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Yesterday — 13 December 2025Main stream

Leading Liverpool target would prefer to join Real Madrid or Barcelona

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By:John Menzies
13 December 2025 at 16:05

Liverpool have stepped up efforts to sign a replacement for Mohamed Salah, with Michael Olise among their leading targets. The former Crystal Palace winger has been in sensational form since joining Bayern Munich in the summer of 2024, and he could now be set for a return to the Premier League.

There is a lot of interest in Olise from officials at Anfield. A deal will not be cheap, but he is seen as the perfect successor to Salah, who could leave Liverpool as early as next month, now that he has fallen out with Arne Slot.

It will not be easy for Liverpool to sign Olise – not only because of the reported asking price, but the player himself may not be entirely open to joining.

Michael Olise keen on La Liga move amid Liverpool interest

Michael Olise lining up with the French national team
Michael Olise lining up with the French national team (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)

According to TEAMtalk, Olise’s preference upon leaving Bayern Munich would be to join either Real Madrid or Barcelona. The 24-year-old intends to keep his options open for the future, and while he would consider a move to Liverpool, there are other clubs that could tempt him – with Chelsea also said to be one of them, given that he came through the ranks at Stamford Bridge.

Should Liverpool spent big on Michael Olise?

There is little doubt that Olise would be a fantastic signing for Liverpool, but there will be reservations about paying another £100m+ fee in 2026, given that Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak have struggled since joining from Bayer Leverkusen and Newcastle respectively.

It will be interesting to see how serious Liverpool are in their pursuit of Olise. In terms of competition, they would face little from Barcelona due to their financial woes, although right wing is a position that Real Madrid may seek to address – especially if Rodrygo Goes, another of Liverpool’s reported targets, were to leave the Bernabeu.

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Talks held: Man United accelerate contacts with “special” Arsenal transfer target

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By:Mark Brus
11 December 2025 at 18:24

Manchester United are reportedly accelerating contacts with Real Madrid attacking midfielder and Arsenal transfer target Arda Guler.

The talented young Turkey international has long been regarded as one of the finest up-and-coming talents in Europe, and he’s become increasingly consistent and important in this Real Madrid side.

Still, it seems there could be some question marks over his future as Man Utd are said to be stepping up their efforts to bring him to Old Trafford, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes.

Arsenal and Liverpool are also among the clubs mentioned as suitors for Guler, who has previously been described by Madrid manager Xabi Alonso as “special” and a “natural talent”, as quoted by beIN Sports.

Arda Guler to leave Real Madrid for a transfer to the Premier League?

Arda Guler in action for Real Madrid
Arda Guler in action for Real Madrid (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

It remains to be seen if Guler will definitely leave the Bernabeu as it’s hard to see why he’d necessarily push to leave if the club are happy with him.

Fichajes suggest there could be a dilemma for Real if they receive tempting offers for Guler, and it’s fair to say that English clubs often pay big for their signings.

That financial power of the Premier League could end up being crucial, as Guler himself might also sense an opportunity to make more money if he moves to somewhere like United.

The 20-year-old still has a long career ahead of him, though, so if he continues to play regularly in Alonso’s side then he should surely continue to prioritise that development.

Arda Guler could give United that spark they need

It’s easy to see, however, why MUFC might be desperate to try to lure Guler to Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim’s side remain a work in progress, and someone with the kind of spark and creativity that Guler can bring looks like it would make sense as a priority.

It’s not as clear if such a role is really there at Arsenal, though, due to the presence of the likes of Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze, so that probably wouldn’t be the smartest move for him right now if he wants to carry on getting regular playing time.

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Player’s actions in last 24 hours could open door for Liverpool transfer

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By:Mark Brus
11 December 2025 at 17:54

Liverpool may be interested in developments with Nico Schlotterbeck at Borussia Dortmund in the last 24 hours.

It seems the Germany international is now seen as increasingly likely to leave Dortmund in the summer after becoming unhappy with the club and looking for a new challenge.

That’s according to Fichajes, who claim Schlotterbeck is emerging as a target for big names like Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Real Madrid.

