Soccer: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Delightful news for Man Utd as ‘magnificent’ star set to return from injury; Still the first name on team sheet?

Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt is close to sealing a return from injury after a month on the sidelines. The 26-year-old was omnipresent in the lineup this season prior to an injury he suffered at the start of December.

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Lionel Messi Receives Unfortunate News Days After New Year

Lionel Messi received bad news on just the second day of 2026. The 2025 MLS Cup champion lost out on an award for Best South American Player of the recently ended year.

LA Galaxy News / Athlon Sports / January 2

LA Galaxy Gets Worst Possible News on Riqui Puig Injury Ahead of 2026 MLS Season

LA Galaxy hoped to have its star Riqui Puig available for the start of the 2026 Major League Soccer season, but it has just received the worst possible news on the matter.

Philadelphia Union News / Field Level Media / January 2

Union transfer defensive stalwart Kai Wagner to Birmingham City

After seven seasons anchoring Philadelphia's back line, the Union transferred defender Kai Wagner to Birmingham City in the EFL Championship on Friday.

Soccer News / Just Arsenal / January 2

Arteta admits he has been watching Bournemouth’s matches this season

Bournemouth appears to have left a lasting impression on Mikel Arteta following their recent results against Arsenal, and the manager has admitted to closely following their progress.

Lecce News / Football Italia / January 2

Danilo to salute Juventus fans 1 year on from tense exit

Former Juventus defender Danilo will be in the stands for the Serie A game against Lecce, finally able to salute the fans a year after his controversial departure.

Soccer News / The Celtic Star / January 2

'I know tomorrow is going to be a big game,'Julian Araujo

Wilfried Nancy’s first signing for Celtic – Mexican defender Julian Araujo – spoke to the mainstream media today at Lennoxtown ahead of tomorrow Glasgow Derby against theRangers at Celtic Park.

Soccer News / Football Italia / January 2

Pisacane avoids controversy after Cagliari 0-1 Milan: ‘Not a penalty for me’

Cagliari coach Fabio Pisacane kept an admirably consistent position on penalty appeals in the defeat to Milan. ‘I must be honest, that’s not a spot-kick for me.’ His players had started the game well and had several early attempts, but struggled to create chances once Rafael Leao had opened the scoring.

Crystal Palace News / Caught Offside / January 2

Mikel Arteta explains the real reason he’s dropped Arsenal summer signing

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has now opened up on the situation of Eberechi Eze, who has not played too much in recent weeks. The 27-year-old has played just 198 minutes of first-team football in his last four appearances.

Soccer News / Football Italia / January 2

Allegri: ‘Milan defenders less frenetic, Leao falls asleep on the left’

Max Allegri feels Rafael Leao works better as a centre-forward because he’s less likely to ‘fall asleep’ and sees defenders being ‘less frenetic’ in their 1-0 win away to Cagliari.

SS Lazio News / The Laziali / January 2

Lazio Track Three Strikers as They Look to Replace West Ham-Bound Castellanos

Lazio have identified their three favorite targets to replace Taty Castellanos, who is finalising his transfer to West Ham United. The Biancocelesti have agreed to sell the Argentine centre-forward to the Hammers on a deal worth €30 million.

Soccer News / Football Espana / January 2

Getafe and Rayo Vallecano unable to settle bout with cautious jabs

Cold and damp, Rayo Vallecano and Getafe could both feel the chill of the relegation battle as they kicked off 2026. Rayo have been enjoying themselves in European competition, but had just a three point advantage over Girona in 18th at kick-off.

Soccer News / Just Arsenal / January 2

Lineker thinks Arsenal man is the best in the world in his position

Gabriel has been named the best defender in the world following an impressive return to form in Arsenal’s recent match against Aston Villa. The defender had missed several games through injury, and his absence was keenly felt by the Gunners during that period.

Soccer News / Football Italia / January 2

Serie A | Cagliari 0-1 Milan: Leao first goal of new year on Fullkrug debut

Rafael Leao scored the first Serie A goal of 2026 to give a reshuffled Milan the victory away to Cagliari, with Niclas Fullkrug making his debut. The Rossoneri

Nottingham Forest News / Esteemed Kompany / January 2

A draw away at Sunderland isn’t the end of the world for Manchester City

Manchester City played out a nil-all draw with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light last night. Pep Guardiola’s side fell four points behind Arsenal who sit top of the Premier League at the halfway point of the season.

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Leeds United News / Caught Offside / January 2

Leeds in PSR crunch, could look to sell 26-year-old ace this month

Leeds United striker Joel Piroe has been linked with a move away from the club in recent months. According to a report from The Guardian (h/t MOT Leeds News), Leeds United are under pressure to sell some players so that they can balance the books.

Soccer News / Caught Offside / January 2

Report: Leeds plot move for Newcastle outcast in desperate January swoop

Leeds United are looking to add more quality in depth in the middle of the park, and they have identified Joe Willock as a target. According to a report from iNews, they want to sign the Newcastle United midfielder, and it will be interesting to see if they can get the deal done in January.

Borussia Monchengladbach News / To The Lane And Back / January 2

Kota Takai departs Tottenham to join Monchengladbach, taking teenage Spurs loanee’s route

Tottenham Hotspur have let go of one of their young prospects Kota Takai, on loan to Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach. The German club has already announced the signing of the 2004-born Japanese international central defender.

Arsenal FC News / Just Arsenal / January 2

Calafiori will miss yet another Arsenal game

Riccardo Calafiori is set to miss Arsenal’s upcoming match against Bournemouth, with the same injury that has sidelined him in recent weeks continuing to rule him out.

Soccer News / Empire of the Kop / January 2

Paul Joyce update leaves Liverpool midfielder stuck in limbo

Liverpool’s squad depth discussion has resurfaced again after a respected journalist provided clarity on one of our most confusing loan situations. Paul Joyce of The Times has reported that Harvey Elliott will not take up interest from MLS despite being left in limbo as his season continues to stall.

Troyes News / To The Lane And Back / January 2

Why Thomas Frank should drop Mohammed Kudus vs. Sunderland – View

Tottenham Hotspur entered the 2025/26 season with renewed optimism, believing they had done enough in the summer transfer window to address the holes in the squad for new boss Thomas Frank.

Soccer News / Chelsea News / January 2

'All I can say' – Pep Guardiola shares honest thoughts on Enzo Maresca departure

Pep Guardiola has commented on Enzo Maresca leaving Chelsea and believes the Blues have lost an “incredible” manager. Maresca and Chelsea parted ways on Thursday, just 18 months into a five year deal, and six after winning the Conference League and Club World Cup.

Soccer News / the Boy Hotspur / January 2

Fresh news on what is probably Spurs #1 winter target

Tottenham Hotspur are heading into the January window with a clear plan: the club is ready to spend £150 million on two or three signings that move the needle.

Soccer News / Stretty News / January 2

Club president admits it ‘hurt’ to sell their player who can ‘devastate opponents’ to Man Utd

Lecce’s president, Sticchi Damiani, has opened up on his ‘hurt’ over selling Patrick Dorgu to Manchester United this time last year. The full-back became Ruben Amorim’s first-ever signing as head coach of the Red Devils when he joined in a £30 million deal midway through the 2024/2025 campaign.

Soccer News / To The Lane And Back / January 2

Tottenham predicted lineup to play Sunderland as Kudus and Richarlison dropped

Bidding to pick up their first win of 2026, Tottenham Hotspur welcome Sunderland to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday in the Premier League. Spurs are 12th in the Premier League table, boasting 26 points from their first 19 matches of the season.