honed his footballing skills across multiple countries and continents, but his first-ever experience abroad came in New England. Buksa made his MLS debut on February 29, 2020, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–1 loss to CF Montréal. One week later, Buksa broke the deadlock early on in a 1-1 draw against Chicago Fire and became the first Revolution player to score in a home opener since Saër Sène in 2012. Little did he know it, but that would be his final appearance in nearly six months, as a deadly pandemic waged destruction and paralyzed life in his newly adopted community in Massachusetts.

“The pandemic was tough for everybody, regardless of which country you were located in, so that was also the case for me. One month after my girlfriend and I arrived in the US, the pandemic started, and I had only played twice in MLS. The first six months were a bit crazy; everybody was a bit unsure of what would happen, but fortunately, we came back to play in Orlando with the MLS is Back tournament, and then eventually everything went back to normal, which was good. I love discovering new countries and new cultures; I’m more curious and happy about such ideas than afraid of them. I’ve been to many countries during my football career, and I’ve really enjoyed that. I wouldn’t change any of the choices that I’ve made so far.”

Buksa scored seven goals and recorded an assist in 28 appearances to spearhead New England to the 2020 Eastern Conference Finals, where they lost to eventual winners Columbus Crew. 2021, meanwhile, saw Buksa ascend from second place in the club’s scoring charts to first place with 17 goals and four assists in 32 appearances as New England won their first trophy in 14 years with the Supporters’ Shield title. However, despite finishing with the best regular season record in MLS, they were unable to extend their success in the postseason. Buksa opened the scoring in the Conference Semifinal against New York City FC, who would equalize and force a 2-2 draw and a penalty shootout, where Sean Johnson thwarted Buksa’s spot-kick to prevail. While New York went on to win their first-ever MLS Cup, New England is still searching for its maiden championship.

The Polish target man followed that up with 11 goals and two assists in 13 appearances before moving to France in 2022, where an ankle injury condemned him to watching from the sidelines as Lens challenged PSG for the Ligue 1 title and qualified for the UEFA Champions League. Buksa bounced back in superb fashion in 2023/24 with 16 goals and two assists in 33 appearances, finishing atop Turkish side Antalyaspor’s scoring charts, before making the move to Danish heavyweights Midtjylland for €4.5 million. There, he racked up 15 goals and two assists in 39 appearances across all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign.

“The idea of joining Midtjylland was motivated by the desire to play European football. I joined after they became champions of Denmark, so the ultimate goal was to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. We were very, very close to making this happen, and if the game had ended in the 85th minute in Bratislava, we would have qualified for the Champions League. But football games take 90 minutes, and we conceded two easy goals at the end of the game and, as a result, qualified for the Europa League instead of the Champions League. It was a very painful moment, but the adventure and the experience of playing in the Europa League was huge. We did well in that campaign. We became vice-champions of Denmark, which was not a bad result, but the goal was to become champions once again. It was a good time, but I felt that after that year, I needed to take a different step.”

Buksa joined Serie A side Udinese on August 26 on a four-year deal, with the Zebrette paying €5 million for his services. After a rough transition to Italian football that saw him fail to score in his first five games, Buksa broke his duck in a 3-2 win against Lecce on October 25, but he has since failed to score in his next seven for Udinese.

At 29 years of age, Adam Buksa has already played in Poland, the USA, France, Türkiye, Denmark, and Italy, and he could very well be set to return to North America next summer. Buksa has scored seven goals and one assist in 25 appearances for Poland, and after playing an active role and scoring in their last major tournament, all signs point to him helping Poland’s attack in their mission to succeed in the world’s biggest tournament. But first, Poland needs to beat Albania in March before beating Ukraine or Sweden in order to secure their spot in Group F alongside Japan, the Netherlands, and Tunisia.

Inter defender Stefan de Vrij is attracting interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, the Premier League and across Europe, as he weighs up his future at San Siro with an eye on the 2026 World Cup.

According to Tuttosport, via CalcioMercato, Al-Ittihad have joined the race for the experienced centre-back, while Bologna, Nottingham Forest and Benfica are also monitoring his situation ahead of the January transfer window.

De Vrij’s current contract with Inter runs until June 2026, and so he could leave on a free transfer at the end of this season. He earns around €3.8m net per year, and concerns over limited playing time are believed to be driving his assessment of potential alternatives.

De Vrij could leave Inter as Nerazzurri eye Muharemovic

The Dutch international has made 286 appearances for Inter since arriving on a free transfer from Lazio in 2018, but has featured just seven times this season.

Even following Francesco Acerbi’s injury, head coach Cristian Chivu has often preferred Yann Bisseck in the middle of his back three.

Meanwhile, Inter continue to track Tarik Muharemovic, the Bosnia and Herzegovina defender, as part of their longer-term planning. The centre-back recently extended his contract with Sassuolo until June 2031, having been signed permanently from Juventus for €3m last summer.

Muharemovic was played well this season and speculation has already started to grow around his future.

Juventus retain a 50 per cent sell-on clause on any future transfer.

Antonio Conte says that he wants Napoli to win and to deserve it when they face Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final on Thursday night and has provided fitness updates on the recently-returned Stanislav Lobotka and Romelu Lukaku. 

The Partenopei will take on Milan in the first of the Supercoppa Italiana semi-finals on Thursday night. Inter and Bologna will then face off on Thursday evening and the winners of those two ties will go on to meet in the Supercoppa Italiana final on Monday. 

Click here to read the Football Italia guide to the Supercoppa Italiana. 

Conte: ‘Lobotka is ready to play, Lukaku needs patience’

This is, of course, the first opportunity for silverware in 2025-26, but it is also an opportunity for Napoli to get back to winning ways following a 1-0 Serie A loss against Udinese and a 2-0 defeat by Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the Champions League over the last week. 

“Lots of different situations come up throughout the year. We’re coming from five wins and now two defeats. We’ve had different moments in each. The important thing is to work hard, with seriousness, desire, determination and the right enthusiasm,” Conte said during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday. 

“We have to manage victory and defeat in a similar way. Wins can bring you confidence, and in defeat, you have to look at the ‘whys’. You have to analyse everything well. You have to be good at managing everything and going through your work, especially when you play every three days.” 

Conte confirmed that Lobotka will be available to play after his return off the bench against Udinese. Lukaku is also back in training with the first-team group, but given that it has been 125 days since the injury he picked up on August 14, it is unlikely that he starts in the Supercoppa. 

Napoli’s other midfield injuries – to Kevin De Bruyne, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Billy Gilmour 0 have not cleared up either, so the Partenopei are still fairly short on options in the middle of the park. 

“Lobo played for half an hour in Udinese. The problem he had wasn’t too serious, it was a minor issue that has now been resolved. He’s ready to play,” Conte said. 

“It’s not that he changes everything though. The natural midfielders we have available are him and McTominay. We have Elmas as well, who’s adapted well, but we have to respect the players’ characteristics.”

And on Lukaku, he added: “Romelu has no minutes in his legs. We have to have patience and wait for the right moment. The fact that he is back in the group is really important because he’s someone who has a lot of weight in the dressing room. 

“We will have to be patient and see the results of physical tests to understand when he can return without having the slightest danger of having to stop again.” 

This is Conte’s first involvement in the Supercoppa Italiana since it became a four-team mini-tournament, so, what does he make of the format? 

“It’s a great experience for me and the players. It’s my first time, we all want to do well, give everything and hope to stay here until Monday, but that all comes down to tomorrow’s game. May the best team win.” 

And on the Napoli fans who he’s seen out in Riyadh, Conte said: “Seeing Napoli fans here is great. The more the club gets to play abroad, the bigger your name and fanbase becomes. Fans start supporting teams based on victories, so we try to be attractive. We’re really happy to see Napoli fans here.” 

And, lastly, on the challenge that awaits him against Milan, Conte said: “We’re talking about a club with great tradition, with great players and great coaches. Everyone has that desire to test themselves in these sorts of matches and see what level we’re at. 

“This type of game, with a trophy on the line, has to bring an emotional boost for you to give your best. Everyone wants to win. We want to win and do it deservedly.” 

Giovanni Di Lorenzo has made it clear that Napoli are in it to win it at the Supercoppa Italiana in Saudi Arabia, and has implored his teammates to get the job done in 90 minutes when they come up against Milan in the semi-final on Thursday: ‘Penalties are a lottery’. 

The Supercoppa Italiana gets underway in Riyadh with the Napoli vs. Milan semi-final on Thursday evening. Bologna and Inter will face off in the other semi-final on Friday night and the winners of those two ties will meet in the final on Monday. 

Click here to read the Football Italia guide to the Supercoppa Italiana.

Di Lorenzo: ‘Napoli want to qualify for the final in normal time’

Captain Di Lorenzo, speaking alongside Antonio Conte during Wednesday’s pre-match press conference, said that Napoli are in a strong position despite their recent 1-0 loss against Udinese and their 2-0 defeat by Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the Champions League. 

“We’re coming in at a good time even though we lost our last game. But this is another competition, we will play openly. The team is doing fine,” he said. 

When asked about Napoli’s goals for the Supercoppa Italiana, Di Lorenzo said that it is a case of one game at a time, but made it clear that he doesn’t want to face the gamble of a penalty shootout. 

“Penalties are a lottery, so we want to qualify for the final in normal time. That’s the goal. Milan are a strong team with great players, so we have to focus on doing our best.” 

What has Di Lorenzo made of his recent role as a right wing-back and does he have any preference as to where he plays, whether that’s in a back three or a back four? 

“We’re all professionals and we are used to playing all the time. As for me, I always train to the maximum and give my best,” he said. “It can be tiring mentally, but you need to burn a lot of energy to play in these sorts of games.

“I play wherever the coach tells me, I’m always available for the team, my position comes second.” 

Napoli, like Milan, have taken a number of youth team representatives with them to Saudi Arabia. What does Di Lorenzo have to say about them?

“They’re young guys who often train with us and bring a breath of fresh air to the first team. We try to make them feel at ease and help them express themselves at their best.” 

And on the defensive aspect of Napoli’s game, Di Lorenzo added: “Tomorrow’s match depends on how we defend, so it will be very important. You attack better when  you defend well. We work a lot on this. We will try to play a good defensive game and show our qualities in possession.” 

Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves Best Odds: 8/13 Bookmaker: Olympusbet Looking to collect another heavyweight scalp and extend on their sensational purple patch, Aston Villa will welcome Manchester United to the Midlands on Sunday afternoon. Aston Villa Starting with the hosts, while Aston Villa might have endured a stuttering start to proceedings […]

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David Moyes is keen to keep hold of James Garner, who he will be hoping impresses again when Everton take on Arsenal. Garner, who joined Everton from Manchester United in 2022, has established himself as a key member of Moyes’ team. The 24-year-old has started all 18 of Everton’s games in all competitions this season, […]

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While the Lionel Messi continues to dominate MLS and plans for the 2026 World Cup, a fresh wave of speculation has emerged from Argentina that has reignited one of soccer’s most emotional what-ifs.

Lionel Messi has spent his career redefining soccer across continents, from Europe to North America, yet the pull of home has never fully disappeared. While the Inter Miami star continues to dominate Major League Soccer and plans for the 2026 World Cup, a fresh wave of speculation has emerged from Argentina that has reignited one of soccer’s most emotional what-ifs. This time, the discussion is no longer driven by nostalgia alone, but by a clear political voice inside his boyhood club.

As Newell’s Old Boys prepares for a crucial presidential election, one of the candidates has publicly addressed what many supporters have whispered for years: whether Messi could one day wear the red-and-black shirt at a senior level. The comments have added structure and realism to a dream long considered impossible, transforming sentiment into a conditional pathway.

Before the Ballon d’Or awards, UEFA Champions League trophies, and global superstardom, Messi was simply a gifted boy in Rosario. He passed through Newell’s youth system before leaving Argentina at a young age to join Barcelona, a move that changed soccer history. The Catalan club famously agreed to cover his medical treatment and invested in a player whose future greatness was far from guaranteed.

What followed were 21 unforgettable years in Spain, during which the Argentine scored 672 goals, won 10 domestic league titles, and lifted the Champions League four times. Even after leaving Barcelona in 2021, his journey continued through Paris and then to the United States, where he helped the Miami club collect the Leagues Cup, Supporters’ Shield, and MLS Cup.

Despite that global path, the 38-year-old has never hidden his affection for Newell’s. He has repeatedly spoken about the club as part of his identity, a place tied to childhood dreams rather than professional obligation.

Why the conversation has resurfaced now

Newell’s narrowly avoided relegation in the 2025 campaign and is now heading into another presidential election. In that context, club direction, symbolism, and long-term vision have become central talking points. Among them, Messi’s name has inevitably resurfaced.

Guillermo Munoz, one of the presidential candidates, addressed the topic directly during an interview, offering rare clarity rather than empty promises. Speaking to TNT Sports, he explained that sentiment alone would not drive such a monumental decision. “First, we have to see if Messi is eager to connect with Newell’s,” Munoz said, making it clear that the initiative could only begin from the player himself.

He continued by grounding expectations in reality rather than emotion: “I may really want Messi to come, but it’s not enough to just say, ‘someday, someday.’ I see Messi, and he makes me cry. But that doesn’t mean he’s above the club at all.”

What Messi would actually need to do

It is in the middle of this debate that the true conditions emerge. According to Munoz, Messi has no obligation—contractual or emotional—to return. Unlike fans or politicians, the club cannot chase him without a clear signal. “Messi has no commitment or obligation to Newell’s,” Munoz stated. “But if he really wants to come, he’d have to say so.”

That sentiment draws on precedent. Diego Maradona once chose to return to Newell’s late in his career. Tata Martino, both as a player and a coach, repeatedly came back to help the club. Those decisions were personal, voluntary, and initiated by the individuals themselves. For Newell’s, the message is clear: any return would begin with Messi expressing genuine intent, not with campaigns, marketing plans, or symbolic gestures from the board.

At present, Messi is under contract with the Miami club until 2028, following a three-year extension signed at the age of 38. That deal reflects both sporting ambition and long-term planning, with the 2026 World Cup firmly in view. Any move back to Argentina would therefore require alignment on timing, workload, and physical management.

PSG face Flamengo in the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup. Fans across the United States can watch every moment, with complete kickoff times and broadcast details available for both TV and streaming platforms.

Match Overview

The Intercontinental Cup final sets the stage for a marquee clash between the champions of Europe and South America as Paris Saint-Germain meet Flamengo for global supremacy. PSG arrive after a historic Champions League title last season and remain a dangerous opponent despite some uneven recent form.

On the other hand, Flamengo carry major momentum following a dominant year that included trophies in the Brasileirao, Copa Libertadores, Interamericana, and Challenge Cup. With one more title at stake and two giants colliding, this is a game no soccer fan should miss.

Antonio Conte will have a Romelu Lukaku-shaped card up his sleeve for the Supercoppa Italiana in Saudi Arabia, but full-back Mathias Olivera is a risk for Napoli after Wednesday’s training according to the latest updates. 

The Partenopei will take on Milan in the first of the two Supercoppa Italiana semi-finals on Thursday evening. This will be followed by the Bologna vs. Inter semi-final on Friday night and the final on Monday evening. 

Click here to read the Football Italia guide to the 2025-26 Supercoppa Italiana.

Will Lukaku play against Napoli vs. Milan in Supercoppa Italiana?

According to updates on Wednesday afternoon, Lukaku was involved in full group training with Napoli and is expected to be part of the squad to face Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final on Thursday. 

Given that he has been out injured since August 14, 125 days ago, it is unlikely that he is thrown immediately back into the starting XI. 

Wednesday’s reports confirm that Mathias Olivera was not involved in training on Wednesday as he is struggling with a muscular strain in his calf. It has not yet been confirmed either way whether he will be involved against Milan. He goes down as a doubt for now.

Stanislav Lobotka marked his return from injury off the bench during Napoli’s 1-0 Serie A loss against Udinese on Sunday and should be available in Saudi Arabia. 

The other midfield injuries have not cleared up yet though: Kevin De Bruyne, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Billy Gilmour are not expected back until 2026.

Inter will soon jet off for the Supercoppa Italiana in Saudi Arabia, and will have Hakan Calhanoglu at their disposal, but not Francesco Acerbi according to the latest updates. 

Inter will take on Bologna in the second of the Supercoppa Italiana semi-finals on Friday evening. The winner of that tie will go on to face the winner of Thursday’s Napoli vs. Milan semi-final on Monday night. 

Click here to read the Football Italia guide to the Supercoppa Italiana.

Latest Inter team news for Supercoppa Italiana

According to updates from Sky Sport Italia, Calhanoglu will be on the plane to Riyadh for the Supercoppa Italiana. He picked up a thigh injury early on in Inter’s 1-0 Champions League loss against Liverpool last week, which forced him out of the team’s subsequent 2-1 Serie A win over Genoa. 

It remains to be seen whether Calhanoglu will have any involvement against Bologna, but as things stand, it is most likely that he starts among the substitutes. 

