Liverpool – A Leagues

As the football world charges into mid-January 2026, the past seven days have delivered a torrent of captivating narratives across the globe. From continental showdowns in Africa reaching their boiling point to a flurry of high-profile transfers reshaping Premier League title aspirations, and dramatic results in Europe’s top leagues, the football landscape remains as dynamic as ever. This summary brings you the most impactful stories, focusing on critical match outcomes, significant player movements, and notable injury setbacks that have dominated headlines from January 10th to January 16th.

FIFA & Continental Football: AFCON Dominates African Headlines

While no overarching FIFA-specific news or major developments from Asian football emerged prominently in the past week, the African continent is currently gripped by the thrilling TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. The tournament has reached its crescendo with the semi-final matchups taking center stage, showcasing the continent’s top talent and tactical prowess.

AFCON 2025 Semi-Finals Set: The biggest story from Africa is undoubtedly the confirmation of the AFCON 2025 semi-finalists, with powerhouses Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria, and hosts Morocco battling for a place in the final. On Sunday, January 11, 2026, the highly anticipated clashes were scheduled: Nigeria faced Morocco, while Senegal went head-to-head with Egypt. Egypt notably eliminated the defending champions, Ivory Coast, in a hard-fought encounter to secure their spot against Senegal. A significant trend emerging from this edition is the strong presence of African coaches leading these top national teams, challenging the historical preference for foreign managers. This development highlights a growing confidence and investment in local talent within African football. The tactical battles orchestrated by these homegrown coaches have added an extra layer of intrigue to the tournament’s latter stages, demonstrating their capability to compete at the highest level.

Gabon National Team Suspended Amidst Controversy: While slightly preceding the strict seven-day window, the repercussions of Gabon’s early exit from the AFCON have continued to reverberate, becoming a major controversy in African football. Following their winless campaign and a 3-2 loss to Ivory Coast, the Gabonese government took drastic action, suspending the entire national team, dismissing coach Thierry Mouyouma, and notably excluding star captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the squad. This unprecedented move, announced by Gabon’s acting sports minister, Simplice-Désiré Mamboula, on January 1, 2026, underscored the deep dissatisfaction with the team’s “disgraceful performance”. The decision has sparked widespread debate about governmental interference in sports and player accountability on the international stage.

Premier League: Transfer Market Heats Up with Blockbuster Deals

The Premier League’s January transfer window has sprung to life in the last week, with several high-profile signings and significant managerial changes capturing attention. Clubs are actively bolstering their squads for the second half of the 2025/2026 season, with big money being spent on immediate impact players.

Semenyo Joins Manchester City in Staggering Deal: The most significant transfer of the window thus far saw Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo complete a sensational €72 million (£65m) move from Bournemouth to reigning champions Manchester City on January 9. Semenyo, who was reportedly a target for several top clubs including Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham, and Chelsea, opted for Pep Guardiola’s side. His arrival is expected to provide City with a dynamic attacking option, offering pace, physicality, and versatility across the front line, as they push for domestic and European honors. This transfer highlights City’s continued dominance in the market and their intent to maintain a competitive edge.

Key Transfers Reshape Squads: Elsewhere in the Premier League, Crystal Palace demonstrated their ambition by securing Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson in a €40 million deal. This move aims to strengthen their attacking options, especially amidst rumors surrounding coach Oliver Glasner’s future at the club. West Ham United were also active, bringing in Taty Castellanos from Lazio for €29 million and Pablo Felipe from Gil Vicente for €23 million, signalling their intent to add firepower to their squad. Furthermore, Conor Gallagher made a move to Tottenham from Atletico Madrid, a significant addition to Spurs’ midfield. These transfers underscore the competitive nature of the Premier League, with clubs willing to invest heavily to achieve their seasonal objectives.

