Nukul Jashoria

Granit Xhaka has been linked with a stunning January move to Juventus just six months after joining Sunderland, with Italian reports claiming the midfielder is “back in fashion” for the Serie A giants. His entourage is said to be open to offers, but it has been reported in England that Sunderland have assured the Swiss star is not for sale as he continues to drive the Black Cats’ impressive season.

Lamine Yamal sent another message to Barcelona fans ahead of the club’s long-awaited return to Camp Nou, promising that “history will be written” at the renovated stadium. The teenager has been building excitement all week, sharing new images and captions as Barca prepare to host Athletic Club in their first match at their iconic home in over 900 days.

Barcelona are growing increasingly anxious over Ansu Fati’s situation at Monaco, with the French side now reconsidering their €11 million purchase option. After exploding under Adi Hutter, Fati’s minutes and influence have collapsed since Sebastien Pocognoli’s arrival. With the winger goalless in six games, his long-term future has suddenly been thrown wide open.

Kylian Mbappe’s feud with Paris Saint-Germain has exploded into one of football’s most expensive courtroom battles, with the Real Madrid star now demanding more than €260 million in compensation. PSG have countered with an even bigger €440m claim, as both sides accuse each other of breaches of contract, bad faith and unfair treatment in a case now before a Paris labour court.

Barcelona have informed Athletic Club that no away supporters will be permitted at Saturday’s La Liga clash at the partially reopened Camp Nou. The Catalan club say safety regulations under the current licence prevent sectorised access for visiting fans, prompting an unusual restriction just days before their long-awaited homecoming.

The Dutch professional footballers' union (VVCS) has joined a growing class action lawsuit against FIFA, the KNVB and several national football associations over what it calls an “unfair” transfer system. The legal challenge, spearheaded by the Justice for Players foundation, could impact over 100,000 players across Europe and potentially reshape football’s transfer rules.

Germany captain Joshua Kimmich has been ruled out of the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg after suffering an ankle injury in training. The Bayern Munich star midfielder, who has been a key figure under Julian Nagelsmann, will travel with the team but won’t feature, leaving Ridle Baku in line for a rare start at right-back.

Vincent Kompany has been handed a huge boost as Bayern Munich edge closer to welcoming back Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies from long-term injuries. Musiala, sidelined since July’s Club World Cup, could return by December, while Davies’ recovery is progressing ahead of schedule. Both are expected to rejoin full training soon.

Pedro Leon has opened up on his turbulent spell under Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid, insisting he has “forgiven” the Portuguese coach despite the harsh treatment he received. The former winger recalled the infamous “he’s not Zinedine Zidane or Diego Maradona” jibe and revealed how the controversy still shapes how he views his career more than a decade later.

Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his full belief that Cristiano Ronaldo will achieve the incredible 1,000-goal milestone before hanging up his boots. The Brazil coach reflected on his time at Real Madrid and lauded the professionalism of Ronaldo, comparing him to Luka Modric. The Italian tactician even joked that he expects an invitation to celebrate with his former player when the record is broken.

Morten Hjulmand’s stock continues to rise after a standout Champions League display against Juventus, but Sporting CP have warned that even an €80 million bid won’t be enough to buy him in January. With his release clause currently deactivated, clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus will have to wait until summer to make a move for the Danish midfielder.

Juventus have confirmed the promotion of Damien Comolli to CEO, just months after he arrived to oversee the club’s sporting department. The French executive replaces Maurizio Scanavino following a reshuffle approved by the board of directors. Backed by owner John Elkann, Comolli will now lead the Bianconeri’s long-term rebuild on and off the pitch.

Dayot Upamecano has addressed ongoing uncertainty over his Bayern Munich future as several European giants circle ahead of a possible free transfer in the summer. The French defender has yet to agree a new deal with Bayern and insists his focus remains on performance, even as Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Premier League clubs prepare their approach. Upamecano has promised to make the “right decision” when the time comes.

Zinedine Zidane has sparked renewed excitement about his managerial comeback after stating that his return will happen “very soon.” The former Real Madrid coach has been out since 2021, but with Didier Deschamps set to leave the France job after the 2026 World Cup, speculation has intensified. Zidane’s comments at recent events suggest the wait may finally be nearing its end.

Turkish football has been thrown into turmoil after the nation's football federation confirmed that over 1,000 players and 149 referees are under investigation for involvement in football betting. The scandal has led to emergency suspensions, fixture delays and arrests, raising serious concerns about integrity across the country’s leagues.

Robert Lewandowski is approaching a defining moment in his career, as the Barcelona striker’s contract expires in June 2026 and while his priority is to stay, the club has yet to make a decision on whether to offer him an extension. Saudi Arabia is not an attractive option, and if Barcelona close the door, retirement is now a genuine possibility for the legendary goalscorer.

Casemiro has backed Neymar as Brazil's most decisive player as the Selecao prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Neymar's fitness issues have deprived him of a place under Carlo Ancelotti, sparking fears he will not be at the tournament next year. However, the Manchester United midfielder argued that the team should adjust tactically to give the Santos forward freedom, citing how Argentina played around Lionel Messi on their way to glory in 2022.

Daniele De Rossi has been officially appointed as Genoa’s new head coach, replacing Patrick Vieira after the club’s difficult start to the Serie A campaign. However, the Roma and Italy legend will not be on the bench for his first match against Fiorentina. A suspension from his final game in charge of Roma, ironically also against Genoa, still needs to be served, meaning his return begins from the stands.