Also injured during Inter’s Champions League loss against Inter was centre-back Acerbi. His thigh injury is more severe than the one suffered by Calhanoglu, and it is expected that he will need a few more weeks to recover. 

It is a case of one in, one out in defence though: Matteo Darmian is also among the players who will travel to Saudi Arabia. He has not featured for the Nerazzurri since late September after picking up a calf injury at the beginning of October. 

Denzel Dumfries has had surgery on his ankle and is expected to be sidelined for a minimum of two months, and in the worst case, potentially up to three of four according to updates on Wednesday.

Reports in Italy confirm that Milan are in talks over a potential deal for Germany international Niclas Fullkrug heading into the January transfer window: Here is what the Rossoneri need to close a deal with West Ham. 

Why Milan want goalless Fullkrug 

Milan’s need for a new centre-forward was made more urgent following the confirmation that Santiago Gimenez requires surgery on a recurring ankle injury. The Mexico international is expected to have an operation on Thursday, and could face a spell of anywhere from six weeks to three months on the sidelines as a result. 

This means that Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic, considered wingers until this season, plus Christopher Nkunku, are the only currently available forwards for Massimiliano Allegri’s 3-5-2. 

This leaves Milan looking for a new centre-forward, and Fullkrug, described as a traditional no.9, is an enticing short-term option despite his lack of goals for West Ham. 

Reports earlier this week claimed that Milan already have an agreement in place on personal terms. The Rossoneri are willing to cover the €1.5m that Fullkrug is set to earn between January and the end of the 2025-26 campaign. 

Milan still need to come to an agreement with West Ham, however. Reports from various outlets on Wednesday including Sky Sport DE claim that Milan have now sent a formal offer to West Ham, but the final terms still need to be agreed upon.

According to updates from Calciomercato.com, Milan would ideally like to agree a straight loan deal with West Ham until the end of the 2025-26 campaign, although they have not yet ruled out the inclusion of an option to buy clause. 

West Ham, meanwhile, are reportedly hoping to include an obligation to buy for a fee in the region of €16m according to Wednesday’s reports. The Premier League outfit paid a fee of €27m to sign the German from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2024. 

Massimiliano Allegri says that he and Milan will have to wait and see about potential incomings in the January transfer window, and has told supporters what to expect when the Rossoneri take on Napoli in the Supercoppa Italiana on Thursday evening. 

Milan will face Napoli in the first of the Supercoppa Italiana semi-finals on Thursday evening. That will be followed by Bologna vs. Inter on Friday night and the eventual final on Monday evening. 

Click here to read the Football Italia guide to the 2025-26 Supercoppa Italiana.

Allegri previews Milan vs. Napoli Supercoppa Italiana semi-final

Milan are the reigning champions of this competition, having claimed the trophy in Sergio Conceicao’s first two games in charge last winter. Much has changed for the Rossoneri since then, including the head coach, and their league form heading into the mini-tournament. 

Allegri feels that this will be a different type of game compared to the usual matches in Serie A. 

“Tomorrow is a different type of game. It’s a one-off match and the goal is to reach the final. Napoli are a very strong side, it will be a complicated and difficult game,” he told the media during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday.

Allegri also gave a fitness update on Youssof Fofana and Rafael Leao: “In terms of their condition, Fofana is fully available, we will see about Leao after training today,” he said. It is also understood that Santiago Gimenez and Matteo Gabbia are unavailable.

Allegri was then asked if he plans to make any tactical changes against Napoli in the Supercoppa Italiana. 

He replied: “We’ve always played with three attacking players. Saelemaekers is the one who brings the variation. We’ve got Athekame and Jashari back, we need new energy given that we always play with the same players.” 

And on tomorrow’s opponents, Allegri said: “Napoli, regardless of their tactics, are a strong team who score a lot of goals inside the box. Tomorrow will be a great game with lots of quality players.” 

The Rossoneri head coach confirmed that centre-forward Gimenez is expected to go under the knife on Thursday. Whether this means that Milan will make any moves in the January transfer window remains to be seen, though. 

“Gimenez had a medical consultation and was advised to have surgery. The operation should be tomorrow morning. Milan’s plan is to recover the players we already have available, then, with the club, we will see what can be done in the window.”

 

Newcastle United are looking for reinforcements in the January transfer window and the player on their radar is Giovani Lo Celso of Real Betis, according to Fichajes.

Lo Celso’s future appears increasingly uncertain as the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder continues to struggle for consistency in La Liga, sparking fresh speculation about a potential return to the Premier League.

The Argentine playmaker, once tipped as one of South America’s most technically gifted midfielders, has endured a difficult campaign so far, managing just one goal in 13 league appearances.

Despite his underwhelming numbers this season, Lo Celso’s underlying qualities remain widely admired across Europe.

Newcastle United are ready to make January signings

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is looking to add new players in the January transfer window to add depth and quality of his squad.

Lo Celso could be available for around €25 million (£22 million), a figure that many within the game would consider modest given his pedigree and international experience.

For Newcastle, who are looking to add creativity and depth to their midfield without breaching financial regulations, the Argentine could represent a potential bargain, provided they can rediscover the version of Lo Celso that once lit up Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain and showed flashes of brilliance at Tottenham.

During his time in north London, Lo Celso never truly established himself as a guaranteed starter, often oscillating between impressive performances and lengthy periods of injury or loss of form.

More Stories / Latest News

Leeds United make surprise January call after Daniel Farke’s decision changes everything

Dec 17 2025, 17:43

Report: Man United line up surprise move for 24-year-old Frenchman from rival club

Dec 17 2025, 17:35

Liverpool, Man United and Chelsea want 29-year-old South American who is “something special”

Dec 17 2025, 17:00

Eddie Howe needs depth in defensive areas

From Newcastle’s perspective, this makes any move a calculated risk. Howe’s side have already invested heavily in midfield in recent windows and cannot afford another high-profile signing who fails to deliver sustained impact.

While Lo Celso would be a short term solution for the Newcastle United midfield, it is still a move that comes with risk and something that Howe and his recruitment team should avoid at this stage.

More than the midfield, they need additions in the defensive department, particularly after the injuries suffered by Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Emil Krafth and others.

Report: Newcastle eyeing move for 22-year-old La Liga ace after glowing scout reports 

The post Newcastle United in pole position to sign ex-Tottenham playmaker appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Crystal Palace have begun internal contingency planning amid growing uncertainty over Oliver Glasner’s long-term future at Selhurst Park, with Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior identified as one of three leading candidates should the Eagles fail to agree a new contract with their current manager.

According to GiveMeSport, Palace remain hopeful of retaining Glasner, but his reluctance to commit to an extension has prompted the club to quietly explore alternative options.

Glasner, who has also been linked with Manchester United, is refusing to commit his future to Palace.

Glasner’s impact since arriving in south London has been significant. Under his guidance, Palace’s performances have improved notably, both in terms of results and tactical cohesion.

Oliver Glasner has been a huge success at Crystal Palace

The Austrian manager has guided them to the FA Cup and Community Shield glory this year.

His work has not gone unnoticed across Europe, with rival clubs monitoring his progress, a factor that has complicated Palace’s efforts to secure his future.

Club officials are understood to be keen to reward Glasner’s success with a new deal, viewing him as one of the most effective managers in Palace’s recent history.

Despite that optimism, Palace are aware of the need for responsible succession planning. As part of that process, Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior has been discussed internally and is seen as an attractive stylistic fit.

Rosenior’s appeal lies largely in his tactical alignment with Glasner, as both coaches operate similar systems built around structure, pressing discipline, and positional balance.

More Stories / Latest News

Leeds United make surprise January call after Daniel Farke’s decision changes everything

Dec 17 2025, 17:43

Report: Man United line up surprise move for 24-year-old Frenchman from rival club

Dec 17 2025, 17:35

Liverpool, Man United and Chelsea want 29-year-old South American who is “something special”

Dec 17 2025, 17:00

Palace are preparing for life without Glasner

Palace believe this continuity would allow for a smoother transition should a managerial change become unavoidable.

Rosenior’s work at Strasbourg has earned widespread praise, particularly given the club’s emphasis on developing young talent within the BlueCo ownership model.

However, prising the Englishman away would be far from straightforward. BlueCo, the consortium that owns both Strasbourg and Chelsea, have previously rebuffed approaches for Rosenior.

Alongside Rosenior, Palace are also considering Rayo Vallecano head coach Iñigo Pérez and Getafe’s José Bordalás.

While Rosenior represents an exciting and logical option, convincing Strasbourg and BlueCo to part ways with him would be a significant challenge.

Crystal Palace set to go against Oliver Glasner wishes and sell star in January 

The post Crystal Palace targeting English manager to replace Oliver Glasner appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Antoine Semenyo’s impressive rise at Bournemouth has not gone unnoticed, with several of the Premier League’s biggest clubs now positioning themselves for a potential move.

According to a trusted source on X, both Liverpool and Manchester City have already agreed personal terms with the Bournemouth attacker, placing them firmly at the front of the queue should a formal transfer materialise.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are understood to be monitoring the situation closely but have so far limited their involvement to initial enquiries.

Semenyo has been one of Bournemouth’s best performers this season, scoring seven goals in the Premier League, with his latest coming against Man United in a 4-4 draw at Old Trafford on Monday.

Liverpool join Premier League rivals in Semenyo race

Capable of operating on either wing or through the middle, the Ghana international has earned praise for his work rate, direct running, and growing end product.

Liverpool’s interest is believed to be driven by their long-term planning in attack.

With Mohamed Salah facing an uncertain future at Anfield and manager Arne Slot looking to add more depth and quality to the squad, Semenyo has emerged as their top transfer target ahead of the January transfer window.

The race to sign him is expected to be severely intense since both Man City and Man United hold genuine interest in the attacker and are expected to formally move ahead with their interest.

More Stories / Latest News

Newcastle United in pole position to sign ex-Tottenham playmaker

Dec 17 2025, 13:30

Crystal Palace targeting English manager to replace Oliver Glasner

Dec 17 2025, 12:33

Personal terms agreed: Liverpool make progress to sign January transfer target

Dec 17 2025, 12:09

Reds have already made progress to sign Semenyo

While personal terms reportedly being agreed is a major step, Bournemouth are not under immediate pressure to sell.

The south coast club value Semenyo highly and they would want to keep him at least until the end of the season.

The attacker has a £65m release clause and a top Premier League club triggering that would foce Andoni Iraola’s team to consider a transfer.

United’s position remains more cautious for now. The club have made background checks and enquiries but are yet to advance talks.

With United assessing multiple attacking profiles and balancing financial priorities, they appear to be keeping their options open rather than committing early.

Leading Liverpool target would prefer to join Real Madrid or Barcelona 

The post Personal terms agreed: Liverpool make progress to sign January transfer target appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Verdict: Bournemouth win Best Odds: 6/11 Bookmaker: Luckster Looking to claim a much-welcomed Premier League victory on Saturday afternoon, Bournemouth will welcome Burnley to the Vitality. Bournemouth Starting with the hosts, while Bournemouth might have eventually left Old Trafford with a sensational 4-4 stalemate against Manchester United earlier in the week, Andoni Iraola’s men have […]

The post Prediction: Bournemouth vs Burnley – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Prediction: Bournemouth vs Burnley – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts appeared first on Soccer News.

Enzo Maresca claimed he is perfectly happy at Chelsea and is “falling more in love” with his squad after their EFL Cup win over Cardiff City. Chelsea beat Cardiff 3-1 on Tuesday to book their place in the EFL Cup semi-finals. That victory came on the back of Maresca saying, after Chelsea’s 2-0 win over […]

The post Maresca ´falling more in love´ with Chelsea squad appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Maresca ´falling more in love´ with Chelsea squad appeared first on Soccer News.

Mike Maignan says that Milan are fully focused on their Supercoppa Italiana semi-final against Napoli on Thursday evening, but was unwilling to discuss his Rossoneri future during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday afternoon: ‘I don’t think it’s the time’. 

The Rossoneri will take on reigning Serie A champions in the opening match of the Supercoppa Italiana in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Thursday evening. That will be followed by the Bologna vs. Inter semi-final on Friday night. The winners of those two ties will meet in the final on Monday evening. 

Click here to read the Football Italia guide to the 2025-26 Supercoppa Italiana.

Maignan on Supercoppa Italiana: ‘We won it last year, but that’s over now’

Milan are the reigning Supercoppa Italiana champions. They claimed victory in Sergio Conceicao’s first two matches in charge of the club last winter, shortly after he was announced as the successor to Paulo Fonseca. 

Much has changed for Milan since then, including their head coach and coaching staff. With no European football this season, and having recently lost 1-0 to Lazio in the Coppa Itlaia, this is now Milan’s only chance of silverware outside the Serie A title race. 

“We won it last year, but last year is over now. This is a new path, we have to focus only on tomorrow’s game, it’s the most important. Without a win tomorrow night, there’s no chance for Monday,” Maignan told the press ahead of Milan’s opener against Napoli.

“If we want to get a positive result, we have to stay focused in training today and get to tomorrow in good shape.

“It was nice to win it last season, but this is a new season now. Our results are better at the moment (compared to last year). As my teammates have all said, we’re more of a team this year, more of a family, a group that works well together. 

“Lots of things have changed. The coach and his staff have brought a lot of calmness about the way we work. We have to carry on at this pace, improve every day and try to pick up positive results.” 

Maignan also faced questions on his Milan future given that his contract is up at the end of the 2025-26 season. There have already been transfer links to the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Chelsea, but Maignan says that this is not the time to be discussing the next steps in his career. 

“Of course there is a lot of talk about my future, but it’s not something that bothers me. I have to be focused to give my best. I don’t think it’s the time to talk about my future today, we’re very close to an important game. I have to give it my all tomorrow night and see what happens next,” he said. 

Maignan was also asked what it is like for the players to play the Supercoppa Italiana in Saudi Arabia rather than in Italy. 

He said: “It’s something a bit different. We’re focused on the game, I don’t think we’ll be concerned with what happens in the stadium, we have to think about the football that we play and doing what the coach asks of us. 

“It will definitely be a good game, I experienced it last year. These are passionate fans. We have to give out best, that’s the most important thing.” 

And what is Maignan’s message for the Milan supporters in Riyadh? 

“It’s a very simple message: Thank you for supporting Milan. I believe we will give our best for all of you who are here to support us.”

Inter are beginning to consider their options to replace Denzel Dumfries, who is expected to be unavailable for several months after surgery, and reports on Wednesday suggest that the Nerazzurri could be keen on a deal for former Arsenal defender Brooke Norton-Cuffy, who has impressed for Genoa this term. 

Could Inter move for Norton-Cuffy in January?

Dumfries went under the knife in London earlier this week in an attempt to fix an ankle issue that had been taking longer than expected to resolve. Initial reports suggest that the Dutchman could be unavailable for a further two to three months. 

So far, Inter have been using Luis Henrique and Carlos Augusto as their replacements on the right flank, but heading into the business end of the season, they could be tempted into a potential deal during the January transfer window, claims La Gazzetta dello Sport. 

A decision has not yet been made either way, but La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that the Nerazzurri could be keen on finding a Dumfries replacement in January, whether than be a permanent solution or a short-term fix until the summer. 

One of the names that is reportedly of interest to the Nerazzurri is Genoa’s Norton-Cuffy. The 21-year-old moved to Serie A from Arsenal last summer, was in and out of the first-team due to injury last season, but has become a guaranteed starter in 2025-26. 

So far this term, the former England youth international has played the full 90 minutes in 14 out of 15 Serie A matches, only missing one through suspension. 

If Inter were to make a move for Norton-Cuffy in January, La Gazzetta dello Sport cites a fee in the region of €20m. 

Wednesday’s report adds that Inter have a solid relationship with Norton-Cuffy’s agency, RocNation, who were also involved in various Romelu Lukaku deals, and also represent Nerazzurri wing-back Federico Dimarco, plus the aforementioned Luis Henrique. 

Inter are also reportedly interested in Atalanta’s Marco Palestra, but are aware that a deal with La Dea, especially in January and especially after the Ademola Lookman debacle, will not be easy to pull off. 

Hellas Verona’s Rafik Belghali has also been mentioned as a more sensible option for January.

Manchester United have reportedly launched an internal investigation after sensitive tactical details involving Ruben Amorim’s plans were leaked on the day of their Premier League clash against Bournemouth.

According to the Daily Mail, information about a potential tweak to Amorim’s preferred 3-2-4-1 system began circulating publicly on Monday afternoon, just hours before kick-off, raising serious concerns within the club.

United officials are believed to be frustrated that such specific strategic information became public so close to matchday, particularly given the competitive margins at Premier League level.

Man United are looking to find the mole at the club

The club fear that the leak may have provided Bournemouth with valuable advance insight into United’s intended approach, potentially allowing Andoni Iraola’s side to prepare counter-measures or adjust their pressing and defensive structure accordingly.

Sources close to Old Trafford suggest the inquiry is being taken seriously, with United keen to identify exactly how the information left the club and who may have been responsible.

While leaks to the media are not uncommon in modern football, Man United view the timing and detail of this revelation as especially damaging.