Injury Woes and Managerial Switches: Injuries continue to plague several Premier League teams. Aston Villa is grappling with key absences, including Ross Barkley (knee), Boubacar Kamara (knee), and Emiliano Martinez (calf). Chelsea has also been hit hard, with Romeo Lavia (thigh), Levi Colwill (knee), Reece James (knock), and Cole Palmer (knock) all sidelined. Tottenham faces its own challenges with Dominic Solanke undergoing ankle surgery and significant long-term injuries to James Maddison (ACL) and Dejan Kulusevski (knee). Manchester City also has concerns over John Stones (thigh) and Oscar Bobb (hamstring). In managerial news, West Ham United confirmed the appointment of Paco Jemez as their new First Team Coach, indicating a new direction for the club.

La Liga: Real Madrid Dominates, Injury Crisis Deepens

Spain’s La Liga witnessed crucial matches and a deepening injury crisis for some of its biggest clubs over the last seven days, impacting league standings and future prospects.

Match Results and Standings Shifts: Real Sociedad secured a 2-1 victory over Getafe on January 9. Villarreal comfortably beat Alavés 3-1 on January 10, while Girona edged out Osasuna with a 1-0 win on the same day. However, Sevilla suffered a 0-1 home defeat to Celta Vigo on January 12. A significant result from just outside the seven-day window saw Real Madrid emphatically defeat Real Betis 5-1 on January 4, demonstrating their strong form. These results have continued to shape the top half of the La Liga table, with Barcelona and Real Madrid maintaining their positions at the summit. Barcelona currently sits atop the league with 53 goals scored and 20 conceded, while Real Madrid trails closely with 41 goals for and 17 against.

Extensive Injury List for Top Clubs: Both Barcelona and Real Madrid are grappling with significant injury concerns. Barcelona’s injury list includes long-term absentees like Gavi (knee) and Robert Lewandowski (hamstring), while Andreas Christensen is out with a cruciate ligament injury and Clement Lenglet (on loan at Atletico Madrid) is sidelined with a knee injury. Real Madrid faces a particularly severe crisis, with defender Antonio Rüdiger out due to knee problems and a six-game ban for an incident in the Copa del Rey final. Midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is also set to miss the remainder of the season with a complete tear of the tendon in his left abductor muscle, his third long-term injury of the season. These injuries could significantly test the depth of both title contenders as the season progresses.

Serie A: Juventus and Inter Secure Wins, Transfer Merry-Go-Round Continues

Italy’s Serie A delivered important match results and a busy transfer market, with several clubs making strategic moves to improve their rosters.

Key Match Results: Juventus showcased their dominance with a convincing 5-0 victory over Cremonese on January 12, moving them within four points of the Serie A summit. Inter Milan secured a narrow 1-0 win against Lecce on January 14, while Napoli played out a goalless draw with Parma on the same day. AS Roma also picked up three points, beating Sassuolo 2-0 on January 10. Fiorentina and AC Milan shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw on January 11. These results highlight the tight competition at the top of Serie A, with Inter Milan currently leading the pack, followed closely by AC Milan and Roma.

Intriguing Transfer Movements: The Serie A transfer window has been dynamic. AS Roma completed a loan deal for Aston Villa winger Donyell Malen, a move that could significantly boost their attacking options. AC Milan also brought in German striker Niclas Füllkrug on loan from West Ham, though he regrettably suffered a foot injury shortly after his arrival. Fiorentina saw defender Pablo Mari depart for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Lazio made a notable signing, acquiring Kenneth Taylor from Ajax for €15 million, while also offloading key players like Castellanos and Guendouzi. Roma is also reportedly close to signing promising teenage striker Robinio Vaz from Olympique de Marseille for an estimated €25 million. Furthermore, Manchester United defender Harry Maguire is reportedly attracting interest from multiple Serie A clubs, including Inter Milan, Napoli, and Fiorentina, as he seeks more regular playing time.

Injury Updates: Several prominent Serie A players are currently sidelined. AC Milan’s injury list includes Ruben Loftus-Cheek (heel), Christian Pulisic (knock), and Rafael Leao (ankle/foot). Napoli is without key players like Romelu Lukaku (thigh) and goalkeeper Alex Meret (shoulder). Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries is also out with an ankle injury, not expected to return before March. The injury to newly acquired Niclas Füllkrug at AC Milan is a particular setback for the Rossoneri.

