Martin Ødegaard
January 2026
Odegaard was a surprise omission from Arsenal’s squad against Chelsea and was not even on the bench. Arteta said he had picked up an untimely knock before kickoff, forcing a reshuffle. Eze started in the No.10 role, with Arsenal opting not to risk Odegaard after the late issue emerged.
Paul Merson
January 2026
Merson tore into Chelsea’s display after they lost 1-0 at the Emirates and went out 4-2 on aggregate, saying they “never had a go” and exited “with a whimper.” Havertz scored late to settle the tie. Chelsea created little, tested Kepa rarely, and posted modest chance creation (0.68 xG cited). Merson argued they should have taken risks to chase the final rather than drifting through the game.
Bukayo Saka
January 2026
Saka pulled out of Arsenal’s starting XI after picking up a groin issue in the warm-up at Elland Road. He is expected to miss the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea, but Arsenal believe the injury is not serious and he could return soon. Arteta said Saka felt a niggle in the warm-up, improved the next day, and Arsenal will monitor how he responds before deciding if he can feature “tomorrow or the weekend.”
N’Golo Kanté
January 2026
Fenerbahce blamed Al-Ittihad for the collapse of a deadline-day swap involving Kante and En-Nesyri, saying an incorrect entry in FIFA’s Transfer Matching System prevented completion. The Turkish club says both players were agreed and medicals were done. In a statement, Fenerbahce said it uploaded documents correctly, sought an extension and held discussions with FIFA, but the Saudi club failed to finish the process without explanation. The club promised to continue squad restructuring and acknowledged supporter disappointment.
Alejandro Garnacho
January 2026
Gary Neville said Garnacho looked drained of confidence for Chelsea against West Ham and called his first half horrible, after he was substituted at halftime with Chelsea 2-0 down. Garnacho has struggled for output since joining. Neville pointed to repeated turnovers, backward first touches and defensive tracking failures on Chelsea’s left, where Wan-Bissaka overlapped freely. He said the shape change after the substitution transformed the match as Chelsea rallied to win 3-2.
Lionel Messi
January 2026
Reports in Turkey claim Messi has told Galatasaray he would consider a short four-month spell, despite renewing with Inter Miami through 2028, to stay sharp for the 2026 World Cup. The proposal includes only playing home games. Commentator says talks happened after a league win and that Messi wants to avoid travel and intense crowds, requesting 12 matches in Istanbul and no away fixtures. He also claims a Saudi offer was rejected. No club confirmation included.
Karim Benzema
January 2026
Benzema completed a surprise move from Al-Ittihad to league leaders Al-Hilal late in the window, intensifying title-race tension and fueling reports of Ronaldo frustration at Al-Nassr’s lack of additions. Reports claimed Ronaldo’s absence vs Al-Riyadh aligned with strike rumors tied to perceived unequal PIF-backed investment; Al-Nassr did not publicly explain the absence, and Benzema’s move proceeded anyway as Al-Hilal stayed top by a point.
Obed Vargas
January 2026
Atlético Madrid completed the signing of Vargas from Seattle for a reported $3.5m, with plans to keep him in Madrid and integrate him around the first team rather than loaning him out. Vargas chose Atlético over other offers, citing the dream move to Europe; Atlético made the deal official as Mexico’s setup continues building toward the 2026 World Cup, where Vargas is pushing his case after U-20 and senior call-ups.
Jérémy Jacquet
January 2026
Liverpool announced an agreement to sign Jacquet from Rennes, with the defender remaining at Rennes for the rest of the current campaign before moving to Anfield ahead of the 2026-27 season, subject to clearance. Chelsea had held interest and talks, but Jacquet opted for Liverpool; Liverpool highlighted his Rennes appearances and France U21 experience, while the player said finishing the season strongly at Rennes matters before the move.
