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Al Ahly plans a strategic upgrade of its attack in the winter window. Coach Jess Thorup wants two forwards of different ages. One target is Kamovich from Tromsø, with a second striker also in the talks. A decision is expected within two days. The club aims to add depth by also bringing in a younger forward alongside a veteran.
Enzo Maresca’s abrupt exit from Chelsea continues to dominate British headlines, with questions over whether it was a dismissal or a resignation. The Sun claims he stepped down, potentially forfeiting a substantial payout. The departure came amid clashes with the club’s hierarchy, just months after domestic and international silverware. A frontrunner to replace him is Liam Rozinior, with Chelsea already planning their next chapter.
Al-Hilal coach Simone Inzaghi shocks defender Ali Bulayhi by omitting him from the squad for the Damak match. The move comes despite Bulayhi’s readiness and amid defensive depth concerns with Kalidou Koulibaly missing AFCON. Bulayhi has appeared seven times this season with one assist and 377 minutes on the field. January transfer talk around Bulayhi intensifies as the window opens. A win would move Hilal to the top of the Saudi Pro League for the first time this season, following Nasr’s setback to Al-Ahli.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has named his squad for Sunday's La Liga clash with Real Betis. Dani Carvajal returns from injury but is expected to start on the bench, with Fede Valverde moving to right-back. Several key players are sidelined, including Militao, Mbappé, and Ibrahim Diaz, as Madrid seek to tighten their hold on the table. The lineup blends veteran presence with youth, aiming to climb the standings after a mixed start to 2026.
Barcelona edged Espanyol 2-0 in a tense Catalan derby, with the referee delivering a standout performance. Víctor García Verdora, 31, commanded the game with calm authority, drawing praise from the referees’ committee. The match marked a test for a policy shift away from region-based derby refereeing. The night highlighted potential modernization in Spanish officiating amid a charged atmosphere.
Egypt’s Mahmoud Hassan 'Trezeguet' announces the team is fully prepared to face Benin in the AFCON Round of 16 in Morocco. He stresses respect for all opponents and the readiness to please the Egyptian people. The forward points to an improved attacking approach, acknowledging misses are part of football and that the coaching staff is sharpening it. With the title in sight, Egypt seeks AFCON glory after a wait that stretches back to 2010.
Real Madrid are reportedly targeting Adam Warton of Crystal Palace as a potential summer signing. Palace reportedly wants a premium fee, likely above €65 million, with a bidding war possible. The move would add a ball-winning, architect-like midfielder to Madrid's plans, potentially replacing or complementing Aur e9lien Tchouam e9ni and integrating with Jellingham and Mbappe. Several English rivals loom as competition, including City, Liverpool, United and Chelsea. The narrative blends tactical maturity with rising data-driven praise for Warton's capability.
Cristiano Ronaldo, star of Al-Nassr, receives a warm message from Merih Demiral after the Saudi Roshen Pro League Clasico. Demiral posts a photo with Ronaldo on Instagram captioned ‘Brothers since 2019.’ The two previously shared Juventus days (2019-2021) and are now reunited in Saudi football. Demiral plays a key role in the match, scoring the third goal that sealed Al-Ahli’s 3-2 win over Al-Nassr.
Al-Nassr face a potential setback as a key player could miss the Riyadh derby if he collects another yellow card. Ayman Yahya is eyeing the clash against Al-Hilal by avoiding cautions in the upcoming match versus Al-Qadisiyah. The team leads the league but with a delicate balance, as recent results have not gone perfectly. The scenario adds extra drama to a season that already features a tense title chase.
Visnik Aslani, Hoffenheim’s Kosovan striker, turned heads by attending the Catalan derby between Barcelona and Espanyol. Reports say Barça are monitoring him as a potential long-term successor to Lewandowski. The 23-year-old has drawn attention for his versatility and goal-scoring potential in the Bundesliga. His release clause is reportedly in the €25–€29 million range, per Sky Sports.