Bundesliga: Bayern’s Dominance and Key Injuries

The Bundesliga returned with a bang following the winter break, featuring some high-scoring encounters and significant injury news for top clubs, particularly Bayern Munich.

Bayern Munich’s Emphatic Return: Bayern Munich made a resounding statement on January 11, thrashing Wolfsburg 8-1 in a dominant performance. This emphatic victory solidified their position at the top of the league table. Elsewhere, Borussia Mönchengladbach secured a comfortable 4-0 win over Augsburg, while Bayer Leverkusen suffered a surprising 1-4 defeat to Stuttgart on January 10. Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund played out an exciting 3-3 draw on January 9. These results indicate a competitive second half of the season, with Bayern looking to extend their lead.

Bayern Hit by Injury Concerns: Despite their strong start, Bayern Munich is facing a growing list of injuries. Defender Josip Stanisic suffered an ankle ligament injury during the win against Wolfsburg, ruling him out for an indefinite period. Midfielder Joshua Kimmich also missed Bayern’s first match of 2026 due to an ankle injury, though he has returned to individual training and is expected back soon. More recently, Konrad Laimer sustained a torn muscle fiber in his left calf during the 3-1 victory over 1. FC Köln on January 14, with an expected recovery time of three to four weeks. These injuries to key players will test Bayern’s squad depth as they navigate their domestic and European campaigns. Eintracht Frankfurt also saw winter signing Younes Ebnoutalib sidelined for several weeks with a partial tear of the medial collateral ligament in his knee.

As the January transfer window heats up and leagues across Europe and Asia navigate crucial fixtures, today, January 7, 2026, brings a fresh wave of significant match results and captivating transfer narratives. From a tense draw in the Premier League to a dominant display in La Liga, and pivotal player movements shaping the landscape of top clubs, the football world is buzzing with activity and anticipation.

Premier League: Stalemate at the Etihad and Chiesa’s Unsettled Future

The most significant result from the recent round of Premier League fixtures saw Manchester City held to a 1-1 draw by Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on January 4, 2026. This highly anticipated clash between two of England’s footballing giants delivered a tense affair, with both teams battling fiercely for supremacy. Manchester City, looking to maintain their push at the top of the table, found themselves challenged by a resilient Chelsea side. The draw represents a crucial point for Chelsea on the road against a formidable opponent, while for City, it means dropping valuable points in a tightly contested title race. The match showcased tactical discipline from both managers and highlighted the competitive nature of the Premier League. The goalscorers and specific details of the match, while not explicitly detailed in the provided snippets beyond the scoreline, reflect a hard-fought contest where neither side could find a decisive advantage. This result will undoubtedly have implications for the league standings as other top clubs look to capitalize.

In the transfer market, Federico Chiesa’s future at Liverpool is currently dominating headlines, with strong interest from Serie A powerhouses Napoli and Juventus. The Italian winger, who has reportedly struggled for consistent starts at Anfield, is a target for both clubs, who are exploring a potential loan move this January. However, reports indicate that Liverpool is reluctant to sanction a temporary departure for the 28-year-old, preferring to entertain only permanent offers. Chiesa, who has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract, has made only two Premier League starts in his 17 months at the club this season, despite injuries affecting other attackers. While formal approaches have reportedly been made by Juventus, Liverpool has yet to receive official communication. This ongoing saga keeps fans on edge, wondering whether the highly-rated attacker will make a return to Italian football or remain in England. The situation is further complicated by Liverpool’s current squad depth concerns, particularly with key players like Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Premier League: Stalemate at the Etihad and Chiesa's Unsettled Future

La Liga: Real Madrid’s Rout and Asensio’s Potential Return

In Spain, the most significant match result from the last round saw Real Madrid deliver a commanding 5-1 victory over Real Betis on January 4, 2026. The Santiago Bernabéu faithful were treated to a sensational performance, with G. García emerging as the star of the show, netting a magnificent hat-trick for Los Blancos. This dominant display underlined Real Madrid’s formidable attacking prowess and their intent to maintain pressure in the La Liga title race. The comprehensive win sent a clear message to their rivals, showcasing their depth and quality across the pitch. Other goals were scored by R. Asencio and F. Garcia, further cementing the emphatic nature of the victory. Real Betis managed a consolation goal through Hernandez, but it was not enough to stem the tide of Real Madrid’s relentless attack. This result significantly boosts Real Madrid’s confidence and strengthens their position at the top of the league.

