Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
January 2026
Carrick said Solskjaer contacted him to congratulate him after United chose Carrick over Solskjaer following Amorim’s dismissal. United were reported to have considered bringing Solskjaer back, but opted for Carrick, who then started with a 2-0 win over Manchester City and reiterated his focus on raising standards and uniting players and fans.
Xabi Alonso
January 2026
A report says Liverpool have made a first approach to Alonso as they consider future managerial options, with Slot still in charge but under scrutiny during an inconsistent title defence. The claim is that Liverpool sounded out Alonso’s interest, with the coach currently available after leaving Real Madrid. Despite a short spell in Madrid, his reputation remains strong from his Leverkusen success, and the report suggests Liverpool view him as a near-future option, possibly for 2026-27.
Michael Carrick
January 2026
Reports claim United academy players and parents are pleased Carrick replaced Amorim, after Amorim criticised “entitlement” among youth players and faced public pushback linked to Mainoo’s lack of first-team minutes. Amorim’s comments followed social media complaints by Amass and Obi and a “Free Kobbie Mainoo” t-shirt worn by Mainoo’s half-brother. Carrick’s approach is described as welcoming, and his early impact was highlighted by a 2-0 derby win over City and praise from Lisandro Martinez for harnessing the crowd’s energy.
Thomas Frank
January 2026
Frank was targeted by “sacked in the morning” chants after Spurs drew 2-2 with 19th-placed Burnley, leaving Tottenham five league games without a win and deepening fears ahead of a difficult February run. Van de Ven opened the scoring, Tuanzebe equalised, Foster put Burnley ahead, and Romero rescued a point in stoppage time. Frank defended the overall performance but admitted two defensive moments cost them, as fan frustration escalated after recent poor domestic form.
Erling Haaland
January 2026
Haaland was dropped from City’s starting XI after an eight-game run without an open-play goal, despite 20 league goals overall, with Guardiola citing fatigue and the need to refresh him mentally and physically. Guardiola said the schedule and Haaland’s exhaustion drove the decision. Haaland publicly accepted responsibility after recent poor displays and apologised to supporters following City’s losses, saying he lacks answers for his form.
Michael Carrick
January 2026
Carrick praised Mainoo’s quality, mindset, and ability to handle big games, indicating the 20-year-old will get more chances after being marginalised under Ruben Amorim. Carrick cited a long working relationship dating back to Mainoo’s early teens, stressed the importance of academy pathways, and pointed to Mainoo’s performance and enjoyment in the derby as evidence of what he can offer.
Wrexham
January 2026
Wrexham are being urged to invest again after a big summer spend, with a view that this season’s Championship landscape offers a rare chance to push into the play-off picture. The argument is that traditional promotion contenders and relegated sides are underperforming, Wrexham are close to sixth, and additional January recruitment could convert their position into a serious promotion run.
Julian Alvarez
January 2026
Arsenal have reportedly made informal enquiries about signing Alvarez, less than a year after a major striker spend, with Berta using Atletico relationships to gauge feasibility. The report frames the move as expensive due to Alvarez’s long contract and huge release clause, with Atletico expected to demand a fee above €100m, while Barcelona interest and financial constraints could shape the race.
Arne Slot
January 2026
Slot said he expects no major January arrivals, with Liverpool only moving if a clear market opportunity appears, despite depth concerns and a Champions League qualification push. Slot referenced a major summer spend and acknowledged the impact of long-term absences, including Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni, but said the squad can still compete if fitness stabilises.
Souza
January 2026
Spurs announced the signing of Brazilian left-back Souza, 19, on a long-term contract as Thomas Frank looks to strengthen a thin squad amid poor league form. Souza arrives with first-team experience at Santos and joins as Frank’s second January addition after Conor Gallagher. Both player and coach framed the move as immediate depth plus long-term development.
