Transfers

Santos president Marcelo Teixeira has confirmed that renewing Neymar's contract is a major priority, days after the Brazil international admitted he was unsure where his future lies. The former Barcelona star returned to his boyhood team at the start of the year and helped them avoid what would have been an embarrassing relegation from Serie A, but his current deal is now set to expire.

West Ham have reportedly signalled their willingness to sanction the permanent departure of struggling striker Niclas Fullkrug, but a potential return to the Bundesliga withWolfsburg has hit a significant snag due to administrative delays involving incoming sporting director Pirmin Schwegler and the German international's substantial salary package. The delay will have rival clubs across Europe on alert to the situation.

Harry Kane has made a decision on his future at Bayern Munich, having been linked with both a move to Barcelona and a return to the Premier League. The England captain broke his trophy duck last season and looks on course to add more silverware to his honours list, with the German giants well placed in both the Bundesliga and Champions League.

AC Milan have identified Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker as their primary transfer target to replace the departing Mike Maignan, with the Serie A giants preparing a sensational swoop for the Brazilian shot-stopper as Chelsea ramp up their pursuit of the French international amid growing uncertainty over his long-term future at the San Siro.

Mohamed Salah has reportedly been given the chance to link up with the Egypt squad earlier than planned amid the furore around his uncertain Liverpool future. The 33-year-old grabbed the headlines when he accused the Reds of "throwing him under the bus" after being left out of the starting XI. While speculation has mounted about an Anfield exit, it seems a January departure is very unlikely.

Bayern Munich have ruled themselves out of the Mohamed Salah transfer race, with his future at Liverpool hanging in the balance. After being left out on the bench by Arne Slot for the three successive Premier League games, the Egyptian winger went on an explosive rant to the press about his treatment as he even hinted he could exit Anfield in the January transfer window.

Raheem Sterling remains out of sight and mind at Chelsea, with the Blues opting against wishing a happy birthday to the England international on the occasion of his 31st birthday. The experienced forward has been frozen out at Stamford Bridge under Enzo Maresca and remains part of the infamous ‘bomb squad’ in west London. The expectation is that he will push for a transfer in the January window.

Bruno Fernandes has been warned off a move to Barcelona that would see him link up with Lamine Yamal and Pedri. The Manchester United captain continues to see a transfer in 2026 speculated on, with leading teams in Europe and Saudi Arabia said to be monitoring his situation. Pedro Mendes has told his fellow Portuguese why a switch to Camp Nou would be the wrong choice.

Alejandro Garnacho has described his £40 million ($53m) transfer to Chelsea as a "step forward" while insisting he has no regrets about the acrimonious end to his Manchester United career. The 21-year-old, who was once regarded as one of the brightest prospects at Old Trafford, was allowed to leave in August after falling out of favour under head coach Ruben Amorim.

Barcelona's pursuit of Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck has reportedly hit a stumbling block as the German international appears to favour a future move to Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, while internal doubts among the Catalan hierarchy have seen them hesitate to sanction a formal approach despite manager Hansi Flick's strong connection to the player.

Napoli have reportedly identified Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo as their primary January transfer target, with manager Antonio Conte desperate to sign the 20-year-old on loan to cover for a midfield crisis that has seen Frank Anguissa, Kevin De Bruyne and Billy Gilmour all sidelined.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s career could have been markedly different, with it being revealed that Chelsea passed on the chance to sign the Portuguese forward for just €3.5 million prior to Manchester United offering him a route to superstardom. Barry Silkman claims to have agreed a deal with Jorge Mendes that would have delivered CR7 to Stamford Bridge rather than Old Trafford.

Chelsea have decided not to fast-track Emmanuel Emegha’s arrival from Strasbourg despite Liam Delap suffering another significant injury setback, with the club maintaining their long-planned timeline for the striker’s summer 2026 arrival. Delap’s shoulder issue leaves Enzo Maresca short of natural No.9 options, but the Blues remain committed to their original transfer plans.

Manchester United could be in line for a cash boost courtesy of Mason Greenwood, with it claimed that a €100 million (£87m/$116m) bid from the Saudi Pro League has been tabled for the 24-year-old forward. If Marseille were to accept that offer, and Greenwood agreed personal terms, then the Red Devils would be due 50 per cent of any fee that is generated from a sale.

Atletico Madrid are planning to rival Chelsea for Strasbourg's Valentin Barco but the Spanish side will face a huge hurdle to beat the Blues to the Argentine's signature. Barco came to England for a brief period after plying his trade at Boca Juniors at the start of his career. However, the youngster was soon sent out on multiple loan spells before finally joining the Ligue 1 club in the last window permanently.

Barcelona forward Raphinha has publicly dismissed recent speculation linking him with a move away from the Catalan club, particularly to the Saudi Pro League, labelling the reports "nonsense". Despite the Brazilian international's consistent denials and his stated desire to retire at Barcelona, the transfer rumours persist.

Girona are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Barcelona star Marc Bernal as La Liga rivals aim to snap up the La Masia graduate on loan in the January transfer window. The 18-year-old has made just four appearances for the Catalan giants following his return from the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which saw him miss the majority of the 2024-25 campaign.