Brian Madjo
January 2026
Villa have agreed a reported £10.4m move for 16-year-old forward Brian Madjo, with the player already in Birmingham for a medical ahead of a five-year contract. The deal was negotiated quickly and quietly, beating rival interest. The fee signals Villa’s strategy of securing elite youth early, with a long contract planned to lock his development path through 2031.
Nuno Espirito Santo
January 2026
West Ham officials are reportedly furious with Nuno after he smiled and embraced Forest players on the pitch following a damaging 2-1 defeat that left West Ham seven points from safety. Senior figures viewed the optics as naive given the relegation fight and winless run, believing any reunions should have happened privately. The reaction adds to doubts over results, tactics and dressing-room mood.
Gabriel Martinelli
January 2026
Martinelli will not face further FA punishment after a late flashpoint in Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool, where he pushed Bradley while Bradley was down injured. The referee booked Martinelli during the match and logged it in his report, which normally closes the case for retrospective action. Martinelli later apologised, saying he misread the situation.
Kyle Walker
January 2026
United supporters want action after Walker appeared to stamp on Dorgu during the 2-2 draw at Turf Moor, with no red card shown. The flashpoint came late in the match as United also complained about a disallowed Martinez goal. Fans argue VAR should have reviewed the stamp and are calling for FA intervention.
Cristiano Ronaldo
January 2026
Al-Nassr fell four points off the top after losing 2-1 to Al Qadsiah, despite Ronaldo scoring a penalty, increasing pressure on their title chase. Ronaldo framed the slump as normal in football, urged professionalism and belief, and posted that the fight is not over, insisting Al-Nassr will keep pushing for trophies.
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.
