FOOTBALL

Napoli Director Says Hojlund Permanent Move “A Formality” After Strong Loan Spell

Rasmus Hojlund
January 2026

Napoli believe Rasmus Hojlund will not return to Manchester United after his loan, with director Giovanni Manna calling a permanent transfer “a formality” as things stand. Hojlund has hit form in Serie A and is scoring regularly. Napoli signed him after Lukaku’s injury and included a reported £38 million buy option, with an obligation if they qualify for the Champions League. Manna said Hojlund has embraced the coach’s demands, views himself as a Napoli player, and the club expects the deal to be completed.

Modrić Calls Mourinho Toughest Coach and Recalls Ronaldo Dressing-Room Incident

Luka Modrić
January 2026

Luka Modrić has named Jose Mourinho as the toughest manager he worked under, claiming Mourinho’s intensity once reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears in the Real Madrid dressing room. Modrić described Mourinho as the strictest coach of his career. Modrić recalled arriving at Real in 2012 under Mourinho and experiencing a demanding environment despite a squad packed with stars. He contrasted that period with later trophy-heavy seasons under other managers, but singled out Mourinho’s edge and pressure as unmatched.

Crystal Palace Push Brennan Johnson Deal to Medical Ahead of Weekend Debut Hope

Brennan Johnson
January 2026

Crystal Palace expect Brennan Johnson to complete a £35 million move and undergo a medical within 24 hours, with the club hoping to include him for the weekend match against Newcastle. The fee would break Palace’s transfer record. Palace have moved quickly after agreeing a £35m deal, with Johnson pushed down Tottenham’s pecking order after Kudus arrived and minutes limited under Thomas Frank. Palace want more quality for European commitments and to back Oliver Glasner with a headline signing.

Mbappé Sidelined With Left Knee Sprain as Real Madrid Face January Setback

Kylian Mbappé
January 2026

Kylian Mbappé has been diagnosed with a left knee sprain and is expected to miss at least three weeks, hitting Real Madrid as they return from the winter break. He has been a near ever-present this season with 27 goals across La Liga and the Champions League.
How: Mbappé had been managing the issue for weeks but an MRI confirmed a ligament lesion requiring rest and treatment. Real Madrid confirmed the diagnosis and will monitor his progress, with the decision to stop now aimed at avoiding a more serious long-term problem.

Fulham Bid $33m for Ricardo Pepi Rejected as PSV Hold Firm

Ricardo Pepi
December 2025

Fulham have had an opening $33 million bid rejected for PSV striker Ricardo Pepi and are expected to return with an improved offer. PSV are under no pressure to sell after tying the forward to a long-term deal. PSV have taken a hard line on valuation and believe Pepi’s output supports a higher fee, with interest from other clubs also in the background. Fulham want added firepower for the run-in and view Pepi as a primary January target.

Real Madrid Contact Marc Guehi Camp as Palace Captain Plans Free-Agent Exit

Marc Guehi
December 2025

Real Madrid have made contact over Marc Guehi as the Crystal Palace captain heads toward a free-agent exit. Guehi has reportedly told Palace he will not extend, setting up a major battle for his signature. With his deal running down to summer 2026, Guehi will enter the window where non-Premier League clubs can hold pre-contract talks from January 1. Real Madrid have opened discussions with his representatives and he is said to prioritise Madrid if the interest becomes concrete.

Atletico Set £35m Gallagher Stance as United Explore Midfield Alternatives

Conor Gallagher
December 2025

Conor Gallagher is being framed as a realistic January option for Manchester United, but only on a permanent transfer with Atletico Madrid expected to demand around £35 million. United are weighing multiple routes to reshape the midfield core. United previously explored late-summer midfield moves and are now re-checking targets amid availability constraints elsewhere. The Gallagher angle is defined by Atletico’s preference for a full sale rather than a loan, pushing United to compare cost versus other profiles.

Manchester United Track Elliot Anderson as January Plan Shifts After Semenyo Blow

Elliot Anderson
December 2025

Manchester United have put Elliot Anderson at the top of their midfield shortlist as they prepare for uncertainty around Kobbie Mainoo and continued struggles from Manuel Ugarte. United also expect to miss out to Manchester City for Antoine Semenyo, forcing a pivot in January plans. Anderson is viewed as a premium target but is unlikely to be available until summer because Forest are fighting relegation and chasing a Europa League run. United’s wider holding-midfield list includes Carlos Baleba, Conor Gallagher, Adam Wharton, Tyler Adams, Joao Gomes, Ruben Neves and James Garner.

Crystal Palace Agree £35m Fee for Brennan Johnson as Player Weighs Spurs Exit

Brennan Johnson
December 2025

Crystal Palace have reportedly agreed a £35 million deal with Tottenham for Brennan Johnson, but the player has not agreed personal terms and is considering options amid other Premier League interest. Johnson has started only six league games this season and has been pushed down the pecking order after Mohammed Kudus joined Spurs. Palace want more quality to compete domestically and in Europe, while Spurs would take a loss compared to the £47.5 million paid in 2023.

Nicky Butt Blasts United “Rotten” Structure and Predicts Long Title Wait

Nicky Butt
December 2025

Nicky Butt has delivered a harsh assessment of Manchester United’s decline, saying the club’s problems are structural and predicting it could take five to eight years before they are close to winning the Premier League again. Butt argues recruitment standards and the club’s overall foundation have deteriorated, to the point that even elite managers would not fix it quickly. He referenced United’s post-2013 instability and the 2024-25 collapse to 15th as evidence of deep-rooted issues.