FOOTBALL

Chelsea bound Geovany Quenda needs surgery after foot fracture at Sporting

Geovany Quenda
December 2025

Chelsea signing Geovany Quenda will undergo surgery on a fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot after being injured for Sporting CP against Benfica, a setback that will sideline the 18 year old wing back for around two months before his planned 2026 move to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea beat Manchester United to Quenda in a long term deal that leaves him at Sporting until summer 2026, and will now oversee his operation in England while the bulk of his rehabilitation occurs in Lisbon, with both clubs closely monitoring his progress to protect a significant future investment.

Raphinha snubbed from FIFA Men’s World XI despite dominant Barca season

Raphinha
December 2025

Despite a standout campaign with Barcelona and Brazil, Raphinha missed out on the FIFA Men’s World XI after making the 26 man shortlist, even though he produced elite numbers in La Liga and the Champions League and claimed the league’s Player of the Season award. The winger hit 18 league goals with 10 assists and led the Champions League with 13 goals and nine assists, matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s single season goal contribution record, yet player voting favoured other attackers, underlining how stacked the forward pool is in the current world game.

Liverpool lose wonderkid Kai Morrall to Leeds on free move

Kai Morrall
December 2025

Fifteen year old attacker Kai Morrall is set to leave Liverpool for free to join Leeds’ academy, ending an eight year spell at Kirkby in search of a clearer pathway to first team football after mutually agreeing to part ways with the Reds. The Ireland youth international, who joined Liverpool at under nine level and can play wide or centrally, chose Leeds after concluding his development would be better served elsewhere. Because the exit was mutually agreed, Leeds avoid compensation while gaining a highly rated attacker for their youth setup.

Leeds line up €20m move for Sevilla winger Ruben Vargas

Ruben Vargas
December 2025

Leeds United are weighing up a €20m January bid for Sevilla winger Ruben Vargas as they look to add more end product after a stuttering return to the Premier League. The Swiss wide man has become a key starter in Matias Almeyda’s evolving side. Vargas has three goals and four assists in 13 games this season, but a recent hamstring issue has not cooled interest from England, with Leeds ready to test Sevilla’s resolve as they seek extra creativity and depth to avoid being dragged into a relegation fight.

Newcastle rocked as Dan Burn suffers punctured lung and broken rib

Dan Burn
December 2025

Newcastle vice-captain Dan Burn has been ruled out for at least six weeks after scans revealed a punctured lung and fractured rib suffered in the derby loss to Sunderland, meaning he will miss the entire festive schedule and likely around ten matches. Burn initially tried to play on after being caught in the ribs by Nordi Mukiele’s knee during a sliding challenge, but was withdrawn before half-time and later rushed to hospital after struggling to breathe, deepening an already severe defensive injury crisis for Eddie Howe.

Van de Ven still backs Postecoglou’s ‘system’ after shock Tottenham sacking

Micky van de Ven
December 2025

Micky van de Ven says he was stunned by Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal from Tottenham after delivering Europa League glory, insisting he still believes in the much-criticised system and revealing players had pushed for small tactical tweaks as the pressure and media noise around the manager intensified. Signed by Postecoglou in 2023, Van de Ven recalls discussing adaptations with the staff during the Europa League run, then being shocked to learn of the sacking despite long-awaited silverware, texting the Australian to thank him for two years together and branding the club’s decision something he “never expected”.

Neville hails Amorim’s “stunning” United as Old Trafford entertainment returns

Ruben Amorim
December 2025

Gary Neville praised Ruben Amorim for restoring adventure and entertainment at Manchester United after a chaotic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth, comparing the spectacle to classic Sir Alex Ferguson eras and insisting he can “live with” dropped points when performances are that front-foot and fearless. Highlighting United’s 17 first-half shots and Amorim’s bold switch to 4-4-2 when trailing, Neville said the tempo, intent and constant forward passes finally matched the club’s identity, noting fans stayed to applaud at full time instead of booing, valuing excitement even amid defensive flaws and missed chances.

Bruno Fernandes ‘hurt’ after feeling United were ready to cash in with Saudi exit

Bruno Fernandes
December 2025

Bruno Fernandes admits he felt hurt and sad when Manchester United signalled it would not be “so bad” if he left for a lucrative Saudi Pro League move, despite his loyalty, availability and longstanding impact as captain and chief creator across more than 300 appearances. Still under contract until at least 2027, Fernandes says family reasons, love for the club and talks with Amorim convinced him to stay, yet he resents feeling less valued than team-mates he believes defend the club less, arguing loyalty is no longer viewed with the same respect.

Mason Greenwood braced for Juventus raid on Marseille midfield linchpin Hojbjerg

Mason Greenwood
December 2025

Mason Greenwood’s revival at Marseille is under threat as Juventus prepare a move for midfield general Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, whose controlling displays and defensive balance have underpinned the club’s Ligue 1 title charge and allowed the English forward to thrive in attack. La Gazzetta dello Sport report Juve see Hojbjerg as the ideal deep-lying organiser for Spalletti’s system despite already having Manuel Locatelli, targeting his blend of physical presence, leadership and vertical passing as a “Christmas gift” signing, leaving De Zerbi battling to protect his core spine.

United Block January Sale As Mainoo Future Put On Hold

Kobbie Mainoo
December 2025

Manchester United have decided not to entertain permanent offers for Kobbie Mainoo in January despite his lack of league starts, reaffirming their belief in the 20-year-old’s long-term potential while remaining open to a possible loan if circumstances demand game time elsewhere. Ruben Amorim insists Mainoo can still change his mind through training performances, hinting at a future deeper role if United switch to three midfielders, while citing Casemiro’s resurgence as proof that patience and persistence can restore status within his merit-based selection approach.