FOOTBALL

Liverpool Sack Set-Piece Coach After Dead-Ball Collapse Trend

Liverpool
December 2025

Liverpool have removed first-team set-piece coach Aaron Briggs as concern grows over repeated problems defending and attacking dead-ball situations. The issue has directly influenced recent matches despite otherwise strong spells. Liverpool have conceded 12 non-penalty goals from set pieces in the league, with corners a major weakness, and their attacking output from set plays has also lagged. Set-piece concessions against Tottenham and Wolves shifted momentum in matches Liverpool led 2-0, forcing difficult finishes.

Galatasaray Line Up Ugarte Loan as United Consider January Midfield Clear-Ou

Manuel Ugarte
December 2025

Galatasaray are targeting Manuel Ugarte for a January loan and are open to a permanent deal in summer valued around £22 million. Manchester United are reportedly willing to move him on as Amorim reshapes the midfield. Ugarte has struggled to consistently impose himself since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal reported up to £51 million, despite recent starts due to injuries and absences. Even after a strong display in a 1-0 win over Newcastle, he is still being listed among potential January exits.

Maresca Admits Chelsea “Control” Issue After Another Lead Slips vs Aston Villa

Enzo Maresca
December 2025

Chelsea again dropped points after leading Aston Villa, and Enzo Maresca admitted he cannot fully explain why his side keeps losing control of games. Joao Pedro’s first-half opener was not enough, as Villa turned it around with a decisive second-half response. Chelsea missed chances to extend the lead through Cole Palmer and Reece James, keeping Villa alive. Unai Emery’s triple change on the hour shifted momentum, and substitute Ollie Watkins scored twice. Maresca said the pattern is recurring and not random.

Egypt Stay Unbeaten at AFCON After 0-0 Angola with Salah Rested

Mohamed Salah
December 2025

Egypt stayed unbeaten at AFCON after drawing 0-0 with Angola in their final Group B match, with Mohamed Salah unused on the bench. The Pharaohs had already secured a last-16 spot, so the result was about managing minutes rather than chasing goals. Coach Hossam Hassan rotated heavily and also rested Omar Marmoush, keeping key players fresh for the knockouts. Egypt had qualified via earlier wins over Zimbabwe and South Africa, then closed the group with a clean sheet at Adrar Stadium in Morocco.

Liverpool Plan Early End to McConnell Ajax Loan as Championship Clubs Circle

James McConnell
December 2025

Liverpool are preparing to end James McConnell’s season-long loan at Ajax in January after limited minutes in Amsterdam. Several Championship clubs are already tracking the midfielder, who signed a new five-year Liverpool deal before leaving on loan in the summer. McConnell’s opportunities dropped after Ajax changed coaches, and he has recently been left out of the first team. Dutch reports say Liverpool want him back to restart his development, with West Brom, Derby, Oxford United and Swansea linked as possible next-loan destinations.

Barcelona Line Up Vlahovic Free Move as Lewandowski Future Stays Unclear

Dusan Vlahovic
December 2025

Barcelona are lining up Dusan Vlahovic as a possible successor to Robert Lewandowski, with reports claiming the club is considering a free-transfer move once the Juventus striker’s deal expires. Lewandowski has not committed to extending his Barcelona contract yet. Lewandowski has said a decision on his future can wait, and Barcelona are assessing options. Marca says Vlahovic is viewed as a like-for-like target for summer 2026, while Hansi Flick still rates Ferran Torres as an internal solution to cover the role.

John Terry Auctions “Tear-Stained” 2008 Final Shirt for Charity

John Terry
December 2025

John Terry is auctioning major Chelsea memorabilia, including the 2008 Champions League final shirt linked to his missed shootout penalty and the full kit associated with Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League triumph. Proceeds will support charitable causes via his foundation. The items are part of a 26-lot charity sale run by Goldin Auctions, highlighted by two Champions League final-related kits. The collection targets iconic career moments and is positioned as a fundraising effort, with the auction scheduled to close on December 31.

Everton Explore Loans for Mainoo and Zirkzee

Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee
December 2025

Everton are reported to be considering January loan moves for Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee, but any deal is described as complex and expensive, with United undecided on exits. Moyes has played down expectations of heavy January business. Everton’s interest is framed as opportunistic loans rather than quick fixes, with injuries and AFCON absences squeezing depth. Reports claim Grealish’s loan has improved Everton’s pull for higher-profile targets and could be used as part of the pitch, while the club follows a multi-window strategy.

Hojlund’s Napoli Surge Continues as Conte Explains His Fit

Rasmus Hojlund
December 2025

Rasmus Hojlund scored twice in Napoli’s 2-0 Serie A away win at Cremonese, continuing a strong run since joining on a season-long loan from Manchester United. Conte said the striker is thriving because he is learning the role and applying it more consistently within the team’s structure. Napoli adjusted tactically due to injuries and absences but still created chances through a system that suited Hojlund’s movement and physical presence. His brace followed the Supercoppa win and helped Napoli keep momentum after a recent league wobble, as Conte stressed they are still chasing the top standard.

Pogba Salutes Ronaldo After Globe Soccer Comeback Award

Cristiano Ronaldo
December 2025

Paul Pogba received the Globe Soccer Awards 2025 Best Comeback Award after returning to football with Monaco following a reduced doping suspension. He used his speech to thank his family and specifically referenced Cristiano Ronaldo for support during the period. Pogba’s four-year ban for an adverse test was reduced to 18 months after an appeal, allowing a return to training in January 2025 and a summer move to Monaco following Juventus terminating his contract. He has since made three appearances and described the time away as personally testing.