The transfer rumor mill in La Liga is abuzz with speculation surrounding a potential return to Spain for Marco Asensio, with Atletico Madrid reportedly keen on securing his services from Fenerbahce. Asensio, who made a summer move to the Turkish club from Paris Saint-Germain for approximately £6.5 million, has been in scintillating form in the 2025/26 Super Lig campaign, scoring eight goals and providing five assists in 13 appearances. Despite his strong performances, the possibility of a substantial bid from Atletico Madrid could tempt Fenerbahce to part ways with the three-time Champions League winner. Atletico Madrid, looking to keep pace with Barcelona in the title race, views Asensio as a valuable addition to their attacking department, especially with rumors of Inter Miami eyeing key players like Koke and Antoine Griezmann. This potential transfer would add significant creative flair and experience to Diego Simeone’s squad, making it one of the most intriguing sagas of the January window in Spain.

Serie A: Füllkrug Bolsters Milan’s Attack and Juventus’s Strong Showing

Italy’s Serie A witnessed a significant result in the last round as Inter Milan secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Bologna on January 4, 2026. This match was a test of strength for Inter, who are vying for the Scudetto, against a strong Bologna side that has been performing well this season. Inter’s ability to overcome a challenging opponent with a clear margin underscores their title credentials and the depth of their squad. While specific goalscorers for this match were not fully detailed in the snippets, the victory itself is a statement of intent from the Nerazzurri, reinforcing their position at the top or near the top of the Serie A table. The win will provide a significant boost to their confidence as they navigate a demanding schedule and aim to maintain their momentum in the league.

In transfer news, AC Milan has successfully secured the services of German striker Niclas Füllkrug on a loan deal from West Ham United. This move represents a significant reinforcement for the Rossoneri’s attacking options as they look to strengthen their squad for the second half of the season. Füllkrug, known for his physicality and goal-scoring ability, will provide a different dimension to Milan’s front line and is expected to contribute immediately. The loan deal highlights Milan’s strategic approach to the winter transfer window, addressing key areas without committing to a permanent transfer immediately. This acquisition could prove vital for Milan as they aim to compete for a top-four finish and potentially challenge for silverware in domestic competitions. This is a confirmed deal that adds significant quality to a top Serie A club.

Serie A: Füllkrug Bolsters Milan's Attack and Juventus's Strong Showing

Bundesliga: Winter Break and Bayern’s Transfer Talk

The Bundesliga is currently observing its traditional winter break, with league fixtures set to resume later in January 2026. Therefore, the “last round” refers to matches played before the break in late December. The most significant result from that period was Bayer Leverkusen’s impressive 3-1 away victory against RB Leipzig on December 20, 2025. This clash between two of the league’s top contenders had significant implications for the title race, with Leverkusen asserting their dominance. While specific goalscorers were not explicitly detailed, the result highlighted Leverkusen’s strong form and their serious challenge for the Bundesliga crown. This win allowed them to potentially extend their lead or keep pace at the very top of the table, making it a crucial psychological boost heading into the winter break.

Regarding transfers, the biggest story currently dominating headlines for a top Bundesliga club revolves around ongoing speculation concerning the futures of Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry at Bayern Munich. Despite Bayern’s record-setting season and strong position in all competitions, rumors persist about potential departures for these high-profile players. While sources suggest that a January exit for either player is unlikely, the discussion surrounding their roles and long-term commitment to the club continues to be a prominent topic in German football media. Bayern’s earlier substantial investments in players like Luis Diaz from Liverpool for €70 million and Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea on a €16.5 million loan deal also remain part of the broader transfer narrative, showcasing the club’s financial power and ambition. However, the internal discussions and external speculation regarding Goretzka and Gnabry’s potential moves represent the most significant current transfer headline for the German champions.

