Soccer: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Hugo Ekitike explains what has quietly changed for Liverpool

Liverpool’s recent run without defeat has been shaped as much by mentality as results, even if that shift has gone largely unnoticed from the outside. Hugo Ekitike, speaking via Liverpoolfc.com after being named Liverpool’s Standard Chartered Men’s Player of the Month for December, offered a revealing insight into how things feel inside the squad.

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Predicted XI: One Brazilian in, one out as Rosenior’s influence starts to creep into Chelsea team

Chelsea take on Fulham tonight in what is a strange game slightly in limbo. Liam Rosenior has been appointed as the new manager, but wisely decided he wanted to let Calum McFarlane stay in charge for another game rather than take responsibility himself after just a day in the job.

Liverpool FC News / Empire of the Kop / January 7

‘It was very tough’ – Dominik Szoboszlai says one on-field setback in 2025 still makes him ‘sad’

Dominik Szoboszlai has revealed which on-field setback in 2025 prompted him to say that he ‘never felt more sad’ in terms of his football career. The last

Liverpool FC News / Empire of the Kop / January 7

Cody Gakpo explains why Arsenal game feels different for Liverpool

Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League trip to north London is being framed internally as more than just another fixture in a demanding calendar. Speaking via Liverpoolfc.com, Cody Gakpo made it clear that Thursday night’s meeting with Arsenal carries added weight for us at this stage of the season.

Chelsea FC News / Chelsea News / January 7

Chelsea’s new manager makes a big promise that will get fans very excited

We’ve already covered large chunks of Liam Rosenior’s first interview as Chelsea boss, but we’re going to continue as it’s just so good. He knows just what fans want to hear to get them excited, and his quotes are almost tailored to get Blues fans excited for the years to come.

Juventus FC News / Juvefc.com / January 7

Allegri insists that Juventus can still win the Scudetto

Max Allegri has refused to rule Juventus out of the Scudetto race this season, insisting the Bianconeri still have what it takes to compete now that Luciano Spalletti is in charge.

Soccer News / Football Italia / January 7

Report Balotelli has signed for Al-Ettifaq at age 35

Italy international Mario Balotelli is reportedly back in action, as Sky Sport Italia claim he signed for Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League. The 35-year-old

Inter Miami News / Field Level Media / January 7

Lionel Messi eyes owning a club after playing days are done

MLS superstar Lionel Messi wants to follow in the footsteps of Inter Miami's David Beckham and become a club owner after he hangs up his boots. The 38-year-old Argentina legend, who is signed with Miami through 2028, said he prefers ownership over coaching as his second act.

Nashville SC News / Field Level Media / January 7

Report: Nashville SC sign winger Cristian Espinoza

Nashville SC reached a deal with star free agent winger Cristian Espinoza, The Athletic reported on Wednesday. The 30-year-old Argentina native will join the club as its third designated player alongside Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge, per the report.

Soccer News / Football Italia / January 7

Scamacca late absentee for Atalanta against Bologna

Gianluca Scamacca has withdrawn from the Atalanta squad for this evening’s big game against Bologna through injury, so Nikola Stulic should start. It kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara at 17.30 GMT (18.30 CET) as part of the midweek round, as there are five Serie A matches this evening.

Chelsea FC News / Chelsea News / January 7

Rosenior name-checks player who is set to have his Chelsea future revolutionised

There’s been a lot of speculation about which players might benefit most from the recent manager change at Chelsea, with Liam Rosenior coming in to replace Enzo Maresca.

Soccer News / Just Arsenal / January 7

Liverpool is still without key man ahead of the Arsenal match

Liverpool visit Arsenal in the Premier League tomorrow, knowing that defeat is a real possibility. Arsenal are currently the team in the best shape across the division and will have the added advantage of playing at home.

Bologna News / Football Italia / January 7

Bologna hold firm stance over Man City-linked Lucumí

Reports in Italy claim that Bologna are unwilling to sell Jhon Lucumí in January despite a potential interest from Manchester City, while Lazio are in talks to sign Giovanni Fabbian.

