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Harvey Elliott might have to settle for spending the remainder of the season at Aston Villa despite his disappointing loan spell thus far, as complications surrounding the terms of his season-long move from Liverpool have emerged ahead of the January transfer window. The 22-year-old completed a loan deal with a £35million ($47.2m) obligation to buy if he makes 10 appearances for the Villans, which appears unlikely to happen - but there are no guarantees he will return to Anfield soon.

Hugo Broos' men were unable to stop the Pharaohs on Friday at Adrar Stadium in Agadir in the Group B outing. It wasn't what the supporters expected as they saw their team struggle against the seven-time champions, who played the entire second half with a man less. It put Mzansi in an awkward position ahead of the date with the Warriors.

GOAL ranks the five best players across CONCACAF after a standout 2025.

Pep Guardiola has revealed the results of Manchester City’s post-Christmas weight checks after issuing a firm warning to his squad not to overindulge during the festive break. With the Citizens closing in on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League, the Catalan coach confirmed his players returned in top condition ahead of a crucial trip to Nottingham Forest.

Manchester United fans were left in awe at Patrick Dorgu after the youngster scored his first goal for the club with a brilliant volley against Newcastle United. The 21-year-old joined the Red Devils last January but hasn't quite hit the heights many would have hoped at Old Trafford. But he achieved lift-off at United with a terrific strike against the Magpies on Boxing Day.

The continental competition reached new intensity on match day two as Egypt stamped their authority with a decisive performance that secured early qualification to the knockout stages. Meanwhile, Group A delivered its own drama as Chipolopolo and the Islanders battled to a hard-fought stalemate, sharing the spoils in a contest that leaves both sides with everything still to play for.

Kieffer Moore was the match-winner for Wrexham as the striker scored twice to sink former club Sheffield United in a thrilling Boxing Day bonanza at the Racecourse. The Blades led 3-1 in the first half following a Moore error in his own box but a stunning comeback saw Phil Parkinson's side steal all three points in a 5-3 victory, which begun with an audacious Patrick Bamford backheel flick for the visitors and ended with Josh Windass powering home a penalty to complete the turnaround.

Barcelona have taken another major step in restoring their iconic home by applying to open more of the newly renovated Spotify Camp Nou in time for their first home match of 2026. The move would significantly boost capacity, revenue and atmosphere, with the stadium increasingly viewed as the 'financial engine' underpinning the club’s long-term recovery.

GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, including some big matches in England and Italy

The second Group B showdown between the Pharaohs and South Africa delivered drama from the first whistle on Friday, December 26. While Egypt’s narrow 1-0 victory dominated the headlines, the match left more questions than answers, with contentious decisions sparking debate and demanding closer inspection long after the final whistle.

Ruben Amorim has revealed he still believes Kobbie Mainoo is the "future of Manchester United", despite the 20-year-old's continued struggles for game time under the Portuguese at Old Trafford. Academy graduate Mainoo has been heavily linked with a move away from his boyhood club but Amorim suggested that he intends to keep the midfielder and believes that he still can thrive with the Red Devils.

Emmanuel Adebayor has leapt to Mohamed Salah’s defence after Jamie Carragher criticised the Liverpool forward, branding the pundit’s treatment of the Egyptian as "unfair". The former Premier League striker questioned Carragher’s comments and legacy debate, insisting Salah’s achievements and standing in English football demand far greater respect.

Pep Guardiola has admitted he would prefer Manchester City to be top of the Premier League rather than chasing down Christmas leaders Arsenal. The Cityzens have assumed the role of hunting down the early pace-setters, with a current two-point deficit which they will hope to overturn in the coming weeks. But Guardiola has revealed that he would find it easier if his side were "ten points clear of everyone".

After a standout season with Tigres, Ángel Correa has drawn interest beyond Liga MX. Despite being settled in Monterrey and among the league’s top earners, the 30-year-old Argentine forward is reportedly now on Inter Miami’s radar as the club explores ambitious ways to bolster its squad ahead of the 2026 MLS season.

Mohamed Salah’s future at Liverpool has been thrust back into the spotlight after reports emerged of an approach from Fenerbahce, amid growing speculation over his standing under Arne Slot. However, the Egyptian superstar’s agent has now moved to shut down talk of an Istanbul switch, offering clarity on where the 33-year-old’s immediate future may lie.