Tactical flexibility and surprise are considered key components of Amorim’s philosophy, and any compromise in that area is seen as undermining the manager’s authority and competitive edge.

Amorim, who has built his reputation on a structured but adaptable system, has often emphasised the importance of internal discipline and trust.

More Stories / Latest News

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Dec 17 2025, 13:30

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Personal terms agreed: Liverpool make progress to sign January transfer target

Dec 17 2025, 12:09

Amorim is ready to make changes

During his time in Portugal, he was known to run a tight ship, with limited information escaping the training ground.

United’s hierarchy are therefore eager to ensure that similar standards are upheld at Carrington, particularly as the club attempts to establish a clearer identity under new leadership.

As the season progresses and pressure intensifies, the club know that maintaining internal unity and discretion will be just as important as performances on the pitch.

The Red Devils were involved in a 4-4 draw against Bournemouth on Monday, a match in which they took the lead three times but still could not win.

Sources: Man United have five names on their list of January clear-out plan

The post Internal investigation started at Man United to solve major issue facing the team appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Wednesday’s reports confirm that Santiago Gimenez is set to have surgery on a recurring ankle issue in the coming days, which means that he is set for several weeks on the sidelines, which could in turn complicate Milan’s plans for the January transfer window. 

What Gimenez’s surgery means for Milan and Fullkrug

The Mexico international has not featured for Milan since their 1-1 draw with Atalanta on October 28. He has been struggling with an ankle issue, which, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, is to do with the bone rather than his ligaments or cartilage. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sport Italia confirm that Gimenez has now decided to have surgery in an attempt to amend the ankle issue. 

The operation is likely to take place within the next few days, but it remains to be seen how long the 24-year-old will be unavailable for. La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests a period of six weeks to two months, while Sky claims ‘at least’ two months. 

For Milan, this situation has only increased their need for a new striker during the January transfer window. As things stand, Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic, Christopher Nkunku and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are the only available options for Massimiliano Allegri’s 3-5-2, and they have had their fair share of injury and fitness concerns this season as well. 

Reports earlier this week suggest that Milan are expecting to complete a deal to sign Germany international Niclas Fullkrug on loan from West Ham United in January, which is considered a temporary fix in the striking department until the summer window rolls around. 

For Gimenez, though, a move away from Milan now seems next to impossible given that he could be unavailable for several months. Wednesday’s reports claim that he will look to return in February or March, and will aim to work his way back to full fitness so that he is at his best for the World Cup in the summer.

The Supercoppa Italiana gets underway on Thursday evening: Here is everything you need to know about the competition, how it works, the teams competing and their form heading into the mini-tournament in Saudi Arabia. 

When will the Supercoppa Italiana be played? 

The Supercoppa Italiana will feature two semi-finals and one final, made up of last season’s Serie A winners (Napoli) and the runners up (Inter), plus the reigning Coppa Italia champions (Bologna) and the runners up in that competition (Milan).  

Napoli vs. Milan is up first, kicking off at 19.00 GMT on Thursday evening. That will be followed by the Bologna vs. Inter semi-final at 19.00 GMT on Friday evening. The winners of those two ties will meet for the final on Monday (December 22) at 19.00 GMT. 

Where will the Supercoppa Italiana be played? 

All three matches will be played at the same venue: At the King Saud University Stadium (also known as Al-Awwal Park) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

Where to watch the Supercoppa Italiana

The Supercoppa Italiana matches will be available to watch live in the UK through Premier Sports. Supporters in the USA are able to tune in via Paramount+. 

You can also join us for all the pre-match build-up, in-game coverage and post-match reactions on the Football Italia Liveblog. 

Napoli form and latest team news 

Napoli will be looking to get back to winning ways in the Supercoppa Italiana after slipping to defeats in their last two matches: A 1-0 loss away against Udinese in Serie A and a 2-0 defeat by Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the Champions League. 

They had gone five matches unbeaten before the recent losses, and still sit just two points off the lead in the Serie A table. 

In terms of injuries, midfield is still the problem area for Antonio Conte, with no Kevin De Bruyne, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa or Billy Gilmour available. 

Stanislav Lobotka is available again after coming off the bench against Udinese, while Romelu Lukaku is part of the squad for the first time since the injury he picked up on August 14. 

Milan form and latest team news 

Milan were held to a 2-2 draw by Sassuolo last time out in Serie A, which saw the Rossoneri slip into second place in the Serie A table, behind city rivals Inter. 

Milan, who are not involved in any European competition this term, have only lost twice all campaign: A 1-0 defeat by Lazio in the Coppa Italia, and a surprise 2-1 loss against Cremonese on the opening weekend of the Serie A season. 

The Rossoneri will be without Santiago Gimenez in for the Supercoppa Italiana, as he has elected to have surgery on a recurring ankle issue. Matteo Gabbia has not travelled either, but reports on Monday claimed there could be a chance that he joins the team later on should they qualify for the final. 

Bologna form and latest team news 

Bologna were beaten 1-0 by Juventus in Serie A last time out. In the month of December, Vincenzo Italiano’s side have beaten Celta Vigo 2-1 away from home in the Europa League, were held to a 1-1 draw by Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico, beat Parma 2-1 in the Coppa Italia and lost 3-1 to Cremonese in what has been a month of ups and downs. 

The Rossoblu will be without Nicolo Casale, Martin Vitik, Remo Freuler and Lukasz Skorupski for the Supercoppa. 

Inter form and latest team news 

Inter boast the strongest league form of the four teams involved in the Coppa Italia. They sit at the top of the league table after a 2-1 win over Genoa, a 4-0 win over Como and a 2-0 victory away against Pisa this month. They have also thumped Venezia 5-1 in the Coppa Italia this month, but have lost 1-0 to Liverpool and 2-1 to Atletico in the Champions League. 

The Supercoppa Italiana will be a real test for Cristian Chivu, whose only real downfall in his Nerazzurri tenure thus far is his record against direct league rivals. 

• Read more: Why Inter continue to struggle in big matches under Chivu

Denzel Dumfries is facing two to three months out after having surgery. Francesco Acerbi is also out for several weeks. Tomas Palacios and Raffaele Di Gennaro are also out. Hakan Calhanoglu and Matteo Darmian have travelled with the team but it remains to be seen what involvement they will have against Bologna.

La Gazzetta dello Sport 

Inter exchange blows 

Dumfries out for at least two months 

The Dutchman has an operation on his ankle. Luis Henrique hasn’t convinced, the club are on Norton-Cuffy

Yildiz + Conceicao: Creativity wins at Juventus 

Spalletti’s key players 

Mancini the ‘bad guy’ that everyone wants 

The Roma defender 

Supercoppa of phenomena 

The Napoli-Milan semi-final tomorrow 

McTominay and Pulisic already charged up in Arabia: We’ll take care of it

Scudetto reinforcements 

Mainoo calls Conte, Fullkrug for Allegri

Corriere dello Sport 

Gasp attack 

In Spalletti’s backyard

And on  Saturday, he wants to leave Lucio behind 

Roma’s exploits could upset the balance in the race for the Scudetto and Champions League 

From their defensive record (only eight goals conceded) to the super relationship between Soule and Wesley, Gasp is now looking for his first major win against a direct league rival. And he waits for Zirkzee

The Supercoppa in Saudi Arabia is a necessary inconvenience 

Whoever wins earns 11 million 

Playing for pride but also for finances in Riyadh 

Napoli-Milan: McTominay is Conte’s highlander: Looking for his first goal against Milan to take them to the final. Leao recovers, Gabbia misses the battle against Hojlund. Attack on Fullkrug: A low-cost operation

Bologna-Inter: Italiano puts Dominguez and Fabbian to the test: Confirm their spot or be sold. Chivu, Luis Henrique provides the width: Trust in the former Marseille man to plug the gap until March in the absence of Dumfries 

Laio in New York: on the NASDAQ window 

New opportunities on the global market 

PSG blow, must pay Mbappe 61 million 

Intercontinental Cup, against Flamengo atr 17.00

Tuttosport 

Juve, midfield turnaround

Frattesi on a free 

Spalletti looking for quality in the middle 

In addition to the Inter man, Comolli is studying two other midfielders whose contracts are expiring: Schlager from Leipzig and Timber from Feyenoord. Perin-Leali swap with Genoa? Roma on Saturday: Del Piero frenzy 

Toro, there’s Carboni after Christmas 

The priority of sporting director Petrachi is to reinforce the defence in January. Monza like Ilkhan: Possible swap? Eye on the baby Kofler from Sudtirol

De Vrij also thinks about saying ciao to Inter 

It’s not just Frattesi

Forgotten by Chivu, the Dutchman doesn’t want to lose his World Cup spot. Dumfries operation: Returns in March 

Fiorentina time bomb: ‘Disputes and damages’

The brawl reportedly rook place in Reggio Emilia: Sassuolo and the Viola club deny it but the case is growing

‘PSG must pay Mbappe 61 million’

The French club ordered to reimburse their ex-star. Now at Real: Unpaid salary

Oliver Glasner’s recent decisions in the managerial market have sent a clear message across European football.

By turning down two contract offers within the last six months, the Austrian coach has underlined not only his confidence in his own abilities, but also his ambition to remain in the Premier League and eventually take charge of a genuine top-tier club.

This was not a rejection of opportunity, but a calculated move driven by long-term vision.

According to a trusted source on X, Glasner is not interested in short-term projects or roles lacking a clear pathway to success.

Instead, he is believed to be holding out for a club with strong infrastructure, competitive objectives, and the patience to build something sustainable.

Oliver Glasner is ready to move to the next level

Sources close to the situation suggest that he sees the Premier League as the ideal environment to test himself against the best managers in the world, while continuing to develop his tactical identity at the highest level.

What makes Glasner particularly appealing to elite clubs is his adaptability. Unlike managers wedded to a single philosophy, he has consistently shown a willingness to tailor his system to the strengths of his squad.

During his previous spells in top European leagues, analysts praised his ability to switch between back-three and back-four systems, adjust pressing structures, and maximize individual player qualities rather than forcing them into rigid roles.

In an era where versatility and squad management are paramount, this flexibility is seen as a major asset.

The Palace manager has been linked with a move to Man United recently with questions being raised over the long term future of manager Ruben Amorim.

Man United have reportedly made the decision to sack Amorim after his failure to change the fortunes of the club.

Despite giving him enough time at the club and providing him with financial backing, the Man United hierarchy have reportedly made up their mind that the Amorim experiment has failed.

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Man United are closely monitoring the Palace manager

That has opened the door for them to make a move for Glasner who is looking to leave Selhurst Park for an upwards move in his career.

Players who have worked under him frequently point to his clarity in conveying tactical instructions and his emphasis on collective responsibility.

These qualities have not gone unnoticed, with scouts and executives from England, Germany, and Italy reportedly monitoring his situation closely.

Should the right opportunity arise, many believe his next appointment could mark a significant step forward, not just for his own career, but for the club bold enough to entrust him with a major project.

Sources: Man United have five names on their list of January clear-out plan

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Manchester United’s long-standing interest in Antoine Semenyo remains very much alive, with the Bournemouth winger continuing to attract serious attention across the Premier League.

As first revealed last month, the Red Devils are actively monitoring Semenyo’s situation, but they are far from alone in the race for one of the division’s most dynamic wide forwards, according to Ben Jacobs.

Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are all keeping a close eye on the Ghana international, while Arsenal’s stance is more cautious.

The Gunners admire Semenyo’s profile but are only expected to consider a move if they sanction an attacking departure first.

With Arsenal anticipating a relatively quiet January window, their interest may be one to revisit in the summer rather than an immediate priority.

Interest is increasing in Antoine Semenyo

Semenyo, for his part, is understood to be relaxed about his future. The 25-year-old is enjoying a strong season on the south coast and is in no rush to force a move.

Instead, he is waiting to see which clubs are prepared to make a concrete commitment by either triggering or matching his release clause.

That clause currently stands at £65 million in January, a figure that would represent a major financial boost for Bournemouth should it be activated during the winter window.

Interestingly, the clause is expected to drop by around £5 million in the summer, which could significantly alter the dynamics of the race. That reduction explains why several interested clubs are weighing up whether to act decisively now or hold their nerve until the end of the season.

From Bournemouth’s perspective, a January sale would be ideal financially, even though the actual amount received by the Cherries would be slightly lower than the headline figure due to solidarity payments owed to previous clubs.

Man United see Semenyo as an appealing option due to his versatility, physicality and Premier League experience.

Under Ruben Amorim, United are looking to add players who can offer tactical flexibility, and Semenyo’s ability to operate as a winger, inside forward or even wing-back fits that brief.

However, United must balance this interest against their parallel priority of strengthening midfield areas, which could influence whether they move aggressively in January.

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Man United face competition from Premier League rivals

Liverpool’s interest is also notable, particularly given ongoing uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah’s long-term future.

City, meanwhile, admire his athletic profile and see him as a potential squad option capable of operating across multiple roles in Pep Guardiola’s fluid attacking structure.

Tottenham remain outsiders but are monitoring developments closely, especially as they assess their own attacking depth under Thomas Frank.

With several elite clubs circling and Bournemouth holding a strong contractual position, Semenyo’s future is going to attract a lot of attention next year.

Sources: Man United have five names on their list of January clear-out plan

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The Ruben Amorim era at Manchester United is already beginning to reshape the club’s identity, and the upcoming January transfer window is expected to be a defining moment in that transformation.

The Portuguese coach has made it clear behind the scenes that he intends to build a squad tailored specifically to his tactical vision, rather than compromise his principles to accommodate inherited profiles.

Sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside that United are preparing for what insiders describe as a significant winter “clear-out,” with several first-team players now facing uncertain futures.

Man United ready to make tough decisions in January

One of the most surprising names on the list is Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan has struggled to adapt to Amorim’s demands for a midfielder who can dictate tempo and progress the ball under pressure.

Sources indicate Amorim is seeking a more refined “regista”-type profile rather than a purely defensive disruptor. If a suitable offer arrives, United are open to approving Ugarte’s exit despite the short turnaround.

Goalkeeper Altay Bayındır is another likely departure. After spending much of his United career on the bench and featuring mainly in domestic cup competitions, the club are keen to avoid further stagnation that could damage his market value.

Mason Mount’s situation is more complex. Despite significant investment, injuries and tactical misalignment have prevented him from finding rhythm.

Amorim does not see him as a natural fit for either the attacking number-eight role or the inverted wide positions in his system.

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Amorim has identified players surplus to requirements

At left-back, Tyrell Malacia is considered surplus to requirements. Amorim is understood to want a physically dominant, high-endurance wing-back capable of sustaining repeated sprints throughout 90 minutes, a profile Malacia is not believed to fully match.

Finally, Joshua Zirkzee could be sacrificed as United reshape their attack. Amorim prefers a more ruthless, penalty-box striker, and with Juventus and AC Milan monitoring the situation, United may look to reinvest the proceeds into a more direct goal threat.

As January approaches, it is increasingly clear that Amorim’s United rebuild will be bold, uncompromising, and potentially ruthless.

Man United target two midfielders from the same Premier League club 

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Manchester United insiders have firmly pushed back against suggestions that the club were open to selling Bruno Fernandes last summer, insisting that the Portuguese playmaker has always remained central to their long-term vision.

Despite strong and well-documented interest from Saudi Pro League heavyweights, senior figures at Old Trafford are understood to have been united in their desire to retain the club captain and build around him, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Reports of Saudi interest in Fernandes intensified during the previous transfer window, with Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad all exploring the possibility of a blockbuster move.

The financial packages on offer were significant, and from the outside it appeared that United could be tempted to cash in on a player approaching his thirties.

Man United had no intention to sell Bruno Fernandes

However, club sources insist there was never a genuine appetite to sell.

As things stand, there is still no desire within United’s leadership to part ways with Fernandes, who remains a cornerstone of the club’s sporting project under Ruben Amorim and the INEOS-led football structure.

Internally, Fernandes is viewed not just as a creative leader on the pitch, but as a standard-setter in training and a crucial figure in maintaining dressing-room culture during a period of transition.

The situation has been complicated by Fernandes’ own recent comments, which hinted at a sense that the club may have been open to his departure.

Those remarks sparked debate among supporters and pundits, but they sit alongside earlier statements from the midfielder that painted a very different picture.

Speaking in October, Fernandes was clear about the conversations he had behind the scenes.

“The manager spoke with me,” Fernandes said at the time. “He said I was still part of the project. He wanted me to stay. The club said the same. I felt that I was still part of the plan.”

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Fernandes had interest from Saudi Arabia

That message aligns with what United insiders are now reiterating. While Saudi interest remains active and is expected to resurface again in future windows, Fernandes himself ultimately decided that a move last summer was not the right step.

Family considerations played a major role, as did his determination to remain in European football ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where he hopes to play a key role for Portugal.

It is understood that Fernandes communicated this decision directly to the Saudi clubs involved, making it clear that while he was flattered by the interest, his priority was continuity at the highest level in Europe.

United, for their part, welcomed that stance and continue to see him as a central figure in their plans both on and off the pitch.