American Lerner Tin and Frances Tiafoe moved into the Brisbane second round, chalking up straight-set wins. Tin defeated Camilo Ojo to set up a clash with a winner from the Duckworth–Michelsen match, while Tiafoe sent a wildcard packing 6-2, 6-2 and waits for the Medvedev–Fucsovics winner. In the women's draw, Kenin, Bouzkova, Cirstea and others advanced, while Fonseca's start was postponed due to a back issue. A busy day left Brisbane buzzing about the early rounds and the shifted schedule.
Brighton & Hove Albion has publicly dismissed Manchester United’s alleged interest in Cameroon's Carlos Baliba, stating he is not for sale in January or any future window. Baliba is currently with Cameroon at AFCON 2025 in Morocco and is expected to help his team in the knockout rounds. Brighton emphasizes his importance for the rest of the season and says there have been no contact from United. The piece also notes Brighton’s recent, high-profile signings and the club’s evolving transfer strategy.
Mali's coach Tom Saintfiet praised his team's fighting spirit and tactical discipline after a dramatic 1-1 draw with Tunisia in the Africa Cup of Nations last-16. Mali won on penalties to advance to the quarterfinals where they will face Senegal. Saintfiet acknowledged the red card that changed the game and highlighted his players' resilience and defensive organization. The coach insisted Mali's ambition extends beyond the next round and aims for the continental title.
AC Milan has joined the race to sign Nathan Aké from Manchester City in the January window, putting them in a direct duel with Barcelona. The Rossoneri aim to strengthen a leaky defense after key injuries. Aké’s versatility makes him a fitting fit for Milan’s back three or four, while Barca eyes him as a remedy to Christensen's injury. Negotiations could wrap up in the final week of the window, with Milan also weighing other options.
Egypt are aiming to end a West Africa hoodoo by facing Benin in AFCON 2025 knockout action in Morocco. The Pharaohs have drawn their last four matches against West African teams and have not beaten them in years. Their most recent West Africa win came in 2021 against Guinea-Bissau. The winner will advance to a quarterfinal against the Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso victor, while Benin seeks another upset.
Carlos Alcaraz studies Novak Djokovic's serve improvement to gain an edge for the Australian Open. With a new coach, he focuses on refining the toss and release for accuracy. The preparation includes practical aids to replicate Djokovic's mechanics. He heads to an exhibition in South Korea before aiming for the Melbourne title.
Espanyol faces potential sanctions after the Barcelona derby. The report highlights crowd trouble, a late bottle-throwing incident, and a long-stalled penalty. The disciplinary panel’s decision looms as Espanyol’s stadium risks closure. The saga underscores the ongoing battle between passion and safety in La Liga.
Mali seeks to end a decades-long winless run against Senegal as they meet in the AFCON 2025 quarterfinals in Morocco. Senegal arrives riding momentum, reaching the last eight for a second straight edition. Mali’s record against the Lions remains a heavy burden, with their last win dating back to 1997. The victors move closer to the semifinals, following Tunisia’s penalties and Senegal’s 3-1 win over Sudan.
Tunisia's coach, Sami Trabelsi, expresses sorrow after the Africa Cup of Nations exit to Mali on penalties. He acknowledges the tough match and takes responsibility, while rejecting immediate resignation, calling for a broader evaluation of the team. He stresses rational analysis and says the issues go beyond his role. This exit marks Tunisia’s second straight failure to reach the quarterfinals, following 2023 in Cameroon.
Rodrygo, Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward, is reportedly planning to leave under coach Xabi Alonso. He and his father have drawn up a departure plan and are exploring a move for next season. The process involves a new agent and talks with top representatives offering a sizable signing bonus. Manchester City and Arsenal have shown interest, with the Premier League appearing to be the likely destination given a deal around 100 million euros. A dedicated agent will lead negotiations to find a suitable new club.