Bafana Bafana marched into Stade Adrar for their second Group B showdown, locking horns with the mighty Pharaohs on Friday, December 26. Fresh off a spirited 2-1 triumph over Angola in their opener, the South Africans carried momentum and belief, ready to test their mettle against Egypt in a clash brimming with drama, pride and continental stakes.

Arne Slot has backed Hugo Ekitike to continue his electric run in front of goal, praising the Liverpool striker for his "hard work" off the pitch and determination to succeed in what is proving to be a fruitful first season in England. Ekitike looks set to have increasing pressure placed on his shoulders following a broken leg suffered by Alexander Isak, but Slot praised the Frenchman for his efforts to get "fitter and fitter".

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has opened up emotionally ahead of the Reds' final match of 2025, admitting the squad are still struggling to process the devastating loss of Diogo Jota. Speaking as captain, the Dutch defender reflected on a year of extreme highs and heartbreaking lows, as the Merseyside giants prepare for an emotional Anfield clash with Wolves.

For the first time in English football history, Saturday 3PM kick-offs could reportedly be broadcast live on domestic television, with the Premier League and the English Football League set to open formal discussions early next year about lifting the long-standing blackout. England is now the only major footballing nation in Europe to maintain the restriction, which prevents live broadcasts between 2.45PM and 5.15PM on Saturdays.

McKennie wants to stay at Juventus as his contract winds down - but after years of uncertainty, it’s fair to ask whether that’s the right move.

Mikel Arteta has recalled feeling “hacked off” over Declan Rice’s red card in Arsenal’s draw with Brighton last season - but the head coach is pleased his side’s disciplinary issues are now behind them ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides. The Gunners are looking to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League table when they welcome the Seagulls to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Manchester United legend Louis Saha has urged the Red Devils to sign Morgan Rogers in January. The Red Devils will head into a Premier League fixture without Bruno Fernandes for only the second time in almost six years when they host Newcastle United on Boxing Day, a rarity that has intensified debate around the club’s creative depth. The Portuguese captain is sidelined with a hamstring injury and his absence is expected to leave a significant hole in Ruben Amorim’s side at a moment when margins at the top end of the table are unforgiving.

Manchester United are reportedly considering a shock move for their former midfielder James Garner as they look to bolster their depleted options in the upcoming January transfer window. The Red Devils are weighing up whether to swoop for the Everton man as Ruben Amorim plots a midfield revamp which also includes breakout England star Elliot Anderson.

The 33-year-old has not found the going easy since leaving for the Middle East as a free agent after being released by the Glamour Boys after struggling for goals over two seasons at the club. The striker had made his name while with Marumo Gallants where he scored 17 goals in 30 appearances in his final year with them.

Arsenal are edging closer to a significant injury lift after Mikel Arteta confirmed Kai Havertz is on the brink of returning to action. The German forward, absent since undergoing knee surgery in August, is now just days away from rejoining the squad, offering renewed depth and flexibility as the Premier League leaders prepare for a demanding festive schedule.

Robert Lewandowski has reportedly moved a step closer to leaving Barcelona as his representatives prepare to hold a fresh round of talks with the Saudi Pro League over a lucrative move to the Middle East. The Poland international is also being courted by Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire ahead of his contract expiring at the end of the season.

Roman Abramovich has assembled a formidable legal team as a protracted court battle in Jersey continues to block the release of billions of pounds from the sale of Chelsea, funds that were pledged for victims of the war in Ukraine. While the £5.3bn dispute over frozen assets on the island remains unresolved, Abramovich is refusing to bow to mounting political pressure to immediately release the money.

Erling Haaland issued a cheeky two-word jibe in the direction of Pep Guardiola after the Manchester City manager warned his players not to overindulge on Christmas Day. The Norway international’s playful response comes after the City head coach delivered his stern ultimatum ahead of the Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The 21-year-old has been recognised just five months after signing for Al Ettifaq from the Buccaneers, underlining the promise he has already shown and hinting at even bigger contributions in the months ahead. The award is a timely reward that could also serve as a major confidence boost at the ongoing AFCON finals, inspiring him to perform at a higher level and emerge as one of the tournament’s standout players.