V. League 1: Hanoi Police’s Upset and a Blockbuster Youth Signing

In Vietnam’s V. League 1, while January 2026 fixtures are scheduled for later in the month and early February, the most significant recent result available from the last completed round in late 2025 was a surprising upset: Cong An Ha Noi (Hanoi Police FC) suffered a 0-3 defeat against Hong Linh Ha Tinh on November 10, 2025. This result was particularly significant as it involved one of the league’s prominent clubs, Hanoi Police FC, and a comprehensive loss of this nature can have considerable ramifications on team morale and league standings. While specific goalscorers for Hong Linh Ha Tinh were not detailed in the provided snippets, the emphatic scoreline indicates a dominant performance from the winning side and a challenging day for the reigning champions or contenders. This unexpected outcome highlights the unpredictable nature of the V. League 1 and the competitive spirit of all teams involved.

The biggest transfer news currently dominating headlines in the V. League 1 is the confirmed “blockbuster” signing of young midfielder Ngo Dang Khoa by Ho Chi Minh City Police FC. Born in 2006, Ngo Dang Khoa is an Australian citizen with Vietnamese parents who previously played for Perth Glory in the Australian A-League. He made six appearances and scored his first goal in Australia’s top flight during the 2025/2026 season. Known for his speed and preferred attacking midfield position, Khoa is expected to bring a “fresh breeze” to Ho Chi Minh City Police Club’s playing style. This acquisition signifies a growing trend of Vietnamese clubs attracting talented players of Vietnamese descent from overseas and represents a significant investment in youth for one of the V. League’s ambitious teams.

As the festive football schedule continues to deliver thrilling encounters and the January transfer window looms large, clubs across Europe’s top leagues are making their final pushes before the mid-season break or actively strategizing for player acquisitions. Today, December 26, 2025, we delve into the most significant match results from the recent rounds and highlight the biggest transfer stories currently dominating headlines in the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, and the V. League.

Premier League: Liverpool Edges Tottenham in London Derby Amidst Semenyo Speculation

The English Premier League served up a compelling fixture in its latest round, with Liverpool securing a crucial 2-1 victory away at Tottenham Hotspur on December 20, 2025. This highly anticipated clash saw both teams battling intensely for dominance, but it was the Reds who ultimately prevailed in a hard-fought contest. The win was a significant statement for Liverpool as they navigate a challenging period of the season. Elsewhere, Manchester City also demonstrated their formidable strength, cruising to a comfortable 3-0 win over West Ham United on the same day. Newcastle United and Chelsea played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at St. James’ Park, with both teams sharing the points after a spirited performance. Arsenal narrowly defeated Everton 1-0, maintaining their pursuit of the top spots.

In the transfer market, the biggest buzz surrounds AFC Bournemouth’s dynamic forward, Antoine Semenyo. Manchester City has reportedly emerged as the frontrunner to secure his services, with a potential deal valued at £60 million plus an additional £5 million in add-ons. Semenyo, a 25-year-old Ghanian international, is believed to prefer a move to the reigning champions, although Liverpool and Manchester United also remain keen on the player. Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, who were initially linked, have reportedly ended their pursuit. This potential move highlights City’s ongoing commitment to strengthening their squad with top-tier talent, adding depth and attacking prowess as they aim for continued domestic and European success. The official opening of the January transfer window on January 1, 2026, is expected to intensify these discussions.

Premier League: Liverpool Edges Tottenham in London Derby Amidst Semenyo Speculation

La Liga: Real Madrid Triumphs Over Sevilla, Barcelona Plans Major Overhaul

In Spain’s La Liga, the 17th matchday delivered several high-profile encounters. The most significant result saw Real Madrid defeat Sevilla 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu on December 20, 2025. The hosts secured all three points thanks to goals from their star midfielders, Jude Bellingham, who opened the scoring in the 38th minute, and a late penalty from Kylian Mbappé in the 86th minute. This victory solidified Real Madrid’s position at the top of the table and showcased the clinical finishing of their key players. Other notable results included Atletico Madrid’s dominant 3-0 away win against Girona, with goals from Koke, Gallagher, and Griezmann, and Barcelona’s 2-0 triumph over Villarreal, featuring goals from Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.