We’ve also recently reported on Liverpool eyeing Schlotterbeck as one of their centre-back targets, so this could mean the Reds will soon have an opportunity to move for him.

Why does Nico Schlotterbeck look closer to leaving Borussia Dortmund?

The report from Fichajes notes that Schlotterbeck did not sound at all happy with BVB last night as he criticised the performance and mentality going into the game with Bodo/Glimt, which ended as a 2-2 draw.

Nico Schlotterbeck in action for Borussia Dortmund
Nico Schlotterbeck in action for Borussia Dortmund (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

They quote him as saying: “The players who come on lose every ball. We’re playing in the Champions League. It’s far too little. We could have gotten 13 points here, and I think some weren’t aware of how important it is.”

It seems Dortmund themselves have not yet responded to this, but it all just adds to the sense that the 26-year-old will be leaving sooner or later.

Liverpool need a top defensive signing like Nico Schlotterbeck

LFC are having a difficult season and keep conceding a worrying amount of goals, so a new signing at centre-back looks essential for January, perhaps with another to follow next summer.

Ibrahima Konate is coming towards the end of his contract at Anfield, so might need replacing, while the ageing Virgil van Dijk has not quite looked at his best this season and may no longer be able to perform as consistently at the level he used to.

Schlotterbeck, by contrast, is approaching what should be his peak, and is clearly seeking a new challenge, with Liverpool surely the kind of level he’ll feel he should be playing at.

One issue, however, could be if Arne Slot’s side don’t improve enough in the months ahead to qualify for next season’s Champions League, which would surely see Schlotterbeck choose someone like Bayern, Real or Barca instead.

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Sources: Arsenal eyeing two attacker signings as stance on Viktor Gyokeres emerges

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By:Mark Brus
11 December 2025 at 15:30

Arsenal are eyeing both Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes and AC Milan’s Rafael Leao as long-term targets in attack, and are not currently seeking to sign a new striker.

As first reported here in my exclusive for the Daily Briefing, Arsenal still have a lot of faith in Viktor Gyokeres after spending big to sign him from Sporting Lisbon in the summer.

As such, the Gunners are not looking for a new centre-forward to replace Gyokeres, but are keeping in mind other attackers who could come in to help the Sweden international.

Sources tell me the names that feature most high up on Arsenal’s list are Rodrygo and Leao, who have long been on the north Londoners’ radar.

Arsenal relaxed about Viktor Gyokeres but eyeing Rodrygo Goes and Rafael Leao

Arsenal have made changes to their attack in recent times, with Gyokeres not the only new addition to Mikel Arteta’s front three over the summer.

Rafael Leao celebrates a goal for AC Milan
Rafael Leao celebrates a goal for AC Milan (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Noni Madueke also joined, and has played on both the left and right flanks, while Eberechi Eze has also sometimes been used in a front three when he’s not deputised for Martin Odegaard in a more central role.

Still, Leandro Trossard is not getting any younger, and Gabriel Martinelli has been a little inconsistent, while both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have had a lot of injury troubles.

That could leave room for a player of the profile or Rodrygo or Leao to come in and offer something different to help generally improve the strength of that front three.

Gyokeres would then also benefit from that, with things perhaps not entirely clicking yet between the 27-year-old and the team’s current attackers.

Could Rodrygo or Leao strengthen Arsenal?

Rodrygo hasn’t exactly been at his best recently, so some Arsenal fans might view that as a risky signing.

Leao has mostly shone for Milan so would likely be a popular choice, and the stats below seem to back up that he might have the most all-round qualities to offer in that role…

Gabriel Martinelli stats vs Rafael Leao and Rodrygo Goes
Gabriel Martinelli stats vs Rafael Leao and Rodrygo Goes (DataMB)

Leao has this season performed best on non penalty goals and expected goals, as well as key passes and assists, though Rodrygo stands out for his dribbles and carries.

It will be interesting to see if either of these players end up being top targets soon, or if Arteta can work out an internal solution to get more out of Gyokeres at centre-forward.

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Sources: Liverpool begin “work on replacing Salah” with 11 G/A Man United transfer target

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By:Mark Brus
11 December 2025 at 14:22

Liverpool are understood to be eyeing up Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola as they begin background work on replacing Mohamed Salah.

