Michael Carrick
January 2026
Carrick praised Mainoo’s quality, mindset, and ability to handle big games, indicating the 20-year-old will get more chances after being marginalised under Ruben Amorim. Carrick cited a long working relationship dating back to Mainoo’s early teens, stressed the importance of academy pathways, and pointed to Mainoo’s performance and enjoyment in the derby as evidence of what he can offer.
Wrexham
January 2026
Wrexham are being urged to invest again after a big summer spend, with a view that this season’s Championship landscape offers a rare chance to push into the play-off picture. The argument is that traditional promotion contenders and relegated sides are underperforming, Wrexham are close to sixth, and additional January recruitment could convert their position into a serious promotion run.
Manchester United
January 2026
United’s stadium plan is framed as a new-build 100,000-seat ground on the Old Trafford site, positioned as a “Wembley of the North,” with costs cited up to £2bn, while financial headwinds remain a concern. Ratcliffe argued refurbishment would be close to new-build cost and still leave a compromised stadium, citing structural issues, outdated infrastructure, access constraints by the railway, and operational limitations, so a purpose-built design is the “wiser” long-term spend.
Jonathan Kuminga
January 2026
Kuminga injured his left ankle and knee on a drive against Dallas and will undergo imaging, adding uncertainty to Golden State’s rotation after Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL tear. Kuminga stayed in briefly after the incident, then exited and did not return; Kerr confirmed an MRI while noting Kuminga had just re-entered the rotation after a month out, prompted by Butler’s injury.
Kawhi Leonard
January 2026
Leonard returned after missing three games and scored 24 points as the Clippers beat the Lakers 112-104. He slotted back in immediately, continuing a high-scoring run and maintaining a season average cited as a career best through 30 games.
Julian Alvarez
January 2026
Arsenal have reportedly made informal enquiries about signing Alvarez, less than a year after a major striker spend, with Berta using Atletico relationships to gauge feasibility. The report frames the move as expensive due to Alvarez’s long contract and huge release clause, with Atletico expected to demand a fee above €100m, while Barcelona interest and financial constraints could shape the race.
Alvaro Arbeloa
January 2026
Arbeloa said Vinicius renewal negotiations are not in his control and publicly stated he hopes the forward stays, while refusing to demand signings and pointing to La Fabrica as the solution for gaps. Arbeloa framed the contract situation as between the club and player, and repeatedly shut down questions about board backing by stating he has an “extraordinary squad” and a strong youth pipeline.
Arne Slot
January 2026
Slot said he expects no major January arrivals, with Liverpool only moving if a clear market opportunity appears, despite depth concerns and a Champions League qualification push. Slot referenced a major summer spend and acknowledged the impact of long-term absences, including Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni, but said the squad can still compete if fitness stabilises.
Bub Carrington
January 2026
Carrington is set to play his 125th straight regular-season NBA game, the fourth-longest active streak in the league, and a rare mark for a 20-year-old who has not missed a pro game. He attributes the streak to routine, love of playing, and a work ethic shaped by family, including early conditioning drills and relentless training habits. He recently became one of few players to reach 500 rebounds and 500 assists before age 21, while teammates describe his consistency as core to his identity.
Souza
January 2026
Spurs announced the signing of Brazilian left-back Souza, 19, on a long-term contract as Thomas Frank looks to strengthen a thin squad amid poor league form. Souza arrives with first-team experience at Santos and joins as Frank’s second January addition after Conor Gallagher. Both player and coach framed the move as immediate depth plus long-term development.