Regarding transfers, FC Barcelona is reportedly planning a significant squad overhaul, with the club identifying three key areas for reinforcement. Director of Football Deco is said to be keen on acquiring a new centre-back, a winger, and a centre-forward to bolster the team’s options. While the club is currently undecided on a January defender signing to cover for Andreas Christensen, these positions are clear targets for the summer of 2026. This strategic approach indicates Barcelona’s long-term vision for rebuilding and competing at the highest level, addressing areas where they feel the squad needs significant upgrades. The financial implications of such a comprehensive plan will undoubtedly be a major talking point as the transfer window progresses.

Serie A: Juventus Secures Vital Win Against Roma, Insigne Linked with Lazio Return

Italy’s Serie A saw a pivotal clash in its 16th matchday on December 20, 2025, where Juventus secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over AS Roma. The Bianconeri emerged victorious in a tightly contested match, with Fábio Conceição finding the net in the 44th minute and Loïs Openda adding a second in the 70th minute. Roma managed to pull one back through Tommaso Baldanzi in the 75th minute, but it wasn’t enough to deny Juventus the crucial three points. This result was significant for Juventus in their pursuit of the Scudetto, allowing them to gain ground against a direct rival. Other matches included a 0-0 draw between Lazio and Cremonese and Torino’s narrow 1-0 away win against Sassuolo.

In transfer news, a sensational return could be on the cards for Italian football legend Lorenzo Insigne. Reports on December 26, 2025, suggest that Lazio is actively pursuing the 34-year-old winger, who is currently a free agent after his contract with Toronto FC concluded this summer. Insigne, a Serie A veteran who spent a decade at Napoli, is believed to be a target for the “Eagles,” who see his immense experience and skillset as valuable assets capable of making an immediate impact. This potential move has generated considerable excitement among fans, hinting at a high-profile signing that could significantly boost Lazio’s attacking options for the second half of the season.

Serie A: Juventus Secures Vital Win Against Roma, Insigne Linked with Lazio Return

Bundesliga: Leverkusen Stuns Leipzig, Bayern Confirms Defensive Acquisition

The German Bundesliga delivered a thrilling encounter in its 15th matchday, with Bayer Leverkusen pulling off an impressive 3-1 away victory against RB Leipzig on December 20, 2025. This result was a significant statement from Leverkusen, showcasing their title aspirations by overcoming a strong competitor on their home turf. Goals from Martin Terrier and Patrik Schick gave Leverkusen a 2-1 lead at halftime after conceding an early goal to Xaver Schlager, with 18-year-old debutant Montrell Culbreath sealing the win late in the game. Elsewhere, Borussia Dortmund secured a 2-0 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach, with Julian Brandt and Maximilian Beier on the scoresheet. League leaders Bayern Munich also continued their dominant form, securing a comfortable 4-0 win against Heidenheim on December 21, extending their lead at the top.

In transfer news, Bayern Munich has reportedly reached a full agreement with an Ecuadorian defensive player, signaling an early move in the January transfer window. While specific details about the player and transfer fee are yet to be widely disclosed, this confirmed deal indicates Bayern’s proactive approach to strengthening their squad and maintaining their competitive edge. This acquisition could provide crucial defensive depth as the Bavarians push for domestic and European honors in the latter half of the 2025/2026 season.

V. League: Cong An Ha Noi Secures Away Win Before League Break

The Vietnamese V. League 1 has entered a scheduled mid-season break, which commenced on November 24, 2025, and will last until January 27, 2026. This extensive 64-day hiatus is to accommodate the Vietnam U-23 team’s participation in the 2025 SEA Games and the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup. The most recent significant match result before this break occurred on December 18, 2025, when Cong An Ha Noi FC secured a 3-1 away victory against Hoang Anh Gia Lai FC. This win was important for Cong An Ha Noi as they look to challenge for the V. League 1 title.

Given the ongoing international break for the V. League 1, there are currently no prominent transfer rumors or confirmed deals dominating headlines for top clubs within the league. Major transfer activity is typically quieter during these periods, with clubs and players focusing on national team duties or taking a well-deserved rest before the season resumes in late January 2026. Any significant movements are expected closer to the resumption of the league fixtures.