As first reported here for the Daily Briefing, sources have informed me that there’s a genuine possibility of Salah leaving Anfield, and the Reds could look to Barcola alongside other targets like Antoine Semenyo as a possible replacement.

One issue, however, is that PSG currently prefer to keep Barcola, and could even try tying the 23-year-old down to a new contract, with his current deal due to end in 2028.

Is Bradley Barcola a realistic transfer target for Liverpool?

Even if PSG want to keep Barcola, it seems sources view this as a potentially realistic deal for Liverpool.

Barcola hasn’t managed to establish himself as an automatic starter for PSG due to there being so much competition in Luis Enrique’s side, so he might well be tempted to seek a move elsewhere.

The Frenchman could have a key role if he joined LFC to replace Salah, while sources also suggested that other big names like Manchester United could be in for him.

Bradley Barcola in action for PSG
Bradley Barcola in action for PSG (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

“Liverpool have already begun background work on replacing Salah,” one well-placed figure in the industry told me. “A player they really like, and have been following closely for some time, is Bradley Barcola.”

Other sources suggested that Barcola would be “open” to considering his options, so that could open up an opportunity for Liverpool.

What could Barcola bring to Liverpool?

Barcola has pace, skill, and an eye for goal from out wide, and given his age, he surely still has his best years ahead of him.

With a total of six goals and five assists in all competitions for club and country this season, it’s clear that Barcola is adding consistent end-product to his game as he matures and develops.

Then again, it won’t be easy for anyone to replace a legendary figure like Salah, who has a total of 250 goals in 420 appearances for Liverpool.

Salah has often hit over 30 goals a season for the Reds, so Barcola on his own probably wouldn’t be enough to replace that kind of output, with the club also likely to need more from current players like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz in attack.

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“He’s really unbelievable” – Pep Guardiola confirms he talked to Real Madrid star at Bernabeu

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By:Ahad Shaukat
11 December 2025 at 13:45

Pep Guardiola has once again shown his class both on and off the pitch, earning praise for his post-match gesture toward Real Madrid forward Rodrygo Goes following Manchester City’s 2-1 Champions League victory at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday night.

The Premier League giants secured a crucial away win thanks to goals from Nico O’Reilly and Erling Haaland.

But one of the night’s most talked-about moments came after the final whistle, when Guardiola approached Rodrygo for a brief but heartfelt conversation.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Guardiola revealed what he told the Brazilian forward, as reported by Fabrizio Romano:

“I went to Rodrygo and I told him, ‘What a player you are… he’s really unbelievable.’”

Are Man City still interested in Rodrygo?

The incident sparked renewed speculation about Man City’s long-standing admiration for the Real Madrid star.

Guardiola’s warm words appeared genuine but inevitably fueled transfer rumours, especially since Rodrygo’s name was heavily linked with a move to City during the 2025 summer transfer window.

Rodrygo, 24, has endured a turbulent campaign under manager Xabi Alonso. Once considered one of the brightest young attackers in world football, the Brazilian has struggled for consistency and playing time, finding himself in and out of Madrid’s starting lineup.

Before this clash, Rodrygo had gone 281 days without a goal. On Wednesday night, he finally broke his drought with a composed finish, a much-needed confidence boost despite Real’s defeat.

Alonso has tried deploying Rodrygo in several positions, including as a central striker, but the tactical shifts have hampered his rhythm.

The winger has also reportedly grown frustrated by limited opportunities, and interest from the Premier League has not gone unnoticed.

Pep Guardiola was impressed with Rodrygo’s performance

Rodrygo of Real Madrid
Rodrygo of Real Madrid (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

For Guardiola, Rodrygo’s performance served as a reminder of the immense quality the young Brazilian possesses.

Despite Real Madrid’s recent struggles, the City boss has long admired Rodrygo’s talent and versatility.

While Real Madrid remain committed to Rodrygo’s development, his future is far from certain.

With Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior commanding the starting roles on the wings, competition for attacking spots has intensified.

Rodrygo will hope his goal against City reignites his season and earns him Alonso’s renewed trust.

