FOOTBALL

Slot Rages at Non-Penalty in Leeds Draw and Says Liverpool Must Stay “Who We Are”

Arne Slot
January 2026

Arne Slot criticised refereeing after Liverpool’s 0-0 draw with Leeds, arguing Hugo Ekitike was denied a penalty because he stayed on his feet. Slot said Liverpool must keep their identity while pointing to what he views as a pattern of softer penalties being given against them. Slot cited multiple incidents this season where Liverpool did not receive spot-kicks after contact, while conceding penalties for minimal contact. He argued this dynamic influences players to stay upright, making it harder for referees and VAR to award penalties.

West Ham Consider Sterling Loan as Relegation Fight Shapes Player Preference

Raheem Sterling
January 2026

West Ham are exploring a loan move for Raheem Sterling to help climb away from relegation trouble, but reports suggest Sterling would prefer a permanent exit or a loan that includes an obligation to buy. West Ham’s league position is a major factor in whether Sterling accepts, with some reports indicating he is more inclined toward Fulham. Chelsea are open to facilitating an exit, but the structure and destination remain the key hurdles.

Manchester United Track Mateta as Palace Contract Talks Stall

Jean-Philippe Mateta
January 2026

Manchester United are monitoring Jean-Philippe Mateta if he becomes available, with Crystal Palace talks over a new deal reported to have stalled. United are not planning a January striker buy but could move if conditions change. Palace previously rejected bids up to £50m and Mateta’s stance is shaped by ambitions to play Champions League football. Palace’s situation is also tied to uncertainty around Oliver Glasner’s future, while Brennan Johnson’s arrival is set to boost their attack.

Roma Target Disasi and Dragusin for January Defensive Reinforcements

Axel Disasi, Radu Dragusin
January 2026

Roma have identified Axel Disasi and Radu Dragusin as January defensive targets, aiming to strengthen at the back. Disasi has been frozen out at Chelsea since returning from his Aston Villa loan, and Chelsea are prepared to sell after signing him in 2023. Reports say Disasi cannot leave on loan because Chelsea have used their domestic loan slots, so any move must be permanent. Roma are exploring terms while other clubs are also monitoring. Tottenham’s Dragusin is also on Roma’s list as a separate option.

Chelsea Linked With Liam Rosenior as Surprise Successor Option

Liam Rosenior
January 2026

Chelsea are assessing successors and have been linked with Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior as a surprise candidate. Reports say his profile and work with young squads appeals, after Chelsea won only once in seven league matches and tension rose around comments on backing. Sources claim owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali were angered by Maresca publicly questioning support, and viewed it as undermining club leadership. Even before the dismissal, internal credit was said to be fading despite last season’s trophies and Champions League place.

Chelsea Sack Enzo Maresca After Late-2025 Slide

Enzo Maresca
January 2026

Chelsea have dismissed head coach Enzo Maresca with immediate effect after a poor league run left them fifth entering New Year fixtures. Despite winning the Conference League and Club World Cup last season and qualifying for the Champions League, results in late 2025 slipped. Club statement said both parties believe a change gives the best chance to get the season back on track while chasing targets across four competitions, including Champions League qualification. Maresca had hinted he lacked support from parts of the boardroom.

Chelsea Could Sack Maresca in January if Slide Continues

Enzo Maresca
January 2026

Chelsea are reportedly considering whether to dismiss Enzo Maresca if results do not improve in January after a poor run that has left them fifth and out of the title race. The league form has been marked by repeated leads being dropped. Chelsea have won only one of their last seven Premier League games and have surrendered 13 points from winning positions, including multiple collapses at Stamford Bridge. Champions League positioning is also under strain, though they reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

Fulham Weigh Sterling Move but Prioritise Second Pepi Bid

Raheem Sterling
January 2026

Fulham remain interested in signing Raheem Sterling, who has not played this season and is training away from Chelsea’s first team. Chelsea are reportedly willing to subsidise a large share of his wages to facilitate a January exit. Fulham have tracked Sterling previously but are said to be focusing first on returning with an improved offer for PSV striker Ricardo Pepi after an opening bid was rejected. Sterling remains an option if the financial structure is workable.

Brighton Agree Pascal Gross Return from Dortmund with Medical Next

Pascal Gross
January 2026

Brighton have agreed a deal to re-sign Pascal Gross from Borussia Dortmund, with the midfielder set for a medical and a surprise Premier League return roughly a year after leaving. The move is described as close to completion. Brighton and Dortmund have reached agreement for a permanent transfer, with reports suggesting a low fee plus add-ons. Hurzeler had signaled Brighton would assess January opportunities, and the club now looks set to strengthen midfield depth with a familiar profile.

De la Fuente Tells Messi “Never Retire” as 2026 World Cup Decision Stays Open

Lionel Messi
January 2026

pain coach Luis de la Fuente urged Lionel Messi to keep playing as the Argentina captain continues to weigh up whether he will feature at the 2026 World Cup. Messi has said he will decide based on fitness and not wanting to be a burden. Messi helped Argentina qualify by scoring eight goals in South American qualifying, but has repeatedly stressed he will assess his physical condition day by day. Argentina will attempt to defend the title they won in 2022, and Messi is still undecided about joining that run.