Liverpool FC News / Empire of the Kop / January 7

‘It was not nice…’ – Szoboszlai shares how he felt about explosive Mo Salah tirade last month

It was a month ago yesterday that Mo Salah lobbed a hand grenade into an already tumultuous season for Liverpool with comments he made after the Reds’ 3-3 draw away to Leeds.

Philadelphia Union News / Field Level Media / January 7

Philadelphia signs M Ben Bender to new contract

The Philadelphia Union announced a new contract with midfielder Ben Bender on Wednesday. The former No. 1 overall draft pick is signed through June 2027 with an option through June 2028.

Liverpool FC News / Empire of the Kop / January 7

‘They are out…’ – Mikel Arteta confirms double Arsenal injury blow ahead of Liverpool showdown

Mikel Arteta has ruled two Arsenal players out of contention to feature against Liverpool on Thursday night, with another racing against the clock to be fit in time for the Emirates Stadium showdown.

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Soccer News / Just Arsenal / January 7

Hall of Fame honour seals Ted Drake’s enduring Arsenal legacy

An England and Arsenal legend has been inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame in Manchester. Liam Harding from Basingstoke has successfully nominated his great grandfather, Ted Drake, following disappointment at the previous round in June, when he narrowly missed out by a single vote after passing the initial stage.

Soccer News / Empire of the Kop / January 7

'It’s weird but…' – Paul Merson shares Arsenal v Liverpool prediction as Slot questioned

Paul Merson has given his prediction for Liverpool’s Premier League showdown away to Arsenal on Thursday night, with the champions visiting the leaders at the Emirates Stadium.

Soccer News / Caught Offside / January 7

Oliver Glasner admits Crystal Palace star could be allowed to leave in January

Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner has openly acknowledged that club captain Marc Guéhi could yet leave Selhurst Park during the January transfer window, as uncertainty continues to surround the defender’s long-term future.

Arne Slot News / Empire of the Kop / January 7

Arne Slot explains why Liverpool will not panic in January

Liverpool’s January transfer plans have come back into focus ahead of a crucial trip to north London, but the clearest message yet from our head coach points firmly towards trust rather than panic.

Soccer News / Extratime Talk / January 7

West Ham’s Form Leaves Their Position in Premier League Football in Jeopardy

West Ham’s form is deplorable at the moment. The Hammers lost 1-2 to Nottingham Forest at home on Tuesday, January 6, and are now languishing in 18th position in the Premier League table with 14 points from 21 matches.

Soccer News / Extratime Talk / January 7

Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest: Can Forest Turn Their Season Around With An FA Cup Run?

Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup Third Round will be seen as a potential giant-slaying opportunity for the Championship side, but also, a welcomed break from league action for Sean Dyche’s men.

Soccer News / Caught Offside / January 7

Leeds set to rescue 27-year-old from Chelsea’s Bomb Squad in January

Leeds United are interested in signing Axel Disasi from Chelsea, and the managerial situation of the London club will not affect the transfer. According to Football Insider, the 27-year-old French defender does not have a future at Chelsea, and he’s likely to move on this month.

Bayer Leverkusen News / Extratime Talk / January 7

Can Liverpool’s Form Be Improved by Adding a Bit of Directness to Their Game?

Liverpool’s form is not great by any stretch of imagination. Still, with 34 points from 20 matches, the Reds are in fourth position in the Premier League table, which is definitely not catastrophic for them.

Soccer News / Chelsea News / January 7

Report: Chelsea make decision on Mike Penders following Liam Rosenior’s appointment

Chelsea have no plans to recall Mike Penders from his loan at Strasbourg after the appointment of Liam Rosenior as their new head coach. The Blues confirmed Rosenior’s appointment on Tuesday, and the 41-year-old has signed a six and a half year contract at Stamford Bridge.