‘Man United firmly in the race’: Sky Sports drops intriguing Manchester United transfer update

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Mohamed Salah’s future at Liverpool has been thrown into fresh uncertainty after a tense sequence of events that has fuelled speculation about a potential January exit and even a surprise return to Serie A.

Despite remaining one of the Reds’ most influential figures, the 33-year-old Egyptian has found himself at the centre of a growing narrative surrounding his role, status, and long-term future at Anfield.

The situation escalated following a public and emotional post-match outburst, during which Salah suggested he felt he had been “thrown under the bus” by the club.

His comments raised eyebrows and immediately triggered debate about his relationship with the Liverpool hierarchy and coaching staff.

Mo Salah is facing uncertain future at Liverpool

Matters appeared to worsen when Salah was subsequently left out of Liverpool’s Champions League trip to Inter Milan last week, a decision that only intensified speculation about internal tensions.

Since then, he has returned to the squad and made an appearance against Brighton in the Premier League, in which he provided an assist for the Reds.

Saudi sides have long admired the Liverpool talisman and are understood to be willing to offer lucrative contracts that would dwarf his current wages.

Amid the uncertainty, former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has offered his perspective on what the solution to Salah’s saga could be.

Speaking to JeffBet, as reported by GOAL, ex-Reds star Hamann said:

“If Salah doesn’t want to accept that he won’t play, and keeps talking about not having the backing of the manager, then he and the club need to find a solution. That solution may be that they go their separate ways. I don’t think Salah wants to go to Saudi Arabia because he rejected an offer last year. There would be European clubs still interested in him. The top clubs in Spain, Germany and England may not want to sign him, but I can see him going back to Italy, maybe. That league is known to bring experienced players in and bring them back to their best. Inter Milan has signed similar players in recent years. I can’t see him joining Bayern Munich or the two Spanish giants. The top clubs in England don’t need his services either.”

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Salah to leave the Premier League next year?

Salah will continue to be linked with moves away from Anfield after the recent development.

The Saudi league, the MLS and other European clubs will look to sign him in the coming months as uncertainty grows over his future at Liverpool.

Right now, the priority of the club should be to keep the player at least until the end of the season so that he can contribute to their objectives this season.

Although the league may be out of their reach right now, the Reds can still perform well in the cup competition and the Champions League.

He has a contract at Anfield that runs until 2027 and if the Reds decide to offload him, they could get a good transfer fee for him, particularly if a Saudi club makes a move since they are known for paying well to sign players from the top European league.

Liverpool open official talks to sign 55-goal winger as Salah informed of club’s decision

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Manchester United are reportedly casting their net wide as preparations begin for a significant midfield reshuffle, with Bournemouth duo Alex Scott and Tyler Adams emerging as two names firmly on the club’s radar.

According to reports from The Sun and The Daily Mail, United manager Ruben Amorim is keen to inject greater intensity and tactical discipline into his midfield options, and the Cherries pair are seen as players who could help deliver that transformation.

Alex Scott, 22, is understood to be one of the standout young English midfielders being closely monitored by United’s recruitment team.

Since arriving at Bournemouth, Scott has impressed with his composure on the ball, versatility across midfield roles and ability to carry possession through pressure.

Man United have identified their midfield targets

His development has also kept him on the fringes of the England senior setup, with United viewing him as a long-term investment who could grow into a key Premier League performer.

Sources suggest Scott’s age profile and technical intelligence align closely with Amorim’s preference for mobile, press-resistant midfielders capable of operating in a high-tempo system.

Alongside Scott, United are also tracking USMNT captain Tyler Adams, a player with proven Premier League experience and a reputation for relentless work rate.

Adams’ leadership qualities and defensive awareness have long been admired, and his profile is seen as a potential solution to United’s need for balance and bite in midfield.

Reports earlier this month indicated that a January move in the region of £40 million had been discussed internally for the 26-year-old, reflecting his standing as one of Bournemouth’s most influential figures.

However, any immediate move for Adams now carries an element of uncertainty. The American midfielder was forced off injured during Bournemouth’s dramatic 4-4 draw with Man United on Monday night, raising questions about his short-term availability.

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United are moving cautiously with their interest

United are believed to be awaiting clarity on the severity of the injury and his expected return timeline before deciding whether to push ahead with a winter bid or postpone their interest until the summer.

Amorim is expected to oversee a midfield overhaul as the club looks to address inconsistency and a lack of control in central areas.

With questions surrounding the long-term futures of several established names and the need to support younger talents, players like Scott and Adams offer contrasting but complementary options.

‘Man United firmly in the race’: Sky Sports drops intriguing Manchester United transfer update

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Chelsea and Manchester City have reportedly emerged as the leading contenders in the race to secure one of Bayern Munich’s most highly rated defensive prospects, Cassiano Kiala, underlining the growing competition among Europe’s elite for top teenage talent.

According to The Mirror, representatives of the 16-year-old centre-back held exploratory discussions with both Premier League clubs on Friday, as Chelsea and City look to position themselves early for a potential future deal.

While any immediate transfer is impossible due to FIFA regulations, Premier League clubs are unable to sign players from outside the European Union until they turn 18, both English sides are keen to lay the groundwork well in advance.

Cassiano Kiala is highly rated by Bayern Munich

Kiala is regarded within Bayern’s academy as a defender with enormous upside. Despite his young age, the powerful and composed centre-back has already been included in seven senior matchday squads, regularly named on the bench under head coach Vincent Kompany.

Although he is yet to make his competitive first-team debut, that level of involvement is seen internally as a strong indication of how highly he is rated at Säbener Straße.

Sources in Germany describe Kiala as a modern centre-back with strong physical attributes, calm distribution, and a maturity beyond his years.

Bayern’s coaching staff have reportedly been impressed by his tactical understanding and confidence in training sessions, qualities that have accelerated his exposure to senior football earlier than expected.

While Bayern remain relaxed about Kiala’s situation for now, he is under contract and still firmly part of their long-term planning, they are well aware of the growing attention around the teenager.

German outlets have suggested that Bayern will soon look to secure his future with an improved youth contract, particularly if interest from abroad continues to intensify.

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Chelsea & Man City are both showing interest

For Chelsea and Man City, the current discussions are believed to be about long-term planning rather than an imminent transfer.

Both clubs are assessing pathways, development plans, and future financial terms, ensuring they are well placed should Kiala decide to explore a move once he becomes eligible.

With top clubs across Europe increasingly aggressive in identifying the next generation of elite defenders, Kiala’s rise is unlikely to go unnoticed for long.

Sources: Chelsea & Arsenal establish contact with the agent of ‘one of the hottest’ players

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Kenan Yildiz has rapidly emerged as one of the most talked-about young talents ahead of the winter transfer window, with Chelsea and Arsenal currently leading the Premier League interest while Juventus find themselves locked in increasingly delicate contract negotiations.

What began as routine renewal talks has now evolved into a high-stakes dilemma that could define Juventus’ short-term sporting and financial strategy.

The 20-year-old Turkish international has been in discussions with Juventus for several weeks over a new deal, but progress has stalled, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.

Yildiz is currently earning in the region of €1.5–€1.7 million per year, a figure that no longer reflects his growing status within the squad or his rising market value.

Kenan Yildiz wants higher pay at Juventus

His representatives are pushing for a significant pay rise to around €6 million annually, a demand Juventus have so far been unwilling to meet.

That gap has brought negotiations to a critical point, with uncertainty now surrounding his long-term future in Turin.

The attacker has scored six goals and provided six assist in 21 games in all competitions this season.

Chelsea are watching developments closely, having already tested Juventus’ resolve last summer with a bid in the region of €70 million, which was swiftly rejected.

The Blues remain confident they are well positioned, largely due to the involvement of super-agent Jorge Mendes, who manages Yildiz’s affairs and maintains strong lines of communication with Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea see Yildiz as a long-term attacking investment who fits their strategy of signing elite young talent with high resale potential.

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Chelsea face competition from Arsenal to sign Yildiz

Arsenal are also firmly in contention. Sources indicate the Gunners have been in direct contact with Mendes and are viewed within the industry as one of the most serious Premier League suitors.

Mikel Arteta’s project, combined with Arsenal’s emphasis on technically gifted attackers, is believed to appeal to Yildiz and his camp.

Even though no official bid has yet been submitted, multiple sources suggest Arsenal are prepared to move quickly if Juventus fail to resolve the contract situation.

Pete O’Rourke of the Football Insider has called the Juventus attacker ‘one of the hottest’ young properties in the game right now.

Sources: Chelsea winger is pushing for January exit as interest builds across Europe

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued a defiant hands-off warning to Tottenham Hotspur and other suitors, insisting goalkeeper James Trafford will “absolutely” remain at the Etihad Stadium beyond the January transfer window.

Speculation surrounding the 23-year-old’s future has intensified in recent weeks, with Tottenham Hotspur reportedly identifying Trafford as a potential solution to their own goalkeeping crisis.

Spurs’ current number one, Guglielmo Vicario, has come under increasing scrutiny following a string of high-profile errors, prompting rumors that Thomas Frank’s side could launch a mid-season bid for City’s backup shot-stopper.

However, despite Trafford’s struggle for minutes since his £27 million return to Manchester City in the summer, Guardiola has moved quickly to shut down any talk of an exit.

Pep Guardiola says James Trafford is not for sale in January

Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s League Cup quarter-final clash against Brentford, where Trafford is expected to start, Guardiola was unequivocal about the goalkeeper’s immediate future.

When asked if there was any chance of Trafford leaving in the upcoming window, Guardiola told reporters (via ESPN): “James Trafford stays in January. He’s staying with us this season, absolutely.

“He’s an incredible keeper. Unfortunately for him, Gianluigi is the first-choice keeper, but he is an incredible keeper. I know the position of the keeper is so special, and during the year, in one game, you can change.”

?? Pep Guardiola: “James Trafford stays in January. He’s staying with us this season, absolutely”. pic.twitter.com/RpLyLLiRxq

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 16, 2025

Vicario has been poor this season for Tottenham

Since arriving at Tottenham from Empoli in 2023, Guglielmo Vicario’s spell in north London has been a mixed one.

The imposing Italian has delivered standout moments, showcasing sharp shot-stopping and some incredible leadership qualities.

Particularly last season, he played a key role in Spurs’ 2024/25 Europa League campaign, contributing significantly to their continental success.

However, this season, Vicario’s performances have been overshadowed by a series of costly, high-profile mistakes.

Tottenham insider Paul O’Keefe has also stated that the club are now starting to look at goalkeepers.

 

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In a closed up Copa del Rey debut, FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has set the record straight to Marc-Andre ter Stegen after his return from injury after 14 months.

Marc-André ter Stegen has finally made his long-awaited return to FC Barcelona after undergoing multiple recovery processes following two significant injuries. With the Blaugrana securing a narrow 2–0 win over CD Guadalajara in their 2025–26 Copa del Rey debut, head coach Hansi Flick delivered a clear message regarding the German goalkeeper’s role moving forward.

In September 2024, Ter Stegen suffered a complete tear of the patellar tendon in his right knee against Villarreal, an injury that sidelined him for the entire season. While he was initially expected to return for the 2025–26 campaign, a subsequent back issue forced him to undergo surgery, delaying his comeback further. More than 14 months after his last appearance, Flick selected him as the starting goalkeeper in Tuesday’s match.

Asked about the decision to start Ter Stegen after previously casting doubt on his immediate return, Flick was direct: “For me, Marc is the captain. He’s been at the club for around 12 years and now he’s back. I wanted to give him more… We spoke with the coaching staff and felt it was the right moment to give him the opportunity.”

Flick also reiterated that Joan García, who was rested for the match, remains the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, while Wojciech Szczęsny and Ter Stegen are viewed as strong alternatives. “It’s just for this game, nothing else. He had the opportunity to play, and it was also a great next step for him,” the boss concluded his response on the German’s return.

Barcelona dominated possession with an overwhelming 82 percent, limiting Guadalajara to few opportunities in the final third, but still, Ter Stegen was called into action on several occasions, finishing with three solid saves. The performance raised expectations that he could soon challenge for the starting role as the second half of the season unfolds.

Barcelona survive close call in Copa del Rey debut

Barcelona entered the round of 32 as clear favorites against third-division Guadalajara on Tuesday, but the visitors made things difficult with a compact defensive approach. The Blaugrana finally broke through in the 76th minute when Andreas Christensen headed home the opener, before Lamine Yamal set up Marcus Rashford in stoppage time to seal the 2-0 victory.

Flick was asked for his reaction after the match and praised his team’s approach: “I was happy with the attitude we showed today. It was key for the victory too. When you play this Copa del Rey games, it’s not easy because they defended really good, but at the end, the most important thing is the attitude, the mentality we showed on the pitch, and it was good.“

Elsewhere in the competition, one of Tuesday’s biggest surprises saw RCD Mallorca eliminated by second-division Deportivo de La Coruña following a 1-0 defeat. Barcelona will now close out their 2025 schedule on Sunday with a challenging trip to face third-place Villarreal in La Liga.

Andreas Christensen and Marcus Rashford struck late as Barcelona edged to a 2-0 victory over Guadalajara and ensured them a place in the Copa del Rey round of 16. Just six minutes into the game, Guadalajara goalkeeper Dani Vicente almost gifted Barcelona an opener; he could not hold onto Eric Garcia’s dipping long-range effort as […]

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As Lionel Messi's voting in 2025 The Best has been revealed, questions rose as why Cristiano Ronaldo, despite being Portugal's captain, didn't take part in the process.

Ousmane Dembélé was crowned the winner of the 2025 FIFA The Best award following the votes cast by captains of FIFA-affiliated national teams. As Lionel Messi’s ballot became public, questions quickly emerged over why Cristiano Ronaldo did not take part in the voting process despite his long-standing role as Portugal’s captain.

Unlike the Ballon d’Or, the selection process for The Best includes votes from national team coaches and captains, along with media representatives and fan voting in certain categories. In his role as Argentina’s captain, Messi participated in the process despite not being nominated for The Best for the first time in 18 years.

Still, even though he was not among the contenders for either the Best XI or the main award, Messi took part in voting across multiple categories. For Best Player of the Year, the Argentine legend selected Ousmane Dembélé in first place, followed by Kylian Mbappé in second and Lamine Yamal in third, with the latter two finishing in different positions than in the Ballon d’Or rankings.

After backing his former teammate Dembélé as the top player, Messi also selected familiar names for Best Coach of the Year. He voted PSG’s Luis Enrique first, FC Barcelona’s Hansi Flick second, and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta third.

For Best Goalkeeper of the Year, Messi’s ballot surprised many fans. He selected former PSG teammate Gianluigi Donnarumma in first place, ahead of Argentina’s Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez in second, with Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois rounding out the top three.

Why didn’t Cristiano Ronaldo vote in The Best?

When FIFA released the full breakdown of votes from players, coaches, and media representatives, Cristiano Ronaldo’s name was absent. Instead, Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva cast Portugal’s ballot, selecting Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, and Dembélé as his top three for The Best award.

Although Ronaldo typically wears the captain’s armband for Portugal, he was not listed as the official voting captain, mirroring the past two editions, when Silva and Pepe were responsible for submitting the votes. This has become a recurring situation, as Ronaldo has publicly stated that individual awards have lost credibility for him, a stance he has reiterated in discussions surrounding both The Best and the Ballon d’Or.

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Tadeo Allende is set to return to Celta Vigo in 2026, but Inter Miami are doing everything possible to keep him.

The 2025 Major League Soccer title is now in the past, and Inter Miami are fully focused on preparing for the upcoming season. One of their top priorities involves Tadeo Allende’s future, as his loan spell has ended and he is scheduled to return to Celta Vigo in January.

“Inter Miami have already expressed their interest and have made initial contact,” acknowledged Marco Garces, sporting director of the Spanish club, according to reporter Jose Armando on his X account. However, he immediately added a crucial clarification: “But we are still very far apart financially.”

Celta Vigo signed Allende in 2024 from Godoy Cruz of Argentina for approximately $5 million and gave him a four-year contract running through June 30, 2028. While he did not deliver standout performances in La Liga, the level he showed during his time in MLS has led the Spanish club to expect more convincing offers.

In that sense, Inter Miami could face a difficult dilemma. MLS financial regulations are far stricter than those in most leagues around the world, making a major financial outlay difficult. That would also likely involve a significant salary increase for the player, which could further complicate matters.

At the moment, the Herons have two Designated Players: Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul. That leaves just one slot available. If keeping Allende requires giving him Designated Player status, the club will have to decide whether it is worth using that final slot on the Argentine forward or saving it for the potential signing of another superstar.

Tadeo Allende set to return to Spain

While negotiations between Celta Vigo and Inter Miami continue, Allende is clear about his immediate future. “He is scheduled to report for training on January 2,” Garces explained in the same exchange shared by reporter Jose Armando.

However, the Spanish side is unsure whether Allende will be part of its attacking options for the second half of the La Liga season or if he will be allowed to leave again. “The transfer window hasn’t opened yet, and we need to be patient,” Garces added. “We’ll see what happens between now and January 2 or afterward—we have all of January.”

