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Manchester United faces a tense January window as captain Bruno Fernandes weighs his future amid unclear club plans. Bayern Munich are reportedly monitoring the situation. Inside United, the mood mirrors ongoing managerial changes. The piece highlights the tension and potential next steps for the club and player.
Salem Al-Dosari, Al Hilal's captain, suffers a hamstring injury after a standout Riyadh derby against Al Nassr. He scored the opener from a penalty and saw a second penalty taken by a teammate. The club says he will undergo rehabilitation for 1–10 days. This marks his second injury in 14 days, keeping him out of Neom and possibly delaying his return for the Al Fayha game.
Karim Benzema started for Al-Ittihad against Damac despite illness, playing the first half before being subbed. The match finished 1-1 in Round 15 of the Saudi Pro League. The veteran striker has 15 goals in 18 appearances this season, with no assists recorded yet. The result keeps Al-Ittihad in sixth with 27 points, while Damac sits 14th with 10 points. A bold, feverish performance that sparked debate about balance between health and loyalty in a busy schedule.
An Algerian football supporter was jailed in Morocco after tearing Moroccan banknotes during AFCON 2025's Algeria-Nigeria quarter-final, which Algeria lost 0-2. Moroccan authorities confirmed the arrest and pre-trial detention as investigations continue. The incident sparked debate about respect for national symbols and sportsmanship. The case also involves an Algerian influencer facing separate charges in another incident.
The U.S. State Department has frozen visa issuances to 75 countries, effective January 21, ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Reports say the freeze will last until an unspecified date and will be reassessed before reopening. The affected nations include Egypt, Russia, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Thailand, and Yemen. World Cup 2026 is set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Officials stress the move is security-focused and not a travel ban, though fans may need backup plans.
Romarinho, the Brazilian former Al-Ittihad star, faced a doping case that traversed both Saudi and international bodies. CAS affirmed the Saudi anti-doping panel’s decision to hear the case, and upheld a 12-month ban announced in March 2025 for a Clomiphene positive. The Lausanne hearing confirmed no appeal could overturn the ruling, with costs and penalties to be determined. This case underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global anti-doping standards and the integrity of football competitions. A little drama, a lot of paperwork—and yes, a reminder that football and politics aren’t the only things that travel fast on the internet.
Egyptian head coach Hossam Hassan names the same starting XI from the Ivory Coast clash for the AFCON semifinal against Senegal in Tangier. The match at Ibn Batouta Stadium could propel Egypt to a record 10th final, with revenge on Senegal for the 2021 title. Egypt seeks to reach the final and add another chapter to their AFCON history. Salah and Marmoush headline a lineup anchored by a solid defense and midfield trio.
Xabi Alonso, recently dismissed by Real Madrid, is at the center of a transfer scramble. Tottenham and Manchester United reportedly struggle to lure him, with Liverpool viewed as the likely destination. Liverpool’s interest endures from past courting, while AS highlights Bayern, City, and Liverpool as top suitors. The piece also notes Klopp’s uncertain future and the wider instability at several clubs, before McManaman weighs in on the Alonso-Liverpool link.
Nassr publicly distances itself from Abdullah Hamdan’s rumored move from Al-Hilal during the winter window. Reports claim Hamdan signed with Nassr, witnessed by CEO Jose Semedo, but a letter to the league contests the signing due to lack of authority. The club disputes the contract, leaving Hamdan’s status unresolved as his Al-Hilal deal approaches expiry. A legal expert warns of potential consequences if the contract stands or if disputes escalate. Hamdan has been with Al-Hilal since 2021, yet his starting chances have been limited, with 144 appearances and 13 goals.
Frimbong, Liverpool's new signing, praises Virgil van Dijk as both a legend and a friend. He shares the captain's advice when joining the Reds. Van Dijk is described as a true leader who inspires teammates. The piece notes Frimbong’s €40m move from Bayer Leverkusen to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Italian reports tie Federico Chiesa to a potential Juventus return in the current transfer window. He has struggled to become a nose-to-tail starter at Liverpool since joining in 2024. Juventus is leaning toward a loan, while Liverpool prefers a permanent sale to recoup most of their investment. Negotiations have been ongoing for about ten days amid Chiesa’s evident desire to return to a club where his story isn’t finished.
