Soccer: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Maresca 'strong candidate' for promotion to Premier League’s top job despite recent struggles

Chelsea are reeling from the back of another painful defeat, and their season seems to be heading back in the wrong direction again. It’s not what Enzo Maresca wants, with the manager having kicked up a fuss a couple of weeks ago.

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Lazio write formal letter of protest, but referees defend controversial goal

Lazio have written a formal letter of protest to the Lega Serie A over what they call repeated refereeing errors against them, but the officials insist that controversial Udinese goal was valid.

Real Madrid News / Real Madrid CF on SI / December 28

Real Madrid Reportedly Turn Down Opportunity to Sign Ex-Premier League Ace

In just a few days' time, the January transfer window will open, with many clubs expected to make signings to bolster their squads and get over the line in their respective objectives.

Soccer News / Just Arsenal / December 28

Neuer explains why he snubbed Arsenal under Arsene Wenger

Manuel Neuer is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers the game has ever seen, with many observers believing he stands alone at the very top.

Soccer News / Juvefc.com / December 28

Yildiz relishes Spalletti’s tough treatment: 'I can handle the shouts'

Juventus star Kenan Yildiz is enjoying working under Luciano Spalletti, who is often yelling instructions from the sidelines. The Turkish international had already worked under three previous managers since joining the first team, namely Max Allegri, Thiago Motta, and Igor Tudor.

Celtic FC News / The Celtic Star / December 28

Livingston 2-4 Celtic – Three points, but same problems still evident

Yesterday started on a positive as Hearts crashed to defeat in the Edinburgh derby at Easter Road, despite the home side doing their level best to throw it away, ‘Hibsed it’ I believe the term is universally known.

Soccer News / Football Italia / December 28

Marotta opens Inter door for Frattesi, laughs off Conte’s Napoli claim

Inter President Beppe Marotta leaves the door open for Davide Frattesi to exit, and laughs off Antonio Conte’s suggestion. ‘Napoli are clear favourites for the Scudetto.’ They visit Atalanta this evening, it kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

Soccer News / Chelsea News / December 28

Captain’s statement makes it clear where Chelsea’s manager failed his players on Saturday

Reece James has been speaking to the Chelsea official website about the brutal defeat to Aston Villa yesterday, and it was interesting to hear the captain’s thoughts on a number of the issues his team had faced.

Soccer News / Football Italia / December 28

Atalanta: ‘No regrets over Palladino, no concrete interest in Palestra’

Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi insists there are no regrets they didn’t hire Raffaele Palladino earlier, and assures there is ‘nothing concrete’ between Inter and Marco Palestra.

Soccer News / Just Arsenal / December 28

Arteta gives more updates on the fitness of Calafiori

Mikel Arteta has provided further details on the injury that prevented Riccardo Calafiori from playing in Arsenal’s match against Brighton. The defender had been set to start the game and was expected to be a key figure, as he has been for much of the season.

Soccer News / Football Italia / December 28

Serie A | Bologna 1-1 Sassuolo: Local rivals stall Rossoblu progress

Bologna and Sassuolo shared the spoils in this local derby, as Tarik Muharemovic cancelled out the Giovanni Fabbian opener. This was a Reggio-Emilia Derby and the Rossoblu dived back into Serie A after the Supercoppa Italiana in Riyadh, where they beat Inter in the semi-final only to lose 2-0 to Napoli.

Chelsea FC News / Chelsea News / December 28

What Reece James blamed for Chelsea defeat after Blues fail to capitalise on strong 65 minutes

Reece James has become more and more of a leader for this Chelsea team since becoming captain, both on and off the pitch. His assist on Saturday was a great example of the former, and speaking to the club’s official website after he showed more of the latter.

Soccer News / Juvefc.com / December 28

Spalletti registers highest point average at Juventus since Sarri – Full list revealed

Since his appointment in late October, Luciano Spalletti has slowly but surely managed to guide Juventus back in the right direction. The 66-year-old was chosen to succeed Igor Tudor, who lost the plot earlier in the season, with the Bianconeri going winless in eight straight matches.