Inter Miami refuse to give up on Allende

It is clear that the Herons intend to keep Allende, given the impact he had during the playoffs, scoring nine goals in six matches. One sign of that intention can be found on the club’s official website, specifically in the roster currently displayed there.

After the season ended, Inter Miami trimmed the list of players shown on the website as part of the squad. Players such as Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, both retired at the end of the season, are no longer listed. Neither are others whose futures are clearly elsewhere, such as Fafa Picault and Ryan Sailor. Allende, however, remains on the roster despite the fact that his loan deal expires in just a few weeks.

As one of Lionel Messi's key teammates is leaving the club, Inter Miami are reportedly closing in the signing of yet another Argentine player.

Inter Miami’s postseason has begun, and the roster is already undergoing changes ahead of the 2026 season, with several contracts nearing their end. As one of Lionel Messi’s key teammates is set to depart the club, the Herons are now reportedly working on the signing of another Argentine player.

During the 2025 season, one player who earned a spot in the starting lineup was Rocco Ríos Novo. After Óscar Ustari reclaimed the role of first-choice goalkeeper earlier in the year, the 23-year-old broke into the team late in the season and became an important piece of Javier Mascherano’s squad, serving as the designated goalkeeper throughout the MLS playoffs.

However, according to Argentine transfer expert Germán García Grova, Inter Miami have decided not to exercise the option to buy for Rocco Ríos Novo. With his loan set to expire at the end of December 2025, the Argentine goalkeeper is now expected to return to Club Atlético Lanús, concluding his stint alongside Messi after 19 appearances, 18 goals conceded, and five clean sheets.

Guido Herrera, Inter Miami’s new target

As reported by transfer insider César Luis Merlo, Inter Miami are working toward the signing of Guido Herrera. Negotiations between Talleres and the MLS club began before the conclusion of the MLS season, and with the roster now being reshaped for 2026, talks have advanced toward a potential move.

TNT Sports Argentina also reports that Inter Miami have already agreed to personal terms with Herrera, with only an agreement between clubs still pending. Talleres are seeking a fee north of $2 million to part ways with one of their most important players of recent years.

With more than 300 appearances for Talleres, Herrera has emerged as an appealing target for Inter Miami, combining experience with a strong Argentine connection. Now 33 years old, it remains to be seen whether the Herons will pursue a younger option, but for now, Herrera is expected to arrive as the starting goalkeeper.

With William Yarbrough and now Ríos Novo departing the club, 39-year-old Óscar Ustari is currently the only goalkeeper on Inter Miami’s roster. As has been the case in recent seasons, Messi is set to see his supporting cast reshaped once again, and it remains to be seen whether the new additions can help deliver more trophies to Fort Lauderdale.

With Portugal preparing for another global challenge and Roberto Martinez overseeing the final stages of planning, questions persist about what Cristinao Ronaldo can still offer at the highest level.

As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup gathers pace, the focus is once again drifting toward Cristiano Ronaldo, a figure who continues to shape debate even as he approaches his forties. With Portugal preparing for another global challenge and Roberto Martinez overseeing the final stages of planning, questions persist about what the veteran forward can still offer at the highest level. The answer, according to the national team coach, goes beyond goals, numbers, or reputation — and touches on something far more difficult to quantify.

Ronaldo’s presence, Martinez suggests, may carry a value that statistics alone cannot fully explain. Despite his age, Cristiano Ronaldo remains deeply embedded in Portugal’s sporting project heading into the tournament in North America. Martinez, who took charge of the national team in January 2023, has consistently stressed that selection decisions are based on form and function — not legacy.

Speaking on Canal 11’s “Total Football” program, the Spanish coach made it clear that Ronaldo’s role is evaluated like any other player’s. “Cristiano Ronaldo does not play for Portugal because of what he has done in the past, but because of the importance he has right now,” Martinez explained. “Now he’s a very different player who uses his experience intelligently, in his movements and in his finishing ability.”

The numbers support that assessment. The Al-Nassr captain has scored 25 goals in his last 30 appearances for the Selecao, remaining a decisive figure in qualification and recent competitions.

What Ronaldo does without touching the ball

Martinez also highlighted a tactical dimension that often escapes surface-level analysis. According to the coach, the veteran’s influence is not limited to what he does on the ball, but what he forces opponents to do around him. “We have to see what Cristiano does to the opponent,” the boss added. “With him on the field, there are two players who are hampered. The important thing is to use the space he creates.”

This spatial gravity, Martinez argued, opens lanes for teammates and reshapes defensive structures, even when Ronaldo is not directly involved in the final action. “Cristiano’s problem is that everyone has an opinion and doesn’t watch the game,” the coach added. “We evaluate all players equally. Cristiano’s current attitude is exemplary.”

Hunger that never fades

It was only later in the discussion that Martinez revealed what he believes truly separates Ronaldo from every other elite player he has coached. According to the Portugal boss, Ronaldo’s defining trait is not talent, strength, or experience — but an unrelenting hunger that never diminishes.

“For me, without any doubt, it’s because his success doesn’t change his commitment to what comes next,” Martinez said. “When you win something, the next day there’s usually less hunger. With Cristiano, no matter what happened yesterday, it doesn’t affect what he does today.”

The 52-year-old tactician went further, offering a striking insight into longevity at the highest level. “I always said a footballer retires when the body tells the brain it’s over,” he explained. “With Cristiano, I’ve learned that it’s the brain that tells the body when it’s time to stop. I had never seen that level of hunger before.” That mental edge, Martinez believes, is what the 40-year-old would uniquely bring to Portugal at the 2026 World Cup.

After establishing himself as one of Bayern Munich’s top players, Dayot Upamecano’s future has been cast into doubt due to delays in renewing his contract. Now, the Frenchman’s salary demands have been revealed, amid a move that offers clues about his decision.

Dayot Upamecano has gone from being a heavily debated player to a key piece at Bayern Munich, playing an important role in Vincent Kompany’s system. However, his future at the German club is not entirely secure due to delays in renewing his contract, which expires at the end of the season. Now, his reported impressive salary demands have been revealed, amid a move that offers clues about his final decision.

According to TZ reports, Bayern Munich are quite optimistic about renewing Dayot Upamecano’s contract, despite the fact that there is still no agreement in place with the player. However, the French defender is reportedly asking for an annual salary of €16 million (around $18.8 million), along with potential bonuses of €2 million (approximately $2.3 million). If agreed, this would make him the highest-paid defender at the club.

Not only have his high salary demands delayed his continuity at the club, but a reported clause he wants to include in his new contract has as well. As reported by TZ, Dayot Upamecano has requested a release clause valued at €65 million that would become active in the second year, when he’ll be 29 years old. For that reason, the negotiations have been significantly slowed, as the German club does not want to lose control over the player’s future.

With just over 16 days remaining before he is able to freely negotiate with other clubs, Bayern Munich are in a race against time to prevent Dayot Upamecano from signing a pre-agreement with teams such as PSG or Real Madrid, who are eager for his arrival. Despite this, the Frenchman appears willing to remain at the German club, making a noteworthy move in recent hours.

Dayot Upamecano hints his extension with Bayern Munich with an unusual move

Throughout this season, Dayot Upamecano has not dismissed the possibility of leaving Bayern Munich. In an interview with Téléfoot, he expressed his desire to play alongside Ousmane Dembélé. Additionally, the potential departures of Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba have heightened Real Madrid’s interest in him. Nonetheless, the Frenchman has recently demonstrated his commitment to the German club with an unexpected move.

According to BILD, Upamecano has decided to move from his usual residence in Munich to Grünwald, having been spotted in the middle of the move with numerous belongings being transported in a van. While this decision does not appear to be linked to his renewal, he is relocating to the same area where stars such as Michael Olise, Joshua Kimmich, and Leon Goretzka live—an unusual move if he were planning to leave the club in just over six months.

With Erling Haaland continuing his astonishing rise, the balance of historical power inside the city has quietly shifted again. A new Premier League milestone has been reached — one that inevitably invites comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo, whose legacy at Manchester United once felt untouchable.

Manchester has always been a city defined by soccer royalty. From eras built on swagger and dominance to years shaped by relentless efficiency, the spotlight has never truly left it. Now, with Erling Haaland continuing his astonishing rise, the balance of historical power inside the city has quietly shifted again. A new Premier League milestone has been reached — one that inevitably invites comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo, whose legacy at Manchester United once felt untouchable.

Manchester City’s comfortable Premier League win over Crystal Palace appeared routine on the surface. Haaland scored twice, once with a poacher’s header and once from the penalty spot, guiding the club to another three points without drama. But beneath the surface, the brace carried historic weight.

With those goals, Haaland reached 146 goals in just 168 appearances for the club across all competitions. It was a figure that quietly rewrote the narrative of Manchester soccer. Only later did the scale of the achievement fully register.

The number of goals Erling Haaland has scored for Manchester City surpasses that of Cristiano Ronaldo for Manchester United. Ronaldo finished his two spells at Old Trafford with 145 goals in 346 appearances. Haaland surpassed that total in less than half the matches, averaging a goal roughly every 94 minutes, compared to Ronaldo’s one every 183 minutes at the club.

The contrast is staggering. This is not an attempt to diminish the Portuguese’s influence. His first spell delivered three Premier League titles, a Champions League crown, and a Ballon d’Or. His return in 2021 at the age of 36 produced 18 league goals, reaffirming his elite mentality. But the raw numbers tell a new story — one built on unprecedented efficiency.

Efficiency that rewrites record books

Since arriving in England in 2022, Haaland has broken records at a pace unseen in the modern era. He became the fastest player in Premier League history to reach 100 goals, achieving the feat in just 111 games. This season alone, he has already recorded 17 league goals in 16 matches, reinforcing his status as the league’s most reliable finisher.

Among Premier League greats, the benchmarks remain imposing. Alan Shearer’s 260 league goals still stand as the ultimate target, followed by Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney, Mohamed Salah, Sergio Agüero, and Andy Cole. Yet the Norway international already sits on 102 league goals in 113 appearances, placing him on a trajectory that once seemed impossible. Even within the club, conversations about surpassing Sergio Aguero’s historic Manchester City record are no longer premature. They are inevitable.

Respecting Ronaldo’s legacy without ignoring reality

Context matters. Ronaldo arrived in England as a winger, evolving into a prolific scorer only after several seasons. His second spell came well into his thirties. Haaland, by contrast, arrived as a fully formed number nine, designed for immediate dominance.

Interestingly, comparisons with Ronaldo’s Real Madrid numbers offer perspective. It took Ronaldo 143 games to score 145 goals for the Spanish giant — fewer than Haaland needed to reach the same figure at City. That comparison reminds us that while Haaland is redefining England, Ronaldo’s peak elsewhere remains extraordinary.

Crystal Palace and Everton are interested in signing the KRC Genk defender Zakaria El Ouahdi.​

According to Sacha Tavolieri, the 23-year-old could be available for a fee of around €10-12 million in January.​

Crystal Palace and Everton are hoping to sign him. It remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done.

Palace could use Zakaria El Ouahdi

Crystal Palace need a quality backup option to Daniel Munoz and Zakaria could prove to be an excellent acquisition for them. They have already approached to sign the player and it remains to be seen whether they can secure an agreement with his club.

The asking price is quite reasonable and Crystal Palace certainly have the resources to get the deal done.

They are competing in European football right now and they will look to compete at a high level regularly. They need a deeper squad with more quality.

The 23-year-old defender could be a very useful acquisition for them.

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Everton keen on Zakaria as well

Meanwhile, Everton have set their sights on the defender as well. They need a long term replacement for Seamus Coleman. The 23-year-old seems like the ideal fit and he could replace the Everton icon.

The opportunity to move to the Premier League will be quite exciting for Zakaria. It would be a major step up in his career and he would get to test himself at a high level. Genk are unlikely to stand in his way and the asking price is quite nominal for a player of his quality. Crystal Palace and Everton have the resources to afford him and it will be interesting to see what they decide.

The defender will certainly hope to secure a big move next month.

The report claims that the Moroccan international is open to moving to the Premier League and he is waiting to see if the clubs can find an agreement now.

Man City star will only consider 2026 move to Everton​

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Leicester City are looking to improve their squad during the January transfer window.

They have identified Eiran Cashin from Brighton and Anthony Patterson from Sunderland as targets (via Foxes of Leicester).​

Leicester could use Eiran Cashin

They have been quite vulnerable defensively and they need to improve in that area of the pitch. Cashin could prove to be a quality acquisition for them. The Brighton defender will help them tighten up at the back. He has struggled for opportunities at the Premier League club and he will look to get his career back on track. Regular football with Leicester in the Championship would be ideal for Cashin as well.

It remains to be seen whether Leicester City can secure an agreement with Brighton over the next few weeks.

The 24-year-old has previously been on loan at Birmingham City and he knows the Championship well. He could make an immediate impact. His hunger to succeed will be an added bonus for Leicester City if they manage to get the deal done.

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Patterson needs a move

Meanwhile, Patterson has struggled for regular opportunities at Sunderland as well. He could prove to be an interesting acquisition for the Foxes.

Patterson was highly rated across England a few years ago, but his stock has plummeted recently.

He is struggling for opportunities at Sunderland, and it would make sense for him to move on. Regular football in the Championship could help him regain his form and confidence. If he manages to impress with Leicester City during the second half of the season, he might be able to secure an impressive move at the end of the season.

Sitting on the bench at Sunderland will not benefit him. He should look to leave the club on loan and play regularly during the second half of the campaign.

Meanwhile, Leicester City are fighting for their survival in the Championship. Signing quality players in January will certainly boost their chances of staying up. It will be interesting to see if they can sign the two players in the coming weeks. They have the quality to help the Foxes improve and they could make a defining impact during the second half of the campaign.

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Manchester United remain firmly in the race to sign Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, despite Liverpool and Manchester City both pushing hard for his signature.

That is according to the latest from Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas and Rob Dorsett who share the latest on the much talked about transfer saga.

Several Premier League clubs are interested in signing Semenyo in the January transfer window.

Liverpool have previously been currently considered favourites, with reports suggesting the Reds have already opened official talks with Bournemouth.

It has also been claimed that Liverpool have agreed personal terms with Semenyo, matching an offer already put forward by Manchester City, who are also said to have terms in place.

Arsenal have also been linked with the Ghana international, although reports indicate the Gunners may need to offload players before making a formal move.

Manchester United remain in the race for Antoine Semenyo

Manchester United’s interest in Semenyo is long-standing. The Red Devils are understood to have had an approach turned down by the player last summer, after which he went on to sign a new contract with Bournemouth.

Despite that setback, United have not walked away and are said to remain serious contenders in the race.

As per Sky Sports, Pep Guardiola’s side are leading the race to land him but Man United are ‘firmly in the race’.

Ruben Amorim is actively targeting a new attacker in January, and there is belief within Old Trafford that triggering Semenyo’s £65 million release clause is an opportunity worth considering.

However, finances remain a significant obstacle. Sky Sports report that spending £65m mid-season could have serious repercussions on Manchester United’s summer transfer plans.

Semenyo could be a great signing for Manchester United

Semenyo would no doubt be an excellent addition. The 26-year-old recently showcased his quality against United, scoring during Bournemouth’s dramatic 4-4 draw at Old Trafford on Monday night.

Across all competitions this season, Semenyo has registered seven goals and three assists in 16 appearances, underlining his growing influence at Premier League level.

One of his biggest strengths is his versatility. Semenyo is capable of playing as a central forward, on either wing, or in advanced midfield roles, consistently delivering goal contributions from multiple positions.

While previous reports have suggested the player may favour a move to Liverpool, his future remains open.

Whether Semenyo ends up joining Arne Slot’s Liverpool or makes the switch to either Manchester clubs is expected to become clearer as the January window approaches.

The post ‘Man United firmly in the race’: Sky Sports drops intriguing Manchester United transfer update appeared first on CaughtOffside.

West Ham United have had a season to forget so far.

They are fighting for survival in the Premier League and Richard Keys believes that their decision to get rid of David Moyes has cost them dearly.

In his blog, Keys wrote: “How West Ham must be missing the Moyes days – top half finishes and trophies. As we often say – be careful what you wish for.”

David Moyes did well at West Ham

The Scottish manager helped West Ham United win the UEFA Europa Conference League and he helped them secure a top-half finish as well. However, he was shown the door, and none of the West Ham managers have managed to do a decent job since his departure.

Keys believes that West Ham should have stuck with Moyes and allowed him to build a team for the long term.

West Ham have spent a lot of money in recent windows, but they have not been able to perform at a high level.

It will be interesting to see if they can get the best out of their players and bounce back strongly during the second half of the campaign.

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Can West Ham turn it around?

It is clear that they have a team capable of pushing for a place in the top half. However, they have not been able to get the best out of their squad. They have brought in a quality manager like Nuno Espirito Santo. It remains to be seen whether he can help turn things around.

He will need help during the January window and West Ham should look to invest in a reliable finisher. A quality striker could make a big difference for them.

