As the January 2026 transfer window gains momentum, football leagues worldwide are witnessing significant player movements, crucial match outcomes, and impactful injury updates. From high-profile managerial changes in the Premier League to exciting youth tournament developments in Asia, the past week has been packed with action and speculation. Clubs are scrambling to bolster their squads for the remainder of the season, while international tournaments provide a platform for emerging talent.
FIFA and International Football
The global football landscape has been abuzz with preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. FIFA announced on January 14, 2026, that it has received over 500 million ticket requests for the tournament, highlighting the immense global interest in the expanded 48-team competition. Fans from Germany, England, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, and Colombia have submitted the most requests from outside the host nations of the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This surge in demand underscores the anticipation for what is set to be the largest and most inclusive World Cup to date, a key initiative of FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The tournament’s expansion from 32 to 48 teams, a controversial but ultimately approved decision, aims to provide wider access to football’s showpiece event for nations, particularly from Africa and Asia. While some in Europe have expressed concerns about potential dilution of quality and player fatigue, FIFA projects a significant revenue boost of $640 million from the expanded format.
Asian Football Update
In Asian football, the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup has seen some compelling results. The Vietnam U-23 national team, under Korean manager Kim Sang-sik, has made a remarkable run, finishing atop Group A and advancing to the quarterfinals. On January 13, Vietnam secured a 1-0 victory over host Saudi Arabia in their final group stage match, a result that followed earlier wins against Jordan (2-0) and Kyrgyzstan (2-1). Their impressive performance, characterized by a disciplined defend-first, counterattack-later approach, saw them collect nine points from three victories, thus avoiding a quarterfinal clash with defending champions Japan. Jordan, as Group A runner-up with six points, is now set to face Japan in the quarterfinals. This tournament highlights the growing talent pool and competitive spirit within Asian youth football. Additionally, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is set to launch a new Nations League competition to enhance competition standards and commercial opportunities for national teams across the continent, though a start date has not yet been announced.
European Football Transfers and Managerial Shake-ups
The January 2026 winter transfer window has been particularly active across Europe’s top leagues, with several significant managerial and player movements.
Premier League: Chelsea announced Liam Rosenior as their new head coach, succeeding Enzo Maresca. This change signals a new direction for the London club, with Rosenior expected to implement his tactical vision immediately. In terms of transfers, Crystal Palace signed Brennan Johnson from Tottenham, while West Ham United acquired Taty Castellanos from Lazio and Pablo from Gil Vicente. Leicester City also made a managerial change, appointing Michael Carrick as their new coach. A major transfer saga involves Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace, who is reportedly in the final stages of a £20 million move to Manchester City. Juventus is also reportedly interested in Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, with a proposed €30 million package.
Bundesliga: German clubs have been active in both loan and permanent deals. Bayern Munich loaned out Bara Sabouko Ndiaye and saw Daniel Peretz return before being loaned to Southampton. Borussia Dortmund strengthened their squad with the signings of Younes Ibn Talib, Keita Kosugi, Love Arrhov, and Ayoub Amaimouni Ichgouyab, while Elye Wahi was loaned to Nice. Pascal Gross also moved from Dortmund to Brighton. Match results from the past week include Bayern Munich’s dominant 8-1 victory over Wolfsburg on January 11, despite missing Joshua Kimmich due to an ankle injury. Other notable results include RB Leipzig vs. Bayern Munich (15-17.01), Dortmund vs. St. Pauli (32-17.01), and an exciting 3-3 draw between Werder Bremen and Eintracht Frankfurt on January 16.
Serie A: Italy’s top flight has seen a flurry of transfer activity. Inter Milan loaned Valentin Carboni to Racing Club, and Fiorentina loaned Manor Solomon from Tottenham. Lazio signed Kenneth Taylor and Petar Ratkov, while Taty Castellanos moved to West Ham. AC Milan secured Niclas Füllkrug on loan from West Ham United until June 30, 2026, with an option to buy. AS Roma has been particularly busy, signing Robinio Vaz from Marseille for €22 million and Donyell Malen on loan from Aston Villa with an option to buy. Atalanta acquired Giacomo Raspadori from Atletico Madrid for €22 million.
Major Injuries Across Leagues
Injuries continue to impact teams across Europe, forcing clubs to adapt their strategies and delve into the transfer market for replacements.
Premier League: Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison is expected to be out for up to seven weeks with a hamstring injury. Aston Villa is dealing with injuries to Ross Barkley (knee), Boubacar Kamara (knee), and John McGinn, who was forced off with an injury against Everton. Brighton & Hove Albion has several players sidelined, including Mats Wieffer (toe injury) and Danny Welbeck (back issue).
La Liga: The Spanish league is grappling with a significant number of injuries and suspensions. Athletic Bilbao has several players out, including Yeray Álvarez (doping suspension), Mikel Vesga (back injury, expected late January 2026), and Beñat Prados (cruciate ligament injury, out for season). Atletico Madrid is without Clement Lenglet (knee injury, expected late January 2026) and Ilias Kostis (cruciate ligament injury, out for season). Real Madrid has a number of key players sidelined, including Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh), Éder Militão (hamstring), Ferland Mendy (hamstring), and Antonio Rüdiger (knee problems).
Serie A: Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu has suffered a left calf injury and is expected to be sidelined for three weeks. This injury will see him miss important Serie A and Champions League fixtures. Other notable injuries include Ruben Loftus-Cheek (heel injury) and Christian Pulisic (knock) for AC Milan. Atalanta has Ademola Lookman (illness) and Sead Kolasinac (groin strain) out.
Bundesliga: Bayern Munich has faced a series of injuries, with Konrad Laimer (muscle injury, out for a month) and Josip Stanisic (ankle ligament injury, out for about three weeks) adding to their defensive woes. Harry Kane (ankle/foot injury) and Manuel Neuer (broken leg) are long-term absentees. Bayer Leverkusen is without Exequiel Palacios (groin injury, expected late January 2026) and Edmond Tapsoba (muscle injury, expected early February 2026).