Soccer News / Yardbarker / December 28

PL roundup: Aston Villa, Wolves and Man United make headlines on Matchday 18

Premier League roundup: Aston Villa, Wolves and Man United make headlines on Matchday 18

We're nearing the halfway point of the 2025-26 Premier League season, and the table remains remarkably close from top to bottom.

Mohamed Salah punches Egypt's ticket to AFCON knockout rounds

The 'UEFA Europa League champions' quiz

Soccer News / The Celtic Star / December 28

Anthony Ralston not the answer in Nancy’s defensive system

One of our most obvious frailties at this moment is that of our defence, which is undoubtedly our achilles heel, and that will continue to be exposed until the players learn to fully adapt to Wilfried Nancy’s system, or we install players who can fully adjust to the Frenchman’s philosophy.

Soccer News / Just Arsenal / December 28

Semenyo wants future sorted before the first Arsenal game of 2026

Arsenal are interested in signing Antoine Semenyo, but circumstances surrounding his future could mean they face him, or miss him, at the start of 2026, a situation the attacker reportedly wants to avoid.

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The 'NBA Christmas Day triple-doubles' quiz

The 'NFL rookie QBs to win a playoff game' quiz

The 'NBA Christmas Day 40-point games' quiz

The 'Most 3-passing, 1-rushing TD games' quiz

Soccer News / Football Espana / December 28

Agent hints at Barcelona interest in Benfica defender

Barcelona are in the market for a new centre-back, with the plan being for one to arrive in January – or in the summer at the very latest. They have been linked with Nico Schlotterbeck and Marc Guehi among others, and now a new name could come to the fore.

Soccer News / The Celtic Star / December 28

Wilfried Nancy praises resilience shown by his Celtic players

The Scottish champions climbed to within three points of league leaders Hearts after an eventful win away to Livingston. Celtic were forced to respond twice inside the opening stages in West Lothian but ultimately asserted themselves to secure the points against David Martindale’s side.

Soccer News / Chelsea News / December 28

Report: Raheem Sterling’s transfer preference revealed with January window fast approaching

Raheem Sterling still prefers to remain in London, but can leave Chelsea if a resolution is found which suits all parties according to reports. Sterling failed to secure a move away in the summer, despite reportedly attracting interest from a number of clubs.

Soccer News / Empire of the Kop / December 28

Van Dijk admits one Liverpool flaw is 'hurting' everyone

Liverpool’s latest league win moved us up the table, but an underlying issue continues to follow us into every result and it is one our captain believes is costing us dearly.

Chelsea FC News / Chelsea News / December 28

The Standard: Chelsea face January decision with young talent attracting interest from big European clubs

Big European clubs are following Josh Acheampong ahead of a potential loan move in January according to reports. Acheampong was promoted to the first team squad by Enzo Maresca last season, and has put in some impressive performances when called on.

Soccer News / Empire of the Kop / December 28

Wirtz sends honest message after first Liverpool goal says more than it seems

Liverpool’s latest home win offered more than three points, with one long-awaited moment quietly shifting the narrative around our season. Florian Wirtz finally opened his Liverpool account as we edged past Wolves at Anfield, a goal that felt less like a surprise and more like an inevitability.

Soccer News / Just Arsenal / December 28

Arteta insists his team must get used to overcoming nervous situations

Arsenal are firmly involved in a title race, and with that comes a significant weight of expectation. The Gunners have made a strong start to the season and have been among the most impressive teams across all competitions so far.

Soccer News / Caught Offside / December 28

Report: Chelsea and Leeds in transfer tug-of-war for £30m midfield gem

Chelsea are interested in signing the Nottingham Forest midfielder James McAtee in the coming months. The England Under-21 captain has performed quite well in the Premier League, with notable appearances for the likes of Manchester City and Nottingham Forest.

Soccer News / the Boy Hotspur / December 28

Rivals fear they could lose 'distinguished talent' to Tottenham

Thomas Frank’s Tottenham seem to be in pole position to sign Manchester City attacking sensation Omar Marmoush. Manchester City are all set to add more firepower to their attack in the upcoming transfer window, and it could mean that a couple of their players decide to move on.