Abdulilah Maliki, a veteran of Al-Hilal, bids fans farewell after transferring to Diriyah. Limited playing time at Al-Hilal was injury-influenced, with last season spent on loan at Al-Ettifaq. He publicly thanked the club, its management, staff, teammates, and supporters, calling his time with Al-Hilal an honor and a responsibility. The move marks a new chapter in his career, following a 17-match stint at Al-Hilal and a 23-match spell at Al-Ettifaq.
Abdul Ilah Al-Maliki leaves Al-Hilal and signs with Diriyah on a free transfer for a season and a half. The move comes after limited playing time and strong competition at the former club. Diriyah announces the deal with a tailored graphic, signaling a new era for the Saudi Pro League midfielder. The 31-year-old international is keen to rebound from injuries and return to regular football.
Jude Bellingham denies claims he influenced Xabi Alonso's Madrid exit, delivering a sharp rebuttal to what he calls lies. Real Madrid's decision to part ways with Alonso followed a loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup, with Álvaro Arbeloa stepping in as interim coach. Rumors linked stars like Mbappé and Bellingham to the departure, which he criticizes as misinformation. Mbappé chose a more laudatory note about Alonso, while Bellingham makes his stance clear. The piece also notes a Copa del Rey snapshot and the ongoing drama around the Madrid squad.
Rio Ferdinand declares the 'real' Manchester United coach is Roberto De Zerbi, proposing a permanent move to replace Ruben Amorim. Michael Carrick is appointed interim manager for the remainder of the season. Ferdinand also hints Tuchel as a contender but ranks De Zerbi above others, sharing his views on his YouTube channel. The discussion highlights United’s need for a strong, authentic leadership and a flexible tactical approach.
Ajax Amsterdam announces the signing of Swedish winger Maxmilian Ibrahimovic, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s son, on loan from AC Milan until the season’s end with an option to buy. The 19-year-old began at Hammarby in Sweden, moved to Milan’s youth system, and has featured for Milan’s reserve team this season with 17 appearances, 5 goals and 4 assists. He follows in his father’s footsteps from Sweden to Ajax, one of Europe’s big clubs. Ajax currently sits third in the Eredivisie with 33 points.
Following death rumors, Egypt’s sports minister visited Hassan Shahatā at his home to check on his health. The visit showed official support and highlighted Shahatā’s legacy in Egyptian football. Sobhi praised the coach’s contributions and stressed the value of national sports icons receiving respect. The family denied the rumors of his passing, and Shahatā recently underwent stomach surgery.
Antoine Semenyo has joined Manchester City from Bournemouth in the January window. He says the atmosphere at the club is ideal and that teammates have helped him settle quickly. He already found the back of the net in both FA Cup and Carabao Cup play, signaling a bright start. City view his arrival as a boost in their push for silverware, as the team eyes the Carabao Cup and beyond. The return leg against Newcastle is set for February 4 at the Etihad, while the other semi-final pits Chelsea against Arsenal.
Egypt seeks to end Senegal's nine-match scoring streak in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final in Tangier, Morocco. The clash mirrors the 2021 final in atmosphere, but the stakes are higher as both teams chase a spot in the final. Senegal have been prolific in attack this tournament, while Egypt look to deliver a defensively solid performance. The winner advances to face either Morocco or Nigeria.
Iraq's Olympic side bowed out of the AFC U-23 Championship after a 1-2 loss to Australia in the final group game. Amori Faisal put Iraq ahead from a penalty, but YaYa Dokuli equalized late for Australia and Mathias Maklester struck in stoppage time to seal the win. Australia topped Group D with six points while Iraq finished third with two. The result also reshaped the group standings, with China moving into second and Thailand left to reflect on the margins of youth football.