Exclusive: Liverpool agree terms with £65m star and match Man City offer in attempt to hijack transfer 

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“Today something changed” – Real Madrid star’s cryptic comment amid update on Xabi Alonso’s future

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By:Mark Brus
11 December 2025 at 10:23

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham made an intriguing comment after his side’s 2-1 defeat at home to Manchester City in the Champions League last night.

The England international played 90 minutes and set up the opening goal for Rodrygo Goes against Man City, who came from behind to win 2-1 at the Bernabeu.

That made it back-to-back defeats for Real, who have also won just twice in their last eight games in all competitions under struggling manager Xabi Alonso.

Alonso is surely running out of time to turn things around at Madrid, though Sky journalist Patrick Berger has posted on X with an update saying that the Spanish tactician is currently still safe…

??? Xabi Alonso will NOT be sacked for now and will be given the match against Alaves, Real Madrid sources telling us. @SkySportDE

— Patrick Berger (@berger_pj) December 10, 2025

Still, for now it seems sources are only committing to one more game for Alonso, and Bellingham made some interesting comments after last night’s game.

Jude Bellingham on Real Madrid fans booing

As well as cryptically saying that something had changed after this result, Bellingham also made it clear that the home fans were entitled to boo the team for this performance.

See below for the 22-year-old’s comments to CBS Sports, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano…

? Jude Bellingham: “Today something changed, I can feel that. Now we must understand that we have to improve, all of us”.

“I can understand the ‘boos’, people pay a lot of money to follow us and we play for the best club in the world”, told CBS Sports. pic.twitter.com/SKmClu9iXn

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 11, 2025

It’s not yet clear what Bellingham meant by saying that something had changed, but it’s pretty damning that he felt the fans were justified in booing.

This could be taken as Bellingham accepting that he and his teammates have let the supporters down, or it could be a dig at the manager for failing to get more out of them and overseeing another bad result.

What’s gone wrong for Xabi Alonso?

Alonso did a hugely impressive job at former club Bayer Leverkusen, establishing himself as one of the most exciting coaches in world football.

Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid 28 games in charge
Wins 19
Draws 4
Losses 5
Win % 67.86%

However, the 44-year-old is not having the same effect at Real Madrid and perhaps that shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise.

Even if Alonso did so well at Leverkusen, he remains relatively inexperienced, and the Madrid job is arguably the biggest and most high-pressured in world football.

Alonso also inherited a slightly unbalanced squad that didn’t perform particularly well in their final season under Carlo Ancelotti either.

It could be that Real need a major rebuilding job, but it remains to be seen if they’ll be patient enough to let Alonso be the man to take charge of it.

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Report: Jurgen Klopp informs club what it would take for him to manage them

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By:Saikat
10 December 2025 at 02:30

Real Madrid are interested in appointing Jurgen Klopp as their next manager.

Xabi Alonso has not been able to live up to the expectations, and the Spanish outfit are already looking for alternatives. It will be interesting to see if they decide to show him the door in the coming weeks.

Xabi Alonso to be replaced by Jurgen Klopp?

Alonso is a talented young manager with a bright future, and Real Madrid need to be patient with him. They should give him at least until the end of the season to showcase his true qualities.

Meanwhile, a report from Fichajes claims that Klopp would be open to taking over at Real Madrid, but he has made his conditions very clear to the Spanish club. He wants complete control of transfers, and he is also seeking a major overhaul at the end of the season.

It will be interesting to see if Real Madrid are prepared to give him that kind of control in order to bring him to the club. He is a generational manager who has proven himself in Germany and England. There is no doubt that he could transform Real Madrid and take them to the top of European football.

Klopp to return to management?

Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp left Liverpool last year. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

The former Liverpool manager is currently away from management, and it remains to be seen whether Real Madrid can convince him to return. He has previously hinted that he might be done with management at the club level. He has been linked with the German national team and Liverpool.

It remains to be seen what he decides over the next few months. For now, it seems unlikely that Real Madrid will part ways with Alonso. Despite the mixed start to the season, the club needs to demonstrate their faith in him and hold out until the end of the season.

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