Going down to the Championship would be a disastrous blow for West Ham. A club of their stature should be competing in the Premier League regularly. They have shown signs of improvement under their new manager and it will be interesting to see if they can turn things around and put together an impressive run of results now.

Meanwhile, Moyes has done reasonably well at Everton and they will be hoping to secure a respectable finish in the Premier League this season.

The post Richard Keys pinpoints one decision that has led to West Ham’s downfall appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Sunderland picked up a win over Newcastle United in the derby recently and former Manchester United star Gary Neville has slammed them for their approach.​

The former Premier League defender believes that the approach from Newcastle was negative and they paid the price for that. Sunderland, on the other hand, came to win the game and they will be delighted to have picked up all three points.

Gary Neville slams Newcastle

“I just thought the way Newcastle approached the game, I say negative – it was a tactic that I think if it goes wrong and you’re a big club and a Champions League team, it really looks bad,” he said on the Gary Neville podcast.

The Black Cats have done quite well since promotion and Gary Neville has attributed that to their spending in the summer. They spent around £160 million on multiple players and it seems that the business they did in the summer has benefited them.

Most of their players are performing at a high level and it will be interesting to see if Sunderland can secure a respectable finish this season. Sunderland are currently 8th in the league table, 4 points clear of Newcastle, who are in 12th position.

Newcastle ‘miles ahead’ of Sunderland despite recent defeat

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Sunderland have done well

Sunderland will be delighted with the way their season has unfolded so far and they will look to continue to improve in the coming weeks. If they can plug the remaining gaps in their squad during the January window, they could have a successful season.

If they manage to finish in the top half, it would be an outstanding achievement for them after promotion.

Meanwhile, Newcastle will be thoroughly disappointed with the way their season has unfolded. They are 12th in the standings and they were expected to fight for Champions League qualification. It will be interesting to see if they can bounce back strongly during the second half of the campaign and finish in a respectable position.

The post Gary Neville slams Newcastle approach for defeat to Sunderland appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Wolves midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde has been linked with a move away from the club in recent weeks.​

Turkish outfit Besiktas are interested in signing him and they have already opened negotiations with the Premier League club regarding a potential move, according to journalists Yeni Açık and Ertan Süzgün.

However, the player has picked up an injury and that has put a stop to the negotiations for now. It will be interesting to see if the player can recover quickly and secure a move away from Wolves during the January window.

Wolves to sell Jean-Ricner Bellegarde?

Although he is a key player for the club, Wolves are considering selling him next month so that his value does not drop at the end of the season. They are favourites to get relegated at the end of the season and the value of their key players will drop substantially in the summer.

It would be wise of them to sell the player in January so that they can recoup as much as possible for him.

It remains to be seen how the situation develops.

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Bellegarde exit would be a blow

Wolves have been in very disappointing form this season and losing Bellegarde would be a blow for them. It will only make their fight for survival more difficult.

If he can recover from his injury quickly, he will be able to secure a move to Turkey next month. The player will want to compete at a high level and the move to Besiktas might not be a bad idea for him. He is a talented player with a bright future and if he manages to impress in Turkey, he might be able to secure a big move in future.

It will be interesting to see if Wolves can fight back during the second half of the season and give themselves a chance of surviving in the top flight. They have some quality players at their disposal but they need to raise their performance levels drastically in order to stay in the top flight next season.

Wolves on verge of signing midfielder for free

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Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto came off the bench to clinch Chelsea a 2-1 victory over Cardiff City and book their place in the EFL Cup semi-finals. Enzo Maresca changed his whole team after their win over Everton on Saturday, and it initially showed as Chelsea struggled to gain a foothold, with their best early […]

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Barcelona president Joan Laporta says Real Madrid’s complaints aimed towards the club are due to the breakdown of the Super League. Madrid president Florentino Perez used his Christmas address to draw attention to the Negreira case, the refereeing corruption charge against Barcelona. Perez referred to it as the “biggest scandal in the history of football” […]

The post Laporta: Real Madrid and Perez have ´Barcelonaitis´ after Super League break down appeared first on Soccer News.

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FIFA has announced a new ticket tier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid widespread controversy over high prices.

Over the past several weeks, the high cost of tickets for matches at the 2026 World Cup has sparked major backlash around the world. In that context, FIFA announced a decision this Tuesday aimed at easing the situation and responding to complaints from fans.

“With demand in the current sales phase achieving 20 million ticket requests, FIFA has confirmed that fans of the national teams that have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will benefit from a dedicated ticket pricing tier,” the organization said in a statement published on its official website.

FIFA then added that the new ticket pricing tier “has been designed to make following their teams on football’s greatest stage more affordable.” The move includes a specific allocation of tickets priced significantly lower than those initially made available.

“Supporter Entry Tier tickets set at USD 60 each and available for all 104 matches,” the statement explains. That represents a stark contrast to the first three tiers previously announced by FIFA, which ranged from $4,185 for the lowest-priced option to $8,860 for the most exclusive tier.

New ticket pricing tier introduced for fans of qualified teams at FIFA World Cup 2026™

🎟️ Supporter Entry Tier tickets set at USD 60 each and available for all 104 matches

🎟️ Initiative designed to further support travelling fans following their national teams across the… pic.twitter.com/QGfzdLgSR2

— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) December 16, 2025

How will fans be able to access the Supporter Entry Tier?

In the same announcement, FIFA provided details on how the allocation process for these World Cup tickets will work: “The entry tier tickets will be allocated specifically to supporters of qualified teams, with the selection and distribution process managed individually by the Participating Member Associations (PMAs).”

However, the world soccer governing body later added an important clarification. “Each PMA will define its own eligibility criteria and application process. They are requested to ensure that these tickets are specifically allocated to loyal fans who are closely connected to their national teams,” the statement adds.

Finally, FIFA detailed how ticket quantities will be distributed across price categories. The newly created Supporter Entry Tier will account for 10 percent of each PMA’s allocation, 40 percent will go to the next lowest category, the Supporter Value Tier, and the remaining 50 percent will be divided between the two most expensive categories: the Supporter Standard Tier and the Supporter Premier Tier.

FIFA’s reaction to criticism and boycott calls

FIFA’s announcement reflects a response to mounting criticism over ticket prices in recent days. Organizations such as Football Supporters Europe released statements describing the pricing model as “a monumental betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup,” arguing that the costs make attendance inaccessible for a significant portion of fans.

Tensions escalated further when a member of the England Supporters Travel Club even encouraged the possibility that The Football Association and other World Cup participants could refuse to accept ticket allocations as a way to pressure FIFA into taking action.

That response has now arrived, although it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to calm the controversy. Ultimately, FIFA’s announcement covers a limited number of affordable tickets, representing just 10 percent of the allocations assigned to each Participating Member Association. That means only a small fraction of the total tickets available for each World Cup match will fall into the lowest-priced tier.

The modern transfer market rarely produces genuine shockwaves anymore, but this one landed with a thud felt across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. With Vinicius Junior already linked to astronomical interest from abroad and Neymar’s long-standing world record looming over soccer’s financial history, attention has now shifted decisively toward Kylian Mbappe, the most marketable forward of his generation. Real […]

The modern transfer market rarely produces genuine shockwaves anymore, but this one landed with a thud felt across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. With Vinicius Junior already linked to astronomical interest from abroad and Neymar’s long-standing world record looming over soccer’s financial history, attention has now shifted decisively toward Kylian Mbappe, the most marketable forward of his generation.

Real Madrid, quietly but firmly, suddenly found itself at the center of a proposal so vast it threatened to redefine soccer’s economic ceiling. The numbers alone suggested a seismic moment — yet the response from Spain would ultimately speak louder than the offer itself.

According to Fichajes, Real Madrid received a world-record transfer offer worth approximately $381 million for Mbappe, submitted by Saudi Pro League powerhouse Al-Hilal. The proposal would have obliterated Neymar’s $240 million move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, a transfer widely regarded as the moment soccer economics crossed a point of no return. But this bid went far beyond a simple transfer fee.

Al-Hilal’s plan reportedly included a four-year contract valued at roughly $327 million per season, a figure that would have instantly placed Mbappe above Cristiano Ronaldo as the highest-paid player in history. The ambition was unmistakable: this was not merely about signing a star — it was about securing a global sporting icon.

Why Mbappe became the target — not Vinicius

Saudi interest in Real Madrid is not new. Vinicius has been repeatedly linked with the Pro League amid ongoing contract negotiations, and his profile — younger, explosive, and commercially magnetic — fits the league’s long-term ambitions. However, this time the focus shifted.

Mbappe, fresh into Madrid’s sporting project and already established as a generational face of global soccer, represented something different. For Al-Hilal, he was not just a signing — he was a symbol capable of anchoring broadcast deals, sponsorships, and international attention at a time when Saudi soccer is recalibrating its spending strategy.

With high-earning stars like Karim Benzema approaching contract expiration and Cristiano Ronaldo’s deal entering its later stages, the league is seeking younger, enduring figureheads rather than short-term spectacles.

Real Madrid’s immediate reaction inside the Bernabeu

The size of the offer left no room for hesitation — and yet, inside the Santiago Bernabeu, the decision was reportedly instantaneous. Midway through internal discussions, Madrid made its position unmistakably clear. The offer was rejected outright, without negotiation.

According to Fichajes, “the message was immediate: Mbappe’s departure would not be negotiated at any price.” No counteroffer was discussed, and no internal debate prolonged the process. The proposal was simply deemed incompatible with the club’s sporting vision. This clarity reveals something fundamental about Madrid’s current identity.

From a purely financial standpoint, rejecting $381 million appears almost irrational. But Los Blancos don’t operate on short-term logic. Sources close to the board emphasized that “some sporting assets cannot be measured solely in economic terms.” Mbappe is not viewed as a tradable commodity — he is seen as the axis of a long-term project, both competitively and commercially.

The club believes that selling him, even for a record fee, would weaken the sporting structure built around him and dilute their global narrative at a time when it seeks sustained dominance rather than momentary profit. In short, the Whites did not see a price — it saw a threat to identity.

Christian Pulisic walked off the pitch at San Siro believing he had done his job. The net had rippled, the crowd had erupted, and Milan had seemingly taken control of a tense Serie A afternoon. Instead, what followed was confusion, whistles, and a growing sense that something decisive had been taken away.

Christian Pulisic walked off the pitch at San Siro believing he had done his job. The net had rippled, the crowd had erupted, and Milan had seemingly taken control of a tense Serie A afternoon. Instead, what followed was confusion, whistles, and a growing sense that something decisive had been taken away. Days later, a shocking claim from Serie A’s refereeing hierarchy has reopened the debate — and it carries consequences not only for Milan’s title ambitions, but also for Pulisic’s season-defining momentum.

At the heart of the storm is a refereeing decision that continues to divide Italy’s soccer establishment. What initially appeared to be just another controversial call has now evolved into a broader conversation about VAR thresholds, referee interpretation, and how fine margins can influence a title race.

Milan’s 2-2 draw against Sassuolo was chaotic, emotional, and ultimately damaging. Teenage defender Davide Bartesaghi scored his first two senior goals, giving the home side a 2-1 lead and appearing to put the match under control. Yet the guests never disappeared, equalizing late through Armand Lauriente, who nearly stole the game outright in the dying minutes. In between those goals came the incident that defined the afternoon.

Shortly after halftime, a header from Strahinja Pavlovic was parried by the goalkeeper. Pulisic reacted quickest, bundling the rebound into the net from close range. San Siro celebrated — briefly. The referee had already blown his whistle, judging that Ruben Loftus-Cheek had fouled a defender in the build-up. There was no VAR intervention, and the goal was gone.

Why VAR could not save the decision

The most frustrating aspect for Milan was not just the call itself, but the process. Because the whistle had already been blown, VAR was legally prevented from intervening, regardless of what replays later showed.

Former referee and DAZN pundit Luca Marelli immediately questioned the decision. “It’s a field assessment because there was contact. Loftus-Cheek placed his hands, but I don’t see any push,” Marelli said via Calciomercato.com. “This contact is below threshold; there isn’t a real push. This goal shouldn’t have been disallowed.” The phrase “below threshold” would soon become central to the debate.

Days later, the controversy reached a new level when Andrea De Marco, head of institutional relations for CAN A and B, addressed the incident on DAZN’s Open VAR program. After reviewing the audio, images, and referee communication, De Marco delivered a verdict that stunned many observers.

“The referee called a foul. Loftus-Cheek placed his hands on the opponent’s back, but the intensity must be assessed,” De Marco explained. “Given the guidelines we’ve established this year, this cannot be considered a foul, so the goal should have been validated.” This was the moment the hidden truth became unavoidable: Christian Pulisic’s goal should have stood.

What it means for Milan’s title race and Pulisic

The dropped points were costly. Milan is now second below Inter with 32 points, and has suddenly found itself vulnerable, with Napoli and Roma close enough to capitalize. In a season where margins are razor-thin, a single disallowed goal can reshape an entire campaign.

Former coach Fabio Capello did not mince his words when assessing the broader impact. “Even the goal disallowed for Pulisic is something that happens only in Italy,” Capello told Gazzetta dello Sport. “It is not ballet. This is football.”

Beyond the standings, the incident directly affected Pulisic. The goal would have pushed him to the top of the Serie A scoring charts, reinforcing his status as the Rossoneri’s most decisive player this season. Instead, it became a footnote — one later acknowledged as a mistake, but never corrected. For Milan, the damage is irreversible. For Pulisic, the frustration lingers.

With his contract set to expire at the end of the 2025 season, reports indicate that Luis Suárez has made a key decision on his future alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.

Luis Suárez’s future has been one of the biggest question marks in recent weeks, with the striker’s contract set to expire at the end of the season and no official update from the club. With Lionel Messi committed to the project through 2028, Suárez has now reportedly made a key decision regarding his future at Inter Miami.

After being left out of the starting lineup in Inter Miami’s recent MLS Cup playoff matches, with head coach Javier Mascherano opting for younger options, Suárez’s role with the club appeared uncertain. Speculation even emerged about a possible return to Uruguayan side Nacional on a free transfer, but a final decision has now reportedly been reached.

According to the Miami Herald’s Michelle Kaufman, Luis Suárez is on the verge of signing a new contract with Inter Miami. Set to turn 39 in January, the veteran forward has earned the club’s trust to remain part of the project for one final season, with an extension expected to run through the end of 2026.

Suárez recently took part in the GOAT Tour in India alongside Inter Miami teammates Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, appearing across four different cities in the country. Now set to return to Miami, the Uruguayan striker is expected to continue his career with the Herons during the inaugural season at Miami Freedom Park.

After a strong first season in 2024, Suárez struggled to rediscover his best form in 2025, finishing with 17 goals and 17 assists in 50 appearances. A scoring drought late in the campaign saw him drop out of the starting lineup, but he will now look to reclaim his role as Inter Miami’s lead striker.

Luis Suárez’s role in Mascherano’s squad

Now expected to remain with the team in 2026, the main question has shifted to what role Suárez will play under Javier Mascherano. With the winter transfer window approaching, Inter Miami are expected to make changes to the roster, including the pursuit of another striker.

Star forward Tadeo Allende is set to return to Celta Vigo, with the club president acknowledging that the sides remain far apart on a potential permanent deal. Inter Miami also have an open Designated Player slot to pursue another marquee signing, meaning that despite expected departures in attack, Suárez could face increased competition during what may be his final season with the club.

To bolster their defensive stability, Barcelona have identified Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck as their primary target. In addition to pursuing the defender, they are also eyeing another star from the German team to enhance their bench depth.

Following the departure of Iñigo Martinez, Barcelona have fallen into an unconvincing defensive performance, accumulating a series of consecutive games conceding goals. In light of this, the Culers have set their sights on Nico Schlotterbeck, a left-footed defender who has established himself among the best in the Bundesliga. Moreover, they have set their sights on another Borussia Dortmund star, looking to expand their bench ahead of the 2026-27 season.

According to Sky Germany, Barcelona have set their sights on Borussia Dortmund right-back Julian Ryerson. Far from being one of the German team’s star players, the Norwegian is usually Yan Couto’s understudy. Despite this, his versatility and defensive commitment make him a great option as an alternative to Jules Kounde, as his signing would be valued at around €20 million (around $23.5 million), quite affordable for the Spanish team.

Unlike Schlotterbeck’s departure, Borussia Dortmund are quite open to Ryerson leaving. They are already in negotiations with Barcelona, though they have not yet reached an agreement for the Norwegian player. Should the transfer occur, Eric Garcia would transition from rotating at right-back to being a primary option as a central defender or defensive midfielder. Kounde would maintain his position as a starter, with Julian serving as his backup.

Schlotterbeck remains a priority for Barcelona, but a Premier League star joins

While Barcelona still compete for all available titles, the club is already preparing for next season by securing the signing of a central defender. Nico Schlotterbeck may be the priority due to his ball-playing ability and defensive solidity, but Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also pursuing his signature. Consequently, the Blaugrana are exploring alternative options, with a Premier League star now emerging among their potential targets.

