Lucas Paqueta
January 2026
Paqueta said he needed Flamengo after sealing a £36m move back to Brazil, ending a long-running saga and fulfilling his aim to return ahead of the World Cup year. He described repeated contact from Flamengo, said the club supported him during the period of accusations and investigation, and explained he did not want to force an exit while West Ham were backing him and respecting his family.
Roberto De Zerbi
January 2026
De Zerbi is under major pressure after Marseille failed to reach the Champions League playoffs, losing heavily and missing out when Benfica grabbed the last qualifying spot on goal difference. Marseille were thrashed 3-0 by Brugge and had conceded six goals across two UCL games; De Zerbi apologised and called it a “very bad day,” while Benatia aimed his anger at the players, saying the performance should have consequences and describing it as shameful.
Michael Carrick
January 2026
Maguire said Carrick remains the sharpest passer at the club and is hands-on in sessions, reinforcing the impact of the new coaching setup at Carrington. Maguire described Carrick stepping into drills for demonstrations and “banging it through the lines,” using minimal touches to set the standard while the squad repeats the work at volume.
Steven Gerrard
January 2026
Gerrard criticised Slot for suggesting Liverpool’s early Champions League exit to PSG helped them win the league, saying it undermines fans who invested emotionally and financially in Europe. Gerrard argued Liverpool were already 15 points clear when eliminated, so framing the exit as beneficial feels dismissive to supporters who felt the European elimination was a genuine failure.
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.
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.
