Vinicius Jr
January 2026
Vinicius and Simeone exchanged words on the touchline when the Real forward was substituted during Madrid’s Super Cup semi-final win over Atletico in Saudi Arabia. TV audio captured Simeone taunting Vinicius about Florentino Perez. Simeone later downplayed it, saying what happens on the pitch stays there while stressing respect for Madrid players.
Ruben Amorim
January 2026
Ruben Amorim is being linked with a fast move into another high-level job after United dismissed him, with reports suggesting a prominent replacement role is already being lined up. His exit followed a public rant after the Leeds draw, where he demanded authority as “manager” and criticised internal departments. United acted within 24 hours, ending his 14-month spell despite sixth place.
Nico Schlotterbeck
January 2026
Real Madrid are reportedly stepping up interest in Nico Schlotterbeck after their priority target Dayot Upamecano moved closer to a new Bayern contract, forcing a change of plan for centre-back recruitment. With a free-transfer route fading, Madrid have turned to Schlotterbeck despite his 2027 contract. Dortmund are said to want at least €50m, with some reports pushing the price nearer €70m.
Jesse Lingard
January 2026
Jesse Lingard has become a free agent after leaving FC Seoul and is being tipped for a return to British football, with Wrexham floated as a possible destination for a high-profile promotion push. Lingard says he is open to offers from anywhere, including Europe and the Middle East. Dwight Yorke suggested Saudi could suit him, but Wrexham’s profile and documentary appeal make the link stand out.
Marc Cucurella
January 2026
Chelsea fans turned on Marc Cucurella after he was sent off at Fulham for denying a clear goalscoring chance, adding to Chelsea’s already high red-card total this season. Cucurella hauled back Harry Wilson after a long ball sent him through. VAR upheld the DOGSO red card, ruling the holding offence did not continue into the box. Fulham failed to score from the free-kick, and a later Wilson goal was offside.
Manchester United
January 2026
Manchester United drew 2-2 at Burnley in their first match since sacking Ruben Amorim, despite Benjamin Sesko scoring twice in the second half to flip the game briefly in their favour. United trailed to an own goal, rallied after the break through Sesko, then conceded again after sloppy defending. Fletcher used a back four and restored Fernandes, but United still lacked control and needed late chances to avoid defeat.
Liam Rosenior
January 2026
Ben Chilwell publicly wished Liam Rosenior well after Rosenior was named Chelsea head coach, calling Chelsea an “amazing club” as the coach leaves Strasbourg. Chilwell posted a message on Instagram alongside a photo with Rosenior. He also reiterated earlier praise, saying Rosenior impressed him instantly and was destined for the top, after working together at Strasbourg.
Antoine Semenyo
January 2026
Antoine Semenyo scored a stoppage-time winner against Tottenham, a dramatic finish that could be his last moment for Bournemouth with his expected move to Manchester City imminent. Spurs led, Bournemouth turned it around, Spurs levelled, then Semenyo cut inside late and blasted home. Andoni Iraola praised his commitment and development, saying Bournemouth will miss him and indicating it likely was his final appearance.