According to ESPN’s Moi Llorens, Aston Villa’s Pau Torres has been added to Barcelona’s list of priorities. The 28-year-old Spanish defender has excelled in the Premier League, securing his starting spot and improving in one-on-one duels, which was a key weakness in previous seasons. However, he is under contract with the English side until 2028, which could make his potential transfer costly due to his valued position under coach Unai Emery.

In case Nico Schlotterbeck prioritizes a move to Barcelona, Pau Torres could be ruled out, as the German defender is reportedly a top priority for Hansi Flick. With the possibility of putting pressure on Borussia Dortmund over his departure, he could join the Blaugrana for around €50 million (approximately $58.8 million), potentially prompting the Spanish club to submit a €70 million (around $ 82.3 million) package deal for both Julian Ryerson and Schlotterbeck.

The Argentina and Spain will face each other in the 2026 Finalissima, but before that match, both sides will play additional games during the March FIFA international break.

With the end of 2025 also comes a long pause in international soccer. After the November FIFA break, four months will pass before national teams reunite to play new matches. In March, Argentina and Spain will contest the 2026 Finalissima, and before that, they will each play another match.

Reports indicate that final confirmation of the Finalissima, including the date and venue, will arrive in the near future after the Argentine Football Association gave its definitive approval. The match is expected to take place on Friday, March 27, at Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

However, that will not be the only game played during that period. Both Argentina and Spain will take advantage of their stay in Asia to play a friendly match that will serve as valuable preparation for the FIFA World Cup, which begins in June.

“The Argentines will face Qatar, while Luis de la Fuente’s team will play Egypt,” Diario AS reported this Tuesday. “Both matches will also be confirmed at the same time the Finalissima is officially announced.”

The choice of opponents is not a coincidence. FIFA regulations prevent a national team from playing matches on two different continents during the same international break. As a result, both teams were required to look for alternatives within the region, against opponents that were also planning to play there in March.

Argentina against Asian opponents

While Argentina’s main focus in March will be winning the Finalissima title, the World Cup—just three months away—will also be a major consideration for head coach Lionel Scaloni. Because of that, the opportunity to play an additional friendly match is an attractive option.

Argentina will face Jordan in the World Cup group stage, so playing against an Asian opponent during the March FIFA break will allow them to test themselves against a team with similar characteristics. The last time they faced an Asian opponent was in June 2023, when they played against Indonesia and Australia.

Qatar will represent an interesting test for Lionel Messi and his teammates. After making their World Cup debut as hosts in 2022, they secured a spot in the tournament for the first time through the qualifiers this year. At the FIFA tournament in North America, Qatar will share Group B with Canada, Switzerland, and the winner of the intercontinental playoff between Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A tough test for Spain

Just as Argentina will benefit from facing an Asian opponent, Spain need to play against African national teams. In Group H of the World Cup, they will face Cape Verde—along with Uruguay and Saudi Arabia—and gaining prior experience against teams from the Confederation of African Football will be useful.

The last time Spain played against an African national team did not go well. In the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup, they drew 0-0 against Morocco and were eliminated on penalties. Now they will have the chance to face another of the continent’s strongest teams, Egypt, who have also secured qualification for the World Cup and will face Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand.

Napoli arrived in Riyadh this evening for the Supercoppa Italiana, and as expected, Romelu Lukaku was with the squad for the first time this season.

The Belgium international suffered a high-grade tear in his thigh during a pre-season friendly against Olympiacos on August 14.

He has been out of action ever since and made his return to training on Monday morning.

Lukaku in Riyadh with Napoli squad

Il #Napoli è arrivato a Riyad per la Supercoppa Italiana#Sportitalia pic.twitter.com/Oo1553VEDW

— Sportitalia (@tvdellosport) December 16, 2025

There had been reports that Lukaku would be part of the squad for the Supercoppa Italiana and he was indeed spotted getting off the plane in Riyadh tonight.

Also in attendance was President Aurelio De Laurentiis, while many of the players were seen holding their freshly-prepared cups of espresso.

Napoli will play the semi-final against AC Milan on Thursday, then Bologna take on Inter in the Friday evening clash.

The winners of those two matches can then face each other in the final for the EA Sports FC Supercup on Monday December 22.

The chaos at Fiorentina means there could be big departures in January, with reports Roma could swoop for Albert Gudmundsson.

The Viola are rock bottom of the Serie A table and the only team still without a single victory in the league this season.

The entire squad is kept in a training retreat indefinitely following the 2-1 home defeat to Hellas Verona, and malcontent is at an all time high.

This points to potential exits in the January transfer window to completely revamp the group, and one of those heading for the door is Gudmundsson.

Gudmundsson not happy at Fiorentina

The Iceland international was signed from Genoa last year on loan and then bought outright for a total fee of €18.85m plus bonuses, but has been completely incapable of recreating the form he had shown earlier in Serie A.

He also got into a very public row with coach Paolo Vanoli when denying he had refused to take a penalty, insisting he simply didn’t want to “argue with a teammate in front of everyone.”

Nonetheless, his five goals and two assists in 19 competitive games this season suggest he could get a good price, and Calciomercato.com claim Roma would be interested in a swoop.

An offer of over €25m could be sufficient, but Roma are more likely to propose a loan with option to buy at the end of the season.

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso and captain Gianluigi Donnarumma had very different ideas in their votes for FIFA The Best Men’s Player award.

The trophy was won by Paris Saint-Germain and France striker Ousmane Dembele, who was a key figure in the club’s triumphant march last season.

They won the Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France and French Supercup, as well as reaching the Final of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Dembele topped the charts and was also first choice for his former PSG teammate and Italy captain Donnarumma.

Donnarumma and Gattuso voted very differently

The goalkeeper had another Paris Saint-Germain player in second place, Achraf Hakimi, with Barcelona’s teenage talent Lamine Yamal in third.

On the other hand, Italy coach Gattuso had a very different vision of the year’s sporting achievements.

His maximum points went to Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé, with PSG and Portugal midfielder Vitinha in second and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah in third.

As for the FIFA Best Goalkeeper award, Donnarumma absolutely dominated the voting, with very few getting a look-in for first place.

The only others who managed a handful of votes were Thibaut Courtois, Emiliano Martinez, David Raya, Manuel Neuer, Alisson Becker and Yann Sommer.

Some had rather odd ideas leaving Donnarumma out of their top three entirely.

Bizarrely, Donnarumma himself voted for Wojciech Szczesny, who had come out of retirement to take over at Barcelona.

He had Inter’s Sommer in second and Arsenal’s Raya third.

Watch and listen to the latest news updates from the world of Calcio courtesy of Football Italia expert Alfredo Pedullà.

Today, Pedullà discusses Roma’s fiery 1-0 victory over Como and how this affects the Giallorossi’s transfer strategy going forward for Joshua Zirkzee and Giacomo Raspadori.

Elsewhere, AC Milan are considering Niclas Fullkrug from West Ham United, with their eye still on Dusan Vlahovic for the summer.

Khephren Thuram is the last player Juventus should consider selling, while Pedullà outlines which clubs most need to take action in January.

Watch: Pedullà on Roma progress and plans for January

Thiago Silva and Sergio Ramos are two great defenders, but with one turning 41 in September and the other who will be 40 in March, signing them would be an act of faith.

The former AC Milan and Chelsea centre-back has decided to leave Fluminense six months before the end of his current contract, while the ex-Real Madrid legend announced the termination of his rapport with Monterrey.

Both would love to come back to the European football that really matters, and have been linked with Serie A, but so far we haven’t seen any movement on that front.

Thiago Silva and Sergio Ramos represent the past

The bond with Milan is more about nostalgia that will never fade, seeing as Thiago Silva was an unforgettable pillar of that squad, but there’s nothing more to it.

The same is true for Sergio Ramos, who wrote memorable pages in the history books of football, but seeing as clubs must look to the future and not the past, signing him would require an act of faith.

It’s not just about the economics of these operations, but their ages have to be taken into account too.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has made a surprising admission after naming a Manchester City star as the most annoying player in the Premier League.

The Portuguese midfielder openly conceded that his Manchester derby rival is even more frustrating to face on the pitch than he is himself.

Bruno Fernandes calls Bernando Silva the most annoying

Bruno Fernandes spoke to Portuguese outlet Canal 11, where the conversation turned to on-field reputations.

Fernandes, who is often on the receiving end of criticism from rival fans for his demeanor during matches, was asked directly if he considered himself the most annoying player in England’s top flight.

In a surprising deflection, he named his international teammate and club rival, Bernardo Silva, as the true holder of that title.

As quoted by Daily Mail reporter Nathan Salt on X, Fernandes said: “My image on the pitch makes me seem like someone who’s always complaining, but Bernardo Silva is more annoying than me! He’s politically correct and I’m not! My problem is talking with my arms.”

Bruno Fernandes got asked if he's the most ANNOYING player in the PL…

"My image on the pitch makes me seem like someone who's always complaining, but Bernardo Silva is more annoying than me!

"He's politically correct and I'm not! My problem is talking with my arms." #mufc

— Nathan Salt (@NathSalt1) December 16, 2025

This lighthearted admission highlights a friendly rivalry between the two midfielders, who often face off in high-stakes Manchester derbies but line up together for the Portugal national team.

Why Fernandes and Silva frustrate opposition fans

Since joining Manchester United, he has been a transformative player in terms of statistics, providing crucial goals and assists.

However, his on-pitch body language has frequently made him a target for pundits and opposition supporters.

Critics often point to his tendency to throw his arms up in frustration when a pass goes astray, his frequent complaints to referees, and his visible annoyance when decisions go against his team.

While United fans view this as passionate leadership and a desperate will to win, neutrals often perceive his ‘always complaining’ attitude as annoying.

Fernandes’ choice of Bernardo Silva is not surprising because the Manchester City playmaker shares similar traits.

Like Fernandes, Silva is a tenacious competitor whose supreme technical skill is matched by an aggressive work rate.

The City star is known for his relentless pressing, tactical fouling to break up play, and an ability to get under the skin of opponents through persistent harrying.

While Silva might not be as visibly demonstrative with the “arm-waving” theatrics that Fernandes admits to, his ability to frustrate defenders and nibble at opposition players has made him a figure that rival fanbases love to hate.

The post Bruno Fernandes names who he thinks is the most annoying player in the Premier League appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal have been linked with a move for the AC Milan goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani. 

According to a report from Gazzetta, Arsenal are very interested in the 20-year-old goalkeeper, and it will be interesting to see if they come forward with an offer to sign him. The player is highly rated at the Italian club, and they do not plan to sell him anytime soon.

Milan value Lorenzo Torriani

They are looking to help him continue his development with regular football for the youth team. Torriani is considered an asset for the club, and he could be an important player for them in future. Selling him now could be a mistake for Milan. They are looking to build a formidable team for the future, and they need to keep their best young players.

It remains to be seen whether Arsenal follow up on their interest with a lucrative offer to get the deal done. They have the finances to tempt the Italian club to sell the young goalkeeper. Convincing the player might be too difficult for them, either. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and they will be able to offer him a lucrative contract.

AC Milan plotting January move for Arsenal star who has fallen down the pecking order

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Dec 16 2025, 23:00

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Dec 16 2025, 22:40

Can Arsenal sign Torriani?

The 20-year-old goalkeeper could be a very useful long-term investment for Arsenal, and he could develop into a first-team player for them. The player is unlikely to get too many opportunities at Arsenal now, but he could be an important member of the youth team at the London club. If he can continue his development, he might be able to hold a starting spot at Arsenal in future.

It remains to be seen whether the two clubs can finalise an agreement in the coming months.

Arteta wants to sign “amazing” 26-year-old to get the best out of Gyokeres

The post Report: Arsenal are very interested in signing 20-year-old Serie A sensation appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Sevilla attacker Ruben Vargas has been linked with a move away from the club, and multiple Premier League clubs are keen on him.

Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Leeds United are all monitoring his progress, and they could look to make a move for him. According to Fichajes, Leeds are already preparing a €20 million offer to sign the 27-year-old attacker.

It will be interesting to see if Sevilla are prepared to sanction his departure.

Leeds eyeing Ruben Vargas

Leeds could use more quality on the flanks, and signing the La Liga attacker could prove to be a wise decision. Signing a quality player in January could improve their chances of surviving in the Premier League as well. They are currently fighting for survival.

Spurs are looking to add more depth on the flanks as well. It will be interesting to see if they are prepared to follow up on their interest with an official proposal. The 27-year-old could be attracted to the idea of joining a big club like Tottenham. They will be able to provide him with Champions League football and the platform to showcase his qualities at the highest level.

More Stories / Latest News

Newcastle ‘miles ahead’ of Sunderland despite recent defeat

Dec 16 2025, 23:00

Crystal Palace will compete with Everton for 23-year-old wide player

Dec 16 2025, 22:40

Leicester looking at Premier League duo ahead of January window

Dec 16 2025, 22:20

Villa and Newcastle also keen on Vargas

Villa and Newcastle are also looking to add more players to their sides. They will be hoping to compete in European football regularly, and they need to improve their team. The 27-year-old is expected to be a very useful acquisition for them. He will add pace, player and unpredictability. It remains to be seen where he ends up.

If Leeds can convince Sevilla to accept the €20 million offer, it could prove to be a reasonable investment. The player is at the peak of his career, and he could justify the outlay in future.

It remains to be seen how the situation develops.

The post Tottenham join Leeds United in the race to sign 27-year-old La Liga ace appeared first on CaughtOffside.

After claiming the FIFA The Best and Ballon d’Or in 2025, Ousmane Dembélé has now joined an elite club with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ousmane Dembélé was awarded FIFA The Best in 2025, capping off a dream season in which he also claimed the Ballon d’Or and lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy. After securing the two most prestigious individual honors in world soccer, the Paris Saint-Germain star has now joined an elite club alongside legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

After dominating domestic competition in France, Dembélé played a decisive role on the continental stage, helping PSG win the Champions League and reach the FIFA Club World Cup final. With 35 goals and 16 assists in 53 appearances, “The Mosquito” was one of the standout performers of the season, edging out Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé in voting for both awards.

By sweeping the Ballon d’Or and FIFA The Best in the same calendar year, Dembélé became the fourth player to achieve the feat. The only others to do so are Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modrić, and Lionel Messi, placing the French winger among the most exclusive company in the modern era.

Since 2010, France Football and FIFA briefly unified their criteria to present the FIFA Ballon d’Or as a single award recognizing the world’s best player. That partnership ended in 2016, after which the Ballon d’Or and FIFA The Best became separate honors again, often aligning in their winners, but occasionally producing different outcomes.

Cristiano Ronaldo was the first player to win both awards in the same year, accomplishing the feat in back-to-back seasons. In 2016, he won the Champions League and the European Championship with Portugal, and in 2017, he repeated the double after claiming the Champions League and La Liga with Real Madrid.

Modrić followed in 2018 after winning the Champions League with Real Madrid and leading Croatia to a runner-up finish at the World Cup. Lionel Messi later joined the list in 2019, thanks to his Golden Boot-winning season and La Liga title, and again in 2023, largely driven by Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph.

Who failed to claim both awards?

The Ballon d’Or and FIFA The Best are decided using different voting systems. The Ballon d’Or is determined by journalists, while FIFA The Best includes votes from national team captains, coaches, and fans worldwide. While the results often align, several seasons have produced split decisions.

In 2020, FIFA awarded The Best to Robert Lewandowski, while the Ballon d’Or was not awarded at all due to the pandemic, denying the Polish striker a potential historic sweep. A year later, Messi won the Ballon d’Or, while Lewandowski claimed FIFA The Best, sparking widespread debate.

In 2022, Messi won FIFA The Best, while Karim Benzema claimed the Ballon d’Or. Most recently, in 2024, Rodri secured the Ballon d’Or, while Vinícius Júnior was named FIFA The Best in another controversial split. Dembélé has now ended that trend in 2025, emerging as the consensus choice for the world’s best player.

While Manchester United have failed to rediscover their best form with Ruben Amorim, they are set to reinforce Bruno Fernandes with a top Premier League winger. Nonetheless, they will need to compete against Manchester City and Liverpool to secure his arrival for the 2026-27 season.

Even though Manchester United have experienced a significant offensive boost with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, they have failed to showcase consistency. For that reason, they are planning to reinforce Bruno Fernandes with a top Premier League winger. Nonetheless, the Red Devils will face tough competition as Manchester City and Liverpool are also chasing his arrival in the 2026-27 season.

According to Lyall Thomas of Sky Sports, Manchester United are leading the race to sign AFC Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo ahead of the 2026–27 season. However, securing the African forward will not be straightforward, as Manchester City have also emerged as a strong contender for his signature, increasing the competition and dealing a blow to Liverpool, who had identified him as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah.

Far from being a player who stands out as a goal scorer, Semenyo has distinguished himself in the Premier League with his impressive versatility, shining offensively while also contributing defensively. For this reason, the Red Devils could target him as a winger or wing-back, offering coach Ruben Amorim a great variety that could make a difference with Bruno Fernandes impressive consistency.

