It seems like with all the focus on the big name superstars like Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe, the mainstream crowd forgets how much of a haven Real Madrid is for the best young talent in the world.
The La Liga season resumes after the mid-season winter break. Real Madrid play their first game at the Bernabeu against sixth-place Real Betis. They will play the game without star player Kylian Mbappe, who has been ruled out with a knee injury.
Manchester United are the most active team in the transfer market for a new midfielder, as a young star of the future to immediately upgrade on the horribly flopping Manuel Ugarte would be a transformative signing.
Real Madrid are coming off the holiday break and have some huge matchups on the horizon, including their second El Derbi of the season against Atletico Madrid, who embarrassed them the first time around.
Declan Rice once again underlined his importance to Arsenal with an outstanding display against Bournemouth, reinforcing why many supporters believe he should captain the side.
Paul Joyce reports that Liverpool are ‘planning’ for contract talks with Ryan Gravenberch. The Dutchman’s current terms are set to expire in the summer of 2028.
Raffaele Palladino believes Atalanta had a ‘perfect and magical evening’ beating Roma 1-0 and sees this as ‘the turning point we needed’ this season. The atmosphere in the New Balance Arena was inevitably emotional with the return of Gian Piero Gasperini, who was Palladino’s mentor and spent nine years in Bergamo as coach.
Lazio will have limited options at the back in Sunday’s contest against Napoli, as Patric has been ruled out with an injury. According to Il Messaggero, the Spaniard suffered a muscle injury that will keep him on the sidelines for at least a couple of weeks.
Barcelona have kicked off 2026 in fine fashion, as they defeated Espanyol 2-0 at the RCDE Stadium on Saturday, thanks to late goals from Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski.
Espanyol 0-2 Barcelona Barcelona have started 2026 as they ended 2025: with victory, after they defeated city rivals Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium. It was a difficult evening throughout for the league leaders, who were largely nullified by their city rivals.
Juventus dominated their match against Lecce this evening, yet the contest ended in a draw, a result that left the home side frustrated. Playing at the Allianz Stadium, the Bianconeri had been widely expected to secure a comfortable victory, especially after winning more demanding fixtures in recent weeks.
Tottenham Hotspur has been active in the January transfer window. The North London side, after having a busy summer window, did have the expected results in their favour.
Arsenal secured a dramatic 3 2 victory over Bournemouth this evening to remain at the top of the Premier League table, opening up a six-point gap over their nearest rivals.
Tottenham forward Mathys Tel has endured a difficult period since making his move to N17 permanent in the summer. The Frenchman has struggled for regular minutes this season, with Thomas Frank often preferring other options in his position within the starting eleven.
With the form having dropped and fan frustration growing, Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank is considering freshening up his squad in the January transfer window.
Manchester United reportedly have three main rivals in the battle for the services of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba. The Red Devils have been involved in a four-horse race for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, who was also a target for Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
Manchester United and Galatasaray are reportedly in ongoing and positive discussions over a potential transfer deal for Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan midfielder has struggled to impress since joining Man Utd from Paris Saint-Germain, and it seems he could make a speedy exit from Old Trafford.
Enzo Maresca left his job as Chelsea coach this week, putting everything into a mess right at the busiest time of year. A new coach is going to be appointed soon, but in the meantime the players are going to have to step up and take responsibility.
Walker Zimmerman is excited to write the next chapter in his decorated MLS career with Toronto FC. "Toronto FC has such a rich history of success in MLS.
Andoni Iraola will be aiming to guide Bournemouth to a home victory against Arsenal today as his side looks to halt the Gunners’ title charge. Arsenal currently sit four points clear at the top of the table, but there is no room for complacency as they begin 2026 with one of their most challenging fixtures.
The Boy Hotspur’s substack understands that Spurs are considering a bid for the 28-year-old Lucas Paquetá, with West Ham potentially open to selling if they receive an acceptable offer, thought to be estimated at around €30m (£25-26m).
Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee has been enduring a rough week, and his chances of sealing a return to Serie A have taken a hit. The Dutchman was given a rare starting berth against Wolves.