FOOTBALL

Dele Alli told his career now hinges on trials after dramatic fall

Dele Alli
December 2025

The former England and Tottenham star is a free agent and struggling to attract interest after an injury-ravaged spell at Everton, a failed loan at Besiktas, and a single, red-carded cameo for Como that ended with his deal being torn up. Ex-Spurs defender Stephen Carr says Alli is in “last chance saloon”, warning his lack of games has left his body unaccustomed to elite intensity, making injuries and rust likely and meaning he may now have to accept trial spells and prove he still has the hunger.

Mateta stalls on new Palace deal as European interest grows

Jean-Philippe Mateta
December 2025

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s contract negotiations with Crystal Palace have reportedly stalled, with the in-form striker in no rush to commit beyond 2027 as he enjoys the best spell of his career under Oliver Glasner and cements himself among the Premier League’s most prolific forwards. Having scored 36 goals across two seasons, helped Palace win the 2024-25 FA Cup and earned a France call-up, Mateta is now attracting interest from clubs such as Atalanta, and is expected to review options after the 2026 World Cup before deciding his long-term future.

Onana snubbed from Cameroon AFCON squad in fresh career setback

Andre Onana
December 2025

Andre Onana has suffered another major setback after being omitted from Cameroon’s 28-man Africa Cup of Nations squad, despite coach Rigobert Song selecting four goalkeepers, capping a brutal spell in which he lost the Manchester United number one jersey and moved on loan to Trabzonspor. Eyebrows were raised when the Indomitable Lions’ roster dropped without his name, while fellow Cameroonians Bryan Mbeumo and Georges-Kevin Nkoudou were included, deepening questions over Onana’s international future after previous disputes and adding further uncertainty to a club career already drifting.

Trafford pushes for Man City exit after Burnley promotion heroics

James Trafford
December 2025

Goalkeeper James Trafford is reportedly seeking a move away from Manchester City just months after rejoining, frustrated by a lack of minutes despite starring for Burnley last season, when he helped the Clarets win promotion with a record-equalling 30 clean sheets and miserly defence. City activated a matching clause to beat Newcastle to his signature after Burnley’s promotion, but the former England Under-21 keeper has since struggled to play, fuelling doubts over his future and prompting interest from clubs still searching for a reliable long-term number one.

Frank warned Spurs dressing room could turn over late tactical chaos

Thomas Frank
December 2025

Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank is under growing internal pressure, with several players reportedly losing faith in his leadership after repeated late tactical changes and role tweaks, which they believe contribute to confusion on the pitch and a string of poor recent results. Sources claim instructions are altered just before kick-off or abandoned early in matches, including the chaotic 5-3 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, leaving senior players unsure of responsibilities as Spurs chase a turnaround starting with a tricky trip to resurgent Newcastle.

Liverpool line up shock Camavinga move after record splurge

Eduardo Camavinga
December 2025

Liverpool are weighing a move for Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga despite his contract running to 2029, as Arne Slot pushes for another rebuild after a disastrous start that has followed a £450m summer spree on Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and new full-backs. Camavinga has been monitored as Wirtz struggles to adapt, Isak endures scrutiny over his controversial switch from Newcastle, and defensive reinforcements Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez battle inconsistency, leaving Liverpool unsure Slot can stabilise a title defence already rocked by nine defeats in twelve games.

Hoeness tears into Liverpool “chiefs and no workers” crisis

Uli Hoeness
December 2025

Bayern figure Uli Hoeness has blasted Liverpool’s season as “catastrophic” despite around £450 million spent, claiming the squad is packed with superstars who lack balance and work ethic, leaving new signing Florian Wirtz starved of the ball and unable to influence games. Hoeness argues Liverpool have “only chiefs and no workers” and even quipped they may soon need “five balls” because attacking stars refuse to share possession, singling out Salah and Szoboszlai as examples while portraying Wirtz as a playmaker trapped inside a dysfunctional structure.

Klopp return talk grows as Liverpool flounder under Slot

Jurgen Klopp
December 2025

With Liverpool in crisis and Slot under pressure, debate has reignited over a possible Klopp comeback, fuelled by his recent admission he could “theoretically” coach Liverpool again despite previously walking away exhausted after nearly nine years in charge at Anfield. Now Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull, Klopp says he will never coach another English club, effectively leaving the door ajar for Liverpool only. Emile Heskey notes fans still feel attached to him but questions how often returning managers can truly repeat past success.

Enzo Fernandez openly targets Argentina captaincy after Messi era

Enzo Fernandez
December 2025

Enzo Fernandez has admitted he dreams of captaining Argentina once Messi steps aside, stressing he is not chasing the iconic No.10 status but would be honoured to wear the armband when the coaching staff decide the team is ready for a new leader. The Chelsea midfielder pointed to his own experience as captain at club level and said he would gladly accept the responsibility if chosen, while acknowledging the timing and decision rest entirely with Lionel Scaloni’s staff and the natural evolution of the squad.

Messi told to ditch “parody of football” in MLS for World Cup detox

Lionel Messi
December 2025

Fernando Signorini has urged Messi to put Argentina’s World Cup defence above everything, branding MLS a “parody of football” and arguing the forward is stuck in a record-chasing cycle that does little to prepare him for elite international demands. The former Argentina fitness coach says Messi should step back for a “detox” period, spend time with his family and even pursue a short-term loan away from Inter Miami so he arrives at the 2026 tournament sharper than rivals coming from Europe.