Antoine Semenyo holds the major advantage of controlling his future. With offers from several teams, the Ghanaian might prioritize a team competing in the UEFA Champions League, a decision that could significantly weaken the Red Devils’ chances, as Manchester City may offer a clear advantage. However, the prominence he could enjoy within the squad might be a key factor—something Liverpool or Manchester United could be better positioned to guarantee.

Semenyo’s arrival at Manchester United may hinge on Marcus Rashford

Unlike Liverpool or Manchester City, the Red Devils face a challenging path to securing Antoine Semenyo’s arrival. Although Marcus Rashford has left the club, he might return from his loan spell, as Barcelona reportedly hesitates to complete the deal due to the high cost of a permanent transfer. As a result, the potential arrival of the Ghanaian could stall until Rashford’s departure is finalized, which would free up both wage space and a spot in the squad.

Rashford has reportedly made it clear to the Red Devils that he sees his future solely with Barcelona. With their interest in Semenyo, the club might need to lower their financial expectations to offload Marcus’s multimillion-pound wages and create space for the Ghanaian player. However, Manchester United may need to resolve this situation quickly, as Antoine could opt for another destination if his move is not finalized soon.

When Mbappe left PSG, the farewell was anything but graceful. What followed was a bruising legal battle that exposed one of modern soccer's most toxic breakups — and ended with a stunning ruling that reshaped the power balance between player and club.

For seven seasons, Kylian Mbappe was the face of Paris Saint-Germain and the superstar around whom the club revolved. His goals powered domestic dominance, his image carried global ambition, and his presence defined an era. Yet when he finally left the club, the farewell was anything but graceful. What followed was a bruising legal battle that exposed one of modern soccer’s most toxic breakups — and ended with a stunning ruling that reshaped the power balance between player and club.

Few expected the fallout to escalate this far. Fewer still predicted the scale of the outcome. At the center of it all was a question soccer rarely wants to confront: what happens when contracts, loyalty, and power collide under the scrutiny of labor law?

Mbappe joined PSG in 2017 and quickly became its defining figure, winning six league titles and scoring a record 256 goals. But tensions simmered beneath the surface long before the legal confrontation.

In 2023, the Frenchman informed the club that he would not activate an extension clause in his contract, meaning he could leave on a free transfer the following summer. That decision triggered a chain reaction. He was excluded from pre-season plans, sidelined from the opening match of the season, and placed under mounting pressure to either renew or leave.

The club claimed these actions were necessary to protect its financial interests. Mbappe’s camp saw it differently. According to multiple reports cited by The Athletic, the forward’s legal team argued that wages and bonuses were unlawfully withheld during the final months of his contract, despite him continuing to train and play.

The court steps in — and delivers its verdict

After months of legal wrangling, a Paris labor court delivered a decisive ruling. The judges found that the club had failed to pay three months of salary, a loyalty bonus, and a signing bonus owed under Mbappe’s contract. As a result, the club was ordered to make an immediate payment exceeding $70.7 million, covering unpaid wages and bonuses.

The ruling also dismissed the club’s extraordinary counter-claim, which had sought hundreds of millions in damages for what it described as a “loss of opportunity” following Mbappe’s free transfer. In a statement following the verdict, Mbappe’s lawyers declared: “This ruling confirms a simple truth: even in professional football, labour law applies to everyone.” They added that the decision validated their long-held position that no written agreement existed in which the player waived his earnings.

Why Mbappe won and PSG lost the case

At the heart of the case was an alleged verbal agreement. The club insisted that Mbappe had agreed to forgo certain payments in exchange for being reintegrated into the squad during the 2023-24 season. The court disagreed. Crucially, judges ruled that no formal amendment to the contract had ever been signed, making the club’s position legally untenable. Without documentary proof, the claim collapsed.

That finding proved decisive — and devastating. The court also rejected Mbappe’s attempt to reclassify his fixed-term contract as a permanent one, limiting the size of his award. But on the central issue of unpaid compensation, the verdict was unequivocal.

Lionel Messi, the face of Inter Miami’s project, continues to redefine what soccer looks like in the United States, while Robert Lewandowski remains one of Europe’s most prolific No.9s despite approaching the twilight of his career. Elsewhere, Luis Suarez stands at a crossroads, his future uncertain as Inter Miami reshapes its attack.

Lionel Messi, the face of Inter Miami’s project, continues to redefine what soccer looks like in the United States, while Robert Lewandowski remains one of Europe’s most prolific No.9s despite approaching the twilight of his career. Elsewhere, Luis Suarez stands at a crossroads, his future uncertain as Inter Miami reshapes its attack. Somewhere between ambition, timing, and legacy, a major decision is quietly taking shape — one that could dramatically alter the balance of power in Major League Soccer.

Inter Miami’s rise has never been accidental. The club has built carefully around experience, star power, and familiarity, creating a structure that allows Messi to thrive while attracting names that resonate globally. Now, with Barcelona reassessing its future and Lewandowski weighing his final big move, Miami finds itself at the center of another potential soccer earthquake.

Speculation surrounding Lewandowski’s future at Barcelona has intensified in recent months. At 37, the Polish striker remains highly effective, but the Blaugrana is entering a phase of sporting and financial recalibration. The club is no longer willing to make emotional decisions, especially when age, salary, and squad balance are involved.

Thus, Lewandowski has already begun narrowing his options. Reports confirmed that he rejected a winter approach from Fenerbahce, despite the Turkish club offering a lucrative deal through 2027. According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, the striker made it clear that he has no intention of leaving Barca mid-season, a decision that sent a ripple effect through the European market.

Milan remains a quiet admirer, viewing Lewandowski as a potential free-agent opportunity next summer. But Europe is no longer the only stage capable of hosting his final act. In Poland, journalist Marek Jozwiak revealed a detail that shifted the narrative entirely. “Inter Miami — they were looking for a home for Robert Lewandowski. I received a message from someone who knows the file very well,” he said on Moc Futbolu. That single sentence spoke volumes. Inter Miami, it seems, is not merely monitoring the situation — it is preparing for it.

Inter Miami’s blueprint: Familiar faces, maximum impact

Inter Miami’s strategy has been consistent. Messi, Suarez, Busquets, and Jordi Alba formed the spine of a project built on trust, chemistry, and shared history. That formula delivered results, culminating in a historic MLS Cup triumph that further elevated the club’s global standing.

But time waits for no one. Busquets and Alba have stepped away, and Suarez’s contract situation remains unresolved. With one Designated Player slot still open alongside Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, Miami faces a pivotal decision. This is where Lewandowski enters the equation.

How Suarez could be the key

Midway through the story, the mystery finally lifts. Inter Miami’s internal view is that Robert Lewandowski could become Luis Suarez’s replacement — or even his partner in attack, depending on how the Uruguayan’s future unfolds.

This is not merely about replacing goals. It is about continuity at the elite level, ensuring that Messi continues to operate with a world-class finisher capable of converting moments into trophies. Lewandowski’s profile fits perfectly: leadership, ruthless efficiency, and global appeal.

As Lewandowski himself admitted when asked about a potential move outside Europe: “I don’t know if I will be in Barcelona or somewhere else. I will decide my future soon. The decision won’t depend only on sporting factors, but also on emotional ones.”

Inter Miami are preparing for the 2026 Major League Soccer season, and according to reports, Lionel Messi has advised on the signing of two players from La Liga.

2025 will be remembered as the year Inter Miami won the Major League Soccer title for the first time. They are now looking to strengthen their squad for 2026, and according to reports, Lionel Messi recommended signing two La Liga stars.

“Leo Messi has conveyed to the sports management the need to bolster the midfield and attack,” a Fichajes report stated this week. “It is not about flashy signings but functional pieces.”

The two players reportedly recommended by the Argentine forward have stood out for years at Atletico Madrid, where they were Messi’s rivals during his time at Barcelona. The midfielder is Koke, while the forward is Antoine Griezmann, with whom Messi also played briefly.

“For Leo Messi, Koke represents order, tactical reading, and continuity in circulation. An ideal profile to support the team from the core of the game,” Fichajes adds. “Messi believes that Antoine Griezmann would be the perfect complement in attack. Mobility, intelligence, and the ability to link up in tight spaces.”

What is the situation of Koke and Griezmann at Atletico Madrid?

Koke is a historic player for Atletico Madrid. He has spent his entire career at the Spanish side, making his debut in 2009. Since then, the midfielder has played 706 matches, scoring 49 goals and winning 8 titles, including two La Liga trophies.

Now approaching 34 years old, Koke is near the end of his contract, which will expire in July 2026. He remains an important piece for head coach Diego Simeone, having started 15 of Atletico’s 22 matches in the 2025-26 season.

Antoine Griezmann’s situation is somewhat different. He will turn 35 in March and, although he is under contract with Atletico Madrid until June 30, 2027, his role in the team is no longer the same as in previous years. Across La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the French forward has started just 8 matches this season, scoring 6 goals and providing 1 assist.

Inter Miami need new stars

Reports of Inter Miami’s supposed interest in signing Koke and Antoine Griezmann align with the squad’s needs. The end of the 2025 season also saw the departure of key players like Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, both retired, while uncertainty remains regarding other stars such as Tadeo Allende.

To replace Alba, the Herons secured the signing of Sergio Reguilon. However, they still need a central midfielder to replace Busquets, and Koke could fit perfectly alongside Rodrigo De Paul, with whom he played for years at Atletico Madrid.

Griezmann has different characteristics than Tadeo Allende. The French star is not a pacey winger like the Argentine player; over the years, he has evolved into forward with vision for distributing the ball and a frequent scoring presence. On Griezmann’s side, the experience of playing two seasons with Messi at Barcelona could help him integrate quickly into Inter Miami‘s structure.

With the inauguration of the Miami Freedom Park in the horizon, Lionel Messi's Inter Miami is set to play one more game at Chase Stadium prior to the home debut in the 2026 MLS.

Lionel Messi has been a central figure in Inter Miami’s rapid growth over the past few years, and the club is set to inaugurate Miami Freedom Park beginning with the 2026 season. Before that transition, however, the Herons will play one final match at Chase Stadium, bidding farewell to their longtime home ahead of the home debut in the Major League Soccer campaign.

Since 2020, Chase Stadium has served as Inter Miami’s home during the club’s early years, with a capacity of 21,550 fans, a venue that has since become undersized following Messi’s arrival. After hosting several defining moments in club history, the Herons will play one last official match at the stadium where they lifted multiple trophies.

Inter Miami will say goodbye to Chase Stadium on Tuesday, March 18, in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Having qualified directly for the Round of 16 after winning the MLS Cup, the Herons will face the winner of the matchup between MLS side Nashville SC and Canadian club Atlético Ottawa.

The first leg of the Round of 16 will be played on March 11, with Inter Miami on the road. The return leg the following week at Chase Stadium will mark the final appearance of Messi and his teammates at the Fort Lauderdale venue after celebrating the 2025 MLS Cup title.

When will Miami Freedom Park open?

A significant upgrade from Chase Stadium, Miami Freedom Park will become Inter Miami’s new home starting in the 2026 season. However, the club will not play its first match there until April, several weeks after the MLS season officially kicks off.

The first official match at Miami Freedom Park is scheduled for April 4, when Messi’s side will host Austin FC in league play. Inter Miami will open the season with four consecutive road matches against LAFC, Orlando City, D.C. United, and Charlotte FC before making their long-awaited debut at the new stadium.

Inter star Denzel Dumfries has broken his silence after undergoing ankle surgery in London. ‘It’s been a tough month with a lot of emotions, but I’m glad the worst is behind me.’

The Dutchman has been out of action since picking up the left ankle issue during the 2-0 Serie A victory over Lazio on November 9.

His recovery took longer than expected, and with so little genuine progress, it was decided that he would go under the knife to stabilise the ankle.

Dumfries posts from hospital bed

Dumfries posted a picture on Instagram of himself in his hospital bed at the Fortius Clinic in London, where he had the operation earlier today.

“Surgery went well. It’s been a tough month with a lot of emotions, but I’m glad the worst is behind me. Now full focus on recovery and I’ll do my best to be back on the pitch as soon as possible!”

 

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Although the official Inter statement does not specify how long he will be out for, Sky Sport Italia are reporting they expect him to be on the sidelines for at least two to three months.

With that in mind, the Nerazzurri are likely to seek a replacement on the January transfer market.

Meanwhile, the multiple reports were confirmed and are now official, Dumfries has changed his agent and is now represented by the Epic Sports Agency run by Ali Barat.

He has left Jorge Mendes, and with a release clause set at €25m valid outside Italy until July 15, it is very likely that he is preparing for a new experience in the Premier League.

 

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Former referee Andrea De Marco analysed the controversial Serie A decisions made during Parma-Lazio, Bologna-Juventus, Udinese-Napoli and Torino-Cremonese.

He was representing the Italian Referees’ Association (AIA) in the weekly DAZN Italia programme Open VAR, where the footage and audio from conversations between the officials are analysed.

You can read about his comments regarding the incidents during AC Milan 2-2 Sassuolo here.

Serie A referees got most of it right

De Marco was pushed on the Mattia Zaccagni straight red card for a sliding tackle on Nahuel Estevez during Lazio’s 1-0 win away to Parma, a decision that some refereeing pundits had called “excessive.”

Not for the first time, the official line was different to the one presented by the television pundits.

“In these situations, there is maximum severity when punishing tackles like this that are serious foul play,” assured De Marco.

“We see there is everything required for this to be a red card, the referee is very well placed, and he was quick to make the correct decision.

“The criteria for a red in this case are the speed of the lunge, the high leg, and the danger posed to the opposition player. It’s true he doesn’t get him full on, but this type of challenge will be clamped down on with the maximum severity throughout the season.”

If that was correct, then some other decisions this weekend did not meet with the approval of the AIA.

Specifically, Cremonese were furious late on when Torino striker Giovanni Simeone’s handling offence was not spotted by VAR.

“In this case, the VAR and AVAR focused too much on the green zone of the arm when the ball first makes contact, which also touches his chest,” explained De Marco.

“Their review was a little superficial, because they didn’t pay attention to the second touch with his arm. If there was one, then it was punishable, because it was not knocking it onto his own arm, it was a clear deflection, so that should’ve been a penalty.”

However, De Marco sided with the officials on two other contentious Serie A Week 15 situations.

“Karlstrom’s foul on Lobotka is clear, so Ghersini is right to suggest the review, which leads to referee Sozza disallowing the Udinese goal against Napoli.

“When Lucumi had a hand on David’s back in Bologna-Juventus, the intensity was not enough to warrant a penalty, so the correct decision was made. We raised the bar for giving penalties for a push and this falls well below it.”

Gian Piero Gasperini has a wish list for the Roma attack and it’s in a clear order, with Joshua Zirkzee first, Yuri Alberto second, and Giacomo Raspadori only third.

The Giallorossi know they need to secure some reinforcements over the January transfer window and their recent results show the need for a reliable centre-forward, even if it is an atypical one.

Gasperini will be heavily involved in the selection process and Zirkzee is at the top of his list.

The Manchester United outcast is considered to be a centre-forward, with Raspadori as a support striker who can also play in a wider role.

Why Zirkzee is the hot favourite for Roma

The former Napoli player had been appreciated by Gasperini when still in charge of Atalanta, although that was to play off centre.

So the coach would gladly bring both in, but if that is not possible, then his pick would be Zirkzee.

Now it is up to director Frederic Massara to push Manchester United into getting a deal done quickly, not waiting until mid or late January.

It is also true that Gasperini would like Yuri Alberto, but he is seen as an alternative to Zirkzee, while Beto is mentioned largely because both Everton and Roma have the same owners.

This isn’t a priority, and would only be pursued if Artem Dovbyk were to move on.

It is confirmed that Gasp also likes Giovane of Hellas Verona, who is on the wish list of Inter and Napoli already.

Raspadori is seeking a new club, seeing as he never got much playing time with Atletico Madrid, so it’d be ideal for Roma if Tommaso Baldanzi (liked by Verona) or Stephan El Shaarawy were to make way.

Jack knows that Maurizio Sarri is an admirer and would gladly take him to Lazio as a centre-forward, but a lot depends on Taty Castellanos.

Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma was named in the FIFA Best Men’s XI 2025, with his former PSG teammate Ousmane Dembele getting the overall prize.

Inevitably, Paris Saint-Germain dominated this evening’s awards in Doha, as they won the Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France and French Supercup last season.

Donnarumma was a key figure in that squad, so despite being sold to Manchester City in the summer, he was recognised with the Best Men’s Goalkeeper award and as part of the Best Men’s XI.

Donnarumma featured in FIFA Best awards

His former teammate Dembele was as expected given the FIFA Best Men’s Player award for 2025, following on from his Ballon d’Or success.

PSG coach Luis Enrique was also crowned the Best Men’s Coach for 2025, although Italian Enzo Maresca of Chelsea was in the list of seven nominees.

Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati won the Best Women’s Player award for the third year in a row.

FIFA Best Men’s XI 2025

Gianluigi Donnarumma

Achraf Hakimi

William Pacho

Virgil van Dijk

Nuno Mendes

Cole Palmer

Jude Bellingham

Vitinha

Pedri

Lamine Yamal

Ousmane Dembele