Liam Rosenior
January 2026
Joe Cole praised Rosenior’s early Chelsea spell after a 3-2 Champions League win at Napoli that secured a top-eight league-phase finish and automatic last-16 qualification. Cole pointed to results and a visible shift in mindset since Maresca’s exit, arguing winning in Naples and a strong short-term run validates the appointment despite initial skepticism about experience.
Jorgen Strand
January 2026
Palace are close to a verbal agreement to sign Strand Larsen in a package worth £45m plus up to £5m add-ons, moving ahead of Leeds and potentially clearing the way for Jean-Philippe Mateta to leave before deadline day. Leeds had multiple bids rejected up to £40m and will not go higher; Palace’s stronger offer and progress on fee and personal terms has put them in pole position.
Steven Adams
January 2026
The Rockets announced Adams will miss the rest of the season after left ankle surgery. He suffered the injury against New Orleans and was diagnosed with a Grade 3 sprain; Houston lose a key rebounder and interior presence while already missing Fred VanVleet for the season.
Jeremie Frimpong
January 2026
Frimpong went off early with a suspected groin issue, adding to Liverpool’s defensive injuries and forcing further reshuffles. He has had repeated muscle problems this season; with Bradley out long-term, Gomez injured, and Konate absent, Slot is improvising with players out of position and Endo stepping in after the early substitution.
Anatoliy Trubin
January 2026
Benfica beat Real Madrid 4-2, with goalkeeper Trubin scoring a last-gasp header to secure a Champions League playoff spot as Madrid finished ninth and must play a February playoff. Benfica needed a win to stay in the top 24; Mourinho sent Trubin up for a late set-piece, he headed in, and Madrid ended with two late red cards as Benfica’s late swing decided qualification over rivals elsewhere.
Raheem Sterling
January 2026
Chelsea confirmed Sterling has left the club by mutual agreement and will look for a new club in January after not featuring this season. He fell out of favour, was placed in the “bomb squad” under Maresca, then loaned to Arsenal in 2024-25 with little impact and returned in summer before an exit was agreed; Rosenior avoided detailing his situation publicly.
Evan Mobley
January 2026
Mobley will miss time again with a left calf strain, his second calf issue this season. Tightness after the Magic win led to MRI confirmation; he previously missed five games with a Grade 1 calf strain and remains among league leaders in blocks.
LeBron James
January 2026
Cleveland are navigating an uneven season shaped by injuries and availability issues, with Mitchell carrying scoring load while the team sits mid-pack in the East. Garland’s toe injury has limited games, Strus remains out after foot surgery, Mobley’s offense has plateaued despite elite defense, and rotation pieces like Jaylon Tyson have stepped up; outlook hinges on health and playoff matchups.
Harry Maguire
January 2026
United have not opened formal extension talks with Maguire, who is attracting interest from Italy and Turkey while his recent big performances boost his case to stay. Reports say intermediaries have contacted his camp; United are weighing leadership value against wage-bill trimming, while Maguire’s family base in northern England points to a preference to stay closer to home.
